DECOCTUM CINCHONÆ. See Cinchona, and _Form: 41, 42, 127_. The codex of
Paris directs a decoction of bark, “_Decoctum Kinœ Kinœ_,” which is only
half the strength of ours, but contains an addition of a small quantity
of carbonate of potass.
DECOCTUM CYDONIÆ. The inner coats of the seeds of the Quince (_Pyrus
Cydonia_) yield a very large proportion of mucilage, but as hot water
extracts from them also fecula and other principles, the decoction very
soon decomposes. It has been strongly recommended as an application to
erysipelatous surfaces; and it would seem to be peculiarly adapted for
such a purpose, since it is not so easily washed away from the part to
which it is applied, as ordinary mucilage; for the same reason it has
been preferred as an ingredient in injections, gargles, &c. It is stated
by some practitioners to be a very useful application, when united with
the _acetate of lead_, in cases of acute ophthalmia; such a combination,
however, is extremely unchemical, and must invalidate the powers of the
other ingredients. The native practitioners of India employ it as a
cooling mucilaginous drink in gonorrhœa. An ounce of bruised Quince seed
will make three pints of water as thick and ropy as the white of an egg;
hence two drachms, the quantity directed by the College, is amply
sufficient for a pint of the decoction. It is coagulated by _alcohol_,
_acids_, and _metallic salts_.
DECOCTUM DIGITALIS. D. This is a very improper form for the exhibition
of digitalis, being variable in strength.
DECOCTUM DULCAMARÆ. L. In making this decoction we must take care that
the operation of boiling is not continued too long. See _Dulcamaræ
Caules_. DOSE from f℥ss to f℥j.
DECOCTUM LICHENIS. L.E.D. In this preparation we have the bitter
principle of the plant united with its fecula. A portion of the former
may be removed by macerating the lichen, and rejecting the first water.
If ℥j of the mass be boiled for a quarter of an hour in f℥vj of water,
we shall obtain mucilage of a consistence similar to that composed of
one part of gum arabic and three of water. Its exhibition requires the
same precaution as that of _Mucilago Acaciæ_. From the large proportion
of fecula which this moss contains, it is perhaps as nutritive as any
vegetable substance, the _Cerealia_ of course excepted. See _Lichen
Island_. DOSE, a wine glass full occasionally.
DECOCTUM PAPAVERIS. L. In making this decoction the whole of the capsule
should be bruised, in order to obtain its mucilage and anodyne
principle; the seeds should be also retained, as they yield a portion of
bland oil which increases the emollient quality of the decoction. A
large quantity of fixed oil is constantly in the market, which is
derived from the seeds of the poppy. This decoction is a useful
fomentation in painful swellings, &c.
DECOCTUM QUERCUS. L.E. Decoction is the usual form in which _Oak Bark_
is exhibited, since all its active principles are soluble in water. Its
astringent virtues depend upon gallic acid, tannin, and extractive. The
decoction is disturbed by the following substances; the _infusion of
yellow cinchona_; _sub-acetate_ and _acetate of lead_; _solutions of
isinglass_; the _preparations of iron_; _oxy-muriate of mercury_; and
_sulphate of zinc_; all _alkaline substances_ destroy its astringency,
and are consequently incompatible with it. It is principally useful as a
local astringent, in the forms of gargle, injection, or lotion. Its
internal exhibition in obstinate diarrhœas, and alvine hemorrhages, has
also proved highly beneficial. See _Form: 51, 61_. DOSE, f℥ss to f℥j.
Dr. Eberle states that in the Intermittents of very young children, he
has in some cases used this decoction as a bath with efficacy.
DECOCTUM SARSAPARILLÆ. L.E.D. See Sarsaparilla. In making this
decoction, it is rarely properly digested or boiled for a sufficient
length of time to extract its virtues. The only salts which occasion
precipitates in this decoction are, _nitrate of mercury_ and _acetate of
lead_; _lime water_ has the same effect. DOSE, f℥iv to f℥vj.
DECOCTUM VERATRI. Stimulant and acrid; internally, it is cathartic, but
too violent to be safely exhibited; it is useful as a lotion in scabies,
and other cutaneous eruptions.