_a._ (LIQUOR ANTIMONII CHLORIDI, B. P.) _Syn._ SOLUTION OF CHLORIDE OF
ANTIMONY.
_Prep._ Take of black antimony, 1 _lb._; hydrochloric acid, 4 pints; place
the black antimony in a porcelain vessel; pour upon it the hydrochloric
acid, and, constantly stirring, apply to the mixture, beneath a flue with
a good draught, a gentle heat, which must be gradually augmented as the
evolution of gas begins to slacken, until the liquid boils. Maintain it at
this temperature for fifteen minutes; then remove the vessel from the
fire, and filter the liquid through calico into another vessel, returning
what passes through first, that a perfectly clear solution may be
obtained. Boil this down to the bulk of two pints, and preserve it in a
stoppered bottle.
_Characters and Tests._ A heavy liquid, usually of a yellowish-red colour.
A little of it dropped into water gives a white precipitate, and the
filtered solution lets fall a copious deposit on the addition of nitrate
of silver. If the white precipitate formed by water be treated with
sulphuretted hydrogen it becomes orange-coloured. The specific gravity of
the solution is 1·47. One fluid drachm of it mixed with a solution of a
quarter of an ounce of tartaric acid in four fluid ounces of water, forms
a clear solution, which, if treated with sulphuretted hydrogen, gives an
orange precipitate, weighing, when washed and dried at 212°, at least 22
grains.
_b._ (Commercial.)--_a._ Take of ash or calx of antimony, 3-1/4 _lbs._;
common salt, 2 _lbs._; oil of vitriol, 1-1/2 _lb._; water, 1 _lb._;
proceed as before. Prod., 2-1/2 _lbs._
_c._ From roasted sulphide or glass of antimony, 7 _lbs._; salt, 28
_lbs._; oil of vitriol, 21 _lbs._; water, 14 _lbs._; as before.
_d._ From crude sulphide of antimony (powdered), 25 _lbs._; strongest
commercial hydrochloric acid, 1 _cwt._; nitric acid, 3-1/2 _lbs._; as
before; the product being coloured with a little pernitrate of iron, and
made up to the sp. gr. 1·4. The quality is improved, and the process more
easily conducted, if the crude antimony is roasted before dissolving it in
the acid. The same applies to the other formulæ.
_Prop., &c._--_a._ SOLID. When pure, and nearly free from water, it
somewhat resembles butter, melts with a gentle heat, and partially
crystallises on cooling; is very deliquescent, and quickly passes into an
oily liquid when exposed to damp air; very soluble in strong hydrochloric
acid; water, according to its quantity, more or less decomposes it. When
perfectly pure and anhydrous, it forms a white and highly crystalline
mass, rapidly decomposed by air and moisture.--_b._ SOLUTION. The sp. gr.
of the solution of the shops varies from 1·25 to 1·4, in which state it is
a transparent fuming yellow liquid (unless when artificially coloured),
and extremely acid and caustic. Submitted to distillation, it at first
parts with its water and excess of acid, after which the salt itself is
volatilised. By changing the receiver as soon as the distillate concretes
on cooling, or produces a copious white precipitate on falling into the
liquid already passed over, the pure ANHYDROUS TRICHLORIDE may be readily
obtained.
_Phys. eff., Ant., Lesions, &c._ See ANTIMONY.
_Uses._ In _medicine_, only externally, and chiefly as a caustic or
escharotic to the wounds caused by rabid and venomous animals, and to
repress excessive granulations in ulcers. In _pharmacy_, as a source of
both oxychloride and oxide of antimony. The residuum in the retort when
corrosive sublimate is used, is sulphide of mercury, and was formerly
called CINNABAR OF ANTIMONY.
=2. Antimony, Pentachlo''ride of.= Sb_{2}Cl_{5}. _Syn._ PERCHLO''RIDE OF
ANTIMONY; ANTIMO''NII PENTACHLORI'DUM, L. Prepared by passing a stream of
chlorine gas over metallic antimony in fine powder, and gently heated. A
mixture of TRICHLORIDE and PENTACHLORIDE OF ANTIMONY is found in the
receiver, from which the latter may be separated by careful distillation.
It is a colourless volatile liquid, forming a crystalline compound with a
small quantity of water, but decomposed by a larger quantity.
=Antimony, Cro'cus of.= _Syn._ SAFF'RON OF ANTIMONY, LIV'ER OF A.; CRO'CUS
ANTIMO''NII C. METALLO''RUM, HE'PAR ANTIMONII, L.; CROCUS D'ANTIMOINE,
SAFFRAN D'A., Fr. _Prep._ 1. From black sulphide of antimony, and
saltpetre, equal parts, deflagrated together by small portions at a time,
and the fused mass (separated from the scoriæ) reduced to fine powder.
2. (ANT. CROCUS, Ph. L. 1788,) Sulphide of antimony, 1 lb.; nitre, 1 lb.;
common salt, 1 oz.; as before.
_Prop., &c._ Its medicinal properties closely resemble those of
diaphoretic antimony. It is a mixture of sulphate of potassium,
antimoniate of potassium, teroxide of antimony, oxysulphide of antimony,
sulphide of potassium, and undecomposed trisulphide of antimony, in
variable and undetermined proportions. When repeatedly washed or boiled in
water, and dried, it forms the WASHED SAFFRON OF ANTIMONY (C. A. LO'TUS,
L.) of old pharmacy, and has then lost its sulphate of potassium, caustic
potash, and sulphide of potassium. Formerly used to make tartar emetic.
See ANTIMONY, LIVER OF.
=Antimony, Crude.= Native sulphide of antimony melted from the gangue.
=Antimony, Diaphoret'ic.= _Syn._ CALX OF ANTIMONY, CALCINED' A.,
ANTIMO''NIATE OF POT'ASH, STIB'IATED KA'LI[dagger], DIAPHORETIC
MIN'ERAL[dagger], &c.; ANTIMO''NIUM DIAPHORET'ICUM, A. CALCINA'TUM, CALX
ANTIMO''NII, C. A. ANGLO''RUM[dagger], POTAS'SÆ ANTIMO''NIAS, KALI
STIB'ICUM[dagger], &c., L. var.; ANTIMOINE DIAPHORÉTIQUE, BIANTIMONIATE DE
POTASSE, Fr. An old preparation with numerous synonyms, of which the first
two of the above are those which are now chiefly in use.
_Prep._ 1. Sulphide of antimony, 1 part; nitre, 3 parts; powder, mix, and
deflagrate by spoonfuls in a red-hot crucible, then calcine for half an
hour, and when cold powder the residuum.
2. WASHED DIAPHORETIC A., W. CALX OF A.; ANTIMONIUM DIAPHORETICUM LO'TUM,
A. D. ABLU'TUM (Ph. Bor. 1847), A. CALCINA'TUM (Ph. L. 1788); ANTIMOINE
DIAPHORÉTIQUE LAVÉ, &c., Fr.:--_a._ (Ph. L. 1788.) As the last, but the
powder is subsequently deprived of soluble matter by repeated washings
with water, after which it is collected and dried.
_b._ (Ph. Bor. 1847.) Metallic antimony, 1 part; nitre, 2 parts; as above,
but drying the washed powder at a heat not exceeding 104° F.
_Prop., &c._ A white or greyish-white powder, without either smell or
taste; gently diaphoretic and laxative; its activity greatly depending on
the quantity of acid in the stomach.--_Dose_, 1 to 6 gr., or even 10 gr.;
for _horses_, 1 to 3 or 4 _dr._ It was formerly in high repute; but is now
almost superseded by the present pharmacop[oe]ial preparations.
=Antimony, E'thiops of.= _Syn._ Æ'THIOPS ANTIMONIA'LIS, L. _Prep._ 1. From
metallic mercury, 1 part; sulphide of antimony, 2 parts; triturated
together until the globules of the former entirely disappear.--2. Sulphide
of antimony, 3 parts; black sulphide of mercury, 2 parts; triturated
together for some time. An old remedy in certain skin diseases, still
highly esteemed by some provincial practitioners.--_Dose_, 3 to 5 gr.,
gradually increased to 20 or 30 gr.
=Antimony, Flow'ers of.= _Syn._ FLO''RES ANTIMO''NII, L.; FLEURS
D'ANTIMOINE, Fr. _Prep._ Throw powdered sulphide of antimony, by spoonfuls
at a time, into an ignited tubulated retort with a short and very wide
neck, until as many 'flowers' collect in the receiver as are required. An
impure oxysulphide of antimony, with variable portions of trioxide, and
undecomposed tersulphide. Emetic in doses of 1 to 3 grains.
=Antimony, Flowers of (Ar'gentine).= [-[)i]n.] _Syn._ WHITE OX'IDE OF
ANTIMONY, SNOW OF A.[dagger]; ANTIMO''NII FLO''RES ARGENTI'NI, A.
NIX[dagger], L.; FLEURS ARGENTINE D'ANTIMOINE, OXYDE BLANC D'ANTIMOINE,
Fr. _Prep._ Melt metallic antimony in a vessel freely exposed to the air,
and furnished with a cool place for the 'flowers' to rest on, and collect
them as deposited; or, and what is better, heat the metal to a full red or
white heat in a covered crucible, and then suddenly expose it to the air,
when it will inflame, and the oxidised vapour condense as 'flowers' on any
cool surface (as a partially inverted wide-mouthed flask) held at a little
distance over it. The product is TRIOXIDE OF ANTIMONY in a crystalline
form, and received the name of argentine flowers from its silvery
whiteness and beauty.
=Antimony, Flowers of (Helmont's).= _Syn._ FLO''RES ANTIMO''NII
HELMON'TII. An old preparation formed by dissolving sulphide of antimony
in aqua regia, expelling the free water and acid by heat, and subliming
the residuum with an equal weight of sal ammoniac. Violently emetic, even
in small doses, and unfit for internal use.
=Antimony, Flowers of (Red).= _Syn._ FLO''RES ANTIMO''NII RU'BRI, L. From
sulphide of antimony, and sal ammoniac, both in fine powder, mixed and
sublimed together. Resembles the last.
=Antimony, Ful'minating.= See FULMINATING COMPOUNDS.
=Antimony, Glass of.= _Syn._ VIT'RIFIED ANTIMONY*, V. OX'IDE OF A.*, GREY
O. OF A.*; ANTIMO''NII VIT'RUM, ANTIMO''NIUM VITRIFICA'TUM, A.
VITRIFAC'TUM (Ph. L. 1788), OX'YDUM ANTIMONII VITRIFICATUM, &c., L.; VERRE
D'ANTIMOINE, OXYSULFURE D'ANTIMOINE SILICATÉ, Fr. _Prep._ (Ph. L. 1788.)
Roast sulphide of antimony in a shallow earthen vessel, over a moderate
fire, stirring it constantly with an iron rod, until it turns whitish-grey
and ceases to emit fumes at a red heat; put the residuum into a covered
crucible which it shall only two thirds fill, and expose it to an intense
heat (gradually raised), until it fuses, then pour it out on an iron
plate. If calcined too much, a little more crude antimony may be added to
make it run well.
_Comp., Prop., &c._ A mixture of sulphide and oxide of antimony
contaminated with a little silica and iron. In fine powder it is emetic,
in doses of 1 to 3 gr.; but owing to the uncertainty and violence of its
operation, is now seldom employed. It has been used as a cheap source of
the TEROXIDE by the manufacturers of tartar emetic.
=Antimony, Glass of (Cera''ted).= _Syn._ ANTIMO''NII VIT'RUM CERA'TUM, L.
_Prep._ (Dr Young & Ph. L. 1746.) Glass of antimony, in very fine powder,
1 oz.; yellow wax, 1 dr.; melt together in an iron ladle, and keep it over
a gentle fire free from flame (constantly stirring) for about half an
hour, or until it acquires a snuff colour, then pour it out on a piece of
white paper (or a plate), and when cold, powder it.--_Dose_, 2 to 10 gr.,
in dysentery, &c.
=Antimony, Li'ver of.= _Syn._ HE'PAR ANTIMO''NII, L.; HÉPAR D'ANTIMOINE,
OXYSULFURE D'ANTIMOINE SILICATÉ, Fr. _Prep._ From sulphide of antimony, 1
part; and dry carbonate of sodium or potassium, 2 parts; melted together,
and heated until it acquires the proper colour, and then cooled and
powdered.
_Comp., Uses, &c._ A mixture of trioxide of antimony, sulphide of
potassium, carbonate of potassium, and undecomposed trisulphide of
antimony. It is chiefly used by farriers, in doses of 1 to 2 dr., as an
alterative purge for horses, in greasy heels, &c.; and sometimes by
chemists, as a source of the crude oxide. Crocus of antimony, before
noticed, sometimes passes under the name, and is sold for it.
=Antimony, Ore of.= _Syn._ ANTIMONY-ORE. Native sulphide of antimony.
=Antimony, Oxide of.= The B. P. name for Antimony, Trioxide of (which
_see_).
=Antimony, Oxides of.= Antimony forms with oxygen three definite
compounds, viz the--
Trioxide or antimonious
oxide Sb_{2}O_{3}
Tetroxide or antimonoso-antimonic { or
oxide Sb_{2}O_{4} {Sb_{2}O_{3}.
{Sb_{2}O_{5}
Pentoxide or antimonic
oxide Sb_{2}O_{5}
=Antimony, Trioxide of.= Sb_{2}O_{3}. _Syn._ TEROXIDE OF ANTIMONY,
ANTIMONIOUS OXIDE (B. P. OXIDE OF ANTIMONY, Eng.; ANTIMONII OXIDUM, L.).
_Prep._ (B. P.) Take of solution of chloride of antimony, 16 fluid _oz._;
carbonate of soda, 6 _oz._; water, 2 _galls._; distilled water, a
sufficiency. Pour the antimonial solution into the water, mix thoroughly,
let the precipitate settle, remove the supernatant liquid by a siphon, add
one gallon of distilled water, agitate well, let the precipitate subside,
again withdraw the fluid, and repeat the processes of affusion of
distilled water, agitation, and subsidence. Add now the carbonate of soda
previously dissolved in two pints of distilled water, leave them in
contact for half an hour, stirring frequently, collect the deposit on
a calico filter, and wash with boiling distilled water until the washings
cease to give a precipitate with a solution of nitrate of silver
acidulated by nitric acid. Lastly, dry the product at a heat not exceeding
212°.
_Char. and Tests._ A greyish-white powder, fusible at a low red heat,
insoluble in water, but readily dissolved by hydrochloric acid. The
solution, dropped into distilled water, gives a white deposit, at once
changed to orange by sulphuretted hydrogen. It dissolves entirely when
boiled with an excess of the acid tartrate of potash.
_Uses._ Chiefly in making tartar emetic and some other salts of antimony;
also in the preparation of pulvis antimonialis. Therapeutically, it is a
diaphoretic and febrifuge.--_Dose_, 1 to 4 grains.
=Antimony, Pentoxide of.= See ANTIMONIC ANHYDRIDE.
=Antimony, Tetroxide of.= Sb_{2}O_{4} or Sb_{2}O_{3}.Sb_{2}O_{5}. _Syn._
ANTIMONOSO-ANTIMONIC OXIDE, ANTIMONIOUS ACID. Found natural as Cervantite
or Antimony ochre. Prepared by heating antimonic anhydride, by roasting
the trioxide or trisulphide, or by the action of excess of nitric acid on
finely powdered metallic antimony. Thus prepared, it is a white solid,
unalterable by heat; slightly soluble in water, more so in hydrochloric
acid.
=Antimony, Oxychloride of.= SbOCl. _Syn._ POWDER OF ALGAROTH. Thrown down
as a white precipitate when trichloride of antimony is poured into water.
Continued washing with water deprives it of nearly the whole of its
chlorine, and converts it into the trioxide, a change which is more
completely effected by aqueous solutions of the alkalies or their
carbonates.
=Antimony, Oxysulphide of.= The compound Sb_{2}O_{3}.2Sb_{2}S_{3} occurs
native as red antimony. Antimony blende, Kermesome, Rothspiessglanzerz,
Crocus of antimony, Glass of antimony, and similar preparations, are
believed by some authorities to be crude oxysulphides of antimony. See
ANTIMONY, SULPHURATED.
=Antimony, Red.= See OXYSULPHIDE OF ANTIMONY, before noticed.
=Antimony, Reg'ulus of.= _Syn._ REG'ULUS ANTIMO''NII, L. Metallic antimony
obtained by fusion. Alloys formed by fusing antimony with iron, tin, lead,
or copper, and a little tartar, were respectively called MAR'TIAL REGULUS
OF ANTIMONY (_r. antimo''nii martia'lis_, L.), R. A. JOVIA'LIS (L.), R. A.
SATURNI'NUS (L.), R. A. VEN'ERIS (L.), &c. (See _below_.)
=Antimony, Ru'by of.= _Syn._ MEDIC'INAL (-d[)i]s'-) REG'ULUS OF ANTIMONY;
ANTIMO''NII RUBI'NUS, REG'ULUS MEDICINA'LIS, R. A. M., &c., L. From crude
sulphide of antimony, 5 parts; fused with carbonate of potassa, 1 part;
and the purified portion separated from the scoriæ. See LIVER OF ANTIMONY.
=Antimony, Saff'ron of.= See CROCUS OF ANTIMONY.
=Antimony, Smelt'ed.= _Syn._ ANTIMO''NIUM PURIFICA'TUM, L. Crude antimony
melted and poured into small conical moulds.--_Uses, &c._ Same as the
ordinary tersulphide.
=Antimony, Snow of.= See ANTIMONY, FLOWERS OF.
=Antimony, Sulphurated.= B. P. _Syn._ OXYSULPHURET, or PRECIPITATED
SULPHIDE OF ANTIMONY, GOLDEN SULPHIDE OF ANTIMONY. Mix black antimony 10
_oz._ with solution of soda 4-1/2 pints, and boil for two hours, with
frequent stirring, adding distilled water occasionally to maintain the
same volume. Strain the liquor through calico, and before it cools add to
it by degrees dilute sulphuric acid till the latter is in slight excess.
Collect the precipitate on a calico filter, wash with distilled water till
the washings no longer precipitate with chloride of barium, and dry at a
temperature not exceeding 212° F.--_Dose_, 1 to 5 grains.
=Antimony, Sulphantimonate.= _Syn._ SCHLIPPE'S ANTIMONIAL SALT. Mix eight
parts of effloresced sulphate of soda, six of black antimony, and three of
charcoal, and expose to a red-heat in a covered Hessian crucible till the
fused mass ceases to throw up a scum. Boil the residue in a porcelain
vessel with one part of sulphur and sufficient distilled water, and set
the filtered liquor aside for crystallisation.
=Antimony, Pentasulphide of= (Sb_{2}S_{5}), is a yellowish-red powder,
obtained (1) by passing hydrosulphuric acid gas through a mixture of
pentachloride of antimony, water, and tartaric acid; or (2) through
antimonic anhydride suspended in water. It is insoluble in water; hot
hydrochloric acid decomposes it, producing trichloride of antimony,
sulphur, and hydrosulphuric acid. With the more basic metallic sulphides
it unites to form a class of salts called sulphantimonates.
=Antimony, Trisulphide of.= Sb_{2}S_{3}. _Syn._ TERSUL'PHIDE OF ANTIMONY,
SUL'PHIDE OF A., SUL'PHURET OF A., BLACK S. OF A., SESQUISUL'PHURET OF A.,
&c.; L'ANTIMOINE SULFURE, SULFURE D'ANTIMOINE, &c., Fr.;
SCHWEFEL-SPIESSGLANZ, ANDERTHALB, &c., Ger. This is the grey or
greyish-black substance commonly known as crude antimony, black antimony,
or sulphide of antimony, in commerce, and from which the other compounds
of antimony are chiefly obtained.
_Nat. hist., Sources, &c._ See ANTIMONY.
The crude ore is freed from earthy impurities in the following
manner:--The crushed ore is submitted to 'eliquation' in order to separate
the SULPHIDE from the gangue or earthy matter with which it is
contaminated; after which it is remelted and run into 'loaves' or large
cakes, in which form it is sent to market. Formerly the operation was
performed by introducing the ore into large pots or crucibles having a
hole in the bottom, and which, after being closely covered, were set in a
circle around a suitable furnace, by which they were heated. At the
present time the process is commonly conducted in a 'reverberatory
furnace,' similar to that figured in the _engraving_.
[Illustration:
_a_, _b_, Grate and fire-place.
_c_, Bridge.
_e_, Concave space for ore formed by a solid bed (_f_) of clay and
sand, and having a 'hole' near the bottom extending nearly
horizontally through the wall of the furnace to 'run off' the
fused sulphide.
_g_, Door for introducing ore, and removing residuum.
_h_, Chimney.
_i_, Damper, chain, and lever.]
Native trisulphide of antimony treated in this way and ground to powder
constitutes the BLACK ANTIMONY (ANTIMONIUM NIGRUM), B. P.
=Antimony, Trisulphide of= (artificially prepared). Saturate an aqueous
solution of tartar emetic with hydrosulphuric acid; an orange precipitate
will be thrown down. This precipitate, when collected on a filter, washed,
and dried, is the pure trisulphide.
_Prop., &c._ (_Native._) Anhydrous, inodorous, insipid, opaque, brittle,
easily pulverisable, and of a dark leaden-grey or steel colour; it has a
striated crystalline texture, and breaks with a rough spicular fracture;
is insoluble in both water and alcohol; soluble, with decomposition, in
hot strong acids and alkaline solutions; melts at a red heat, and is
partly dissipated in white fumes, leaving an impure grey-coloured oxide
mixed with some undecomposed tersulphide (ANTIMONY-ASH). Its powder is
black, of peculiar richness, and stains the fingers. Sp. gr. 4·6 to 4·62.
The pure precipitated (amorphous) tersulphide is of orange colour; is
darkened by a gentle heat, with loss of water, and at a higher temperature
passes from the amorphous to the crystalline condition, at the same time
that it assumes the colour and appearance of the native sulphide. It
dissolves in hot hydrochloric acid, evolving hydrosulphuric acid, and
producing a solution of trichloride of antimony.
_Pur._ The crude commercial sulphide frequently contains lead, iron,
copper, and arsenic, and sometimes manganese. Its goodness is commonly
estimated by its compactness and weight, the largeness and distinctness of
the striæ, and the volatility of its sulphide.
_Uses, &c._ Chiefly as a source of metallic antimony, and of the oxide in
the preparation of other antimonials. Exhibited alone, it possesses little
activity unless it meets with acid in the primæ viæ, when it occasionally
acts with considerable violence both as an emetic and cathartic.--_Dose_,
10 to 30 gr., in powder; as an alterative and diaphoretic in rheumatism,
gout, scrofula, and glandular affections, and in lepra, scabies, and some
other skin diseases. It is a favourite alterative in _veterinary
medicine_, particularly in skin diseases. Farriers and grooms frequently
mix a little of it with the food of horses to improve their coat and
promote their 'condition,'--_Dose._ For a HORSE, 1 to 4 _dr._, in fine
powder, often combined with nitre and sulphur; for CATTLE, 1/2 to 1 _oz._,
or even 1-1/2 _oz._; DOGS, 5 or 6 to 20 or 30 gr.; HOGS, 20 to 30 gr.,
twice or thrice daily. According to Dr Paris, it is one of the ingredients
in Spilsbury's Drops. It is also an ingredient in Tisane de Feltz.
=Antimony, Tartarated.= KSbOC_{4}H_{4}O_{6}.Aq. _Syn._ TARTARIZED
ANTIMONY, TARTAR EMETIC, EMETIC TARTAR, POTASSIO-TARTRATE OF ANTIMONY,
Eng.; ANTIMONIUM TARTARATUM, B. P. _Prep._ Various methods have been
devised for the preparation of this compound, but the following, which is
taken from the 'British Pharmacop[oe]ia,' is to be preferred:--
Take of oxide of antimony 5 _oz._, acid tartrate of potash in fine powder
6 _oz._, distilled water, 2 pints. Mix the oxide of antimony and acid
tartrate of potash with sufficient distilled water to form a paste, and
set aside for 24 hours. Then add the remainder of the water, and boil for
a quarter of an hour, stirring frequently. Filter, and set aside the clear
filtrate to crystallise. Pour off the mother-liquor, evaporate to one
third, and set aside, that more crystals may form. Dry the crystals on
filtering paper at the temperature of the air.
_Char. and Tests._ In colourless transparent crystals exhibiting
triangular facets, soluble in water, and less so in proof spirit. It
decrepitates and blackens upon the application of heat. Its solution in
water gives with hydrochloric acid a white precipitate, soluble in excess,
and which is not formed if tartaric acid be previously added. Twenty
grains dissolve without residue in a fluid ounce of distilled water at
60°, and the solution gives with sulphuretted hydrogen an orange
precipitate which, when washed and dried at 212°, weighs 9·91 grains.
_Phys. eff., Doses, &c._ Externally tartar emetic acts as a powerful local
irritant, causing a pustular eruption, which permanently marks the skin;
for this purpose it is used in the form of solution, ointment, or plaster.
Internally, in small doses (1/16 to 1/8, or even 1/6 gr.), it acts as a
diaphoretic and expectorant; in somewhat larger doses (1/6 to 1/2 gr.) it
excites nausea, and sometimes vomiting, occasioning depression and
relaxation, especially of the muscular fibre; in larger doses (1 to 2 or 3
gr.) it acts as an emetic and sudorific (and often as a purge), depressing
the nervous functions, and producing a feeling of feebleness, exhaustion,
and relaxation, greater than that caused by other emetics; in certain
doses (1/2 to 3, or even 4 gr.), it is used as a sedative and
antiphlogistic, to reduce the force of the circulation, _&c._; in
excessive doses it acts as an irritant poison, and has in some instances
caused death; and even small doses, frequently administered and long
continued, have brought on a state of weakness, prostration, and distaste
for food, which has led to a fatal termination. It is usually exhibited
dissolved in distilled water, either with or without the addition of a
little simple syrup. In acute rheumatism, inflammation of the lungs or
pleura, chorea, hydrocephalus, and apoplexy, it is said to have been given
in doses of 2 to 4, or even 6 gr., with advantage, by Laennec, Rasori, and
others; but these extreme doses are not always safe, and cannot be
commendable when smaller ones (1/4 to 1/2 gr., repeated every two hours)
appear equally beneficial, and distress the patient less.[73] In doses of
1/2 gr. to 3/4 gr. each, combined with calomel, it is a powerful and
excellent alterative in acute rheumatism and many skin diseases. Of all
our sudorifics it is perhaps the most valuable, and the one most generally
available. Triturated with 16 to 20 times its weight of sulphate of
potassa, it forms an excellent substitute for antimonial powder and
James's powder, as a diaphoretic, in doses of 2 to 4 gr.
[Footnote 73: "In consequence of the violent vomiting" (and it might be
added--prostration) "which (even) 1 gr. has sometimes produced, I have
found patients positively refuse to continue the use of the medicine."
Pereira 'Th. & M. M.,' 4th ed., i, 752.]
Whenever much gastric or intestinal irritation is present, tartar emetic
should be avoided, or very cautiously administered, and then combined with
an opiate, or some other sedative. It should also be given with caution to
children; as, according to Messrs Goodlad and Noble, even in small doses
it sometimes acts as a poison on them.
In _veterinary medicine_ it is employed to promote diaphoresis and
expectoration, and to reduce arterial action, particularly in fevers, and
catarrhal affections, the dose for HORSES being 20 gr. to 1 dr., or even
occasionally _1-1/2_ dr., in gruel, thrice daily; also sometimes as a
diuretic and vermifuge, in doses of 1 to 2 dr., combined with tin-filings,
for 2 or 3 successive days, followed by a purge of aloes. The usual dose
for CATTLE is 20 gr. to 1 dr.; SHEEP, 5 or 6 to 20 gr.; SWINE (chiefly as
an emetic), 2 to 5 or 6 gr.; DOGS (chiefly as an emetic), 1 to 3 gr. It is
sometimes, though seldom, used externally, as a counter-irritant, in chest
affections, &c.; but its employment thus requires caution.
_Pois., &c._ That from large doses has been already noticed under ANTIMONY
(which _see_). In poisoning the treatment is the entire disuse of all
antimonials, followed by tonics, a light nutritious diet, the use of
lemon-juice or ripe fruit, a little wine, warm baths, and mild
restoratives generally.
=Antimony, Tar'tarised.= See ANTIMONY, TARTARATED.
=Antimony, Vit'rified.= See ANTIMONY, GLASS OF.
=ANTI-MIASMATICUM.= A disinfecting powder, manufactured first in Berlin in
1866, and described as "prepared by steam." Quicklime slaked with a
solution of sulphate of iron and mixed with turf ashes, also probably
containing some carbolic acid. Fluid anti-miasmaticum is a solution of
sulphate of iron in impure acetic acid. (Hager.)
=ANTIPHLOGIS'TIC= (-flo-j[)i]s'-). _Syn._ ANTIPHLOGIS'TICUS, L.;
ANTIPHLOGISTIQUE, Fr.; ANTIPHLOGISTISCH, Ger. In _medicine_, the common
epithet of remedies, agents, and treatment (ANTIPHLOGIS'TICS;
ANTIPHLOGISTICA, L.), which lessen inflammatory action, or allay the
excited state of the system which accompanies it. Of these the principal
are bleeding, purging, a low diet, cooling beverages (as water and
acidulous drinks), and sedatives generally.
=ANTIPSILOTHRON=, for preventing loss of hair (Hegewald, Berlin). A
brownish-yellow, clear, pleasant-smelling liquid, which consists of a
filtered extract of 2·5 grms. of nutgalls, with 50 grms. strong spirit and
30 grms. water; perfumed with several ethereal oils. The liquid is not
made turbid by dilution with water. Sold in square bottles containing
about 80 grms. The directions strongly recommend the supplementary use of
a Swiss "vegetable oil," which probably Switzerland has never seen.
(Hager.)
=ANTI-RHEUMATIC DROPS= (Roll, Amsterdam). A turbid, dark-brown liquid,
which consists of a solution of spirituous extract of aconite in a
decoction of couch-grass root, and to which some tincture of opium with
saffron and oil of valerian have been added.
=ANTI-RHEUMATIC SALVE, Mrs HUNGERFORD'S= (Wedecke, Berlin). Recommended
for acute and chronic rheumatism, gout, and nervous pains. Camphor, 1
grm.; carbolic acid, 1 grm.; simple cerate, 12 grms. (Schädler.)
=ANTISCORBU'TIC= (-skor-b[=u]'-). _Syn._ ANTISCORBU'TICUS, L.;
ANTISCORBUTIQUE, Fr.; ANTISCORBUTISCH, GUT WIDER DEN SCHARBOCK, Ger. Good
against scurvy. In _medicine_, an epithet of remedies, agents, &c.
(ANTISCORBU'TICS; ANTISCORBU'TICA, L.), used in scurvy. Lemon-juice, ripe
fruit, milk, the salts of potassa, green vegetables, potatoes, meal-bread,
fresh meat, and raw or lightly boiled eggs, belong to this class.
=ANTISEP'TIC.= _Syn._ ANTISEP'TICUS, L.; ANTISEPTIQUE, Fr.; ANTISEPTISCH,
FÄULNISSWIDRIG, Ger. An epithet of substances, agents, &c. (ANTISEP'TICS;
ANTISEP'TICA, L.), that impede, arrest, or prevent putrefaction. The
principal antiseptics in common use are culinary salt, saltpetre, spices,
sugar, vinegar, carbolic acid, creasote, and alcohol; to which may be
added intense cold, desiccation, and the exclusion of air. Among
ANTISEPTIC MEDICINES, bark, dilute acids, quinine, wine, spirits, camphor,
charcoal, and yeast, take the first rank. See PUTREFACTION, SOLUTIONS
(Antiseptic), &c.
=ANTISPASMOD'IC= (-sp[)a]z-). _Syn._ ANTISPAS'TIC; ANTISPASMOD'ICUS, L.;
ANTISPASMODIQUE, Fr.; KRAMPESTILLEND, Ger. In _medicine_, an epithet of
substances and agents (ANTISPASMOD'ICS; ANTISPASMOD'ICA, L.) which allay
spasms and convulsions. It is frequently incorrectly applied to anodynes
and narcotics, which soothe pain, but do not repress muscular spasm.
Ammonia, assaf[oe]tida, bark, camphor, castor, chalybeates, chloral
hydrate, chloroform, ether, Indian hemp and cannabine, musk, opium,
saffron, and valerian, with many other similar substances, are regarded as
antispasmodics.
=ANTI-SPASMODIC SYRUP=, for hooping-cough (Dessaga, Strasburg). A pleasant
syrup, leaving a slightly sharp taste, containing a little carbonate of
potash, and faintly coloured with rosaniline. (Hager.)
=ANTISUDIN=, a remedy for sweaty feet (Mandowski, Annaberg). Powdered
alum. (Hager.)
=ANTS= ([)a]nts). See ANT, FORMIC ACID, GARDENING, INSECTS, &c.
=AORT'A= [L., Ger.] _Syn._ AORTE, Fr. In _anatomy_, the main trunk of the
arterial system, arising immediately from the left ventricle of the heart,
and giving origin to all the other arteries of the body, except the
pulmonary artery and its ramifications, which permeate the air-vesicles of
the lungs.
=AP'ATITE= (-t[=i]te). In _mineralogy_, native tricalcium phosphate
(phosphate of lime). It is found in Devonshire and Cornwall, and
abundantly in Spain, whence it is imported for use as manure, and recently
particularly for the manufacture of ARTIFICIAL GUANO. Its powder
phosphoresces on burning coals. It differs from phosphorite in not
containing fluorine.
Apatite (phosphate of lime of similar constitution to bone-earth,
Ca_{3}(PO_{4})_{2}) is found in every fertile soil, and of which it is an
essential ingredient.
=APE''RIENT= ([)a]-p[=e]re'-[)e]-[)e]nt; -p[)e]r'-, as marked by Mayne and
Smart, though etym. correct, is less usual). _Syn._ APER'ITIVE (-t[)i]v);
APER'IENS, L.; APÉRITIF, Fr.; ABFÜHREND, ÖFFNEND, Ger. In _medicine_,
opening, laxative, gently purgative; usually applied as an epithet to
substances and agents (APE'RIENTS; APERIEN'TIA, APERITI'VA, L.) which, in
moderate doses, and under ordinary circumstances, gently, but completely,
open the bowels; and in this respect rank between the simple laxatives on
the one hand, and the stronger purgatives and cathartics on the other.
Among these may be named as examples--Aloes (when combined with soap or
aromatics), Castile soap, castor oil, compound extract of colocynth (in
small doses), compound rhubarb pill, confection of senna, cream of tartar,
Epsom salts, Glauber's salt, phosphate of soda (tasteless purging salt),
pil. rufi, seidlitz powders, cold-water compress over the abdomen, &c.
Several of these, in larger doses, become active purgatives or cathartics.
See PURGATIVES, also DRAUGHTS, MIXTURES, PILLS, &c.
=A'PIOL= (-pe-[=o]le; or -[)o]l). _Prep._ The soft alcoholic extract of
parsley-seed is either digested or agitated for some time with ether;
after sufficient repose in a cool place, the ethereal solution is
decanted, and the ether removed by distillation; the residuum is purified
by solution in rectified spirit, and agitation first with a little
litharge, and next with animal charcoal; after which the spirit is removed
by distillation from the filtered solution.
_Prop., &c._ A yellow, oily, non-volatile liquid, having a peculiar smell,
and a highly disagreeable taste; soluble in alcohol, ether, and
chloroform; insoluble in water; and coloured red by strong sulphuric acid.
Sp. gr. 1·078. In small doses it excites the pulse and nervous system; and
in larger ones it causes headache, giddiness, vertigo, &c. It is said to
be powerfully febrifuge, and has been highly extolled by MM. Joret and
Homalle as a substitute for quinine in intermittents.[74] It has also been
found useful in intermittent neuralgias and the nocturnal sweats of
phthisis. _Dose_, 5 to 15 drops, in capsules.
[Footnote 74: According to Drs G. O. Rees and A. S. Taylor, 66 out of 116
cases were cured by it in their practice; but according to the French
Commission, the cures are only 42%, and in many of these only temporary.]
=A'PIS.= [L.] The bee. In _entomology_, a genus of hymenopterous insects
of the family _anthoph'ila_ or _mellif'era_, section _apia''riæ_.
(Latreille.) The mouth has two jaws, and a proboscis infolded in a double
sheath; the wings are four; the two foremost covering the hinder ones when
at rest. The sexes are three--prolific females or queens, unprolific
females or workers commonly (termed neuters), and males or drones. The
females and working bees have a sting. The honey or hive bee is
distinguished from the other species of this genus by having the femora of
the posterior pair of legs furnished with a smooth and concave plate on
the outer side, and fringed with hair, forming a basket or pocket for the
reception and conveyance of the pollen of plants; and also in being
destitute of spines at the extremity. The Linnæan genus includes nearly 60
species. See BEE.
=Apis Mellif'ica.= [Linn.] The honey bee.
=APLANAT'IC.= In _optics_, applied as an epithet to lenses, of which the
figure, as well as the materials of which they are composed, are such
that, with a given index of refraction, the amount of aberration, both
chromatic and spherical, is insignificant, or the least that can be
possibly obtained. See ABERRATION, ACHROMATISM, LENS, &c.
=APLOTAXIS AURICULATA.= Nat. ord., COMPOSITÆ. A plant growing in the North
Western Himalayas. It was first shown by the late Dr Hugh Falconer to be
the source of the _Costus Arabicus_ of the ancients, which Dr Royle had
previously identified with the _Patchuck_ or _Koot_ root met with in the
Indian bazaars. Dr Irvine states that formerly, when opium was not
produced in Rajwarra, this root was extensively smoked as a stimulant. He
adds, that it is said to be a narcotic when thus used, and that formerly
great quantities went to China for smoking purposes. It is chiefly used as
a perfume, as for protection of bales of cloth against insects.
=APO-.= [Gr.] In _composition_, from; denoting derivation, separation,
opposition, or departure. It is a common prefix in words from the Greek,
and is etymologically the same as the latin _ab-_.
=APOC'NYINE= (-p[)o]s'-e-n[)i]n). _Syn._ APOCYNI'NA, L. A bitter,
crystallisable substance, found in _ap[)o]''cynum cannabi'num_ (Linn.), or
the Indian hemp of North America. See ALKALOID.
=APOMORPHINE.= _Syn._ APOMORPHIA. C_{17}H_{17}NO_{2}. A remarkable base,
obtained from morphia by Matthiessen and Wright. It is possessed of
powerful emetic properties. Introduce into a strong glass tube, closed at
one end, 1 part of pure morphia, and 20 parts of pure hydrochloric acid;
these should not occupy more than one fifteenth of the tube. Seal the open
end, and place the glass tube in another of cast iron, closed with a
screw, and heat the whole in an oil-bath at a temperature between 140° and
150° C., during three hours. After cooling, the morphine has been
converted into apomorphine, which can be purified as follows:
The tube is opened, and the liquid it contains diluted with water and
neutralised by bicarbonate of soda; then an excess of this salt being
added, the apomorphine is precipitated with any morphia that may remain.
The liquid is decanted, and the precipitate is exhausted with ether or
chloroform, which dissolves the apomorphine only. To the ethereal or
chloroformic liquor are afterwards added a few drops of hydrochloric acid
to saturate the base. Crystallised apomorphine then separates
spontaneously, and is deposited on the sides of the vessel. These crystals
are washed rapidly with cold water, and purified by crystallisation from
boiling water. The apomorphine can be obtained by precipitating a
concentrated solution of this hydrochlorate by bicarbonate of soda; the
precipitate is white, but turns green rapidly in the air. It should be
washed with a little cold water, and promptly dried to avoid this
alteration.
=AP'OPLEXY= (-pl[)e]ks-e). _Syn._ APOPLEX'IA, APOPLEX'IS, L. (from [Greek:
apo-plêssô], I astound, or strike down, Gr.); APOPLEXIE, Fr.; SCHLAGFLUSS,
Ger. A disease so named on account of the suddenness and violence of its
attacks.
_Symp._ Sudden suspension or loss of the powers of sense and motion; the
heart continuing to beat and the lungs to act, but generally with
difficulty. During the fit the patient usually lies in a state resembling
sleep, or the stupor induced by drunkenness. In some cases there is
paralysis of one side of the body, and convulsions of the other. In the
sanguineous or sthenic variety, or the one which is most common, the pulse
is hard and full, the countenance flushed and bloated, and the breathing
stertorous; in the serous or asthenic variety, the pulse is feeble, the
skin cold, and the countenance pale. "The presence of convulsions is
indicative of great danger." (Dr Cheyne.) In both cases the patient is
generally found lying on his back, in a state of complete insensibility,
which defies every effort to arouse him; the eyelids almost cover the
eyes, which are fixed and devoid of intelligence, whilst the pupils
scarcely change their dimensions under the varying influence of light and
darkness; the lips are usually purple or very dark; and both the lips and
nostrils have generally a slight trembling movement communicated to them
by the deep and laborious breathing of the patient.
_Treat._ In this disease, more than perhaps any other, medical aid should
be immediately sought. In the mean time the patient should be placed in an
easy posture, in a well-ventilated apartment, and in the sanguineous or
sthenic variety, in as erect a position as possible; but in the asthenic
variety, when the face is pale, with the head and shoulders only
moderately elevated. The neckcloth should be removed, and the clothes
loosened, and the head and neck laid bare. Crowding round the patient
should be particularly avoided, and a free exposure to fresh air secured
in every possible way. When medical aid cannot be immediately procured,
blood should be freely taken (say 15 to 20 fl. oz., or more) from the arm,
by any person competent to do so; unless the face be pale, and the pulse
feeble, when cupping at the back of the neck, or leeches behind the ears,
should be substituted for ordinary bleeding. Cold water should be dashed
on the head, the legs placed in pretty warm water, and blisters or mustard
poultices applied between the shoulders. In the mean time 8 or 10 gr. of
calomel may be administered, and its action subsequently promoted by the
use of saline purgatives and stimulating clysters. When there is a
difficulty of swallowing, a couple of drops of croton oil may be applied
to the tongue; or it may be poured on sugar, before placing it in the
mouth. Indeed, this mode of relieving the bowels should be adopted in all
extreme cases, as soon as possible. Emetics should be carefully avoided.
The only exception to this rule is, when the stomach is distended by a
heavy undigested meal; when an emetic is hazarded as the less of two
evils. Nasal stimulants, as smelling salts or aromatic vinegar, should
also be avoided. If the bleeding has not afforded some relief, it may be
repeated in from 3 to 5 hours. When these means prove successful, the
remainder of the treatment may consist in the administration of mild
purgatives and diaphoretics, and the avoidance of stimulating food or
drinks, and of other like exciting agents.
_Prev., &c._ The premonitory symptoms of apoplexy are giddiness, pain and
swimming in the head, loss of memory, faltering in speech or using one
word for another, diminished sensibility either of body or mind, or both,
drowsiness, noises in the ears, specks floating before the eyes,
nightmare, frightful dreams, laborious respiration, heavy yet unrefreshing
sleep, an inclination to sigh without any moral cause, cramp in the legs
at night when there is no irritation of the bowels to account for them,
&c. &c. When any of these symptoms occur (especially in "free livers")
aperient medicines and a light diet should be at once had recourse to, and
wine, beer, and spirits avoided as the most dangerous poisons. If the
symptoms increase or continue, active purgation, a still lower diet, and
even bleeding may be had recourse to. Pure air, early rising, regular
habits, gentle muscular exercise, and loose, easy clothing, are powerful
preventives of apoplexy. By attending to the admonitions of nature, and
adopting the simple means which are within the reach of all, it is
indisputable that many fatal cases of apoplexy might have been avoided,
and a still larger number lessened in severity.
Robust, plethoric persons, with short thick necks, are universally
accounted the most liable to apoplexy. In them the fit generally comes on
without warning; and when once attacked with this malady they are
especially liable to its recurrence. But it must be recollected that the
possessor of no particular constitution or temperaments, to whatever class
it may belong, enjoys immunity from the attacks of apoplexy--a disease
more fatal among Englishmen than the natives of other countries.
_Obs._ A loss of consciousness exists alike in apoplexy, epilepsy,
narcotism from opium and opiates, complete intoxication, and common
fainting. These may be distinguished by observing that--in EPILEPSY there
are almost always convulsions, and more or less rigidity of the limbs,
with (generally) foaming at the mouth and gnashing or grinding of the
teeth, and frequently, the utterance of noises often not unlike the
barking of a dog; whilst stertor and laborious breathing, as a rule, are
absent:--in the stupor produced by OPIUM, MORPHIA, &c., the face is pale,
calm, and perspiring, and the respiration is tranquil and without stertor;
whilst the patient can, in almost all cases, be temporarily aroused to
consciousness and kept awake by being made to walk between two attendants;
the odour of opium or laudanum is also frequently perceptible in the
breath or ejected matter:--in the insensibility of INTOXICATION the pulse
is usually feeble, and the patient may be temporarily roused by violent
shouting in the ear, or by the application of nasal stimulants,
particularly the common smelling-bottle (if strong); and the breath, and
ejected matter (if any), smells of liquor:--in ordinary FAINTING the face
and lips are pale, the breathing quiet, the pulse scarcely perceptible,
the limbs mobile, and the fit lasts only a few minutes.
_Treatment for Horses._ Give in the first place a strong stimulant
internally, and apply mustard embrocations to the belly and spine. Bleed,
should the pulse be small and indistinct.--_In the parturient apoplexy of
cows._ Bleed in the very earliest stage; give salts and croton; diluents;
no solid food; let the body and legs be rubbed and clothed; use catheter;
apply ice and refrigerants to head and neck; give frequent clysters of
linseed gruel; remove milk every hour, and apply rubefacients to the
spine.
=APOSEP'EDIN= (-d[)i]n). A substance found in putrid cheese, and supposed
to be a product of the fermentation of caseine. Mulder and others have
shown that it is merely impure leucine.
=AP'OSTEME=[dagger] (-t[=e]me or -t[)e]m). _Syn._ AP'OSTEM[dagger];
APOSTE'MA[dagger], L. An abscess or collection of purulent matter in any
part of the body.
=APPARA'TUS.= [L., Eng.; class. pl., appara'tus; Eng. pl.,
appara'tuses--Webster.] _Syn._ APPAREIL, Fr.; APPARAT, GERÄTHSCHAFT, Ger.
In technical language, the instruments, utensils, and mechanical
arrangements, employed in any operation, experiment, or observation, or in
any art or trade.
=Apparatus.= In _anatomy_ and _physiology_, a catenation of organs all
ministering to one general purpose or function; as the digestive
apparatus, respiratory a., &c.
=APP'ETITE.= _Syn._ APPETI'TUS, L.; APÉTIT, Fr.; APETIT, BEGIERDE,
ESSLUST, Ger. The natural desire of gratification, whether corporeal or
mental. In _physiology_, the instinctive inclination to perform certain
natural functions, as those of digestion and generation; but appr., the
natural desire for food. In _psychology_ and _philosophy_, the APPETITES
(pl.) are affections of the mind directed to general objects, as fame,
glory, or riches; these when subsequently turned to particular objects,
constitute the PASSIONS, as envy, gratitude, revenge, or love. In its
common and unqualified sense, the word appetite is confined to the desire
for food; and in that sense chiefly concerns us here.
The sensations of hunger and thirst are seated in the stomach, and their
recurrence at proper intervals is a necessary consequence of vital action,
and is essential to the existence of the body in a state of vigour and
health. Any alteration from their normal condition indicates diseased
action of the stomach, or of the nervous system or circulation; or it may
result from vicious habits. A healthy appetite for food is usually a most
certain indication that nature requires a supply; but in the indulgence of
this appetite certain regulations should be observed, and a boundary
should be put to mere animal gratification. By slowly eating and
thoroughly masticating the food, the stomach becomes gradually and equally
distended, and the individual feels himself satisfied only after he has
taken a quantity sufficient for the nourishment of his body; but, on the
contrary, if the food be swallowed rapidly, and without proper
mastication, it presses heavily and roughly against the sides of the
stomach, and induces a sensation of fulness before a sufficient meal has
been made. The consequences are, that hunger soon returns, and the party
must either have recourse to food between the usual time of meals, or
suffer the consequences of imperfect nutrition. Exercise and labour,
within certain limits, promote the healthy functions of the stomach and
bowels, through the action of the muscles of the abdomen increasing the
peristaltic motion of these viscera. An inordinate appetite in persons
leading a sedentary life is generally indicative of the food passing off
imperfectly digested, or of the coats of the stomach being relaxed, or
even diseased. More food is required in winter than in summer, in
consequence of the greater radiation of the heat of the body; and hence
the increased appetite which is usually an accompaniment of that season.
In persons who lead a more sedentary life in winter than in summer, either
no change of this kind occurs, or the reverse is the case; the want of
exercise producing a diminution of appetite corresponding to the increase
of it that would otherwise result from the seasonal change of atmospheric
temperature, or even greater. Deviations of the appetite from the healthy
standard, or the normal condition, constitutes DEFECTIVE or DISEASED
APPETITE.
Deficiency or loss of appetite (AN'OREXY; ANOREX'IA, L.) generally arises
from disordered stomach; but is also frequently symptomatic of other
affections, particularly dyspepsia, biliousness, feverishness, and organic
diseases of the lungs, stomach, and primæ viæ. It is a common consequence
of sedentary life, and of extreme mental anxiety, excitement, or
exhaustion. The _treatment_ will necessarily vary with the cause. In
simple spontaneous cases the appetite may generally be improved by outdoor
exercise, and the occasional use of mild aperients, especially salines and
aloetics. When the affection arises from the stomach being loaded with
bile and crudities, an emetic in the evening, followed by a stomachic
purgative the next morning, with an occasional aperient afterwards, will
seldom fail to effect a cure. With heavy drinkers a gradual reduction of
the quantity of the strong liquors usually consumed is generally followed
by a restoration of the appetite and digestive powers. The change thus
gradually effected in the course of 8 or 10 days is often almost magical.
The excessive use of liquors--especially of spirits, wine, or beer, or
even of warm weak ones, as tea, coffee, soup, &c.--is always prejudicial.
Hence drunkards are particularly subject to defective appetite; and
teetotallers and water-drinkers to a heartiness often almost approaching
voracity. See BILE, DYSPEPSIA, &c.
Depraved appetite (PI'CA, L.), or a desire for unnatural food, as chalk,
cinders, dirt, soap, tallow, &c., when an idiopathic affection or when
depending on vicious tastes or habits (as is often the case in childhood),
it may be treated by admixing very small doses of tartar emetic or
ipecacuanha with the objectionable food or articles. When symptomatic of
pregnancy, a plentiful and nutritious diet, including the red meats, with
a little good malt liquor or wine, may be adopted with advantage. When
symptomatic of chlorosis, to this diet may be added the use of chalybeate
tonics, and sea or tepid bathing; when of dyspepsia, a light diet, bitter
tonics, free exercise, fresh air, and cold bathing, will generally effect
a cure.
Insatiable appetite (CANINE APPETITE, VORACITY; BULIM'IA, L.) is generally
symptomatic of pregnancy, or worms, or diseases of the stomach or the
viscera immediately connected with it; but sometimes exists as a separate
disease, and is even said to be occasionally hereditary. When it occurs in
childhood, worms may be suspected, and vermifuges administered. In adults,
a common cause is imperfect digestion, arising from stomach complaints or
gluttony, when the languor and gnawing pains of disease are mistaken for
hunger. In this case the diet should be regulated and the bowels kept
gently relaxed with mild aperients, and tonics (as bark and steel), or
bitters (as orange-peel and gentian), may be administered. When pregnancy
or vicious habits are the cause, the treatment indicated under DEPRAVED
APPETITE may be adopted. When the affection is occasioned by acidity in
the stomach, an emetic, followed by the moderate use of absorbents or
antacids, will generally effect a cure. In those cases depending on a
highly increased power of the stomach in effecting rapid and complete
digestion, its contractile force and morbid activity may be often allayed
by the copious use of salad oil, fat meat, &c., by the cautious use of
opiates, or by the use, or freer use, of tobacco (either smoked or chewed,
or both). A cathartic daily, with a dose of blue-pill, or mercurial
powder, every second or third day, is also often advantageous. 25 or 30
drops of solution of potassa, in broth, twice or thrice daily, has also
been recommended. See BILE, DYSPEPSIA, WORMS, &c.
=APP'LE= ([)a]p'l). _Syn._ MA'LUM, PO'MUM, L.; POMME, Fr.; APFEL, Ger.;
APPEL, Dut.; APLE, Swed. This well-known fruit is the product of the
cultivated varieties of _pyrus malus_ (Linn.), or the crab-apple of our
hedges; a tree of the nat. ord. Rosaceæ. The date of its amelioration from
the wild state is probably very remote, as several kinds are noticed by
Pliny in a manner that would lead to the inference of a high antiquity.
Pippins, or 'seedling improved apples,' are said to have been introduced
into this country from the South of Europe towards the end of the 16th
century. Don enumerated 1400 varieties of the cultivated apple; there are
now probably above 1650. Rennet apples (POMA RENETTIA) are those ordered
in the P. Cod. to be used in pharmacy. In _botany_ and _composition_, the
term apple (POMUM) is used to designate any large, round, fleshy fruit,
consisting of a 'pericarp,' enclosing a tough 'capsule' containing several
seeds; as love-apple, pine-apple, &c.
The wood of the apple-tree is much used in turnery; that of the crab-tree
is generally preferred by mill-wrights for the teeth of mortise-wheels.
The expressed juice of 1 _cwt._ of ripe apples, after the free acid has
been saturated with chalk, yields from 11 to 13 _lbs._ of a very sweet,
but uncrystallisable sugar.
Apples have been analysed by Fresenius, and were found to have the
following composition:--
SOLUBLE MATTER--
Sugar 7·58
Free acid (reduced to equivalent
in malic acid) 1·04
Albuminous substance 0·22
Pectous substances, &c. 2·72
Ash 0·44
INSOLUBLE MATTER--
Seeds 0·38
Skins 1·44
Pectose 1·14
[Ash from insoluble matter included
in weights given] [0·13]
Water 85·04
----------
100·00
=Love'-apple=[double-dagger]. The tomato.
=Mad'-apple=[double-dagger]. The larger Mecca or Bussorah gall. They are
also called DEAD-SEA APPLES, A. OF SODOM, &c. See GALLS.
=Acid of Apples.= Malic acid.
=A'PRICOT.= _Syn._ A'PRICOCK[dagger]; ARMENI'ACUM MA'LUM, PRÆCO'TIUM, L.;
ABRICOT, Fr.; APRIKOSE, Ger. The fruit of _armeniaca vulgaris_ (Lamb.;
_prunus armeniaca_, Linn.), a rosaceous tree indigenous in Armenia,
Cachmere, &c., and now cultivated in every temperate region of the world.
Under the name of _præcox_ it was known in Italy in the time of
Dioscorides; but it was not introduced into England until the reign of
Henry VIII (A.D. 1540). Its cultivation has since been zealously attended
to by our gardeners, and it is now one of the choicest and most esteemed
of our wall-fruits, and is particularly valued for desserts. It is reputed
to be nutritious, easy of digestion, laxative, and stomachic. The seeds
are bitter and saponaceous.
Apricots are principally eaten as gathered; but are also dried, candied,
and made into jam. In _confectionery_, the Brussels and Breda varieties
are preferred to the larger and sweeter kinds. See FRUIT, PRESERVES, &c.
=Apricots, Briançon'.= The fruit of _armeniaca brigantiaca_ (Pers.).
Acidulous; seeds or kernels, by expression, yield HUILE DE MARMOTE.
=A'QUA= (-kw[)a]). [L.] Water.--AQUA DESTILLA'TA or A. DISTILLA'TA, is
distilled water; A. FLUVIA'LIS or A. EX FLU'MINE (-[)i]n-e), river-water;
A. FONTA'NA, spring-water; A. MARI'NA or A. MA''RIS, sea-water; A.
MINERA'LIS, mineral water; A. NIVA'LIS or A. EX NI'VE, snow-water; A.
PLUVIA'LIS, A. PLU''VIA, or A. IM'BRIUM, rain-water, soft water; A.
PUTEA'NA or A. EX PU'TEO, well, pump, or hard water.
=Aqua.= In _chemistry_ and _pharmacy_, this word was formerly applied to
numerous preparations and articles now included under other heads. See
EAU, ESPRITS, HAIR-DYES, LIQUORS, SOLUTIONS, WATERS, &c.
=Aquafor'tis.= [L.] Literally, 'strong water,' the name given by the
alchemists to the acid obtained by distilling a mixture of nitre and
sulphate of iron. The word is still commonly employed by mechanics and
artists to designate the impure fuming nitric acid of commerce, and is
thus also retained in trade. By these parties concentrated nitric acid is
called 'spirit of nitre.' 'Double aquafortis' merely differs from the
other in strength. See NITRIC ACID.
=Aqua Amarella.= A compound for hair-dyeing; is prepared with sugar of
lead, common salt, and water.
=Aqua Græ'ca, A. Orienta'lis.= See HAIR-DYES.
=Aqua Mari'na.= [L.] The beryl[dagger].
=Aqua Mirab'ilis=[dagger]. [L.] Literally, 'wonderful water,' a cordial
and carminative spirit distilled from aromatics, and formerly reputed to
possess many virtues.
=Aqua Re'gia.= [L.] Nitrohydrochloric acid, originally so called, by the
alchemists, from its power of dissolving gold.
=Aqua Toffa'nia.= [L.] See ACQUETTA.
=Aqua Vi'tæ=[dagger]. [L.] Literally, 'water of life,' a name familiarly
applied to the leading native distilled spirit. Thus, it is whiskey in
Scotland, usquebaugh in Ireland, geneva in Holland, and eau de vie or
brandy in France. When the term is employed in England, French brandy is
understood to be referred to. See ALCOHOL, &c.
=Aqua Vitæ Aromatico-Amara.= (F. Bolle, formerly J. B. Claude, Berlin).
Galangal ginger, [=a][=a], 2 parts; orange berries, European centaury,
gentian, cinnamon, angelica, [=a][=a], 1 part; alcohol, 30 parts; water,
26 parts. Digest and filter. (Hager.)
=AQUARIUM.= A tank or vessel made of glass, containing either salt or
fresh water, and in which either marine or fresh-water plants and animals
are kept in a living state. In principle, the aquarium depends upon the
interdependence of animal and vegetable life. The carbonic acid evolved by
the animals is decomposed under the influence of solar light by the
plants, and the oxygen necessary for the maintenance of the life of the
animals is thus eliminated, whilst the carbonic acid essential to the
existence of the plants is supplied by the animals. The aquarium,
therefore, must be stocked both with plants and animals, and for the
welfare of both, something like a proper proportion should exist between
them. But even under these conditions the water should be frequently
aërated, whether the aquarium contains fresh or salt-water. This may be
done by simply blowing through a glass tube which reaches to near the
bottom, or, still better, in the following manner:--Take a glass syringe
which can be easily worked. Having filled it with water, hold it with the
nozzle about two inches from the surface of the water in the aquarium,
into which the contents are to be discharged quickly and with a sort of
jerk. By this means a multitude of small bubbles are forced down into the
fluid. This operation should be several times repeated. A simpler method
is to take out a portion of the water from the aquarium and to pour it
back again from a height. When, as not infrequently happens, the aquarium
is provided with a fountain, this of course ensures a continual change of
water; but even where this is the case the joint presence both of plants
and animals is advantageous to the health of both. When sea-water cannot
be procured for the marine aquarium a substitute for it may be made as
follows:--Mix with 970,000 grains of rain-water 27,000 grains of chloride
of sodium, 3600 of chloride of magnesium, 750 of chloride of potassium, 29
of bromide of magnesium, 2300 of sulphate of magnesia, 1400 of sulphate of
lime, 35 of carbonate of lime, and 5 of iodide of sodium. These all being
finely powdered and mixed first, are to be stirred into the water, from
which a stream of air may be caused to pass from the bottom until the
whole is dissolved. On no account is the water to be boiled, or even to be
heated. Into this water, when clear, the rocks and seaweed may be
introduced. As soon as the latter are in a flourishing state the animals
may follow. Care must be taken not to have too many of these, and to
remove immediately any dead ones. The loss that takes place from
evaporation is to be made up by adding clear rain-water. The presence of a
number of molluscous animals, such as the common periwinkle, is necessary
for the consumption of the vegetable matter continually given off by the
growing plants, and of the multitudinous spores, particularly of the
confervæ, which would otherwise soon fill the water, rendering it greenish
or brownish, and turbid. In a fresh-water aquarium the bottom should be
covered with a layer of fine sand and shingle, and in this the weeds
should be planted. The best for this purpose are _valesneria spiralis_,
_anacharis_, and _chara vulgaris_. A few water-snails should also be put
in; the best are _planorbis_, _paludina_, and _amphibia glutinosa_. One
plant and two or three snails should be used for each gallon of water put
into the aquarium.
=AQUATINT'A.= [L., Fr.] _Syn._ A'QUATINT, Eng.; ACQUATINTA, It. A species
of etching on copper, producing an effect resembling a drawing in Indian
ink.
=A'QUEOUS= (-kwe-). _Syn._ AQUOSE'*; A'QUEUS, AQUO'SUS, L.; AQUEUX, Fr.;
_Wässerig_, _Wässerhaltig_, Ger. Watery; made with, containing, or
resembling water. In _chemistry_ and _pharmacy_, applied to solutions,
extracts, &c., prepared with water.
=AR'ABESQUE= (-b[)e]sk). [Fr.] In the Arabian manner; more particularly
applied to a species of capricious, fantastic, and imaginative
ornamentation, consisting of foliage, stalks, plants, &c., to the entire
exclusion of the figures of animals. The designs of this class, now so
much employed in cloth and leather binding, are produced by the pressure
of hot plates or rollers having the pattern engraved on them. See
MORESQUE.
=AR'ABIN= (-b[)i]n). C_{12}H_{22}O_{11}. [Eng., Fr.] _Syn._ SOLUBLE GUM;
ARABI'NA, L. The pure soluble principle of gum acacia.
_Prep._ Dissolve white gum arabic in pure water, filter the solution, and
add alcohol as long as it produces curdiness; collect the precipitate, and
dry it by a gentle heat.
_Prop. &c._ Very soluble in water; basic acetate of lead, alcohol, and
ether, precipitate it from its solutions. It is isomeric with crystallised
cane sugar. It possesses no practical superiority over the best gum
arabic, except its paler colour.
=AR'ABLE= ([)a]bl). _Syn._ ARAB'ILIS, L.; ARABILE, LABOURABLE, Fr.;
PFLÜGBAR, Ger. In _agriculture_, fit for or under tillage or aëration;
ploughed.
=Arable Land.= In _agriculture_, land which is chiefly or wholly
cultivated by the plough, as distinguished from grass-land, wood-land,
common pasture, and waste. See LAND, SOILS, &c.
=ARACHIS HYPOGÆA.= _Syn._ GROUND NUT PLANT. _Hab._ Cultivated throughout
the tropics of the Old and New World. _Officinal part._ The oil of the
seeds (Oleum Arachis, Ground Nut Oil). Obtained by expression. Limpid,
clear, light yellow, almost inodorous, or with a faint smell and bland
taste. Sp. gr. 0·916.--_Prop. and Uses._ This oil affords a cheap and
excellent substitute for olive oil for pharmaceutical and other purposes.
The following notice, by the Editor of this work, appeared in 'The
Veterinarian' for October, 1876:--
"Having in the course of my analytical practice had occasion to examine
some samples of Marseilles earth-nut cake, I take the opportunity of
communicating the results obtained, in the hope of furnishing interesting
information respecting a material which is chiefly employed in the
sophistication of the more expensive feeding cakes, but which I think
might in some instances be with advantage substituted for them.
"Arachis seeds constitute one of the varieties of food termed pulse, and
the oil which exists in them to the extent of from 40 to 50 per cent., is
rapidly being introduced in the making of soap in this and other
countries. It is an article also of the Indian Pharmacop[oe]ia.
"By pressure the seeds yield all but about 7 per cent. of their oil, and
the material which remains after the expression of the greater part of the
oil is sent into commerce as earth-nut or ground-nut cake.
"Sometimes the husks of the seeds are first removed and only the kernels
subjected to pressure for the sake of the oil; the cake so produced is
called 'decorticated earth-nut cake,' at other times the entire seeds are
subjected to this treatment, and then the resulting cake is known as
'undecorticated earth-nut cake.'
"The following table shows the composition in 100 parts of both
descriptions of cake, as well as that of linseed cake of first-rate
quality; the last analysis being added for the sake of comparison:--
_Table showing the Centesimal Composition of
Decorticated and Undecorticated Earth-nut Cake and
Linseed Cake._
Decorticated Undecorticated Linseed
Earth-nut Cake. Earth-nut Cake. Cake.
Moisture 9·58 9·28 11·72
Fat and heat producers
Oil 7·40 6·99 12·00
Starch digestible fibre, &c. 27·63 23·66 25·29
Flesh-formers (albumenoids) 42·81[75] 32·81[76] 32·64
Indigestible fibre 7·87 23·80 11·79
Ash 4·71 3·45 6·47
------ ------ ------
100·00 100·00 100·00
[Footnote 75: Containing 6·85 of nitrogen.]
[Footnote 76: Containing 5·25 of nitrogen.]
"From the foregoing analyses it will be seen that both descriptions of
earth nut are exceedingly rich in flesh-formers, and that they contain a
moderately large amount of oil. They also possess a sweet agreeable
flavour, and are, I believe, very digestible. As these may, I am informed,
be bought at from £6 to £8 per ton, it is evident that farmers would do
well to give earth-nut cakes a trial in the feeding of their stock.
"Pure linseed cake does not contain starch, but in its stead mucilage. The
feeding qualities of starch and mucilage are, however, very similar."
=ARAROBA.= _Syn._ ARAROBA POWDER. BAHIA POWDER. GOA POWDER. The pith or
medulla of the stem and branches of a leguminous tree (a species of
_Centrolobium_) growing in Brazil. It is in extensive use amongst the
natives of India, who employ it in affections of the skin. It has been
applied with success in shingles and ring-worm, in the form of ointment
made as follows:--
Araroba in powder 20 grains.
Acetic acid 10 drops.
Benzoated lard 1 ounce.
Dr Attfield found the powder to contain from 80 to 84 per cent. of
chrysophanic acid, to which substance its remedial powers are doubtless
due. It is now the chief source of this acid.
=ARA'TION*.= In _agriculture_, ploughing; culture by ploughing; tillage.
Lands in a state of aration' are those under tillage.
=AR'BOR.= [L.] A tree. The seventh family of vegetables in Linnæus's
system. In _anatomy_ and _chemistry_, a term formerly applied to membranes
and substances having some real or fancied resemblance to a tree or
vegetation. An ar'boret is a little tree; an arborist, or
ar'bor[=a]tor[dagger], is one who studies or cultivates trees.
=ARBUTIN.= C_{12}H_{16}O_{7}. A substance obtained by KAWALIER from the
leaves of the red bearberry _Arctostophylos uva ursi_, and by ZWENGER and
HIMMELMANN from the leaves of a species of winter-green, _Pyrola
Umbellata_. It is prepared by precipitating the aqueous decoction of the
leaves of either of these plants, with basic acetate of lead, filtering,
removing the excess of lead with sulphuretted hydrogen, and either
treating the filtrate with animal charcoal and leaving it to crystallise
or evaporating and digesting the residue with a mixture of eight parts of
ether and one part of alcohol, which dissolves out the arbutin, and
deposits it on evaporation in the crystalline state.