Glass. 
 Book. 
 
 COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT 
 
AN OUTLINE 
 
 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY, 
 
 USE OF STUDENTS. 
 
 BY 
 
 B. HOWAKD KAOT), A.M., M.D., 
 
 PROFESSOR OF CHEMISTRY IN THE PHILADELPHIA COLLEGE OF MEDICINE; LECTURER 
 
 ON GENERAL CHEMISTRY TO THE FRANKLIN INSTITUTE OF THE STATE OF 
 
 PENNSYLVANIA; RECORDING SECRETARY OF THE ACADEMY OF 
 
 NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA; FELLOW OF 
 
 THE PHILADELPHIA COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS. 
 
 PHILADELPHIA: 
 LINDSAY &"BLAKISTON. 
 
 1855. 
 
Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1855, 
 
 BY LINDSAY & BLAKISTON, 
 
 In the Clerk's Office of the District Court for the Eastern District of 
 Pennsylvania. 
 
 C. SHERMAN & SOX, PRINTERS, 
 
 19 St. James Street. 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 The object of this little work is expressed by its title, — an 
 Outline of Medical Chemistry, which outline is to be filled up by 
 aid of text-books or of lectures. 
 
 While, then, it is directive in its character, it has been thought 
 useful to insert such facts as are of the most importance, in 
 such a form as to be of easy reference for review. 
 
 The science of Chemistry has grown to be one of such extent 
 and intricacy, that its study demands the undivided attention of 
 those who would be thorough Chemists. 
 
 To expect this of the Medical Student, or Physician, whose 
 attention is necessarily diverted by other important pursuits, is 
 unreasonable. These may readily gain the essentials of the 
 science ; the accomplishments must be attained at leisure, in the 
 study or the laboratory. 
 
 The essentials of the science (to medical men) are its principles, 
 the laws of affinity, combination, &c, with so much of its detail 
 as relates to Pharmacy, Toxicology and Physiological Chemis- 
 try. Quantitative analyses are seldom undertaken by the practis- 
 ing physician, and the application of Chemistry to the arts gene- 
 rally is, although manifestly desirable, by no means essential. 
 The attempt to grasp too much often results in failure to com- 
 prehend even a little. 
 
 It is believed, that if the study of Chemistry be confined by 
 
IV PREFACE. 
 
 the student to the limits thus laid down, its acquisition will he 
 easy, and the knowledge obtained permanent. 
 
 The department of Organic Chemistry is especially so encum- 
 bered and so unsettled, that a very general survey of it has been 
 taken. 
 
 The subject of Physiological Chemistry, belonging more pro- 
 perly to works in that branch, has been merely touched upon. 
 
 The formulas for the chemical preparations of the U. S. Phar- 
 macopoeia have been written in prescription style, as a useful 
 exercise to the student, as well as for compactness ; the direc- 
 tions are in English. The symbols have generally been em- 
 ployed, in preference to naming the element or compound, for 
 the same reasons. 
 
 The nature and limits of the work have not permitted refe- 
 rence to disputed points, nor, generally, to authorities. Much 
 aid has been obtained from the invaluable U. S. Dispensatory of 
 Wood and Bache, and in the department of Organic Chemistry, 
 both as relates to the arrangement and the facts, from Dr. 
 Bridges' edition of Fownes' Chemistry. 
 
 A Glossary has been added, containing such terms and syno- 
 nyms as would be most perplexing to the beginner. 
 
ANALYTICAL 
 
 TABLE OF CONTENTS. 
 
 PART I.— PRINCIPLES OF CHEMISTRY. 
 
 
 PAGE 
 
 I. Attraction, . 
 
 13 
 
 A. Between like particles. 
 
 
 a. Cohesion, ..... 
 
 13 
 
 B. Between unlike particles. 
 
 
 a. Adhesion, .... 
 
 14 
 
 b. Chemical affinity, .... 
 
 15 
 
 Laws of Combination, . 
 
 16 
 
 Symbols, ..... 
 
 17 
 
 Nomenclature, .... 
 
 17 
 
 c. Decomposition, .... 
 
 18 
 
 a. Decomposition proper, 
 
 19 
 
 b. Decomposition by superior affinity, . 
 
 19 
 
 1. Single elective affinity, 
 
 19 
 
 2. Double elective affinity, . 
 
 19 
 
 d. Specific Gravity, . 
 
 20 
 
 e. Electrical and Magnetic Attraction, 
 
 21 
 
 II. Repulsion. 
 
 
 A. Light, ..-■-.-. 
 
 22 
 
 a. Reflection, .... 
 
 22 
 
 b. Transmission, 
 
 22 
 
 c. Absorption, .... 
 
 23 
 
 Polarization, .... 
 
 B 
 
 23 
 
VI 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 
 B. Heat, ..... 
 
 23 
 
 a. Sources, .... 
 
 23 
 
 b. Communication, 
 
 23 
 
 1. Radiation, 
 
 23 
 
 2. Conduction, 
 
 24 
 
 3. Convection, . 
 
 24 
 
 c. Capacity for heat, 
 
 24 
 
 Specific heat, 
 
 24 
 
 d. Latent heat, . 
 
 25 
 
 e. Effects of heat, 
 
 25 
 
 1. Expansion, 
 
 25 
 
 2. Change of state, 
 
 26 
 
 /. Measurement of heat, 
 
 26 
 
 Medical applications of heat, 
 
 27 
 
 C. Magnetism, .... 
 
 27 
 
 D. Electricity, .... 
 
 28 
 
 a. Statical Electricity, . , 
 
 28 
 
 B. Dynamic Electricity, Galvanism, 
 
 29 
 
 Effects of Electrical Current, . 
 
 30 
 
 1. Physical, 
 
 30 
 
 2. Chemical, 
 
 31 
 
 3. Physiological, 
 
 31 
 
 Medical applications of, 
 
 32 
 
 c. Magneto-electricity, 
 
 32 
 
 d. Thermo-electricity, 
 
 32 
 
 PART II— INORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 
 
 Table of Elements, 
 
 I. Oxygen, ..... 
 
 II. Hydrogen, 
 
 a. Water, ..... 
 
 a. *Aqua, 
 
 b. *Aqtja Destillata — Distilled Water, 
 
 34 
 
 36 
 
 37 
 38 
 39 
 39 
 
 * Officinal in the U. S. Pharmacopoeia. 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 Vll 
 
 c. Aqile Medicate — Medicated Waters, 
 
 Maceration, Digestion, Infusion, Decoction 
 Lixiviation, . 
 
 III. Nitrogen, ..... 
 
 a. The Atmosphere, .... 
 
 Barometer, .... 
 
 Mariott's law, .... 
 
 Hygrometers, dew point, . 
 
 Effects of Respiration and Combustion, 
 
 Ventilation, 
 
 b. Protoxide of Nitrogen — Nitrous Oxide (Laughing 
 
 Gas), NO, 
 
 c. Binoxide of Nitrogen (Nitric Oxide), N0 2 , 
 
 d. Nitrous Acid (Hyponitrous Acid), N0 3 , 
 
 e. Hyponitric Acid (Nitrous Acid), N0 4 , 
 
 f. ^Nitric Acid, N0 5 , . . 
 
 Toxicol. Effects, Impurities, Tests, 
 Officinal forms. 
 
 a. *Acidum Nitricum, 
 
 b. *Acidum Nitricum Dilutum, 
 
 g. Ammonium, 
 
 IV. Carbon. 
 
 Officinal forms. 
 
 a. *Carbo Ligni (Wood Charcoal), . 
 
 b. *Carbo Animalis (Animal Charcoal), 
 
 a. Carbonic Oxide, CO, 
 
 b. Oxalic Acid, HO,C 2 3 , 
 
 c. ^Carbonic Acid, C0 2 , . 
 
 a. *Aqua Acidi Carbonici (Mineral Water), 
 
 d. Cyanogen, NC 2 , 
 
 a. Hydrocyanic Acid, 
 
 1. *Acidum Hydrocyanicum Dilutum, 
 
 e. Hydrocarbons, .... 
 
 Nature and Structure of Flame, 
 
 V. Sulphur, ..... 
 
 Officinal forms. 
 
 a. -^Sulphur (Flowers of Sulphur), 
 
 b. ^Sulphur Lotum (Washed Sulphur), 
 
Vlll 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 c. ^Sulphur Prjecipitatum (Precipitated SuL 
 
 phur, Lac Sulphuris, Milk of Sulphur), 
 
 d. *ITnguentum Sulphuris, . 
 
 e. *Uhguentum Sulphuris Comp., 
 
 a. Sulphurous Acid, S0 2 , . . . . 
 
 b. ^Sulphuric Acid, S0 3 , 
 
 Nordhausen Acid, .... 
 Anhydrous Acid, 
 Officinal forms. 
 
 a. *AdDUM SULPHURICUM, 
 
 b. *AdDUM SULPHURICUM DlLUTUM, 
 
 c. *Acidum Scjlphuricum Aromaticum (El: 
 
 of Vitriol), . 
 
 c. Hydrosulphuric Acid — Sulphuretted Hydro 
 
 gen, HS, 
 
 d. Bisulphide of Carbon, CS 2 , 
 
 VI. Phosphorus, 
 a. Phosphoric Acid, 
 
 a. Anhydrous, 
 
 b. Monobasic, 
 
 c. Bibasic, 
 
 d. Tribasic, . • 
 b.' Hydrides of Phosphorus, 
 
 VII. Chlorine, 
 
 Halogen Bodies, 
 Hydracids, 
 Haloid Salts, 
 Compounds of CI with 0, 
 
 a. Chloric Acid, C10 5 , 
 
 b. ^Hydrochloric Acid, HC1, 
 Officinal forms. 
 
 a. *Acidum Muriaticum, 
 
 b. *Acidum Muriaticum Dilutum, . 
 
 c. *Acidum Nitromuriaticum (Aqua Regia), 
 
 VIII. *Iodine. 
 Officinal forms. 
 
 a. *Iodinium, .... 
 
 71 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 IX 
 
 b. *TlNCTURA IODINII, 
 
 C. *TlNCTURA IODINII COMP., 
 
 d. *Liquor Iodinii Comp. (Lugol's Solution), 
 
 e. *Unguentum Iodinii, . 
 /. *Unguentum Iodinii Comp., 
 q. ^sulphuris iodidum, . 
 
 1. * Unguent. Sulphuris Iodidi, 
 
 IX. Bromine, ..... 
 
 a. *Brominium, . 
 
 X. Fluorine, ..... 
 
 XI. Boron, ..... 
 
 XII. Silicon (Silicum), .... 
 The Metals, ..... 
 
 General Properties of, . 
 
 Constitution of Salts, 
 Classification, . 
 
 XIII. Potassium (Kalium). 
 
 a. Oxide. — Potassa, KO, 
 
 a. *Liquor Potass^, . 
 
 b. *Potassa (Caustic Potash), 
 B. Nitrate. 
 
 c. *Potass,e Nitras (Nitre, Saltpetre), KO,N0 5 , 
 
 c. Carbonates. 
 
 d. *Potass^3 Carbonas Impurus (Pearlash), 
 
 e. *Potass^: Carbonas, KO,C0 2 , 
 /. "^Liquor Potass^e Carbonatis, 
 
 g. ^PoTASSiE Carbonas Purus (Salt of Tartar), 
 h. *Potass.e Bicarbonas (Sal Aeratus), KO, 
 C0 2 + HO,C0 2 , . 
 
 d. Sulphide. 
 
 L *Potassii Sulphuretum (Hepar Sulphuris, 
 Liver of Sulphur), KS 3 with KO,S0 3 , . 
 
 e. Sulphate. 
 
 k. *Potass^ Sulphas (Yitriolated Tartar), KO, 
 S0 3 , . . . . 
 
 F. Chlorate. 
 
 Z. *Potass^: Chloras, KO,C10 5 , . 
 
 71 
 
 71 
 72 
 72 
 72 
 72 
 73 
 73 
 74 
 74 
 74 
 75 
 75 
 75 
 76 
 76 
 
 79 
 
 80 
 
 81 
 81 
 82 
 82 
 
 82 
 
 83 
 
 84 
 84 
 
X CONTENTS. 
 
 G. Iodide. 
 
 m. *Potassii Iodidum, KI, . • .85 
 
 n. *Ung. Potassii Iodidi, ... 86 
 
 H. Bromide. 
 
 o. ^Potassii Bromides, KBr, . . .86 
 
 k. Organic Compounds. 
 
 p. *Potassj3 Acetas, KO,(C 4 H 3 3 ), . . 87 
 
 q. *Potass.e Bitartras (Cream of Tartar), KO, 
 
 HO(C 8 H 4 O 10 ), .... 88 
 r. *Potassjs Tartras (Soluble Tartar), 2KO, 
 
 (C 8 H 4 O 10 ), .... 88 
 
 s. *Potassje Citras, 8KO,(C 12 H 5 O n ), . 89 
 
 t. ^Liquor Potass^: Citratis (Neutral Mixture), 89 
 u. ^Potassii Ferrocyaxuretum (Yellow Prus- 
 
 siate of Potash), 2K,FCy, . . 89 
 
 v. *Potassii Cyaxuretum, KCy, ... 90 
 
 XIV. Sodium, ...... 90 
 
 a. Soda, ...... 91 
 
 b. Carbonates, . . . . .91 
 
 a. *Sodjs Carboxas, NaO,C0 2 , . . 91 
 
 b. *Sod.e Carboxas Exsiccatus, . . 92 
 
 c. *Sodje Bicarboxas (Supercarbonate of Soda), 
 
 NaO,C0 2 +HO,C0 2 , . . . ' 92 
 
 c. Sulphate, . . . . . .93 
 
 d. *SoDiE Sulphas (Glauber's Salt), NaO,S0 3 , 93 
 
 d. Phosphates, . . . . . £4 
 
 e. *Sodje Phosphas, 2NaO,HO,P0 5 , . . 94 
 
 e. Chlorides, ...... 95 
 
 /. *Sodii Chloridtjm (Common Salt), NaCl, . 95 
 
 g. *Liquor Sod^e Chlorixat^e (Labarraque's 
 
 Solution), . . . .96 
 
 f. Borate. 
 
 h. *Sod;e Boras (Borax), NaO,2 B0 5 , . 97 
 
 G. Organic Compounds, . . . .97 
 
 i. *Sod.e Acetas, NaO, A, . . . 97 
 
 k. *Sod.e et Potass.e Tartras (Rochelle Salt), 
 
 KO,NaO,T, . . . .98 
 
 Seidlitz Powders, . . . 98 
 
CONTENTS. XI 
 
 XV. Ammonium, NH 4 , .... 99 
 a. Ammonia, NH 4 0, . . . . .99 
 
 a. *Liquor Ammonite Fortior, . . 100 
 
 b. *Liquor Ammonije, . . . .100 
 
 c. *Spiritus Ammonia (Spirits of Hartshorn), 101 
 
 d. *Spiritus Ammonle Aromaticus, . 101 
 
 e. *Linimentum Ammonle (Volatile Liniment), . 102 
 B, Carbonates, ..... 102 
 
 /. *Ammon*2e Carbonas, 2NH 4 0,3C0 2 , . . 102 
 
 c. Hydrosulphate. 
 
 Hydrosulphate of Sulphide of Ammonium, 
 
 NH 4 S,HS, .... 103 
 
 D. Chloride, . . . . . .103 
 
 g. * Ammonite Murias (Sal Ammoniac), NH 4 C1, 103 
 e. Acetate. 
 
 h. *Liquor Ammonite Acetatis (Spirit of Minde- 
 
 rerus), NH 4 0, A, . . . . 104 
 
 XVI. Barium, 104 
 
 A. Baryta, BaO, . . . . .104 
 
 Officinal preparations. 
 
 a. *Barii Chloridum, . . . 105 
 
 b. *Liquor Barii Chloridi, . . . 106 
 
 XVII. Strontium, . . . . . 1C6 
 
 XVIII. Calcium, ...... 106 
 
 a. *Linie, CaO, ..... 106 
 
 a. *Calx (Lime), . . . .107 
 
 b. ^Liquor Calcis (Lime Water), . . 107 
 
 c. *Potassa cum Calce (Vienna Paste), . 108 
 
 b. Carbonates, CaO,C0 2 , . . . . 108 
 
 d. *Calcis Carbonas Pr^ecipitatus (Precipi- 
 
 tated Chalk), . . . .108 
 
 e. *Creta Preparata (Prepared Chalk), . 109 
 /. *Testa Preparata (Prepared Oyster-Shells), 109 
 
 c. Chlorides, ..... 109 
 
 g. *Calcii Chloridum, NaCl, . . . 109 
 
 h. ^Liquor Calcii Chloridi, . . 110 
 
 i. *Calx Chlorinata (Chloride of Lime), . 110 
 
Xll CONTENTS. 
 
 d. Sulphate (Gypsum), CaO,S0 3 , ... Ill 
 
 e. Phosphate, ...... Ill 
 
 XIX. Magnesium, . . ; . . Ill 
 
 a. Magnesia, MnO, ..... Ill 
 
 a. ^Magnesia (Calcined Magnesia), . . Ill 
 
 b. Carbonate. 
 
 b. Magnesle Carbonas (Magnesia Alba), . 113 
 Fluid Magnesia, . . . .113 
 
 c. Sulphate, MgO,S0 3 . 
 
 c. *Magnesije Sulphas (Epsom Salt), . 114 
 
 d. *Liquor Magnesle Citratis (Purgative Mi- 
 
 neral Water), 3MgO,(C 12 H 5 H ), . . 114 
 
 XX. Aluminum. 
 
 a. Alumina, . . . . . 115 
 
 a. *Alumen (Alum), . . . .116 
 
 b. ^Alumen Exsiccatum (Burnt Alum), . 117 
 
 XXI. Manganese, . . . . . .117 
 
 Oxides of, . . . . . 117 
 
 XXII. Iron (Ferrum), . . . . .118 
 
 a. *Ferri Filum (Iron Wire), . . 121 
 
 b. *Ferri Ramenta (Iron Filings), . . 121 
 
 c. *Ferri Pulyis (Quevenne's Iron), . 121 
 
 b. Oxide. 
 
 d. *Ferri Oxydum Hydratum, Fe 2 3 ,3HO, . 122 
 
 c. Nitrate. 
 
 e. ^Liquor Ferri Nitratis, Fe 2 3 ,3N0 5 , . 123 
 
 d. Carbonates. 
 
 /. *Ferri Subcarbonas (Precipitated Carbonate 
 
 of Iron), Fe 2 3 ,C0 2 , . . 124 
 
 g. ^Pilul^e Ferri Carbonatis (Yallet's Mass), 
 
 FeO,C0 2 , .... 125 
 
 h. *Mistura Ferri Comp., . . . 126 
 
 i. *Pilulje Ferri Comp., . . . 127 
 
 e. Sulphate, FeO,S0 3 . 
 
 k. *Ferri Sulphas (Copperas, Green Vitriol), 127 
 
 f. Phosphate. 
 
 1. *Ferri Phosphas, 2FeO,HO,P0 5 , . . 128 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 Xlll 
 
 G. 
 
 Chloride. 
 
 
 
 m. *Tinctura Ferri Chloridi (Muriated Tine 
 
 
 
 ture of Iron), Fe 2 Cl 3 , 
 
 129 
 
 
 n. *Ferrum Ammoniatum, 
 
 129 
 
 H. 
 
 Iodide. 
 
 
 
 o. *Ferri Iodidum, . 
 
 130 
 
 
 p. ^Liquor Ferri Iodidi, 
 
 131 
 
 
 q. "^Pilul^e Ferri Iodidi, 
 
 131 
 
 I. 
 
 Organic Compounds. 
 
 
 
 r. *Ferri et Potasses Tartras, KO,Fe 2 3 ,T, 
 
 132 
 
 
 s. *Ferri Citras, 
 
 132 
 
 
 Citrate of Iron and Quinia, 
 
 132 
 
 
 t. *Ferri Ferrocyanuretum (Prussian Blue), 
 
 133 
 
 XXIIL 
 
 Chromium, ..... 
 
 133 
 
 A. 
 
 Chromic Acid, Cr0 3 , 
 
 134 
 
 B. 
 
 Bichromate of Potassa, KO,2Cr0 3 , 
 
 134 
 
 XXIV. 
 
 Tin, . . . . 
 
 134 
 
 
 a. *Pulvis Stanni, . 
 
 134 
 
 XXV. 
 
 Bismuth, ..... 
 
 135 
 
 
 a. *BlSMUTHI SUBNITRAS, 
 
 136 
 
 XXVI. 
 
 Arsenic, . . 
 
 137 
 
 
 a. * Arsenicum, .... 
 
 137 
 
 A. 
 
 Oxides, ...... 
 
 137 
 
 
 b. *Acidum Arseniosum, As0 3 , 
 
 138 
 
 
 Antidotes, .... 
 
 139 
 
 
 Tests, . .... 
 
 140 
 
 B. 
 
 Iodide, ..... 
 
 143 
 
 
 c. *Arsenici Iodidum, 
 
 143 
 
 c. 
 
 Arsenite of Potassa. 
 d. Liq. Potass^: Arsenitis (Fowler's Solution) 
 
 
 
 KO,As0 3 , . 
 
 144 
 
 XXVI] 
 
 '., Antimony, ..... 
 
 145 
 
 A. 
 
 Sulphides, ...... 
 
 146 
 
 
 a. *Antimonii Sulphuretum, 
 
 146 
 
 
 b. *Antimonii Sulphuretum Pr^ecipitatum, 
 
 146 
 
 B. 
 
 Tartrate. 
 
 
 
 c. *Antimonii et Potassa Tartras, KO,Sb0 3 ,T 
 
 147 
 
XIV CONTENTS. 
 
 d. *Vinum Antimonii, . . . 148 
 
 e. *Unguentum Antimonii, . . . 148 
 Chloride of Antimony (Butter of Antimony), 
 
 Sb,C] 3> . . . . .148 
 
 James' Powder, .... 149 
 
 XXVIII. Lead, 149 
 
 a. Oxide, PbO, . . . . . 150 
 
 a. *Plumbi Oxidum Semivitreum, . . 150 
 
 1. *Emplastrum Plumbi, . . 151 
 B. Nitrate. 
 
 b. ^Plumbi Nitras, PbO,N0 5 , . . . 151 
 Ledoyen's Disinfecting Fluid, . . 151 
 
 c. Carbonate. 
 
 c. *Plumbi Carbonas, PbO,C0 2 , . .151 
 
 d. -*Unguentum Plumbi Cabbonas, . . 153 
 D. Iodide. 
 
 e. ^Plumbi Iodidum, Pbl, . , . 153 
 e. Acetates. 
 
 /. *Plumbi Acetas (Sugar of Lead), PbO,A, . 153 
 
 g. *Liquor Plumbi Subacetatis (Goulard's Ex- 
 tract), 3PbO,A, . . . .153 
 
 h. ^Liquor Plumbi Subacetatis Dilutus (Lead 
 
 Water), . . . . .154 
 
 k. *Ceratum Plumbi Subacetatis (Goulard's 
 
 Cerate), ..... 154 
 
 XXIX. Copper, ..... 154 
 
 a. ^Sulphate. 
 
 a. *Cupri Sulphas, CuO,S0 3 , . . . 155 
 
 b. Organic Compounds. 
 
 b. *Cupri Subacetas (Verdigris), . . 156 
 
 c. *Ung. Cupri Subacetatis, . . . 156 
 
 d. "^Cuprum Ammoniatum, . . . 157 
 
 XXX. Zinc, 157 
 
 a. *Oxide. 
 
 a. *Zlnci Oxidum, ZnO, .... 158 
 
 b. *Unguentum Zinci Oxidi, . . 158 
 
 b. Carbonate, ZnO,C0 2 , . . . .158 
 
CONTENTS. XV 
 
 c. *Calamina, .... 158 
 
 d. *Calamina Preparata, . . .159 
 
 e. *Ceratum Calamine (Turner's Cerate), . 159 
 
 /. *ZlNCI CARBONAS PRyECIPITATUS, . . 159 
 
 g. *Ceratum Zinci Carbonatis, . . 159 
 
 c. Sulphate, ZnO,S0 3 . 
 
 h. *Zinci Sulphas (White Vitriol), . . 160 
 
 d. Chloride. 
 
 i. Zinci Chloridum, ZnCl (Butter of Zinc), . 160 
 
 Burnett's Disinfecting Fluid, . . . 160 
 
 e. * Acetate. 
 
 k. *Zinci Acetas, .... 161 
 
 XXXI. ^Mercury (Hydrargyrum), . . . 162 
 Off. Preparations. 
 a. As Metal. 
 
 a. ^Hydrargyrum, . . . . 163 
 
 b. *Pilulye Hydrargyri (Blue Pills), . 163 
 
 c. *Unguentum Hydrargyri (Blue Ointment), . 163 
 
 d. *Emplastrum Hydrargyri, . . 164 
 
 e. *Hydrarg. cum Creta, . . . 164 
 Hydrarg. cum Magnesia, . . . 164 
 
 B. Oxide. 
 
 /. * Hydrargyrum Oxidum Nigrum, HgO, . 164 
 
 g. ^"Hydrarg. Oxidum Rubrum (Red Precipi- 
 tate), Hg0 2 , ... 165 
 h. *TJnguent. Hydrarg. Oxidi Rubri, . . 165 
 
 c. ^Nitrate. 
 
 i. *Unguentum Hydrargyri Nitratis (Citrine 
 
 Ointment), . . . .166 
 
 Acid Nitrate of Mercury, . . . 166 
 
 d. Sulphides. 
 
 k. ^Hydrarg. Sulphuretum Nigrum (iEthiops 
 
 Mineral), HgS, . . . .166 
 
 1. ^Hydrarg. Sulphuretum Rubrum (Cinna- 
 
 bar), HgS 2 , . . . .167 
 
 e. ^Sulphate. 
 
 m. ^Hydrarg. Sulphas Flavus (Turpeth Mi- 
 neral), 3Hg0 2 ,2SO s , . . .167 
 
XVI CONTENTS. 
 
 f. Chlorides. 
 
 n. *Hydrargyri Chloridum Mite (Calomel), 
 
 HgCl, . . • .168 
 
 o. *Pilul.e Hydrarg. Chlorid. Mitis, . . 169 
 
 p. *Hydrargyri Chloridum Corrosivum (Cor- 
 rosive Sublimate), HgCl 2 , . .169 
 G. Iodides. 
 
 q. *Hydrargyri Iodidum (Yellow Iodide), Hgl, 170 
 r. * Hydrarg. Iodidum Rubrum (Scarlet Iodide), 
 
 Hgl 2 , 171 
 
 s. *Liq. Arsenici et Hydrarg. Iodidi (Dono- 
 van's Solution), .... 171 
 h. Organic Compounds. 
 
 t. *Hydrargyri Cyanuretum, HgCy 2 , . . 172 
 
 u. * Hydrargyrum Ammoniatum (White Precipi- 
 tate), Hg,Cl,NH 2 , . . .172 
 v. *Ung. Hydrarg. Ammoniati, . . 173 
 
 XXXII. -Silver (Argentum). 
 
 a. *Argextum, ..... 174 
 
 b. -Abgenti Oxidum, AgO, . . . 174 
 
 c. *Argenti Nitras, AgO,N0 5 , . . . 174 
 
 d. -Argenti Nitras Fusus (Lunar Caustic), 175 
 
 e. Argenti Cyanuretum, . . .175 
 
 XXXIII. Gold, . . . . . . 175 
 
 XXXIV. Platinum, . . . . .176 
 
 PART III.— ORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 
 
 General Considerations, . . . . .177 
 
 Classification, ...... 179 
 
 I. Starch Group. 
 
 a. Starch, C 24 H 20 O 20 , .... 180 
 
 Officinal forms of, . . . . 180 
 
 Dextrine, . . . . .181 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 XV11 
 
 b. Lignin (Cellulose), C 24 H 20 O 20 
 
 a. Pyroxyline, 
 
 b. Collodion (*Collodium) 9 
 Eremacausis, 
 
 c. Tar (*Pix Liquida), 
 
 d. Kreasote (*Creasotum) 9 
 
 e. * TJnguentum Creasoti, 
 
 c. Gum, 
 
 a. * Acacia, C 20 H 22 O 22 , 
 
 b. *Tragacantha 9 C 24 H 20 O 20 , 
 
 d. Sugar, . 
 
 a. Cane Sugar, *Saccharum 9 C^H^O^, 
 Formation of Oxalic Acid, 
 
 b. Grape Sugar, Glucose, C 24 H 28 28 , 
 Honey (*Mel), Lactin, Mannite, &c, 
 Fermentation, . . 
 
 1. Vinous, 
 
 2. Lactic, 
 
 3. Butyric, 
 
 4. Viscous, 
 II. Quasi-Elementary Bodies. 
 
 a. Ethyl, C 4 H 5 , . . . . 
 
 a. Ethyl, . . 
 
 b. Oxide of Ethyl, *JEther, C 4 H 5 ,0, 
 
 1. *Spiritus JEtheris Comp. (Hoffman's Ano- 
 dyne), .... 
 
 c. Nitrite of the Oxide of Ethyl, C 4 H 5 0,N0 3 , 
 
 Nitrous iEther, 
 1. *Spiritus ^Etheris Nitrici, . 
 
 d. Hydrated Oxide of Ethyl, C 4 H 5 0,H0, * Al- 
 
 cohol, 
 
 1. *Vinum Album, Sherry Wine, 
 
 2. * Vinum Rubrum, Port Wine, 
 
 3. *Spiritus Vini Gallici, Brandy. 
 
 e. Aldehyde, C 4 H 3 0,HO, . 
 /. Acetic Acid, C 4 H 3 3 HO, . 
 
 Pyroligneous Acid, 
 
XV111 
 
 CONTENTS 
 
 1. *Acetum [Vinegar), 
 
 2. *AdDUM ACETICUM, 
 
 b. Methyl, C 2 H 3 , . 
 
 a. Methyl, 
 
 b. Oxide of Methyl, C 2 H 3 0, 
 
 c. Hydrated Oxide of Methyl, C 2 H 3 0,HO (Wood 
 
 Spirit), 
 
 d. Formic Acid, C 2 H0 3 ,HO, 
 
 e. Chloroform, C 2 HC1 3 (*Chloroformum), . 
 Chloric .^Ether, .... 
 
 c. Amyl, C 10 H n , ..... 
 
 a. Amyl, . . . . . . 
 
 b. Oxide of Amyl, C 10 H n O, . 
 
 c. Hydrated Oxide of Amyl, C 10 H n O,HO, Fusel Oil, 
 
 d. Valerianic Acid, C 10 H 9 O 3 ,HO, 
 Valerianates of Zinc and Quinia, 
 
 d. Kakodyl, C 4 H 6 As, . . • . 
 
 Oxide of Kakodyl (Alkarsin), . 
 
 e. Benzyl, C ]4 H 5 2 , .... 
 
 a. Hydride of Benzyl, C 14 H 5 2 H, Oil of Bitter 
 
 Almonds, .... 
 
 * Oleum Amygdalce Amarce, 
 Nitro-benzole and Nitro-benzyl, 
 
 b. Hydrated Oxide of Benzyl, C l4 H 5 2 0,HO, 
 
 Benzoic Acid, *Acidum Benzoicum, 
 
 f. Cinnamyl, . 
 
 * Oil of Cinnamon, 
 G. Salicyl, 
 
 Salicin, Phloridzin, 
 Cyanogen, 
 
 a. Ferrocyanogen, 
 
 b. Ferricyanogen, 
 
 c. Sulphocyanogen, 
 III. Organic Acids, 
 
 a. "^Tartaric Acid, 
 
 b. ^Citric Acid, 
 
 c. Malic Acid, 
 
 195 
 
 196 
 196 
 197 
 197 
 
 197 
 197 
 198 
 198 
 198 
 198 
 198 
 199 
 199 
 199 
 200 
 200 
 200 
 
 200 
 201 
 201 
 
 202 
 
 203 
 203 
 203 
 203 
 203 
 203 
 204 
 204 
 204 
 205 
 206 
 206 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 XIX 
 
 d. ^Tannic Acid, 
 
 e. ^Gallic Acid, . 
 
 IV. Organic Bases. 
 a. ^Morphia, 
 
 1. *Jforphice Sulphas, . 
 
 2. *Liq. Morphice Sidphatis, 
 
 3. *3forphice Murias, 
 
 4. *Morphice Acetas, 
 
 B. QUINIA, 
 
 1. Quinice Sulphas, 
 
 C. ClNCHONIA, . 
 
 Quinidia, 
 
 d. ^Strychnia, 
 
 e. Brucia, 
 
 F. *Veratria, . 
 
 Other Alkaloids, 
 
 V. Fats and Oils, . 
 
 a. Glycerin (*Glycerina), . 
 
 1. Fixed Oils, 
 
 b. Stearic Acid, 
 
 c. Margaric Acid, 
 
 d. Oleic Acid, 
 
 2. Volatile Oils, 
 
 VI. Colouring Matters, 
 
 A. Indigo, 
 
 B. Litmus, 
 
 c. ^Madder, 
 
 d. ^Logwood, 
 
 e. ^Cochineal, 
 
 f. Chlorophylle, 
 
 VII. Albumen Group, 
 a. Albumen, 
 B. Fibrin, 
 
 c. Casein, . 
 
 d. Protein, 
 
 e. Neurine, 
 
 f. Gelatine, 
 
XX CONTENTS 
 
 G. Kreatin, 
 
 H. Other Proximate Principles, 
 
 i. 
 
 K. 
 L. 
 
 M, 
 N. 
 O. 
 P. 
 
 Blood, . 
 
 Chyle and Lymph, . 
 Bile, 
 Saliva, 
 Milk, . 
 Gastric Juice, 
 Urine, . 
 
 a. Urea, . 
 
 b. Uric Acid, . 
 Urinary Calculi, 
 
 224 
 225 
 225 
 227 
 227 
 227 
 228 
 228 
 229 
 229 
 230 
 231 
 
 ERRATA. 
 
 Page 45, line 15. Before " metals," insert, "certain." 
 M 57, last line. For "Iron Pyrites, Bisulphide of Iron,' 
 
 Titriol, Sulphate of Iron." 
 " 100, line 21. For "40°," read, "—40°." 
 " 156, line 13. For " subacetatis," read " subacetas." 
 
 read, "Green 
 
MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 PART I. 
 
 PRINCIPLES OF CHEMISTRY. 
 
 Definition. Chemistry is the science which investi- 
 gates the reaction between the particles of matter. 
 
 Reaction is mutual action. It maybe: 1. Attraction ; 
 
 2. Repulsion. It may take place : 1. Between masses ; Ex. : 
 Gravity. 2. Between masses and particles ; Ex.: Sound. 
 
 3. Between particles ; Ex. : Cohesion, adhesion, and che- 
 mical affinity. 
 
 I. ATTRACTION. 
 
 May take place (A) between like particles : Cohesion. 
 (B) Between unlike particles : (ct) Adhesion ; (b) Chemical 
 affinity. 
 
 A. BETWEEN LIKE PARTICLES. 
 A. COHESION. 
 
 Attraction of aggregation holds particles together, form- 
 ing masses. Its variations give softness, hardness, tena- 
 city, brittleness, &c. It is overcome by mechanical force 
 
 2 
 
14 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 and by heat. The particles of solids cohere most strongly, 
 liquids less, and in gases the force is not apparent. When 
 the particles of a solid are arranged in a distinct geome- 
 trical form, it is called a crystal. Crystals are arranged in 
 classes, according to the relative length of their axes and 
 the angles formed by the planes of those axes. Crystals 
 may be obtained : 1. By deposition from a concentrated 
 solution. 2. By sublimation. 3. By fusion and slow cool- 
 ing. 4. By the introduction of foreign bodies into the 
 solution. Crystalline form often serves to distinguish 
 bodies. Bodies possessing the same crystalline form, are 
 said to be isomorphous. Crystallization is employed to 
 separate substances of different solubility from the same 
 solution, the least soluble crystallizing first. 
 
 B. BETWEEN UNLIKE PARTICLES. 
 A. ADHESION. 
 
 Adhesion may take place 
 
 1. Between solids : Friction, cements. 
 
 2. Between solids and liquids : wetting, capillary 
 attraction. Solution is partly chemical in its nature. 
 The point at which a liquid ceases to take up any more of 
 a solid is called its point of saturation. A liquid saturated 
 with one solid may dissolve another. Heat generally in- 
 creases solubility, but in some instances does not affect it, 
 or diminishes it. 
 
PRINCIPLES OF CHEMISTRY. 15 
 
 3. Between solids and gases. Certain solids, as char- 
 coal, will absorb many times their bulk of certain gases, 
 and give them out upon the application of heat. 
 
 4. Between liquids — Diffusion. Endosmose and exos- 
 mose. Solution. As a general rule one liquid is indefi- 
 nitely soluble in another. 
 
 5. Between liquids and gases. Many liquids dissolve 
 large quantities of gases, which they give out upon heating; 
 Ex. : Solution of Ammonia. 
 
 6. Between gases — Diffusion. Two gases tend to 
 mingle, no matter what their density. The law is, that 
 the diffusion volume, that is, the tendency of gases to in- 
 terchange particles, is inversely as the square root of their 
 density. When gases are suffered to diffuse through 
 membranes, this law does not hold good, but those gases 
 most easily liquefied are found to pass most readily. 
 
 B. CHEMICAL AFFINITY. 
 
 Chemical affinity causes the combination of bodies to 
 produce compounds differing in properties from their 
 constituents. 
 
 Combination differs from mixture : 1. In a mixture, the 
 properties of the components may be recognized; in com- 
 bination, not. 2. The components of a mixture may be 
 separated by mechanical means ; in combination, only by 
 chemical means. 3. Substances may be mixed in any 
 proportion ; they combine only in certain definite propor- 
 
16 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 tions. Chemical combinations cause change : 1, in volume ; 
 2, in state ; 3, in color ; 4, in general properties. 
 
 Affinity and contact are necessaries for combination. It 
 is opposed by cohesion; favoured by, 1, pulverization, and 
 2, solution or liquefaction, which act by overcoming 
 cohesion and favouring contact ; 3, by heat ; 4, by light ; 
 5, by electric spark; 6, by catalysis or presence; 7, by 
 the constituents being in the nascent state. 
 
 Laws oe Combination. 1. All chemical compounds 
 are definite in their nature, the ratio of their elements 
 being constant. The numbers expressing the relative 
 quantities in which elements or compounds combine, are 
 termed their equivalents, or combining weights ; and when 
 the proportions are estimated by volume, the combining 
 volume. 
 
 2. When combination does not occur in the lowest com- 
 bining proportion of the constituents, it takes place in a 
 multiple of that proportion. 
 
 3. The equivalent of a compound is the sum of the 
 equivalents of its constituents. 
 
 Substances containing the same elements in the same 
 proportion, and possessing different properties, are said to 
 be isomeric. 
 
 When they contain the same elements in the same rela- 
 tive proportion, with different properties, they are said to 
 be polymeric. 
 
 The union of two elements is termed a binary compound. 
 Ex. : Potassa, KO. 
 
PRINCIPLES OE CHEMISTRY. 17 
 
 The union of two binary compounds gives a ternary 
 (Ex. : KO,S0 3 ); and of two ternary, a quaternary com- 
 pound. (Ex.: AL 2 3 +KO,S0 3 .) 
 
 Symbols are used to represent elements : the initial letter 
 of the Latin name is usually employed. When two elements 
 have the same initial, they are distinguished by a second, 
 smaller letter. (Ex.: P, Phosphorus ; Pb, Lead; Pt, Plati- 
 num.) The symbol represents one equivalent of an ele- 
 ment ) a number affixed is the coefficient. (Ex. : Fe, one 
 equiv. iron ; Fe 2 , two equiv.) In compounds, the electro- 
 negative element or compound is written last, and gives 
 the generic name, while the . electro-positive determines 
 the specific title. A number placed before a binary com- 
 pound is its coefficient. (Ex. : 2 Fe 2 3 , 2 equiv. of the ses- 
 quioxide of iron.) When intended to effect a ternary or 
 quaternary compound, the whole is included in a parenthe- 
 sis, and the number prefixed. (Ex. : 2 (KO,S0 3 ),two eq. sul- 
 phate of potassa.) When two binary compounds unite, a 
 comma is placed between them. Two ternary compounds are 
 united by the sign plus (+)• Organic acids are frequently 
 represented by their initial, having over it a dash 
 (Acetic acid, A.) 
 
 Nomenclature. The name of a chemical compound 
 expresses its composition. Binary compounds generally 
 terminate in ide (oxide, hydride, sulphide, &c), except 
 when acids. Acids terminate in ous or ic, the latter signi- 
 
 2* 
 
18 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 fying a higher degree of oxidation than the former. (SO a , 
 sulphurous acid ; S0 3 , sulphuric acid.) 
 
 A binary compound, containing one equivalent of each 
 of its constituents, is distinguished by the prefix proto 
 (MnO, protoxide of manganese; FeS, protosulphide of iron). 
 When in the proportion of one to one and a half, or two 
 to three, sesqui (Mn a 3 , sesquioxide of manganese). When 
 one to two, bi or bin, and three ter (MnO a , binoxide of 
 manganese ; SbS 3 , tersulphide of antimony). When less 
 than one of the electro-negative element is present, the 
 prefix sub is used, more accurately di (Cu a O, sub or 
 dioxide of copper). Ternary compounds of an acid, ending 
 in ousj terminate in ite ; of an acid in ic, in ate. (Sulphur- 
 ous acid, sulphite ; sulphuric, sulphate.) The prefix hypo, 
 means less (oxygen) than ; hyper or per, more than ; (C10 4 , 
 A^/pochloric acid ; C10 3 , chloric acid ; C10 7 , hyper, or per- 
 chloric acid). These prefixes remain when the acid is com- 
 bined (KO,C10 7 , perchlorate of potassa). The prefixes 
 sub (di or tris), mono, sesqui, bi, ter, quad, express the 
 relative quantities of acid and base (3PbO,A, sub (tris) 
 acetate of lead; KO,S0 3 , ?)io?*osulphate of potassa; KO, 
 2Cr0 3 , bichromate of potassa, &c). 
 
 C. DECOMPOSITION 
 
 Is the separation of the elements of a compound. The 
 elements may, 1. Be separated and remain so, or enter 
 
PRINCIPLES OF CHEMISTRY. 19 
 
 into new combinations among themselves, — Decomposition 
 proper. 2. They may be separated by the agency of a 
 chemical substance which combines with one or more of 
 them, — Decomposition by superior affinity. 
 
 a. Decomposition proper, takes place in most organic 
 substances upon the cessation of vitality ; a certain degree 
 of temperature, moisture, and the access of air, are neces- 
 sary. It may also take place spontaneously in inorganic 
 substances, and is aided by 
 
 1. Light. Example : Decomposition of iodide of silver 
 in the daguerreotype. 
 
 2. Heat. Ex. : Decomposition of carbonate of lime. 
 
 3. Electricity. Voltaic decomposition. 
 
 4. Catalysis. Ex. : The decomposition of chlorate of 
 potassa favoured by the presence of sand. 
 
 5. Example. Fermentation. 
 
 b. Decomposition by superior affinity. 1, single elec- 
 tive affinity ; 2, double elective affinity. 
 
 1. Single elective affinity, is where a substance is pre- 
 sented to a compound for which one of the constituents 
 of the compound has a greater affinity than it has for the 
 other constituents of the compound. Ex. : Water (HO) and 
 potassium (K) become potassa (KO) and hydrogen (H), 
 which is liberated. Carbonate of potassa and sulphuric 
 acid become sulphate of potassa and carbonic acid, which 
 is liberated. (K0,C0 2 and S0 3 = KO,S0 3 and CO fl .) 
 
 2. Double elective affinity, is where two substances are 
 
20 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 presented to each other, the constituents of which from 
 superior affinity, on one side or both, mutually interchange. 
 Thus, sulphate of potassa and nitrate of baryta become 
 sulphate of baryta and nitrate of potassa (KO,S0 3 and 
 BaO,N0 5 == BaO,S0 3 and KO,N0 5 ). Decomposition by 
 superior affinity is influenced by the same agents as de- 
 composition proper; also by 
 
 1. Insolubility. Where the compound of any two of 
 the constituents of two given soluble substances is inso- 
 luble, that compound will generally be formed upon mix- 
 ing them. It is in this fact that most of the chemical 
 tests are founded. 
 
 2. Volatility promotes decomposition. If the result of 
 the combination of any of the constituents of two sub- 
 stances is volatile, decomposition readily takes place upon 
 mixing them. 
 
 3. Elasticity, &c. Pressure retards the evolution of 
 gas. Carbonate of lime heated, with access of air, is de- 
 composed, with the evolution of carbonic acid; heated in 
 a close vessel, it is fused, without decomposition. Steam 
 passed over heated iron is decomposed, oxide of iron being 
 formed and hydrogen evolved ; hydrogen passed over oxide 
 of iron forms water, by combining with the oxygen, and 
 the iron is reduced. 
 
 D. SPECIFIC GRAVITY. 
 
 The relative weights of bodies are expressed by com- 
 
PRINCIPLES OF CHEMISTRY. 21 
 
 paring them with a fixed, assumed standard. This standard 
 is, for solids and liquids, water ; for gases, air. 
 
 The specific gravity of a solid is determined on the 
 principle that a body immersed in a liquid, displaces a 
 volume equal to its own. Hence by a known hydrostatic 
 law the immersed body loses weight equal to that of an 
 equal bulk of the liquid. In practice, a solid is first 
 weighed in air, and then in water, and the loss noted. 
 The weight in air divided by the loss of weight in water 
 gives the specific gravity. 
 
 The specific gravity of liquids is determined : 1. By 
 filling a counterpoised bottle, capable of containing a 
 known weight of water, with the liquid, and comparing 
 the weight with that of the known weight of water. 
 
 2. By the hydrometer, a graduated rod, with a bulb, so 
 adjusted as to float with a mark, or zero, at the surface, in 
 water ; of course, above, in heavier liquids, and below, in 
 lighter. 
 
 3. By weighing a solid in water, and noting its loss of 
 weight, then in the liquid to be examined ; the latter 
 divided by the former gives the specific gravity of the 
 liquid. 
 
 The specific gravity of gases is determined by admitting 
 the gas into an exhausted counterpoised globe, capable of 
 containing a known weight of air, and comparing the two. 
 
 e. Electrical and Magnetic Attraction. See 
 Electricity and Magnetism. 
 
22 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 II. REPULSION. 
 A. LIGHT. 
 
 Is very little connected with elementary chemistry. 
 
 Theories. Newton's, of Emission ; Huy gen's, or Undu- 
 latory. The latter is generally adopted, but the language 
 of the former is used from habit and convenience. 
 
 Light proceeds from luminous bodies with great velo- 
 city — about 200,000 miles per second — in diverging rays, 
 and its intensity is inversely as the square of the distance. 
 When a ray of light falls upon a surface, it may be : a, 
 reflected; b, transmitted; c, absorbed; or partly re- 
 flected, absorbed, or transmitted. 
 
 a. Reflection. The angle of reflection is equal to the 
 angle of incidence. If the reflector be a plane surface, 
 the rays are reflected in nearly parallel lines ; if concave, 
 they are converged ; if convex, diverged. 
 
 b. Transmission. Substances which transmit light are 
 said to be transparent or diaphanous. If the ray fall per- 
 pendicularly, its direction is not altered. If obliquely, it 
 is refracted in passing from a rarer to a denser medium 
 towards the perpendicular, and vice versa. The amount 
 of refraction depends upon the angle of incidence and the 
 nature of the medium. Media whose surfaces are not 
 parallel, permanently alter the direction of the ray. 
 (JPrisms, lenses?) Ordinary light is compound, and may 
 be decomposed by refraction, or reflection. Colour de- 
 
PRINCIPLES OF CHEMISTRY. 23 
 
 pends upon the (c) absorption of certain portions of a 
 beam of light and reflection of others. Certain of these 
 coloured rays possess chemical powers (Actinism), causing 
 combination (Ex. : chlorine and hydrogen), or decomposi- 
 tion (Ex. : iodide of silver). The art of Photography de- 
 pends upon the decomposing power of light. Light may 
 be polarized by passing it through certain double refract- 
 ing media, and by reflection. Polarized light will no 
 longer pass through substances transparent to common 
 light. It is influenced by a current of electricity. 
 
 B. HEAT. 
 
 a. Sources. 1, Solar; 2, Chemical; 3, Mechanical. 
 
 b. Communication. 1, Radiation ; 2, Conduction ; 3, 
 Convection. 
 
 1. Radiation. The rays pass with great velocity, in 
 straight lines, in every direction from the heated body. 
 Their intensity is inversely as the square of the distance 
 from it. Do not warm gases. Radiation is affected — 1, 
 By temperature, being more rapid at high temperatures ; 
 2, By the nature of the surface. Colour does not affect it, 
 unless the heat be accompanied by light. Radiant heat 
 falling upon a surface is : 1, transmitted; 2, absorbed ; 3, 
 reflected. Substances which transmit heat are said to be 
 transhalent or diathermous. There is no direct connection 
 between transhalency and translucency. Surfaces which ra- 
 diate freely absorb freely, and vice versa. Colour influences 
 
24 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 absorption of heat accompanied by light. Reflection is 
 inversely as absorption and radiation, and follows the 
 laws of light. Heat may be refracted and polarized. 
 
 2. Conduction, Heat passes slowly from particle to 
 particle of the conducting body. Solids are the best con- 
 ductors, and the metals the best of the solids. The con- 
 ducting power of liquids and gases is so slight, as to be 
 inappreciable in ordinary experiments. 
 
 3. Convection, or the circulatory process, is that by 
 which gases and liquids are heated. Heat is applied 
 below, the lowest particles become heated, therefore speci- 
 fically lighter, rise, and their place is supplied by colder 
 ones from above. A liquid boils when the tension of its 
 vapour is sufficient to overcome the cohesion of its parti- 
 cles and the pressure upon its surface. Hence the boiling- 
 point depends : 1, upon the liquid ; 2, upon the pressure. 
 Vaporization, is the conversion of a liquid into vapour 
 by boiling. Evaporation, takes place from the surface, 
 and at temperatures below the boiling-point. 
 
 c. Capacity for Heat. Different bodies exposed to 
 the same source of heat for an equal time, will have dif- 
 ferent temperatures ; the body which requires the greater 
 heat to elevate its temperature to the same degree, is said 
 to have the greater capacity. Specific heat, is the amount 
 required to raise an equal weight of a substance through 
 one degree of the thermometer, as compared with a 
 standard, — water, in the case of solids and liquids, and 
 
PRINCIPLES OF CHEMISTRY. 25 
 
 air in that of gases. By increasing the capacity of a body 
 for heat, heat is absorbed and temperature lowered, and 
 vice versa. When equivalent weights of bodies are sub- 
 mitted to experiment, the specific heats are found to be 
 nearly identical, or in a simple mathematical ratio. 
 
 d. Latent Heat. Liquids have a greater capacity 
 for heat than equal weights of the solids from which they 
 are formed j and gases than liquids. Hence during the 
 conversion of the solid into a liquid, and liquid into gas, 
 heat is absorbed, is no longer sensible to the thermometer, 
 and is said to be latent. This is given out when the pro- 
 cess is reversed. Water passing from the liquid to the 
 solid state (ice), gives out heat enough to raise 142 times 
 its weight one degree of Fahrenheit, and vice versa. 
 When steam is converted into water, it gives out heat 
 enough to raise 967 times its weight one degree, and vice 
 versa. Hence the latent heat of water is said to be 142 ; 
 of steam, 967, or in round numbers, 1000. 
 
 e. Effects of Heat. 1. On bulk, Expansion; 2. On 
 State of Aggregation, Change of State. 
 
 1. Expansion. Bodies expand by heat. Solids are 
 the least expansible ; liquids more so ) gases the most. 
 Different solids expand unequally, and the same solid 
 irregularly ; more for a given increase at high, than at 
 low temperatures. Different liquids expand ninequally, 
 and the same liquid expands more at high, than at 
 low temperatures. All gases may be said to expand 
 
 3 
 
26 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 alike, and equally at all temperatures. The expansion 
 is 4^2 of the bulk of the gas at 32° F. for each degree of 
 the thermometer (F.). 
 
 2. Change of State. By heat solids are converted into 
 liquids; liquids into vapours. Gases and vapours, when 
 remote from their condensing points, may be considered 
 identical. The state of aggregation of a body hence de- 
 pends upon the temperature, and is not essential. Most 
 gases may be made liquid, liquids solid, and vice versa, 
 without inherent change. The elasticity or tension of a 
 vapour depends : 1, upon pressure; 2, upon temperature; 
 when one is increased, cceteris paribus, the other increases, 
 and vice versa. 
 
 f. Measurement oe Heat. Sensible heat is mea- 
 sured by the expansion of solids, liquids, or gases. The 
 two latter comprise thermometers, the former pyrometers. 
 Air-thermometers are used for measuring slight changes 
 in temperature, — Differential thermometer. Of liquids, 
 mercury is most used, on account of its low specific heat, 
 and the regularity of its expansion. The scale of thermo- 
 meters is graduated by the temperature of melting ice and 
 of boiling water, under the ordinary pressure of the at- 
 mosphere (30° Bar.). The first point is, in Fahrenheit's 
 scale, 32° ; in Reaumur's and the Centigrade, 0° ; the 
 second, in. F. 212°, in R. 80°, and C. 100°. In pyro- 
 meters, the expansion of a rod of metal is indicated upon 
 a dial. Specific and latent heat are measured : 1, by the 
 
PRINCIPLES OP CHEMISTRV. 27 
 
 method of mixture; 2, by measuring the time required 
 for equal weights to cool. 
 
 Medical Applications of Heat. Baths, Maceration, Di- 
 gestion, Infusion, Decoction, Preparation of Extracts in 
 Vacuo, Water Baths, &c. See Water. 
 
 C. MAGNETISM. 
 
 Magnetic iron ore possesses the property of attracting iron, 
 and certain other metals, and of communicating its powers 
 to them; a bar of iron or steel thus magnetized is called 
 an artificial magnet. Iron receives and loses magnetism 
 readily, steel with difficulty. 
 
 A magnet is found to possess attractive powers princi- 
 pally at its ends, which are called its poles. 
 
 If a magnet be suspended freely, it assumes a position 
 nearly north and south. The end which invariably points 
 north, is called the north pole, and vice versa. One pole 
 cannot exist without the other ; the fragments of a magnet 
 each have poles. The north pole of a second magnet 
 repels that of the first, and attracts its south pole, and 
 vice versa. 
 
 A piece of iron brought near a magnet has magnetic 
 polarity induced in it, and is attracted; the intensity of 
 the attraction depends upon the distance, and is not in- 
 terfered with by the interposition of neutral substances. 
 This second magnet is capable of inducing magnetism in 
 a third in a less degree, and so on. The line of direction of 
 the magnet, called the magnetic meridian, varies from the 
 
28 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 true meridian. This deflection, which is not constant, is 
 called the variation of the needle. A magnet free to 
 move in a vertical plane will have a dip, which varies with 
 the latitude. The earth is supposed to be a great magnet, 
 and the poles have been discovered, that is, points where 
 the dipping needle was vertical, and the horizontal needle 
 ceased to traverse. 
 
 Recent researches, with very powerful magnets, have 
 shown that all bodies are probably more or less influenced 
 by the magnet. Those which are attracted by the magnet 
 are termed magnetics or paramagnetics, those which are 
 repelled are termed diamagnetics. 
 
 D. ELECTRICITY 
 
 Is supposed to reside in all bodies, and to display its 
 effects when its equilibrium is disturbed. This may be : 
 1, by Mechanical means : statical electricity, frictional 
 electricity, electricity of tension ; 2, by Chemical means : 
 galvanism, voltaic electricity, dynamical electricity; 3, 
 by Magnetism : magneto-electricity ; by Heat : thermo- 
 electricity. Substances which lose electrical excitement 
 easily are called conductors ; their opposites, non-conductors 
 or electrics. Conductors may be made electrics by insula- 
 tion. 
 
 A. STATICAL ELECTRICITY. 
 
 Certain bodies when rubbed attract light bodies ; when 
 
PRINCIPLES OF CHEMISTRY. 29 
 
 these have touched, the body is repelled. Bodies attracted 
 by excited smooth glass are repelled by excited resin, and 
 vice versa. The electricity of excited smooth glass and 
 its allies is called positive or vitreous, that of the resin 
 class negative or resinous. 
 
 Theories. Franklin's, of a single fluid. Dufay's, of 
 two fluids. 
 
 Induction. An excited body induces in those around 
 it an opposite electrical state : mutual attraction takes 
 place. The equilibrium may be restored by contact, 
 through the medium of a conductor, or by the passage of 
 the electric sparh. 
 
 Means of accumulating Electricity . Electrical machines, 
 Hydro-electric apparatus, Leyden jar, Electropherus. 
 
 Measurement of Electricity. Electrometers, Electro- 
 scopes. 
 
 Effects of Electric Sparh. Shock, disruption, ignition. 
 
 Theory of Thunder- Storms. Lightning rods — their 
 theory and mode of construction are treated of in detail 
 in the works on physics and general chemistry. 
 
 Treatment after Thunderstroke. Cold affusion, frictions, 
 stimulants. 
 
 B. dynamic electricity, galvanism. 
 
 "When two dissimilar conducting bodies are plunged into 
 a liquid capable of acting unequally upon them, and a 
 
 3* 
 
30 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 communication is made between them, the more assailable 
 metal will be vigorously attacked. The electricity deve- 
 loped by the chemical action is constantly given off, in order 
 to equalize the electrical condition, which is as constantly 
 disturbed, and the so-called electrical current is thus kept 
 up. The direction of the current is from the plate most 
 acted upon through the liquid to the plate least acted upon, 
 and through that plate and its conducting wire, to the 
 plate most acted upon. A single arrangement of this kind 
 is called a simple voltaic cell ; when several are placed in 
 series* it is called a battery. The quantity of electricity 
 produced is in proportion to the size of the plates ; its in- 
 tensity to their number. 
 
 Various forms of Batteries. DanielPs, Smee's, Grove's, 
 Bunsen's, Callan's, Gas batteries, &c. 
 
 Effects of the Electrical Current. — 1. Physical; 
 2. Chemical ; 3. Physiological. 
 
 1. Physical — belong more particularly to natural philo- 
 sophy, a. Deflagration of metals and of charcoal points 
 is produced by a battery of large size and intensity, b. A 
 current of electricity passed near a magnetic needle, causes 
 it to arrange itself at right angles to the direction of the 
 current, and to revolve around it, the direction of the 
 revolution depending upon that of the current. On this 
 fact is constructed the galvanometer. A current of elec- 
 tricity passed in a helix around a bar of soft iron converts 
 it into a magnet (electro-magnet), c. When a wire carry- 
 
PRINCIPLES OF CHEMISTRY. 31 
 
 ing a current is placed beside another wire not so employed, 
 a current in opposite directions to that in the first will be 
 perceived in the second wire whenever the contact of the 
 first with the battery is made and broken, — induced cur- 
 rent. This induced current is capable of inducing cur- 
 rents in a third, and this in a fourth wire. 
 Construction of Electro-magnetic Machines. 
 
 2. Chemical. Conducting compounds brought between 
 the poles (electrodes) of a battery are decomposed, the 
 electro-negative element going to the positive pole, that 
 connected with the conducting plate, and vice versa. The 
 amount of decomposition is in exact relation to the quan- 
 tity of electricity passing through the conductors, and to 
 the chemical equivalents of the substances liberated from 
 combination. 
 
 3. Physiological. Electricity passed through a nerve, 
 in the direction of its ramifications, causes contraction ; in 
 an opposite direction, less contraction and pain. It excites 
 nerves of special sense. It excites muscles to contraction 
 when passed across them. Organs are stimulated by it to 
 the performance of their proper functions. It promotes 
 absorption, and may be made the means of introducing 
 medicinal substances into the system directly. Currents 
 of electricity have been found to exist in animals, — muco- 
 cutaneous current, current from muscular contraction. 
 Certain animals, as the gymnotns, have the power of 
 giving electric shocks. 
 
32 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 Medical applications of Electricity. Electricity has 
 been successfully used in paralysis, both of motor nerves 
 and of nerves of general and special sense, rheumatism, 
 atony of organs, uterine hemorrhage, tumours, morbid de- 
 posits, chorea, neuralgia, in narcotic poisoning, &c. The 
 direct current, of considerable quantity and low intensity, 
 has been found most successful. In cases of narcotic poi- 
 soning a decided shock is requisite, and a powerful induced 
 current is preferred. When the current is introduced be- 
 neath the surface, by means of fine platinum needles, the 
 process is called electro-puncture. 
 
 C. MAGNETO-ELECTRICITY. 
 
 If two wires connected with a galvanometer be attached 
 to the soft iron keeper of a powerful magnet, the needle 
 will be deflected when the armature is brought in contact 
 with the magnet; it soon resumes its original position, how- 
 ever, and is deflected equally to the other side, where the 
 contact is broken. By means of an apparatus by which 
 these contacts are rapidly made and broken, and the cur- 
 rent maintained in one direction, all the effects of an elec- 
 tric current are produced. Such an apparatus is termed a 
 magneto-electric machine. 
 
 D. THERMO-ELECTRICITY. 
 
 When two dissimilar metals are joined, and one ex- 
 
PRINCIPLES OF CHEMISTRY. 33 
 
 trernity heated, an electrical current is perceived flowing 
 from one to the other. A single metal may be made to 
 show the same effects by twisting it on its axis and heat- 
 ing one end. When a number of thermo-electric pairs are 
 united, and their extremities connected with a delicate gal- 
 vanometer, an apparatus is produced which may be used to 
 measure exceedingly minute differences of temperature. 
 This is called a iher mo-multiplier. 
 
PART II. 
 
 INORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 
 
 Note. Elements and Compounds in small capitals are 
 important, those in italics less so, those in ordinary type 
 unimportant. When a substance has been described, this 
 distinction is not observed, unless reference is intended. 
 
 An asterisk prefixed denotes the substance to be offici- 
 nal (in the U. S. Pharmacopoeia). 
 
 TABLE OF ELEMENTS, 
 
 WITH THEIR SYMBOLS AND CHEMICAL EQUIVALENTS. 
 
 ELEMENT. 
 
 SYMBOL. 
 
 EQUIVALENT. 
 
 Oxygen, 
 
 o, 
 
 8- 
 
 Hydrogen, 
 
 H, 
 
 1- 
 
 Nitrogen, 
 
 N, 
 
 14- 
 
 Carbon, 
 
 c, 
 
 6- 
 
 Sulphur, 
 
 s, 
 
 16- 
 
 Selenium, 
 
 Se, 
 
 39-57 
 
 Phosphorus, 
 
 P, 
 
 32-02 
 
 Chlorine, 
 
 CI, 
 
 35-5 
 
 Iodine, 
 
 I, 
 
 126-36 
 
 Bromine, 
 
 Br, 
 
 78-26 
 
 Fluorine, 
 
 F, 
 
 18-70 
 
 Boron, 
 
 B, 
 
 10-90 
 
 Silicum, 
 
 Si, 
 
 21-35 
 
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 35 
 
 ELEMENT. 
 
 SYMBOL. 
 
 EQUIVALENT. 
 
 Potassium (Kalium), 
 
 K, 
 
 39-00 
 
 Sodium (Natrium), 
 
 Na, . 
 
 22-97 
 
 Lithium, 
 
 Li, 
 
 643 
 
 Barium, 
 
 Ba, 
 
 68-84 
 
 Strontium, 
 
 Sr, 
 
 43-84 
 
 Calcium, 
 
 Ca, 
 
 20- 
 
 Magnesium, 
 
 Mg, 
 
 12-67 
 
 Aluminum, 
 
 Al, 
 
 13-69 
 
 Glucinum, 
 
 Gl, 
 
 26-50 
 
 Zirconium, 
 
 Zr, 
 
 33-62 
 
 Yttrium, 
 
 Y, 
 
 32-20 
 
 Norium, 
 
 No, 
 
 ? 
 
 Erbium, 
 
 E, 
 
 ? 
 
 Terbium, 
 
 Tb, 
 
 ? 
 
 Thorium, 
 
 Th, 
 
 59-59 
 
 Manganese, 
 
 Mn, 
 
 27-67 
 
 Iron (Ferrum), 
 
 Fe, 
 
 28- 
 
 Chromium , 
 
 Cr, 
 
 28-15 
 
 Vanadium, 
 
 v, 
 
 68-55 
 
 Tungsten, 
 
 W, 
 
 94-64 
 
 Molybdenum, 
 
 Mo, 
 
 47-88 
 
 Tin (Stannum), 
 
 Sn, 
 
 58-82 
 
 Bismuth, 
 
 Bi, 
 
 70-95 
 
 Tellurium, 
 
 Te, 
 
 66-14 
 
 Arsenic, 
 
 As, 
 
 75- 
 
 Antimony (Stibium), 
 
 Sb, 
 
 12903 
 
 Lead (Plumbum), 
 
 Pb, 
 
 103-56 
 
 Copper (Cuprum), 
 
 Cu, 
 
 31-66 
 
 Zinc, 
 
 Zn, 
 
 32-52 
 
36 
 
 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 ELEMENT. 
 
 Uranium, 
 
 Cerium, 
 
 Lantanum, 
 
 Didymium, 
 
 Titanium, 
 
 Tantalum, 
 
 Niobium, 
 
 Mercury, 
 
 Silver (Argentum), 
 
 Gold (Aurum), 
 
 Platinum, 
 
 Palladium, 
 
 Iridium, 
 
 Osmium, 
 
 Rhodium, 
 
 Ruthenium, 
 
 Ilminium, 
 
 Nat. Sources. Air, water, most rocks, most animal 
 and vegetable substances. 
 
 Preparation. Heat ^Chlorate of Potassa. is 
 given off, and chloride of potassium remains. KO,CL0 5 = 
 K,C1, and 6 equiv. 0. 
 
 Modes of collecting , transferring, and storing gases. 
 
 Properties. Colourless, inodorous, tasteless, transparent, 
 permanently elastic gas. Specific Gravity 1-106 (Reg.), 
 very sparingly soluble in water. Combustibles burn in it 
 
 SYMBOL. 
 
 EQUIVALENT. 
 
 
 u, 
 
 60- 
 
 
 Ce, 
 Ln, 
 
 46- 
 48- I 
 
 
 D, 
 
 49-6 
 
 
 Ti, 
 
 24-29 
 
 - t 
 
 Ta, 
 
 92-30 
 
 
 ? 
 
 ? 
 
 
 Hg, 
 
 200- 
 
 
 Ag, 
 
 108- 
 
 
 Au, 
 
 98-33 
 
 
 Pt, 
 
 98-68 
 
 
 Pd, 
 
 53-27 
 
 
 Ir, 
 
 98-68 
 
 
 Os, 
 
 99-56 
 
 
 R, 
 
 52-11 
 
 
 Ru, 
 
 52-11 
 
 
 11, 
 
 60-4 
 
 
 OXYGEN, 0. 8. 
 
 
 # 
 
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 37 
 
 with increased brilliancy; the only supporter of animal 
 life. 
 
 Physiological Effects. Stimulant — converts venous into 
 arterial blood. 
 
 Uses in Medicine. Certain cases of suspended anima- 
 tion. 
 
 General Chemical Relations. Has an extensive range 
 of powerful affinity — combines with all the other elements 
 except Fluorine) forming oxides. When the process is 
 slo it is termed oxidation; when rapid, with the evolu- 
 tion of light and heat, combustion. Oxides are either 
 acid, basic, or neutral. As a general rule, the higher 
 oxides are acids; the non-metallic elements form more 
 stable acids with oxygen than do the metals ; the oxides 
 of the metals are generally basicj and those of the non- 
 metallic elements not acid, neutral. See Metals. 
 
 II. HYDROGEN. H. 1. 
 
 Nat. Sources. Water, Organic Substances. 
 
 Prep. By removing 0, from water. Generally by 
 adding Zinc to dilute Sulphuric Acid ) Hydrogen is given 
 off, and Sulphate of the oxide oe Zinc remains. 
 S0 3 HO and Zn = ZnO,S0 3 and H. 
 
 Prop. Colourless, inodorous, tasteless, transparent, 
 permanently elastic gas, lightest of all known substances, 
 specific gravity 0-0693. Combustible, but extinguishes 
 
 4 
 
38 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 flame. Mixed with in nearly atomic proportion and 
 ignited, explodes violently ; the two gases burned, mixed in 
 a jet, give a heat of the highest intensity. (The compound 
 blowpipe.) 
 
 Physiological Effects, Inhaled diluted innoxious ; gives 
 a peculiar shrillness to the voice. 
 
 Gen. Chem. Eel. Those of the metals which it 
 replaces in combinations. Combines directly with certain 
 elements to form Hydrides. 
 
 Forms with three combinations : — 
 
 A. *Water or Protoxide of Hydrogen, HO. 
 
 b. Binoxide of H, H0 2 . 
 
 c. Ozone, HOx ?. One form of ozone is considered to 
 be an allotropic condition of pure oxygen. 
 
 a. *Water, HO, 9. 
 
 Nat. Sources. Wells, springs, rivers, the atmo- 
 sphere, &c. 
 
 Prep. May be made by burning H in 0, or air. Ca- 
 vendish's Experiment. 
 
 Properties. Transparent, liquid, without colour, taste, 
 or smell. Sp. Gr. 1 ; the assumed standard for all solids 
 and liquids. A cubic inch at 60° weighs about 252-2 
 grains. It is slightly compressible. At 32° becomes 
 converted into a crystalline solid, ice, of a specific gravity 
 0*916. At 30 in. Bar. boils at 212° ; becoming converted 
 into steam, but it evaporates at all temperatures. Is 
 always present in the atmosphere. 
 
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 39 
 
 Gen. diem. Relations. A neutral body, frequently 
 acting the part of an acid or a base, forming with alkalies 
 and acids definite compounds, called Hydrates. The most 
 universal of all solvents. 
 
 Impurities. Most usual are carbonate and sulphate of 
 lime, and chloride of sodium. If in large proportion, 
 the former renders the water hard ; the latter brackish. 
 Water of town wells contains nitrates and ammonia. Rain- 
 water may contain a little nitric acid, if formed during 
 electrical discharges. Water always contains air, and 
 frequently carbonic acid in solution. Organic matter is 
 also generally present. 
 
 Modes of Softening and Purifying. Boiling, addition 
 of muriate of ammonia or lime-water, to remove carbonate 
 of lime. Filtration gets rid of solid particles, but distil- 
 lation is necessary in order to free it from organic matters 
 and certain salts, as the sulphate of lime, and chloride of 
 sodium. 
 
 Officinal Forms, a. *Aqua. Common water in its 
 purest attainable state. 
 
 b. *Aqua Destillata — Distilled Water. R. Aquw 
 cong. x. Distil two pints and reject, then distil 
 cong. viii. 
 
 c. Aqvje Medicate — Medicated Waters. Are pre- 
 parations composed of water impregnated with medicinal 
 substances — generally the essential oils. 
 
 Maceration is the long-continued steeping of a sub- 
 
40 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 stance in cold water, 60° to 90°. Digestion, the same in 
 hot water, 90° to 100° or more. Infusion, the subjecting 
 of a vegetable substance for a short time to hot or cold 
 water. Decoction, boiling the substance. Lixiviation, 
 the separation of a soluble substance from a porous, inso- 
 luble one, by pouring water on it. When a substance is 
 simply dissolved in water, it is called a solution (liquor). 
 When suspended, a mixture (mistura) or emulsion. When 
 the solution is made by infusion or decoction, the process 
 gives the title to the preparation — Infusum, Decoctum. 
 
 III. NITROGEN. N. 14. 
 
 Nat. Sources. Air, most animal, many vegetable sub- 
 stances — the Nitrates. 
 
 Prep. By withdrawing O from air. Generally by 
 burning Phosphorus in air over water; Phosphoric 
 Acid is produced, which is absorbed by the water and 
 nitrogen remains. 
 
 Prop. Colourless, inodorous, tasteless, transparent, 
 permanently elastic gas, very sparingly soluble in water ; 
 specific gravity 0*971. Does not support combustion nor 
 animal life when pure, but is innoxious when diluted; 
 properties generally negative. 
 
 Gen. Chem. Pel. Inert; unites directly with few ele- 
 ments, and with difficulty. It forms with O, five com- 
 pounds. 
 
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 41 
 
 B. NO, Protoxide of Nitrogen ; nitrous oxide. 
 
 C. N0 2 , Binoxide of Nitrogen. 
 
 D. N0 3 , Nitrous Acid. 
 
 E. N0 4 , Hyponitric Acid. 
 
 f. *N0 5 , Nitric Acid. 
 
 g. With H — NH 4 , Ammonium. 
 
 Besides these, we have the a. Atmosphere; a mix- 
 ture of about 1 vol. of 0, to 4 of N. 
 
 a. The Atmosphere. 
 
 Extent. Is supposed to extend about 45 miles above 
 the surface of the earth. 
 
 Density and Weight. Is inversely as the square of the 
 distance from the surface. At 2*7 miles one-half; at 5-4 
 one-fourth, &c. One hundred cubic inches, at 30 in. (Bar.) 
 and 60° (F.), weigh 30-829 grains. 
 
 Pressure. Is due to the weight of a column of air of 
 decreasing density 45 miles high ; it is at the surface of 
 the earth on an average 15 lbs. to the square inch. This 
 is equal to the pressure of a column of water 34 feet, or 
 of mercury 30 inches high. The ordinary barometer is a 
 column of mercury in an exhausted tube, sealed at its upper 
 end, and the lower end of which dips into an open cup con- 
 taining mercury. The pressure of the air on the mercury in 
 the cup maintains that in the tube at a height which varies 
 with that pressure, the variation being indicated by a scale 
 affixed near the upper end of the mercurial column. The 
 4* 
 
42 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 elasticity, bulk, and density of the atmosphere obey the 
 laws of all gases ; that is, the volume is inversely as the 
 pressure ; the density and elastic force are directly as the 
 pressure, and inversely as the volume. (Marriott's law.) 
 
 Composition. Contains in 100 parts by volume 79-10 
 of N, 20-90 O, with about -0004 of Carbonic Acid; also 
 a trace of Ammonia, probably in the state of carbonate, 
 carbonetted hydrogen, moisture, animal and vegetable 
 emanations, &c. When the moisture exceeds the capacity 
 of air to hold it in solution, it is deposited as cloud, fog, 
 mist, or rain. The capacity of air for moisture is in- 
 creased by heat. The amount of moisture in the air is 
 estimated by hygrometers, and by allowing it to deposit 
 on a cold surface and noting the temperature at which 
 this deposition commences. This is termed the deiv point, 
 and is higher in a moist atmosphere, and vice versa. These 
 facts are true of all gases. Dew is the moisture depo- 
 sited upon the surface of the earth, which has cooled by 
 rapid radiation ; clouds prevent this radiation, and the 
 deposit of dew. 
 
 Effects of Respiration and Combustion. These pro- 
 cesses alike remove the oxygen, and convert it into car- 
 bonic acid, the nitrogen remaining unchanged. Plants 
 absorb carbonic acid, assimilate the carbon, and give out 
 the oxygen. 
 
 Ventilation. The process by which vitiated air is re- 
 moved, and its place supplied. It may be spontaneous, 
 
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 43 
 
 due to the levity of vitiated air warmed during the 
 change, or by contact with heated bodies, causing it to 
 rise, while cooler and purer air enters below. This is the 
 process constantly going on, on a grand scale, on the 
 earth, causing winds and currents. 2. Forced, when the 
 current is aided by heat (chimneys), or mechanical means, 
 (fans and steam-jet.) The direction of the flow may be 
 upwards or downwards ; the former being the simplest 
 and best adapted for small rooms, the latter the most 
 equable and economical as regards heat, and applicable to 
 large buildings. Care must be taken to diffuse the enter- 
 ing air, to avoid currents ; and the regulation of its tem- 
 perature, hygrometric condition, and amount, are problems 
 which present in practice considerable difficulty in their 
 solution. 
 
 b. Protoxide of Nitrogen, NO, 22. 
 
 Prep. By heating nitrate of ammonia, which is re- 
 solved into water and NO. NH 4 0, N0 5 =2NO and 
 4HO. 
 
 Prop. A colourless, transparent gas ; sweetish taste 
 and smell ; has been liquefied ; combustibles burn in it 
 with nearly as much vividness as in oxygen ; detonates 
 with hydrogen ; specific gravity, 1-52. Distinguished 
 from by its greater density and solubility in cold water, 
 which dissolves about three-fourths its volume. It is a 
 neutral body. 
 
44 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 Physiolog. Effects. Highly exhilarating, or intoxica- 
 ting ; hence its common name of " laughing gas." 
 
 c. Binoxide of Nitrogen N0 2 , 30. 
 
 Prep. By deoxidizing Nitric Acid (q. v.), by a 
 metal. 
 
 Prop. Colourless ; transparent gas ; slightly soluble in 
 water. 
 
 Gen. Chem. Ret. Has a powerful affinity for ; ex- 
 posed to the air or oxygen absorbs two eq., becoming 
 N0 4 . Is neutral. 
 
 Physiolog. Effects. Causes spasm of the glottis, and 
 cannot be inhaled. Corrosive ; stains the skin yellow. 
 
 D. Nitrous Acid, NO s . Unimportant. 
 
 E. Hyponitric Acid, N0 4 , 46. 
 
 Prep. Is formed when N0 3 is exposed to the air, or 
 
 oxygen. 
 
 Prop. Appears as ruddy fumes, of a suffocating 
 odour; may be obtained as a volatile liquid, boiling at 82°, 
 of a red or orange colour. Solid at — 40°. 
 
 Gen. Chem. Eel. Constitution uncertain. Neutral. 
 Powerful oxidizing agent. 
 
 f. *Nitric Acid. N0 5 , 54. 
 
 Prep. Add Sulphuric Acid to Nitrate of Potassa 
 
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 45 
 
 or Soda, N0 5 is given off, and Sulphate of Potassa 
 remains. KO,N0 5 , and S0 3 = KO,S0 3 , and N0 5 . May 
 
 be obtained anhydrous by treating dry Nitrate of Sil- 
 ver with dry Chlorine. 
 
 Prop. Pure hydrated Nitric Acid is a colourless 
 liquid. Specific gravity 1*522; boils about 184°F. ; con- 
 geals at — 40° ; fames when exposed to the air from attrac- 
 tion of moisture. Exceedingly corrosive, and one of the 
 strongest acids. 
 
 Gen. Chem. Eel. Forms Nitrates, all of which are 
 soluble, and deflagrate with combustibles from the evolution 
 of 0, and of which those of Potassa, the oxides of Iron, 
 Lead, Bismuth, and Mercury, are officinal. Powerful oxi- 
 dizing agent, losing three equiv. of 0, and becoming N0 2 . 
 Added concentrated to a metal, it oxidizes it, and then 
 combines with the oxide so formed. Ex. : 3Cu, and 4 N0 5 
 = 3 CuO,N0 5 , and N0 2 , binoxide of N being given off. 
 
 Toxicol. Effects. An irritant poison. Antidotes : alka- 
 lies, soap, chalk, magnesia, &c. ; mucilaginous and oily 
 drinks, and enemata. 
 
 Impurities. Sulphuric Acid, Hydrochloric Acid, Iron, 
 Iodine. 
 
 Tests. Bleaches a boiling solution of Sulphate of In- 
 digo. Mix with strong Sulphuric Acid, and add strong 
 solution of Protosulphate of Iron, a rose or purple 
 tint results. Add Hydrochloric Acid in the presence 
 of gold, which is then dissolved. Convert into nitrate of 
 potassa, and examine properties. 
 
46 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 Officinal Forms, a. *Acidum Nitricum. Nitric 
 Acid, of the specific gravity 142. 
 
 b. *Acidum Nitricum Dilutum. Dilute Nitric 
 Acid. Acid. Nitric, fgj. Aa. destillatce f§vi. — Dose, 
 gtt. xx. to xl. t. d. 
 
 Therajp. Effects. Tonic, astringent ; stimulates the se- 
 cretion of the liver; externally caustic, or, when dilute, 
 astringent and stimulant ; used in caries to dissolve the 
 earthy particles. 
 
 Incompatibles. All alkalies; all earths; the metals 
 generally ; the salts of the weaker acids, as the carbonates, 
 acetates, chlorides, phosphates, and tartrates. 
 
 G. Ammonium, NH 4 , will be considered under Metals. 
 
 IV. *CARBON. C. 6. 
 
 Nat. Sources. Diamond, graphite, coal, all organic 
 substances, the Carbonates. 
 
 Properties. Vary with the form; is dimorphous; inso- 
 luble in menstrua, volatilized only in the voltaic arch, in- 
 fusible. 
 
 Gen. Chem. Rel. Chemically indifferent at a low tem- 
 perature. At high temperature combines with metals, 
 forming Carbides. Unites indirectly with other elements. 
 At high temperatures affinity for very strong ; will re- 
 move it from its most powerful combinations. Hence 
 
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 47 
 
 used as a reducing agent. Forms with 0, Carbonic Oxide, 
 CO, Oxalic Acid, C 2 3 , Carbonic Acid, C0 2 , and 
 Croconic, Mellitic, and Rhodizonic acids, which are unim- 
 portant. Combines indirectly with H to form an exten- 
 sive class of hydrocarbons, most of which belong to Or- 
 ganic Chemistry. With N it forms Cyanogen, NC 2 , and 
 Mellon, N 4 C 6 . 
 
 Officinal Forms, a. *Carbo Ligni. Wood Char- 
 coal. 
 
 Prop. Black, shining, brittle, tasteless, inodorous, in- 
 soluble, fixed, solid. Absorbs many times its own volume 
 of certain gases. Hygroscopic. Causes rapid oxidation 
 and decomposition of animal substances imbedded in it, 
 without offensive smell. 
 
 Therap. Effects. Antiseptic, absorbent, tonic. 
 
 b. *Carbo Animalis. Animal Charcoal. Charcoal 
 prepared from bones. This contains Carbonate and Phos- 
 phate of Lime, which, when removed by digestion with 
 Hydrochloric Acid, leave us the c. *Carbo Animalis 
 Purificatus— Purified Animal Charcoal. 
 
 Prop. A brownish-black powder, which should give 
 no trace of lime when treated with Hydrochloric Acid. 
 
 Gen. Chem. Ret. Possesses the remarkable property 
 of decolourizing organic substances, also of removing most 
 organic and many inorganic substances from solution. 
 Given with or soon after the organic poisons, prevents their 
 
48 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 action. Hence may be valuable in certain cases, as an 
 Antidote. 
 
 Therap. Effects. Those of Carbo Ligni. 
 
 A. Carbonic Oxide, CO, 14. 
 
 Prep. Formed when Carbon is burned with an insuffi- 
 cient supply of oxygen. Also by adding Oil of Vitriol 
 (HO,S0 3 ) to Oxalic Acid, which is thereby deprived of 
 its water, and splits up into CO and CO a (CO + C0 2 = 
 C 2 3 ), which latter may be absorbed by caustic lime or 
 potassa. 
 
 Prop. Eesembles in physical properties Nitrogen; 
 specific gravity, 0*968 ; burns in air with a pale blue flame, 
 forming C0 2 ; very sparingly soluble in water. 
 
 Gen. Cliem. Pel. Neutral ; may be considered as the 
 radical of a series of compounds, mostly organic. 
 
 Pliysiolog. Effects. Fatal to life, even when diluted, 
 producing coma; frequently escapes from stoves. Treat- 
 ment, by cold affusion, frictions, electricity, and other 
 general measures. 
 
 b. Oxalic Acid, HO,C 2 3 . 
 
 Nat. Sources. Certain plants (Oxalis, Rumex). 
 
 Prep. Action of N0 3 upon Sugar. 
 
 Prop. Long, four-sided oblique prisms, of an acid taste ; 
 resembles in appearance *Sulphate of Magnesia, for 
 which it is often taken by mistake ; contains 3 eq. water, two 
 
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY." 49 
 
 of crystallization, which may be driven off by heat, and one 
 constitutional, which if removed causes decomposition ; 
 exists therefore only in combination with a base ; soluble 
 in 8 parts water, at 59° F., and its weight of boiling water. 
 
 Gen. Chem. Rel. Forms Oxalates. 
 
 Test. Lime, a white precipitate. 
 
 Toxicol. Effects. Irritant Poison. 
 
 Antidote. Lime. (Chalk, plaster.) 
 
 c. Carbonic Acid, C0 2 , 22. 
 
 Nat. Sources. The atmosphere, native Carbonates; 
 is formed during respiration and combustion. 
 
 Prep. Decompose a Carbonate ; add Hydrochloric Acid 
 to fragments of chalk or marble (CaO,C0 2 and HC1 = HO, 
 CaCl and C0 3 ). 
 
 Prop. Colourless, transparent, tasteless, inodorous gas ; 
 specific gravity, 1-529 ; extinguishes flame. Cold water 
 dissolves its own volume. Imparts a pungent, agreeable 
 taste to fermented drinks. May be liquefied by pressure, 
 forming a colourless liquid of a specific gravity, 0*83 ; and 
 of great elastic force. At — 72°, becomes solid. 
 
 Gen. Chem. Rel. An acid ; reddens litmus, and forms 
 salts, the Carbonates, of which those of Potassa, Soda, 
 Lime , Magnesia, Iron, Lead, and Zinc, are officinal. 
 From its volatile nature these are easily decomposed by 
 heat and acids. The carbonates of the strong alkalies 
 have an alkaline reaction. 
 
 5 
 
50 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 Toxicol. Effects. When pure, causes instant suffocation; 
 when largely diluted, poisonous, producing narcotic symp- 
 toms. Treatment, that laid down under CO. To remove 
 it from wells and pits, where it has accumulated, an up- 
 ward draught should be created by a windsail or fire, and 
 the gas absorbed and driven out by throwing down water, 
 or preferably milk of lime. 
 
 Off. Prep. a. *Aqua Acidi Carbonici — Carbonic 
 Acid Water. Mineral Water. Water impregnated 
 with five times its bulk of C0 3 . 
 
 Prop. A sparkling liquid, of an agreeable, pungent, 
 acidulous taste ; reddens litmus. 
 
 Impurities. Lead and Copper, derived from the 
 u fountain." 
 
 Therap. Effects. Used in fevers, vomiting, &c, and as 
 a vehicle for nauseous compounds. 
 
 d. Cyanogen, NC 2 (Cy), 27. 
 
 Prep. Heat Bicyanide of Mercury. 
 
 Prop. Colourless gas; specific gravity, 1*806; has a 
 peculiar odour, resembling peach kernels; burns with a 
 peach-coloured flame, generating C0 2 , and liberating N. 
 Water dissolves 4 or 5 volumes. May by cold and pres- 
 sure be reduced to a thin, colourless, transparent liquid. 
 
 Gen. Chem. Pel. A quasi elementary substance, re- 
 sembling in its chemical relations the Halogens. Forms 
 with Oxygen, Cyanic Acid, CyO, Fulminic Acid, Cy 2 2 , 
 
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 51 
 
 and Cyanuric Acid, Cy 3 3 ; with the metals ; Cyanides, of 
 which those of Potassium, Silver, and Mercury are offici- 
 nal; and with Hydrogen, the ^Hydrocyanic Acid. 
 
 a. ^Hydrocyanic Acid, HCy, 28. 
 
 Prep, Anhydrous. By passing a current of HS over 
 Bicyanide of Mercury. (Vauquelin.) Other processes 
 are found in the works on General Chemistry. 
 
 Prop. Colourless, transparent, inflammable liquid; very 
 volatile; boils at 80°; congeals at 5°; specific gravity, 
 0*697 ; taste cooling and burning ; flavour of bitter 
 almonds ; odour peculiar, and produces headache and gid- 
 diness ; dissolves readily in water and alcohol. A violent 
 poison. Readily decomposes. 
 
 Gen. Chem. Eel. A feeble acid; forms with bases 
 Cyanides and water. See Chlorine. 
 
 Officinal Forms. 1. *Acidum Hydrocyanicum Di- 
 ltjtum — ^Dilute Hydrocyanic Acid. 
 
 Prep. 1. By the action of dilute Sulphuric Acid 
 upon Ferrocyanide of Potassium. This is the first 
 process of the U. S. P., and adopted upon the large scale. 
 The theory of the process is complicated. 
 
 2. By adding dilute Hydrochloric Acid to Cyanide 
 of Silver — Chloride of Silver and dilute Hydrocya- 
 nic Acid result. This is the process of the U. S. P. 
 for extemporaneous preparation of the dilute acid : 1. 
 Acid. Muriat. gr. xli; 2. Argent. Cyanid. gr. lss. ; 
 
52 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 3. Aq. Dest. f giss. ; mix 1 with 3, and add 2 ; when the pre- 
 cipitate has subsided, pour off the separated liquor for use. 
 
 Properties, dec. The medicinal acid contains 2 per 
 cent, of real acid, and possesses the same general proper- 
 ties in a less degree. It is prone to decomposition, and 
 should be kept in blackened, well-stopped bottles. It may 
 contain Sulphuric and Muriatic Acids, which do not 
 injure it, except so far as they vary the strength. 
 
 Therap. Effects. Sedative, antispasmodic; given in 
 pertussis, phthisis, chronic bronchitis, aneurism, hypertro- 
 phy of the heart, &c. ; also to allay nausea, vomiting, and 
 gastralgia ; externally as a lotion to allay itching in skin 
 diseases. 
 
 Dose of the Medicinal Acid — 1 to 5 drops, three times 
 a day. Scheele's acid, which contains 5 per cent., should 
 never be used. 
 
 Incompatilles. Alkalies, Nitrate of Silver, Salts of 
 Iron, Copper, and Mercury. *Tinctura Opii Campho- 
 RATA. {Paregoric?) 
 
 Toxicological Prop. In large dose kills; one and a 
 half drops of the Anhydrous Acid, equal to f 3vi. of the 
 medicinal acid, having proved fatal to an adult. It is 
 rapidly absorbed into the circulation, so that antidotes can 
 rarely be applied. The best are Chlorine and Ammonia, 
 given internally and cautiously inhaled. General treat- 
 ment is most to be relied upon, and the most efficient is 
 the cold douche to the spine. Salts of the Sesquioxide of 
 
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 53 
 
 Iron, followed by alkaline carbonates, have been proposed 
 as antidotes. Insoluble ferrocyanide of iron (Prussian 
 Blue) being formed. 
 
 Tests. Must be applied early, from the volatile and 
 unstable nature of the poison. The principal are : 1. 
 Its peculiar odour. 2. Scheele's. Add to the suspected 
 liquid a few drops of a solution of the Sulphate of the 
 Protoxide of Iron, and an excess of Caustic Potassa; 
 expose the whole to the air for 15 minutes, with agitation, 
 then add Hydrochloric Acid in excess ; this dissolves 
 the oxide of iron, and if HCy be present, leaves an inso- 
 luble blue powder, the Prussian Blue. 3. Liebig's 
 (modified by Taylor}. Put the suspected liquid into a 
 watch-glass, over which invert another, containing a drop 
 of Biliydrosidpliate of Ammonia. Heat the lower glass, 
 when, if HCy be present, it is disengaged, combines with 
 the Biliydrosulphate of Ammonia to produce Sulplw cyan ate 
 of Ammonia. Bemove the upper glass, evaporate to dryness, 
 and add a drop of the solution of the Sesquioxide of 
 Iron, when a deep blood-red colour is produced, owing to 
 the formation of the SulpJiocyanide of Iron. This is a 
 very delicate test. Sulphocyanogen exists in human saliva. 
 
 e. Hydrocarbons. 
 
 The members of this extensive and important group 
 all belong, strictly speaking, to Organic Chemistry. The 
 gases containing C and H, are generally admitted into in- 
 
 5* 
 
54 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 organic chemistry. These are C 2 H 4 , marsh gas, and C 4 H 4 , 
 defiant gas. Ordinary illuminating gas, is a mixture of 
 these with certain other gases. When burned, the H 
 unites with the of the atmosphere, while the C is pre- 
 cipitated in fine particles, which become incandescent, 
 giving the luminous character to the flame. If the be 
 in excess, the gas is burned without decomposition, and 
 the flame is blue and not luminous. 
 
 Nature and Structure of Flame. The term flame, is 
 applied to volatile matter in a state of ignition. Solid 
 substances, heated so as to become luminous, are said to 
 be incandescent. Ordinary flame is hollow. The inte- 
 rior consists of volatile matter, strongly heated- there is 
 next a luminous layer or cone, and outside a yellow flame, 
 of feeble light but great heat, where chemical union is 
 most entire. When urged by the blow-pipe, the flame is 
 elongated, and the heat increased. The outer flame is 
 called the oxidizing flame, the inner one the reducing 
 flame, from their respective effects. 
 
 Flame will not pass through long tubes, if of small 
 diameter, but the combustible matter becomes cooled 
 below the point necessary for combustion. Wire gauze, 
 which may be considered as a number of very short tubes 
 of small diameter, possesses the same property. A lamp, 
 covered with wire gauze, may be carried into an inflam- 
 mable gaseous mixture, without causing combustion, — 
 the safety lamp. 
 
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 55 
 
 V. *SULPHUR. S. 16. 
 
 Nat. Sources. Native near volcanoes ; the native Sul- 
 phides and Sulphates ; certain organic substances. 
 
 Prep. Obtained by sublimation from its earthy impu- 
 rities. If the vapour be condensed in a liquid state, it is 
 cast into rolls, forming roll sulphur, or brimstone. If con- 
 densed in a cold vessel, it is in fine crystals, known as 
 flowers of sulphur, — the *Sulphur of the U. S. P. 
 
 Prop. Pale lemon-yellow, brittle, volatile, insipid, 
 emitting a peculiar odour when rubbed or heated ; soluble 
 in Oil of Turpentine, Bisulphide of Carbon, in solu- 
 tions of the Alkalies, but not in water or alcohol. 
 Fuses at 234°, boils at 788°, and may be distilled without 
 change; takes fire below boiling-point, giving off suffoca- 
 ting fumes of Sulphurous Acid (S0 2 ). Is dimorphous. 
 Specific gravity varies with form of crystal; is about 2. 
 
 Allotropic Modifications. About its melting-point forms 
 a clear, thin, amber-coloured liquid, fluid as water ; as the 
 temperature is raised becomes thicker; at about 480°, is 
 dark-brown, viscid, and tenacious, without increase of 
 density ; in this state, if thrown into water, forms a soft, 
 transparent, tenacious solid, which retains its properties for 
 some time, but returns finally to the original hard, opaque, 
 yellow condition. From 500° to its boiling-point, 788°, 
 it begins to become thin again, and if allowed to cool, 
 returns through the same conditions. 
 
56 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 Gen. Chem. Eel., resembles oxygen very closely. 
 Forms Sulphides, which are analogous to Oxides. It 
 unites with 0, to form seven compounds, of which only 
 two will be considered, — Sulphurous Acid, S0 2 , and *Sul- 
 phuric Acid, S0 3 . With H it forms Hydrosulphuric 
 Acid, HS, and Bisulphide of H, HS 2 ; with N, the Sul- 
 phide of N, NS 3 ; with C, the Bisulphide of Carbon, CS 2 . 
 
 Officinal Forms, a. *Sulphur — Sublimed Sulphur. 
 This contains often a little Sulphuric Acid, which may 
 be removed by washing, constituting the 
 
 b. *Sulphur Lotum — Washed Sulphur. Its wash- 
 ings with boiling water should not affect blue litmus 
 paper. 
 
 c. *Sulphur Pr^cipitatum — Precipitated Sul- 
 phur, Lac Sulphuris, Milk of Sulphur. Is made by 
 adding Hydrochloric Acid to Sulphide of Calcium. 
 
 Prop. Pale, or yellowish-green, insipid powder, having 
 a harsh feel when rubbed, and a peculiar odour. Does 
 not differ essentially from ordinary sulphur; probably 
 contains a portion of hydrosulphuric acid. 
 
 Adulterations, may contain free acid ; but more com- 
 monly sulphate of lime, from the use of sulphuric acid in 
 its preparation. Readily detected by exposure to heat, 
 which drives off the volatile sulphur, leaving the fixed 
 sulphate of lime. 
 
 d. *Unguentum Sulphuris — Sulphur Ointment. 
 R. Sulphuris Ibj ; Adipis Ibij. M. 
 
 e. *Unguentum Sulphuris Compositum — Com- 
 
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 57 
 
 pound Sulphur Ointment. R. Sulphuris §j ; Hydrarg. 
 Amnion. , Acid. Benzoic aa 3j ; 01. Bergami, Acid. Sul- 
 phuric aa f 5J \ Potass. Nitrat. 3ij ; Adipis Ifoss. Melt 
 the lard at a moderate heat, and stir in the other ingre- 
 dients until thoroughly mixed. 
 
 Med. Effects. Laxative, diaphoretic, alterative. Sup- 
 posed to be rendered soluble by the soda of the bile. 
 Used in constipation, chronic rheumatism, and gout, 
 asthma, &c. Externally in ointment or fumigation, in 
 cutaneous diseases, chronic rheumatism, &c. Dose, one 
 to three drachms. 
 
 A. Sulphurous Acid , SO 2, 32. 
 
 Prep. Formed when S is burned in air, or 0. Made 
 by deoxidizing Sulphuric Acid. 
 
 Prop. Transparent, colourless gas, of a suffocating 
 odour ; extinguishes flame ; is irrespirable ; specific gravity, 
 2-247. May be obtained liquid by cold, in the form of a 
 very volatile mobile liquid, of a specific gravity, 1*45; boil- 
 ing at 14°. Water dissolves 50 volumes of this gas. It 
 reddens litmus and bleaches. The colours may be restored 
 by an alkali. 
 
 Gen. Cliem. Pel. Forms Sulphites. 
 
 Therapeutic Application. Used as a vapour bath in 
 treatment of skin diseases, rheumatism, &c. 
 
 b. ^Sulphuric Acid, S0 3 , 40. 
 
 Prep. 1. Distilling iron pyrites, bisulphide of iron, 
 
58 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 which gives the fuming Kordhausen acid, HO, 2 S0 3 . Not 
 used in medicine. 
 
 2. By introducing into a leaden chamber, in which is a 
 stratum of water, Hyponitric and Sulphurous Acids. 
 Several explanations of the theory of the process are 
 given. It mainly depends upon the reduction of the Hypo- 
 nitric Acid, N0 4 , to Binoxide of Nitrogen, N0 2 , by which 
 two equivalents of Sulphurous Acid, S0 3 , are oxidized to 
 two equivalents of Sulphuric Acid, S0 3 . By contact with 
 the air N0 3 becomes again N0 4 , and thus the process con- 
 tinues as long as the supply of air and gases is kept up. 
 
 Prop, It may be obtained anhydrous by distilling the 
 Nordhausen acid. It is then in solid fibres, resembling 
 asbestos, which are tenacious, and may be warmed with 
 the fingers like wax; specific gravity, 1-97. Has a pow- 
 erful attraction for moisture ; hisses when thrown into 
 water. Has no acid properties. 
 
 The Hydrated Acid (Oil of Vitriol, HO,S0 3 ) is a clear, 
 colourless, oily fluid; specific gravity, 1-845 ; most power- 
 ful of the acids ; is highly corrosive ; chars and destroys 
 vegetable and animal tissues. Absorbs water greedily, 
 and must therefore be kept in well-stopped bottles. 
 
 Gen. Chem. Rel. Forms an extensive series of stable 
 salts : the Sulphates, of which those of Potassa, Soda, 
 Magnesia, the oxides of Iron, Zinc, Copper, and Mercury, 
 are officinal. Acts on metals in two ways : 1, when dilute, 
 on those easily oxidized, by the decomposition of water 
 
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 59 
 
 and evolution of Hydrogen (q. v.) ; 2. When concentrated, 
 on those less easily oxidized, by the decomposition of one 
 equiv. of the acid, which yields an equiv. of to the metal, 
 becoming Sulphurous Acid, a second equiv. of the acid 
 uniting with the oxide thus formed, (Cu, and 2S0 3 = 
 CuO,S0 3 and SO a .) 
 
 Test. Gives with salts of Baryta a white precipitate, 
 insoluble in boiling, N0 5 . 
 
 Officinal Forms, a. *Acidum Sulphtjricum — Sul- 
 phuric Acid. Sulphuric Acid of the specific gravity 1-845. 
 
 This is apt to contain Lead, Nitre, Sulphate op 
 Potassa, Nitrous Acid, and more rarely Arsenic and 
 Tin, for which the Tests are given under the respective 
 substances. 
 
 b. *Acidum Sulphuricum Dilutum — Dilute Sulphuric 
 Acid. R. Acid. Sulph. f gi. ; Aa. Destill. f^xii. — Dose, 
 gtt. x. to xxx. 
 
 c. *Acidum Sulphuricum Aromaticum — Aromatic 
 Sulphuric Acid. Elixir of Vitriol. 
 
 Acid. Sulph. f giiiss. ) Zingiber, pulv. crass, f §i. ; Cin- 
 nam. pulv. crass, giss. ; Alcohol, q. s. Add the acid gradu- 
 ally to Oj. of the alcohol, and allow the liquor to cool; 
 mix the ginger and cinnamon, put them into a percolator, 
 pour on the alcohol gradually until Oj. of filtered liquor 
 is obtained. Lastly, mix the diluted acid and tincture. 
 Dose, gtt. x. to xxx. 
 
60 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 Toxicolog. Prop. Corrosive poison. Antidotes. Al- 
 kalies, soap, magnesia, chalk; mucilaginous and oleagi- 
 nous drinks, and enemata \ milk. Water should be spar- 
 ingly used, on account of the elevation of temperature pro- 
 duced. 
 
 Med. Effects. Tonic, astringent, refrigerant. Used in 
 low fevers, chronic and choleraic diarrhoeas, chronic ca- 
 tarrhs, night sweats, purpura, hemorrhages, &c. Externally, 
 concentrated as a caustic, mixed with saffron, Yelpeau's 
 caustic. Dilute, as an astringent wash. 
 
 In compatibles. All alkalies and earths; the metals 
 generally; the salts of the weaker acids, as Carbonic, Ni- 
 tric, Hydrochloric, Acetic, Phosphoric, and Tartaric. 
 
 c. Hydrosulphuric Acid, HS, IT. (Sulphuretted Hy- 
 drogen.) 
 
 Nat. Sources. Certain mineral springs. (Sulphur 
 springs.) 
 
 Prep. Sulphur does not unite directly with Hydrogen ; 
 but does when both are in the nascent state. Generally 
 made by adding dilute S0 3 to Sulphide of Irox. Sul- 
 phate of the protoxide of Iron is formed, and HS given 
 off. (FeSandHO,S0 3 = FeO,S0 3 andHS.) 
 
 Prop. Colourless gas, strong offensive odour ; specific 
 gravity, 1*191 j burns with pale blue flame, producing 
 water and S0 3 . Water at 640 dissolves 2 i volumes; the 
 solution becomes milky on exposure to the air from the pre- 
 
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 61 
 
 cipitation of the sulphur. May be liquefied by cold and 
 pressure, and at — 122° solidifies. 
 
 Gen. Chem. Eel. Has a weak acid reaction ; precipi- 
 tates many metals from solution as Sulphides. Several 
 of these are characteristic. Hence its value as a test. 
 
 Toxicolog. Prop. Inhaled pure, causes syncope and 
 death ; when dilute, produces narcotic effects ; arises from 
 drains and privies ; is a frequent product of decomposition. 
 The antidote is Chlorine, inhaled cautiously, the gene- 
 ral means of treating cases of narcotic poison, being em- 
 ployed at the same time. Is decomposed by the so-called 
 disinfectants, as Chlorine, Sulphate of Iron, Nitrate 
 of Lead, Chloride of Zinc, and Sulphate of Manganese. 
 
 Therap. Effects. Generally those of sulphur. 
 
 d. Bisulphide of Carbon, CS a . 
 
 Prep. Is formed by passing the vapour of S, over char- 
 coal at a red heat. 
 
 Prop. Is a volatile, very mobile liquid; of an offen- 
 sive odour; insoluble in water; specific gravity 1*272; 
 highly inflammable; of high refractive, and low disper- 
 sive power. 
 
 Uses. Is used to dissolve Sulphur, Phosphorus, &c; 
 from the great tension of its vapour, has been proposed as 
 a substitute for steam as a motor. 
 
 6 
 
62 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 VI. PHOSPHORUS. P. 32-02. 
 
 Nat. Sources. Organic substances; the native Phos- 
 phates. 
 
 Prep. On the large scale from bones, in which it 
 exists as Phosphate op Lime (8 CaO, 3P0 5 ), which are : 
 1. Calcined, to remove animal matter; 2. Digested with 
 S0 3 , which combines with most of the lime, liberating 
 the greater part of the Phosphoric Acid (P0 5 ). This is 
 heated in a close iron retort with Charcoal, which com- 
 bines with the of the Phosplioric Acid, forming CO, 
 leaving the Phosphorus to distil over.* 
 
 Prop. A soft, translucent solid, of a waxy appearance; 
 is tasteless; has an alliaceous odour. When perfectly 
 pure, is colourless ; ordinarily has a reddish tint, which 
 increases with exposure to light ; specific gravity 1*77. It 
 melts at 108°, boils at 550°, giving a colourless vapour. 
 May be distilled unchanged. Emits fumes in the air 
 (Phosphorous Acid, P0 3 ), which in the dark are luminous; 
 this slow combustion may be prevented by the presence 
 of certain vapours, as JEther, Turpentine, and Naphtha. 
 Very inflammable, taking fire below 140° ; burns with the 
 evolution of copious white fumes of Phosphoric Acid 
 (P0 5 ). It is insoluble in water and alcohol ; soluble in 
 
 * The true process and theory are a little more complicated, owing to the 
 existence of superphosphate of lime. The above gives the essential steps of 
 the process and changes. 
 
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 63 
 
 the fixed and volatile oils, in ^Ether, and Bisulphide of 
 Carbon. 
 
 Allotropic Modification. By exposing Phosphorus for 
 a long time to light, or for a shorter time to a temperature 
 between 464°-482°, it assumes a red colour, thickens, 
 and becomes opaque. This Amorphous Phosphorus 
 (Schroeter), is unaltered in the air; specific gravity 
 1*964; insoluble in Bisulphide of Carbon; takes fire 
 only at a high temperature. Heated to the boiling-point, 
 in an indifferent gas, becomes again common Phosphorus. 
 
 Gen. Chem. Eel. Except for 0, aflinity not very marked. 
 Forms four oxides: 1. Oxide of P., P 3 0; Hypophos- 
 phorus Acid, PO ; Phosphorous Acid, P0 3 ; Phosphoric 
 Acid, P0 5 . With H three compounds : Solid Hydride of 
 P., P 2 H ; Liquid Hydride P., PH 3 ; and Phosphuretted 
 Hydrogen Gas, PH 3 . Also with N and S, unimportant 
 compounds. 
 
 lied, and Tox. Prop. In large dose, an irritant poison 
 of great energy. No direct antidote is known. Eva- 
 cuate the stomach ; give large draughts of cold water, 
 containing magnesia in suspension — one part magnesia 
 and eight of chlorine water (Duflos). 
 
 Workmen exposed to its vapours are liable to necrosis, 
 particularly of the lower jaw-bone. In medicinal doses, 
 stimulant, diuretic, and aphrodisiac. Is given in solution 
 in oil; dose, -£$ to ^ of a grain. Is not officinal in the 
 U. S. P. 
 
64 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 a. Phosphoric Acid, P0 5 . 
 
 Prep. Formed Anhydrous, when Phosphorus is 
 burned in the dry air or 0. 
 
 Prop. A snow-like, uncrystallized mass, resembling 
 solid CO a . Deliquescent. Hisses on contact of water, 
 forming a hydrate. Is fixed. 
 
 Gen. Chem. Pel. Remarkable as forming three dis- 
 tinct classes of salts, which contain respectively one, two, 
 and three equivalents of water, or a base. They are dis- 
 tinguished as the Monobasic Phosphate of Water, or Pro- 
 tohydrate of P0 5 (Glacial Phosphoric Acid), HO,P0 5 ; 
 Bibasic Phosphate of Water, or Deuto-Hydrate of P0 5 
 (Pyrophosphoric Acid), 2HO,P0 5 ; and Tribasic Phos- 
 phate of Water, Terhydrate of P0 5 , 3H0, P0 5 . 
 The ordinary phosphates belong to the latter class. The 
 Monohydrated Acid, procured by the action of N0 5 on 
 P, is officinal only in the Edinburgh Ph. Phosphoric 
 Acid is a powerful acid, of an intensely sour taste ; 
 reddens litmus; is not poisonous. The Phosphates of 
 Soda, and of the Protoxide of Iron, are officinal. 
 
 Med. Effects. Refrigerant, tonic. Used in Diabetes, 
 Phosphatic deposits, &c. 
 
 Incompatibles. Alkalies, Salts of Iron, Lead, and 
 Silver; also those of the weaker acids, as Carbonates and 
 Acetates. 
 
 B. Hydrides of Phosphorus, 
 
 Have already been enumerated — are not employed in 
 
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 65 
 
 Medicine. A mixture of PH 3 and PH 3 , is known as 
 Phosphuretted Hydrogen ; and is remarkable for its pro- 
 perty of inflaming spontaneously upon the contact of air, 
 producing P0 5 . It has an alliaceous odour, and is inju- 
 rious when breathed. 
 
 VII. CHLORINE. CI. 35-5. 
 
 Nat. Sources. Common salt; the native Chlorides. 
 
 Prep. By gently heating Binoxide of Manganese 
 (Mn0 2 ), with ^Hydrochloric Acid (HC1), Chloride 
 of Manganese is formed, and Chlorine given off (Mn0 2 , 
 and 2HCl = MnCl,HO, and CI). 
 
 Prop. A dense gas, specific gravity, 2470; of a 
 greenish-yellow colour and peculiar suffocating odour. By 
 pressure is converted into a limpid liquid, of a bright yel- 
 low colour; specific gravity, 1-33. Supports combustion. 
 Water at 60° dissolves twice its volume of this gas, ac- 
 quiring a yellow colour, and the properties of the gas. 
 (The Chlorine Liquor of the Dub. Ph.) This solution 
 soon decomposes on exposure to the light, the products 
 being Hydrochloric Acid, and free 0. 
 
 Gen. Chem. Eel. Forms with Iodine, Bromine, and 
 Fluorine, a group — the Halogen bodies. These are 
 characterized by a feeble affinity for 0, and a powerful one 
 for H and the metals, with which they combine directly. 
 
 6* 
 
66 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 "With H they form acids, the Hydracids, which when 
 added to a base give their H to the of the base to form 
 water while the Halogen combines directly with the metal 
 to form the Haloid salt (Ex.: KO,HCl = HO and KC1). 
 Distinguished from the acids formed with 0, which always 
 required in the base, forming Amphide Salts (Ex. : KO, 
 S0 3 ). Most of the Haloid Salts are soluble. 
 
 Chlorine does not unite directly with 0, but forms 
 indirectly five compounds : Hi/pochlorous Acid, CIO } Chlo- 
 rous Acid, C10 3 ; Hypochloric Acid, C10 4 ; Chloric Acid, 
 C10 5 ; Perchloric Acid, C10 7 . With H it forms the im- 
 portant ^Hydrochloric, or Muriatic Acid, HC1. It 
 forms, also, compounds with N, S n P. With the metals it 
 forms the extensive and important class of Chlorides, 
 of which those of Sodium, Barium, Calcium, Iron, Zinc, 
 Antimony, and Mercury, are officinal. 
 
 Chlorine possesses bleaching and disinfecting (?) powers. 
 These depend on its affinity for H. When a moistened 
 vegetable colour is submitted to its influence, it unites 
 with the H of the water, to form HC1, while the nascent 
 bleaches. When it comes in contact with HS,PH 3 , 
 NH 4 0, the usual constituents of a bad odour, it decom- 
 poses them by combining with their H. 
 
 Tests. When free, its odour and bleaching powers; 
 when free and as the soluble Chlorides, gives with Ni- 
 trate of Silver, a ichite precipitate, Chloride of Silver, 
 
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 67 
 
 which blackens on exposure to light, is soluble in ammo- 
 nia (NH 4 0), but not in cold or boiling N0 5 . 
 
 Med. and Tox. Effects. Inhaled pure, causes spasm of 
 the glottis, and suffocation ; even when diluted, irritates 
 the nasal, bronchial, and pulmonary mucous membrane, 
 causing coughing, oppression, haemoptysis, &c. Relief is 
 obtained by cautiously inhaling Ammonia or iEther. 
 
 Largely diluted, is inhaled as a stimulant in aphonia, 
 chronic bronchitis, and phthisis. Used largely as a deter- 
 gent and antiseptic wash, and for fumigations of foul locali- 
 ties. Is given internally in Scarlatina, Typhus, &c. 
 
 Generally disengaged in practice from its combination 
 with Lime or Soda, — *Calx Chlorinata, *Soda Chlo- 
 
 RINATA. 
 
 Incompatibles. Ammonia, Nitrate of Silver; the 
 metals generally. 
 
 a. Chloric Acid, C10 5 . 
 
 Prep. Not isolable ; exists only in combination with 
 water or a base. By passing a current of CI into a solu- 
 tion of caustic Potassa (KO,HO), the Chlorate of Po- 
 tassa is formed, Chloride of Potassium, KC1, remaining 
 in solution. (6 CI and 6KO = KO,C10 5 and 5KC1.) 
 
 Gen. Chem. Eel. Forms Chlorates, of which that of 
 Potassa is officinal. They are all soluble, and deflagrate 
 and detonate with combustibles. 
 
05 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 b. ^Hydrochloric Acid (Muriatic Acid), HC1, 36-5. 
 
 Prep. Add Oil of Vitriol (HO,S0 3 ) to common salt 
 (NaCl). Hydrochloric Acid and ^Sulphate or Soda 
 result (HO,S0 3 and NaCl = NaO,S0 3 and HC1). 
 
 Prop. An invisible gas, of a pungent acid odour, pro- 
 ducing white fumes when escaping into the air, from the 
 attraction of moisture. By pressure condensed into a 
 liquid; specific gravity, 1-27. Extinguishes combustion ; 
 is irrespirable. Water at 69°, absorbs 418 volumes of this 
 gas, and the solution becomes the ordinary Hydrochloric 
 or Muriatic Acid. This is a colourless, fuming liquid, 
 of a suffocating odour, and acid, corrosive taste. The most 
 concentrated acid has a specific gravity, 1-21. 
 
 Impurities. The commercial acid has generally a yel- 
 lowish tinge, from the presence of organic matter, or of 
 Iron. It also often contains Sulphuric or Nitric Acids, 
 more rarely Lead and Arsenic. 
 
 Gen. Chem. Eel. Is the type of the Hydracids ; 
 forms, when added to a base, Chlorides, of which that of 
 Silver is insoluble. Is decomposed by substances which 
 yield oxygen freely; the combining with the H, and 
 liberating the CI. Dissolves metals with the evolution of 
 H (Zn and HC1 = ZnCl, and H), forming Chlorides; 
 with Nitric Acid forms the *Nitromuriatic Acid, or 
 Aqua regia. 
 
 Test. Nitrate of Silver. (See Chlorine.) 
 
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 69 
 
 Toxicol. Effects. Irritant poison. Antidotes ; alkalies, 
 magnesia, chalk, soap, &c. 
 
 Officinal Forms and Preps. a. *Acidum Muria- 
 ticum — Muriatic Acid. An aqueous solution of Chloro- 
 hydric Acid Gas, of the specific gravity 1*16. 
 
 b. *Acldum Muriaticum DiLUTUM — Dilute Muri- 
 atic Acid. R. Acid. Muriat. f§iv; Aq. Destill. f^xii. 
 M. Specific gravity, 1*046. 
 
 Med. Effects. Those of the mineral acids generally. 
 
 C. *ACIDUM NlTROMURIATICUM — NlTROMURIATIC ACID 
 
 — Aqua Regia. R. Acid. Nitric, fgiv; Acid. Muriat. 
 fgviii; mix, and when effervescence has ceased, keep the 
 product in a well-stopped glass bottle, in a cool and dark 
 place. 
 
 Contains free chlorine, which gives it the power of 
 dissolving Gold and Platinum. Also contains Chloro- 
 hyponitric Acid (N0 3 ,C1 2 ), and Chloronitrous Acid (N0 2 , 
 CI) ; Hyponitric Acid (N0 4 ) is also formed after a time. 
 It is an unstable compound, and should be prepared 
 extemporaneously. 
 
 Med. Effects. Supposed, in addition to usual properties 
 of the Mineral Acids, to exert a specific effect on the liver. 
 Is given internally, dose gtt. v, largely diluted ; also ex- 
 ternally, in baths. Used principally in hepatic and syphi- 
 litic diseases, and the oxalate of lime calculous diathesis. 
 
 Incompatibles. The alkalies, earths; the carbonates, 
 
70 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 acetates, tartrates, sulphides ; nitrate of silver ; most 
 metals. 
 
 VIII. *IODINE. I. 126-36. 
 
 Nat. Sources. Sea-weed, sea-water/ certain mineral 
 springs, sponge, cod-liver oil, &c. 
 
 Prep. Prepared from help, or ashes of sea-weed, in 
 which it exists as Iodide of Sodium, by a process analo- 
 gous to that by which Chlorine is obtained from Chlo- 
 ride of Sodium. 
 
 Prop. Crystalline scales, of a bluish-black colour, me- 
 tallic lustre; specific gravity, 4-948. Evaporates at com- 
 mon temperatures, having an odour resembling Chlorine, 
 yet distinct from it. Fuses at 225°, boils at 347°, and 
 rises in vapour of a beautiful violet colour ; specific 
 gravity, 8*716. Taste, hot and acrid. Communicates an 
 evanescent yellow stain to the skin. Soluble in 7000 
 parts of water, to which it communicates a brown colour; 
 is rendered freely soluble in water, by the addition of 
 certain salts, — as the Iodide of Potassium ; freely solu- 
 ble in Alcohol and jEther. 
 
 Gen. Chem. Pel. Resembles Chlorine, but its affi- 
 nities are more feeble. Does not bleach. Forms by in- 
 direct combination with 0, Iodous Acid, I0 4 , Iodic Acid, 
 I0 5 , and Periodic Acid, I0 7 ; with H, forms Hydriodic 
 Acid, HI, an unstable acid, resembling in its general re- 
 
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 71 
 
 lations HC1. It forms also compounds with N, S, P, and 
 CI, of which the Iodide or Sulphur is officinal. With 
 metals, forms Iodides, of which those of Potassium, Iron, 
 Lead, Arsenic, and Mercury, are officinal. 
 
 Impurities. May contain charcoal, plumbago, binoxide 
 of manganese ; these are readily detected by their fixed 
 nature. Water is found sometimes in considerable quan- 
 tity; is injurious, as rendering the Iodine weaker. May 
 be detected by the Iodine adhering to the sides of the 
 bottle, and removed by quicksilver. Iodide of Cyanogen 
 is sometimes present ; is more volatile than Iodine, and 
 may be separated by careful sublimation. 
 
 Test. Liquid starch. The solutions must be cold, and 
 the Iodine free. 
 
 Officinal Forms, a. *Iodinium — Iodine. 
 
 b. *Tinctura Iodinii — Tincture of Iodinii. R. Iodinii 
 gj; Alcoh. Oj. M. 
 
 Rem. When first made, precipitates on the addition of 
 water ; after keeping, undergoes a change, Hydriodic Acid 
 and other compounds being formed, and then does not 
 precipitate. 
 
 Principally used externally. Dose, when given inter- 
 nally, gtt. x to xx, gradually increased. 
 
 c. *Tinctura Iodinii Composita — Compound Tinc- 
 ture of Iodine. R. Iodinii gss ) Potassi. Iod §j \ Alcoh. 
 Oj. M. 
 
 Rem. This tincture may be diluted with water without 
 
72 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 decomposition, the Iodide of Potassium rendering the 
 Iodine soluble in water. Used in the same cases, and 
 dose as the simple tincture. 
 
 d. *LlQUOR IODINII COMPOSITUS — COMPOUND SOLU- 
 TION of Iodine — LugoVs Solution. R. lodinii 3vi; 
 Potass. Iodid. giss; Aq. Destill. Oj. M. 
 
 Rem. The Iodine is here rendered soluble in the water, 
 by the Iodide of Potassium. It is not liable to change, 
 and is the preparation of Iodine generally resorted to for 
 internal use. Dose, gtt. v. t. d. 
 
 e. *Unguentum Iodinii — Iodine Ointment. R. 1. 
 Iodin. 3J; 2. Potass. Iod. gr. iv; 3. Aquce itjj yi; 4. Adipis 
 §i. Rub 1 and 2 with 3, until liquefied, and then mix 
 with 4. 
 
 Rem. Does not keep well. 
 
 /. *Unguentum Iodinii Compositum — Compound 
 Iodine Ointment. R. 1. Iodinii 5ss; 2. Potass. Iodid. 
 3j ; 3. Alcoh. f 3J ; 4. Adipis §ij. Rub 1 and 2 with 3, 
 and then with 4, until entirely mixed. 
 
 g. *SULPHURIS IODIDUM. IODIDE OF SULPHUR. 
 
 Is made by melting together Iodin. giv ; Sulphur §j. 
 
 Rem. Grayish-black, solid, of a radiated, crystalline 
 appearance ; smell of Iodine. Entirely volatilized by heat, 
 and decomposed by long boiling with water ; the I escap- 
 ing with the watery vapour, and S remaining suspended. 
 Used only externally in ointment. Decomposed by many 
 volatile oils. 
 
inorganic chemistry. 73 
 
 1. *Unguentum Sulphuris Iodidi. Ointment of 
 Iodide of Sulphur. R. Sulphur. Iodid. Jss ; Adipis §j. 
 M. ft. ting. Used in cutaneous diseases. 
 
 Med. and Tox. Effects. In large doses Iodine is an 
 irritant poison. Antidote, boiled starch. 
 
 In medicinal doses, stimulant and alterative. 
 
 Externally, causes desquamation of the cuticle. 
 
 Incompatibles. The salts of Iron, Lead, Mercury, 
 Silver. The metals generally. 
 
 IX. *BROMINE. Br. 78-26. 
 
 Nat. Sources. Sea- water; saline springs, &c, from which 
 it is obtained by a process analogous to that for procuring 
 Chlorine. 
 
 Prop. Opaque, brownish, red liquid. The only ele- 
 ment besides Mercury existing in the liquid form at ordi- 
 nary temperatures; specific gravity, 2-966; at-10°, freezes. 
 Is volatile at ordinary temperature; has a peculiar dis- 
 agreeable odour; caustic taste; boils at 116-5°, giving a 
 vapour similar to fumes of N0 4 ; specific gravity, 5*39. 
 Slightly soluble in water, more so in alcohol and aether. 
 Corrodes the skin, and stains it yellow. 
 
 Gen. Chem. Eel. Resembles Chlorine very strongly ; 
 bleaches. Forms with 0, Bromic A, Br0 5 (not isolable), 
 and with H, Hydrobromic A. Forms compounds (Bro- 
 mides), with S, P, C1,I, and most of the metals, of which the 
 
 7 
 
74 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 Bromide of Potassium, is officinal. The Bromides are 
 decomposed by CI, but Br decomposes the Iodides. 
 
 Test. Chlorine water produces an orange-yellow tint 
 in a solution, if Bromine be present. 
 
 Med. and Tox. Prop. In overdose, an irritant poison ; 
 antidote, Ammonia (Smee). 
 
 In medicinal doses, its effects are those of Iodine, for 
 which it is often substituted; is used generally as the 
 *Bromide of Potassium (q. v.). 
 
 Off. Form. *Brominium. Bromine. 
 
 X. FLUORINE. F. 18-7. 
 
 Nat. Sources. Fluor Spar. 
 
 Prep. Has never been satisfactorily isolated. 
 
 Gen. Chem. Pet. Extraordinary affinity for H, forming 
 Hydrofluoric Acid. A corrosive liquid, acting power- 
 fully on glass, by dissolving its Silica. Forms Fluorides. 
 Is not employed in medicine. 
 
 XL BORON. B. 10-9. 
 
 Nat. Sources. Certain lagoons in Tuscany, as Boracic 
 Acid ; in Thibet, as Borax. 
 
 Rem. Only important as forming with 0, Boracic 
 Acid, B0 3 , which, united with Soda, gives the Biborate 
 of Soda (NaO, 2 B0 3 ), or Borax, which is officinal. 
 
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 75 
 
 XII. SILICON [SILICIUM). Si. 21-35.* 
 
 Rem. Exists in nature in combination with 0, as Si- 
 lica, Si0 3 . ^Ex. : quarts, sand.) Silica is really an acid, 
 although nearly insoluble : but fused with bases, as Po- 
 tassa, Soda, Lime. Lead. &&, forms Silicates. (Ex. : glass 
 or porcelain.) A number of native Silicates are known. 
 
 THE METALS. 
 
 General Properties. Opacity, metallic lustre, mal- 
 leability, ductility ; conduct electricity and heat ; Sp« Gr. 
 varies from 0-865 (Potassium), to 22-069(?) (Plod- 
 
 Melting Paint Varies from — 39° ^Mercury) to the 
 
 :f the compound blowpipe 'Platinum. dv.\ 
 Vt Potassium^ Sodium, Zinc, Arsenic, J/er- 
 
 curh. Lead) SUve ■. Cadmium, Tellu- 
 
 rium, and probably others, are volatile. 
 
 is. With each other, form 
 Alloys. All unite with 0, but their affinity varies from 
 that :f POTASSIUM, which decomposes water at 32°, to 
 those which are oxidized with difficulty, as Platinum. 
 
 When they unite with in more than one proportion, 
 the lowest combination is strongly basic, the more 
 
 be experiments of Mr. G;:r seemed bo prove SQieinm to be a 
 Until its relations, as sneh, shall have been investigated, it has been At 
 best to retain it in its position as the last of the non-metallic elements. 
 
76 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 feebly so, neutral or even acid. Ex. : Protoxide of 
 Manganese, MnO, strongly basic ; Sesquioxide, Mn 2 3 , 
 feebly basic; Binoxide, Mn0 2 , neutral ; Manganic acid, 
 Mn0 3 , and Permanganic acid, Mn 2 7 , strongly acid. 
 
 An Oxygen Acid united with the oxide of a metal 
 forms a salt (Ampliide salt), which is neutral in composi- 
 tion when there are as many equivalents of acid in the 
 salt as there are of in the base. Thus a neutral pro- 
 toxide requires one eq. of Acid, a Binoxide tico, and a Ses- 
 quioxide, three equivalents. A salt, neutral in composition, 
 may have an acid or alkaline reaction. If in a salt the 
 base is oxidized, the acid remaining the same, a basic 
 compound is formed, which is generally insoluble. 
 
 Metals also combine with the other non-metallic ele- 
 ments, as with Sulphur and the Halogens. The Sul- 
 phides, Chlorides, &c, of the metals correspond gene- 
 rally in their number, and the proportion of their con- 
 stituents to the oxides. Ex. : FeO, Fe 2 3 , FeS, Fe^ ? 
 FeCl,Fe 2 CL,FeI, Fe 2 L, &c. 
 
 Classification. 1. Metals of the Alkalies. Potas- 
 sium, Sodium, Lithium. 
 
 2. Metals of the Alkaline Earths. Barium, Stron- 
 tium, Calcium, Magnesium. 
 
 3. Metals of the Earths. Aluminum, Glucinium, 
 Zirconium, Yttrium, Zerbium, Erbium, Thorium, Norium. 
 
 4. Metals Proper. Cobalt, Nickel, Zinc, Cadmium, 
 Uranium, Cerium, Lantanum, Didymium. 
 
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 77 
 
 5. Metals proper, whose higher oxides are acids. Man- 
 ganese, Iron, Chromium, Tin, Bismuth, Arsenic, An- 
 timony, Copper, Lead, Vanadium, Tungsten, Molyb- 
 denum, Tantalum, Niobium, Titanium, Tellurium. 
 
 6. Metals whose oxides are reduced by heat alone. 
 Noble Metals. Gold, Mercury, Silver, Platinum, 
 Palladium, Iridium, Ruthenium, Rhodium, Ilmenium, 
 Osmium. 
 
 A. Metals whose Preparations or Compounds are Offici- 
 nal. Potassium, Sodium, Barium, Calcium, Magnesium, 
 Aluminum, Iron, Zinc, Copper, Lead, Tin, Arsenic, An- 
 timony, Bismuth, Mercury, Silver — 16. 
 
 B. Metals not officinal, but used in medicine, or other- 
 wise important. Strontium, Manganese, Chromium, Gold, 
 Platinum — 5. ♦ 
 
 The others named are unimportant, and will not be 
 again referred to. 
 
 XIII. POTASSIUM (KALIUM). K. 39. 
 
 Prep. Obtained from Potassa, KO, by heating with 
 C, which abstracts the 0, as CO, leaving K, which distils 
 over. 
 
 Prop. A brilliant, white metal, silvery lustre, soft at 
 common temperatures; brittle and crystalline at 32°; 
 
 7* 
 
(Q MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 melts at 136° ; distils at a low red heat, giving a vapour 
 of a green colour. Sp. Gr. 0*865. Exists abundantly 
 in combination in all vegetable forms. 
 
 Gen. Chem. Ret. Strong affinity for 0; cut surface 
 instantly tarnishes, becoming covered with a film of 
 Potassa (KO), which gradually invades the whole mass. 
 In contact with water will abstract the 0, taking fire, and 
 liberating H. Forms with 0, two compounds, Potassa, 
 KO, and Teroxide of Potassium, K0 3 . 
 
 a. Potassa, KO, 47. 
 
 Prep. Formed by oxidation of Potassa. A Hydrate, 
 is made by the action of Caustic Lime on Carbonate of 
 Potassa ) Carbonate of Lime and Caustic Potassa 
 
 result. 
 
 (KO,C0 2 and CaO, = CaO,C0 2 and KO.) 
 
 Gen. Chem. Rel. ♦ One of the strongest bases. Forms 
 salts with all acids ) all of which are freely soluble, except 
 the Acid Tartrate, the Carbazotate, and the Double Chlo- 
 ride of Potassium and Platinum. The Hydrate, Nitrate, 
 Carbonates, Sulphate, Chlorate, Acetate, Tartrates, Citrate 
 of Potassa, and the' Sulphide, Iodide, Bromide, Cyanide, 
 and Ferrocyanide of Potassium, are officinal. 
 
 Tests. Tartaric acid in excess, gives a white precipi- 
 tate of Acid Tartrate of Potassa; sparingly soluble in 
 water. 
 
 Bichloride of Platinum, gives a yellow precipitate of the 
 
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 79 
 
 Double Chloride of Platinum and Potassium; sparingly 
 soluble in water. 
 
 Perchloric, Hydrofluosilic, and Carbazotic Acid (see 
 Indigo) also give sparingly soluble precipitates. 
 
 Incompatibles. All acids, acid salts, the salts of the 
 earths, and metals generally. 
 
 Officinal Preparations. 
 
 a. *Liquor Potassa — Solution of Potassa. 
 
 R. 1. Potass. Carb. fbj ; 2. Calcis¥b$$) 3. Aq. Dest. 
 Bull. Cong. j. Dissolve 1 in Cong, ss of 3; slake 2 
 with a little of 3 ; mix the hot liquors, and boil for ten 
 minutes, stirring constantly. Set the liquor aside until 
 it becomes clear, and pour off the supernatant liquid. 
 The Sp. Gr. of this solution is 1*056. 
 
 Rem. The theory of the process is given above ; con- 
 tains about 6-7 per cent, of KO; always contains a certain 
 amount of free Carbonate of Potassa and Lime; has a 
 powerful attraction for C0 2 , and should be kept in well- 
 stopped, green glass bottles. 
 
 Med. Effects. Antacid, antilithic, alterative. In exces- 
 sive doses a corrosive poison; antidotes, weak acids, as 
 vinegar, mucilaginous and oily drinks. 
 
 b. *Potassa. Caustic Potassa — Hydrate of Potassa, 
 made by evaporating down the Liq. Potassa, and running 
 the fused potassa into sticks. 
 
 Rem, Contains a little Lime and Carbonate of Potassa; 
 may be purified by solution in alcohol, and evaporation. 
 Should be kept in well-stopped bottles. 
 
80 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY, 
 
 Prop. Sticks, of a dingy gray colour, very deliques- 
 cent, producing a soapy feel, from destruction of the 
 cuticle. 
 
 Med. Uses. A powerful escharotic, destroying the tis- 
 sues to a considerable extent; is deliquescent and unma- 
 nageable. May be neutralized by weak acids. 
 
 b. Nitrate. 
 
 C. *POTASS.E NlTRAS — NlTRATE OF POTASSA (Nitre, 
 
 Saltpetre), (KO,N0 5 ). 
 
 Prep. May be made by adding N0 5 to KO, or its 
 carbonate. Exists in many caves, in the southwest 
 portion of the United States, also, in India, Egypt, Peru, 
 and many parts of Europe. Is formed artificially on the 
 large scale in Nitre beds. 
 
 Prop. A white salt, occurring in elongated, anhy- 
 drous crystals, with dihedral summits; sharp, cooling 
 taste ; soluble in 7 pts. of water at 60°, and its weight of 
 boiling water; fuses below a red heat, and at a higher 
 heat is decomposed. Yields part of its readily to 
 heated surfaces : hence used in deflagrating mixtures, as 
 gunpowder, and sometimes as a source of 0. 
 
 Med. and Tox. Prop. In large doses ^ss to gj, an 
 irritant poison : no direct antidote is known. 
 
 In medicinal doses, gr. y 1 ^ to v., refrigerant, ? diapho- 
 retic, and diuretic. 
 
 Paper is soaked in its solution, dried, and the products 
 of its combustion inhaled, in asthma. 
 
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 81 
 
 Used in large quantities; §j or gij in 24 hours, in 
 divided doses, largely diluted , in acute rheumatism. 
 Incompat. Strong Sidphuric Acid. 
 
 c. Carbonates. 
 
 d. *Potass^e Carbonas Impurus — Pearlash, KO, 
 C0 3 . 
 
 Prep. Obtained from the ashes of wood in lixiviation. 
 It contains insoluble impurities, with Silicate and Sul- 
 phate of Potassa and Chloride of Potassium. It is 
 purified from these by mixing with an equal weight of 
 cold water, allowing it to stand a day, stirring frequently, 
 and filtering. The salts named, being less soluble than 
 the KO,C0 2 , remain, with the mechanical impurities, in 
 the filter. The solution is then evaporated, until it 
 thickens, and stirred until it becomes granular. It is 
 then the 
 
 e. *Potass.e Carbonas — Carbonate of Potassa. 
 Prop. Coarse, granular, white powder, of a nauseous, 
 
 alkaline taste, and alkaline reaction ; soluble in its own 
 weight of water ; very deliquescent. Is not entirely free 
 from the impurities named above. 
 
 Med. Prop. Those of the alkalies generally. 
 
 Incompat. Acids, Acidulous salts, Muriate and Ace- 
 tate of Ammonia, Lime-water, Chloride of Calcium, 
 Sulphates of Magnesia and Alumina, Nitrate of Silver, 
 Ammoniated Copper and Iron, Sulphate of Iron, Chlo- 
 
82 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 ride of Iron, Calomel, Corrosive Sublimate, Acetate of 
 Lead, Sulphate of Zinc. 
 
 /. *Liquor Potass^ Carbonatis — Solution of Car- 
 bonate or Potassa. R. Potass. Carb. Hbj ; Aquce f gxii. 
 Solve et cola. 
 
 g m ^Potass^e Carbonas Purus — Pure Carbonate of 
 Potassa, Salt of Tartar. 
 
 Is obtained by heating the ^Bicarbonate of Potassa, 
 by which one equivalent of C0 3 is driven off. The residue 
 is dissolved, filtered, and evaporated. 
 
 Prop. Differs only from Potass. Carb. in being purer. 
 
 h. *POTASS^ BlCARBONAS — BICARBONATE OF Po- 
 
 tassa — Sal Aeratus, K0,C0 3 +H0,C0 2 . Made bypass- 
 ing a current of C0 2 through a solution of KO,C0 3 , to 
 saturation ; evaporation and crystallization. 
 
 Prop. Transparent, colourless, inodorous crystals ; alka- 
 line, not acrid, taste ; slight alkaline reaction. Soluble in 
 4 pts. cold, and | its weight of boiling w T ater, which re- 
 duces it to Sesquicarbonate. Permanent in the air, decom- 
 posed by heat. 
 
 Med. Effects. Less irritating than the monocarbonate. 
 Is used in the preparation of the u neutral mixture/' 
 *Liquor Potassa Citratis,* in which Oss of lemon- 
 
 * The salts of the organic acids will in general be introduced with their bases, 
 in order to simplify the department of Organic Chemistry. The formula of 
 Citric Acid is 3H0, C12, H5, On, the water being basic, and replaced in its 
 combinations. It is therefore tribasic. 
 
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 83 
 
 juice is neutralized with q. s. of the salt. Also to form 
 the *Potass^] Citras : Acid. Citric, gx ; Potass. Bicarb. 
 §xiv ; Aquo3 q. s. ; mix, and after effervescence has ceased, 
 evaporate to dryness. 
 
 Incompat. Those of KO,CO a . 
 
 d. Sulphide. 
 
 i. POTASSII SULPHURETUM — SlJLPHURET (Sulphide) OF 
 
 Potassium — Hepar Sidphuris, Liver of Sulphur. 
 
 R. Sulphur 3 j, Potass. Carb. gij. Rub the S with 
 the Carbonate of Potassa, previously dried, and melt the 
 mixture in a covered crucible, over the fire. Then pour 
 it out, and when cool, break into pieces, which preserve 
 in a well-stopped bottle. 
 
 Rem. The CO a is expelled, and the reaction takes 
 place between 10 eq. S, and 4 KO = KS 3 and KO,S0 3 . 
 The preparation is therefore a mixture of Ter sulphide of 
 Potassium and Sulphate of Potassa. 
 
 Prop. Liver brown, brittle, solid ; inodorous when dry, 
 fetid smell of HS when moist ; nauseous, bitter, alkaline 
 taste ; completely soluble in water ; exposed to the air, 
 absorbs 0, and is converted into KO,S0 3 . 
 
 Med. and Tox. Prop. Large doses poisonous ) acts as a 
 local irritant, and gives off HS, which is sedative, and re- 
 duces the action of the heart. Antidotes : Sulphate of 
 Zinc, Acetate of Lead. 
 
84 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 In medicinal doses sedative and alterative. 
 Used principally externally, in solution, as a bath in 
 skin diseases. 
 
 Incompat. The mineral acids ; the metals generally. 
 
 e. Sulphate. 
 
 k. ^Potass^ Sulphas — Sulphate of Potassa, KO,S0 3 . 
 
 Prep. The direct union of its constituents. Is a secon- 
 dary product in several chemical processes. 
 
 Prop. A white, anhydrous salt, in small, very hard, 
 six-sided, prismatic crystals ; nauseous, somewhat bitter 
 taste ; soluble in 10 parts cold, and 4 of boiling water. 
 
 Med. Effects. Mild purgative. If not dissolved, may, 
 from the hardness of its crystals, produce symptoms of 
 irritant poisoning. Used in *Dover/s Powder (pulv. 
 Ipecac, et Opii), to divide and mix well the ingredients. 
 Dose 9j to 3ss. 
 
 Incompat. Tartaric Acid, Salts of Baryta, Strontia, 
 Lime, Silver, and Lead. 
 
 f. Chlorate. 
 
 I. *Potassj£ Chloras — Chlorate of Potassa. 
 
 Prep. By passing a current of Chlorine gas into a 
 strong solution of Caustic Potassa. A part of the KO 
 is decomposed ; its combines with CI, to form C10 5 , 
 which unites with another porticu of KO, while the K 
 
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 85 
 
 combines with another portion of CI, to form KC1. 
 6 CI, and 6 KO = 5 KC1 and KO,C10 5 . 
 
 Prop. Flat, tabular, anhydrous crystals, of a pearly 
 lustre, cooling taste ; soluble in 16 parts water, at 60°, 
 and in 2 J of boiling water. Deflagrates on burning coals, 
 and detonates with S, P, &c. Gives off all its by heat, 
 leaving KC1. 
 
 Med. Effects. Refrigerant and diuretic. Used in can- 
 crum oris. (Hunt. Watson.) 
 
 Dose gr. x to xxx. 
 
 Incompat. The Mineral Acids, Tartaric Acid. 
 
 g. Iodide. 
 
 m. Potassii Iodidum — Iodide of Potassium, KI. 
 
 R. Potassce gvi, Iodinii §xvi, Carho lig. pulv. subtill. 
 gij, Aq. Bull. Oiij. 
 
 The KO in solution, is treated by the I. Iodide of 
 Potassium and Iodate of Potassa are formed. 6 I and 
 6 KO = 5 KI and KO,I0 5 . The solution is evaporated, 
 and by heat and stirring with the charcoal, the KO,I0 5 is 
 reduced to KI. The salt is then dissolved out and crys- 
 tallized. 
 
 Prop. Generally in anhydrous cubic crystals, opaque 
 white or transparent; soluble in f of its weight of cold 
 water, and in 6 or 8 parts cold alcohol ; saline, cooling, dis- 
 agreeable taste. 
 
 Impurities and Adulterations. Bromide of Potassium, 
 
86 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 sometimes sold for the Iodide, does not precipitate with 
 Corrosive Sublimate. The most common impurities are, 
 1. Chlorides, which, with Nitrate of Silver, throw down 
 a white precipitate, AgCl, freely soluble in Ammonia. KI 
 throws down Iodide of Silver, Ag. I, which is scarcely 
 soluble in Ammonia; 2. Bromides, which may be detected 
 by removing all the I from the liquid by Sulphate of Cop- 
 per, and S0 2 , and testing for Bromine. Iodate and Carbo- 
 nate of Potassa may be detected by their insolubility in 
 alcohol. If the Iodide should be very deliquescent, KO, 
 C0 2 may be suspected. 
 
 Med. Effects. Those of Iodine generally. Used in slow 
 poisoning by Mercury and Lead; which it is supposed 
 to convert in the tissues into Iodides, which it afterwards 
 dissolves. May thus render Mercury active, and produce 
 salivation. 
 
 Dose, gr. v to xxx; has been given in §ss doses. Its 
 ointment, 
 
 n. *Unguentum Potassii Iodidi, is made by rubbing 
 up 3j Potass. Iodid., dissolved in f 3J Aqua?,, with §j 
 Adipis. 
 
 Incompatibles. Mineral Acids, Salts of Copper, Lead, 
 Silver, Iron, Manganese ; all the preparations of Mer- 
 cury, except the Iodides — Tartaric Acid. 
 
 h. Bromide. 
 
 o. Potassii Bromidum — Bromide of Potassium, K. Br. 
 
 R. Bromin. 31J; Ferri Ramentce ^j ; Potass. Garb. 
 
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 87 
 
 ^ij, 5J 7 or q. s.j Aq. Destill. Oiv. The Bromine is com- 
 bined with the iron filings, to form Bromide of Iron; 
 which is then decomposed by the KO,C0 2 , FeBr, and 
 KO,C0 2 = FeO,C0 2 and KBr. The solution of KBr ; is 
 filtered from the insoluble Carbonate of Iron, and the 
 salt crystallized out. 
 
 Prop. Resembles in appearance KI. Taste similar to 
 common salt, but more acrid. Freely soluble in water ; 
 less so in alcohol. 
 
 Med. Effects. Those of KI, but less energetic. Dose, 
 gr. iij to x, t. d. Used externally in ointment, 9j to 3lj; 
 to 3j Adipis. 
 
 k. Organic Compounds. 
 
 p. potass^e acetas — acetate of potassa, ko,a, 
 
 or (C 4 H 3 3 ). 
 
 Prep. By saturating * Acetic Acid with Carbonate of 
 Potassa, and evaporating to dryness. 
 
 Prop. Foliated white crystalline mass, very deliques- 
 cent, of a warm, pungent, saline taste. Soluble in half 
 its weight of water, and twice its weight of alcohol. 
 Heated above point of fusion, decomposed into Acetone 
 and K0,C0 2 . 
 
 Med. Effects. Diuretic ; in larger doses, cathartic. 
 
 Incompat. The mineral acids, sulphate of soda and 
 magnesia, corrosive sublimate, nitrate of silver ; the aci- 
 
88 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 dulous salts, and those of the metals proper, and earths 
 generally. 
 
 q. PoTASSiE BlTARTRAS — Bitartrate of Potassa. Acid 
 Tartrate of Potassa, Cream of Tartar. KO,HO, T * 
 
 Prep. From the deposit in wine casks, the Argol ; by 
 solution in hot water, and re-crystallization. 
 
 Prop. White, crystalline, permanent salt, slightly acid 
 taste, acid reaction; soluble in 184 parts cold, and 18 
 boiling water; insoluble in alcohol. Is decomposed by 
 a red heat, leaving carbonate of potassa, and charcoal. 
 When in powder, liable to adulteration ; but generally 
 pure in crystals. 
 
 Chem. Eel. ^Tartaric Acid being bibasic, this salt 
 consists of one eq. of acid, one of potassa, and one of 
 water. By substituting for the latter, potassa, soda, the 
 oxides of iron and antimony, a series of double salts is 
 formed. 
 
 Med. Effects. Cathartic, diuretic, refrigerant. 
 
 Incompat. Solutions of Baryta, Strontia, Lime, Acetate 
 of Lead ; the concentrated mineral acids. 
 
 r. Potass^ Tartras — Tartrate of Potassa — So- 
 luble Tartar. 2KO,T. 
 
 Prep. Made by adding to Bitartrate of Potassa 
 an eq. of Carbonate of Potassa, and boiling. The 
 
 * The formula of Tartaric Acid, crystallized, is 2HO,C s .H40io, the water 
 being basic. Its symbol is T. 
 
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 89 
 
 C0 2 is given off, and two eqs. of neutral Tartrate of 
 Potassa are formed. KO,HO,T, and KO,C0 2 = 2KO,T, 
 and HO and C0 2 . 
 
 Prop. White, slightly deliquescent, anhydrous salt; 
 soluble in two parts cold water, and less of boiling water. 
 By heat melts, blackens, aud is converted into KO,C0 2 . 
 
 Med. Effects. Mild purgative. 
 
 Incompat. Those of the Bitartrate ; the acidulous 
 salts. 
 
 s, t. *Potass^ Citras, and *Liq. Potass^ Citras. 
 See *Potass^e Bicarbonas. 
 
 u. Potassii Ferrocyanuretum — Ferrocyanuret (Fer- 
 rocyanide) of Potassium. 2K, (Fe 3Cy). 
 
 Prep. Is made on the large scale, by calcining animal 
 matters with carbonate of potassa, and adding iron. Has 
 also been made by the action of a current of air upon 
 a mixture of charcoal and carbonate of potassa, and iron. 
 This process, although successful, was not economical, 
 from the waste of potash. 
 
 Prop. Large, transparent, lemon-yellow crystals; in- 
 odorous ; of a sweetish, saline taste. Soluble in about 
 four parts of cold, and one of boiling water. Contains 
 three eq. of water, when crystallized, which it loses at 
 126°. Forms characteristic precipitates when added to 
 the salts of copper, zinc, and sesquioxide of iron. 
 
 Med. Effects. When pure, is not poisonous. Is consi- 
 dered sedative and astringent, but is seldom used. 
 
 8* 
 
90 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 Ferricyanide of Potassium. See Part III. 
 
 v. *P0TASSII Cyanuretum — Cyanuret (Cyanide) of 
 Potassium , KCy. 
 
 Prep. Is prepared by fusing together Ferrocyanide of 
 Potassium (§viii) and Carbonate of Potassa (§iij), until 
 effervescence ceases. 
 
 Prop. White, opaque, amorphous masses ; sharp, bit- 
 ter, alkaline taste ; alkaline reaction ; is deliquescent ; very 
 soluble in water, and sparingly so in strong alcohol; is 
 usually impure, containing principally Carbonate of Po- 
 tassa, also Cyanate and Formate of Potassa. Decomposes 
 slowly in the air, Hydrocyanic Acid being disengaged, 
 and Carbonate of Potassa formed. 
 
 Med. Effects. Those of Hydrocyanic Acid, which is 
 liberated by the addition of acids. When an excess of 
 Tartaric Acid is added, the Acid Tartrate of Potassa falls, 
 leaving Hydrocyanic Acid in solution. From its variable 
 strength is uncertain. Dose, gr. |th. 
 
 Incompatibles. All Acids, and Acid Salts, Nitrate of 
 Silver. 
 
 XIV. SODIUM (NATRIUM). Na. 22-97. 
 
 Prep. Obtained by reducing Soda by charcoal, at a 
 high heat. 
 
 Prop. Resembles, in all its properties, Potassium ; is 
 soft, silvery, easily tarnished; Sp. Gr. 0-972; liquid at 
 1-94 ; decomposes water, but does not take fire, unless the 
 
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 91 
 
 water be warm, or the metal be prevented from moving 
 about. 
 
 Abundant in all animal forms, as Potassa is in the 
 vegetable ; forms with 0, NaO, Soda, Na0 2 , Binoxide of 
 Na, and perhaps Na0 37 Teroxide. All the compounds of 
 Sodium resemble strongly those of Potassium. 
 
 A. Soda, NaO. 
 
 Made by oxidizing Na. The Hydrate, Caustic Soda, 
 is made by boiling Carbonate of Soda, and Caustic Lime. 
 See Potassa. Resembles Caustic Potassa. 
 
 Ghem. Rel. A powerful base ; forms an extensive series 
 of salts, all of which are soluble. 
 
 The Chloride of Sodium, Chlorinated Soda, and 
 the Nitrate, Carbonates, Sulphate, Phosphate, 
 Acetate, and Tartrate, are officinal. 
 
 Test. The yellow colour its salts communicate to the 
 flame of the blowpipe. 
 
 Incompatibles. Those of KO, except the Neutral Tar- 
 trates. 
 
 b. Carbonates. 
 
 a. *Sod.e Carbonas — Carbonate oe Soda, NaO, 
 C0 2 . 
 
 Prep. Is obtained from Barilla, the ashes of plants 
 growing by the sea-side, but more generally by the de- 
 composition of Sulphate or Soda. This salt is heated 
 
92 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 in a reverberatory furnace, with limestone (CaO,C0 2 ), and 
 coarse coal (C). The Carbon deoxidizes the NaO,S0 3 , 
 leaving Sulphide of Sodium. NaO,S0 3 and 4 C = NaS, 
 and 4 CO. The Sulphide of Sodium reacts with the 
 Carbonate of Lime to form Sulphide of Calcium, and 
 Carbonate of Soda, NaS, and CaO,C0 2 = NaO,C0 2 
 and CaS. The Carbonate of Soda is obtained from the 
 mixture by solution and crystallization. 
 
 Prop. A colourless salt, crystallizing in large, oblique, 
 rhombic prisms, which effloresce. They contain about 
 60 p. c. of water. Taste alkaline and disagreeable, solu- 
 ble in 2 parts cold water ; reaction alkaline ; heated loses 
 its water, and afterwards fuses ; may contain a small quan- 
 tity of common salt, Sulphate of Soda, or Sulphide of Po- 
 tassium, as impurities; but they are not in sufficient 
 quantity to be injurious for ordinary purposes. 
 
 Med. Effects and Incompat. Those of Carbonate of 
 Potassa. 
 
 Dose, gr. x to 3ss ; in large quantities an irritant poi- 
 son. Antidotes : vinegar, lemon juice, fixed oils. 
 
 b. *Sod.e Carbonas Exsiccatus — Dried Carbonate 
 of Soda. 
 
 Is made by drying the crystallized carbonate ; from its 
 containing less water must be given in smaller doses ; is 
 convenient for making into pills. 
 
 C. *SOD^B BlCARBONAS — BICARBONATE OF SODA — Su- 
 per Carbonate of Soda, HO,C0 2 , NaO,C0 2 . 
 
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 93 
 
 Prep. By saturating NaO,C0 2 with C0 2 . The opera- 
 tion is best performed by placing the crystals of the salt 
 in a porous diaphragm in a box, and passing the gas over 
 them. As the Bicarbonate contains less water than the 
 Carbonate, the excess falls through the perforations during 
 the process. 
 
 Prop. A white powder ; alkaline, not acrid taste ; alka- 
 line reaction ; soluble in 13 parts cold water ; in boiling 
 water loses a portion of C0 2 , and becomes Sesquicar- 
 bonate. 
 
 Med. Properties. The mildest and least disagreeable of 
 the alkaline preparations. Employed in the same cases as 
 the alkalies generally. Also in Soda and Seidlitz Pow- 
 ders. 
 
 c. Sulphate. 
 
 d. Sod^g Sulphas — Sulphate of Soda — Glauber's 
 Salt, NaO,S0 3 . 
 
 Prep. Made by the action of S0 3 on the weaker salts 
 of Soda. 
 
 Prop. Recently prepared is in long prismatic crystals; 
 cooling and bitter taste ; containing 10 eq. water, or nearly 
 76 per cent., in which they fuse readily, and lose entirely, 
 by efflorescence in dry air at common temperatures. The 
 anhydrous salt is soluble in 5 parts water at 60°, and 2 
 parts at 91°, which is its temperature of maximum solu- 
 bility. 
 
94 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 Med. Prop. Cathartic. Not now much used. 
 Incompat. Those of the soluble salts of Sulphuric 
 Acid. 
 
 d. Phosphates. 
 
 Soda forms with P0 5 in common with other bases, three 
 distinct salts, each containing one eq. of acid, but having 
 respectively one, two, and three eqs. of base. They are the 
 Metaphosphate of Soda, NaO,P0 5 , made by heating acid 
 Phosphate of Soda to redness ; Pyrophosphate of Soda, 2 
 NaO,P0 5 , made by heating the common Phosphate of 
 Soda to redness ; and Common Phosphate of Soda, 
 HO,2NaO,P0 5 +24HO, made by adding Carbonate of 
 Soda to the Superphosphate of Lime, obtained by adding 
 S0 3 to calcined bones. The Lime is converted into Car- 
 bonate, while the P0 5 unites with the NaO. This is the 
 officinal salt. We have also the Subphosphate of Soda, 
 3NaO,P0 5 , acid Phosphate of Soda, 2 HO,NaO,P0 5 , 
 2 HO, and Bipyrophosphate of Soda, HO, NaO,P0 5 . 
 
 e. *Sodje Phosphas — Phosphate of Soda. — Taste- 
 less, purging salt, HO,2 NaO,P0 5 . 
 
 Prep. Given above. 
 
 Prop. Large, transparent, colourless crystals, speedily 
 efflorescing, and becoming opaque; taste resembles com- 
 mon salt ; reaction alkaline ; soluble in 4 parts cold, 2 
 boiling water; gently heated, loses water of crystalli- 
 zation : at a red heat, loses its basic water, and becomes 
 
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 95 
 
 pyrophosphate; contains 24 equiv. of water of crystalli- 
 zation. 
 
 Med. Effects. Mild cathartic. 
 
 Dose gj to gij. 
 
 Incompat. Soluble Salts of Lime; neutral metallic 
 solutions ; strong acids. 
 
 e. Chloride. NaCl. 
 
 /. *Sodii Chloridtjm — Chloride of Sodium, Common 
 Salt, NaCl. 
 
 Prep. Is obtained from sea-water, salt springs, or salt 
 mines (rock salt), in which it exists native. Sea-water or 
 that of salt springs is evaporated, until the greater part of 
 the NaCl crystallizes out; the mother liquid, holding in 
 solution the more soluble salts, as the Chlorides of Mag- 
 nesium, the Sulphate of Soda, &c, is drawn off, consti- 
 tuting bittern. 
 
 Prop. An anhydrous salt, crystallizing in cubes ; of a 
 well-known, agreeable taste ; when pure, does not alter 
 in the air ; soluble in about 3 parts water ; the solubility 
 is not much increased by heat. 
 
 Impurities. Insoluble matters, Chlorides of Lime and 
 Magnesium, Sulphates of Soda and Lime. 
 
 Med. Effects. Small doses, tonic, anthelmintic; large, 
 emetic and purgative. Is the antidote to Nitrate of 
 Silver. 
 
96 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 Incompat. Strong Sulphuric Acid, Nitrate of Silver, 
 Sulphates of Copper and Iron, Protoxide of Mercury. 
 
 g. *Liquor SoDiE Chlorinate — Solution of Chlo- 
 rinated Soda — Labarraque's Disinfecting Liquid. 
 NaO,C10, and NaCl ? 
 
 Prep. R. Calcis Chlorinat. Bbj ; Sodce Carb. ftij ; 
 Aq. Cong. jss. Dissolve the Carbonate of Soda in Oiij 
 of the Aq., with the aid of heat; to the remainder of the 
 Aq. add the Calc. Chlorin. by small portions, stirring 
 after each addition ; allow the solution to stand, that im- 
 purities may subside; pour off the clear liquor and mix 
 with the solution of Sodce Carb. ; allow the precipitate of 
 Carbonate of Lime to subside; pass the clear liquid 
 through a linen cloth, and keep in well-stopped bottles, 
 secluded from the light. 
 
 Rem. This process consists in decomposing a solution 
 of ^Chlorinated Lime by Carbonate of Soda ; Carbonate 
 of Lime and Chlorinated Soda result. The constitution 
 of this solution is uncertain (see ^Chlorinated Lime). 
 It may be either Hypochlorite of Soda, with Chloride of 
 Sodium, or, according to Millon, contains an Oxy chloride 
 
 of Sodium, Na 2 j° 2 ' or 2 NaO,Cl. 
 (CI, 
 
 Prop. A colourless liquid; faint odour of Chlorine, 
 alkaline reaction. 
 
 Med. Uses. Those of Chlorine, upon which it depends 
 for its effects. It is the most elegant and manageable of 
 
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 97 
 
 the Chlorine compounds for prescription or use on the 
 small scale. 
 
 Dose) gtt. xxx. to f 3Jj diluted. 
 
 Incompat. Acids, Nitrate of Silver. 
 
 With Iodine and Bromine, sodium forms salts analo- 
 gous to those of Potassium. They are sometimes em- 
 ployed in medicine. 
 
 f. Borate. 
 
 h. Sodje Boras — Borax, NaO, 2 B0 3 . 
 
 Prep. Occurs native and is made by the addition of 
 native Boracic Acid, B0 3 , to Soda. 
 
 Prop. A white, crystalline salt, soluble in 12 parts 
 cold and 2 of boiling water; taste, sweetish alkaline; 
 reaction, alkaline ; exposed to the air, effloresces ; contains 
 ordinarily 10 eqs. water of crystallization, in which it 
 fuses at a moderate heat; at a higher heat, loses its water 
 of crystallization and fuses, forming, when cool, glass of 
 Borax. Is a Biborate of Soda. 
 
 Med. Effects. Refrigerant and diuretic. Generally 
 used, rubbed up with sugar and honey, as a mild astrin- 
 gent in aphthous sore mouth of children. 
 
 g. Organic Compounds. 
 
 i. Sonm Acetas — Acetate of Soda, NaO, A. 
 Prep. Is made by saturating Acetic Acid with Carbo- 
 nate of Soda. 
 
 9 
 
98 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 Prop. White salt, crystallized in long, striated prisms ; 
 effloresces slowly in dry air; contains 6 eq. water, when 
 crystallized ; soluble in 3 parts cold water, and 24 of alco- 
 hol; heated, melts in its water of crystallization, which is 
 then driven off, and the salt undergoes igneous fusion, and 
 is finally decomposed, the residue being a mixture of NaO, 
 C0 2 , and C. 
 
 Med. Effects. Those generally of Acetate of Potassa. 
 
 k. SODiE ET POTASSiE TARTRAS — TARTRATE OF Po- 
 
 tassa and Soda — Rochelle Salt, KO,NaOT. 
 
 Is made by saturating a boiling solution of Bitartrate 
 of Potassa with Carbonate of Soda, KO,HO,T, and 
 NaO,CO = KO,NaO,T, and C0 2 , and HO. 
 
 Prop. Large, transparent, prismatic crystals, efflores- 
 cing in the air ; the crystalline salt contains 10 eq. water ; 
 dissolves in 5 parts cold, and 1J boiling water; taste mild 
 saline ; reaction neutral. 
 
 Med. Effects. The least nauseous of the saline cathar- 
 tics ; the active ingredient of Seidlitz Powders. These are 
 composed of gr. xxv Acid. Tartaric, put up in a white 
 paper, and 3ij Sodce et Potass. Tart., with 9ij Sodce 
 Bicarb., mixed, and put up in the blue paper. When the 
 contents of these are separately dissolved, and the solutions 
 mixed, effervescence takes place, owing to the escape of 
 the C0 2 of the KO,C0 2 , while the KO unites with the T, 
 to form an additional eq. of Tartrate of Soda. 
 
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 99 
 
 Incompat. Acids, Acidulous Salts, Salts of the Alka- 
 line Earths. 
 
 XV. AMMONIUM. NIK 18. (Hypothetical.) 
 
 When a globule of mercury is placed on a piece of 
 moistened Sal Ammoniac, and submitted to the action of 
 a powerful voltaic battery, an amalgam is formed. It may 
 also be procured by immersing an amalgam of Potassium 
 and Mercury in a strong solution of Sal Ammoniac. The 
 mass swells to many times its original bulk, and becomes 
 pasty. Left to itself, it quickly decomposes into Mercury, 
 Ammonia, and Hydrogen. 
 
 The amalgam thus formed, is supposed to be constituted 
 of Mercury, and an hypothetical substance, Ammonium, 
 which, although composed of Nitrogen and Hydrogen, acts 
 in all its chemical relations as an elementary body. Its 
 compounds resemble strongly those of Potassium and 
 Sodium. All attempts to isolate it have failed. Its oxide 
 is Ammonia, NH 4 (NH 3 ). 
 
 a. Ammonia, NH 4 (NH 8 ). 
 
 Prep. Made by heating a mixture of Chloride of 
 Ammonium (Muriate of Ammonia, Sal Ammoniac), with 
 Quicklime, Ammonia is given off, and Chloride of 
 Calcium remains. NH 4 C1 and CaO = NH 4 and CaCl. 
 
 Prop. A colourless, transparent gas, taste hot and 
 acrid, odour pungent and suffocating; is irrespirable ; Sp. 
 
100 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 Gr. 0*59 ; is slightly inflammable ; by cold and pressure, is 
 condensed into a transparent, colourless liquid, Sp. G-r. 
 0-731; cold water dissolves about 670 vols, of this gas, 
 and the solution, which increases in bulk about two- 
 thirds, is specifically lighter than pure water. 
 
 Gen. Chem. Pel. Is a powerful alkali, having the alka- 
 line reaction, and combining with acids to form salts, 
 which bear a striking general resemblance to those of Po- 
 tassa and Soda. From the volatile nature of the base, 
 they are decomposed or volatilized by a high heat. They 
 are all colourless when pure, and soluble. They may be 
 recognized by the evolution of Ammonia, when treated 
 with Hydrate of Lime. 
 
 Officinal Forms. 
 
 a. Liquor Ammonite Fortior — Stronger Solution of 
 Ammonia. 
 
 Prep. By passing Ammonia into water kept cold. 
 
 Prop. A colourless liquid, of a caustic acrid taste, and 
 very pungent smell; Sp. Gr. 0-875 at 50°; gelatinizes at 
 40°, and boils at 130°, liberating Ammonia; it contains 
 32-5 p. c. of Ammonia. 
 
 Med. Effects. Is too strong for medical use ; is used to 
 form other preparations of Ammonia. 
 
 Incompat. Acids, Acidulous Salts, the neutral salts of 
 the metals generally, Chlorine. 
 
 b. ^Liquor Ammonite — Solution of Ammonia. 
 
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 101 
 
 Is the term applied to an aqueous solution of Ammonia, 
 of Sp. Gt. 0-960, containing about 10 per cent. 
 
 Med. Effects. Stimulant, diaphoretic, antacid; used in 
 cases of bites of serpents, stings of insects, &c, both inter- 
 nally and applied to the wound ; externally is rubefacient 
 and vesicant \ in over dose, an irritant poison, — antidote, 
 weak acids. Dose, gtt. x to xxx. 
 
 c. *Spiritus Ammonite — Spirit or Ammonia — Spi- 
 rit of Hartshorn. 
 
 Prep. By passing Ammoniacal Gas into * Alcohol. 
 
 Prop. Colourless, transparent liquid; taste acrid and 
 caustic; odour strongly ammoniacal ; Sp. G-r. about 0*831, 
 being about the strength of the *Liq. Ammonite. Dose, 
 gtt. x to xxx. 
 
 d. *Spiritus Ammonite Aromaticus — Aromatic 
 Spirit of Ammonia — Aromatic Spirit of Hartshorn. 
 
 R. Ammon. Mur. §v; Potass. Garb, gviii; Cinnam. 
 Contus. Caryophyll. Contus. aa 3^j ; Cort. Limon. §iv; 
 Alcohol, Aquce, aa Ov. M. and distil Oviiss. 
 
 Pern. The Muriate of Ammonia (Chloride of Ammo- 
 nium) and Carbonate of Potassa react, to form Carbonate 
 of Ammonia, and Chloride of Potassium. NH 4 C1 and 
 K0,C0 2 = NH 4 0,C0 2 and KC1. The preparation is there- 
 fore a solution of Carbonate of Ammonia, impregnated 
 with the oils of Cinnamon, Cloves, and Lemon. Sp. G-r. 
 0-918. 
 
 Dose, gtt. x to xxx. 
 
 9* 
 
102 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 e. *Linimenttjm Ammonite — Liniment of Ammonia. 
 
 Yo la t He L in im ent. 
 
 R. Lia. Ammonice f gi ; 01. Olivcef%\y M. 
 
 The solution of Ammonia forms, with the oil, a soap. 
 Is much used as a mild rubefacient. 
 
 b. Carbonates. 
 
 /. *Ammonije Carbonas — Carbonate of Ammonia, 
 2NH 4 0,3C0 2 . 
 
 Prep. Is made by subliming a mixture of Muriate of 
 Ammonia (Chloride of Ammonium), and Chalk (Carbo- 
 nate of Lime), 3 NH 4 C1, and 3 CaO,CO =2 NH 4 0, 3C0 2 , 
 and 3 CaCl and NH 4 0. 
 
 Prop, White, moderately hard, translucent masses; 
 soluble in four parts cold water, and in diluted alcohol; 
 is decomposed by boiling water. Smell pungent, ammo- 
 niacal ; taste sharp, alkaline. Exposed to the air, it dis- 
 engages neutral carbonate of ammonia (NH 4 0,C0 2 ), and 
 becomes Bicarbonate (2NH 4 0,3CO— NH 4 C0 2 = NH 4 0, 
 2C0 2 ). The Bicarbonate is inodorous, fixed ; its crystals 
 resemble those of Bicarbonate of Potassa. 
 
 Med, Effects. A mild preparation, possessing the thera- 
 peutical properties of ammonia. Dose, gr. v. 
 
 Incompatible^. Those of the soluble carbonates, and of 
 Ammonia. 
 
 With c, Hydrosulphtjric Acid, HS, Ammonia forms 
 the Hydrosulphate of Ammonia; or more properly, 
 
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 103 
 
 the Hydrosulphate of the Sulphide of Ammonium, NH 4 
 S + HS. This is made by passing HS into Liq. Am- 
 monite to saturation. It is nearly colourless at first, but 
 slowly becomes yellow. It is of great value as a test for 
 the metals. Has been used in Medicine, in cases where 
 Hydrosulphuric acid is indicated ; and possesses, in 
 addition, the effects of Ammonia. It is an exceedingly 
 useful application, externally in rheumatism and gout. 
 
 d. Chloride. 
 
 g. * Ammonite Murias — Muriate of Ammonia (Chlo- 
 ride of Ammonium) — Sal, Ammoniac, NH 3 KC1, or 
 NH 4 C1. 
 
 Prejp. On the large scale, from organic matters con- 
 taining Ammonia — as gas liquor, bone spirit, putrid urine, 
 soot, coal, and guano. The various compounds of am- 
 monia in these are generally converted into sulphate by 
 the addition of S0 3 . This is sublimed with common 
 salt, giving sulphate of soda, and chloride of ammonium. 
 NH 4 0,S0 3 , and NaCl=NaO,S0 3 , and NH 4 C1. 
 
 Prop. White, inodorous, translucent, fibrous salt ; 
 taste pungent, saline. Soluble in three parts cold, and 
 one boiling water ; less so in ordinary alcohol. Sub- 
 limes unchanged at a red heat ; very difficult to powder. 
 It may be granulated by evaporating its solution, and 
 constantly stirring as the mass thickens. Reaction 
 slightly acid. 
 
104 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 Med. Effects. Alterative; in large doses, purgative. 
 Externally, in bruises, tumours, &c. Dose, gr. v to xxx. 
 
 Incompat. Those of the soluble chlorides, and of am- 
 monia. 
 
 e. Acetate. 
 
 h. Liquor Ammonia Acetatis — Solution of Ace- 
 tate or Ammonia — Spirit of Minder er us, NH 4 0,A. 
 
 Prep. By saturating ^Diluted Acetic Acid with 
 carbonate of ammonia. 
 
 Prop. Colourless, inodorous liquid, saline taste. 
 Speedily decomposes. 
 
 Med. Effects. Diaphoretic, or diuretic ; used in intoxi- 
 cation. Externally, as a cooling alterative lotion in skin 
 diseases. Dose, fgss to fgj. 
 
 Incompat. Alkalies, alkaline earths, lime-water; those 
 of the soluble acetates, and of ammonia generally. 
 
 METALS OF THE ALKALINE EARTHS. 
 XVI. BARIUM. Ba. 68-84. 
 
 Prep. By passing the vapour of K over Baryta. 
 
 Prop. White metal, resembling silver ; fusible below 
 a red heat ; sinks in oil of vitriol ; decomposes water with 
 avidity, forming BaO. 
 
 Chem. Eel. Forms two oxides; Baryta, BaO, and 
 Binoxide, Ba0 2 . Also compounds with the other non- 
 metallic elements. 
 
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 105 
 
 A. Baryta. BaO. 
 
 Prep. Heat Nitrate of Baryta, to bright redness. 
 
 Prop. A gray powder ; Sp. Gr. 4 ; slakes like lime, 
 forming a hydrate; absorbs carbonic acid greedily; is 
 caustic. 
 
 Chem. Eel. Forms a series of permanent salts, of 
 which the Chloride only is used in medicine. The 
 soluble salts of Baryta are incompatible with the soluble 
 sulphates, oxalates, and tartrates. 
 
 Tests. The soluble salts of BaO, give a white precipi- 
 tate with S0 3 , unaltered by N0 5 , or HC1. They are all 
 poisonous. Antidote, the soluble Sulphates. 
 
 Officinal Preparations, a. *BARII Chloridum — Chlo- 
 ride of Barium. BaCl. 
 
 Prep. By neutralizing HC1 with BaO,C0 2 . On the 
 large scale, by decomposing the native Sulphate (Heavy 
 Spar), by heating with Carbon (see Carbonate of Soda) ; 
 the Sulphide of Barium formed is decomposed, by the ad- 
 dition of HC1, into BaCl, and HS. 
 
 Prop. Permanent white crystalline salt; taste bitter 
 and disagreeable ; contains 2 eqs. water of crystallization, 
 which it loses with decrepitation below 212°. Soluble in 
 2 J parts cold water, and its weight at 222°, the boiling- 
 point of a saturated solution ; also in diluted alcohol, but 
 scarcely in absolute alcohol. Alcohol containing it, burns 
 with a yellow flame. Fuses at a red heat. 
 
 Med. Effects. Large doses, poisonous (see Baryta); 
 
106 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 moderate doses, alterative and anthelmintic. Used in 
 carcinoma, scrofula, cutaneous diseases. Given generally 
 in solution. 
 
 b. *Liquor Barii Chloridi — Solution of Chloride of 
 Barium. R. Barii Chlorid. §j ; Aq. destill. f §iij. M. 
 et cola. Dose, gtt. v ; gradually increased. 
 
 Incompat. 'Those of the soluble Chlorides, and Salts of 
 Baryta, 
 
 XVII. STRONTIUM. Sr. 43-84. 
 
 Prep. In same manner as Ba, which it closely re- 
 sembles. 
 
 Rem. Forms Strontia, SrO, and Binoxide of Stron- 
 tium, Sr0 3 . The former gives a series of salts, which 
 give a red tinge to flame. They precipitate with the so- 
 luble sulphates, but less completely than BaO. May be 
 distinguished by Hydrofluosilicic Acid, which precipitates 
 BaO, but forms a salt with SrO, very soluble in excess of 
 acid. The preparations are not poisonous, and have been 
 used in medicine with the same objects as those of Ba. 
 
 XVIII. CALCIUM. Ca. 20. 
 
 Prep. By means analogous to those of Ba, and Sr. 
 Is a white metal, very easily oxidized ; forms CaO, Lime, 
 and Ca0 2 , Binoxide of Calcium. The former only forms 
 salts. 
 
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 107 
 
 a. *Calx, Lime, CaO. 
 
 Prep. By heating, in an open furnace, the Carbonate 
 (limestone, chalk, &c). 
 
 Prop, Grayish-white, solid ; taste, caustic, alkaline. 
 Sp. Gr. 2-3, very refractory. Absorbs on exposure to the 
 air, water and C0 2 , and falls to powder (air-slaked lime) ; 
 combines with water, to form a hydrate (slaked lime). 
 When mixed in excess with water, forms milfc of lime. 
 Is sparingly soluble in water, and more so in cold than in 
 hot water. Keaction, alkaline; is a strong base ; is caustic. 
 The Chloride, the Carbonates and the Chlorinated Lime, 
 are officinal. 
 
 Incompatibles. Acids, acidulous salts, soluble sul- 
 phates, tartrates, carbonates ; the metallic salts generally; 
 the vegetable astringents. Is the antidote to Oxalic 
 Acid. 
 
 Test. Oxalic acid, gives a white precipitate in neutral 
 or alkaline solutions. 
 
 b. *LlQUOR Calcis — Lime Water. 
 
 R. Calcis giv; Aa. Destill. Cong. j. Slake the Lime 
 with a little of the water, then pour on the rest. Keep 
 in well-stopped bottles over the insoluble excess of lime. 
 
 Rem. Water at 60° dissolves about T ^g of Lime; one 
 pint contains, at 60°, about 9 J grs.; heated, a portion of 
 the Lime precipitates; the solution absorbs Carbonic Acid 
 readily, and an insoluble carbonate precipitates. 
 
 Med. Effects. Antacid, and the compounds formed by 
 
108 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 its union with the gastric acids, are astringent. Used in 
 Diarrhoea, Vomiting, Dyspepsia, &c. ; externally as an 
 astringent lotion. Dose, f §ss to giv. 
 Incompat. Those of Lime. 
 
 c. *Potassa cum Calce — Potctssa icith Lime — Vienna 
 Paste. 
 
 Prep. Is made by rubbing together equal parts of 
 Lime zn&'IIi/drate of Potassa ; is deliquescent, but less so 
 than the Caustic Potassa ; is employed in the same cases, 
 and is a milder application. 
 
 b. Carbonates. 
 
 Carbonate of Lime occurs native as Chalk, Marble, Lime- 
 stone, &c. j is obtained by precipitating Chloride of Cal- 
 cium with a soluble carbonate. 
 
 d. *Calcis Carbonas Pr^ecipitatus — Precipitated 
 Carbonate of Lime. 
 
 R. Liq. Calcii. Chlorid. Ovss; Sodce Carb. Ib.vi; Aq. 
 Destill. q. s. Dissolve the Sodce Carb. in Ovi Aq. ; heat 
 this solution, and that of the Calcii. Chlorid. , to the boil- 
 ing-point, and mix them; allow the Carbonate to subside, 
 wash it well, and dry on bibulous paper; this reaction is a 
 double decomposition, Chloride of Sodium and Carbonate 
 of Lime being formed. (CaCl and NaO,C0 2 = CaO,C0 3 
 and NaCl.) 
 
 Prop. An insoluble white powder, smooth, and entirely 
 dissolved with copious effervescence in Muriatic Acid. 
 
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 109 
 
 May be adulterated with CaO,S0 3? which is detected by 
 thus treating it. 
 
 e. *Creta Pr^eparata — Prepared Chalk. 
 
 Prep. Is made by the levigation and elutriation of 
 ordinary Chalk, by which the grosser and gritty particles 
 are gotten rid of; generally prepared on the large scale. 
 
 Prop. Found in conical masses, smooth, and entirely 
 free from grit. 
 
 Med. Effects. Those of Lime ; externally as a desiccat- 
 ing and soothing application. Dose, gr. x to xxx. 
 
 /. *Testa Pr^eparata — Prepared Oyster- Shells. 
 
 Prep. Is made by preparing well-washed oyster-shells 
 in the same manner as chalk ; does not differ from Greta 
 Preparata, except in containing a little animal matter. 
 
 c. Chlorides. 
 
 g. *Calcii Chloridum — Cliloride of Calcium. CaCl. 
 
 Prep. Is made by dissolving Carbonate of Lime in 
 Hydrochloric Acid. CaO,CO a and HC1 = CaCl, and HO 
 and C0 2 . 
 
 Prop. When anhydrous is a whitish, hard, translu- 
 cent substance, having a great attraction for moisture; 
 hence used largely as a desiccating agent, when crystal- 
 lized in frigorific mixtures; taste acrid, bitter; reaction 
 slightly alkaline ; soluble in about -L- its weight of water, 
 at 60° ; also in 10 parts anhydrous Alcohol. 
 
 10 
 
110 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 Incompat. Those of the Salts of Lime, and of Hydro- 
 chloric Acid. 
 
 Med. Effects. Tonic and alterative ; used in solution. 
 
 h. *LlQUOR Calcii Chloridi — Solution of Chloride 
 of Calcium. 
 
 Prep. Made by dissolving Chloride of Calcium in its 
 weight and a half of water, and filtering. 
 
 Dose. Gtt. xxx to 3j ; in overdose, may produce symp- 
 toms of irritant poisoning; antidotes, the carbonates or 
 sulphates.- 
 
 i. *Calx Chlorinata — Chlorinated Lime — Bleach- 
 ing Powder — Chloride of Lime. CaO,C10 + CaCl. 
 
 Prep. Made by the action of CI on HO,CaO ; should 
 contain at least 25 per cent, of Chlorine. 
 
 Prop. Grayish-white powder; taste hot, acrid, bitter, 
 and astringent; smell characteristic; bleaches powerfully; 
 speedily loses its chlorine when kept ; is decomposed on 
 exposure to the air, absorbing C0 3 , which liberates CI; 
 the same effect is produced by acids generally ; soluble in 
 10 parts water ; heated gives off and some CI, and be- 
 comes CaCl; its composition is uncertain, supposed to be: 
 1. Mixture of Hypochlorite of Lime, and Chloride of Cal- 
 cium; 2. Chloride of Lime; 3. Oxychloride of Calcium. 
 
 Med. Effects. Not much used internally, the Chlo- 
 rinated Soda being preferred ; used largely as a disinfec- 
 tant, and as a wash in foul ulcers ; acts by the liberation 
 of its Chlorine. 
 
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY. Ill 
 
 Incompat. Acids and Acidulous Salts, the Carbonates ; 
 the neutral Metallic Salts ; those of Chlorine and Lime 
 generally. 
 
 d. Sulphate. CaO,S0 3 . 
 
 Gypsum, Plaster of Paris, is found native. Is soluble 
 in about 400 parts water, causing permanent hardness ; 
 when anhydrous (Calcined Plaster), it forms, with water, 
 a hydrate, which quickly hardens (sets) ; hence is largely 
 used in taking casts ; heated above 300°, refuses to unite 
 again with water ; is not used in medicine. 
 
 The E. Phosphate of Lime, is used in medicine, officinal 
 in Dub. Ph., in the form of Bone Phosphate of Lime ; it 
 consists of 3CaO,P0 5 ; is insoluble; used in Scrofula, 
 Phthisis, &c. 
 
 XIX. MAGNESIUM. Mg. 12-67. 
 
 Prep. By the reaction at a high heat of Sodium, with 
 Chloride of Magnesium. 
 
 Prop. White, malleable metal, fusible at a red heat ; 
 not acted on sensibly by cold water; oxidized by hot water ; 
 heated in the air, burns and forms Magnesia, MnO, 
 which is its only oxide. 
 
 A. *Magnesia, MnO, Calcined Magnesia. 
 
 Prep. Made by heating Carbonate of Magnesia to 
 a full red heat, in an open crucible ; the Carbonate loses 
 its Carbonic Acid and water, and anhydrous Magnesia 
 
112 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 remains; may be precipitated as hydrate by the action of 
 Caustic Alkali on its Sulphate. 
 
 Prop. A nearly insoluble, light, white bulky powder, 
 nearly insipid, fused only by the compound blowpipe ; it 
 should not effervesce with acids. Dense Magnesia (Henry's, 
 Husband's, &c.) is from i to | the bulk of ordinary Mag- 
 nesia, and is less rough to the taste ; it may be produced, 
 1. By trituration ; 2. By using a high heat during calcina- 
 tion; 3. By packing the Carbonate closely in the crucible 
 before heating ; 4. By heating the Carbonate, prepared by 
 mixing hot concentrated solutions of *Sulphate of Mag- 
 nesia and Carbonate of Soda (Burr); 5. By heating 
 Chloride of Magnesium. 
 
 Impurities. May contain C0 2 , when it will effervesce 
 with Acids ; CaO, which will precipitate on the addition 
 of Oxalate of Ammonia; or soluble Sulphates, which will 
 precipitate on the addition of Chloride of Barium. 
 
 Chem. Eel. With water, forms a hydrate, without ele- 
 vation of temperature ; slowly attracts moisture and C0 2 
 from the air ; reaction alkaline, and neutralizes acids ; the 
 Carbonate, Sulphate, and Citrate are officinal. 
 
 Tests. It precipitates from its salts as hydrate, by the 
 Caustic Alkalies, and as Carbonate, by their Carbonates ; 
 not with Carbonate of Ammonia, or the Bicarbonates ; a 
 white crystalline precipitate with the soluble Phosphates, 
 on the addition of a little Ammonia. 
 
 Med. Effects. Antacid ; the salts formed are laxative ; 
 
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 113 
 
 from its low eq., has a high neutralizing power. The freshly 
 prepared Hydrate is an antidote to *Arsenious Acid. 
 
 Incompat. All Acids and Acidulous Salts. Neutral 
 Metallic Salts. 
 
 b. Carbonates. 
 
 b. *Magnesi.e Carbonas — Carbonate of Magnesia. 
 Magnesia Alba. 
 
 Prep. On the large scale by double decomposition of 
 Sulphate of Magnesia and Carbonate of Soda, Carbo- 
 nate of Magnesia and Sulphate of Soda resulting, MnO, 
 S0 3 and NaOC0 2 = MnOC0 2 , and NaO,S0 3 . Its compo- 
 sition is not constant, being a mixture of Carbonate and 
 Hydrate of Magnesia, 4 (MgO,C0 2 )+MgO,HO+6HO. 
 
 Prop. White; nearly insoluble; smooth; nearly in- 
 sipid ; inodorous ; solid; generally formed in small cubes; 
 it is soluble to a certain extent in Aqua. Acid. Carbonici, 
 forming the so-called Fluid Magnesia. It is decomposed 
 by heat. 
 
 Impurities. May contain Carbonate or Sulphate of 
 Soda; Chloride of Sodium, Lime, Alumina, Iron ; which 
 may be detected by their respective tests. 
 
 Med. Effects. Those of ^Magnesia. The Carbonic 
 Acid is liberated in the stomach, producing at times an 
 agreeable stimulation, at others unpleasant eructations. 
 
 Incompat. Those of MgO and of the Carbonates. The 
 10* 
 
114 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 Acids, and Acidulous Salts, Neutral Salts of the metals. 
 The Alkalies, Baryta, Strontia. 
 
 c. Sulphate. 
 
 c. *Magnesije Sulphas — Sulphate of Magnesia, Ep- 
 som Salt, MgO,S0 3 . 
 
 Prep. Occurs native in certain caverns in the United 
 States, and as an efflorescence in the soil. Also in cer- 
 tain springs, and in sea-water (Bitterii), from which it is 
 prepared by evaporation and careful crystallization. Made 
 also of the native Dolomite (Carbonate of Lime and Mag- 
 nesia), and from the native Silicious Hydrate. 
 
 Prop. Transparent, inodorous, bitter, nauseous, neutral 
 salt; crystallized in small prisms, containing 7 eq. of 
 water of crystallization; soluble in an equal weight of 
 water at 60° ; melt in their own water of crystallization, 
 which they lose at a high heat, and fuse into an enamel. 
 
 Impurities. Iron and Chloride of 3Iagnesium. 
 
 Med. Effects. Mild cathartic. Dose, §ss to gi. 
 
 Incompatibles. Those of the soluble Sulphates; the 
 Alkalies, and Earths, and their Carbonates. 
 
 "With Citric Acid (C^ELO^), Magnesia forms a Citrate, 
 3 MgO (CJH.OJ, which is officinal as :— 
 
 *Liquor Magnesia Citratis — Solution of Citrate of 
 Magnesia. Purgative Mineral Water. 
 
 R. Magnesice Carb. 3ii; Acid. Citric. 3viiss; Syrup. 
 
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 115 
 
 Acid. Citric, f gij. ; Aquce q. s. Dissolve the Acid. Citric. 
 in f§iv Aq., and add %i\ Magnes. Carb., previously 
 rubbed with fgiii Aquce. When reaction has ceased, 
 filter into a strong glass bottle of the capacity of f §xii, 
 into which the Syr. Acid. Citric, has been previously in- 
 troduced. Hub the remaining Magnes. Carb. with fgii 
 Aq., and pour into the bottles ; cork tightly, secure with 
 twine, and shake until clear. 
 
 Rem. This solution is intended to be made extempo- 
 raneously, and does not keep well. It may be made more 
 permanent by an excess of Citric Acid. 
 
 Med. Effects. An agreeable purgative, resembling 
 lemonade, charged with Carbonic Acid. Dose, f gvi to xii. 
 
 METALS OF THE EARTHS. 
 XX. ALUMINUM. Al. 13-69. 
 
 Prep. By passing the vapour of K or Na over Chlo- 
 ride of Aluminum, A1 3 C1 3 . 
 
 Prop. A brilliant metal, resembling silver; not oxi- 
 dized by air, water, or acids, except boiling nitric acid. 
 
 Chem. Pel. Forms a Sesquioxide Alumina, of which 
 the Sulphate united with the Sulphate of Potassa is offi- 
 cinal, as *Alumen — Alum. It is precipitated from its 
 salts by the caustic alkalies as a gelatinous mass. Exists 
 in clay. 
 
116 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 a. *Alumebt— Alum, Al 2 3 ,3S0 3 +KO,S0 3 . 
 
 Prep. Is found native; made in several ways: 1. 
 From the alum-stone, a native Alum ; combined with Hy- 
 drate of Alumina; the latter is rendered insoluble by heat, 
 and the Alum dissolved out. 2. From Aluminous Schist, 
 which consists of a mixture of Iron Pyrites, FeS 2 , Alu- 
 mina, Silica, &c. ; by heating and moistening, Oxygen is 
 absorbed, the Sulphur converted into Sulphuric Acid, 
 which combines with the Alumina, and Oxide of Iron. 
 The two are separated by crystallization, and Sulphate of 
 Potassa added to the Sulphate of Alumina. 
 
 Chem. Relations. Alum, which is a double Sulphate 
 of Alumina and Potassa, is the type of a large class of 
 salts, having the same general formula. Thus we may 
 substitute for the Potassa, — Soda, Lithia, Ammonia, Mag- 
 nesia, the Protoxides of Iron and Manganese ; for the 
 Alumina, the Sesquioxides of Iron, Manganese, or Chro- 
 mium ; for the Sulphuric Acid, Selenic, Silicic, or Chromic 
 Acid. The minerals Feldspar, Albite, Spodumene, and Pe- 
 tal ite, are Alums of Silicic Acid, Si0 3 , with KO,NaO, and 
 Lithia respectively. In some of these forms the proper- 
 ties of the Alum do not differ from those of common, or 
 Potash Alum. 
 
 Prop. Transparent, crystalline, slightly efflorescent 
 salt, of a sweetish, astringent taste, acid reaction. The 
 crystals contain 24 eq. of water, which they lose at a 
 high heat, forming b. *Alumen exsiccatum. They are 
 
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 117 
 
 soluble in 14 to 15 times their weight of cold, and three- 
 fourths their weight of boiling water, from which the salt 
 crystallizes on cooling. 
 
 Impurities. Generally contains a little Iron. 
 
 Med. Effects. Small doses, gr. v to x, astringent and 
 antispasmodic. 
 
 In large doses, gss, emetic and purgative. 
 
 Externally astringent. 
 
 Incompat. Those of the soluble Sulphates; the Al- 
 kalies, their Carbonates, Lime Water, Magnesia, Tartrate 
 of Potassa. 
 
 METALS PROPER, WHOSE HIGHER 
 OXIDES ARE ACIDS. 
 
 XXI. MANGANESE. Mn. 27-67. 
 
 Prep. By reducing Carbonate of Manganese by Car- 
 bon at a high heat. 
 
 Prop. Grayish-white metal, resembling some varieties 
 of cast iron; hard, brittle, not magnetic; Sp. Gr. 8; rea- 
 dily oxidizes ; fuses with difficulty. 
 
 Chem. Eel Forms with 0, Protoxide, MnO ; Sesqui- 
 oxide, Mn 2 3 ; Binoxide, Mn0 2 ; Manganic Acid, Mn0 3 ; 
 Permanganic Acid, Mn 2 7 . The first two are basic ; the 
 third, neutral; the two last, acid (p. 76). Of these, 
 the Binoxide or Black Oxide is the most abundant and 
 useful, and is used in preparing the salts of the metal ; 
 
118 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 when added to an acid, one eq. of is given off, and a salt 
 of the Protoxide is formed. If a hydracid, this com- 
 bines with the H, liberating the electro-negative consti- 
 tuent. The Sesquioxide is a feeble base, and unimpor- 
 tant. The Salts of the Protoxide are colourless, or of a 
 pale rose colour. 
 
 Med. Effects. As Manganese exists in minute quantity 
 in the blood, it has been given in cases of anaemia, where 
 iron had failed. The Sulphate is, in large doses, 5J to 3ij, 
 a cholagogue cathartic. The Iodide, Carbonate, Phos- 
 phate, and Tartrate have been employed. 
 
 None of the preparations of Manganese are officinal. 
 
 XXII. IRON (FERRUM). Fe. 28. 
 
 Prep. Obtained from its Ores (Oxides, Carbonates), 
 by reducing with C, at a high heat; also, by passing a 
 current of H over its Oxide, at about a red heat (*Ferri 
 
 PULVIS). 
 
 Prop. Pure iron is a soft, malleable, ductile metal, of 
 a whitish colour, pure metallic lustre, styptic taste, and 
 sensible odour, when rubbed; Sp. G-r. 7*8; the most tena- 
 cious of all metals ; possesses magnetic and welding pro- 
 perties; combustible; burns in ordinary air when finely 
 divided, or heated to whiteness, and with vivid scintil- 
 lations in ; it is unaltered in dry air, and under water, 
 deprived of air ; in moist air becomes covered with rust, 
 
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 119 
 
 which is a Hydrated Sesquioxide ; at a red heat, its 
 surface becomes converted into the Black Oxide (Mag- 
 netic Oxide, Fe 3 4 or FeO,Fe 2 O s ). It is the most abun- 
 dant of all the metals ; found in most mineral and many 
 vegetable and animal substances. 
 
 Chem. Eel. Unites with most of the metals, and with 
 all the non-metallic elements, except H ? and B. It forms 
 with 0, 1. Protoxide, FeO, which may be obtained by 
 precipitating a salt of the Protoxide with a Caustic Al- 
 kali ; it forms a whitish Hydrate, losing its water, and 
 becoming black, when boiled ; is attracted by the magnet ; 
 exposed to the air, turns green, and ultimately brown, 
 absorbing and becoming Sesquioxide ; it sometimes 
 absorbs with such avidity as to take fire ; is powerfully 
 basic. Its salts are generally of a delicate green colour, 
 and nauseous, metallic taste; they absorb oxygen readily, 
 becoming brown, from the formation of Sesquioxide. 2. 
 Sesquioxide, Fe 2 3 , prepared by precipitating a salt of 
 the Sesquioxide by Caustic Alkali, and igniting the 
 Hydrate thus formed ; is of a red colour ; not attracted 
 by the magnet; unaltered by heat; reduced by a current 
 of Hydrogen, at a red heat, or by C, at a higher heat ; is 
 feebly basic. Its salts, formed generally by oxidizing 
 those of the Protoxide, have a reddish or brown colour, 
 a styptic, astringent taste, and an acid reaction. 3. 
 Black Oxide — Magnetic Oxide, Fe 3 4 , is most probably 
 a combination of FeO,Fe 2 3 ; does not form salts. Ferric 
 
120 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 Acid, Fe0 3 , has not been isolated; its Potassa salt forms 
 a deep amethystine-red solution, which soon decomposes; 
 it forms with Baryta, a deep crimson, insoluble, perma- 
 nent salt. With Sulphur, Iron forms three Sulphides : 
 1. Protosulphide, FeS, made by heating together two 
 parts, by weight, of Iron and one of Sulphur ; is a black- 
 ish, brittle substance; attracted by the magnet; of a 
 decided odour of HS ; is used for the preparation of HS, 
 by the addition of a dilute acid. 2. Bisulphide, Iron 
 Pyrites, FeS 2 , and the 3. Magnetic Pyrites, Fe 2 S 7 , are found 
 native ; by exposure to moist air, they absorb 0, becoming 
 Sulphate of the Protoxide of Iron. Iron is officinal as 
 metal, as Hydrated Sesquioxide, Nitrate, Sub- and Proto- 
 carbonate, Sulphate, Phosphate, Sesquichloride, Iodide, 
 Tartrate of Iron and Potassa, Citrate, Ferrocyanide, and 
 Ammoniated Iron. 
 
 Tests, With Salts of the Sesquioxide of Iron, to which 
 the Protosalts may be converted by boiling with N0 5 . 
 Ferrocyanide of Potassium, gives a deep blue preci- 
 pitate (Prussian Blue). Tincture of Galls, an intense 
 bluish black (Ink). Sulphocyanide of Potassium, a blood- 
 red tinge. Salts of the Protoxide give with Ferricya- 
 nide of Potassium, a light blue precipitate (TurnbulFs 
 Blue). 
 
 Incompat. The Alkalies, the Alkaline Carbonates, the 
 Vegetable Astringents. 
 
 Gen. Med. Effects. Iron exists in the blood, in which 
 
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 121 
 
 Liebig supposes it to act as a carrier of Oxygen and Car- 
 bonic Acid, becoming Sesquioxide in the lungs, existing 
 as such in the arteries, reduced to Protoxide in the capil- 
 laries, and returned as Carbonate of the Protoxide by the 
 veins. It is deficient in anaemia, and like diseases. Is 
 employed as a tonic, and its salts are in addition astringent. 
 
 a. As Metal. 
 
 Officinal Forms, a. *Ferri Filum — Iron Wire. Used 
 generally in making preparations from metallic iron. 
 
 b. *Ferri Ramenta — Iron Filings. Should be pre- 
 pared by filing a clean piece of iron, as those obtained at 
 machine-shops are impure. Enter into combination with 
 the acids of the stomach, forming soluble salts, with the 
 evolution of H, which sometimes causes unpleasant eruc- 
 tations. 
 
 c. *Ferri Pulvis — Powder of Iron. Quevennes Iron. 
 Iron by Hydrogen. 
 
 Prep, by passing a current of H over Fe 2 3 , at a dull 
 red heat; the H unites with the of the Fe 2 3 , to form 
 water, leaving the Iron in a state of fine division. 
 
 Prop. Tasteless, gray powder, dissolving rapidly, with 
 effervescence of H, in dilute acids. Differs from *Ferri 
 Ramenta only in being in a state of more minute divi- 
 sion. Dose, gr. iii to vi. 
 
 11 
 
122 medical chemistry. 
 
 b. Oxide. 
 
 d. Ferri OxiDUM Hydratum — Hydrated Sesquioxide 
 of Iron, Fe 2 3 ,3HO. 
 
 Ferri. Sulphat. giv; Acid. Sulphuric, f 3iijss ; Acid. 
 Nitric. f3vi or q. s.j Liq. Ammonice q. s.; Aquae-, Oij. 
 
 Prep. Dissolve the Sulphate of Iron in the water, and 
 having added the Sulphuric Acid, boil the solution ; then 
 add the Nitric Acid in small portions, boiling the liquid a 
 minute or two after each addition, until the acid ceases to 
 produce a dark colour ; filter the liquid, and when cool, 
 add an excess of the Solution of Ammonia, stirring the 
 mixture briskly ; wash the precipitate, until the washings 
 cease to afford a precipitate with Chloride of Barium, 
 and keep in well-stopped bottles, with sufficient water to 
 cover it. 
 
 Rem. The Protoxide of Iron in the Sulphate is, by the 
 action of the Nitric Acid, converted into Sesquioxide, N0 2 
 being given off, which, taking two of from the air, 
 becomes N0 4 , producing the red fumes seen to arise; 
 6FeO,S0 3 and N0 5 = 3(Fe 2 3 ,2 S0 3 ) and N0 2 : this is 
 a basic salt : an equivalent of Sulphuric Acid is added, 
 to make it neutral (see p. 76). 3(Fe 2 3 ,2S0 3 ) + S0 3 = 
 3(Fe 2 3 ,3S0 3 ); this solution of the neutral sulphate of 
 the Sesquioxide of Iron, Fe 2 3 ,3S0 3 , is a dark, reddish- 
 brown, permanent liquid ; by the addition of Liq. Ammo- 
 nice, soluble Sulphate of Ammonia is formed, and insoluble 
 hydrated Sesquioxide of Iron precipitates, and is separated 
 
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 123 
 
 by filtration: Fe 2 3 ,3 S0 3 , and 3 NH 4 0,H0 =3NH 4 0, 
 S0 3 and Fe 2 3 ,3 HO. 
 
 Prop. A brownish pulpy mass, freely soluble in acids ; 
 when long kept, undergoes a change, becoming crystalline, 
 and losing one-half of its water ; its virtues as an antidote 
 are then impaired ; it also quickly becomes crystalline, 
 when frozen; immediately at 21° (F.) (Limberger); does 
 not, however, then lose its water, as when long kept; 
 although less soluble than the amorphous, is more so 
 than that which has become crystalline, and less hydrated 
 by long keeping (Wittstein) ; the best plan is to keep the 
 solution of Fe 2 3 ,3S0 3 , and precipitate it as wanted ; if this 
 be not at hand, the *Tinctura Ferri Chloridi may be 
 treated in a similar manner by Liq. Ammonice, the hy- 
 drated sesquioxide will precipitate, Fe 2 Cl 3 , and 3 NH 4 0, 
 HO= 3 NH 4 C1 and Fe 2 3 ,3 HO. 
 
 Med. Uses. Used sometimes as a tonic ; most valued as 
 an antidote to *Arsenious Acid. (See Arsenic.) 
 
 c. Nitrate. 
 
 e. Liquor Ferri Nitratis — Solution of Nitrate of 
 Iron. 
 
 Prep. Is made by dissolving metallic Iron in Nitric 
 Acid. 
 
 R. Ferri fit. gj ; Acid. Nitric f §iij ; Aq. q. s. aa 
 fgxxx. 
 
124 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 4 N0 5 and 2Fe = Fe 2 3 ,3 N0 5 and N0 3 ; the solution 
 is therefore a neutral Nitrate of the Sesquioxide. 
 
 Rem. As this solution is liable to change, depositing 
 a Subnitrate of the Sesquioxide, it had better be prepared 
 according to Procter's formula, which is, to add the Iron 
 gradually to dilute N0 5 , filtering immediately after all the 
 Iron has been thrown in and dissolved, heating the filtrate 
 gently, carefully dropping in N0 5 , avoiding an excess, 
 until a drop of the solution yields a red tinge, without a 
 trace of black, with NH 4 : the object of this process is to 
 avoid the formation of Protoxide. 
 
 Prop. A transparent, wine-coloured liquid, with a very 
 astringent, not caustic taste. 
 
 Med. Effects. In addition to those of Iron generally, 
 has been strongly recommended in Chronic Diarrhoea, 
 unattended with ulceration of the mucous membrane of the 
 intestines; is decomposed by most medicinal agents, and 
 should not therefore be given in combination. 
 
 d. Carbonates. 
 
 /. *Ferri Subcarbonas — Subcarbonate of Iron — Pre- 
 cipitated Carbonate of Iron. 
 
 Prep. Is made by the double decomposition of Sulphate 
 of Iron and Carbonate of Soda. 
 
 R. Ferri. Sulphat. gviii; Sodce Carb. gix; Aq. 
 Bull. Cong, j ; dissolve the Sulphate of Iron and Carbo- 
 nate of Soda, each in Oiv of the water, and mix the solu- 
 
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 125 
 
 tions, stir them, allow the precipitate to subside, pour off 
 the supernatant liquid, and wash the precipitate, wrap it 
 in bibulous paper, and dry at a gentle heat. FeO,S0 3 and 
 NaO,C0 2 U NaO.S0 3 and FeO,C0 2 . 
 
 Prop. When first thrown down, is a pale, bluish pre- 
 cipitate, of Hydrate of Protocarbonate of Iron, FeO,C0 2 HO; 
 on exposure to the air, it rapidly absorbs O and loses C0 2 , 
 becoming Sesquioxide, and retaining but a trace of C0 2 ; 
 it is then a reddish-brown powder, insoluble in water, and 
 soluble with difficulty in acids, except HC1 ; when it has 
 been strongly heated, it is anhydrous, and is injured; the 
 ordinary (hydrated) Subcarbonate may be used as an anti- 
 dote to Arsenious Acid, in the absence of the hydrated 
 Sesquioxide, but if it has been thoroughly heated, is use- 
 less. 
 
 Med. Uses. Besides its tonic effects, is used in large 
 doses as an antispasmodic. 
 
 Dose , gr. v to §ss. 
 
 g. ^Pilul^g Ferri Carbonatis — Pills of the Carbo- 
 nate of Iron. Vallet's Mass. 
 
 R. Ferri Sidph. gviii 5 Sodce Carb. §x; Mel. Des- 
 pum. §iij; Sacch. pidv. §ii; Aa. Bull. Oij ; Syrup. 
 q. s. Dissolve the Sulphate of Iron and Carbonate of 
 Soda, each in Oj of water, to which has been previously 
 added fgj Syrup; mix the two solutions, pour into a bottle, 
 closely stopped, just large enough to hold them, and allow 
 the precipitate to subside : pour off the supernatant liquor, 
 11* 
 
126 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 wash the precipitate with water sweetened with Syrup 
 (f gj to Oj), until the washings have no longer a saline 
 taste; place it upon a flannel cloth to drain, and after- 
 wards express as much water as possible ; then immediately 
 mix with the honey and sugar, by means of a water-bath ; 
 evaporate with constant stirring to a pilular consistence. 
 
 Rem. The decomposition is the same in this process as 
 the last, the hydrated Protocarbonate is, however, protected 
 from further change, by the use of sugar and honey. 
 
 Prop. A soft, pilular mass, black on the surface, when 
 kept, but whitish within ; when well made, is wholly and 
 freely soluble in acids : it keeps well. 
 
 Med. Uses. One of the least offensive and most efficient 
 of the ferruginous preparations. 
 
 Dose, gr. iii to vi. 
 
 h. *Mistura Ferri Composita — Compound Mixture 
 of Iron — Griffith's Antihectic Mixture. 
 
 R. 1. Myrrh. Jj ; 2. Potass. Carb. gr. xxv; 3. Ferri 
 Sulpli. Pulv. 9j ; 4. Spt. Lavand. f^ss; 5. JSaech. Jj ; 
 6. Aq. Rosar. f gviiss. 
 
 Prep. Rub 1 with 6 gradually added; add, then, 4, 5, 
 2, and lastly 3 ; pour the mixture immediately into a glass 
 bottle, to be kept well stopped. 
 
 Rem. The KO,C0 2 and FeO,S0 3 react, to form FeO, 
 C0 2 and KO,S0 3 ; the excess of KO,C0 2 forms a soapy 
 compound with the Myrrh ; the mixture is therefore an 
 emulsion, containing besides the vehicles, Protocarbonate 
 
INORGANIC CHEMISTR7. 127 
 
 (gradually becoming Subcarbonate) of Iron, Sulphate of 
 Potassa, Carbonate of Potassa, Myrrh, and Spts. of Laven- 
 der. It should be prepared when wanted. 
 
 Med. Effects. Those of Iron and Myrrh. Dose, f gj to 
 
 i. *Pilul^3 Ferri Composita — Compound Iron Pill. 
 
 R. 1. Myrrhce Pulv. 3ii ; 2. Sodce Carl.) 3. Ferri 
 Sidphat. aa 3j ; Syrup, q. s. 
 
 Prep. Rub 1 with 2, add 3, and again rub; lastly, 
 beat with 4, and form a mass, to be divided into eighty 
 pills. 
 
 Rem. Those on the last preparation will apply to this. 
 The pills change rapidly, and should be prepared when 
 wanted. Dose, ii to vi. 
 
 e. Sulphate. FeO,S0 3 . 
 
 h. *Ferri Sulphas — Sulphate of (the Protoxide of) 
 Iron — Green Vitriol. 
 
 Prep. Is obtained on the large scale by the spontaneous 
 oxidation of Iron Pyrites, FeS 2 : this is impure ; for medi- 
 cinal use, it is prepared by dissolving pure iron wire in 
 dilute Sulphuric Acid, adding a slight excess of acid, filter- 
 ing with as little contact of air as possible, and crystal- 
 lizing. 
 
 Prop. When pure, is in bluish-green, transparent crys- 
 tals ; styptic taste ; acid reaction ; soluble in 2 parts cold, 
 and | boiling water; the crystals contain 7 eq. water of 
 
128 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 crystallization ; 6 of which they lose by heat (Ferri Sul- 
 phas Exsiccatum of the Ed. Ph.) ; exposed to the air, be- 
 comes green, and finally covered with a brownish efflorescence 
 of Subsulphate of the Sesquioxide ; its solution is a pale 
 green, becoming dark from absorption of 0. 
 
 Med. Effects. Tonic and astringent; should be dried 
 before making into pills. Dose, gr. i to v. 
 
 Incompat. Those of Sulphuric Acid, and the salts of 
 Iron generally. 
 
 f. Phosphate. 
 
 I. *Ferri Phosphas — Phosphate of Iron. 2FeO, 
 H0,P0 5 . 
 
 Prep. Is made by double decomposition of ^Phosphate 
 of Soda (6 parts by weight), and Sulphate of Iron (5 
 parts by weight); Sulphate of Soda and Phosphate of Iron 
 result, 2NaO,HO,P0 5 , and 2(FeO,S0 3 ) = 2FeO,HO,P0 5 
 and 2(NaO,S0 3 ) ; the insoluble Phosphate is filtered 
 from the solution of the Sulphate, washed and dried; 
 it is a tribasic Phosphate of the Protoxide of Iron. 
 
 Prop. Bright, slate-coloured powder, insoluble in water, 
 but soluble in acids, which decompose it ; it may be dis- 
 solved unchanged in Metaphosphoric (Monohydrated Phos- 
 phoric) Acid, HO,P0 5 . 
 
 Med. Effects. Those of its constituents. Dose, gr. v 
 to x. 
 
inorganic chemistry. 129 
 
 g. Chloride. 
 
 m. *TlNCTURA Ferri OHLORIDI — Tincture of the Chlo- 
 ride of Iron — Muriated Tincture of Iron, 
 
 Prep. Is made by dissolving Ferri Suhcarb. (Ifess) in 
 Acid. Muriatic. (Oj), and adding Alcohol (Oii). 
 
 Rem. As the *Ferri Subcarb. is in the main a ses- 
 quioxide, with but little C0 2 , the reaction may be given 
 thus : Fe 2 3 and 3 HC1= Fe,Cl 3 and 3 HO ; the Sesqui- 
 chloride thus formed is dissolved in the Alcohol; the 
 preparation is therefore an alcoholic solution of the Sesqui- 
 chloride of Iron. 
 
 Prop. A clear, reddish liquid, with a pleasant aethereal 
 odour, and an agreeably acid astringent taste ; it is not 
 prone to spontaneous decomposition. 
 
 Med. Effects. Externally, styptic and astringent; inter- 
 nally, tonic and astringent ; used internally in vesical af- 
 fections, gleet, spasmodic stricture, hemorrhages, leucor- 
 rhoea, anaemia, &c. ; has been used as a remedy in erysipe- 
 las and yellow fever ; the aqueous solution has been used 
 as an injection in aneurism; is one of the most eligible 
 and efficient of the preparations of Iron. 
 
 Incompatible^. The stronger Acids, Alkalies, Alkaline 
 Carbonates, Nitrate of Silver, Vegetable Astringents, and 
 Mucilage of Gum Arabic; Albumen is instantly coagulated 
 by it. 
 
 n. *Ferrum Ammoniatum — Ammoniated Iron — Am- 
 monio-chloride of Iron. 
 
130 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 Prep. R. Ferri Subcarb. §iii; Acid Muriatic f§x; 
 mix, digest for two hours, and add Amnion. Muriat. flbiiss, 
 dissolved in Aa. Destill. Oiv ; filter, and evaporate to dry- 
 ness : is a mixture of Sesquichloride of Iron and Chloride 
 of Ammonium. 
 
 Prop. Crystalline grains, of a fine orange-reddish 
 colour, and styptic taste ; is deliquescent; freely soluble 
 in water and alcohol. 
 
 Med. Effects. Those of its constituents. Dose, gr. iv 
 to xii. 
 
 h. Iodides. 
 
 o. *Ferri Iodidum — Iodide of Iron. 
 
 Prep. Is made by direct union of the elements. 
 
 Iron Wire (§j) is added gradually to Iodine (^ij); 
 mixed in Distilled Water (Oj), with the application of a 
 gentle heat, until the liquid acquires a greenish colour. 
 It is then filtered, the filter washed with boiling, distilled 
 water (Oss), and the solution carefully evaporated, in an 
 iron vessel, over a water-bath, to dryness. It must be 
 kept in a well-stopped bottle. 
 
 Prop. A greenish-black, crystalline solid; very deli- 
 quescent; styptic, chalybeate taste; is soluble in water 
 and alcohol; decomposes spontaneously, when exposed to 
 the air, Sesquioxide of Iron being formed, and Iodine 
 liberated. 
 
 Med. Effects. Possesses the therapeutic properties of 
 
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 131 
 
 Iodine and Iron, and is hence largely used where these 
 agents are indicated. Also employed as an astringent 
 externally. Dose, gr. j to viii. Being prone to decom- 
 pose and inconvenient to dispense, it is used generally in 
 the form of the 
 
 p. *LlQ. Ferri Iodidi — Solution of the Iodide of 
 Iron. Is made by a process essentially the same as the 
 last, save that the solution is not evaporated to dryness, 
 and sugar is added to protect the salt from decomposition. 
 
 (oj) I ron Wire is gradually added to (§ij) Iodine, dif- 
 fused in (f §v) Distilled Water, gently heated, until com- 
 bination takes place. The solution is filtered into a 
 bottle containing (§xii) Sugar, and Distilled Water poured 
 on to the filter, until the contents of the bottle measure 
 f ^xx. The bottle is shaken until the sugar is dissolved. 
 A little iron wire placed in the bottle assists the sugar in 
 preventing change. The solution contains 7 J gr. of solid 
 Iodide to f 3j. ■ . 
 
 Prop. Transparent liquid; pale greenish colour; 
 sweetish, styptic, astringent taste. 
 
 Med. Effects. Those of the Iodide ; should be given 
 alone an dt largely diluted; it should be dropped into a 
 glass vessel, as it is decomposed by the metals. 
 
 Dose, gtt. x to xxx. 
 
 a. *Pilulj3 Ferri Iodidi — Pills of the Iodide of 
 Iron. 
 
 R. Ferri Sulphat. 3j ; Potass. Iodid. 9iv; Traga- 
 
132 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 ca nth. Pule, gr. x: SaccJi. Puh:. Jss. with syrup, to form 
 a mass to be divided into forty pills. 
 
 Rem. The FdO,S0 3 and KI, react to form KO.SCL 
 and Fel. The pills contain, therefore, besides the exci- 
 pients, Sulphate of Potassa and Iodide of Iron ; rapidly 
 decompose. Each pill contains about gr. iss of the 
 Iodide of Iron. 
 
 i. Organic Compounds. 
 
 r. *Ferri et Potass-E Tartras — Tartrate of Iron 
 and Potassa. Is made by saturating the *Bitartrate 
 oe Potassa with Sescjuioxide of Iron. The Bitartrate 
 is mixed with water and heated to 140° and kept at that 
 temperature, *Hydrated Sesquioxide of Irox is then 
 added as long as it dissolves; the solution filtered, evapo- 
 rated, and spread upon plates of glass or porcelain to dry. 
 KCKHO.T and Fe,0 3 = KO.Fe,0 3 T and HO. 
 
 Prop. Transparent, ruby-red scales : slightly chaly- 
 beate taste; soluble in about -4 parts water. 
 
 Mt ; : . Effects. Those of Iron generally. Is sometimes 
 preferred, from its slight taste. Dose gr. x to 5^s. 
 
 s. Ferri Citras — Citrate of Iron. t 
 
 Is made by dissolving *Hydrated Sesquioxide oe 
 Iron in a solution of *Citric Acid, kept at 150® to 
 saturation; the solution is then treated as in the last pre- 
 paration. 
 
 Prop. Resembles the last preparation ; the scales are 
 
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 133 
 
 of a lighter colour, and less soluble, and sapid ; contains 
 about 34 per cent, of Fe 2 3 . 
 
 Med. Effects. Those of Iron generally; is an agreeable 
 preparation. Dose gr. v to 3j. 
 
 A Citrate of Iron and Quintet 7 not officinal, is much 
 used. It is prepared by dissolving gj Quinia (recently 
 precipitated), Jij Citric Acid, Jv Citrate of Iron, in fgxii 
 Distilled Water, constantly stirring and keeping below the 
 boiling-point. The solution is filtered and treated as 
 above. 
 
 t. *Ferri Ferrocyanuretum — Ferrocyanuret (ferro- 
 cyanide) of Iron — Prussian Blue. Fe 4 Cfy 3 ? 
 
 Prep. Is generally prepared on the large scale; is 
 formed when Ferrocyanide of Potassium is added to a 
 salt of the Sesquioxide of Iron.- 
 
 Prop. Deep blue, tasteless, inodorous, insoluble 
 powder. 
 
 Med. Effects. Tonic, antiperiodic, antispasmodic. 
 
 Dose gr. iii to 3j. 
 
 XXIII. CHROMIUM. Cr. 28-15. 
 
 Nat. Sources. Exists native as Oxide, and as native 
 Chromate of Lead. Is obtained by reducing the Oxide 
 byC. 
 
 Prop. Hard, grayish-white, brittle metal; Sp. Gr. 
 5-9 ; very difficult of fusion, and does not oxidize readily. 
 
 12 
 
134 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 Gen. Chem. Rel. Resembles closely Manganese and 
 Iron; with 0, forms Protoxide, Cr,0; JSesquioxide, Cr a 3 . 
 
 a. Chromic Acid, Cr0 3 — Perchromic Acid, Cr 2 7 . 
 Chromic Acid is prepared by the action of strong HO, 
 S0 3 upon Bichromate of Potassa. It crystallizes in bril- 
 liant red prisms j very deliquescent, and soluble in water. 
 It has been used in medicine as an escharotic. It rapidly 
 dissolves organic matter, and is a powerful oxidizing 
 agent. Chromate of Lead is used in the arts as a paint, 
 known as Chrome Yellow. It is poisonous, but no case 
 has been recorded of its effects on the human subject. 
 Antidotes, albumen, flour. 
 
 b. Bichromate of Potassa, KO,2Cr0 3 , possesses the 
 properties of Cr0 3 , but in a milder degree. It is used as 
 an escharotic, and as an oxidizing agent. It is officinal 
 in the Dublin Pharmacopoeia. Internally, in large doses, 
 is an irritant poison. Antidotes : mild alkalies, demul- 
 cents. Has been used in small doses (gr. J, gradually 
 increased) in secondary syphilis. None of the other prepa- 
 rations of Chromium are used in medicine. Workmen 
 engaged in manufactures, where it is used, are liable to 
 painful ulcerations. 
 
 XXIV. TIN (STANNUM). Sn. 58-82. 
 
 Nat. Sources. Native oxide, is obtained by reduction 
 with C. 
 
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 135 
 
 Prop. Brilliant, silver-white, soft, malleable metal. 
 Sp. Gr. 7*3. When bent, or twisted, emits a peculiar 
 sound — the cry of tin. Fuses at 442°; oxidizes with dif- 
 ficulty below its melting-point, hence largely used to pro- 
 tect iron surfaces ; dissolves in HC1, and is oxidized by 
 N0 5 . 
 
 Gen. Chem. Eel. Forms three oxides : two of which 
 protoxide, SnO, and Binoxide, Sn0 2 , act either as acids, or 
 bases, and a sesquioxide, Sn 2 3 . The protochloride, made 
 by dissolving the metal in hot HC1, is used as a reducing 
 agent ; and as such, as a test for ^Bichloride of Mer- 
 cury. 
 
 Off. Prep. But one preparation of tin is officinal : its 
 powder. 
 
 a. *Pulvis Stanni — Powder of Tin. Is made by 
 stirring melted tin, while cooling, until it is reduced to 
 powder, which is passed through a sieve. 
 
 Med. Effects. Anthelmintic. Dose, §ss, in syrup, or 
 
 XXV. BISMUTH. Bi. 70-95. 
 
 Nat. Sources. Found native, and as oxide. 
 
 Prop. Brittle, highly crystalline, reddish-white metal. 
 Sp. Gr. 9*9 ; melts at 500° ; burns, or volatilizes in strong 
 heat. 
 
 Chem. Eel. Forms three oxides : Teroxide (basic), 
 
136 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 Bi0 3 ; Peroxide, BiO 4 ; and Bismuthic Acid, Bi0 5 . The 
 second of these may be regarded as a union of the first 
 and last (Bi0 3 Bi0 5 = 2Bi0 4 ). The metal dissolves in 
 nitric acid ; 8 parts, with 5 lead, and 3 tin, forms fusible 
 alloy, which melts below 212°. The nitrate, thrown into 
 water, is decomposed, a white precipitate resulting — the 
 subnitrate, which is officinal. Its salts are easily distin- 
 guished by their decomposition, when added to water, and 
 by the blackening effects of HS. 
 
 Offi. Prep. a. *Bismuthi Subnitras — Subnitrate of 
 Bismuth. R. Bismuth gj ; Acid. Nitric, f ^ij ; Aa. Destill. 
 q. s. The bismuth, in fragments, is dissolved in the nitric 
 acid, with the evolution of red fumes (Bi and 4N0 5 = 
 Bi0 3 ,3N0 5 , and N0 2 ). The nitrate, added to water, 
 throws down the Subnitrate. The water acts as a 
 base to part of the N0 5 , which leaves the oxide; the 
 nitrate thus becomes basic, and insoluble. The composi- 
 tion of the precipitate is not constant, but is generally 
 Bi0 3 N0 5 + 2HO. 
 
 Prop. Tasteless, inodorous, white, slightly soluble, 
 heavy powder ; dissolves freely in strong acids ; alkalies 
 dissolve it sparingly. It sometimes contains Arsenic. Is 
 much used as a cosmetic ; but blackens upon exposure to 
 Hydrosulphuric Acid. 
 
 Med. Effects. Tonic, antispasmodic. Dose, gr. v to 3j. 
 Externally, sedative, astringent. Used, suspended in 
 water, as an injection in gonorrhoea, or leucorrhoea. 
 
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 137 
 
 XXVI. ARSENIC. As. 75. 
 
 Nat. Sources. Found native — as sulphides (orpiment, 
 realgar), and in combination with iron, nickel, and cobalt. 
 Is obtained from Arsenious Acid, by reduction with C. 
 
 Prop. Steel-gray, brittle, crystalline metal ; very bril- 
 liant, when recently broken, but rapidly tarnishing ; when 
 rubbed, or heated, exhales a peculiar odour; Sp. Gr. 5-8. 
 Heated to 357°, volatilizes without fusion ; and if air be 
 present, oxidizes to Arsenious Acid. 
 
 Chem. Eel. Forms three oxides, two of which are 
 acids — Suboxide, AsO (?) ; *Arsenious Acid, As0 3 , and 
 Arsenic Acid, As0 5 . The latter is obtained from the 
 former, by boiling to dryness with nitromuriatic acid ; is 
 a white substance, having powerfully acid properties. It 
 is soluble in water, and gives a brick-red precipitate with 
 Nitrate of Silver ; with Hydrogen,^ Arsenic forms AsH 2 , 
 solid Arsenide of H ; and AsH 3 , Arsenetted Hydrogen, a 
 gas. Three Sulphides, Kealgar, AsS 2 ; Orpiment, AsS 3 , 
 and Pentasulphide, AsS 3 . It combines also with the 
 other non-metallic elements. The Metal, Arsenious Acid, 
 the Iodide of Arsenic, and the Arsenite of Potassa, are 
 officinal. 
 
 Tests. See Arsenious Acid. 
 
 Gen. Med. Effects. The preparations of Arsenic are 
 tonic, alterative, antispasmodic, and antiperiodic. 
 
 Officinal Forms, a. * Arsenicum — Arsenic. Is only 
 12* 
 
138 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 used for making the *Iodide, and the *Iodide of Arsenic 
 and Mercury (Donovan's Solution). 
 
 a. Oxide. 
 
 b. *Acidum Arseniosum — Arsenious Acid. White- 
 Arsenic, Arsenic, Rats-bane. Sublimed Arsenious Acid, 
 in masses, U. S. P. It is obtained, on the large scale, by 
 roasting the ores which contain the metal; after which it 
 is purified by sublimation. 
 
 Prop. Is found in two distinct varieties : 1. Transpa- 
 rent, or Vitreous variety, is a transparent, colourless glass. 
 Sp. Glr. 3*2 to 3-8. Is more soluble than the opaque 
 variety, into which it gradually passes, upon exposure to 
 the air. 2. The opaque variety is of a milk-white colour, 
 slightly heavier than the transparent, into which it passes 
 by long boiling. Arsenious Acid dissolves sparingly in 
 cold water ; 1 part dissolving in from 50 to 480 parts of 
 water. In boiling water, both varieties are equally so- 
 luble; 1 part dissolving in from 7*72 to 24 parts. The 
 boiling solution deposits the greater part upon cooling; 
 but retains more than if the acid were simply added to 
 cold water — about 1 in 30. The solution has an austere, 
 sweetish taste. The solid acid sublimes at 425°, giving 
 no garlicky odour, unless in the presence of reducing 
 agents; it condenses on a cold surface, in octohedral 
 crystals (very rarely in right rhombic crystals). 
 
 Adidterations. When in powder, may be adulterated 
 
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 139 
 
 with chalk, or flour. Should be entirely sublimed by 
 heat. 
 
 Med. Effects. Those of the preparations of Arsenic 
 generally. Dose, gr. T J g to y 1 ^, in pill or solution. 
 
 Externally, a powerful escharotic ; there is danger of its 
 absorption when thus used. 
 
 Toxicological Effects. Depend upon the quantity ; in 
 large doses, the symptoms are those due to a violent irri- 
 tant, and vary in different cases, the nervous system being 
 often affected; they appear in from one minute to ten hours; 
 death ensues, in fatal cases, in from 2} hours to 3 days; 
 the minimum quantity necessary to destroy life at a single 
 dose, is four grains ; cases have recovered, after taking an 
 ounce. Post-mortem examination reveals inflammation, 
 ulceration, and gangrene of the stomach and intestines ; 
 in small doses long continued, or after large doses from 
 which death has not resulted, there is irritation and itch- 
 ing of the eyes, eyelids, conjunctivitis, oedema, irritability 
 of the stomach, eczematous eruption, desquamation of the 
 cuticle, loss of the hair, emaciation, salivation, and para- 
 lysis ; the symptoms have been mistaken for those of 
 cholera, perforation of the intestine, gastritis, &c. 
 
 Antidotes. 1. Hydrated Sesquioxide of Iron, it should 
 be freshly precipitated and freely given, a tablespoonful of 
 the magma every 5 or 10 minutes, until the urgent 
 symptoms are relieved ; it acts, by giving a portion of 
 to the Arsenious Acid, converting it into Arsenic A., which 
 
140 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 forms an insoluble basic compound with the Protoxide of 
 Iron, 2 Fe 2 3 and As0 3 == 4 FeO, As0 5 . 
 
 2. In the absence of this, the *Ferri Subcarb. may be 
 given, but is often inert, from having been overheated. 
 
 3. Magnesia, recently and not too highly calcined, or 
 recently precipitated, has been found efficient. 
 
 Tests. A. When solid. 1. Heat to redness in a glass 
 tube, closed at one end with fragments of charcoal ; the 
 As0 3 is reduced, the metallic arsenic sublimed, and forms 
 the arsenical mirror or ring in the tube. By breaking the 
 tube, and allowing free access of air, the metal is oxidized 
 again into As0 3 , and may be submitted to other tests ; 
 the octohedral crystals of As0 3 may be seen in the second 
 sublimate ; the mirror must be distinguished from that 
 produced by Antimony (see Test 6). 
 
 2. Arsenious Acid thrown upon coals, or other reducing 
 agents, exhales a peculiar garlicky odour, which is not 
 perceived when it is sublimed from a clean surface ; it is 
 probably due to the formation of suboxide AsO. 
 
 b. In solution. 3. Ammonio-Nitrate of Silver gives a 
 rich yellow precipitate of Arsenite of Silver, soluble in 
 excess of Ammonia, and in Nitric, Tartaric, Acetic, and 
 Citric Acid, but not in Caustic Potash or Soda ; a solution 
 of an alkaline phosphate precipitates yellow, with Nitrate 
 of Silver, and a dilute solution of Phosphoric Acid with 
 the Ammonio-Nitrate. It is discriminated by the appli- 
 cation of the other tests. 
 
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 141 
 
 4. Amnion io-Sulphate of Copper, a brilliant yellowish- 
 green precipitate of Arsenite of Copper (Scheele's Green), 
 soluble in acids, and in excess of Ammonia, but not in 
 Potash or Soda; Acetic and Malic Acids give also green 
 precipitates with the Ammonio-Sulphate of Copper, as do 
 certain complex organic mixtures (Taylor). 
 
 5. Hydrosulphuric Acid gives a golden yellow precipi- 
 tate (Orpiment, AsS 3 ), soluble in alkalies ; the solution 
 should be, therefore, slightly acidulated before trial ; other 
 metals (Antimony, Tin, Uranium), give somewhat similar 
 precipitates; they are distinguished by their behaviour 
 with the other tests. 
 
 6. Marsh's Test. Add the suspected liquid to pure Zinc, 
 and dilute S0 3 , Arsenetted Hydrogen (AsH 3 ) is generated; 
 may be known by its odour, its violet-coloured flame, and 
 by the metallic stain deposited upon a cold, white surface ; 
 or the gas may be passed through a long tube drawn out, 
 heated at its centre; the metal deposits as in Test 1, and 
 may be further examined. 
 
 Antimonetted Hydrogen, SbH 3 ?, gives similar spots 
 from the reduction of the metal; they may be distin- 
 guished, 1. By Nitric Acid, which converts the metallic 
 Arsenic into As0 5 , which is soluble, and gives a brick-red pre- 
 cipitate with Nitrate of Silver, while Antimony is converted 
 into insoluble Antimonic Acid. 2. The spot is heated to 
 500° by an oil-bath; if Arsenic, it disappears; if Antimony, 
 remains. 3. Hypochlorite of Soda dissolves Arsenical 
 
142 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 spots, but does not affect those of Antimony. 4. Tincture 
 of Iodine instantly dissolves Arsenic spots, leaving, on 
 spontaneous evaporation, a lemon-yellow spot. Antimony 
 is not immediately altered on evaporation ; is converted 
 after a time into orange-coloured Iodide. 5. Vapour of 
 Phosphorous "Acid (P0 3 ) causes the disappearance of As 
 spots in 4 or 5 hours ; Sb spots remain a fortnight, but 
 finally disappear. 
 
 7. Reinsch's Test. A bright slip of copper, or fine cop- 
 per gauze, is boiled in the suspected solution, previously 
 acidulated with HC1 ; the metal precipitates upon the cop- 
 per, from which it may be scraped, or volatilized and sub- 
 mitted to other tests ; this process has these advantages : 
 1. Will act in the presence of organic matter ; 2. Gives 
 the metal in condition to be submitted to all the other 
 tests. 
 
 Appreciation of these Tests. No single test is to be 
 relied upon ; and wherever practicable, all should be 
 applied. The relative delicacy of the tests is given by 
 Devergie, as follows : Ammonio Sulphate of Copper, 5,200; 
 Sulphuretted Hydrogen, 200,000 ; Ammonio-Nitrate of 
 Silver, 400,000. By the latter, the ^tf to the T otjoi) 
 of a grain may be rendered evident, if dissolved in but a 
 drop or two of water ; in one fluid-drachm of water, it de- 
 tected the T ^3 of a grain. Marsh's Test will detect, accord- 
 ing to Danger and Flandin, the 5000000 P ar ^ °^ the liquid 
 examined; according to Signoret, the ooootJoooo* Vil- 
 
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 143 
 
 lain states that one grain will give, on an average, 226 
 metallic deposits, of an average, diameter of y 1 ^ of an 
 inch, or will detect about the T g Jo o °^ a g ra i n « Reinsch's 
 Test will detect, when the Arsenic forms the 90^00 °^ tne 
 liquid, or the 4 ^00 °^ a g ra i n (Taylor). 
 
 Organic matter interferes with all these tests, but least 
 so with Reinseh's ; it renders the liquid tests useless, and 
 causes much frothing with Marsh's Test; it may be removed 
 by straining, filtration, and the use of oxidizing agents, as 
 strong sulphuric or chromic acids, incineration, &c. For 
 the details of the manipulations, the student is referred to 
 the works on General Chemistry and Toxicology. 
 
 Medico-legal Points. It is important to estimate the 
 quantity taken ; to test all reagents carefully before using ; 
 to take every precaution against the sources of fallacy 
 indicated. Arsenic sometimes exists in candles, paper, 
 vinegar ; in the soil of cemeteries ; may be detected in the 
 tissues, after many years ; does not exist normally in the 
 body, as has been supposed ; its use in medicine, in paint- 
 ing (Orpiment Realgar, Scheele's Green), must be borne in 
 mind. Poisoning may happen from its long-continued 
 use in minute quantities ; by absorption from its external 
 application ; by Arsenetted Hydrogen ; or by the Kakodyl 
 compounds. 
 
 b. Iodide. 
 
 c. *Arsenici Iodidum — Iodide of Arsenic (Asl 3 ). Is 
 
144 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 made by intimately mixing (5J) Metallic Arsenic, (Jv) 
 Iodine, introducing the mixture into a flask or tube, and 
 applying gentle heat, until combination takes place. 
 
 Prop. An orange-red crystalline solid, entirely solu- 
 ble in water, and volatilized by heat. 
 
 Med. Effects. Alterative ; dose, gr. i. Externally, in 
 ointment, gr. iij to gj Adipis. Principally used in pre- 
 paring the *Liq. Arsenici et Hydrarg. Iodid., or 
 Donovan's Solution. See Mercury.. 
 
 c. With Potassa. 
 
 d. *Liquor Potass^ Arsenitis — Solution of the 
 Arsenite of Potassa — Fowlers Solution. 
 
 Is made by boiling equal parts of Arsenious Acid and 
 Carbonate of Potassa (aa gr. lxiv) in Distilled Water 
 (f gxii), until dissolved, adding Spirit of Lavender (f gss) 
 and Distilled Water (q. s. ad. Oj). KO,C0 2 and As0 3 = 
 KO,As0 3 and C0 2 . It contains gr. ss to f 3j. The Spt. 
 Lavand. is added to give taste and colour, so as to avoid 
 mistakes. 
 
 Med. Effects. Those of Arsenious Acid generally. It 
 is the preparation of Arsenic most employed. 
 
 Dose gtt. v to xv. 
 
 Tox. Effects. Those of Arsenious Acid. The usual 
 antidotes are not active, unless combined with an acid, so 
 as to liberate the As0 3 . The antidote employed is the 
 
I X R G A X I C C H E M I S T R Y. 145 
 
 Sesq ride of I\ 
 
 by it are rare. 
 
 XXVII. ANTIMONY. Sb. 12? 
 
 Xat. Sot rets. Found principally as Sulphide, from 
 which the metal (ReguJui ),ya y\ '^ obtaine 
 
 ting. 
 Prop. A brittle, brilliant^ bluish-white metal; lamel- 
 
 lated texture: Bp. Gr. 6-7: melts just below a red heat; 
 boils and volatilizes :..: i little ^.'::::: strongly heated 
 
 burns with a white flame, giving off white fumes >:i Ter- 
 oxide >b.O : \ 
 
 Chem. Bel. Forms four Ox::'}?. mm Suboxide! >b.Q 4 ; 
 Teroxii-e. Sb0 3 ; Antunonous Acid, SbO, : Antiiu:^:: 
 Acid, Sb0 5 ; with H. solid Antimonide of H? and Anti- 
 monetted Hydrogen ^SbH 3 ?); with S. Terseephide, 
 SbS s . Peri \ > : :.S,. a Sulphur Acid Golden Si. 1 .- 
 
 phur)) with CI. Terchloripe. SbClg, and Pentachlo- 
 ride, SbCL. The Terchloride Butter of Antimom is 
 made by dissolving the metal ;: Tersulphide in HC1 ; is 
 decomposed on the addition of water, throwing down a 
 white precipitate, the Oxyehloride. SbC10 3 ?. or SbCl 3 $bO s 
 '/ A\ ;:. . >~itrio Acid :<xidizes the metal to 
 insoluble Antimonic Acid, 
 
 Tests. Hydrc sulphate of Ammonia gives, with a soluble 
 salt of 8b, an orange-red precipitate, soluble in excess, 
 
 13 
 
146 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 and again precipitated by an acid, also in HC1, which 
 solution precipitates on the addition of water. 
 
 A. Sulphides. 
 
 Officinal Forms. a. *Antimonii Sulphuretum — 
 Sulphur et (Sulphide) of Antimony — Native Sulphuret of 
 Antimony, purified by fusion. 
 
 Prop. Is a Tersulphide of Antimony, SbS 3 . Brilliant 
 steel gray, striated, brittle masses, soluble in HC1 by the 
 aid of heat, with the evolution of HS, forming the Ter- 
 chloride. SbS 3 and 3HC1 == HC1 3 and HS. Is rarely used 
 in medicine. 
 
 b. *Antimonii Sulphuretum Pr^ecipitatum — Pre- 
 cipitated Sulphuret (Sulphide) of Antimony. 
 
 Is made by boiling SbS 3 with KO, which throws down 
 Kermes' Mineral, a variable mixture of Hydrated Ter- 
 sulphide with Oxysulphide of Sb ; and a little Sulphide 
 of Potassium ; dilute S0 3 is added to the mother liquor, 
 which throws down Golden Sulphur Sb0 3 and SbS 3 ? or 
 SbS 5 . The preparation is a variable compound, SbS 3 , 
 Sb0 3 , or SbS 3 ,SbS 5 , a union of a Sulphur acid with a 
 Sulphur base. 
 
 Prop. Reddish-brown, insoluble powder; tasteless 
 when pure ; soluble in HC1, with evolution of HS. 
 
 Med. Effects. Alterative, diaphoretic, and emetic. 
 
inorganic chemistry. 147 
 
 b. Tartrate. 
 
 c. *Antimonii et Potass.se Tartras — Tartrate of 
 Antimony and Potassa — Tartar Emetic. 
 
 Prep. Is generally prepared on the large scale. Is 
 made by boiling the Oxychloride (Powder of Algaroth, 
 Sb0 3 ,SbCl 3 ) with Bitartrate of Potassa. The Oxychloride 
 (obtained by the addition of SbCl 3 to water) is decom- 
 posed during the boiling into Sb0 3 and HC1. The latter 
 combines with Iron and other impurities in the KO,HOT, 
 while the former neutralizes the excess of T, giving a 
 double salt. Sb0 3 and KO,HOT = KO,Sb0 3 T+HO, 
 which crystallizes out. 
 
 Prop. Transparent, colourless, slightly efflorescent 
 crystals ; of a nauseous, metallic, styptic taste \ soluble in 
 12 to 15 parts cold, and 2 or 3 parts boiling water, and in 
 dilute Alcohol, but not in absolute Alcohol. The aqueous 
 solution has an acid reaction, and decomposes by keeping. 
 Is generally sufficiently pure when crystallized ; the 
 crystals contain two (one ?) equiv. of water of crystalli- 
 zation. 
 
 Med. Effects. Nauseant, emetic, purgative, diaphoretic, 
 diuretic, expectorant. 
 
 Dose, as nauseant, &c, gr. ^ to J ; as emetic, gr. j to ij. 
 
 Externally applied, produces pustulation. 
 
 Incompat. Acids, Alkalies, and their Carbonates, 
 some of the earths and metals, Chloride of Calcium, 
 
148 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 Acetate and Subacetate of Lead, and Vegetable Astrin- 
 gents. 
 
 Toxicol. Effects. In large doses, excessive vomiting, 
 purging, and other effects of irritant poisons. The 
 least quantity required to produce death is not known ; 
 recovery has taken place after swallowing two drachms. 
 Post-mortem examination reveals gastritis and gastro- 
 enteritis. 
 
 Antidotes. Tannic Acid, in any form ; Green Tea. 
 
 Tests. See Antimony. The preparations of Antimony 
 are very apt to contain Arsenic. When the poison 
 cannot be detected in the stomach, it should" be searched 
 for in the urine or tissues. 
 
 d. *Vinum Antimonii — Wine of Antimony — Anti- 
 monial Wine. 
 
 Prep. Is made by dissolving 9j Ant. et Potass. Tart, 
 in f §x Vini (Sherry). 
 
 Pern. It is apt to decompose; contains gr. ij to fgj. 
 
 Dose, varies from gtt. x to §ss, according to the indi- 
 cation. 
 
 e. *Unguentum Antimonii — Ointment of Antimony. 
 Prep. 1. Ant. et Potass. Tart. (Pulv. Subtil.) gij, 
 
 2. Adipis gj, rub 1 with a little of 2, add the remainder 
 and mix. 
 
 Used externally to produce pustulation. 
 
 Besides the above, the Terchloride (SbCl 3 ) is used as 
 an escharotic (B 'utter of Antimony), the Pidvis Antimo- 
 
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 149 
 
 nialis or James 9 Powder, officinal in the Edin. and Dub. 
 Ph's ; is made by heating together Sb0 3 and horn shav- 
 ings. It contains Sb0 3 ; CaO,P0 5 ; Sb0 4 and CaO,Sb0 4 . 
 It is irregular in composition and effect, and is not now 
 much used. 
 
 XXVIII. LEAD. Pb. 103-56. 
 
 Nat. Sources. The native Sulphide, and Phosphate; 
 prepared by roasting. 
 
 Prop. Soft, very malleable, bluish metal; Sp. Gr. 
 11*45; bright, when first cut, but soon tarnishes; melts 
 at 600°, and may be volatilized. Easily oxidizes, at a 
 high heat, into protoxide, PbO (Litharge). In moist air, 
 becomes covered with a gray coating of suboxide, Pb 2 0. 
 
 Cham. Eel. Forms with Suboxide, Pb 2 0(?); ^Prot- 
 oxide, PbO (Litharge) ; Minium, or red lead, Pb 3 4 ; 
 or 2PbO + Pb0 2 , made by oxidizing, PbO, by exposure 
 to air, at a high heat ; Sesquioxide, Pb 2 3 (?), and Pb0 2 , 
 Plumbic Acid (puce or brown oxide), obtained by digest- 
 ing minium in dilute N0 5 . With N0 5 , soluble *Ni- 
 trate, PbO,N0 5 ; with C0 2 insoluble ^Carbonate 
 (White Lead); with S, Sulphide, PbS, Subsulphide, Pb 2 S; 
 with S0 3 , insoluble sulphate; with CI, sparingly soluble 
 Chloride; with I, insoluble *Iodide, and various other 
 salts, which are generally colourless. 
 13* 
 
150 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 Tests. HS, gives a black ; KI, and K0,O0 3 , a yellow ; 
 S0 3 , or a soluble sulphate, a white precipitate. 
 
 Med. Effects. The salts of lead are sedative and as- 
 tringent. 
 
 Incompatible*. S, CI, I, SQ 3 , C0 2 , Cr0 3 , T, and their so- 
 luble compounds — metallic zinc, vegetable astringents. 
 The alkalies are incompatible with the salts of lead 
 generally. 
 
 Toxicol. Effects. In large doses, or small ones long 
 continued, poisonous. In acute poisoning, the symptoms 
 and post-mortem appearances are those due to irritant 
 poisons. In chronic poisoning, as from the vapour of 
 lead in type foundries, handling of types, working in 
 white lead, &c, the symptoms are those of Colica Picto- 
 num, or lead palsy ; which will be found treated of in 
 works on the Practice of Medicine. Clean, new lead, is 
 acted on by water containing C0 2 , or by pure water ; a 
 very small quantity of earthy impurities prevents this ; 
 5 ou °f sulphate of lime is sufficient. When lead pipe is 
 used for conveying water, it may be protected by passing 
 a soluble alkaline sulphate, or dilute, S0 3 , through it, 
 before bringing it into use. 
 
 a. Oxide. 
 
 Off. Prep. a. *Plumbi Oxidum Semivitreum — 
 Semivitrified Oxide of Lead, Litharge, PbO. 
 
INORGANIC CHEMISTRT. 151 
 
 Prep. Is made, on the large scale, by exposing melted 
 lead to a current of air. 
 
 Prop. Small, brilliant, red or yellow vitrified scales, 
 fusing at red heat. Slightly soluble in water ; saponifies 
 with oils. Absorbs, C0 2 , by exposure to the air. Is 
 readily dissolved in dilute, N0 5 . Is largely employed in 
 the arts, in painting, &c. Is not used as medicine, but 
 enters into other officinal compounds, as (a) *Emp. 
 Plumbi, lead plaster; which is made by boiling together 
 Litharge (ifev), Olive Oil (Cong, j), and Water (Oij). 
 
 b. Nitrate. 
 
 b. *Plumbi Nitras — Nitrate of Lead. 
 
 Prep. Is made by dissolving Litharge in dilute, N0 5 ; 
 when crystallized, is in the form of white, nearly opaque 
 crystals; soluble in water, and alcohol; and having a 
 sweetish, astringent taste. 
 
 Uses. Is never used internally ; rarely externally. It 
 is employed as a disinfectant. Ledoyan's Disinfecting 
 Solution, contains 3J to Sj water. It acts by absorbing 
 HS, giving rise to PbS. 
 
 c. Carbonate. 
 
 c. *Plumbi Carbonas — Carbonate of Lead. White 
 Lead, PbO,C0 2 or 2 (PbO,C0 2 ) -f PbO,HO. 
 
 Prep. Is prepared, on the large scale, by exposing 
 metallic lead to the action of vapour of vinegar. A 
 
152 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 subacetate is formed, which becomes carboDate by absorp- 
 tion of C0 2 , from the atmosphere, liberating the acetic 
 acid, which acts on a fresh portion of metallic lead. 
 
 Prop. Fine, white, heavy, opaque, inodorous, nearly 
 tasteless, insoluble powder. Dissolves freely in acids, 
 with evolution of C0 2 . 
 
 Med. Effects. The most poisonous of the lead salt. 
 Cases of acute poisoning are rare. The alkaline sulphates, 
 generally employed as antidotes, are of little use ; dilute, 
 S0 3 , or Acid. Sulph. Arom., with emetics and purgatives, 
 should be used. It is the salt which most commonly 
 causes Colica Pictonum. It is used only externally, as a 
 sedative and astringent. 
 
 d. *Unguentum Plumbi Carbonatis — Ointment of 
 the Carbonate of Lead. 
 
 Prep. Is made by rubbing up (§ij) Plumb. Carb., 
 and Ung. Simp. (Ibj) ; first softening the latter by heat. 
 
 d. Iodide. 
 
 e. *Plumbi Iodidtjm — Iodide of Lead. 
 
 Prep. Is made by mixing solutions of Nitrate of Lead 
 (§iv to Ojss Aq. destillJ), and Iodide of Potassium (giv 
 to Oss Aq. Destill.); soluble Nitrate of Potassa, and 
 Iodide of Lead, which precipitates, result. PbO, N0 5 , and 
 KI = PbIandK0,N0 5 . 
 
 Prop. Bright yellow, heavy, tasteless, inodorous pow- 
 der; soluble in 1235 parts cold, and 194 boiling water. 
 
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 153 
 
 The boiling solution is colourless, and deposits it, on cool- 
 ing, in brilliant yellow scales. It melts, is volatilized, 
 and finally decomposed by heat. 
 
 Med. Effects. Used only externally, in ointment, as an 
 alterative, sedative, and astringent. 
 
 e. Acetates. 
 
 /. *Plumbi Acetas — Acetate of Lead. Sugar of Lead. 
 
 Prep. Is prepared, on the large scale, by the action of 
 Acetic Acid on lead plates frequently exposed to the air, or 
 by dissolving litharge in the acid. The formula of the 
 crystallized salt, is PbO,xi, -+- 3HO. 
 
 Prop. White, crystalline, solid; sweetish, astringent 
 taste; slightly efflorescent. Soluble in 1} parts cold 
 water ; the solution is turbid, on account of the formation 
 of Carbonate, from the presence of Carbonic Acid in 
 ordinary water. 
 
 Med. Effects. Astringent, and sedative ; in large doses 
 poisonous, but fatal results are very rare. Antidotes, al- 
 kaline sulphates, or dilute S0 3 . Dose, gr. v to 3j. Long 
 continued, it may produce chronic poisoning. 
 
 Incompat. Acids, their carbonates, the soluble sul- 
 phates, chlorides, tartrates, and iodides, the vegetable 
 astringents. 
 
 g. *Liquor Plumbi Subacetatis — Solution of the 
 Subacetate of Lead. Goulard's Extract. 
 
 Prep. Is made, by boiling together, Plumbi Acetat. 
 (gxvj); Plumb. Oxid. Semivit., Pulv. Subtil, (gixss), 
 
154 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 and Aq. Destill. (Oiv), for half an hour ; adding water, to 
 keep up the quantity, and filtering. The Sp. Gr. of the 
 solution is 1*267. 
 
 In this case, an additional quantity of PbO, is given to 
 the acetate, forming 3PbO,A (trisacetate), or 2PbO,A 
 (diacetate). The liquid has a sweetish, astringent taste, 
 and absorbs, C0 2 , with great avidity, becoming turbid; 
 hence should be kept in well-stopped bottles. 
 
 Med. Effects. Only used externally ; is more poisonous 
 than the acetate. Antidotes the same. 
 
 h. *Liquor Plumbi Subacetatis Dilutus — Lead 
 Water. 
 
 Prep. Is made by diluting the last preparation, f 3ij 
 to Oj. It is turbid, when first made; but if kept well- 
 stopped, becomes clear, by the subsidence of the Carbonate. 
 
 k. *Ceratum Plumbi Subacetatis — Cerate of the 
 Subacetate of Lead — Goulard's Cerate. 
 
 R. 1. Liq. Plumb. Subacetat. f giiss ; 2. Cerce Albas, 
 giv; 3. Olei Olivi f^ix; 4. Camphorce 3ss ; mix 2, pre- 
 viously melted, with f gviii 3, remove from the fire, and 
 add 1, stirring constantly with a wooden spatula until 
 cool, then add 4, dissolved in f gj 3, and mix. 
 
 Rem. Soon becomes rancid. 
 
 XXIX. COPPER. Cu. 31-66. 
 
 Nat. Sources. Native, as Oxide, Sulphide, and Salt; 
 is said to exist in the liver and blood. 
 
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 155 
 
 Prop. Brilliant, sonorous, very malleable, and ductile 
 metal, of a characteristic colour, slightly nauseous taste, 
 and disagreeable odour when rubbed; Sp. Gr. 8-89; fuses 
 at 1996°. 
 
 Chem. Rel. Forms four oxides : Suboxide, Cu a O, Prot- 
 oxide, CuO, Binoxide, Cu0 3 , and an undetermined higher 
 oxide, which is acid ; the Protoxide forms an important 
 series of salts ; the salts of Cu a O are colourless, those of 
 CuO of a rich blue or green colour. 
 
 Tests. Ammonia throws down a blue precipitate, solu- 
 ble in excess, Ferrocyanide a brown, and Hydrosulphuric 
 Acid a black precipitate. 
 
 Officinal Preparations. 
 
 A. Sulphate. 
 
 a. *Cupri Sulphas — Sulphate of Copper — Blue Vi- 
 triol. 
 
 Prep. May be obtained by boiling Cu in HO,S0 3 : S0 2 
 is given off; Cu and 2 S0 3 = CuO,S0 3 and S0 3 ; is ob- 
 tained, on the large scale, by roasting the native sulphide. 
 
 Prop. Rich, deep blue crystals; nauseous styptic taste ; 
 soluble in 4 parts cold, and 2 boiling water ; heated, under- 
 goes aqueous fusion, then dries, and becomes white; at 
 a high temperature, is decomposed. 
 
 Med. Effects. Small doses, tonic, antispasmodic, and 
 astringent ; large doses, emetic ; externally, escharotic, and 
 in solution, astringent. 
 
156 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 Toxicol ogicol Effects. In large doses, 55s and more, an 
 
 irritant poison, but not likely to be taken, on account of 
 its taste. Antidotes : Magnesia. Albumen; the same may 
 be said of all the Salts of Copper. The Arsenite, Scheele's 
 Green, CuO,As0 3 , combines the effects of its constituents. 
 When copper vessels are used in preparing food, or when 
 workmen are exposed to it, slow poisoning may also take 
 place, giving rise to cramps, vomiting, diarrhoea, and 
 dysentery. 
 
 Incompat. Those of S0 3 ; Metallic Iron and Zinc; 
 Ammonia. 
 
 b. Organic Compounds. 
 
 b. Cupri Subacetatis — Sulacetate of Cupper — Ver- 
 digris ; impure Subacetate of Copper. 
 
 Prep. Is made by stratifying sheets of Copper and 
 refuse of Grapes ; the Alcohol in the husks becomes Acetic 
 Acid, and unites with Oxide of Copper formed upon the 
 plate. Its composition is variable; contains 3CuO,2A + 
 6 HO, and 3CuO,A + 3HO. 
 
 Prop. Pale, green-coloured, or blue masses, composed 
 of silky needles ; soluble in Ammonia, insoluble in Alco- 
 hol, and decomposed by water into neutral Acetate and 
 Trisacetate. 
 
 Med. Effects. Used only externally as an escharotic and 
 astringent ; internally, like the other salts of copper, 
 poisonous. 
 
 c. *Uxguextum Cupri Subacetatis — Ointment of 
 
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 157 
 
 Subacetate of Copper, is made by adding (Jj) Cup. Subacet. 
 to (5*0 Cng- Simp., previously melted, and stirring until 
 cold. 
 
 d. *Cuprum AmmoniATUM — Ammoniated Copper. 
 
 Prep. Is made by rubbing (§ss) Cupri Sulpli. with 
 (ivi) Amnion. Carb., until effervescence ceases. 
 
 Rem. The composition of this compound is not under- 
 stood ; probably a Cupro- Sulphate of Ammonia, NH 4 0, 
 S0 3 +NH 4 0,CuO + HO, in which the Oxide of Copper 
 acts the part of an acid. 
 
 Prop. Beautiful deep azure-blue salt, with a strong 
 ammoniacal odour, and styptic, metallic taste; is freely so- 
 luble in water ; rapidly decomposes on exposure to the air. 
 
 Med. Effects. Tonic and antispasmodic. 
 
 Incompat. All Acids ; the Alkalies and Earths gene- 
 rally. 
 
 XXX. ZIXC. Zn. 32-52. 
 
 Obtained from native Sulphide (blende) and Carbonate 
 (calamine), by roasting, and reduction with C. 
 
 Prop. Bluish-white, soft, laminated metal; peculiar 
 taste and odour when rubbed ; when pure, may be rolled 
 into sheets cold; melts at 773°, at red heat boils and may 
 be distilled ; takes fire in the air, with emission of white 
 fumes of Oxide, ZnO; dissolves in most acids, with evolu- 
 tion of H. 
 
 14 
 
158 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 Cliem. Eel. Forms, with 0, two oxides, Protoxide 
 ZnO, and Peroxide ? The Protoxide gives a large number 
 of salts, which are colourless ; the Oxide, Carbonate, Sul- 
 phate, Chloride, and Acetate are officinal. 
 
 Med. Effects. The Salts of Zinc are tonic, antispasmodic, 
 and astringent ; they are poisonous, but not actively so ; 
 workmen engaged about them are liable to a Zinc colic. 
 
 a. Oxide. 
 
 Officinal Preparations. 
 
 a. *Zinci Oxidum — Oxide of Zinc. ZnO. 
 
 Prep. Is made by strongly heating the *Carbonate. 
 
 Prop. Inodorous, tasteless, white powder ; insoluble in 
 Water and Alcohol, freely so in Acids ; becomes yellow 
 when moderately heated, but white again on cooling ; at a 
 low white heat, fuses, and at full white, sublimes. It is 
 the Zinc wliite of commerce. 
 
 Med. Effects. Tonic, antispasmodic. Dose, gr. ij to x. 
 Externally as mild astringent. 
 
 b. *Unguentum Zinci Oxidi — Ointment of Oxide of 
 Zinc, is made by rubbing f gj ZnO with §vi Adipis. 
 
 b. Carbonates. 
 
 c. *Calamina — Calamine — impure native Carbonate of 
 Zinc. ZnO,C0 2 . 
 
 Is generally very impure, many specimens containing 
 no Carbonate of Zinc. 
 
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 159 
 
 d. *Calamina PRyEPARATA — Prepared Calamine (na- 
 tive Carbonate of Zinc.) 
 
 Prep. Is made by heating the Calamine to redness, 
 and levigating and elutriating, as directed for ^Prepared 
 Chalk. 
 
 Prop. A pinkish or flesh-coloured powder, of an earthy 
 appearance. 
 
 Med. Effects. Used only externally ; a mild astringent . 
 
 e. *Ckratum Calamine — Cerate of Calamine — Tur- 
 ner's Cerate. 
 
 Prep. Is made by melting together Cera Flav. (§iij) 
 and Adeps (Ibj), and when, on cooling, they begin to 
 thicken, stirring in Calamina Prep. (§iij). 
 
 /. *Zinci Carbonas Pr^ecipitatus — Precipitated Car- 
 bonate of Zinc. 
 
 Prep. Is made by mixing boiling solutions of Sulphate 
 of Zinc and Carbonate of Soda ; Sulphate of Soda remains 
 in solution, and Carbonate of Zinc precipitates. It is a 
 basic compound. Its formula is 8ZnO,3C0 2 + 6HO, 
 
 Prop. A very soft white powder, resembling Magnesia 
 Alba, freely soluble in HO,S0 3 , with effervescence. Is 
 used as a substitute for Calamine, which is often too impure 
 for use. 
 
 g. *Ceratum Zixci Carbonatis — Cerate of the Carlo- 
 nate of Zinc. 
 
 Prep. Is made by rubbing up Jij of the Carbonate 
 with Jx Ung. Simp. 
 
160 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 c. Sulphate. 
 
 h. Zinci Sulphas — Sulphate of Zinc — White Vitriol. 
 
 Prep, Is made by dissolving Zn in HO,S0 3 ; Zn and 
 HO,S0 3 =ZnO,S0 3 andH. 
 
 Prop. Colourless, transparent salt, much resembling 
 Epsom Salt, containing, when crystallized, 7 eq. HO; 
 soluble in 2} parts cold, and less than its weight of boiling 
 water; taste styptic, astringent; heated, undergoes aqueous 
 fusion, becomes anhydrous, and finally lose3 its acid. 
 
 Med. Effects. Small doses, gr. j to ij, tonic, astringent, 
 antispasmodic; large, 3j, emetic; overdose, an irritant 
 poison, rarely fatal, from its producing vomiting ; its effects 
 are combated by Mucilage and Albumen. Externally, as 
 an astringent. 
 
 Incompat. The Alkalies and Earths, their Carbonates; 
 Lead Salts ; Vegetable Astringents. 
 
 d. Chloride. 
 
 i. *Zinci Chloridum — Chloride of Zinc — Butter of 
 Zinc. 
 
 Prep. Is made by dissolving Zinc (^ijss) in Acid. 
 Muriatic, q. s., adding Acid. Nitric, (f 3j), evaporating to 
 dryness, then dissolving the dry mass in water, and adding 
 (3j) Greta prep., allowing the mixture to stand 24 hours, 
 and again evaporating to dryness. The object of the addi- 
 tion of the Nitric Acid is to sesquioxidize any iron which 
 may exist, and which is left behind when the dry mass is 
 
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 161 
 
 redissolved. The addition of the chalk is for the same 
 purpose. 
 
 Prop. Grayish-white, waxy, translucent, deliquescent 
 solid. 
 
 Med. Effects. Used principally as an escharotic ; in large 
 doses, a corrosive poison. Antidotes : the Alkaline Carbo- 
 nates, Soap. 
 
 The Liquor Zinci CMoridi of the Dublin Ph., contains 
 175 grains to f ^j Aquce; Burnett's Disinfecting Fluid con- 
 tains 200 gr. to fgj. Used diluted as an astringent and 
 detergent wash. 
 
 e. Acetates. 
 
 h. *Zinci Acetas — Acetate of Zinc. 
 
 Prep. Is made by agitating granulated Zinc (§ix) with 
 a solution of Acetate of Lead (Ibj to Oiij) for 5 or 6 hours, 
 until the solution gives no precipitate with KI \ the Zinc 
 removes all the Acetic Acid from the Lead, and is dissolved ; 
 the solution is filtered, acidulated with A, and crystallized. 
 
 Prop. Colourless, efflorescent plates, containing 7 eq. 
 water of crystallization ; freely soluble in water, less so in 
 dilute Alcohol. 
 
 Med. Effects. Used externally as an astringent. 
 
 Incompat. Mineral Acids, Alkalies, Earths, the Car- 
 bonates, the Vegetable Astringents. 
 14* 
 
162 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 NOBLE METALS. 
 
 XXXI. *MEKCURY (HYDRARGYRUM). Hg = 200.* 
 
 Nat. Sources. Is found native, and obtained from its 
 Bisulphide (Cinnabar), by distillation with lime or iron. 
 
 Prop. Pure Mercury is a brilliant, silvery liquid ; 
 tasteless, inodorous; Sp. Gr. 13*5. Does not change, by 
 exposure to the air, at common temperatures. Heated to 
 near the boiling-point, absorbs oxygen, becoming bin- 
 oxide (Hg0 2 ), which it yields at a higher heat, becoming 
 again reduced. It boils at 662°, and maybe distilled; 
 freezes at — 39° into a solid, resembling lead. Ordinarily 
 it is contaminated with other metals (lead, bismuth, tin) ; 
 these may be suspected by its tarnishing, and its globules 
 having " tails." It may be purified by distillation, or by 
 the action of dilute N0 5 , or Corrosive Sublimate. 
 
 Chem. Rel. Forms two oxides, HgO, Protoxide (Grey, 
 or Black Oxide), and Hg0 2 , Binoxide (Bed Oxide, Bed Pre- 
 cipitate); two sulphides, HgS, Protosulphide (Black Sul- 
 phide, jEthiops Mineral), HgS 2 , Bisulphide (Cinnabar) ; 
 two chlorides, HgCl, Protochloride (Calomel), HgCl 2 , Bi- 
 chloride (Corrosive Sublimate); two Iodides, Hgl, Prot- 
 
 * The equivalent of Mercury, is latterly assumed to be 100. This will alter 
 the nomenclature of its compounds; Protoxide, HgO, will become Suboxide, 
 Hg 2 0, and so on. It has been deemed best to retain the former number in 
 this connection. 
 
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 163 
 
 iodide (Yellow Iodide), Hgl 2 , Biniodide (Red Iodide): With 
 the acids, a series of salts are formed with the two oxides 
 of mercury, of which those of the binoxide are the most 
 stable. The Metal, its Oxides, Nitrate, Sulphides, Sub- 
 sulphate, Chlorides, Iodides, and Bicyanide, and Ammo- 
 niated Mercury, are officinal in various forms. 
 
 Med. Effects. Vary exceedingly with the dose, prepa- 
 ration, and mode of administration. See works on General 
 Therapeutics. 
 
 Tests. See Corrosive Sublimate. 
 
 a. As Metal. 
 
 Off. Prep. a. ^Hydrargyrum — Mercury. 
 
 h. *PiLULi£ Hydrargyri — Pills of Mercury — Blue 
 Pills. 
 
 Prep. Are made by rubbing §j Eydrarg. with giss 
 Confect. Bosce, until the globules disappear, then adding 
 gss Pulv. Glycyrrhizce, and dividing the mass into 480 
 (3 gr.) pills. It should contain 33J per cent, of mer- 
 cury, or one gr. to each pill, but usually has less. It is 
 generally made on the large scale. Dose, one to two pills. 
 
 c. *Unguentum Hydrargyri — Mercurial Ointment. 
 Blue Ointment. 
 
 Prep. R. Hydrarg. Tbij, Adipis §xxiij, Scevi gj. 
 Rub the Mercury with the Suet, and a portion of the Lard, 
 until all the globules are extinguished ; then add the re- 
 mainder of the Lard. This preparation is also made on 
 
164 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 the large scale. Various expedients have been proposed 
 to facilitate the extinction of the metal, but they are not to 
 be recommended. If long kept in jars, the metal settles, 
 and the strength becomes unequal ; it should, therefore, 
 be stirred from time to time. Used externally only. 
 
 d. *Emplastrum HtdRAKGYBI — Mercurial Plaster. 
 Prep. Is made by rubbing Eydrarg. (fvi) with equal 
 
 parts (§ij) of 01. Olivoe, and Pe since, previously melted 
 together and cooled, until the globules disappear, and 
 adding these to (Ibj) Emp. Plumbi, previously melted, 
 and mixing. Mercury is also employed in the *Emp!ast. 
 A m m o n ' Hydra rgyro. 
 
 e. ^Hydrargyrum cum Creta — Mercury with Chalk. 
 Prep. Is made by rubbing (siij) Hydrarg. with (§v) 
 
 Crete? Preparation until the globules disappear. It com- 
 bines the antacid effects of the Chalk, with the alterative 
 powers of the Mercury. There is too little chalk to be 
 of much service ; more may be added at the time of pre- 
 scribing. 
 
 Dose, gr. v to gas. The Dublin Ph. has a correspond- 
 ing preparation, made with Magnesia — Hydrargyrum cum 
 
 :S\d. 
 
 b. Oxide. 
 
 /. *Hydrargyri Oxidum Nigrum — Black Oxide of 
 Mercury (protoxide). HgO. 
 
 Prep. Is made by adding Calomel (§iv) to a solution 
 
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 165 
 
 of Caustic Potassa (giv to Oj Aq.) ; HgCl, and KO = HgO, 
 and KC1. The precipitate of HgO is washed, and dried 
 at a gentle heat. 
 
 Prop. A greenish-black powder, becoming olive after 
 a time, inodorous, tasteless ; insoluble, except in acids. 
 Decomposed by light, and low heat, into a mixture of 
 Hg, and Hg0 2 ; by high heat, into Hg, and ) resembles 
 Calomel in its action; dose, gr. £ to gr. iij. The Black 
 Wash, made by adding 3J of Calomel to Oj Lime-water, 
 contains this oxide. 
 
 g. *Hydrargyri OxiDUM Rtjbrum — Red Oxide of 
 Mercury, Binoxide, Red Precipitate. 
 
 Prep. Is made by heating the Nitrate, which contains 
 Hg0 2 ,2N0 5 , and HgO, N0 5 . The NO s is decomposed, N0 2 
 is given off, and 20 go to oxidize the Protoxide to Binoxide, 
 which remains. It may also be made by exposing the metal 
 at, or near its boiling-point, to the air (Red Precipitate per 
 se, Calcined Mercury). Also by adding a caustic alkali, to 
 a solution of corrosive sublimate, a yellow precipitate falls 
 (Yellow Wash) ; which is probably a hydrate, HgCl 2 , and 
 KO, 3HO=Hg0 2 ,3HO, and KC1. The first is the 
 officinal process. 
 
 Prop. Bright, orange-red powder ; slightly soluble in 
 water; decomposed by high heat into Hg, and 0. It 
 is not used internally ; externally, is stimulant, and 
 escharotic. 
 
 h. *Unguentum Hydrargyri Oxidi Rubri — Oint- 
 
166 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 merit of the Red Oxide of Mercury. Red Precipitate Oint- 
 ment. Is made by rubbing up 5J of Red Precipitate, in 
 fine powder, with gj Simple Ointment. 
 
 c. Nitrate. 
 
 i. *Unguentum Hydrargyri Nitratis — Ointment 
 of the Nitrate of Mercury. Citrine Ointment. 
 
 Prep. Is prepared by adding Nitrate of Mercury to a 
 mixture of fresh Neats-foot oil (fgix), and Lard (§iii). 
 The nitrate is prepared by dissolving (gj) Hg, in (f giv) 
 H0,N0 5 . The nitrate is reduced by the mixture, to sub- 
 nitrate of the deutoxide ; and other changes, not well 
 understood, take place. The ointment is a bright yellow 
 colour, when first made; soon changes, becoming greenish, 
 mottled, and more or less brittle. 
 
 The Hydrargyri Pernitratis Liquor of the Dub. Ph., 
 solution of the Acid Nitrate of Mercury, much used as a 
 caustic, is made by dissolving §j ? avoirdupois, Hg, in 
 f giss N0 5 , diluted with fgiss Aqucc. It is a solution 
 of the Nitrate of the Deutoxide Hg0 2 ,2N0 5 , with an 
 excess of acid. 
 
 d. Sulphides. 
 
 k. ^Hydrargyri Sulphuretum Nigrum — Black Sul- 
 phuret (Sulphide) of Mercury. JEthiops Mineral. 
 
 Prep. Is made by rubbing together equal parts of 
 sulphur and mercury. Is uncertain in composition. HgS, 
 or HgS 2 , and S. 
 
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 167 
 
 Prop. Heavy, tasteless, insoluble, black powder; be- 
 coming violet, and decomposed by heat. Is very little 
 used. Dose, gr. v to gj. 
 
 I. *HYDRARGYRI SuLPHURETUM EuBRUM — Red Sul- 
 phur et (Sulphide) of Mercury. Cinnabar, Vermilion, 
 Hg,S 2 . 
 
 Prep. Is made by heating together (§xl) Mercury, 
 and (gvii) Sulphur. Is made generally on the large 
 scale. 
 
 Prop. Heavy, brilliant red, crystalline masses ; in- 
 odorous ; insoluble. Is volatilized and decomposed by 
 heat. Is used only for fumigations. 
 
 e. Sulphate. 
 
 m. *Hydrargyri Sulphas Flavus — Yellow Sulphate 
 of Mercury. Turpeth Mineral. 
 
 Prep. Is made by throwing the Sulphate of the Deut- 
 oxide (Hg0 2 ,2S0 3 ) (see Calomel, Corrosive Sublimate), 
 into water. It is decomposed into Turpeth Mineral, 
 3Hg0 2 ,2S0 3 , and Supersulphate of Mercury, Hg0 2 ,6S0 3 . 
 
 Prop. A lemon-yellow powder, of an acrid taste. 
 Dose, as alterative, gr. \ to J; emetic, gr. iij to v. 
 Used also as an errhine. 
 
 In overdose, an irritant poison. Antidote : Albumen ? 
 
 f. Chlorides. 
 
 n. *Hydrargyri Chloridum Mite — Mild Chloride 
 of Mercury — Protochloride, Calomel. 
 
168 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 0. *Hydrargyri Chloridum Corrosivum — Corro- 
 sive Chloride of Mercury — Bichloride, Corrosive Sub- 
 limate. 
 
 As the processes for preparing them are intimately con- 
 nected, they will be described together. 
 
 1. Corrosive Sublimate is made as follows: Sulphate 
 of the Deutoxide of Mercury is made by boiling (Ibii) Hg 
 in (Ibiii) Sulphuric Acid, Sulphurous Acid being liberated, 
 Hg and 4S0 8 = Hg0 2 ,2SO B and 2S0 2 . 
 
 This is rubbed, when cold, with (Ibiss) common Salt, 
 and the mixture sublimed. The Corrosive Sublimate 
 sublimes, and Sulphate of Soda remains. Hg0 2 ,2S0 3 and 
 2NaCl = HgCl 3 and 2NaO,S0 3 . 
 
 2. Calomel is made as follows : the Sulphate of the 
 Deutoxide of Mercury is made as before ) this is rubbed 
 with another equivalent of Mercury (flbij), and reduced to 
 the Sulphate of the Protoxide, Hg0 2 ,2S0 3 +Hg = 2(HgO, 
 S0 3 ) ) this is sublimed with the same quantity of Chloride 
 of Sodium as the last (Ibiss), 2HgO,S0 3 and 2NaCl = 
 2HgCl and 2(NaO,S0 3 ). The Calomel is washed, to free 
 it from any Corrosive Sublimate, until the washings no 
 longer give a precipitate with Ammonia. 
 
 Calomel, in mass, is a white, fibrous, crystalline sub- 
 stance, giving a yellow streak when scratched. Sp. Gr. 
 7*2. Becomes yellow and blackish, on exposure to light. 
 Is insoluble in Water, Alcohol, and iEther, but volatile ; 
 should be entirely volatilized by heat. Its medicinal pro- 
 
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 169 
 
 perties are too various to be described here. Dose, gr. ^ 
 to 3i; the o *Pilul^e Hydrargyri Chloridi Mite, 
 Calomel Pills, contain 1 gr. each, mixed with Gum Arabic 
 and Syrup. 
 
 Incompatible^. The Alkalies, Alkaline Earths, their 
 Carbonates, Soap, Sulphides, Hydrocyanic Acid, Com- 
 mon Salt ? Iron ? Lead ? Copper ? 
 
 p. Corrosive Sublimate. 
 
 Prop. Colourless, transparent crystals, or white, semi- 
 transparent, crystalline masses; Sp. Gr. 5*2; permanent 
 in the air; inodorous, acrid, persistent, metallic taste; 
 melts and volatilizes readily, with dense, acrid fumes ; so- 
 luble in 20 parts cold, and 3 boiling water, in Alcohol, 
 and JEtlier ; also, without change, in Sulphuric, Muriatic, 
 and Nitric Acids ; Muriate of Ammonia, and common 
 Salt, render it more soluble in water. It retards putre- 
 faction, by coagulating albumen and fibrin. Should dis- 
 solve wholly in iEther, and be wholly volatilized by heat. 
 Dose, gr. -^ to T V 
 
 Incompat. Alkalies, Alkaline Earths, their Carbonates, 
 Soap, Iodides, Sulphides, Tartar Emetic, Nitrate of Silver, 
 Acetates of Lead, and many Metals, Vegetable Astringents, 
 Albumen, Fibrin, Gluten. 
 
 Toxicological Effects. In overdose, gr. iii to v., a cor- 
 rosive poison ; recovery has taken place, after an ounce had 
 been swallowed. Antidotes: Albumen (white of egg, 
 
 15 
 
170 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 blood), Fibrin, Gluten (flour), Milk, with free evacuation 
 of the stomach. 
 
 Tests. 1. Lime-water, yellow Hydrate of Deutoxide, 
 Hg0 2 ,3HO. 
 
 2. Carbonate of Potassa, brick red Carbonate of Mer- 
 cury, HgO,C0 2 . 
 
 3. Iodide of Potassium, scarlet Biniodide of Mercury, 
 
 Hgl 2 . 
 
 4. Ammonia, tchite Amide of Chloride of Mercury ? 
 HgCl,NH a . 
 
 5. Hydrosulphuric Acid, black Sulphide of Mercury, 
 HgS. 
 
 6. Protochloride of Tin, greyish-black Sulphide of Mer- 
 cury, Hg. 
 
 7. A bright plate of Copper, immersed in solution, 
 reduces the metal. 
 
 8. Gold, in a solution of mercury, touched with Iron or 
 Zinc, causes reduction of the metal; the metal may be sub- 
 limed from the precipitates by heat. The relative deli- 
 cacy of these tests is thus given : Lime-water, 4; K0,C0 2 , 
 7; KI, 8; NH 4 0, 36; HS, 60; SnCl, 80; the last two 
 are still more delicate, and act in the presence of organic 
 matter. 
 
 g. Iodides. 
 
 q. *Hydrargyri Iodidum — Iodide of Mercury — -Yel- 
 low Iodide, Protiodide, Hgl. 
 
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 171 
 
 Prep. Is made by rubbing together, with the aid of a 
 little Alcohol (^j), Hydrarg. and (Jv) Iodine. 
 
 Prop. A yellowish-green powder, becoming darkened 
 by exposure to light ; insoluble in Water and Alcohol, 
 soluble in iEther; Sp. Gr. 7*75; volatilized by heat, con- 
 densing in red crystals, which become yellow ; is mild in 
 its alterative action. Dose, gr. i to iii. Iodide of Potas- 
 sium converts it into Hgl 2 . 
 
 r. *Hydrargyri Iodidum Eubrum — Red Iodide of 
 Mercury, Biniodide, Hgl 2 . 
 
 Prep. Is made by mixing solutions of Corrosive Sub- 
 limate (gi to Oiss Aq.) and Iodide of Potassium (Jx to 
 Oss) ; Biniodide of Mercury precipitates, and Chloride of 
 Potassium remains in solution, HgCl 2 and 2KI = Hgl a 
 and 2KC1. May also be made, by rubbing together one 
 eq. Mercury with two eq. Iodine. 
 
 Prop. Brilliant scarlet powder ) Sp. Gr. 6-3 ; insoluble 
 in water, soluble in alcohol, in solutions of KI, and 
 Nad; is dimorphous; heated, becomes yellow, and sub- 
 limes in yellow crystals ; when yellow, becomes red again 
 by pressure. Dose, gr. T *g. Resembles in its effects Cor- 
 rosive Sublimate. In overdose, an irritant poison. Anti- 
 dotes, as in Corrosive Sublimate. 
 
 s. *Liqtjor Arsenici et Hydrargyri Iodidi — Solu- 
 tion of the Iodides of Arsenic and Mercury — Donovan's 
 Solution. 
 
 Prep). Is made by rubbing equal parts, gr. xxv, of 
 
172 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 *Iodide of Arsenic, and red Iodide of Mercury together, 
 with f gss of Water, adding f gviiss Water, heating to the 
 boiling-point, and filtering. 
 
 Prop. A pale yellow solution ; incompatible with Tr. 
 Opii and Salts of Morphia. Dose gtt. v to xx. 
 
 h. Cyanide. 
 
 t. *Hydrargyri Cyanuretum — Cyanuret of Mercury 
 — Bicyanide, HgCy a . 
 
 Prep. Is made by boiling together Prussian Blue and 
 red Oxide of Mercury, 2FeCy 6 and 9Hg0 2 = 9HgCy 2 and 
 6FeO, and 4Fe 3 3 . 
 
 Prop. Transparent, or opaque white crystals, of a 
 disagreeable styptic taste; freely soluble in cold water; 
 HC1 liberates Hydrocyanic Acid. In large doses, is a 
 potent poison ; no direct antidote is known ; those for 
 HgCl 2 may be used. Dose, gr. j 1 ^ to gr. |. 
 
 u. ^Hydrargyrum Ammontatum — Ammoniated Mer- 
 cury — White Precipitate. 
 
 Prep. Is made by adding Ammonia to a solution of 
 Corrosive Sublimate ; White Precipitate is thrown down, 
 and Chloride of Ammonium remains. It is believed to be 
 a compound of Amide (NH 2 ), with Chloride of Mercury, 
 2NH 4 and HgCl 2 = NH 4 C1, and 2HO, and Hg,Cl,NH 2 . 
 
 Prop. White powder, of an earthy, metallic taste ; in- 
 soluble in alcohol and cold water ; decomposed by boiling 
 water; exposed to strong heat, dissipates, being decom- 
 
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 173 
 
 posed into N, NH 4 0, and HgCl. It is only used exter- 
 nally. 
 
 v. *Unguentum Hydrargyri Ammoniati — Ointment 
 of Ammoniated Mercury — White Precipitate Ointment. 
 
 Prep. Is made by rubbing 3i of White Precipitate 
 with giss Ting. Simp. 
 
 XXXII. ^SILVER (ARGENTUM). Ag. 108. 
 
 Nat. Sources. Found native, as Sulphide, Chloride 
 (Horn Silver), and Bromide. 
 
 Prop. Perfectly white, highly lustrous metal, very 
 good conductor of heat and electricity; Sp. Gr. 10-5; 
 tenacious, malleable, and ductile ; melts at a bright red 
 heat; does not oxidize at any temperature, but becomes 
 covered with a black tarnish of Sulphide, in presence of 
 compounds of S. 
 
 Chem. Eel. Forms with 0, Suboxide, Ag 2 ?, Prot- 
 oxide, AgO, and Peroxide ? ; with S, Sulphide, AgS ; with 
 CI insoluble, AgCl, white, blackening on exposure to the 
 light. Its Iodides and Bromides also change thus, and are 
 hence used in photography. It dissolves freely in cold 
 N0 5 . Its Oxide, Nitrate, and Cyanide are officinal. 
 
 Test. The soluble Chlorides give with the Salts of 
 Silver a white, curdy precipitate (AgCl), blackening on 
 exposure to the light, and insoluble in boiling Nitric Acid. 
 16* 
 
174 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 The metal is reduced from its solution by Iron, Copper, 
 Mercury, and other metals. 
 
 Off. Forms, a. *Argentum — Silver. 
 
 b. *Argenti Oxidum — Oxide of Silver. AgO. 
 Prep. Is made by adding *Liquor Potass^e to a 
 
 solution of Nitrate of Silver (f 31V to Oss Aq. Destill.) 
 as long as a precipitate falls ; Nitrate of Potassa remains 
 in solution, AgON0 5 and KO = AgO and KO,N0 5 . 
 
 Prop. An olive-brown powder; should not effervesce 
 with acids. 
 
 Med. Effects. Its effects, internally, are similar to those 
 of Nitrate of Silver, over which it is supposed to have the 
 advantage of not discolouring the skin. 
 
 c. *Argenti Nitras — Nitrate of Silver. AgO,N0 5 . 
 Prep. Is made by dissolving Silver in Nitric Acid, 
 
 3 Ag and 4N0 5 = 3(AgO,N0 5 ) and N0 2 . 
 
 Prop. Colourless, transparent crystals of an intensely 
 metallic and bitter taste ; blackens on contact of organic 
 matter; soluble in its weight of cold water and 4 parts 
 boiling Alcohol. 
 
 Med. Effects. Various; internally tonic, antispasmodic; 
 externally, sedative, escharotic, astringent; in overdose, a 
 corrosive poison. Antidote, common Salt. 
 
 Test. See Silver. 
 
 Dose, gr. £, gradually increased. 
 
 Incompatibles. Muriatic, Sulphuric, Acetic Acids, and 
 their soluble salts. The soluble Iodides, and Sulphides, 
 
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 175 
 
 the Alkalies, Alkaline Earths, their Carbonates, Tartar 
 Emetic, Corrosive Sublimate, Iron, Lead, Copper, Mer- 
 cury, Vegetable Astringents. 
 
 d. *Argenti Nitras Fusus — Fused Nitrate of Silver 
 — Lunar Caustic — Lapis Infernalis. 
 
 Prep, Is made by melting the Nitrate and pouring it 
 into moulds. 
 
 Prop. Is in the form of small sticks, which gradually 
 blacken on exposure to light, probably from the presence 
 of organic matter. 
 
 Med. Uses. Is intended solely for external use. 
 
 e. *Argenti Cyanuretum — Cyanuret (Cyanide) of 
 Silver. 
 
 Prep. Is made by distilling Hydrocyanic Acid, from 
 Ferrocyanide of Potassium and dilute S0 3 , into a solution 
 of AgO,N0 5 . It may also be formed by adding Cyanide 
 of Potassium, KCy, to a solution of AgON0 5 . 
 
 Prop. It is a tasteless, white, insoluble powder; 
 soluble in boiling N0 5 . 
 
 Use. Is not used in medicine, but for the purpose 
 of preparing ^Hydrocyanic Acid, extemporaneously by 
 the addition of HC1. 
 
 XXXIII. GOLD (AURUM). Au. 98-33. 
 
 Nat. Sources. Occurs native. 
 
 Prop. Is a soft, yellow metal, the most malleable of 
 the metals; is very ductile; Sp. Gr. 19*5; melts at a 
 
176 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 bright red heat; is unaffected by ordinary oxidizing 
 agents and the Acids ; is dissolved by Nitrorauriatic Acid. 
 
 Chem. Rel. Forms with 0, Protoxide, AuO, Ter- 
 oxide (Auric Acid) Au0 3? Perauric Acid, Au0 5 ? ; with S, 
 by indirect combination, Protosulphide, AuS, and Tersul- 
 phide, AuS 3 ; with CI, Protochloride AuCl, and Ter- 
 chloride, AuCl 3 ; and similar compounds with I. 
 
 Med. Uses. The preparations of Gold have been used 
 in the treatment of syphilis. They are highly poisonous, 
 and prone to decomposition. 
 
 XXXIV. PLATINUM. Pt. 
 
 Nat. Sources. Occurs native. 
 
 Prop. Is a white metal, very malleable and ductile, 
 harder than Gold, fused only by the highest artificial 
 heat; Sp. Gr. 21-5; is not affected by air, moisture, or 
 ordinary acids ; is soluble in Nitromuriatic Acid ; is, from 
 its unalterable character, largely used in the arts. 
 
 Chem. Rel. It forms two Oxides, PtO and Pt0 2 , two 
 Chlorides PtCl and PtCl 2 , and compounds with Iodine, 
 Bromine, Sulphur, and Phosphorus. The Bichloride, 
 PtCl 2 , made by dissolving the metal in Nitromuriatic 
 Acid, is used as a test for Potassa, with which it com- 
 bines to form a double salt, Bichloride of Platinum and 
 Chlorich of Potassium, PtCl a +KCl. Platinum sponge 
 and black are the metal in a state of fine division. The 
 Platinum compounds are not used in medicine. 
 
PART III. 
 
 ORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 
 
 Organic Chemistry investigates the compounds pro- 
 duced under the influence of vitality, and those derivable 
 from them by chemical means. 
 
 These substances present us with certain peculiarities. 
 
 1. The complex arrangement of the elements composing 
 them. — Inorganic substances rarely contain over seven equi- 
 valents of any element entering into their composition. 
 Organic substances have generally a large number. In 
 Inorganic Compounds; the elements are arranged in 
 pairs, forming Binary, Ternary, Quaternary compounds 
 (see page 17). In Organic substances, no such division 
 can in most cases be made. Ex. : Sulphate of Potassa, 
 KO,S0 3 , consists of two pairs of elements, Quinia, C 20 
 H 12 N0 2 combines, and is separated from combination as 
 a whole. 
 
 2. Organic substances, although containing, in most 
 cases, many equivalents of their constituents, are made 
 up of few elements. A large proportion contain only 
 Carbon and Hydrogen, or Carbon, Hydrogen, and Oxygen, 
 
178 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 a smaller class Nitrogen; while a few contain Sulphur 
 and Phosphorus, and compounds may be artificially pre- 
 pared into which other elements enter. 
 
 3. The elements entering into Organic Compounds 
 are not arranged according to their strongest annuities. 
 Hence, these compounds are readily decomposed, and the 
 more so, as a general rule, in proportion to the number of 
 their elements. When the decomposition is complete, 
 Carbonic Acid from the union of the Carbon and Oxygen, 
 Ammonia from that of the Nitrogen and Hydrogen, Water 
 from that of the Hydrogen and Oxygen, and occasionally 
 compounds of Sulphur and Phosphorus with Hydrogen 
 result. 
 
 By acting upon organic substances with chemical agents, 
 they are broken up and rendered less complex. We can- 
 not, as a general rule, increase the number of elements or 
 of equivalents. The rare exceptions to this law (Ex. : 
 urea), assimilate to inorganic compounds. 
 
 4. There are cases in which a certain number of equi- 
 valents of an element or compound may be substituted for 
 those of another, without, in most instances, altering 
 essentially its physical characters ; these are called substi- 
 tution products, and afford an important exception to the 
 rule last laid down. Thus, by acting upon cotton C 24 H 20 
 O 20 , by strong Nitric Acid, Gun-cotton (Pyroxyline) is 
 formed, in which five equivalents of Hydrogen are re- 
 
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 179 
 
 placed by five of Hypo-nitric Acid ; giving the formula, 
 
 Ca4 l4N0 4 J ° 20 ' ° r C » H * N *°»°- 
 
 Organic bodies will be considered under the following 
 heads. 
 
 1. Starch Group. Comprising bodies composed of 
 Carbon, Hydrogen, and Oxygen, which are neutral, or 
 nearly so, and their derivatives. 
 
 2. Quasi-Elementary Substances. Compounds which 
 act the part of elements : 1. Those resembling, in their 
 chemical relations, Hydrogen, and the Metals (salt basyles), 
 as Ethyl, Methyl, Amyl, &c, which form compounds with 
 Oxygen, &c, and their Oxides with the Acids,— -the 
 Ethers; 2. Those which resemble, in their chemical rela- 
 tions, Chlorine, Oxygen, &c. (salt radicals), as Cyanogen, 
 which forms with Hydrogen, Hydrocyanic Acid, analogous 
 to the Hydrochloric, and Cyanides, analogous to the Chlo- 
 rides. 
 
 3. Organic Acids, not Oxides of known radicals, and 
 not otherwise classified, as the Tartaric, Citric, &c. 
 
 4. Organic Bases, not Oxides of known radicals, and 
 not otherwise classified. The Alkaloids, Quinia, Morphia, 
 &c. They contain Nitrogen. 
 
 5. Fats and Oils. 
 
 6. Colouring Principles. 
 
 7. The Albumen Group, comprising the chemistry of 
 the animal fluids. 
 
180 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 I. STARCH GROUP. 
 
 The most important members of this group are, — 
 
 1. *Starch, C^H^O^. 
 
 2. Lignin, C 24 H 20 O 20 . 
 
 3. *Gum Arabic, C 24 H 22 22 . 
 
 4. *Gum Tragacanth, C^H^O^. 
 
 5. *Cane Sugar, GJI 22 22 . 
 
 6. Grape Sugar, C 24 H 28 28 . 
 
 a. *Starch. 
 
 Nat. Sources. Found abundantly in the vegetable 
 kingdom, especially in the seeds and roots of plants. 
 
 Prep. Is obtained generally by rasping or crushing 
 the vegetable, and washing the mass upon a sieve ; the 
 starch passes through, and settles at the bottom of the 
 liquid. 
 
 Prop. It is a white, shining powder, exhibiting, under 
 the microscope, irregular grains, consisting of layers covered 
 by an external membrane ; it is insoluble in cold water, 
 but when boiled, the globules burst, and form a transpa- 
 rent jelly, Amidin, which gives a characteristic blue colour 
 with free Iodine. Starch is officinal, as, 
 
 a. *Amylum, Wheat Starch, b. # Maranta, Arrow- 
 Root, the fecula of the rhizoma of Maranta Arundinacea. 
 c. *Sago, the prepared fecula of the pith of Sagus Rumphii. 
 
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 181 
 
 d. *Tapioca, the fecula of the root of Jatropha Manihot. 
 The starch of an imperfectly determined species of Canna, 
 tons les mois, is officinal in the Ed. Ph., and Potato Starch 
 is often used as a substitute for Arrow-Root. By long 
 boiling with dilute acids, by roasting, or by the action 
 of diastase — a peculiar principle found in germinating 
 seeds and buds — Starch is converted into a substance much 
 resembling Gum, known as Dextrine (British Gum). 
 By continuing the process, Dextrine is converted into 
 Grape Sugar. Nitric Acid converts Starch into Oxalic 
 Acid. (See Sugar.) 
 
 B. Lignin — Cellulose. 
 
 Nat. Sources. The fundamental material of the struc- 
 ture of plants; is identical in composition with Starch; 
 has been found in certain diseased conditions of the human 
 brain ; is seen nearly pure in fine linen or cotton. 
 
 Prop. Is insoluble in ordinary menstrua, not nutritious, 
 and is unaffected by dilute acids or alkalies ; strong Oil of 
 Vitriol, in the cold, converts it into Dextrine, and finally 
 into Grape Sugar ; it is not coloured by Iodine; by the 
 action of strong Nitric Acid, it is converted into an ex- 
 plosive substance, a. Pyroxyline, in which a portion of 
 its Hydrogen is replaced by Hyponitric Acid. There 
 appear to be two species, one of which is insoluble in 
 iEther, and highly explosive, the other soluble, and less 
 explosive ; the latter is said to be formed, when cotton is 
 16 
 
182 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 acted on by a mixture of concentrated Nitric Acid and Oil 
 of Vitriol, at the temperature of their mixture; the former 
 when cold. The exact composition of these has not been 
 
 determined; they have been given as C 2 A a ^ n \ 20 , or 
 C^H^NgO^, for the soluble form, and the insoluble as 
 
 f H l6 ) 
 
 ^ 24 i4Nf> f ^20 — C 24 H 16 N 4 36 . The sethereal solution of 
 
 the soluble pyroxyline is officinal, as b. *Collodium; in 
 the formula the cotton is steeped in a mixture of Nitre 
 and Oil of Vitriol, by which Nitric Acid is generated. 
 
 Similar explosive compounds are formed by the action 
 of Nitric Acid on Starch (xyloidine), Paper, Glucose, Man- 
 nite, Gum, and Dextrine. 
 
 Wood exposed to the air, undergoes slow decay, erema- 
 causisj due to the absorption of Oxygen : Carbonic Acid 
 and Water are produced. Vegetable mould contains cer- 
 tain principles, which have been described as humus, geine, 
 ulmin, Jiumic and ulmic acids : they usually contain 
 Ammonia, the Nitrogen of which is supposed to be obtained 
 from the atmosphere. 
 
 When vegetable fibre undergoes decomposition, excluded 
 from the air, either under water or ground, it is converted 
 into peat; and gradually into lignite, and coal. 
 
 By destructive distillation, a very large number of pro- 
 ducts, principally hydro-carbons, are obtained from wood 
 and coal. Among the products of this distillation may be 
 
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 183 
 
 mentioned, Pyroligneoas Acid, which will be referred 
 to under Acetic Acid, also, 
 
 c. *Pix Liquida. Tar, which yields, on distillation, 
 a number of volatile principles, and leaves a hard residue, 
 Pitch. 
 
 d. Kreasote, C 28 ,H l6 ,0 4 — *Creasottjm. Obtained 
 from Wood-tar, or crude Pyroligneous Acid. 
 
 Prop. It is, when pure, a colourless, oleaginous liquid ; 
 of a caustic, astringent taste ; peculiar odour ; is inflam- 
 mable; boils at 397°. It is powerfully antiseptic; coagu- 
 lates albumen. It is used externally as a styptic, stimu- 
 lant, and antiseptic ; internally, as an antiseptic, astrin- 
 gent, and to relieve nausea and vomiting. Is soluble in 
 80, or y^th, parts of water only ; but may be rendered so- 
 luble in any proportion, by the addition of a few drops of 
 acetic acid. 
 
 Dose, gtt. ss to j ; in overdose, an irritant poison. 
 Treatment, that for Corrosive Sublimate. Used externally 
 in ointment. 
 
 e. *Unguenttjm Creasoti. Containing f Jss to gj of 
 lard. 
 
 The other products of the destructive distillation of 
 wood, or coal, are highly interesting, but their full discus- 
 sion would be out of place in the present work. Some of 
 them will be considered under other heads. 
 
184 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 c. Gum, C 20 H 23 O 22 , 
 
 a. Gum Arabic — *Acacia. Is the type of this class. 
 The mucilages are identical in composition with it. 
 
 Prep. Gum is soluble in water ; boiled with dilute 
 Sulphuric Acid, is converted into Grape Sugar. Nitric 
 Acid, produces Mucic Acid, C^H^O^. 
 
 b. Gum Tragacanth, C 24 H 20 O 20 — *Tragacantha. 
 Is distinguished from ordinary gum, by refusing to dis- 
 solve in water ; it merely swells up, forming a thick, 
 viscous paste. It is composed chiefly of a peculiar muci- 
 lage, Bassorin. 
 
 d. Sugar. 
 
 Several species of Sugar are distinguished. 
 
 a. Cane-Sugar, C^H^O^ — *Saccharum. 
 
 Prep. Obtained principally from the juice of the Sac- 
 charum officinarum, or Sugar Cane ; obtained also from 
 the Sap of the Maple, the root of the Beet, &c. 
 
 Prop. It is in crystals, which, when pure (Rock 
 Candy), are freely soluble in water, forming Sj/rup. At 
 a moderate heat, it melts, forming on cooling, a transpa- 
 rent, amorphous mass (Barley Sugar). At a higher heat, 
 it loses two equivalents of water, and becomes blackened 
 (Caramel). By the action of Nitric Acid, it is converted 
 into Oxalic Acid. This is due to the replacement of the 
 whole of the hydrogen of the' sugar, and an increase of 
 its oxygen, by oxygen derived from the decomposition 
 
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 185 
 
 of the Nitric Acid; Binoxide of Nitrogen being given 
 off. 12N0 5 , and C 24 H 22 22 = 22HO and 12N0 2 and 0*0*. 
 0.033=12(0,03). 
 
 b. Grape Sugar — Glucose, C^H^O^. Exists in ripe 
 fruits ; previous to ripening, they contain starch. 
 
 Prep. It may also be formed by the action of Sul- 
 phuric Acid on sugar, starch, lignin, &c. Exists in the 
 urine in diabetes. 
 
 Prop. Is less sweet than Cane Sugar, and less soluble, 
 requiring one and a half parts of cold water for solution. 
 It is somewhat soluble in Alcohol, hardly affected by the 
 Mineral Acids, which destroy cane-sugar ; but is de- 
 stroyed by alkalies, with which cane sugar forms definite 
 compounds. 
 
 Tests. 1. Trommer's. Add to the suspected solution 
 (Diabetic Urine for instance), a few drops of solution of 
 Sulphate of Copper, add an excess of Caustic Potassa ; if 
 Sugar be present, a deep-blue liquid results, which depo- 
 sits on boiling, Red Suboxide of Copper. Long boiling 
 must be avoided, as other organic substances then give 
 the reaction. 2. Fermentation. A little Yeast will cause 
 fermentation in Diabetic Urine ; it often takes place spon- 
 taneously. 3. Horsley recommends the use of an alkaline 
 solution of Bichromate of Potassa, mixed with the sus- 
 pected solution. A deep, sap-green colour results, from 
 the production of Sesquioxide of Chromium. 
 16* 
 
186 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 Other organic matters reduce Chromic Acid ; this test 
 must, therefore, be cautiously employed. 
 
 Honey — *Mel. Is a mixture of crystallizable Grape 
 Sugar, with an uncrystallizable compound having the same 
 composition. Sugar of Milk — Lactin, C^H^O^, is ob- 
 tained from the Whey of Milk. Mannite, C 12 H 14 12 , found 
 in abundance in * Manna. Glycyrrhizin, found in * Glycyr- 
 rhiza ; and Sugar from *Ergot, C 24 H 26 26 , are all va- 
 rieties of Sugar, differing more or less from cane and 
 grape sugar. Glycocoll, Sugar of Gelatin, and Inosite, 
 from flesh, are described in Group VII. A saccharine 
 matter, resembling Glucose, is found in the liver. 
 
 Fermentation. 
 
 1. Vinous. When the juice of grapes, or other fruits 
 containing Grape Sugar, is exposed to the air, a peculiar 
 decomposition ensues ; the sugar being converted into 
 Carbonic Acid Gas, which is given off, and * Alcohol, 
 which remains. Although air is necessary for the com- 
 mencement of the process, it will go on without it when 
 once begun. A solution of pure sugar is not changed by 
 exposure to the air ; but if we add a little Yeast (Dia- 
 stase), Blood, Albumen, Flour-paste (Gluten), or other 
 nitrogenized substance, capable of undergoing putrefac- 
 tion, this change is effected. This action is called Fer- 
 mentation. Its exact nature is not understood; but is 
 supposed to be by the molecular change taking place in the 
 
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 187 
 
 ferments, inducing a similar one in the particles of the 
 solution with which they are in contact, — decomposition 
 by example. Grape Sugar is the only variety capable of 
 vinous fermentation ; the other sugars being first converted 
 into it before undergoing this process. The conversion of 
 Grape Sugar into Alcohol and Carbonic Acid, is simple ; 
 one eq. of grape sugar, C 24 H 28 2S , becoming 4 eq. Alcohol, 
 8 of C0 9 , and 4 of water. 
 
 4 eq. Alcohol, (C 4 H 6 2 ), = . 
 
 • Cie^A, 
 
 8eq. C0 2 ,= . . . 
 
 • c 8 16 
 
 4 eq. Water, . 
 
 • H,0 4 
 
 By long exposure to the air, the Alcohol becomes 
 oxidized into * Acetic Acid. See Ethyl. 
 
 2. Lactic. By the action of casein (a nitrogenized prin- 
 ciple, existing in Milk and Cheese) upon Sugar, Lactic 
 Acid, C 12 H 12 12 , is produced. It combines with bases to 
 form Salts, of which the Lactate of the Protoxide of Iron 
 and the Lactate of Quinia have been used as tonics. 
 
 ^. Butyric. By a continuation of the above process 
 Lactic Acid disappears, and Butyric Acid, C 8 H 8 4 , is pro- 
 duced. This Acid is also found in rancid Butter, and 
 sometimes in animal fluids. 
 
 4. Viscous. The Sugar of Beets or Carrots, exposed 
 to a high temperature, undergoes a peculiar fermentation, 
 — the viscous. Carbonic Acid and Hydrogen are given 
 off, and traces of Alcohol, with Lactic Acid, Mannite, and 
 
188 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 a gum, are left. This fermentation may be produced in 
 ordinary Sugar by the admixture of Gluten and Yeast. 
 
 II. QUASI-ELEMENTARY BODIES. 
 
 These, although Compound, act the part chemically of 
 Elementary substances. 
 
 1. Those which resemble Hydrogen and the Metals, 
 combining with Oxygen, Chlorine, &c, and their Oxides, 
 with Acids — Organic Salt Basyls. One of these, Ammo- 
 nium, has been already considered, p. 99. Many of 
 them are hypothetical, and of those which have been 
 isolated, but one (Kakodyl) combines directly with the other 
 elements to form its compounds. It must, therefore, be re- 
 membered that the compounds of these quasi-elements 
 differ essentially from the Salts, which have been already 
 considered. 
 
 2. Those which chemically resemble oxygen, sulphur, 
 and the halogens; Organic Salt Radicals, Ex. : Cyanogen, 
 p. 50. 
 
 Of the Organic Salt Basyls the following are among 
 the most important : — 
 
 1. Ethyl, C 4 H 5 , Ae. 
 
 2. Methyl, C 2 H 3 , Me. 
 
 3. Amyl, C 10 H 11? Ayl. 
 
 4. Kakodijl, C 4 H 6 AS, Kd. 
 
 5. Benzyl, C 14 H 5 2 , Bz. 
 
 6. Salicyl, C 14 H 5 4 , SI. 
 
 7. Cinnamyly C^HyO^ Ci. 
 
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 189 
 
 Of these, the first three present strong analogies in 
 their chemical relations. 
 
 Ethyl, C 4 H 5 , or Ae, is the radical of jEther (C 4 H 5 ) O, 
 or AeO, which is obtained from Alcohol, the latter being 
 a Hydrate of iEther, or a Hydrated Oxide of Ethyl (C 4 
 H 5 )0,HO or AeO,HO. It has been isolated, and its 
 compounds are termed Others. 
 
 Methyl, C 2 H 3 , or Me, is in like manner the radical of 
 the Wood JEther, obtained from Wood Spirit, a product 
 of the destructive distillation of Wood, and which is a 
 Hydrated Oxide of Methyl (C 2 H 3 )0,HO. 
 
 Amyl, C 10 H lt , is the radical of Amyl- Ether (C^H^O, 
 obtained from Fusel Oil or Potato Oil (C^H^O^HO, 
 which may be called the Alcohol of Amyl. 
 
 Alcohol, when oxidized, gives Acetic Acid (Vinegar), 
 C 4 H 3 3 HO; Wood Spirit gives Formic Acid, C 2 H0 3 , 
 and Fusel Oil gives Valerianic Acid, C 10 H g O 3 ,HO. 
 
 We see then, that iEther (Sulphuric iEther) is the 
 Oxide of Ethyl; Alcohol, the Hydrate of iEther; and 
 Acetic Acid, Oxidized Alcohol. Wood iEther is the Oxide 
 of Methyl; Wood Spirit, the Hydrate of Wood iEther ; 
 and Formic Acid, Oxidized Wood Spirit. Amyl Ether is 
 the Oxide of Amyl; Fusel Oil, the Hydrate of Amyl 
 iE.ther ; and Valerianic Acid, Oxidized Fusel Oil. 
 
 A. Ethyl, C 4 H 5 . 
 
 a. Ethyl, C 4 H 5 , or Ae. 
 
190 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 I. *^Ether, C 4 H,,0, AeO. 
 
 c. Nitrous ^Ether, C 4 H 5 0,N0 3 , AeO,N0 3 . 
 
 d. * Alcohol, C 4 H 5 ,0,HO, Ae,0,HO. 
 
 e. Aldehyde, C 4 H 3 0,HO. 
 
 / *Acetic Acid, C 4 H 3 3 ,HO. 
 
 Beside these there are many others not used in medi- 
 cine, as Hydrochloric iEther, AeCl; Nitric JEther, 
 (proper), AeO,N0 5 ; Sulphuric iEther (proper), AeO, 
 S0 3 ; Carbonic iEther, AeO,C0 2 , &c, &c, which serve 
 to illustrate the series. 
 
 a. Ethyl has been isolated as a colourless gas, con- 
 densing at — 9°. As yet none of the series have been 
 formed directly from it. 
 
 b. Oxide or Ethyl — *^Ether, AeO. 
 
 Prep. Is formed by the action of Sulphuric Acid 
 upon Alcohol, aided by heat; is often, but erroneously 
 called Sulphuric JEther. Equal weights are introduced 
 into a retort, connected with a good condensing apparatus, 
 and the distillation carried on, until the materials in the 
 retort begin to froth and blacken, owing to the charring 
 and destruction of the Alcohol. The iEther is purified 
 by agitation with a solution of Potassa and redistillation 
 at a gentle heat. 
 
 Prop. Pure iEther is a colourless, very volatile, 
 limpid liquid, of an agreeable smell, and pungent taste. 
 The officinal Sp. Gr. is 0*750; when perfectly pure is 
 
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 191 
 
 0-713 : the latter boils at 95°; Sp. Gr. of vapour, 2*586. 
 JEther has never been frozen. It burns readily, pro- 
 ducing Carbonic Acid and Water; mixed with Air or 
 Oxygen, it explodes violently ; it is soluble in 10 or ^ 
 parts water. It dissolves most of the Fats and Oils, also 
 Iodine, Bromine, Phosphorus, Corrosive Sublimate. 
 iEther contains Alcohol, from which it is freed by agita- 
 tion with Water, which with the Alcohol subsides; the 
 JEther is then decanted, and freed from the small quantity 
 of water dissolved by redistilling with Lime. When 
 kept in a loosely-stopped bottle, it rapidly evaporates; 
 that which remains may become acid from the absorption 
 of Oxygen, and consequent formation of Acetic Acid. 
 
 Rem. In the formation of iEther, the Sulphuric Acid 
 evidently acts by separating the Water and Ether, which 
 combined form the Alcohol. It does not, however, com- 
 bine with the Water, as by the continuous process for the 
 manufacture of iEther, in which a stream of Alcohol is 
 made to flow through the Acid, kept at a certain tempe- 
 rature, the same quantity of Acid may be made to con- 
 vert an indefinite quantity of Alcohol into iEther, the 
 separated Water being distilled over with the iEther. 
 Other substances, as Caustic Potassa, having a strong 
 aflinity for Water, do not convert Alcohol into iEther. 
 Alcohol may be made by the direct combination of iEther 
 and Water. 
 
 Med. Effects. Anaesthetic, diffusible stimulant, anti- 
 
192 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 spasmodic ; externally as a refrigerant, the cold produced 
 by its rapid evaporation being considerable. 
 
 1. *Spiritus ^Etheris Compositus — Compound Spirit 
 of JEilier — Hoffman's Anodyne. 
 
 Prep. Is made by mixing JEiheris Oss, Alcohol. Oj, 
 01. jEtherei f3iij. The *Oleum iETHEREUM, Ethereal 
 Oil, heavy Oil of Wine, which is characteristic of this pre- 
 paration, is made by distilling Alcohol with an excess of 
 Sulphuric Acid. It is a yellowish liquid, of an oleaginous 
 consistency, penetrating, aromatic odour, and rather sharp 
 and bitter taste. It consists essentially of a double Sul- 
 phate of iEtherand iEtherine, an hypothetic radical, C 4 H 4 . 
 (C 4 H 5 0),S0 3 +(C 4 H 4 )S0 3 . Very little true Oil of Wine 
 is to be found in the shops. 
 
 Prop. Hoffman's Anodyne is a liquid, possessing most 
 of the properties of iEther, and an odour of ^Ethereal Oil ; 
 it frequently does not contain the latter. It should become 
 milky on the addition of water, owing to the precipitation 
 of the oil ; this oil, when collected on bibulous paper, 
 should completely volatilize by heat ; any fixed oil is an 
 adulteration. It is employed as an anodyne, and antispas- 
 modic. Dose, f 3J to f§ss. 
 
 c. Nitrate of Oxide of Ethyl — Nitrous JSther, 
 C 4 H 5 0,N0 3 or AeO,N0 3 . 
 
 Prep. By the direct action of Nitrous Acid on Alcohol. 
 
 Prop. A pale, yellow, very volatile liquid, of an agree- 
 able smell; boils at 62°; Sp. Gr. 0-947. 
 
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 193 
 
 1. *Spiritus iETHERis Nitrici — Spirit of Nitric (Ni- 
 trous) ^Ether — Sweet Spirits of Nitre. 
 
 Prep. Is made by the action of Nitric Acid, — evolved 
 by the action of Sulphuric Acid on Nitrate of Potassa — on 
 Alcohol, and redistilling from Carbonate of Potassa. It 
 consists of Nitrous iEther, AeO,N0 3 , dissolved in Alcohol. 
 
 Prop. A colourless volatile liquid, of a fragrant, ethe- 
 real odour; boils at 160°; Sp. Gr. 0*834. Becomes acid 
 when kept in badly-stoppered bottles, Acetic Acid being 
 formed. It may also contain Aldehyde; this gives a brown 
 colour, when mixed with solution of Potassa. The pre- 
 sence of any acid in excess is shown by its action on litmus, 
 and by the usual tests. It is often adulterated by mere 
 dilution with alcohol and water. 
 
 Med. Effects. Diuretic, diaphoretic, antispasmodic. 
 Dose, gtt. xxx to f Jij. 
 
 d. Hydrated Oxide of Ethyl — * Alcohol, C 4 H 5 0, 
 HO or AeO,HO. 
 
 Prep. May be formed by the direct combination of 
 iEther and Water ; is obtained by the vinous fermentation. 
 As generally prepared by distillation, it contains a notable 
 proportion of water, from which it may be freed by redis- 
 tilling with Chloride of Calcium, giving Absolute Alcohol ; 
 this has a Sp. Gr. of 0*7938 ; the officinal Alcohol has 
 a Sp. Gr. of 0-835; Proof Spirit, 0-920. 
 
 Prop. A colourless, transparent, volatile, inflammable 
 liquid, of a penetrating, agreeable odour, and burning 
 
 17 
 
194 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 taste ; boils at about 176° 5 dissolves Sulphur and Phos- 
 phorus in small quantity, Iodine and Ammonia freely, 
 Caustic Potassa, Soda, and Lithia; the Organic Alkalies, 
 Tannic Acid, Grape Sugar, Camphor, Resins, Balsams, 
 Volatile Oils, Soap, the Fixed Oils sparingly, except Cas- 
 tor Oil, which is abundantly soluble ; most Acids and their 
 Salts give with it, on distillation, their characteristic 
 iEthers; all deliquescent Salts, except Carbonate of Po- 
 tassa, most of the soluble Chlorides, and some Nitrates are 
 soluble in alcohol ; all efflorescent Salts, those insoluble, or 
 sparingly soluble in water, and the Metallic Sulphates, are 
 insoluble. Solutions in Alcohol are called Tinctures, or 
 Spirits. 
 
 Med. Effects. In overdose, narcotic poison ; in mode- 
 rate quantities, stimulant; seldom used alone externally. 
 Besides the Tinctures, Liniments, &c, into which it enters, 
 Wine and Brandy are officinal, as *Vinum Album, Sherry 
 Wine; this is the Wine used in making the Medicated 
 Wines, Vina Medicata ; *VlNUM Rubrum, Port Wine, and 
 *Spiritus Vini G-allici, Brandy. 
 
 e. Aldehyde, C 4 H 3 0,HO. 
 
 Prep. Produced by the oxidation of Alcohol ; is inter- 
 mediate between it and Acetic Acid. 
 
 Prop. Is a limpid liquid, of a characteristic sethereal 
 odour, which, when strong, is suffocating. Sp. Gr. 0*790. 
 On exposure to air, speedily oxidized to Acetic Acid. May 
 be considered as the Hydrated Oxide, or Alcohol of a radi- 
 
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 195 
 
 cal Acetyl (C 4 H 3 ), of which Acetic Acid is the highest 
 acid. 
 
 /. Acetic Acid — Vinegar, C 4 H 3 3 ,HO. 
 
 Prep. Is formed by the complete oxidation of Alcohol. 
 Alcohol does not oxidize spontaneously, when exposed to 
 the air, but will do so, when a ferment is present, or when 
 passed through the pores of Platinum Black, Beech Shav- 
 ings, &c. Acetic Acid is also obtained by the destructive 
 distillation of wood. This Acid, which has a peculiar 
 smoky odour when crude, is known as Pyroligneous Acid. 
 
 Acetic Acid is officinal : 1. As *Acetum, Vinegar, 
 " impure dilute Acetic Acid, prepared by fermentation," 
 and 2. *Acidum Aceticum, Acetic Acid, " Acetic Acid, 
 of the Sp. Gr. 1-041," purified Pyroligneous Acid. 
 
 1. *Acetum — Vinegar. 
 
 Prep. Is prepared in various modes, from Wine, Cider, 
 Beer, &c. ; the principle being the same in each, the oxida- 
 tion of the alcohol in the liquor. 
 
 Prop. Vary with the variety; has generally an agree- 
 able smell ; pleasant, acid taste ; its colour varies from 
 pale yellow to deep red. It contains, besides Acetic Acid 
 and water, Gum, Sugar, Gluten, some Sulphates, and 
 often, Tartaric and Malic Acids. The most common 
 impurities are Sulphuric Acid, detected by boiling with 
 Chloride of Calcium (Barium being inadmissible), Muriatic 
 Acid, Copper, and Lead, which may be detected by the 
 usual tests. 
 
196 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 Uses. It is used as a refrigerant, and for its agreeable 
 odour. 
 
 2. *Acidum Aceticum — Acetic Acid. Sp. Gr. 1-041. 
 
 Prep. Is obtained from the Pyroligneous Acid, a pro- 
 duct of the destructive distillation of Wood. The crude 
 Acid contains Tar, Wood, Alcohol, and Empyreumatic 
 Oils. It is purified by combination with Lime, after- 
 wards with Soda, and the decomposition of the latter by 
 Sulphuric Acid. When Acetate of Lead is dried and 
 decomposed by Sulphuric Acid, an Acetic Acid is ob- 
 tained, containing but one eq. of water (Glacial Acetic 
 Acid). This is a clear, corrosive, volatile, inflammable 
 liquid, which blisters the skin. At 40° it becomes a 
 crystalline solid. The anhydrous acid has been isolated. 
 
 Prop. Officinal Acetic Acid is a colourless, volatile liquid, 
 uniting in all proportions with Alcohol and Water. It may 
 contain Mineral Acids, or Copper, or Lead as impurities. 
 
 Med. Uses. It forms with bases the Acetates, most 
 of which have been already considered. It is used also 
 in preparing the officinal Vinegars : Aceta Medicata. 
 
 b. Methyl, C 2 H 3 . 
 
 a. Methyl, Me, C 3 H 3 . 
 
 b. Oxide of Methyl, MeO, C 2 H 3 ,0, Methyl JEther. 
 
 c. Hydrated Oxide of Methyl, MeO,HO, C 2 H 3 0,HO, 
 Wood Spirit. 
 
 d. Formic Acid, C 3 H,0 3 ,HO. 
 
 e. ^Chloroform, C a HCL. 
 
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 197 
 
 a. Methyl has not been satisfactorily isolated. 
 
 b. Oxide of Methyl, C 2 H 3 ,0 or MeO— Methyl iEther. 
 Prep, Produced by the action of Sulphuric Acid 
 
 upon Wood Spirit, in a manner analogous to that for 
 forming iEfcher. A large number of Methyl compounds 
 corresponding to the Ethyl series, may be formed by the 
 action of Acids, Salts, &c, upon Wood Spirit. 
 
 c. Eydrated Oxide of Methyl, C 2 H 3 0,HO, or MeO, 
 HO — Wood Spirit — Pyroxilic Spirit — Wood Naphtha, is 
 the Alcohol of the Methyl series. 
 
 Prep. Obtained during the destructive distillation of 
 Wood. Is officinal in the Dub. Ph. as Spiritus Pyroxi- 
 licus. 
 
 Prop. A colourless, thin, mobile, inflammable liquid, 
 with a peculiar smell, and burning taste ; boils at 152° ; 
 Sp. Gt. 0*798 ; mixes in all proportions in the water; its 
 solvent powers resemble those of Alcohol. 
 
 Med. Effects. It has been much used under the name 
 of Acetone or Wood Naphtha, in phthisis. Also used as 
 a sedative, and to check obstinate vomiting. 
 
 Dose, gtt. x to xl. 
 
 d. Formic Acid, C 2 H0 3 ,HO or Me0 3 HO. 
 
 Prep. By the oxidation of Wood Spirit ; exists abun- 
 dantly in the bodies of Ants, whence its name. Is a 
 frequent result of the oxidation of organic bodies. 
 
 Prop. Hydrate of Formic Acid, resembles Glacial 
 Acetic Acid, and is obtained, by an analogous process, 
 17* 
 
198 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 from the Formate of Lead. It is very corrosive. None 
 of its salts are used in medicine. 
 
 e. Chloroform, C 2 HC1 3 . 
 
 Prep. By the substitution of Chlorine, Iodine, or 
 Bromine, for the Oxygen of dry Formic Acid, Chloro- 
 form, Iodoform, C 2 HI 3 , and Bromoform, C 2 HBr 3 , are 
 obtained. The first of these is officinal as 
 
 *Chloroformum — Chloroform. 
 
 Prep. By distilling Alcohol with Chlorinated Lime. 
 
 Prop. A thin, colourless, volatile liquid, of an agree- 
 able, aethereal smell, and sweetish, burning taste ; Sp. Gr. 
 1-49; boils at 142° ; does not burn; insoluble in water; 
 soluble in Alcohol and JEther. Dissolves the Volatile 
 Oils, Resins, Camphor, &c. Should be neutral to Test 
 Paper, and not bleach it; should sink in a mixture of 
 equal weights of Oil of Vitriol and Water, which has a 
 Sp. Gr. of 1*38; should not be coloured by pure and 
 strong Oil of Vitriol. Chloric JEther, so-called, is a 
 solution of Chloroform in Alcohol. 
 
 lied. Effects. 1. Anaesthetic; 2. Sedative narcotic. 
 Externally rubefacient and locally anaesthetic. 
 
 Dose, gtt. v to xl. 
 
 c. Amyl, C 10 H ir 
 
 a. Amyl, C^H^, Ayl. 
 
 b. Oxide of Amyl— Amyl JEther, C^H^O. 
 
 c. Hydrated Oxide of Amyl (Fusel Oil), 0^11^0,110. 
 
 d. Valerianic Acid, C 10 H g 3 ,HO. 
 
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 199 
 
 The compounds of Arnyl, forming a series analogous to 
 the Ethyl and Methyl, may be made by acting on Fusel 
 Oil, a substance obtained from Potato or Corn Spirit. 
 
 c. Hydrated Oxide of Amyl — Fusel Oil. 
 
 Prop. When pure, a thin fluid oil, of a powerful, 
 suffocating, and burning taste; boils about 268°; Sp. Gr. 
 0*818; inflames with difficulty, burning with a pure blue 
 flame. It is officinal in the Dub. Ph. as Alcohol Amy- 
 licum — Amylic Alcohol, and is used as a source of Vale- 
 rianic Acid. 
 
 d. Valerianic Acid — Valeric Acid. Bears the same 
 relation to Amyl, as Acetic Acid does to Ethyl, and 
 Formic Acid to Methyl. 
 
 Prep. By the oxidation of Fusel Oil; conveniently 
 by the use of Bichromate of Potassa, which is the officinal 
 process of the Dub. Ph. It exists naturally in the Vale- 
 rian root. 
 
 Prop. The Hydrated Acid is a thin, fluid, colourless 
 oil, having in a remarkable degree the smell of the Vale- 
 rian root. Taste, sharp and acid; reddens litmus; 
 bleaches the tongue; is inflammable; boils at 370° ; Sp. 
 Gr. 0-937. The Valerianate of Zinc is officinal in the 
 Dub. Ph., and is made by double decomposition of Vale- 
 rianate of Soda and Sulphate of Zinc. The Valerianate 
 of Quinia is also officinal in the Dub. Ph., and is formed 
 by double decomposition of Muriate of Quinia and Vale- 
 
200 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 rianate of Soda. The Valerianates have the antispasmodic 
 effects of the Valerian. 
 
 d. Kakodyl, Kd,C 4 H 6 As. 
 
 Forms a large series of compounds, mostly of a highly 
 offensive and poisonous character. The radical itself has 
 been isolated as a thin, colourless liquid, and from it all 
 the compounds may be directly formed, giving us the most 
 perfect example of a quasi metal known. 
 
 Oxide of Kakodyl, C 4 5 6 As,0, or KdO, Alkarsin, Fuming 
 Liquor of Cadet. 
 
 Prep. By distilling equal weights of Acetate of Po- 
 tassa and Arsenious Acid. May be formed by the direct 
 union of Kakodyl with Oxygen. 
 
 Prop. A colourless, ethereal liquid, of a highly offen- 
 sive smell, irritating the nose and eyes, and very poisonous. 
 Boils about 302°; Sp. Gr. 1-462. Takes fire sponta- 
 neously in the air, burning with a pale flame, producing 
 Carbonic Acid, Water, and Arsenious Acid. 
 
 From the Oxide, the other members of the series may 
 be formed. The Chloride and Cyanide are especially 
 poisonous, the latter perhaps the most active poison known. 
 Kakodylic Acid, Kd0 3 , formed by the oxidation of Kd, 
 or KdO, is a solid, which is not very poisonous. 
 
 E. Benzyl. 
 
 Benzyl, Bz, C 14 H 5 2 . 
 
 Hydride of Bz, C 14 H 5 2 H ; *Bitter Almond Oil. 
 
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 201 
 
 Hydrated Oxide of Bz, C 14 H 5 2 0,HO, ^Benzoic 
 Acid. 
 
 Benzyl has been isolated ; it is a crystalline substance, 
 having the smell of the geranium. 
 
 a. ^Hydride of Benzyl, BzH, Bitter Almond Oil. 
 Officinal as *Oleum Amygdala Amarje, " the oil ob- 
 tained by distilling the kernels of the fruit of Amygdalus 
 Communis. " The oil does not pre-exist in the kernels, 
 but is the result of the decomposition of a peculiar prin- 
 ciple, Amygdalin, C 40 H 27 NO 22 , aided by a pulpy, albu- 
 minous substance, Synaptase. The crude oil (which is 
 the officinal), contains a large proportion of Hydrocyanic 
 Acid, formed during the reaction, and is used in medicine 
 for obtaining the effects of that acid. When freed from 
 Hydrocyanic Acid, it is used as a flavouring material, and 
 in perfumery. Bitter Almond Oil is also formed during 
 the decomposition of nitrogenized substances. By acting 
 upon Benzole, a liquid obtained by the distillation of Ben- 
 zoic Acid with Caustic Lime, and also of Coal Tar, with 
 fuming Nitric Acid, a substance, Nitro-Benzole, is obtained, 
 and by the distillation of Hippuric Acid, Nitro-Benzyl ; 
 both of these substances have the odour of the Bitter Al- 
 mond Oil in a remarkable degree, and are substituted for 
 it in perfumery. 
 
 Prop. The officinal (crude) oil has a yellowish colour, 
 bitter, acrid, burning taste, and a characteristic smell ; 
 Sp. Gr. 1-052 to 1-082. The pure oil is colourless; Sp. 
 
202 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 Gr. 1-043 ; boils at 356° ; soluble in 30 parts water, and 
 in all proportions in Alcohol and iEther. The pure oil is 
 not poisonous. The officinal oil is sometimes used as a 
 substitute for the officinal Hydrocyanic Acid, but being 
 variable in strength, should not be employed. 
 
 b. Hydrated Oxide of Benzyl, BzO,HO, ^Benzoic 
 Acid, *Acidum Benzoicum. 
 
 Prep. Officinally, by subliming *Benzoin. Also, by 
 boiling the gum with Lime, and precipitating the Benzoic 
 Acid, by adding HC1, and in large quantity from the 
 putrid urine of , herbivorous animals, being formed by the 
 decomposition of Hippuric Acid. 
 
 Prop. Light, feathery, colourless crystals, having a 
 faint smell when rubbed, or warmed ; melts a little below 
 212° ; soluble in 200 parts cold, 25 boiling water ; soluble 
 in solutions of Borax, or Phosphate of Soda. Forms 
 Benzoates, all of which are soluble; none are used in 
 medicine. 
 
 Med. Effects. Mildly astringent to the urinary organs, 
 resembling, in its effects, Buchu or Uva Ursi. Dr. Wm. 
 M. Uhler has proposed and used it as a remedy in diabetes. 
 Given in eneuresis. Dose, gr. x to xxx. Taken inter- 
 nally, it passes off in the urine as Hippuric Acid. (See 
 Urine.) 
 
 The other members of the Benzyl series are not used in 
 medicine. 
 
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 203 
 
 F. Cinnainyl, C 18 H 7 2 ,Ci. 
 
 Is the radical of a series, of which the Hydride, C 18 H 7 
 2 ,CiH, *Oil or Cinnamon, *Oleum Cinnamomi, is the 
 only member employed in medicine. It is used as a sti- 
 mulant. Oil of Cinnamon may be artificially prepared by 
 the oxidation of Styrone, which is obtained by the distil- 
 lation of *Storax with Caustic Potassa. 
 
 G. Salicyl, C 14 H 5 4 . 
 
 Is the radical of a series, of which the Hydride is iden- 
 tical with the Oil of Spircea ulmaria, or Meadow-sweet. 
 It is obtained from Salicin (C^H^O^), a crystalline, 
 bitter principle, derived from the bark of the willow, 
 poplar, &c. Salicin may be artificially made by the action 
 of Caustic Potassa upon the Oil of Gaultheria procumbent 
 *Oleum GtAULTHERI^e. Salicin is employed as a substi- 
 tute for Quinia. Pliloridzin, C 43 H 24 O 20 +4HO, is an ana- 
 logous substance, found in the bark of the root of the 
 cherry, apple, &c. 
 
 2. Organic Salt Radicals. 
 
 H. Cyanogen, NC 2 or Cy. 
 
 Resembles the Halogens; has been considered page 50. 
 
 a. Ferrocyanogen, N 3 C 6 Fe, or FCy. Exists only in 
 combination. 
 
 Prep. May be prepared in combination with Potas- 
 sium, by digesting Cyanide of Potassium with Iron 
 
204 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 Filings; Oxygen is absorbed. 3 K(NC 2 ) + Fe + = 
 KO + K 2 N 3 ,C 6 ,Fe, or KFCy. See *Potassii Ferro- 
 cyanuretum, p. 89 ; and *Ferri Ferrocyanuretum, 
 p. 133. 
 
 b. Ferricyanogen, C 12 N 6 Fe 2 , or FdOy. Has not been 
 isolated. 
 
 Prep. Its compound with Potassium is formed when 
 Chlorine is passed into a solution of Ferrocyanide of Pot- 
 assium. The Chlorine abstracts an eq. of Potassium 
 from two of KFCy, giving K 3 FdCy. 
 
 Prop. Ruby red, transparent crystals; permanent in 
 the air ; soluble in 4 parts cold water. Sometimes called 
 Red Prussiate of Potash. Gives a blue precipitate with 
 Salts of the Protoxide of Iron — Turnbull's Blue, Fe 3 
 FdCy. 
 
 Sulpliocyanogen, C 2 NS 2 or CSy. Is obtained in combina- 
 tion with Potassium in anhydrous, colourless, deliquescent 
 plates ; soluble in water and alcohol. A soluble Sulpho- 
 cyanide strikes a blood-red colour, with Salts of Sesqui- 
 oxide of Iron, but gives no precipitate. It is on this 
 fact that Liebig's test for Hydrocyanic Acid is formed. 
 Exists in combination in the saliva of man. 
 
 III. ORGANIC ACIDS. 
 
 Organic Acids not Oxides of known radicals, or not 
 otherwise classified. The most important are : — 
 
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 205 
 
 Tartaric Acid, C 3 Hp i0 ,2HO. 
 
 *ClTRIC 
 
 (( 
 
 C 12 H 5 li; 3HO. 
 
 Malic 
 
 (C 
 
 C 8 H 4 8 ,2H0. 
 
 ^Tannic 
 
 a 
 
 ffl H i O 9 ,3HO (?) C„H 18 M + 8HO. 
 
 (Strecker.) 
 
 ^Gallic 
 
 (C 
 
 C 7 H 3 ,2HO. 
 
 a. ^Tartaric Acid — *Acidum Tartaricum. 
 
 The acid of grapes, tamarinds, &c, is obtained from the 
 deposit in wine casks (Argol, Crude Tartar), which is im- 
 pure Acid Tartrate (Bitartrate) of Potassa. 
 
 Prep. By decomposing the Acid Tartrate of Potassa, 
 by Carbonate of Lime ; and the resulting Tartrate of 
 Lime, by Sulphuric Acid. 
 
 Prop. White, crystalline, solid. The crystals contain 
 two eq. of basic water, which can only be replaced by a 
 base; hence the acid is bibasic. It is soluble in its 
 weight of cold, and one-half of boiling water. Forms 
 Tartrates ; of which those of Potassa, and the double salts 
 of Potassa and Soda, of Iron and Potassa, and of Anti- 
 mony and Potassa, are officinal. 
 
 Tests. Gives white precipitate with Lime, Baryta 
 Water, and Acetate of Lead ; soluble in excess. With 
 Potassa, when the acid is in excess, a sparingly soluble 
 white Acid Tartrate (Bitartrate). 
 
 Med. Effects. Refrigerant ; in over dose, irritant poigon. 
 Used in preparing effervescing mixtures ; as the Soda 
 
 18 
 
X 
 
 206 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 Powders, and Seidlitz Powders. The former consisting of 
 Tartaric Acid and Bicarbonate of Soda; the latter of 
 Tartaric Acid and Bicarbonate of Soda, with Tartrate of 
 Potassa and Soda (Rochelle Salt). 
 
 b. *Citric Acid — *Acidum Citricum. 
 
 The acid of lemons, limes, &c. 
 
 Prep. By saturating lemon juice with Chalk, and de- 
 composing the Citrate of Lime thus formed by Sulphuric 
 Acid. 
 
 Prop. Transparent crystals; permanent in the air; 
 soluble in J its weights of cold, and $ of boiling water. 
 The crystals contain four eq. water; three of which are 
 basic. It is, therefore, Tribasic. It forms Citrates; of 
 which those of Potassa, Magnesia, and Iron, are officinal. 
 It should give no precipitate with a Potassa salt. 
 
 Tests. The Citrates of Lime, Baryta, Strontia, Lead, 
 and Silver, are insoluble, and white. 
 
 Med. Effects. Used in making acidulous drinks, and 
 effervescing draughts. 
 
 C. Malic Acid. 
 
 The acids of apples, pears, &c. 
 
 Prop. It is Bibasic, and forms Malates. Is not used 
 in medicine. 
 
organic chemistry. 207 
 
 d. *Tannic Acid — *Acidum Tannicum. 
 
 e. *Gallic Acid — *Acidum Gallicum. 
 
 These acids constitute the astringent principle of vege- 
 tables. Their acid character is not very marked. 
 
 Prep. Tannic Acid is prepared by pouring ordinary 
 iEther upon powdered Galls, in a displacement appa- 
 ratus. The water of the iEther dissolves the Tannic 
 Acid, while the iEfcher retains the Gallic Acid and impu- 
 rities. The two separate into layers ; they are separated, 
 and the Tannic Acid obtained by careful evaporation. 
 
 Prop. Tannic Acid is a slightly yellowish, friable, 
 porous mass, without the slightest tendency to crystalli- 
 zation. It has a pure, astringent taste ) is freely soluble 
 in water ; reddens litmus ; precipitates Albumen, Gelatin, 
 Starch, Gluten ; the salts of Lead, Copper, Silver, Mer- 
 cury, Teroxide of Antimony, Protoxide of Tin, Sesqui- 
 oxide of Iron ; Sulphuric, Nitric, Hydrochloric, Phos- 
 phoric, and Arsenic Acids insoluble in excess of acid ; 
 the Alkaloids, the precipitate being soluble in the Vege- 
 table Acids, — hence it is not to be relied on as an 
 antidote. 
 
 Gallic Acid. Prep. May be formed by exposing 
 Tannic Acid for a long time to the air ; a fermentation 
 takes place, Oxygen is absorbed, and an equal volume of 
 Carbonic Acid given out. Strecker views Tannic Acid as 
 a combination of Gallic Acid and Grape Sugar; which 
 
208 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 latter is destroyed by fermentation, 2 (C 40 H ls O 26 ) + 8HO 
 = 8 (C 7 H 3 ,2HO), Gallic Acid, and C 24 H 2S 28 , Glucose. 
 
 Prop. White, silky, feathery crystals ; soluble in 100 
 parts cold, and 3 boiling water; solution has an acid, 
 astringent taste, reddens litmus, and spontaneously decom- 
 poses. Does not precipitate Gelatin ) produces a deep, 
 bluish-black colour with Salts of the Sesquioxide of 
 Iron, which disappears when the solution is heated. By 
 heat, new acids are produced, the Pyrogallic and Meta- 
 gallic. 
 
 Med. Effects. Tannic and Gallic Acids possess the 
 properties of the vegetable astringents. The latter is 
 seldom used. 
 
 IV. ORGANIC BASES. 
 
 Organic bases, not Oxides of known radicals, and not 
 otherwise classified. The most important are 
 ♦Morphia, C 3 ,H 25 N 6 +2HO. 
 Narcotina, C^H^N O u . 
 Quinia, C 20 H 12 N 2 . 
 Quinidia, C^H^N 0. 
 Cinchonia, C 20 H 12 N 0. 
 ♦Strychnia, C 43 H 22 N 2 4 . 
 Brucia, C 46 H 26 N 2 8 . 
 *Veratria, C 3 ,H 22 N 6 . 
 Aconitina, C^H^N 14 . 
 
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 209 
 
 Conia, C 16 H 15 N. 
 
 Nicotina, C 10 H 7 N. 
 
 Atropia, C 34 H 23 N 6 . 
 
 Hyoscyarnine, C 3i H 23 N 6 . 
 
 Emetia, C 35 H 21 N O g ? 
 
 Caffein, C 16 H 10 N 2 O,. 
 
 Piperine, C 3 ,H 19 N0 6 . 
 
 These are known as the Alkaloids. They contain 
 Nitrogen ; they form, with acids, salts, some of which are 
 well-characterized ; they are generally insoluble in Water ; 
 soluble in Alcohol ; their salts are generally soluble in 
 Water ; they all possess the medical properties of the sub- 
 stances from which they are extracted; are as a class 
 highly poisonous. Tannic Acid precipitates them, but as 
 the compound is soluble in the gastric juice, is hardly to 
 be relied on as an antidote. Animal Charcoal removes 
 them from solution, and when in sufficient quantity (§j 
 of purified Animal Charcoal to gr. j of the Alkaloid) 
 with, or immediately after them, prevents their action. 
 The tests which have been proposed for them cannot be 
 considered as sufficiently characteristic to be depended 
 upon, particularly when they are mixed with organic 
 matters. 
 
 As the Alkaloids are always prepared by the manufac- 
 turing chemist, and as the processes for their extraction 
 and separation are intricate, they will not be here detailed. 
 18* 
 
210 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 Alkaloids of *Opium. 
 
 The following have been isolated : they exist combined 
 with a peculiar acid, the Meconic, C 14 H ljL ,3HO + 6HO, 
 and with Sulphuric Acid; *Morphia, Narcotina, Codeia, 
 Paramorphia, Narcein, Meconin, Porphyroxin, Pseudo- 
 morphia, Papaverina, and Opiania. Of these, the only- 
 one officinal is 
 
 A. *Morphia. 
 
 Prop. Is in small, very brilliant, transparent, colour- 
 less crystals, soluble in 1000 parts cold, 30. of boiling 
 Water, and freely in dilute Acids, forming its salts : also 
 in excess of Caustic Potassa or Soda, but hardly in Am- 
 monia. When in powder, it gives a blood-red tinge, 
 changing to yellow with Nitric Acid; a deep bluish 
 colour, with Sesquioxide of Iron; decomposes Iodic Acid, 
 with liberation of Iodine. 
 
 1. *Morpkle Sulphas — Sulphate of Morphia. 
 Prep. Is made by dissolving Morphia in dilute Sul- 
 phuric Acid, and evaporating to dryness. 
 
 Prop. Is in minute, dry, feathery crystals, of a bitter 
 taste ; freely soluble in water. 
 Dose, gr. } to i. 
 
 2. The *Liquor Morphije Sulphatis — Solution of 
 Sulphate of Morphia, contains gr. j to f gj Aq. 
 
 Dose, f 3j to f 3ij. 
 
 3. *Morphi;e Murias — Muriate of Morphia. 
 
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 211 
 
 Prep. Is made by dissolving Morphia in dilute Mu- 
 riatic Acid. 
 
 Prop. Resembles the Sulphate in general properties 
 and dose. 
 
 4. *MoRPHiiE Acetas — Acetate of Morphia. 
 
 Prep. Is made by dissolving Morphia in Acetic Acid. 
 Crystallizes in fine needles, united in fasciculi, soluble in 
 Water; sometimes contains a little uncombined Morphia, 
 which may be dissolved by the addition of a few drops of 
 Acetic Acid. 
 
 Prop. Properties and dose, those of the Sulphate. 
 
 None of the other Alkaloids of Opium are employed 
 in medicine. 
 
 Alkaloids of *Cinchona. 
 
 Are associated in the bark with Sulphuric and Kinic 
 Acids. They are Quinia, Cinchonia, and Quinidia. 
 The Yellow Bark (Calisaya Bark) contains a large quan- 
 tity of Quinia with little Cinchonia; the Pale Bark (Loxa 
 Bark) contains much Cinchonia with little Quinia; and 
 the Red Bark contains both Alkaloids. 
 
 b. Quinia. 
 
 Prop. May be obtained in silky crystals, soluble in 
 400 parts cold and 250 boiling Water; soluble in Alcohol, 
 iEther, and the Fixed and Volatile Oils. It is not oflici- 
 nal, but its Sulphate is. 
 
212 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 Tests. Its salts give an emerald-green colour, when 
 treated with Chlorine Water and afterwards with Am- 
 monia; this changes to a white or violet upon the addi- 
 tion of a dilute Acid. 
 
 1. *Quini.e Sulphas — Sulphate of Quinia. 
 
 Prop. It is in fine silky, slightly flexible, needle- 
 shaped crystals, of an intensely bitter taste ; soluble with 
 difficulty in cold water, but rendered readily so by the 
 addition of a small portion of Sulphuric or Tartaric Acid. 
 
 Tests. It should be entirely volatilized by heat, give 
 no odour of Ammonia upon the addition . of Caustic 
 Alkali; its solution with cold, concentrated Sulphuric 
 Acid be colourless ; it should be entirely soluble in 
 Alcohol and iEther ; its solution in water should be 
 devoid of sweet taste. These tests prove the absence of 
 the ordinary substances used in adulterating it. Salicin 
 may be detected by the red colour it gives with strong 
 Sulphuric Acid. Cinchonia, by treating the suspected 
 solution with Chlorinated Lime, Lime Water, or Am- 
 monia ; the precipitate which falls, if Quinia, is soluble in 
 excess, but insoluble, if Cinchonia. A solution of Chlo- 
 ride of Calcium yields a precipitate with Sulphate of 
 Cinchonia, and none with that of Quinia. The 2. *Pi- 
 lul^b Quinia Sulphatis contain one grain each. The 
 Muriate and Valerianate of Quinia are officinal in the 
 Dub. Ph. 
 
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 213 
 
 C. Cinchonia. 
 
 Prop. May be obtained in white crystals, insoluble 
 in cold Water, soluble in 2500 parts boiling Water, 
 and in boiling Alcohol; very slightly soluble in iEther 
 and the Volatile Oils. Its solutions are very bitter. 
 The Sulphate has been employed as a substitute for 
 Sulphate of Quinia; it possesses the same properties, but 
 is less active. 
 
 D. Quinidia has been recently used with success as a 
 substitute for Quinia (Cullen, Pepper). 
 
 d. ^Strychnia. 
 
 Nat. Sources. Exists in* the *Nux Vomica (Strychnos 
 Nux Vomica), Bean of St. Ignatius (Strychnos Ignatia), 
 and from the false Augustura Bark (Slrychnos Nux 
 Vomica), together with Brucia. 
 
 Prop. Is a grayish-white powder ; may be obtained in 
 crystals j is soluble in 6667 parts cold and 2000 boiling 
 water ) soluble in boiling Alcohol, but very sparingly in 
 cold or absolute Alcohol, or iEther. Its Solutions and 
 Soluble Salts are intensely bitter. 
 
 Tests. Dissolved by Sulphuric Acid with T ^o tn °f 
 Nitric and a minute quantity of Peroxide of Lead added, 
 a blue colour is produced, rapidly passing into violet, red, 
 and yellow. A crystal of Bichromate of Potassa added 
 to its solution in Concentrated Sulphuric Acid, produces 
 a violet colour. The Muriate is officinal in the Dub. Ph. 
 
214 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 Strychnia possesses the effects of Nux Vomica in a high 
 degree. 
 
 Antidote, Camphor ? 
 
 Dose, gr. y 1 ^ to ^ gradually increased. 
 
 E. Brucia. 
 
 Prop. Much resembles Strychnia, but is distinguished 
 by its ready solubility in Alcohol. It gives a bright red 
 tinge with Nitric Acid, changed to yellow by Protochlo- 
 ride of Tin. 
 
 F. * Yer atria. 
 
 Found in various species of Yeratrum, *Veratrum 
 Album, *Veratrum Yiride, and *V. Sabadilla. 
 
 Prop. White, pulverulent, inodorous; insoluble in 
 water, soluble in hot Alcohol and iEther ; has an acrid 
 taste, and the properties of the plants whence extracted, 
 in an eminent degree. Gives an orange-red tinge with 
 Nitric Acid, changed to yellow by Protochloride of Tin. 
 Dose, gr. y 1 ^ to y 1 ^. Used externally in Neuralgia, in 
 ointment, or dissolved in Alcohol, gr. ij to iv to 3j. 
 
 *Aconitina, from the *Aconitum Napellus ; Conia, 
 from the *Conium Maculatum; Nicotina, from the *Ni- 
 cotia Tabacum; Atropia, from the *Atropa Bella- 
 donna; Eyoscyamine, from *Hyosciamus Niger; Erne- 
 tia, from *Cephaelis Ipecacuanha, are all alkaloids, 
 resembling those described, and possessing, like them, the 
 
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 215 
 
 poisonous properties of the plants in which they naturally 
 exist. But one, the *Aconitina, is officinal. 
 
 Caffein, or Tlieine, is found in tea, coffee, and the Ilex 
 Paraguensis. Piperine is found in * Piper Nigrum. 
 
 V. FATS AND OILS. 
 
 These may be divided into 1. Fixed, 2. Volatile. 
 
 1. Fixed Oils. 
 
 General Prop. They communicate a greasy stain to 
 paper, not removed by heat ; cannot be distilled without 
 decomposition ; they all absorb Oxygen from the air, and 
 either dry up (drying oils), or thicken, and become rancid; 
 they have generally little smell and taste ; all are insoluble 
 in Water ; but slightly so in Alcohol, except Castor Oil, 
 which dissolves freely ; iEther, and the Volatile Oils, dis- 
 solve them freely ; their consistence varies from that of 
 tallow to the fluid condition ; they are generally liquid at 
 ordinary temperatures ; mixed with bases, they combine 
 and form soaps. The soap formed with Potassa, is soft ; 
 with Soda, hard ; and with Lime, the Earths, and Metals, 
 insoluble. Chemically, they consist of various volatile, 
 organic acids (fat acids), united with a base, *Glycerin, 
 which is set free, when the acids unite with a stronger 
 base, in the formation of soaps. 
 
 A. ^Glycerin, *Glycerina, C 6 H 8 6 . 
 
 Prep. By mixing *Lead Plaster with boiling water, 
 
216 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 decanting, and passing a current of Hydrosulphuric Acid 
 through the solution, to precipitate any dissolved Lead. 
 On the large scale, is obtained from soap-makers' waste, or 
 by decomposiDg a Lime Soap.* 
 
 Prop. A colourless, inodorous liquid, of a sweet taste; 
 soluble in all proportions in water and alcohol ; insoluble 
 in JEther. Its solvent powers for salts, are between those 
 of water and alcohol. Does not ferment, or become rancid ; 
 does not dry. Is valuable as an emollient. 
 
 The solid portions of fats consist of Stearin, a compound 
 of Stearic Acid with Glycerin, and JIargarin. a compound 
 of Margaric Acid with Glycerin; the fluid portions, of 
 Oiettij Oleate of Glycerin. 
 
 Stearic and Margaric Acids much resemble each 
 other. 
 
 B. Stearic Acid is obtained in crystalline, white, inodor- 
 ous, tasteless needles ; melts at about 130°; insoluble in 
 "Water, and nearly so in cold Alcohol and -.Ether. 
 
 c. Margaric Acid appears, from recent researches, not 
 to be a distinct acid, but a mixture of Stearic Acid, and 
 of Palmitic Acid v C 3: H,_(X.HO /, obtained from Palm 
 Oil (Heintz>. 
 
 * Mr. Tilghman has re: lied a process for the decomposition of 
 
 1 oils, a::d pre -. by the use of water under high 
 
 pre-ssure and temperature. 
 
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 217 
 
 d. Oleic Acid, C 36 H 32 3 HO, is a colourless liquid, of 
 a distinct acid reaction, and sharp taste. Among the other 
 fat acids, which are combined with Glycerin in various 
 oils, may be named : Ricinioleic, from *Castor Oil ) 
 Butyric, Capric, Caprylic, and Caproic, from Butter. A 
 Butyrate of Glycerin has been formed by direct combina- 
 tion, being the first instance of the union by a fat acid 
 with its base artificially. E. *Wax contains Cerotic Acid 
 and Myricin, which is a compound iEther. F. *Sperma- 
 ceti contains Cetylic Alcohol, a solid substance, resembling 
 Spermaceti itself, and Cetylic Acid, the product of the 
 oxidation of this alcohol.* 
 
 2. Volatile Oils. 
 
 a. Containing Carbon and Hydrogen. 
 
 *Oil of Turpentine, C 20 H 16 . Obtained by distilling 
 crude Turpentine. Its properties are well known. By 
 the action of Hydrochloric Acid Gas, is converted into 
 artificial Camphor, C 20 H 16 ,HC1. The following Oils are 
 isomeric with Oil of Turpentine : the cause of the difference 
 of odour has not been determined : *Lemon, Orange Peel, 
 
 * According to Heintz, Spermaceti consists only of Stearic, Palmitic, My- 
 ristic (C28H28O4, from Oil of Nutmeg), and Lauro-Stearic (C24H24O4, from Oil 
 of Laurel Berries), Acids, with Cetyl. He states that there can be no true 
 fat acid, whose composition does not correspond to the formula, CnHnO^, in 
 which n is a number divisible by 4, without a remainder. Certain mixtures 
 of fat acids have a lower fusing-point than their constituents, resembling 
 fusible alloys. 
 
 19 
 
218 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 Black Pepper, *Cubebs, * Juniper, *Savin, *Copaiva, 
 *Bergamot, Cedar, Pine. 
 
 B. Containing Carbon, Hydrogen, and Oxygen. These 
 form the great bulk of the Volatile Oils. Among them, 
 the following are officinal : Oil of Roses, Spearmint, Pep- 
 permint, Horsemint, Anise, Fennel, Caraway, Lavander, 
 Pennyroyal, Rosemary, Marjoram, Sassafras, Cinnamon, 
 Cloves, Camphor, Cajeput, Valerian, Gaultheria. 
 
 c. Containing Sulphur. 
 
 *Oil or Mustard, C 8 H 5 N 2 S, is colourless: Sp. Gr 
 1-015; of a pungent smell, and vesicates rapidly. The 
 Oil of *Horse-radish is identical. Oil of Garlic, C 6 H 5 S, 
 Oil of Assafcetida, C^H^S^ and the Oil of Onions, belong 
 to the same class. 
 
 D. Resins. Are generally vegetable products, and 
 seem to have been formed by the oxidation of Volatile 
 Oils. Pure Resins are entirely soluble in Alcohol, iEther, 
 and the Oils. Gum Resins partially dissolve in Alcohol ; 
 the Gum not being affected; with water they form a milky 
 emulsion, the Gum dissolving, and suspending the Resin. 
 
 VI. COLOURING MATTERS. 
 
 A. Indigo— C 16 H 5 N0 2 . 
 
 Nat. Sources. Obtained from several species of Indi- 
 gofera. 
 
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 219 
 
 Prop. Is in compact blue masses, having a coppery 
 tinge when viewed obliquely. Cautiously heated, may be 
 volatilized, giving a blue vapour, which condenses in de- 
 licate blue crystals. Is insoluble in water; soluble in 
 strong Sulphuric Acid, forming Sulphoindigotic, and Sul- 
 phopurpuric Acids. By deoxidizing agents, is rendered 
 colourless, but becomes blue again by exposure to the air. 
 By the action of Nitric Acid, Carbazotic Acid is obtained \ 
 this forms a yellow, very slightly soluble salt with Po- 
 tassa, for which it is used as a test. 
 
 Med. Effects. Antispasmodic, but little used. Carba- 
 zotic Acid has been successfully used as a substitute for 
 Quinia (Bell). It may be made by acting upon Carbolic 
 Acid (Coal Tar, Creasote), by Nitric Acid. 
 
 b. Litmus. 
 
 Obtained from Bocella Tinctoria, a lichen. Is used 
 as a test for acids and alkalies. The former redden the 
 blue infusion ) the latter restore its colour when red- 
 dened. It is officinal in the Ed. Ph., as Lacmus. 
 
 c. *Madder — Rubia. 
 
 The Boot of Bubia Tinctorum. Largely used as a red 
 dye ) with Alum, forms Lake. Used in medicine as an 
 emmenagogue. 
 
 d. ^Logwood — H^ematoxylon. 
 
 The wood of Haematoxylon Campechianum. Also used 
 
220 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 as a red purple dye. Used in medicine, as a mild astrin- 
 gent. Brazil-wood, obtained from several species of Cse- 
 salpina, resembles Logwood ; but has no medicinal powers. 
 ^Turmeric — Curcuma. The rhizoma of Curcuma 
 longa. Gives a yellow infusion ; turned brown by al- 
 kalies — hence used as a test. Is a stimulant aromatic. 
 
 E. *C0CHINEAL — COCCUS. 
 
 Coccus Cacti, an hemipterous insect ; used largely as 
 a brilliant dye. With Salts of Tin, gives Carmine. Is 
 used as an antispasmodic. 
 
 f. Chlorophylle. 
 
 The green colouring matter of leaves and grass. Is a 
 mixture of Wax, and a green, fixed Oil. 
 
 VII. ALBUMEN GROUP. 
 
 a. Albumen. 
 
 Exists in white of egg, serum of blood, and in vege- 
 tables. 
 
 Prop. Is colourless, inodorous, tasteless, insoluble; 
 freely soluble in alkaline solutions. Its solution slowly 
 dries into a transparent, horny mass. Natural Albumen, 
 which may be regarded as pure Albumen rendered so- 
 luble by alkaline substances, is coagulated, 1. By heat, 
 the temperature required ranging with the amount of 
 
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 221 
 
 Albumen present. 2. By Nitric, Nitromuriatic, and 
 Monobasic Phosphoric Acid. 3. By most of the metallic 
 salts ; hence its value as an antidote. 4. By astringent 
 infusions, Tannic Acid, and Creasote. 5. By Alcohol. 
 The only chemical change that can be detected, after 
 coagulation by heat, is the loss of Alkali and soluble 
 salts. When coagulated by acids, it combines as a base ; 
 when by the metallic salts, combines with the Oxide of the 
 metal, acting as an Acid. Heat is not to be alone relied on, 
 in testing for Albumen ; as the presence of Alkali in quan- 
 tity, of the Mineral Acids, and of Acetic Acid, prevent its 
 action. No certain formula can be given for Albumen. 
 
 b. Fibrin. 
 
 Found in the clot of blood, muscular tissue, &c. 
 
 Prop. White, tasteless, inodorous ; spontaneously 
 coagulable ) and insoluble, except in alkaline liquids. 
 Its solution dries up into a horny mass. Acids convert 
 it into a gelatinous mass, soluble in water. Resembles 
 Albumen in many of its properties. 
 
 a. Gluten. Obtained from Wheat flour. Is chemi- 
 cally identical with Fibrin. 
 
 c. Casein. 
 
 Obtained from the curd of milk. When pure, much 
 resembles Albumen, and Fibrin. 
 
 Prop. A white, curdy, tasteless, inodorous, insoluble 
 19* 
 
222 
 
 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 substance. Soluble in alkaline solutions, and, to a cer- 
 tain extent, in dilute acids. Solution of Casein does not 
 coagulate on boiling. Is distinguished from Albumen, 
 by affording a precipitate with Acetic Acid. Certain 
 animal secretions (Rennet), coagulate it. Legumin, ob- 
 tained from peas, beans, &c, is vegetable Casein. 
 
 The analyses of Albumen, Fibrin, and Casein, give: — 
 
 
 Albumen. 
 
 Fibrin. 
 
 Casein 
 
 Carbon, 
 
 . 53-5 
 
 52-7 
 
 53-83 
 
 Hydrogen, 
 
 . 7-0 
 
 6-9 
 
 7-15 
 
 Nitrogen, 
 
 . 15-5 
 
 15-4 
 
 15-65 
 
 Oxygen, . 
 Sulphur, . 
 
 . 22-0 
 . 1-6 
 
 23-51 
 l'2j 
 
 23-37 
 
 Phosphorus, 
 
 . 0-4 
 
 0-3 
 
 
 As these substances cannot be obtained crystallized, 
 these formulae are only approximative. 
 
 D. Protein. 
 
 Mulder observed, that when any one of the foregoing 
 compounds was digested in Caustic Potassa, until no pre- 
 cipitate was afforded with a lead salt, and precipitated 
 by Acetic Acid, a snow-white, flocculent substance was 
 obtained, which, he stated, could be procured entirely 
 free from Sulphur and Phosphorus. This substance, 
 combined with Sulphur and Phosphorus, he stated, gave 
 Albumen, Fibrin, and Casein. The formula, C 24 H 17 N 3 8 , 
 has been assigned it. " This is equal to a combination of 
 
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 223 
 
 Cellulose with Ammonia, C 24 H 20 O 20 + 3NH 3 = 12HO + 
 C 24 H 17 N 3 8 . The muscular fibre is insoluble Protein, in 
 an organized condition, and sustains a similar rank in 
 the animal structure to that of Cellulose in the vegetable ; 
 while Albumen and Casein are insoluble, unorganized 
 forms of Protein, and may be compared to Dextrine and 
 Gum." (Hunt.) By the action of various reagents on 
 Protein, two crystalline bodies, Leucine, C 12 H 13 N0 4 , and 
 Tyrosine, C^H^NOg, are obtained. Chemists are not 
 agreed upon these views; and for their discussion, the 
 student is referred to works on Organic Chemistry. 
 
 E. Neurine. 
 
 Is the substance proper to the tubes and corpuscles of 
 the nervous apparatus. Closely resembling Albumen, in 
 composition and properties, it is considered by Robin 
 and Verdeil, to be sufficiently distinguished by its semi- 
 fluid consistence. Its analysis is not complete. 
 
 F. GrELATIN. 
 
 Nat. Sources. Exists in animal membranes, tendons, 
 &c. 
 
 Forms Glue. Is officinal as *Ichthyocolla — Isinglass. 
 
 Prep. Is obtained by boiling. One per cent, will 
 cause its solution to form a jelly, on cooling. 
 
 Prop. When pure and dry, is a transparent, colourless, 
 tasteless, inodorous substance, insoluble in Alcohol and 
 
224 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 iEfeher; is precipitated by Alcohol, the Chlorides, and 
 Nitrate of Mercury, and Tannic and Gallic Acids. The 
 process of tanning depends upon the formation of an inso- 
 luble compound of the Gelatin in the hides, with Tannic 
 and Gallic Acids of the bark used. Its solution is not 
 affected by Alum, or the Acetate of Lead. By boiling 
 with strong alkalies, is converted, with evolution of Am- 
 monia, into Leucine, and a sweet substance, a. Glycocoll, 
 or Sugar of Gelatin, C 4 H 5 N 4 , which yields, with Nitrous 
 Acid, Glycocolic Acid, C 4 H 4 6 . The formula, C 52 H 40 N 8 
 0^, has been given for Gelatin, b. Chondrin is a Gela- 
 tin, obtained from cartilages; it differs from Gelatin, in 
 affording precipitates with Alum and Acetate of Lead ; its 
 formula has been stated as C^H^NgO^. 
 
 G. Kreatin. 
 
 Prep. Exists in soups, and may be extracted from 
 the juice of flesh. 
 
 Prop. Has been obtained in colourless, brilliant crys- 
 tals, which are soluble in boiling water, less so in cold ; it 
 is a neutral body. Crystallized, its formula is C 8 H g N 3 4 , 
 2HO. By the action of Acids, loses the elements of 
 water, and is converted into a. Kreatinine, C 8 H 7 N 3 2 , a 
 powerful organic base, forming well-defined salts. A 
 peculiar Bibasic Acid, 5. Inosinic, C 20 H 14 N 4 O 32 . A pecu- 
 liar Sugar, c. Inosite, which does not ferment ; formula, 
 C 12 H 12 12 -f 4HO, for the crystals. 
 
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 225 
 
 H. Other proximate principles. 
 
 Besides the above, Robin and Verdeil, and others, de- 
 scribe as proximate, organic principles, found in the tissues 
 or fluids of animal bodies, or produced from them by che- 
 mical changes, the following substances, as yet incom- 
 pletely known : — 
 
 Albuminose, Pancreatin, Mucosin, Crystallin, Musculin, 
 Elasticin, Ostein, Keratin, Bilverdin, Melanin, Mosacin ; 
 Synovin, Spermatin. 
 
 i. Blood. 
 
 Prop. When freshly drawn, is a homogeneous, slightly 
 viscid, alkaline liquid, of a peculiar odour, and saltish 
 taste ] the colour varies from the bright red of arterial, to 
 the dark purple of venous blood. Under the microscope, 
 is seen to consist of a transparent, nearly colourless fluid 
 (liquor sanguinis), in which float red discs, the blood cor- 
 puscles, and colourless globules, the white corpuscles. It 
 soon coagulates after being drawn, forming a clot, which 
 consists of fibrin and blood-globules, and a liquid serum, 
 containing albumen and salts. It consists proximately of 
 
 Water, 
 
 784- 
 
 Red Corpuscles, 
 
 131- 
 
 Albumen, .... 
 
 70- 
 
 Salts, 
 
 6-03 
 
 Extractive, Fatty matters, &c, 
 
 6-77 
 
 Fibrin, 
 
 2-2 
 
 1000-00 
 
226 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 The red corpuscles consist of a. Globulin y a substance 
 which has not been satisfactorily separated, but resembling 
 Albumen, and of b. Ecematin, the red colouring matter. 
 This is remarkable for containing a large proportion of 
 Iron, which is not precipitated by the usual tests for that 
 metal. Mulder's analysis gives 
 
 Carbon, 
 
 65-84 
 
 Hydrogen, 
 
 6-37 
 
 Nitrogen, 
 
 10-4 
 
 Oxygen, . ; 
 
 11-75 
 
 Iron, 
 
 6-64 
 
 100 00 
 
 The colour of Haematine does not depend wholly upon 
 its iron, as it is not lost upon the removal of that metal. 
 The proportion of Globuline to Hsematine, is stated as 
 123-5 to 74. 
 
 The Extractive matters consist principally of Kreatine, 
 the fatty matters of a peculiar fat Seroline, Cholesterine, a 
 fat found in the bile, Cerebrine, a fat found in the brain, 
 with Oleic and Margaric Acids, and traces of others. 
 
 The Salts are Chlorides of Sodium, Potassium, Tribasic 
 Phosphate of Soda, Carbonate and Sulphate of Soda, and 
 Phosphates of Lime, Magnesia, and Iron. Urea, biliary 
 colouring matter, salivary matter, Oxygen, Nitrogen, and 
 Carbonic Acid, are also found in varying quantities. 
 
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 227 
 
 K. Chyle and Lymph. 
 
 Differ from blood, chiefly in the absence of the red cor- 
 puscles, and in containing a less proportion of Fibrin. The 
 Chyle, as taken from the lacteals, contains a large propor- 
 tion of fatty matter. 
 
 l. Bile. 
 
 A somewhat viscid fluid, of a varying yellow or green- 
 ish colour, strongly bitter taste, and disagreeable smell; 
 Sp. Gr. 1-026 to 1-030. Is neutral, but as it decomposes, 
 becomes first acid, then alkaline. Bile contains, besides 
 mucus, fat, and the salts usually found in the secretions, 
 a peculiar crystalline fat, a. Cholesterine, C 37 H 32 0, not 
 saponifiable, fusing at 275°, soluble in Alcohol and iEther. 
 Biliary Calculi are composed almost wholly of Choles- 
 terine. The principle of Bile, b. Bilin ) remaining after 
 the removal of Cholesterine, fats, and salts, is believed, by 
 Mulder and Berzelius, to be a peculiar resinoid substance, 
 yielding, on decomposition, various acids and bases, as the 
 Tauric, Cholic, Fellinic Acids, and Picromel and Taurine. 
 It is a slightly yellowish, brittle mass, freely soluble in 
 Water, and absolute Alcohol. Strecker regards it as a 
 compound of two peculiar acids, the Glycho-clioleic, and 
 Tauro-choleic, with Soda. 
 
 M. Saliva. 
 
 A transparent, watery fluid, of an alkaline reaction ; Sp. 
 
228 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 Gr. 1*006 to 1-009. Contains, besides Water, Mucus, 
 Albumen, Fatty matter, and the usual Salts, a peculiar 
 principle, Pty aline, and Sulphocyanogen in combination. 
 The presence of the latter may be an important source of 
 fallacy in applying the Iron test for Hydrocyanic Acid. 
 Saliva contains 12 per cent, of Chloride of Sodium ; a 
 larger proportion than any other animal fluid. The 
 Pancreatic Juice resembles Saliva in composition, but does 
 not contain Sulphocyanogen. 
 
 n. Milk. 
 
 Under the microscope, is seen to consist of a clear liquid, 
 in which are suspended numerous globules; these consist 
 of fat (butter), surrounded by an albuminous envelope, 
 which may be broken by mechanical violence (churning), 
 or dissolved by Caustic Potassa. Milk contains Watsr, 
 Butter, Casein, Milk Sugar, and the usual Salts of animal 
 secretions. It is at first alkaline, but becomes acid, owing 
 to the formation of Lactic Acid. 
 
 o. Gastric Juice. 
 
 Contains free Muriatic and Lactic Acids, and Phosphate 
 of Lime, the Chlorides of Potassium, Sodium, Calcium, and 
 Magnesium, and a peculiar principle, Pepsin, a. Pepsin, pos- 
 sesses the property of digesting most alimentary substances, 
 when kept at the temperature of the stomach, and in con- 
 
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 229 
 
 tact with a dilute solution of Muriatic, Lactic, or Phos- 
 phoric Acids. 
 
 p. Urine. 
 
 Prop. Varies exceedingly in properties and composition, 
 with the individual, nature of the ingesta, temperature, 
 &c. Colour, varies from that of water to deep red ; odour, 
 peculiar, faint and aromatic, becoming offensive and am- 
 moniacal from decomposition; is transparent when first 
 voided, but may become clouded from deposition of mucus 
 and salts when cool; average Sp. Gr. 1-020. Reaction in 
 health, acid, becomes alkaline by decomposition, and may 
 be rendered so by alkalies and vegetable diet. The fol- 
 lowing analysis by Becquerel gives its average compo- 
 sition : — 
 
 Water, 
 
 967- 
 
 Urea, 
 
 14-230 
 
 Uric Acid, .... 
 
 •468 
 
 Colouring and Extractive 
 
 
 Matter and Mucus, 
 
 10-167 
 
 Salts, 
 
 8-135 
 
 Silica, 
 
 traces. 
 
 
 1000-000 
 
 a, Urea, C 3 H 4 2 N 2 . 
 
 Forms nearly one-half of the solid matter of the urine. 
 20 
 
230 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 Prop. It contains the elements of Cyanate of Am- 
 monia, NH 4 0,NC 2 0, and may be artificially made by 
 direct combination. It is one of the few organic sub- 
 stances which have been formed artificially. Is in trans- 
 parent, colourless, four-sided prisms, soluble in an equal 
 weight of cold Water and in Alcohol ; inodorous ; of a 
 cooling, saline taste, and is permanent in the air, and in 
 solution, if putrescible organic matter be absent; is 
 decomposed by heat, &c, with evolution of Ammonia; it 
 is neutral in reaction, but combines with acids to form 
 well-defined salts. Nitrate of Urea is isomorphous with 
 Saltpetre. When not excreted Urea causes Coma. 
 
 Use. Has been used as a diuretic. 
 
 b. Uric Acid, C 10 H 4 N 4 O 6 . 
 
 Exists in small quantity in human urine, abundantly 
 in combination in that of Serpents and Birds. 
 
 Prop. Is white, tasteless, inodorous, and soluble only 
 in 2000 parts of hot Water j it is bibasic, forms sparingly 
 soluble urates. A series of very interesting compounds 
 are formed by the reaction of chemical agents upon it. 
 Its solution in Nitric Acid is coloured a beautiful purple 
 by Ammonia, forming Murexide, which has been used as 
 a dye. The crystals of Murexide give by reflection a 
 metallic-green lustre, like the wing-cases of beetles ; by 
 transmitted light a deep purple-red. 
 
 c. Eippuric Acid, C J8 H 8 N 5 HO. 
 
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 231 
 
 Exists largely in the urine of the Herbivora, also in 
 human urine, when Benzoic Acid has been taken. 
 
 Prop. It crystallizes in long, slender, milk-white 
 prisms, of a bitter taste and acid reaction ; soluble in 400 
 parts cold Water and in boiling Alcohol. Forms Hlppu- 
 rates. By boiling Hydrochloric Acid is converted into 
 Benzoic Acid and G-lycocoll (Sugar of Gelatine). 
 When urine containing Hippuric Acid is allowed to pu- 
 trefy, it is entirely converted into Benzoic Acid : much of 
 the Benzoic Acid of commerce is thus obtained. 
 
 Urinary Calculi. 
 
 Are formed of concentric layers of earthy deposits and 
 mucus. Various deposits sometimes alternate in the same 
 calculus ; frequently in the centre is found a foreign body 
 as a nucleus. 
 
 1. Uric Acid. 
 Are common. 
 
 Prop. Externally are smooth or warty, of a yellowish 
 or brownish tint; before the blow-pipe burn away, leaving 
 no ash - } insoluble in water ; may be dissolved by the aid 
 of Caustic Potassa, from which a copious white, curdy 
 precipitate of Uric Acid falls upon the addition of acid. 
 Dissolved in Nitric Acid, gives the characteristic purple- 
 red of Murexide upon the addition of Ammonia. 
 
 2. Urate of Ammonia. 
 
 Prop. Differs from the last in being soluble in boiling 
 
232 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 Water; the addition of Hydrochloric Acid gives a precipi- 
 tate of Uric Acid. Dissolves in a hot solution of Car- 
 bonate of Ammonia with evolution of Ammonia. 
 
 3. Fusible Calculus — Phosphate of , Lime, with Phos- 
 phate of Magnesia and Ammonia. 
 
 Are also common. 
 
 Prop. These Calculi are soft and smooth, frequently 
 of large size ; blacken before the blowpipe, then become 
 white and melt to a bead ; insoluble in Caustic Alkali ; 
 soluble in dilute Acid, which solution is precipitated by 
 Ammonia. Calculi of unmixed Phosphate of Lime and 
 of Phosphate of Magnesia and Ammonia (Microcosmic 
 Salt), are sometimes found. The latter is obtained when 
 putrescent urine is evaporated. 
 
 4. Mulberry Calculus — Oxalate of Lime. 
 
 Prop. Is usually very rough and hard. Before the 
 blowpipe the Oxalate of Lime burns to Carbonate, and 
 finally to Quicklime. Soluble in Hydrochloric Acid by 
 the aid of heat, and easily in Nitric Acid. Long boiled 
 with Carbonate of Potassa, Oxalate of Potassa may be 
 found in the liquid. 
 
 5. Cystic Oxide, C 6 H 6 NS 2 4 . 
 
 A rare form ; remarkable for containing a large propor- 
 tion of Sulphur. 
 
 Prop. Is of a pale colour; waxy appearance externally . 
 Dissolves in great part without effervescence in dilute 
 Acids and Alkalies, including Ammonia. By long boil- 
 
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 233 
 
 ing with Caustic Alkalies, Ammonia is disengaged. It 
 forms a saline compound with Hydrochloric Acid. 
 
 6. Xanthic Oxide, C 5 H a N 2 2 . 
 
 Also very rare. 
 
 Prop. Is of a pale brown colour; waxy appearance ; 
 nearly insoluble in water and dilute acids; dissolves 
 quietly in Nitric Acid ; the solution, on evaporation, gives 
 a deep yellow residue, becoming yellowish-brown on addi- 
 tion of Ammonia. Calculi should be in powder, when 
 submitted to the action of reagents. 
 
 20* 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 LIST OF THE MORE COMMON POISONS, WITH THEIR 
 CHEMICAL ANTIDOTES. 
 
 [Note. In all cases, the poison, or its compound with 
 the antidote, should be as speedily as possible removed 
 from the stomach, and its general and local effects com- 
 bated by general measures.] 
 
 A. Strong Acids. Alkalies, Earths. (Soap, Mag- 
 nesia, Chalk, &c.) 
 
 j Oxalic Acid, 1 Lime. (Chalk, plaster of 
 I Tartaric Acid. J walls, or ceilings.) 
 
 B. Acid Salts. Those for Acids. 
 
 a. Binoxalate of Potassa, Salt of Sorrel. Lime. 
 
 C. Caustic Alkalies, 1 ■ ■_ 
 
 Weak Acids (vinegar, 
 Carbonates of the > _ . . „ N ^.«, 
 
 lemon juice, &c. ), Oil. 
 Alkalies. J 
 
 D. Earths. 
 
236 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 a. Baryta Salts. The soluble Sulphates. Elixir of 
 Vitriol. 
 
 b. Alum. Carbonates of Soda, and Ammonia. 
 E. Salts of the Metals. 
 
 A. Soluble Lead Salts. The soluble Sulphates. 
 
 a. White lead. Dilute vinegar, with a soluble Sulphate. 
 
 B. Tin Salts. Magnesia, the Carbonates of Soda, Milk. 
 
 c. Zinc Salts, V Carbonates of Soda, Magnesia, or 
 D. Iron Salts. J Ammonia. 
 
 e. Copper Salts, 1 Albumen, Casein (milk), Glu- 
 
 f. Mercury Salts. J ten (flour paste). 
 G. Nitrate of Silver. Common Salt. 
 h. Antimony. 
 
 a. Tartar Emetic. Vegetable astringents, Mag- 
 nesia. 
 
 b. Chloride of Antimony. Carbonate of Soda, or 
 Magnesia. 
 
 I. Arsenious Acid. Hydrated Sesquioxide of Iron. 
 Magnesia ? *Ferri Subcarb. ? 
 
 a. Fowler's Solution. Acetate of the Sesquioxide of 
 Iron. 
 
 k. Iodine. Boiled Starch. 
 
 l. Hydrocyanic Acid. Ammonia; Chlorine (taken, 
 and cautiously inhaled). Salts of the Sesquioxide of Iron, 
 followed by the Alkaline Carbonates ? Cold Douche to 
 the Spine. 
 
 m. The Alkaloids. Tannic Acid? Animal Charcoal? 
 
APPENDIX. 237 
 
 a. Strychnia. Camphor? 
 
 n. Venom of Serpents, and Insects. Ammonia, lo- 
 cally and generally — (Cauterization; ligature between the 
 wound and trunk; a cupping-glass over the wound). 
 Iodine (Brainard). 
 
 o. Bites oe Rabid Animals, Dissecting Wounds, 
 Pusttjla Maligna. No direct antidote. Cauterization, 
 and the general measures noted in the last paragraph. 
 
 II. 
 
 LIST OF THE MORE COMMON INCOMPATIBLES. 
 
 A. Acids, and Acidulous Salts. All Alkalies, 
 Ammonia; most Oxides, Carbonates, Sulphides, Iodides, 
 Bromides, Cyanides, and Binary Compounds generally, 
 except Alloys ; the more easily Oxidized Metals. The 
 stronger acids decompose the salts of the weaker. 
 
 A. Especial Acids, and their Salts. Incompatible, 
 besides the above, with the substances affixed. 
 
 a. Sulphuric. The Nitrates, Phosphates, Chlorates 
 (when concentrated) ; the Salts of the Organic Acids, and 
 those of the soluble Sulphates generally. 
 
 Soluble Sulphates. Salts of Baryta, Strontia, Lime, 
 Lead, Mercury (generally), Silver. 
 
238 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 b. Nitric Acid. The Phosphates, Chlorates, Arseni- 
 ous Acid, Salts of Antimony, those of the Vegetable 
 Acids. 
 
 c. Hydrochloric Acid. The Salts of the Organic Acids, 
 those of the soluble Chlorides. 
 
 Chlorides. Salts of Lead, Copper, Silver. 
 
 d. Tartaric, and Citric Acids. Salts of the Earths, 
 and of most of the Metals. 
 
 e. Hydrocyanic Acid. Calomel, Paregoric, Nitrate of 
 Silver, Sulphate of Copper. 
 
 f. Carbonic Acid. 
 
 Carbonates of the Alkalies. All Acids, and Acidulous 
 salts ; most Metallic Solutions. 
 
 B. Metallic Salts. The Alkalies; Ammonia; Alka- 
 line Earths, and their Carbonates generally ; Soap. 
 
 A. Especial Salts. Incompatible, besides the above, 
 with the substances affixed. 
 
 a. Of Lime. Sulphuric, Oxalic, Phosphoric, Citric, 
 and Tartaric Acids ; and their Salts generally. 
 
 b. Alum. Salts of Lead. 
 
 c. Iron. Vegetable Astringents, Tartrates, Alkaline 
 Carbonates, Iodine, Iodides. 
 
 d. Lead. Tartaric, Sulphuric, Hydrochloric, Phos- 
 phoric, Chromic, and Citric Acids and their Salts gene- 
 rally; Iodides, Vegetable Astringents, and Infusions. 
 
 e. Copper. Nitrate of Silver, Phosphates, Chlorides of 
 the Alkalies, Vegetable Astringents. 
 
APPENDIX. 239 
 
 f. Calomel. Hydrocyanic Acid, Sulphides, Iodides. 
 
 g. Corrosive Sublimate. Iodides, Sulphides, Tartar 
 Emetic, Acetate of Lead, Vegetable Astringents, Albu- 
 men, &c. 
 
 h. Nitrate of Silver. Soluble Chlorides, Iodides, Sul- 
 phates, Vegetable Astringents. 
 
 III. 
 
 GLOSSARY. 
 
 [The figures in parentheses ( ), refer to the pages of this work.] 
 
 Acetone. A peculiar, volatile, inflammable liquid; 
 obtained by distilling the anhydrous acetates ; is 
 frequently confounded in prescriptions with Wood 
 Spirit (189). 
 
 Acid. The electro-negative element of a compound, con- 
 taining more than two elements. Acids, when solu- 
 ble, have generally a sour taste and redden vegetable 
 blues. They may be either Oxyacids, Hydracids, 
 or Sulphur Acids (q. v.). 
 
 Actinism. A term employed to designate the chemical 
 effects of light. 
 
240 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 iEoLOPiLE. An instrument for producing a blast by 
 means of the vapour of a liquid heated in a close 
 vessel. 
 
 JErugo. Verdigris (156). 
 
 iETHiop's Mineral. Protosulphide of Mercury (166). 
 
 Aereometer. An instrument for the determination of 
 specific gravities. 
 
 Affinity. The tendency of bodies to combine (15). 
 
 Amphide Salt. A salt consisting of a union of an 
 Acid of Oxygen, Sulphur, Selenium, or Tellurium, 
 with a base of the same elements (66). 
 
 Amphigen. Synonymous with Basacigen. 
 
 Alembic. A still, with a cap, from which proceeds a 
 tube, used in Sublimation. 
 
 Alkalimetry. The process for determining the quan- 
 tity of Alkali in a given solution. 
 
 Alkaloid. A term applied to the Vegetable Alkalies, 
 as Quinia. 
 
 Alkarsin. Oxide of Kakodyl (200). 
 
 Allotropism. A term used to designate the different 
 conditions or states, in which the same elementary 
 body may occur (55). 
 
 Alloy. The combination of two metals. 
 
 Amalgam. The union of Mercury with a metal. 
 
 Analysis. The determination of the constituents of a 
 compound. It may be qualitative, which deter- 
 mines their nature, or quantitative, which fixes their 
 amount. 
 
APPENDIX. 241 
 
 Anhydrous. Free from Water. 
 
 Antimonial Wine. A solution of Tartar Emetic in 
 Sherry Wine (148). 
 
 Aqua Fortis. Impure Nitric Acid (44). 
 
 Aqua Eegia. Nitromuriatic Acid (69). 
 
 Anode. The positive pole of a galvanic battery (Zincoid). 
 
 Argillaceous. — Containing Clay. 
 
 Argol. Crude Cream of Tartar (88). 
 
 Atom. The ultimate particle of an element or compound. 
 
 Atomic Number. The specific gravity of a substance 
 divided by its equivalent.. 
 
 Atomic Volume. The equivalent of a substance, di- 
 vided by its specific gravity. 
 
 Atomic Weight. Equivalent (16). 
 
 Austral. The Southern Polarity of a magnet (27). 
 
 Azote. Nitrogen. 
 
 Azotic Acid. Nitric Acid (44). 
 
 b. * 
 
 Barilla. The ashes of sea-plants. It contains Carbo- 
 nate of Soda (91). 
 
 Basacigen. A term applied to elements, as Oxygen, 
 which, combining with others, form either Acids or 
 Bases. 
 
 Base. A substance capable of combining with acids to 
 form salts. 
 
 Basic. A substance possessing the properties of a base ; 
 21 
 
242 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 also applied to a compound in which the base is in 
 excess (75). 
 
 Basyl. Hydrogen, the metals, and the quasi-metals. 
 
 Battery. An apparatus for the accumulation of elec- 
 tricity (30). 
 
 Besterchef's Tincture. An ethereal solution of the 
 Sesquichloride of Iron. 
 
 Binary. A compound of two elements. 
 
 Bittern. The liquid left after the separation of Com- 
 mon Salt from sea-water. 
 
 Black Flux. A mixture of Carbon and Carbonate of 
 Potassa. Is made by heating Cream of Tartar in a 
 close vessel. 
 
 Black Lead. Plumbago. 
 
 Black Wash. Is made by adding Calomel to Lime- 
 Water; it contains Protoxide of Mercury. 
 
 Bleaching Powder. Chlorinated Lime (110). 
 
 Blue Mass. *Pilul^e Hydrargyri (163). 
 
 Blue Ointment. *Unguentum Hydrargyri (164). 
 
 Blue Vitriol. Sulphate of Copper (155). 
 
 Bone Ash. Consists principally of Basic Phosphate of 
 Lime, with Lime. Is obtained by calcining bones, 
 by which their animal matter is destroyed (62). 
 
 Bone Black. Animal Charcoal, obtained by the dry 
 distillation of bones. It contains their earthy con- 
 stituents (47). 
 
 Borax. Biborate of Soda (97). 
 
 Boreal. The Northern Polarity of a magnet (2). 
 
APPENDIX. 243 
 
 § 
 
 Brimstone. Roll Sulphur (55). 
 
 British Gum. Dextrine (181). 
 
 Burnett's Disinfecting Fluid. Solution of Chloride 
 of Zinc (160). 
 
 Butter of Antimony. Chloride of Antimony (148). 
 
 Butter of Zinc. Chloride of Zinc (160). 
 
 C. 
 
 Cadet's Liquid. Alkarsin (200). 
 
 Calamine. Impure, native Carbonate of Zinc (159). 
 
 Calcination. Exposure of substances to a high heat in 
 an open vessel, so that the Oxygen of the air may 
 combine with their oxidizable constituents. 
 
 Calomel. Protocbloride of Mercury (167). 
 
 Caramel. Burned Sugar (184). 
 
 Carbolic Acid. Coal-tar Creasote. 
 
 Catalysis. The action of a body in promoting Combi- 
 nation, or Decomposition, by its presence, the body 
 itself remaining unchanged. 
 
 Cathode. The negative pole of a Galvanic Battery 
 (Chloroid). 
 
 Cellulose. Lignin (181). 
 
 Chalk. An amorphous Carbonate of Lime (109). 
 
 Chameleon Mineral. Manganate of Potassa. 
 
 Chloroid. The negative pole, or that connected with 
 the Zinc Plate of a Battery. 
 
 Choke Damp. Carbonic Acid. 
 
 Chrome Yellow. Chromate of Lead (134). 
 
244 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 Chrome Green. A mixture of Chrome Yellow, and 
 Prussian Blue; or Sesquioxide of Chromium (134). 
 
 Cinnabar. Bisulphide of Mercury (167). 
 
 Citrine Ointment. Ointment of the Nitrate of Mer- 
 cury (166). 
 
 Colcothar. Sesquioxide of Iron. 
 
 Colophony. Common Resin, or Rosin. 
 
 Combining Weight. Equivalent. 
 
 Common Salt. Chloride of Sodium (95). 
 
 Copperas. Green Vitriol (127). 
 
 Corrosive Sublimate. Bichloride of Mercury (169). 
 
 Cream of Tartar. Bitartrate of Potassa (88). 
 
 Crocus of Antimony. Oxysulphide of Antimony. 
 
 Crocus Martis. Colcothar. 
 
 Cubic Nitre. Nitrate of Soda. 
 
 D. 
 
 Decantation. Pouring off, or drawing off with a 
 syphon. 
 
 Decoction. The extraction of vegetable, or animal 
 matter, by boiling; or the solution thus obtained. 
 
 Decrepitation. The crackling of certain Salts, when 
 suddenly heated. 
 
 Deflagration. A rapid and scintillating combustion. 
 Takes place in certain mixtures containing the Ni- 
 trates, or Chlorates. 
 
 Deliquescent. A term applied to those substances 
 
APPENDIX. 245 
 
 whose attraction for water is such, that they become 
 moist, or liquid in the air. 
 
 Destructive Distillation. Dry distillation. 
 
 Detonation. Rapid chemical action, accompanied by 
 flame and noise. 
 
 Dew-point. The temperature at which the moisture of 
 the air begins to deposit. 
 
 Digestion. The soaking of a body, for a long time, in 
 hot water. 
 
 Dimorphous. A term applied to substances, which 
 crystallize in two distinct and incompatible forms. 
 
 Displacement. A method of extracting the soluble 
 portions of vegetable or animal matters, by causing 
 the menstruum to filter through a given bulk. 
 
 Distillation. The process for separating a liquid from 
 a solid or less volatile liquid, by heating the mixed 
 substances, and collecting the condensed vapour. 
 
 Donovan's Solution. The solution of the Iodide of 
 Arsenic and Mercury (171). 
 
 Dry Distillation. The process by which solid, or or- 
 ganic bodies, are subjected to heat in a close vessel. 
 
 Ductile. Capable of being drawn out into wire. 
 
 E. 
 
 Eau de Javelle. A solution of Chlorinated Potassa, 
 similar in composition to the solution of Chlorinated 
 Soda. 
 
 21* 
 
246 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 Ebullition. The bubbling of a boiling liquid. 
 
 Effervescence. The bubbling from the escape of gas 
 from a liquid. 
 
 Efflorescence. A property peculiar to certain salts, 
 which, exposed to the air, crumble, owing to the loss 
 of a portion of their water of crystallization. The 
 term is also employed to designate the crust formed 
 by the drying of certain salts upon the surface of 
 bodies, in which they are not visible. 
 
 Electrode. The pole of a galvanic battery. 
 
 Electrolysis. Voltaic decomposition. 
 
 Element. A simple, undecomposable substance. 
 
 Elixir of Vitriol. Aromatic Sulphuric Acid (59). 
 
 Elutriation. A process for separating the grosser por- 
 tions of an insoluble powder by suspending it in 
 Water, allowing partial subsidence, drawing off the 
 liquid containing the lighter portions, which are 
 then allowed to settle (109). 
 
 Epsom Salt. Sulphate of Magnesia (114). 
 
 Equivalent. The proportional numbers, according to 
 which, or their multiples, bodies combine. 
 
 Eremacausis. The slow decay of organic substances, 
 not containing Nitrogen (182). 
 
 Essential Oils. Volatile Oils. 
 
 Eudiometer. An instrument for ascertaining the 
 amount of Oxygen in a gaseous body, by introducing 
 an excess of Hydrogen, exploding the mixture, and 
 noting the diminution of volume. 
 
APPENDIX. 247 
 
 Evaporation. Conversion into vapour, without ebul- 
 lition. 
 
 F. 
 
 Fermentation. Decomposition by example (86). 
 
 Filter. A porous substance, used to separate a solid 
 and liquid, by allowing the latter to pass through, 
 while the former is retained. 
 
 Fire Damp. Light Carbonetted Hydrogen (Marsh Gas) 
 (54). 
 
 Fluor Spar. Fluoride of Calcium (74). 
 
 Fowler's Solution. Solution of the Arsenite of Po- 
 tassa (144). 
 
 Flowers of Sulphur. Sublimed Sulphur (55). 
 
 Flowers of Zinc. Oxide of Zinc (157). 
 
 Flowers of Antimony. Oxide of Antimony (145). 
 
 Flowers of Benzoin. Benzoic Acid. 
 
 Fusel Oil. Amylic Alcohol (189). 
 
 Fusion. The passage of a solid into the liquid state by 
 heat. 
 
 Fusible Calculus. Phosphate of Lime, with Phos- 
 phate of Magnesia and Ammonia. 
 
 G. 
 
 Galena. Native Sulphide of Lead. 
 Gas. An elastic fluid. 
 
 Glass. An union of Silicic Acid with a base : generally 
 an Alkali, Earth, or the Oxides of Lead and Iron. 
 
248 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 Glass or Antimony. Boasted and fused Tersulphide of 
 
 Antimony. 
 Glass of Borax. Fused Borax. 
 Glauber's Salt. Sulphate of Soda (93). 
 Glucose. Grape Sugar (185). 
 Glycocoll. Sugar of Gelatine. 
 Golden Sulphur. Pentasulphide of Antimony, SbS 3 . 
 
 Is a Sulphur Acid (145) 
 Goniometer. An instrument for measuring the angles 
 
 of crystals. 
 Goulard's Extract. Solution of the Subacetate of 
 
 Lead (153). 
 Goulard's Cerate. Cerate of the Subacetate of Lead 
 
 (154). 
 Graphite. Plumbago (46). 
 Green Vitriol. Sulphate of the Protoxide of Iron 
 
 (Protosulphate of Iron) (127). 
 Gypsum. Sulphate of Lime (111). 
 
 H. 
 
 Halogen. An element capable of combining directly 
 
 with a metal to form a salt (65). 
 Haloid Salt. A Binary compound, formed by the union 
 
 of an Halogen with a metal (65). 
 Hartshorn. Ammonia (101). 
 Hepar Sulphuris. Liver of Sulphur (83). 
 
APPENDIX. 249 
 
 Hoffman's Anodyne. Compound Spirit of JEther 
 
 (192). 
 Homologous. A term applied to a series of analogous 
 
 substances, whose composition varies by C a H 2 , or a 
 
 multiple of it (Gerhart). 
 Hydracid. Hydrogen-Acid. An acid, consisting of a 
 
 salt radical united with Hydrogen (66). 
 Hydrate. A combination of Water with an acid or a 
 
 base. 
 Hydriodate. A salt of Hydriodic Acid. Is an incor- 
 rect term ; Iodide of the, metal should be used. 
 Hydrometer. An instrument for the determination of 
 
 the specific gravities of liquids. 
 Hygrometer. An instrument for the determination of 
 
 the relative amount of moisture in the air. 
 
 I. 
 
 Imponderable. Without weight ; employed to designate 
 Light, Heat, Electricity, and Magnetism. 
 
 Incandescence. The glow of a highly heated body. 
 
 Incineration. The reduction of a substance to ashes. 
 
 Incompatible. Incapable of being mixed without che- 
 mical change. 
 
 Infusion. Steeping a body in hot or cold water for a 
 short time, or the solution thus obtained. 
 
 Inosite. Sugar of flesh. 
 
250 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 Ion. A body going to the positive (anode) or negative 
 (cathode) pole of a galvanic battery, during elec- 
 trolysis. 
 
 Iodic ^Ether. Iodide of JEthyl. 
 
 Iron Pyrites. Native Sulphide of Iron. 
 
 Isomeric. Substances having the same composition, with 
 different properties. 
 
 Isomorphous. Substances having the same crystalline 
 form. 
 
 Isinglass. G-elatine. 
 
 Ivory Black. Animal Charcoal, made by distilling 
 Ivory scraps; is generally applied to Bone Black 
 (47). 
 
 J. 
 
 James's Powder. Pulvis Antimonialis (149). 
 
 K. 
 
 Kermes' Mineral. A variable mixture of Tersulphide 
 and Oxysulphide of Antimony, with Sulphide of 
 Potassium (146). 
 
 Kelp. Ashes of sea-weeds ; used as a source of Iodine 
 (70). 
 
 L. 
 
 Labarraque's Disinfecting Liquid. Solution of Chlori- 
 nated Soda (96). 
 
APPENDIX. 251 
 
 Lac Sulphuris. Milk of Sulphur (56). 
 
 Lactin. Sugar of Milk. 
 
 Lampblack. Finely divided Carbon, obtained from the 
 smoke of Tar, &c. 
 
 Lapis Infernalis. Lunar Caustic (174). 
 
 Laughing Gas. Protoxide of Nitrogen (43). 
 
 Lead Water. Diluted Goulard's Extract (154). 
 
 Ledoyen's Disinfecting Liquid. Solution of Nitrate of 
 Lead (151). 
 
 Levigation. The reduction of a substance to an impalpa- 
 ble powder, by rubbing on a slab, with a flat pestle, 
 called a muller (109). 
 
 Limestone. A Carbonate of Lime. 
 
 Liquefaction. The conversion of a solid into liquid; 
 also applied to the conversion of a vapour into a 
 liquid. 
 
 Litharge. Semi vitrified Oxide of Lead (150). 
 
 Lithic Acid. Uric Acid. 
 
 Liver of Sulphur. Sulphide of Potassium (83). 
 
 Lixiviation. The separation of the soluble portions of 
 a substance, by causing water to filter through it. 
 
 Loadstone. The native magnetic Oxide of Iron. 
 
 Lugol's Solution. Compound Solution of Iodine (72). 
 
 Lunar Caustic. Nitrate of Silver (174). 
 
 Lute. Adhesive mixtures for closing the joints of appa- 
 ratus, to prevent the escape of vapours, &c. 
 
252 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 M. 
 
 Maceration. The long-continued soaking of a sub- 
 stance in water, at common temperatures. 
 
 Magma. A molasses-like mass (139). 
 
 Magnesia Alba. Carbonate of Magnesia (113). 
 
 Malleable. Capable of being beaten out into leaves. 
 
 Marble. Crystallized Carbonate of Lime. 
 
 Massicot. Protoxide of Lead (149). 
 
 Matrass. A glass vessel, with a long neck, used for 
 digestion. 
 
 Menstruum. The liquid employed to dissolve sub- 
 stances. 
 
 Mercaptan. Alcohol, in which all the Oxygen is re- 
 placed by Sulphur (C 4 H 6 S 2 ). 
 
 Microcosmic Salt. Phosphate of Soda and Ammonia. 
 
 Milk of Sulphur. Precipitated Sulphur (56). 
 
 Mineral Water. Water charged with Carbonic Acid ; 
 also, natural waters holding medicinal substances in 
 solution (50). 
 
 Minium. Red Oxide of Lead (149). 
 
 Molecules. The elementary, or compound atoms of 
 bodies. 
 
 Mulberry Calculus. Oxalate of Lime. 
 
 Muriatic Acid. Hydrochloric (68). 
 
 Muriate. The compound of Muriatic Acid with a 
 
APPENDIX. 253 
 
 base. Properly the Chloride of the metal of the 
 base (66). 
 Muriated Tincture of Iron. Tincture of the Sesqui- 
 chloride (129.) 
 
 N. 
 
 Naphtha. A natural, oily Carbohydrogen, C^H^. 
 
 Nascent. Recently liberated from combination. 
 
 Neutral. 1. Possessing neither Acid nor Alkaline re- 
 action. 2. Having no tendency to combine with 
 acids or bases. 3. Applied to Salts, where the 
 number of equivalents of the Acid is equal to those 
 of the Oxygen in. the base. 
 
 Neutral Mixture. Solution of Citrate of Potassa (82). 
 
 Nitre. Saltpetre (80). 
 
 O. 
 
 Oil of Vitriol. Hydrated Sulphuric Acid (58). 
 Orpiment. Yellow Sulphide of Arsenic, AsS 3 . 
 Oxyacids. Oxygen Acids; acids, whose electro-negative 
 
 constituent is Oxygen. 
 Oxychloride. The combination of the Chloride and 
 
 Oxide of a metal. 
 Oxysalt. The union of an Oxygen Acid with a base 
 
 containing Oxygen. 
 
 22 
 
254 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 Oxysulphide. The combination of the Oxide and Sul- 
 phide of a metal. 
 
 P. 
 
 Particle. Atom. 
 
 Pearl Ash. Impure Carbonate of Potassa (81). 
 
 Pearl Powder. Subnitrate of Bismuth (136). 
 
 Photography. The art of taking pictures by light. 
 
 Picric Acid. Carbazotic Acid. 
 
 Plaster of Paris. Sulphate of Lime (111).. 
 
 Platinum, Black and Sponge. Finely divided Plati- 
 num (176). 
 
 Plumbago. Carbon (46). 
 
 Potash. Impure Carbonate of Potassa. 
 
 Powder of Algaroth. Oxychloride of Antimony (147). 
 
 Prussic Acid. Hydrocyanic Acid (51). 
 
 Prussian Blue. Ferrocyanide of Iron (133). 
 
 Pseudomorph. A mineral body, crystallized in the form 
 that belongs to another mineral. 
 
 Putty Powder. Stannic Acid (135). 
 
 Purgative Mineral Water. Solution of Citrate of 
 Magnesia (114). 
 
 Pyro. A prefix, to distinguish a body, altered by heat ; 
 from the one from which it is derived. 
 
 PyROPHOROUS. A powder, capable of igniting spontane- 
 ously in the air. 
 
APPENDIX. 255 
 
 Pyroxiltc Spirit. Wood Alcohol (197). 
 Pyroxyline. Gun-cotton (181). 
 Pyrites. Sulphide of Iron, or Copper. 
 
 Q. 
 
 Quaternary. The union of two ternary compounds. 
 Quevenne's Iron. Powder of Iron (121). 
 Quicklime. Caustic Lime. 
 Quicksilver. Mercury. 
 
 K. 
 
 Reagent. An agent employed as a chemical test, or in 
 chemical operations. 
 
 Realgar. Red Sulphide of Arsenic, AsS 2 . 
 
 Red Precipitate. Binoxide of Mercury (165). 
 
 Red Prussiate of Potash. Ferricyanide of Potas- 
 sium (204). 
 
 Regulus of Antimony. Metallic Antimony. 
 
 Rochelle Salt. Tartrate of Potassa and Soda (98). 
 
 Rouge. Sesquioxide of Iron. 
 
 Rust. Oxide of Iron ; generally Hydrated Sesquioxide. 
 
 S. 
 
 Saccharum Saturni. Sugar of Lead. 
 Sal Acetosella. Binoxalate of Potassa. 
 
256 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 Sal Aeratus. Bicarbonate of Potassa (82). 
 
 Sal Ammoniac. Chloride of Ammonium. 
 
 Sal Alembroth. Double Chloride of Mercury and 
 Ammonium (103). 
 
 Sal Diureticus. Acetate of Potassa (87). 
 
 Sal Enixum. Bisulphate of Potassa. 
 
 Sal Mirabile. Sulphate of Soda (93). 
 
 Sal Perlatum. Phosphate of Soda (94). 
 
 Sal Prunelle. Fused Nitre (80). 
 
 Salogens. Salt radicals. 
 
 Salt. The union of an acid with a base, or of a halo- 
 gen with a metal. 
 
 Salt Kadicals. The electro-negative group : Oxygen, 
 Sulphur, the Halogens. 
 
 Salt of Lemons. Binoxalate of Potassa. 
 
 Salt of Sorrel. Binoxalate of Potassa. 
 
 Salt of Tartar. Pure Carbonate of Potassa (82). 
 
 Saltpetre. Nitrate of Potassa (80). 
 
 Saturation. 1. The solution of a body in a liquid, 
 until it refuses to dissolve more; 2. The neutrali- 
 zation of a base by an acid, or of an acid by a base. 
 
 Scheele's Green. Arsenite of Copper. 
 
 Seidlitz Powders. Contain Rochelle Salt (98). 
 
 Seignette's Salt. Rochelle Salt (98). 
 
 Soda Ash. Crude Carbonate of Soda (92). 
 
 Soda Saltpetre. Nitrate of Soda. 
 
 Soluble Tartar. Neutral Tartrate of Potassa (88). 
 
APPENDIX. 257 
 
 Solution. The union of a solid, liquid, or gas, with a 
 liquid, in which it disappears or becomes liquid. 
 
 Spelter. Zinc. 
 
 Spirit of Hartshorn. Spirit of Ammonia (101). 
 
 Spirit of Mindererus. Solution of Acetate of Ammo- 
 nia (104). 
 
 Spirit of Nitre. Spirit of Nitric JEther (193). 
 
 Spirit of Salt. Muriatic Acid. 
 
 Spirit of Wine. Alcohol (193). 
 
 Sublimation. The process of separating a volatile 
 solid from one more fixed, by the application of heat. 
 The condensed body is called a Sublimate. 
 
 Substitution. The replacement of an element or com- 
 pound by another. 
 
 Sugar of Lead. Acetate of Lead. 
 
 Sulphuret. Sulphide (153). 
 
 Sulphuretted Hydrogen. Hydrosulphuric Acid (60). 
 
 Sulphuric JEther. JEther (190). 
 
 Sulphur Acid. An acid in which Sulphur is the elec- 
 tro-negative element. 
 
 Sulphur Base. A Sulphide capable of combining with 
 a Sulphur Acid. 
 
 Sulphur Salt. The union of a Sulphur Acid and Sul- 
 phur Base. 
 
 Sulphur Lotum. Washed Sulphur (56). 
 
 Sulphur Viyum. Impure Sulphur, Horse Brimstone. 
 
 Supercarbonate. Bicarbonate. 
 
258 MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 T. 
 
 Tannin. Tannic Acid. 
 
 Tartar Emetic. Tartrate of Antimony and Potassa (147). 
 Tasteless Purging Salt. Phosphate of Soda (94). 
 Ternary. The union of two binary compounds. 
 Tincture. A solution in Alcohol. When in JEther, is 
 
 called an JEthereal Tincture. 
 Trituration. Rubbing in a mortar. 
 Turnbull's Blue. Ferricyanide of Iron, Fe 3 Cfdy (204). 
 Turner's Cerate. Calamine Cerate (159).. 
 Turpeth Mineral. Yellow Sulphate of Mercury (167). 
 Tutty. Impure Oxide of Zinc. 
 
 W. 
 
 Whiting. Prepared Chalk. 
 
 White Arsenic. Arsenious Acid (138). 
 
 White Lead. Carbonate of Lead (151). 
 
 White Precipitate. Chloramide of Mercury (172). 
 
 White Vitriol. Sulphate of Zinc (160). 
 
 Wood Naphtha. Wood Spirit (197). 
 
 Wood Spirit. Methyl Alcohol (197). 
 
 Yellow Prussiate of Potash. Ferrocyanide of Potas- 
 sium (89). 
 
APPENDIX. 259 
 
 Fellow Wash. Made by adding Corrosive Sublimate 
 to Lime Water; Hydrated Binoxide of Mercury is 
 formed (165). 
 
 Z. 
 
 Zincoid. The positive pole of a battery ; that connected 
 
 with the Copper or Platinum plate. 
 Zinc White. Oxide of Zinc (158). 
 

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