Dilute Sulphuric Acid.
By the dilution of this acid two objects are accomplished,—it is
purified, and its dose is more easily apportioned; but it is a
circumstance of regret that the strength of this preparation should so
materially vary in the different Pharmacopœias.
After the acid is diluted, the sediment ought to be carefully removed,
and the water employed for the purpose should be distilled, for although
it be in its purest natural state, it will nevertheless contain
impregnations capable of affecting the acid. USES. In addition to the
antiseptic and refrigerant virtues which it possesses in common with the
other mineral acids, it has astringent properties that render it a most
valuable medicine, especially in weakness and relaxation of the
digestive organs, in colliquative sweats, in internal hæmorrhagy; in
Epistaxis and Hemopthysis it was Sydenham’s favourite remedy; on the
same account, when sufficiently dilute, it has been successfully used as
a collyrium in the atonic stages of ophthalmia, and as an injection in
protracted gonorrhæa. Dose, ♏︎x to xl, the quantity of strong sulphuric
acid in any given quantity of the dilute may be found by the Dynameter.
To prevent it from injuring the enamel of the teeth it may be sucked
through a quill, and the mouth should be carefully washed after each
dose. The _Infusum Rosæ_ furnishes an elegant vehicle for its
administration. _See Form. 40_. OFFICINAL PREPARATIONS. _Acidum
Sulphuricum Aromaticum._[354] E. _Infusum Rosæ._ L.