A neutral principle (glucoside) obtained from several species of the
willow and poplar tree.
HABITAT.--Europe, but cultivated in North America.
DERIVATION.--Obtained from a decoction of willow bark. Salicin
crystallizes on evaporation, after removal of tannin by agitation with
lead oxide. It is purified by repeated solution and crystallization.
PROPERTIES.--A white, silky, shining crystalline needle, or colorless
crystalline powder; odorless, and having a very bitter taste. Permanent
in air. Soluble in 28 parts of water and 30 parts of alcohol.
DOSE.--Horses and cattle, 2 dr. to 1 oz.; sheep, 1 to 4 dr.; pigs, ¹⁄₂
to 1 dr.; dogs, 5 to 30 gr.
ACTIONS.--Bitter tonic, antipyretic, antiferment and antiseptic,
somewhat antiperiodic resembling quinine in its actions, but not as
powerful.
USES.--Used in febrile conditions about the same as quinine, its chief
use is in acute rheumatism, for which it is a very good remedy; as a
diaphoretic is used in large doses.