DERIVATION.--Boil metallic copper and sulphuric acid together. Dissolve
product in hot water and crystallize.
PROPERTIES.--Large, transparent, deep blue, triclinic crystals;
odorless, of a nauseous, metallic taste; slowly efflorescent in dry air;
soluble in water; almost insoluble in alcohol.
DOSE.--Horses and cattle, 1 to 2 dr.; sheep and pigs, 20 to 40 gr.;
dogs, 1 to 2 gr.
As a tonic and astringent, repeat two or three times daily; given either
in capsule or in some mucilagenous solution, or in powder form, with
some inert substance; when given as a tonic should be given at time of
feeding, or right after eating.
ACTIONS.--Gastro-intestinal irritant, astringent, tonic, emetic in large
doses; acts directly on the stomach; antiseptic and vermifuge.
USES.--Internally used as emetic, antidote for phosphorus, atony of the
bowels, diarrhoea, especially combined with dilute sulphuric acid opium;
is supposed to prevent the development of farcy and glanders in exposed
animals. Used externally as a caustic and stimulant; styptic, also used
for foot-rot; for granular eyelids, touch lightly over the granular
surface with the sulphate of copper.