DERIVATION.--Prepared by dissolving zinc in sulphuric acid. Iron and tin
exist as impurities and are removed by chlorine solution and zinc
carbonate.
PROPERTIES.--A colorless, transparent, rhombic crystal, without odor and
having an astringent, metallic taste. Efflorescent in dry air; soluble
in water and glycerine; insoluble in alcohol.
DOSE.--Horses and cattle, 1 to 2 dr.; sheep and pigs, 10 to 20 gr.;
dogs, 2 to 3 gr. As an emetic for dogs, 10 to 15 gr.
ACTIONS.--Irritant, emetic, astringent, antiseptic and nerve tonic.
Externally it is used as stimulant, astringent and antiseptic; in dogs
it is a prompt and efficient emetic, causes no depression and acts both
on the stomach nerve centers; poisonous or long continued large doses in
the horse dry up the secretions, cause nausea, colic and efforts to
vomit; dogs cannot be poisoned by it as it causes vomiting.
USES.--As a tonic it is inferior to iron; chief use is externally as an
astringent; it is used in white lotion combined with lead acetate;
sometimes used internally with opium to stop excessive sweating in
frequent small doses. Used as a safe and prompt emetic for dogs and
pigs.
Externally in solution as an astringent and stimulant for wounds,
ulcers, simple ophthalmia and irritable conditions of the mucous
membrane of the uterus or vagina and urethra, vesicular and pustulant
skin eruptions. Proper strength, one ounce to one quart of water in
ophthalmia, one-half to one drachm to one pint of water.