DERIVATION.--Melt silver nitrate, 100 parts, with hydrochloric acid, 4
parts at as low a temperature as possible. Mix and pour into suitable
moulds.
PROPERTIES.--Practically same as mitigated silver nitrate. Use only
externally.
ACTIONS.--Silver nitrate combines with the albumen of the tissues, and
is a limited caustic; causes superficial inflammation and stains the
parts black; small doses increase secretion and stimulate the heart. It
promotes nutrition, and is said to be a nerve tonic. Its continued
administration causes waste, gastro-intestinal catarrh, fluidity of the
blood, slate colored lines about the gums, and similar discoloration of
the skin and mucous membrane, followed by nervous disorder, paralysis,
convulsions and death.
USES.--A solution of forty grains to one ounce of spirit of nitrous
ether is said to abort superficial inflammation, if early applied; used
for erysipelas, twenty grains to one ounce of distilled water, applied
around margin to limit the area; also used in ulceration of the throat;
used with a spray or swab, in strength of from ten grains to one-half to
drachm to one ounce of distilled water. For dysentery, internally and as
an enema it is very good; used in conjunctivitis one to five grains to
one to two ounces of distilled water, is the average strength, and
should only be applied to the conjunctiva or lids, and should not be on
the cornea, as it may form an insoluble chloride of silver and cause
permanent opacities. Nitrate of silver is used in the form of lunar
caustic to stimulate indolent ulcers, and to burn off warts.
To stimulate ulcers, touch in spots around the edge; also used in chorea
epilepsy and chronic spinal disease, foot rot in sheep; a piece of the
caustic is placed in sinuses of fistulous withers, quittors, etc. It
causes a slough, followed by healthy granulation; used for sore teats in
cows.