_A. aa._, _ana_ (Greek), of each. Equally by weight or measure.
_Abdom._, _abdomen_, the abdomen, the belly.
_Abs. febr._, _absente febre_, fever being absent.
_Ad 2 vic._, _ad secundum vicem_, to the second time; or _ad duas
vices_, for two times.
_Ad gr. acid._, _ad gratam aciditatem_, to an agreeable acidity.
_Ad def. animi_, _ad defectionem animi_, to fainting.
_Ad del. an._, _ad deliquium animi_, to fainting.
_Ad libit._, _ad libitum_, at pleasure.
_Add._, _adde_, or _addantur_, add, or let them be added; _addendus_, to
be added.
_Adjac._, _adjacens_, adjacent.
_Admov._, _admove_, _admoveatur_, _admoveantur_, apply, let it be
applied, let them be applied.
_Ads. febre_, _adstante febre_, while the fever is present.
_Alter. hor._, _alternis horis_, every other hour.
_Alvo adstr._, _alvo adstrictâ_, when the bowels are confined.
_Aq. astr._, _aqua astricta_, frozen water.
_Aq. bull._, _aqua bulliens_, boiling water.
_Aq. com._, _aqua communis_, common water.
_Aq. fluv._, _aqua fluviatilis_, river water.
_Aq. mar._, _aqua marina_, sea water.
_Aq. niv._, _aqua nivalis_, snow water.
_Aq. pluv._, _aqua pluviatilis_, or pluvialis, rain water.
_Aq. ferv._, _aqua fervens_, hot water.
_Aq. font._, _aqua fontana_, or _aqua fontis_, spring water.
_Bis ind._, _bis in dies_, twice a day.
_Bib._, _bibe_, drink.
_BB._, _Bbds._, _Barbadensis_, Barbadoes, as _aloë Barbadensis_.
_B.M._, _balneum mariæ_, or _balneum maris_, a warm-water bath.
_B. P._, or _B. Ph._, British Pharmacop[oe]ia.
_But._, _butyrum_, butter.
_B.V._, _balneum vaporis_, a vapour bath.
_Cærul._, _cæruleus_, blue.
_Cap._, _capiat_, let him (or her) take.
_Calom._, _calomelas_, calomel, subchloride of mercury.
_C. C._, _cornu cervi_, hartshorn; it may also signify cucurbitula
cruenta, the cupping-glass with scarificator.
_C.C.U._, _cornu cervi ustum_, burnt hartshorn.
_Cochleat._, _cochleatim_, by spoonfuls.
_Coch. ampl._, _cochleare amplum_, a large (or table) spoonful; about
half a fluid ounce.
_Coch. infant._, _cochleare infantis_, a child's (or tea) spoonful.
_Coch. magn._, _cochleare magnum_, a large spoonful.
_Coch. med._, _cochleare medium_, } a middling or moderate spoonful;
that is,
_Coch. mod._, _cochleare modicum_,} a dessert-spoonful--about two fluid
drachms.
_Coch. parv._, _cochleare parvum_, a small (or tea) spoonful; it
contains about one fluid drachm.
_Col._, _cola_, strain.
_Col._, _colatus_, strained.
_Colet._, _coletur_, _colat._, _colatur_, let it be strained;
_colaturæ_, to the strained liquor.
_Colent._, _colentur_, let them be strained.
_Color._, _coloretur_, let it be coloured.
_Comp._, _compositus_, compounded.
_Cong._, _congius_, a gallon.
_Cons._, _conserva_, conserve; also (_imperat. of conservo_) keep.
_Cont. rem._, or _med._, _continuentur remedia_, or _medicamenta_, let
the remedies, or the medicines, be continued.
_Coq._, _coque_, boil; _coquantur_, let them be boiled.
_Coq. ad med. consumpt._, _coque_ or _coquatur ad medietatis
consumptionem_, boil, or let it be boiled to the consumption of one
half.
_Coq. S. A._, _coque secundum artem_, boil according to art.
_Coq. in S. A._, _coque in sufficiente quantitate aquæ_, boil in a
sufficient quantity of water.
_Cort._, _cortex_, bark.
_C. v._, _cras vespere_, to-morrow evening.
_C. m. s._, _cras mane sumendus_, to be taken to-morrow morning.
_C. n._, _cras nocte_, to-morrow night.
_Crast._, _crastinus_, for to-morrow.
_Cuj._, _cujus_, of which.
_Cujusl._, _cujuslibet_, of any.
_Cyath. theæ_, _cyatho theæ_, in a cup of tea.
_Cyath._, _cyathus_, vel, a wine-glass; from an ounce and half...
_C. vinar._, _cyathus vinarius_; to two ounces and half.
_Deaur. pil._, _deaurentur pilulæ_, let the pills be gilt.
_Deb. spiss._, _debitur spissitudo_, due consistence.
_Dec._, _decanta_, pour off.
_Decub. hor._, _decubitûs horâ_, at the hour of going to bed, or at
bedtime.
_De d. in d._, _de die in diem_, from day to day.
_Deglut._, _deglutiatur_, let it be swallowed.
_Dej. alv._, _dejectiones alvi_, stools.
_Det._, _detur_, let it be given.
_Dieb. alt._, _diebus alternis_, every other day.
_Dieb. tert._, _diebus tertiis_, every third day.
_Dil._, _dilue_, _dilutus_, dilute (thin), diluted.
_Diluc._, _diluculo_, at break of day.
_Dim._, _dimidius_, one half.
_D. in 2 plo._, _deter in duplo_, let it be given in twice the quantity.
_D. in p. æq._, _dividatur in partes æquales_, let it be divided in
equal parts.
_D. P._, _directione propria_, with a proper direction.
_Donec alv. bis dej._, _donec alvus bis dejecerit_, until the bowels
have been twice opened.
_Donec alv. sol. fuer._, _donec alvus soluta fuerit_, until the bowels
have been loosened.
_Donec dol. neph. exulav._, _donec dolor nephriticus exulaverit_, until
the nephritic pain has been removed.
_D._, _dosis_, a dose.
_Eburn._, _eburneus_, made of ivory.
_Ed._, _edulcorata_, edulcorated.
_Ejusd._, _ejusdem_, of the same.
_Elect._, _electuarium_, an electuary.
_Enem._, _enema_, a clyster.
_Exhib._, _exhibeatur_, let it be administered.
_Ext. sup. alut. moll._, _extende super alutam mollem_, spread upon soft
leather.
_F._, _fac_, make; _fiat_, _fiant_, let it be made, let them be made.
_F. pil._, _fiant pilulæ_, let pills be made.
_Fasc._, _fasciculus_, a bundle.
_Feb. dur._, _febre durante_, during the fever.
_Fem. intern._, _femoribus internis_, to the inside of the thighs.
_F. venæs._, _fiat venæsectio_, let venesection be performed.
_F. H._, _fiat haustus_, let a draught be made.
_Fict._, _fictilis_, earthen.
_Fil._, _filtrum_, a filter.
_Fist. arm._, _fistula armata_, a clyster-pipe and bladder fitted for
use.
_Fl._, _fluidus_, fluid.
_F. L. A._, _fiat lege artis_, let it be made by the rules of art.
_F. M._, _fiat mistura_, let a mixture be made.
_F. S. A._, _fiat secundum artem_, let it be made according to art.
_Gel. quav._, _gelatina quavis_, in any jelly.
_G. G. G._, _gummi guttæ gambæ_, gamboge.
_Gr._, _granum_, a grain; _grana_, grains.
_Gr. vj pond._, _grana sex pondere_, six grains by weight.
_Gtt._, _gutta_, a drop; _guttæ_, drops.
_Gtt. quibusd._, _guttis quibusdam_, with some drops.
_Guttat._, _guttatim_, by drops.
_Har. pil. sum. iij_, _harum pilularum sumantur tres_, of these pills
let three be taken.
_H. D._, or _hor. decub._, _horâ decubitûs_, at bedtime.
_H. P._, _haustus purgans_, purging draught.
_H. S._, _horâ somni_, at the hour of going to sleep.
_Hor. un. spætio_, _horæ unius spatio_, at the expiration of one hour.
_Hor. interm._, _horis intermediis_, in the intermediate hours.
_Hor. 11mâ mat._, _horâ undecimâ matutinâ_, at 11 o'clock in the
morning.
_Ind._, _indies_, daily.
_In pulm._, _in pulmento_, in gruel.
_Ind. Ph._, Indian Pharmacop[oe]ia.
_Inf._, _infunde_, infuse.
_Inj. enem._, _injiciatur enema_, let a clyster be thrown up.
_Jul._, _julepus_, _julapium_, a julep.
_Kal. ppt._, _kali præparatum_, prepared kali (_potassæ carbonas_).
_Lat. dol._, _lateri dolenti_, to the affected side.
_M._, _misce_, mix; _mensurâ_, by measure; _manipulus_, a handful;
_minimum_, a minim.
_Mane pr._, _mane primo_, early in the morning.
_Man._, _manipulus_, a handful.
_Min._, _minimum_, a minim, the 60th part of a drachm measure.
_M. P._, _massa pilularum_, a pill mass.
_M.R._, _mistura_, a mixture.
_Mic. pan._, _mica panis_, crumb of bread.
_Mitt._, _mitte_, send; _mittantur_, let them be sent.
_Mitt. sang. ad [oz]xij, mitte sanguinem ad [oz]xij_, take blood to
twelve ounces.
_Mod. præscr._, _modo præscripto_, in the manner directed.
_Mor. dict._, _more dicto_, in the way ordered.
_Mor. sol._, _more solito_, in the usual way.
_Ne tr. s. num._, _ne tradas sine nummo_, do not deliver it without the
money.
_No._, _numero_, in number.
_N. M._, _nux moschata_, a nutmeg.
_O._, _octarius_, a pint.
_Ol. lini s. i._, _oleum lini sine ligné_, cold-drawn linseed oil.
_Omn. hor._, _omni horâ_, every hour.
_Omn. bid._, _omni biduo_, every two days.
_Omn. bih._, _omni bihorio_, every two hours.
_O. M._, or _omn. man._, _omni mane_, every morning.
_O. N._, or _omn. noct._, _omni nocte_, every night.
_Omn. quadr. hor._, _omni quadrante horæ_, every quarter of an hour.
_O. O. O._, _oleum olivæ optimum_, best olive oil.
_Ov._, _ovum_, an egg.
_Oz._, the ounce avoirdupois.
_P. æ._, _part. æqual._, _partes æquales_, equal parts.
_P. d._, _per deliquium_, by deliquescence.
_Past._, _pastillus_, a pastil, or ball of paste.
_P._, _pondere_, by weight.
_Ph. D._, _Pharmacop[oe]ia Dubliniensis_.
_Ph. E._, _Pharmacop[oe]ia Edinensis_.
_Ph. L._, _Pharmacop[oe]ia Londinensis_.
_Ph. U. S._, _Pharmacop[oe]ia of the United States_.
_Part. vic._, _partitis vicibus_, in divided doses.
_Per. op. emet._, _peractâ operatione emetici_, the operation of the
emetic being over.
_Pocul._, _poculum_, a cup.
_Pocill._, _pocillum_, a small cup.
_Post sing. sed. liq._, _post singulas sedes liquidas_, after every
loose stool.
_Ppt._, _præparata_, prepared.
_P. r. n._, _pro re nata_, occasionally.
_P. rat. ætat._, _pro ratione ætatis_, according to the age.
_Pug._, _pugillus_, a pinch, a gripe between the thumb and the two first
fingers.
_Pulv._, _pulvis_, _pulverizatus_, a powder, pulverised.
_Q. l._, _quantum lubet_, } as much as you
_Q. p._, _quantum placet_,} please.
_Q. s._, _quantum sufficiat_, as much as may suffice.
_Quor._, _quorum_, of which.
_Q. V._, _quantum vis_, as much as you will.
_Red. in pulv._, _redactus in pulverem_, reduced to powder.
_Redig. in pulv._, _redigatur in pulverem_, let it be reduced into
powder.
_Reg. umbil._, _regio umbilici_, the umbilical region.
_Repet._, _repetatur_, or _repetantur_, let it, or them, be repeated.
_S. A._, _secundum artem_, according to art.
_Scat._, _scatula_, a box.
_S. N._, _secundum naturam_, according to nature.
_Semidr._, _semidrachma_, half a drachm.
_Semih._, _semihora_, half an hour.
_Sesunc._, _sesuncia_, half an ounce.
_Sesquih._, _sesquihora_, an hour and a half.
_Si n. val._, _si non valeat_, if it does not answer.
_Si op. sit_, _si opus sit_, if it be necessary.
_Si vir. perm._, _si vires permittant_, if the strength allow it.
_Signat._, _signatura_, a label.
_Sign. n. pr._, _signetur nomine proprio_, let it be written upon, let
it be signed with the proper name (not the trade name).
_Sing._, _singulorum_, of each.
_S. S. S._, _stratum super stratum_, layer upon layer.
_Ss._, _semi_, a half.
_St._, _stet_, let it stand; _stent_, let them stand.
_Sub fin. coct._, _sub finem coctionis_, towards the end of boiling,
when the boiling is nearly finished.
_Sum. tal._, _sumat talem_, let the patient take one such as this.
_Summ._, _summitates_, the summits or tops.
_Sum._, _sume_, _sumat_, _sumatur_, _sumantur_, take, let him or her
take, let it be taken, let them be taken.
_S. V._, _spiritus vini_, spirit of wine.
_S. V. R._, _spiritus vini rectificatus_, rectified spirit of wine.
_S. V. T._, _spiritus vini tenuis_, proof spirit.
_Tabel._, _tabella_, a lozenge.
_Temp. dext._, _tempori dextro_, to the right temple.
_T. O._, _tinctura opii_, tincture of opium.
_T. O. C._, _tinctura opii camphorata_, camphorated tincture of opium.
_Tra._, _tinctura_, tincture.
_Ult. præscr._, _ultimo præscriptus_, last prescribed.
_U. S. Ph._, United States' Pharmacop[oe]ia.
_V. O. S._, _vitello ovi solutus_, dissolved in the yolk of an egg.
_Vom. urg._, _vomitione urgente_, the vomiting being troublesome.
_V. S. B._, _venæsectio brachii_, bleeding from the arm.
_Zz._, _zingiber_, ginger.
See FORMULA, PRESCRIPTIONS, SYMBOLS, &c.
=ABDO'MEN.= [Eng., Fr., L.] In _anatomy_, the belly, or lower belly; the
great cavity of the body extending from the thorax, or chest, to the
bottom of the pelvis. It contains the stomach, intestines, liver, spleen,
kidneys, bladder, &c.; and in the female, the uterus, ovaria. &c.
=AB'ERNE'THY MEDICINES.= These originally consisted of a calomel pill, and
subsequently of a mercurial or 'blue' pill, to be taken over-night,
followed by an aromatised black draught in the morning. The quantity of
either of the former, for an adult, was about 3 gr. to 3-1/2 gr.,
increased a little in bulk by the addition of some liquorice powder; that
of the latter, from 1 to 1-1/2 fl. oz. As, however, when frequently taken,
these pills sometimes occasioned salivation, which proved prejudicial to
their sale, a little compound extract of colocynth (_Ph. L._, 1836) was
introduced into their composition, by which this objection was obviated.
Ultimately, their composition was settled at 3 gr. of mercurial pill, and
2 gr. of compound extract of colocynth; and these proportions are still
followed as the best by those who prepare and sell them. Persons who
object to black draught, will find a dose of castor oil, or of any other
mild purgative medicine that may be more agreeable to them, equally
efficacious.
The occasional use of these medicines seldom fails to prove highly
beneficial to the plethoric, bilious, and dyspeptic. In ordinary cases of
constipation, headache, &c., arising from deranged stomach or liver,
wherein the administration of mercurials is not contra-indicated, they
will be found of great service. It need scarcely be added that these
medicines are named after Mr Abernethy, the celebrated surgeon, who is
said to have frequently employed them in his practice.
=ABERRA'TION.= [Eng., Fr.] _Syn._ ABERRA'TIO, L. A wandering or deviation
from the usual course, or from the normal condition. In _optics_, the
deviation of the rays of light from the true focus, when inflected by a
lens or speculum. This arises from a difference in the physical nature of
the rays, from the figure of the lenses or specula, or from the nature of
the materials of which the media traversed are composed. See ACHROMATISM,
LENS, &c.
=Aberration of mind.= Mental alienation or wandering; insanity. A term
frequently applied, in familiar language, to a mild form of incipient
insanity or dementia, which is more or less occasional or continued,
trifling or severe, according to circumstances. The studious, nervous,
slothful, and those who are engaged in sedentary occupations and spend
much of their time in ill-ventilated apartments, or who indulge in
irregular or vicious habits, as well as 'fast livers,' are the most liable
to this affection. It also frequently arises from disordered physical
health.
_Treat., &c._ Change of scene, out-door exercise, agreeable company,
pleasing and continued mental occupation, and due attention to diet,
clothing, ventilation, &c., with the judicious use of some mild aperient
medicine and tepid bathing, will generally alleviate, and frequently
effect a cure. For the prevention of its accession, or its recurrence,
care should be taken to promote the general health, and also, where
necessary, to elevate the spirits and to divert the mind.
=ABLU'TION.= [Eng., Fr.] _Syn._ ABLU'TIO, L. In a _general sense_,
washing, cleansing, or purification by water.
=Ablution.= In _hygiène_ and the _toilet_, a washing of the whole body, or
any part of it. The value of frequent and copious affusions of pure water
to the surface of the body is well known. During life, the skin is
continually subjected to abrasion, and the processes of reproduction and
decay, by which the cuticle, its exterior portion, is being constantly
thrown off as effete and useless matter, in the shape of very minute
scales or dust. This, mingling with the oily and saline products of the
skin, acquires sufficient adhesiveness to attach itself to the surface of
the body and clothing, as well as to attract the waste particles of the
dress, and the dust and soot floating in the atmosphere. In this way, if
occasional ablutions be not had recourse to, the channels of perspiration
will become choked, and the clothing itself rendered unwholesome and unfit
for use. The consequence of the pores of the skin being obstructed is
impeded transpiration, by which its functions, as a respiratory organ, are
interfered with or suspended. This adhering pellicle of refuse matter also
acts as an irritant, and forms a favorable medium for the absorption, and
the transmission into the body, of effluvia, miasmata, poisonous gases,
and the infectious and contagious matters of disease. "The greater part of
(contagious) poisons are conveyed to us through the external surface of
our bodies; and it is fully proved that poison, already communicated, has
been by cleanliness removed, before it could actually produce any bad
effects. I here allude, in particular, to frequent washing, bathing,
rinsing the mouth, combing and brushing the hair, and often changing the
linen, clothing, and bedding." (Hufeland.) Such are the immediate effects
of neglected ablution of the skin; the further consequences are of an
equally serious character. The blood being deprived of one of its sources
of oxygen, and one of the outlets for its carbon, the functions of
nutrition become imperfect, and the animal temperature lessened. The
matters which would be thrown out of the system in the form of
perspiration are retained, and must be eliminated by other channels. The
lungs, the kidneys, the liver, and the bowels, are each, in their turn,
overtasked to perform the functions of another organ. The oppressed
viscera suffer from exhaustion, and incipient disease soon follows. Their
particular offices are languidly performed, the equilibrium of health is
disturbed, and skin diseases, or consumption, diarrh[oe]a, dropsy,
liver-complaints, visceral obesity, or some other serious diseases of the
vital organs, ensue. When it is added, that no dirty or imperfectly washed
skin can long continue healthy, and ceasing to be healthy must also cease
to be agreeable and beautiful, the argument in favour of the daily use of
water of good quality to the whole surface of the body, when possible,
will surely be complete. The inculcation of habits of personal cleanliness
cannot be too forcibly emphasized. The fact, however, cannot be
overlooked, that in order to introduce habits of cleanliness amongst the
poorer classes, a plentiful supply of water, combined with cheap baths,
are requisite. Every officer of health should inquire into the amount as
well as the character of the water supply in the district over which he
has supervision. The body should be washed all over every morning with
either cold or lukewarm water and soap. This custom is more necessary for
workmen employed in laborious and dirty occupations than for those who
live sedentary lives; but all people perspire, and from every drop of
perspiration the water evaporates, and leaves a fraction of solid matter
on and around the pores that excrete the perspiration. If this solid
matter be not washed off, it accumulates and may derange the health.
Instances have occurred in which persons suffering from extensive bodily
burns have died, not from the effect of the injury, but from the
destruction of the pores or excreting vessels, with which the skin is
covered. It is well, therefore, to bear in mind that a dirty skin does not
always come from without, but also from within. Cold ablution, that has
been so indiscriminately recommended, is not half so efficacious, nor so
safe, as lukewarm. The German aurists ascribe the presence of the large
amount of deafness in England to our habit of washing the head and ears
each morning with cold water.
=Ablution.= In _medicine_, the washing the body, externally, as by
bathing; or internally, by diluting drinks. In ancient medicine, according
to Galen, internal ablution was accomplished by the use of profuse
libations of milk-whey; an object now aimed at, by the hydropathists, by
the copious administration of pure cold water. To neglect the daily
ablution of an infant is to discard one of the greatest aids to its
healthy development and physical wellbeing. That disregard of this
precaution is a fertile source of most of the skin diseases that affect
infants and children there seems little question about amongst medical
men. Water at a temperature ranging from 80° to 90° F. should always be
used. Mr Chevasse, in his 'Counsel to a Mother,' is emphatic in his
advocacy of rain water. He also advises the employment of Castile soap,
and of glycerine soap, should there be any excoriation of the skin. Of
course the same remarks apply to children as to infants, with this
difference, that the ablution is to be performed with water a few degrees
colder; and both infants and children should be rubbed dry with a dry soft
towel. There are doubtless many persons who deem themselves cleanly
washed, if in addition to their hands and arms, neck and face, undergoing
duly daily ablution, they wash their feet once a week. These individuals
cannot reflect that, because of their less exposure to the depurating
influence of the atmosphere, the feet require to be more frequently washed
than either the hands or face. See BATHING, BATHS, HYDROPATHY, &c.
=ABNORM'AL.= [Eng., Fr.] _Syn._ ABNOR'MIS, L. In _medicine_ and the
_collateral sciences_, contrary to, or without system or rule; irregular;
deformed; unnatural. In a diseased or unhealthy state.
=ABORTION IN COWS.= Abortion is the expulsion of the contents of the
pregnant womb before the full period of gestation is complete, and occurs
much more frequently in cows than in any other of the lower animals.
Abortion is often induced by shocks and injuries, feeding on ergotised
grasses, but more commonly by causes which are less obvious. Thus, bad
smells, pasturing on flooded meadows, rich and stimulating food, and even
association with other cows while aborting, are among the exciting causes
of this malady. The premonitory signs are an irritable excited state of
the animal, a discharge from the vagina, looseness and fulness of the
external organs of generation, and, occasionally, sudden enlargement of
the udder. These symptoms may continue for several days, and, if noticed
before straining or other signs of calving have appeared, the animal
should be copiously bled and placed in a comfortable loose-box, kept as
quiet as possible, moderately supplied with soft laxative food, and, if
the bowels be costive, with a pound or two of treacle daily. Powerful
purgatives are too irritant, and must, therefore, be studiously avoided.
Two ounces of laudanum, with the same quantity of sweet spirits of nitre,
should be given twice a day until all danger is over. To prevent the
continuance and spread of the evil, place the cow by herself as soon as
she aborts; remove and bury the f[oe]tus beyond the reach of other cows;
feed off the cow, if practicable, but if she be again bulled, it ought not
to be for several weeks, and until the period of heat is passing off;
remove all disagreeable smells, and see that the remainder of the herd are
moderately fed and carefully watched, so that the earliest symptoms of
abortion may be noticed.
=ABRA'SION.= [Eng., Fr.] _Syn._ ABRA'SIO, L. The rubbing or wearing down
of surfaces by friction. In the _arts_, the reduction or figuration of
materials by the use of an abrasive tool, or grinder, of which the
effective portion is an exact counterpart of the form to be produced.
=Abrasion.= In _numismatics_, the 'wear and tear,' or waste of the
substance of coins, in the pocket and circulation. It forms a large item
in the expense of a metallic currency. The means employed to obviate, or
to reduce it, consist in either alloying the metal to render it tougher
and harder, or raising the borders so as to lessen the surface exposed to
friction. In well-formed coin both methods are adopted.
=Abrasion.= In _pathology_ and _surgery_--1. A superficial removal or
injury of the skin by fretting or friction.
_Treat., &c._ When the injured surface is large, or exposed, it should be
protected from dirt and further injury, by applying a piece of lint or
soft linen rag, covered with spermaceti cerate, or some other simple
ointment; over which a piece of strapping, or bandage of any sort, may be
placed to keep it on. In many cases, a piece of common sticking-plaster
will be found quite sufficient.
2. A very superficial ulceration or excoriation of the intestinal or other
mucous membrane. _Treat_. Aperients of castor oil, demulcents, and a
light nutritious diet. See EXCORIATIONS.
=ABRUS PRECATORIUS.= (Ind. Ph.) Indian Liquorice Plant. _Habitat._
Tropical portions of both hemispheres, _Officinal part._ The root (_Abri
Radix_, _Indian Liquorice_). Occurs in pieces of various lengths, from 1/2
to 1 inch in diameter; pale brown externally, yellowish internally;
inodorous, taste sweetish and mucilaginous, much resembling officinal
liquorice root. _Properties and uses._ Similar to those of liquorice, for
which it forms an excellent substitute. _Preparation._ EXTRACT OF ABRUS
(_Extractum Abri_). Prepared as Extractum Glycyrrhizæ.
=ABSCESS.= A formation of matter or pus, resulting from inflammation,
either acute or chronic. The symptoms are pain, swelling, heat, and
redness, a conical projection on the swelling, often with a white point at
the apex. Abscess or suppuration may come on any part of the body. When
the local inflammation does not yield to cold lotions, apply poultices; a
pledget of lint dipped in cold water and kept moist by means of oil-silk;
a slice of bread softened with boiling water or milk, or linseed meal,
make the best poultices. Should the pain be severe add laudanum, and
additionally rub it round the swelling. Or apply common white paint by
laying it on gently with a brush, or else tincture of marigold or arnica
in the same manner. Chronic abscesses in the glands in the neck are
usually scrofulous, and should be opened. Abscesses in the breast should
not be opened too early, or others are formed. Those in the gums may be
cut early, not so if in the tonsils. After opening with a needle or
lancet-point external abscesses, continue to poultice till the hardness
disappears, then dress with spermaceti ointment spread on lint. When the
abscess is of a dangerous nature, lose no time in consulting a medical
practitioner.
_Treatment for horses and cattle._ Mr Finlay Dun prescribes fomentations,
poultices, counter-irritants, the knife, cauterisation, carbolic-acid
dressing, stimulating injections, and the administration of sulphites and
chlorate of potash.
=ABSINTHE.= [Fr.] ABSINTHIUM, L.; WORMWOOD, E.; WERMUTH, G. This article
is met with in commerce in the form of the dried herb with the flowers of
_Artemisia Absinthium_, having a whitish-grey appearance, a soft feel, an
aromatic and unpleasant odour, and an extremely bitter and aromatic
flavour. The plant is indigenous, and grows in thickets, in mountainous
districts, and on waste ground. Its odour is due to its containing an
essential oil; its bitterness is referable to _absinthin_, a
crystallisable principle which may be extracted from the herb by water or
spirit. The name _absinthe_ is also given to an intoxicating liqueur which
is extensively drunk on the Continent, and which unfortunately appears to
be rapidly attracting consumers in this country. The remarks on this
subject by Blyth in his admirable 'Dictionary of Hygiène' are so pregnant
with important facts that they will be here produced _verbatim et
literatim_. "An analysis recently made at the _Conservatoire des Arts_
shows that absinthe now contains a large quantity of antimony, a poison
which cannot fail to add largely to the irritant effects necessarily
produced on the alimentary canal and liver by constant doses of a
concentrated alcoholic liquid. And we have recently received the results
of some experiments made by M. Magnan, of Paris. By means of successive
distillations he has been able to isolate various products--(1) a blue
oil; (2) a yellowish oil; (3) an oxygenated substance. There was besides a
yellowish residue left in the glass. These various substances were tried
on animals; ten grammes of the yellow sediment given to a small dog
produced no effect; thirty centigrammes of the blue oil produced from
eight to ten epileptiform attacks. The oxygenated product proved, however,
the most powerful toxic agent. Fifteen centigrammes of it, injected into
the veins of a large dog, caused the most violent epileptic attacks, which
followed in rapid succession, and ended in death. There was an
extraordinary rise of temperature, from 39° to 42° Centigrade, and the
_post mortem_ showed various apoplectic centres. Dr Decaisne regards the
terrible evil of this almost universal absinthe-drinking as the greatest
national calamity that has ever befallen France, and has made an eloquent
appeal to the Government to strike at once a decisive blow at the trade in
this liqueur. Originally the only important ingredient in its composition
besides alcohol was the essential oil of absinthium or wormwood; and
though this without doubt added something to the mischievous effects of
the liqueur, it would be impossible to trace to it, or to the other
comparatively trivial ingredients, the more serious of the special results
which are now observed to occur to victims of absinthe, though the
habitual drinking even in small doses of _good_ absinthe is believed by Dr
Decaisne, sooner or later, to produce disorders in the animal economy. Now
various deleterious substances are added, the most important of these
being antimony. As at present constituted, therefore, and especially when
drunk in the disastrous excess now common in Paris, and taken, as it
frequently is, on an empty stomach, absinthe forms a chronic poison of
almost unequalled virulence, both as an irritant to the stomach and
bowels, and also as a destroyer of the nervous system. The effect of
absinthe is to produce a superabundant activity of the brain, a cerebral
excitement, which at first is agreeable; intoxication comes on rapidly;
the head swims, and the effect produced is nearly the same as that of
poisoning by a narcotic, which certainly does not occur with an equal dose
of brandy. With the absinthe-drinker, as with the opium-eater, the
excitement the spirit produces diminishes daily in intensity. Each day he
is obliged to augment the dose in order to bring himself up to the right
pitch. The diseases brought on by the excessive drinking of ardent spirits
are produced with greater rapidity by the use of absinthe." The amount of
absinthe consumed in London has during the last few years been enormously
on the increase. See LIQUEURS.
=ABSINTHIN.= C_{16}H_{22}O_{5}. The bitter principle of wormwood
(_Artemisia absinthium_). A hard crystalline solid, having an intensely
bitter taste; slightly soluble in water, very soluble in alcohol, less so
in ether. Its physiological effects resemble those of extract of wormwood.
_Dose._ 1/2 gr. to 2 gr., or more; in dyspepsia; as a stomachic, to
promote the appetite, &c.; as a substitute for quinine in intermittents;
and in worms.
=ABSINTH'IUM.= [L.] See ABSINTHE.
=ABSOLUTE.= _Syns._ ABSOLUTUS, L.; ABSOLU, Fr.; UNDEBINGT, G. In
_chemistry_, pure, unmixed; as _absolute alcohol_, pure spirit of wine,
_i.e._ free from water.
=ABSORBED'= (-sorbd'). _Syn._ CHILLED; ABSORBÉ, Fr. In _painting_, a term
among French connoisseurs, to represent that state of a picture in which
the oil has sunk into the canvas or ground, leaving the colours 'flat,'
and the touches indistinct. The remedy consists in rubbing the surface of
the picture, previously well cleaned, with a soft sponge dipped in a
little drying oil, and after some days varnishing it; when it should be
kept in a warm room until perfectly dry.
=ABSORB'ENT.= _Syn._ ABSORB'ENS, L.; ABSORBANT, Fr.; ABSORBIREND, Ger.
Imbibing; that imbibes or sucks up; variously applied in science and art.
(See _below_.)
=Absorbent Ground.= In _painting_, a picture-ground prepared wholly or
chiefly in distemper or water colour, in order that the redundant oil in
the colours subsequently applied may be immediately 'absorbed,' by which
expedition is permitted, and brilliancy imparted to them.
=Absorbent Surfaces.= In the _arts_, these are usually rendered
non-absorbent, preliminary to their being bronzed, gilded, painted, or
varnished, by giving them one, or more, coats of thin size, so as to
destroy their porosity; care being taken to allow each coat to become
thoroughly dry before the application of the next one; and also, finally,
to remove any unabsorbed excess of size from the surface, by means of a
sponge dipped in warm water. This applies to ALABASTER, PAPER, WOOD,
PLASTER CASTS, &c.; and to WALLS and CEILINGS which are not exposed to the
weather, and which there is not time to prepare with drying oil. See
BRONZING, MAPS, VARNISHING, &c.
Absorption and consequent adherence in porous moulds, as those of plaster,
are usually prevented by thoroughly saturating the pores of the mould with
melted tallow, or a mixture of tallow and bees' wax; or for delicate
objects or the electrotype, with white wax. The 'dry moulds' are either
heated before the application of these substances, or they are boiled in
them; any portion that may finally remain unabsorbed, being carefully
removed with cotton-wool or a soft rag. Another method is to wash the
moulds over two or three times with drying oil, or to boil them in it;
after which they must be exposed to the air for some days, to dry and
harden. Before being used for plaster, composition, &c., the surface of
these prepared moulds require to be slightly moistened with sweet oil.
_Plaster moulds_ are generally prepared for sulphur, wax, and gutta percha
casts, by simply placing them (upright) with the back immersed in a little
water, contained in any shallow vessel, as a saucer or plate; and letting
them remain there until moisture begins to appear on the surface. The
materials to be cast, or moulded, should then be used at the lowest
possible temperature, to prevent the formation of air-bubbles.
The adherence of wax or mixtures containing it, and of gutta percha, is
best prevented by moistening the surface of the mould (whether of plaster,
metal, or gutta percha), immediately before use, with soft soap reduced to
the consistence of thin cream with water. See CASTS, MOULDS, ELECTROTYPE,
&c.
=ABSORB'ENTS.= In _anatomy_ and _physiology_, two distinct sets of small,
delicate, transparent vessels, which imbibe or suck up fluid substances,
and convey them to the blood. They are termed lacteals or lymphatics; the
former take up the chyme from the alimentary canal, the latter pervade
almost every part of the body in which they absorb lymph.
=Absorbents.= In _botany_ and _vegetable physiology_, the origins of the
different vessels constituting the vascular tissue, as they are found in
the root, where they imbibe or suck up the nutritive fluids from the soil.
See PLANTS and VEGETABLES.
=Absorbents.= In _agriculture_ and _chemistry_, substances which possess
the power of withdrawing moisture from the atmosphere; as soils,
argillaceous earths, &c. Also (but less frequently) substances which
neutralise acids; as chalk, lime, and magnesia. Absorbents differ from
'deliquescent salts'; the latter attract moisture and dissolve in it;
whilst the former merely suck it into their pores, as a sponge does water.
See ABSORPTION.
=Absorbents.= _Syn._ ABSORBEN'TIA, L. In _medicine_ and _pharmacy_,
substances which remove acidity from the stomach and bowels. Of these the
principal are--magnesia, carbonate and bicarbonate of magnesia, prepared
chalk, and the carbonates and bicarbonates of potash, soda, and ammonia.
The first four are popularly called earthy absorbents; and the others,
alkaline absorbents. See ANTACIDS.
The following absorbent mixtures are taken from Dr Kirby's valuable work,
'Selected Remedies':
1. Infusion of rhubarb, 1-1/2 oz.; compound spirit of ammonia, 1-1/2 dr.;
compound infusion of gentian to 6 oz. Two tablespoonfuls to be taken 3
times a day.
2. Bicarbonate of potash, 1-1/2 dr.; syrup, 2 drs.; compound spirit
ammonia, 1-1/2 dr.; compound infusion of gentian to 6 oz. Two
tablespoonfuls to be taken 3 times a day.
3. Bicarbonate of soda, 1-1/2 dr.; spirits of chloroform, 1-1/2 dr.;
infusion of calumba to 6 oz. Two tablespoonfuls to be taken 3 times a day.
=ABSORP'TION.= [Eng., Fr.] _Syn._ ABSORP'TIO, L.; EINSAUGUNG, Ger. The act
or the power of absorbing, in various applications. (See _below_.)
=Absorption.= In _agriculture_, the power possessed by soils of absorbing
moisture from the atmosphere. The more a soil is divided by labour and
vegetation, the greater is its absorbent power, and, consequently, its
fertility. Indeed, the latter chiefly depends on its capacity for imbibing
moisture, and may be illustrated by reference to recent and disintegrated
lava. (Leslie.) The finely divided state, most penetrable by the delicate
fibres of plants, appears to derive its superior power of acting on
atmospheric vapour from the augmentation of its surface and the
multiplication of its points of contact. (Ure.) This method of increasing
the fertility of a soil is well known to scientific farmers, and seldom
neglected by them. (Loudon.) That soil must be regarded as the most
fertile which possesses this power in the greatest degree. Garden-mould
has the highest absorbent power of any mineral substance. (Leslie.)
_Process of ascertaining_ the ABSORBENT POWER OF SOILS, _and other
substances._ Thoroughly dry the article by the suitable application of a
heat not exceeding 212° Fahr., continued for several hours, and transfer
it, while still warm, into a clean dry phial furnished with a perfectly
tight ground-glass stopper. When cold, quickly and cautiously introduce
it, along with a delicate hygrometer, into a large wide-mouthed glass
bottle, the atmosphere of which has been previously rendered as damp as
possible, by suspending a piece of moistened rag or filtering paper in it.
It must now be kept closed for some hours, when the hygrometer will
indicate the degree of dryness of the enclosed air, and, consequently, the
absorbent power of the substance examined.
_Obs._ Experiments of this nature are only relatively correct, and must be
performed under exactly similar circumstances, to furnish reliable
comparative results. The whole process, in each case, must be as similar
as careful manipulation can possibly make them. With this reserve, they
will be found invaluable to the agriculturist.
=Absorption.= In _chemistry_ the passage of gases and vapours into liquid
and solid substances. Thus, water absorbs the oxygen of the air, lime
absorbs water, charcoal absorbs ammoniacal and other gases.
=Absorption.= In _medicine_ and _toxicology_, see MEDICINES and POISONS.
=Absorption.= In _perfumery_, see ENFLEURAGE.
=Absorption.= In _physics_, see HEAT, LIGHT, REFRIGERATION, &c.
=Absorption.= In _physiology_ (animal and vegetable), the function of
sucking, or taking up, of appropriate substances, by the 'absorbent
vessels.' It is one of the chief vital functions, the primary object of
which is to convey to the circulatory organs the proper supply of the
materials necessary for the support and growth of the body; and
subsequently, to remove and convey to these organs its effete and useless
portions, in order to their ultimate elimination from the system.
=Absorption.= In _surgery_, the natural process by which tumours and their
contents, morbid growths, and, sometimes, even healthy glands, &c., are
gradually taken up and disappear, by the action of the 'absorbents.'
=Absorption= (of Surfaces, Moulds, &c). See ABSORBENT SURFACES.
=ABSTERG'ENTS.= _Syn._ ABSTERGEN'TIA, L. In _medicine_ and _pharmacy_,
substances which cleanse or clear away foulness from the surface of the
body or sores; as soap, lotions, &c. See DETERGENT, which has a nearly
similar meaning, and is in more general use.
=AC'ARI= (-r[=i]). [L.; prim. Gr.] _Syn._ ACAR'IDANS; ACAR'IDES (d[=e]z);
ACARID'IÆ. (-e-[=e]). In _entomology_, a division of arachnidans,
including the _mite_ and _tick_. All the species are either microscopic or
extremely minute, and possess such tenacity of life as to resist for some
time the action of boiling water, and to live with comparative impunity in
alcohol. Leuwenhoek had one that lived eleven weeks glued on its back to
the point of a needle, without food. The following are well known--ACARUS
AUTUMNA'LIS, the _harvest-bug_ or _wheal-worm_; A. DOMES'TICUS, the
_domestic tick_; A. DYSENTE'RIÆ, the _dysentery-tick_; A. FARI'NÆ, the
_meal mite_ (fig. _a_); A. RI''CINUS (r[)i]c-), the _dog-tick_; A.
SAC'CHARI, the _sugar-mite_ (fig. _b_); A. SI''RO, the _cheese-mite_ (fig.
_c_); A. SCABIE'I, the _itch-insect_ (fig. _d_).
The irritation of the skin, caused by these vermin, may be relieved by a
lotion of equal parts of sal volatile and water; and they may be destroyed
by tobacco water, or a lotion or ointment of stavesacre. See ITCH, MANGE,
PARASITES, PEDICULI, SCAB, &c.
=Acarus Farinæ=, or _meal-mite_ (fig. _a_). This insect is found only in
damaged flour, and is more frequently met with in the flour of the
_leguminosæ_ (beans, peas) than in that of the _gramineæ_ (wheat, rye,
oat).
Now and then a single acarus may occasionally be found in good flour, but
even one should be regarded with suspicion, and the flour should
afterwards be frequently examined to see if they are increasing.
[Illustration: FIG. _a._ Mag. 250 diams.]
=Acarus Sacchari=, or _sugar-mite_ (fig. _b_).
[Illustration: FIG. _b._ Mag. 260 diams.]
Most of the brown sugars of commerce are infested by this pest, which is
of a size sufficiently large to be visible to the naked eye. The following
method of proceeding will lead to its detection:
Dissolve 2 or 3 teaspoonfuls of sugar in a large wineglass of tepid water,
and let the solution remain for an hour or so, at the expiration of which
time the acari may be found, some on the surface of the liquid, some
attaching themselves to the sides of the glass, and some at the bottom,
mixed up with the copious and dark sediment, made up of fragments of cane,
woody fibre, grit, dirt, and starch granules, which usually subside on
dissolving even a small quantity of sugar in hot water. When first hatched
this acarus is hardly visible.
Acari of all sizes--that is, in all stages of growth--may be met with in
most samples of sugar.
Dr Hassall, in seventy-two samples of sugar which he examined, found
sixty-nine containing them.
[Illustration: FIG. _c._]
=Acarus Siro=, the _cheese-mite_ (fig. _c_). The dry and powdery parts of
decayed cheese, which by careful watching may very frequently be seen in
movement, consist almost wholly of this insect and their eggs in different
stages of development. The cheese-mite can hardly be seen without the aid
of the microscope. They are very tenacious of life, even when kept without
food. Mr Blyth says that under these circumstances "it is no uncommon
sight to see them killing and devouring each other; and that cheese is
rapidly destroyed by them; they crumble it into minute pieces, and emit a
liquid substance which causes the decayed parts to spread speedily." They
may be destroyed by being exposed to a strong heat, or by putting the
cheese for a short time in whisky.
[Illustration: FIG. _d._]
=Acarus Scabiei=, the _itch-insect_ (fig. _d_). The parasitic character of
the disease known as the itch was first demonstrated by Dr Bononio, who
on turning out the contents of one of the little bladders that show
themselves between the fingers of those affected with the complaint, and
placing the fluid under the microscope, discovered a minute animal, very
nimble in its movements, covered with short hairs, having a short head, a
pair of strong mandibles or cutting-jaws, and eight legs, terminating in
remarkable appendages, each provided with a sucker and setæ.
It has no eyes; but when disturbed it quickly draws in its head and feet,
and then somewhat resembles the tortoise in appearance, its march being
precisely the same. It usually lays sixteen eggs, which are carefully
deposited in furrows under the skin, and ranged in pairs; these are
hatched in about ten days.
"To find the itch-insect," says Mr Jabez Hogg, "the operator must
carefully examine the parts surrounding each pustule; he will then see a
red line or spot communicating with it; this part, and not the pustule,
must be probed with a fine-pointed instrument. The operator must not be
disappointed by repeated failures."
=ACCIDENT'AL COLOURS.= See COLOURS (Complementary).
=ACCIDENTS.= _Black eye._ Bathe the eye frequently with a soft piece of
linen rag dipped in a lotion composed of one part of tincture of arnica
and seven parts of water.
_Burns and Scalds._ Refer to BURNS and SCALDS.
_Charcoal_, _combustion of_, _poisoning by._ Refer to CARBONIC ANHYDRIDE.
_Choking, or suffocation from substances sticking in the throat._ Refer to
CHOKING.
_Cut Finger._ Refer to CUTS.
_Precautions against Fires._ Refer to FIRES.
_Precautions against Lightning._ To take refuge under a tree during a
thunderstorm accompanied by lightning is to expose oneself to a double
danger--firstly, because by keeping the clothes dry these are prevented
becoming the non-conductors they would be if damp; and secondly, because
the tree, serving as a point of attraction for the lightning, conducts it
to the ground, and in doing so frequently rends the trunks or branches,
and kills any person or animal who happens to be close to, or in contact
with, it at the time.
Never, therefore, if overtaken by a storm of thunder and lightning fly to
the dangerous cover of a tree, pillar, hay-rick, wall, or hedge, but seek
shelter in the nearest dwelling; or if this is not at hand, get to a part
of the road or field where there is no object to attract the lightning,
and there remain till the storm has expended itself. Also avoid
particularly the proximity of iron gates, palisades, bronze statues, bell
wires, iron railings, and such like. When in the house, do not sit or
stand near the windows, doors, or walls, but place yourself in the middle
of the room, unless there should be a lamp or chandelier hanging from the
ceiling. Franklin recommends persons to keep away from the neighbourhood
of fireplaces.
_Treatment of persons struck by lightning._ In case of any person being
struck by lightning, immediately strip the body and throw bucketsful of
cold water over it for ten or fifteen minutes; continued frictions and
inhalations of the lungs must also be employed, and electricity should be
tried if it be possible.
=Accidents by Poison.= The means to be adopted in cases where poison is
taken, if the poison be known, are embodied in the antidotes, which will
be found given in this volume under the respective poisons.
Under all circumstances, however, medical aid should be sought as
expeditiously as possible, since many of the antidotes themselves being of
a dangerous, if not poisonous, character, should only be administered
under medical supervision. Pending the arrival of the doctor, no time
should be lost in giving an emetic, consisting of a teaspoonful of flour
of mustard in half a pint of warm water, supplemented by copious draughts
of warm water, and tickling the throat with the finger if necessary.
_Fish poisoning._ It is a not unfrequent occurrence to find fish when
eaten giving rise to a species of poisoning of a more or less violent
form, such as a sense of weight at the stomach, accompanied with nausea,
vertigo, headache, heat about the head and eyes, pains in the stomach,
thirst, and often an eruption of the skin resembling nettle-rash. These
symptoms may be sometimes due to the nature of the fish itself; sometimes
to its being in a state unfit to be taken as food, as, for instance, when
it is in a stale or decomposing condition; and occasionally to the
peculiarity of constitution of those who partake of it, even if in a
perfectly fresh condition. Whenever any of the symptoms above described
follow from eating fish, an emetic of mustard and water (a teaspoonful of
mustard in half a pint of water) should be administered. If subsequently a
rash should appear, it would be well to take a dose of brisk purgative
medicine, and, if necessary, a few doses of carbonate of soda 3 or 4 times
during the day.
_Poisonous Mushrooms._ The same treatment should be followed as for fish.
With some people the edible mushroom acts as a poison.
_Sinks._ See that these be securely trapped, and in the event of any
unpleasant smell from them, pour down some disinfectant, such as chloride
of lime, carbolic acid, or Condy's fluid. The foul emanations from a sink
ought to be regarded as of a most dangerous and pestilential nature.
=Accidents to Children.= Many, if not most, of the casualties to which
children are exposed are given above, together with the best course to be
pursued in the event of their being overtaken by any of them. There are,
however, a few forms of disaster which seem more especially peculiar to
children. Of these we may select--
_Swallowing a piece of broken glass._ In this case avoid giving
purgatives, but give solid farinaceous food, so as to envelope the glass
and enable it to pass through the bowels without causing injury by coming
in contact with them.
_Swallowing a coin._ Give a dose or two of castor oil, and examine the
stools until the coin is perceived.
_A small coin sticking in the windpipe._ Seize the child by the legs,
letting his head hang downwards, then administer several brisk blows on
the back with the palm of the hand, when very frequently the coin will be
coughed out of the mouth and on to the floor. If this plan do not succeed,
send immediately for medical aid.
=ACCLI'MATE=, or =ACCLI'MATISE=. In _botany_ and _zoology_, to inure a
plant or animal to a climate to which it is not indigenous. When so inured
it is said to be ACCLIMATED. In _medicine_, to habituate the body to a
foreign climate, so that it may not be peculiarly liable to its endemic
diseases; or to become so habituated. Thus, a person who has resided
several years at New Orleans without an attack of yellow fever, or having
had an attack has satisfactorily recovered, is said to be ACCLI'MATISED.
=ACCOM'PANIMENTS.= In _cookery_ and _housekeeping_, see TRIMMINGS.
=ACCUMULA'TION.= [Eng., Fr.] _Syn._ ACCUMULA'TIO, L. In _medicine_, a term
applied when the effects of the first dose of any substance still continue
when the second is administered (accumulation of action); or when several
doses of insoluble substances remain inactive in the system until their
energy is developed by chemical influence (accumulation of doses). See
MEDICINES, POISONS, &c.
=ACEPH'ALANS.= _Syn._ ACEPH'ALA, CUV. In _malacology_, a class of aquatic
mollusca, having no apparent head, but a mouth between the folds of their
mantle. Several of them, as the oyster, cockle, mussel, scallop, &c., are
consumed for food.
=ACERB'ITY.= _Syn._ ACERB'ITAS, L.; ACERBITÉ, Fr.; HERBIGKEIT, Ger. In
_chemistry_, &c., sourness, with bitterness and astringency, or harshness.
See CIDER, FRUIT, WINE, &c.
=ACERBO'S ANTI-RHEUMATIC AND ANTI-CATARRH OIL.= For various horse
diseases. Gum euphorbium, 10 parts; absolute alcohol, 10 parts; olive oil,
80 parts. Digest in a warm-water bath for 24 hours, then boil until all
the spirit has evaporated, and, when cold, strain through cotton. (Hager.)
=ACER'IDES.= Plasters that do not contain wax.
=ACES'CENT.= _Syns._ ACES'CENS, L.; ACESCENT, AIGRELET, Fr.; SÄURLICH,
Ger. In _chemistry_, &c., growing sour; slightly tart or acid; having a
tendency to sourness, or to run into the acetic fermentation, as _wine_,
_beer_, _malt-wort_, &c. Hence, ACES'CENCE or ACES'CENCY (_acescen'tia_,
L.; _acescense_, _aigreur_, Fr.; _säurlichkeit_, Ger.), the tendency to
become slightly acid, or the quality of being so. See ACETIFICATION,
MALT-LIQUORS, WINE, WORT, &c.
=ACETA''RIOUS= (-t[=a]re'-e-[)u]s). Used for salads (as plants); relating
to salads (which see).
=AC'ETATE= ([)a]s'-). _Syn._ ACE'TAS, L.; ACETATE, Fr.; ESSIGSÄURE SALZE,
Ger. In _chemistry_, a salt consisting of C_{2}H_{3}O_{2} (sometimes
called the acid-radical of the acetates) with hydrogen, a metal, or a
compound basic radical; _e.g._,
Hydrogen acetate (acetic acid) HC_{2}H_{3}O_{2}
Potassium acetate KC_{2}H_{3}O_{2}
Lead (plumbic) acetate Pb(C_{2}H_{3}O_{2})_{2}
Ammonium acetate NH_{4}C_{2}H_{3}O_{2}
Salts of acetic acid (HC_{2}H_{3}O_{2})
with the alkaloids are likewise termed acetates; _e.g._,
Morphia acetate C_{17}H_{19}NO_{3} . C_{2}H_{4}O_{2}
_Prep._ That of the commercial acetates, and of many others, is noticed
under the respective metals. In general, they may all be formed by direct
solution of the carbonate, hydrate or oxide of the metal whose acetate it
is desired to form, in dilute acetic acid; or from a solution of an
acetate and of another salt of the metal, by double decomposition. In
either case, the resulting solution must be carefully evaporated by a
gentle heat, and, where possible, crystallised.
_Prop., &c._ All the neutral acetates, except those of molybdenum and
tungsten, are more or less soluble in water, several so much so as to be
uncrystallizable; many dissolve in alcohol; they suffer decomposition at a
dull red heat, and by distillation, at that temperature, yield acetone and
water, or acetone and acetic acid, and leave a carbonaceous residuum; at a
full red-heat, those of potassium, sodium, barium, strontium, calcium, and
magnesium, are converted into carbonates, whilst the other metallic
acetates leave behind the pure metal, or its oxide. The aqueous solutions
of the alkaline acetates soon turn mouldy and suffer decomposition. No
more of them should, therefore, be dissolved at once than is required for
immediate use.
_Char., tests, &c._ The acetates are known--1. By evolving fumes of acetic
acid, recognisable by its peculiar and characteristic odour, on the
addition of strong sulphuric acid:--2. By evolving the vapour of acetic
ether (known by its peculiar and agreeable odour) when heated with a
mixture of about equal parts of concentrated sulphuric acid and alcohol.
=AC'ETATED= ([)a]s'-). In _chemistry_ and _pharmacy_, combined or
impregnated with acetic acid or vinegar.
=ACE'TIC.= _Syn._ ACE'TICUS, L.; ACÉTIQUE, Fr. Of or relating to vinegar;
made with acetic acid, as perfumes, &c. (See _below_.)
=ACETIC ACID.= HC_{2}H_{3}O_{2}. _Syn._ PYROLIG'NEOUS ACID (_pure_); ACID
OF VINEGAR; ACIDUM ACE'TICUM, L.; ACIDE ACETIQUE, Fr.; ACIDO ACETICO, It.;
ESSIGSÄURE, Ger.; AZYNZUUR, Dut.; EISEL, Sax. When free from water it
crystallises on cooling, and is distinguished as--ACETIC HYDRATE,
HY'DRATED ACETIC ACID, MONOHY'DRATED A. A., GLA'CIAL A. A., MONOHYDRATED
A. A., ACE'TUM GLACIA'LE, ACIDUM ACE'TICUM G., L., &c. the sour principle
of vinegar.
_Var._ Commercial acetic acid is found under the form of the pure acid of
the chemist and pharmaceutist (glacial and dilute), and of vinegar, of
which there are several varieties, which are noticed under their
respective heads.
_Sources._ Fermented liquors; the vinegars of commerce; alcoholic liquors;
wood, from which it is obtained, as pyroligneous acid, by distillation;
the commercial acetates of soda, potassa, lime, lead, copper, &c. The pure
acetic acid of the chemist and of commerce is almost wholly obtained from
the acetates, either by the action of a strong acid, which seizes on the
base, setting the acid free; or, by dry distillation, in which the high
degree of heat employed separates the acetic acid from the base in the
form of vapour. It is also obtained by the oxidation of alcohol.
_Prep._ The following are the principal processes at present adopted to
obtain pure acetic acid:--