These are external applications, having the consistence of oil or
balsam. If we except the _Liniment. Æruginis_, all the officinal
liniments are decomposed by the substances which are incompatible with
soaps.
LINIMENTUM ÆRUGINIS. L. _Oxymel Æruginis._ P.L. 1787. _Mel Ægyptiacum._
P.L. 1745. _Unguentum Ægyptiacum._ P.L. 1720. Diluted with water, it has
been recommended as a gargle in venereal ulcerations, but its use is
hazardous; it is a detergent escharotic preparation.
LINIMENTUM AMMONIÆ FORTIUS. L. _Oleum Ammoniatum._ E. _Linimentum
Ammoniæ._ D. It consists of _liquor ammoniæ one part, olive oil two
parts_, (oil eight parts, E.D.) The alkali forms with the oil a soap,
which is held dissolved by the water in the _liquor ammoniæ_. Is an
excellent rubefacient, and penetrating liniment.
LINIMENTUM AMMONIÆ SUB-CARBONATIS. L. _Linimentum Ammoniæ._ P.L. 1787.
LINIMENTUM VOLATILE. P.L. 1745. The carbonic acid prevents the perfect
formation of soap in this liniment; unlike the former one, therefore, it
deposits the soapy matter on standing. It is much less stimulating than
the preceding one.
LINIMENTUM CALCIS. E.D. _Oil and lime water, equal parts._ This is an
_earthy_ soap, formed by the combination of lime and oil; the soapy
matter separates on standing, it should therefore be _extemporaneous_.
In cases of burns and scalds where the cuticle has been destroyed, it is
an advantageous application.
LINIMENTUM CAMPHORÆ. L. _Oleum Camphoratum._ E.D. Camphor one, olive oil
four parts. It is a simple solution of camphor in fixed oil, and forms a
very useful embrocation to sprains, bruises, glandular swellings, and in
rheumatic affections.
LINIMENTUM CAMPHORÆ COMPOSITUM. L. _Camphor two, liquor ammoniæ six,
spirits of lavender sixteen parts._ It is highly stimulating.[551]
LINIMENTUM HYDRARGYRI. L. A pound of this liniment contains nearly ℥iv
of mercury; it affects the mouth more rapidly than strong mercurial
ointment, although it will be seen by the _Medicinal Dynameter_ to
contain less Mercury. This effect is to be attributed to the stimulating
properties of its adjuncts, viz. Camphor and Ammonia.
LINIMENTUM SAPONIS COMPOSITUM. L. _Hard soap_ iij, _camphor_ j, _spirit
of rosemary_ xvj parts. It is a stimulant and anodyne application, and
in local pains opium may be advantageously added to it. It is commonly
used under the name of _Opodeldoc_.[552] See _Sapo_.
LINIMENTUM TEREBINTHINÆ. This liniment was introduced by Mr. Kentish of
Newcastle, as a dressing to recent burns, which he continued until the
eschars became loose.