6. Copaiba, 7 lbs.; nut oil, 3 lbs.; yellow resin, 2 lbs.; Canada balsam,
1 lb. Used to fill the cheap capsules; and to sell in the lower parts of
London and in the manufacturing districts. See also COPAIBA, FACTITIOUS
(_below_).
=Copaiba, Facti''tious.= _Syn._ COBAI'BA FACTI''TIA, BAL'SAMUM COPAI'BÆ
FACTI''TIUM, L. _Prep._ 1. Castor oil (warm), 7 quarts; copaiba bottoms, 1
quart; mix, and filter through flannel.
2. Castor, oil, 1 gal.; yellow resin, 3 lbs.; Canada balsam, 2 lbs.; oil
of juniper, 2 oz.; oil of savin, 1 oz.; essences of orange and lemon, of
each 1/2 oz.; powdered benzoin, 1 oz.; melt the resin with the castor oil
and benzoin, and when nearly cold add the essences.
3. Canada balsam, 9 lbs.; castor oil, 7 lbs.; yellow resin, 1 lb.; Venice
turpentine, 2 lbs.; oils of rosemary, juniper, and savin, of each 1 dr.;
essential oil of almonds, 20 drops.
4. Canada balsam, 3 lb.; Venice turpentine, 1 lb.; oils of fennel,
juniper, and savin, of each q. s.
Used chiefly to fill capsules. It is readily distinguished from balsam of
copaiba by the proper tests. (See _above_.) Train oil or nut oil is
frequently substituted for the castor oil.
=Copaiba and Ka'li.= _Syn._ COPAIBA CUM POTASSÂ, L. _Prep._ Carbonate of
potassa and water, of each, equal parts; dissolve, and add gradually,
transparent balsam of copaiba, until the fluid, at first milky, turns
quite clear. Resembles miscible copaiba (see _below_).
=Copaiba, Miscible.= _Prep._ From balsam of copaiba (pure and
transparent), mixed with half its volume of solution of potassa made of
double the strength ordered in the B. P.
_Obs._ As different samples of copaiba often require slightly different
quantities of the solution of potassa, it is best to mix the two gradually
and cautiously together. Should the mixture be opaque, a little more of
one or other of the ingredients, as the case may be, will render it clear.
No heat must be used. This article is miscible with water, with which it
forms a kind of milk; and from containing all the volatile oil of the
copaiba, is a very valuable preparation. Its activity is considered equal
to that of the balsam itself, and it is given in similar doses.
=Copaiba, Sol'uble.= _Syn._ COPAI'BA SOLUBIL'IS, L. _Prep._ 1. Heat
miscible copaiba in an earthen, glass, or bright-tinned copper vessel, to
nearly the boiling-point, pour it while still hot in a separator, cover it
up, and allow it to cool very slowly. After a few days, draw off the clear
portion from a cock or hole placed at or near the bottom of the vessel,
observing to reject the first few drops which pass through, and to stop
the stream before any of the floating oil (_oleum copaibæ_) reaches the
orifice. A very little concentrated liquor of potassa, added before
applying the heat, renders it more soluble. Thick, transparent, soluble in
pure water, and resembles the natural balsam in appearance.
2. Balsam of copaiba and solution of potassa (B. P.), equal parts, by
volume; mix, boil for a few minutes, and then proceed as before. Thinner
than the last.
_Prop._ Less powerful than miscible copaiba, but it sits better on the
stomach, and is about four times as strong as specific solution of
copaiba. See SOLUTION.
=Copaiba, Res'in of.= _Syn._ COPAI'BÆ RESI'NA, L. The residuum of the
process of distilling the oil of copaiba from the balsam. It consists
principally of copaibic acid. It has been recommended for gonorrh[oe]a,
but is nearly inert, even in 1/2 oz. or 3/4 oz. doses. See OIL.
=Copaiba, Salt of.= _Syn._ SAL COPAI'BÆ, L. There are two preparations
sold under this name; the one, crude copaibic acid; the other, copaibate
of an alkali. Neither of them possesses the valuable properties of
copaiba, which reside almost entirely in its essential oil, "We have taken
the 'sal copaibæ,' and have watched its action on others, but have not
been able to perceive any good effects to result from its administration."
(Cooley.)
=COPAI'BIC ACID.= _Syn._ CAPIV'IC ACID. YELLOW RESIN OF COPAIBA. An
amber-coloured, brittle, semi-crystalline, resinous substance, obtained
from resin of copaiba, soluble in alcohol, rectified spirit, ether, and
oils, reddens litmus paper, and forms salts with the bases, called
copaibates.
=CO'PAL.= _Syn._ COPAL', GUM COPAL. A resinous substance, which exudes
spontaneously from various trees belonging to the genera _Hymenæa_,
_Guibourtia_, and _Trachylobium_. The varieties commonly met with in
commerce are East Indian copal, or anine, which is the produce of _Hymenæa
Courbaril_, and West Indian copal, obtained from numerous species.
_Prop._ When of good quality it is too hard to be scratched by the nail,
has a conchoidal fracture, and a sp. gr. ranging from 1·059 to 1·072.
Unlike other resins, it is dissolved with difficulty by alcohol and
essential oils; and this property, combined with its extreme hardness,
renders it very valuable for making varnishes. See VARNISH.
=COP'PER.= Cu. _Syn._ CU''PRUM, L.; CUIVRE, Fr.; KUPFER, Ger.
_Sources._ Metallic copper (native copper) is found in many parts of the
globe, diffused in isolated particles in the form of thin laminæ, in loose
grains intermixed with quartz (copper sand, copper barilla), in dendritic
pieces, and in solid blocks, occasionally of many tons weight. The richest
deposits of native copper are those of Lake Superior, in North America.
More frequently and more abundantly it occurs as an ore, _e.g._ red oxide,
black oxide, green carbonate of copper or mal'achite, blue carbonate of
copper, vitreous sulphide of copper, purple copper, copper pyrites, or
yellow copper ore, with sulphur, antimony, or arsenic, and other metals
(true grey copper ore or fah'lerz), as an impure hydrated silicate
(chrys'ocolla), and as an impure hydrated oxychloride (atac'amite). The
most abundant and important ore is copper pyrites. It is principally
obtained from the mines of Cornwall, Devonshire, and Cuba. The carbonates
of copper are now largely imported from Australia; the metal produced by
smelting them is generally of the best quality.
_Prep._ We will not attempt to give a minute description of the various
complex processes by which the reduction of copper from its ores is
effected, but will merely give an outline of the common or Welsh process.
This process includes six distinct operations, as follows:--1. The ore
(copper and iron pyrites), containing from 8 to 10% of copper, is roasted
in a reverberatory furnace, called a 'calciner,' by which much of the
sulphide of iron is converted into oxide. 2. The calcined ore is melted
with 'metal slag' (a product of a subsequent operation--No. 3), in a
melting furnace called the 'ore furnace.' The products are a regulus,
termed 'coarse metal,' containing about 35% of copper, and 'ore-furnace
slag,' which is thrown away. Much of the iron, and the whole of the
so-called earthy matter of the ore, are thus separated as slag. 3. The
coarse metal, having been granulated by causing it to flow from the
furnace into water, is calcined with free access of air in a calciner, and
a considerable amount of sulphur is expelled. 4. The calcined granulated,
coarse metal is melted with the addition of matters rich in oxides of
copper, namely, 'roaster' and 'refinery slags' (from the two remaining
operations, Nos. 5 and 6, respectively), and native carbonates of copper,
or ores containing oxide of copper. The products are a regulus, termed
'metal,' which contains about 75% of copper, and metal slag (see No. 2).
The metal should be in the state of 'white metal,' compact and brittle,
with a feeble metallic lustre and a dark, bluish-grey colour. It is tapped
off into sand moulds. 5. The pigs of regulus obtained by the last
operation are roasted in a furnace through which air passes. The
temperature is so regulated that the regulus may be melted in from 6 to 8
hours. The slag is skimmed off, and after a time the heat is lowered, to
allow the regulus to solidify. It is again melted and tapped into sand
moulds, the product being called 'blister copper.' 6. This, the last
operation, is termed 'refining.' From 6 to 8 tons of blister copper, in
pigs, are melted in a furnace, and kept exposed for about 15 hours to the
oxidising influence of the air. The slag is skimmed off through the end
opening. When the oxidation has been sufficiently prolonged, anthracite or
free-burning coal, as pure as possible, is thrown upon the surface of the
metal, and after a short time the thick end of a long birch or oak pole is
plunged into the molten mass. This part of the operation is termed
'poling.' The wood in contact with the copper is rapidly decomposed; much
gas is evolved, which causes the metal to be splashed about, and every
part of it to be exposed to the reducing action of the coal. When the
refiner finds the metal to be at the state of 'tough pitch,' the pole is
taken out, and the coal pushed back from the end opening, through which
the copper is then ladled out as quickly as possible, and cast into
suitable moulds. For full details of this and other processes, the reader
is referred to Dr Percy's work on 'Metallurgy,' and Ure's 'Dictionary of
Arts, Manufactures, and Mines.'
In the laboratory copper is commonly employed under the following
forms:--
1. BEAN-SHOT COPPER. Produced by simply lading the melted copper from the
refining furnace into hot water. In small lumps like peas and beans; hence
its name. Used to make alloys, solutions, &c.
2. ELECTROTYPE COPPER. A very pure form, obtained by decomposing sulphate
of copper in an electrotype apparatus. It does not contain lead, whereas
most varieties of commercial copper do contain that metal.
3. FEATHER-SHOT COPPER, GRANULATED C. Produced by lading the refined
copper from the furnace into cold water. In small pieces, with a feathered
edge. Used to make calamine, brass, solution of copper, &c.
4. COPPER IN PLATES OR FOIL. Those of commerce (best, annealed) are
generally employed.
5. COPPER IN POWDER.--_a._ A solution of sulphate of copper is heated to
the boiling-point, and precipitated with distilled zinc; the precipitated
copper is then separated from the adherent zinc by dilute sulphuric acid,
washed with water, and dried by exposure to a moderate temperature.
6. COPPER PREPARED BY THE HYDROMETALLURGICAL METHOD.--One of the oldest
processes of this kind, is that known as the 'cementation' method, and
consists in precipitating copper from a solution of the sulphate of the
metal, by means of metallic iron. In some mines solutions of the sulphate
are met with occurring naturally, in others they are prepared artificially
by treating poor ores containing oxide of copper, with sulphurous acid or
diluted sulphuric acid, and sometimes by roasting copper pyrites and
afterwards washing them with water to extract the resulting sulphate. The
copper obtained by any of the above processes is called 'cementation
copper.' In the Isle of Anglesea the cementation liquid containing the
dissolved sulphate of copper, is first run into large vessels where the
suspended matters are allowed to subside; from these it is conveyed to
tanks containing old scrap-iron, which serves as the precipitating agent.
The scrap-iron is occasionally stirred up so as to renew the metallic
surface presented to the solution. The muddy liquor which contains
metallic copper as a spongy mass, besides impurities, is run into vessels
where it deposits the copper, which after the removal of the supernatant
fluid, is removed and dried in a furnace.
7. WET PROCESS. (Henderson's process.) The ores (Spanish and Portuguese
pyrites) treated by this method vary very slightly in composition, rarely
containing much more than 3 per cent. of copper, nearly 50 per cent. of
sulphur, from 43 to 44 per cent. of iron, with small quantities of lead,
arsenic, zinc, lime, &c. The ores are first employed by the vitriol
manufacturers, as a source of sulphuric acid. In the process of burning
they lose about 30 per cent. of their sulphur. The copper is extracted
from the residue by subjecting this latter to the following processes,
which are thus described in the 'Encyclopædia Brittanica.'
I. _Grinding._ The burnt ore, as received from the acid burners, is first
mixed with about 15 per cent. of common salt, and ground to a fine powder
by passing it between a pair of heavy cast-iron rolls. As the amount of
sulphur left in the burnt ore is apt to vary, it is necessary to ascertain
its proportion in each parcel of burnt pyrites. When the sulphur falls
short of the proportion necessary for effecting the decomposition which
follows, a sufficient quantity of 'green' or unburned pyrites is added to
produce a proper balance. If, on the other hand, the sulphur has been
sufficiently extracted, dead roasted ore is added.
II. _Calcination._ This operation is accomplished in several kinds of
furnaces, that used by the Tharsis Sulphur and Copper Company, being a
large muffle or close furnace. By others a patent furnace with a revolving
hearth and mechanical stirring arrangement has been adopted with good
results; and some use open reverbatory furnaces heated by gas from
Siemens's generators. During the roasting the mixture is frequently
stirred, and in the case of hard-worked furnaces, turned with long
rabbles, and the completion of the operation is ascertained by test
assays. When the copper has been brought into a soluble condition, the
charge is raked out of the furnace and permitted to cool under a screen at
its mouth. By the calcination the sulphur in the compound is first
oxidised, sulphate of sodium is formed, and at the same time the chlorine
from the sodium chloride unites with the copper to form cupric chloride. A
small proportion of cuprous chloride is also formed, and special
precautions have to be taken to prevent the extensive formation of this
compound which is dissolved only with difficulty. The hydrochloric acid
and other gaseous products evolved during the calcination are condensed as
'tower liquor' in ordinary condensing towers, and the product is used in
the subsequent process of lixiviation.
III. _Lixiviation._ The calcined ore is conveyed to tightly caulked wooden
tanks, in which it receives repeated washings with hot water, tower
liquor, and dilute hydrochloric acid till all the soluble copper is
thereby extracted. The product of the latter washings is pumped or drawn
up by a modification of Gilford's injector, to serve as a first liquor for
subsequent charges of the lixiviating tanks, and no solution under a
definite strength is permitted to pass on to the next stage in the
process. The insoluble residue in the tanks consist of "purple ore," an
almost pure ferric oxide, largely used in "settling" blast furnaces, and
for smelting purposes; besides which it is available as jewellers' rouge.
IV. _Precipitation._ The precipitation of metallic copper from the
solution of its chloride is accomplished in large tanks by means of
metallic iron in the same way that cementation copper is obtained from
solutions of the sulphate. The solution is run into the tanks in which
there are miscellaneous heaps of old malleable iron; the chlorine combined
with the copper unites with the iron, and metallic copper in the state or
fine division is thrown down. The completion of the precipitation is
ascertained by dipping a bright steel knife into the solution in the tank,
and when no deposit of copper covers the steel, the liquor is run off and
a new charge conveyed into the tank. The tanks are drained periodically
for removing the precipitate, which is first roughly separated from the
small pieces of iron, after which it is more thoroughly freed from iron,
&c., by washing in water in a rocking sieve apparatus. The precipitate so
obtained should contain 80 per cent. of metallic copper, which is either
smelted directly for blister copper, or may be fused with the white metal
of the ordinary smelting process, and subsequently roasted. It has been
found possible to extract in this process with profit the small
proportions of lead, silver and gold, which Spanish pyrites is known to
contain. Two processes are in operation for this purpose--one devised by
Mr P. Claudet, and the other by Mr W. Henderson, the original patentee of
the wet process. The liquors from the first three washings contain
practically, all these metals, and they alone are treated. Mr Claudet
precipitates them from the solution by means of iodide of potassium. Mr
Henderson dilutes his solution from 20° to 25° Twaddell, and adds a very
weak solution of lead salt, such as the acetate by which he obtains a
cream-coloured precipitate containing 5 or 6 per cent. of silver, and 3
oz. of gold to each ton of the precipitate. The importance of the wet
process may be estimated from the fact, that although it originated only
in 1860, already 14,000 tons of copper, are annually produced by it in
Great Britain alone, out of an annual production for the whole world
estimated at from 126,000 to 130,000 tons.
_Prop., &c._ Copper has a brilliant yellowish-red colour, a nauseous,
styptic taste, and emits a disagreeable odour when rubbed; is very
malleable and ductile; unchanged in dry air; in damp air it soon becomes
covered with a greenish rust (carbonate of copper); slightly soluble in
dilute sulphuric and hydrochloric acid; freely soluble in boiling oil of
vitriol (sulphurous anhydride being evolved); dilute nitric acid dissolves
it readily with copious evolution of nitric oxide; heated to redness in
the air, it rapidly becomes covered with a black scale (oxide); it fuses
at a full red heat; its crystals are either octahedra or dodecahedra; sp.
gr. 8·8 to 8·96; it forms numerous compounds (alloys and salts) with other
bodies, all of which are more or less poisonous; its salts are either blue
or green, and most of them (when neutral) are soluble in water.
_Tests._ Metallic copper may be recognised by the above properties; its
oxides, salts, &c., by the following characters and reactions:--The
solutions of copper possess a blue or green colour, which they retain even
when considerably diluted with water:--With caustic potassa they give a
light-blue, bulky precipitate, turning blackish-brown or black on boiling
the liquid:--Ammonia and carbonate of ammonium produce a bluish-white
precipitate, soluble in excess, yielding a rich deep-blue solution:--The
carbonates of potassium give a light precipitate, insoluble in
excess:--Ferrocyanide of potassium gives a reddish-brown
precipitate:--Sulphuretted hydrogen and sulphydrate of ammonium give
blackish-brown or black ones:--A polished rod of iron, on immersion in an
acidulated solution, quickly becomes coated with metallic copper.
_Estim., &c._ Copper is generally WEIGHED under the form of black oxide,
but sometimes as pure metal:--By throwing it down from its solution by
pure potassa, after which it must be carefully collected, washed, dried,
ignited in a platinum crucible, and weighed therein as soon as it is cold.
Every 5 parts of the ignited precipitate (oxide) represents 4 parts of
copper (nearly); or, more accurately, every 39·7 parts are equal to 31·7
of pure metallic copper:--By immersing a piece of polished steel in the
solution, and weighing the resulting precipitate of the copper (see
_above_). Less delicate than the preceding.
Copper can be separated from the other metals by means of the following
processes:--
From lead. By adding sulphuric acid to the nitric solution, and
evaporating to dryness, when water digested on the residuum will dissolve
out the sulphate of copper, but leave the sulphate of lead behind. From
this solution the oxide of the copper may be thrown down as before.
From tin. By digestion with hot nitric acid, which dissolves out the tin.
From zinc. By sulphuretted hydrogen, which throws down the sulphide of
copper from an acid solution.
From silver. By digesting it in the state of filings or powder in a
solution of chloride of zinc, which dissolves the first, but leaves the
last unchanged.
Copper may be separated, in a state of great purity, from ANTIMONY,
ARSENIC, BISMUTH, LEAD, IRON, TIN, ZINC, &c., as it exists in bell-metal,
brass, bronze, gun-metal, mosaic gold, and other commercial alloys, by
fusing it in a crucible for about half an hour, along with copper scales
(black oxide) and ground bottle-glass, or other like flux. The pure metal
is found at the bottom of the crucible, whilst the impurities are either
volatilised or dissolved in the flux. The proportions for refining
commercial copper are, metal, 10 parts; copper scales and bottle-glass, of
each 1 part. The Society of Arts conceived this process to be so
valuable, that they presented one of their gold medals to its inventor, Mr
Lewis Thompson.
_Uses, &c._ The ordinary uses of copper are well known. In _medicine_, 3
or 4 gr. of the filings or powder were formerly given in rheumatism, and
to prevent hydrophobia. Some of its salts are still used as astringents,
emetics, and caustics. Its alloys are of great value. With zinc it forms
BRASS; with tin, BRONZE, BELL-METAL, GUN-METAL, and SPECULUM-METAL. WHITE
COPPER is formed by the addition of metallic arsenic, and GERMAN SILVER is
a mixture of nickel, zinc, and copper.
_Ant._ Copper in the metallic state is almost inert, but all its compounds
are poisonous. The antidotes are--the white of egg, milk, or flour, mixed
with water. The hydrated sulphides of iron, iron filings, and
ferro-cyanide of potassium have also been strongly recommended, and are
exhibited in the same way. Sugar is likewise highly spoken of as an
antidote. In all cases a strong emetic should be first given.
_Obs._ Culinary and pharmaceutical vessels are very commonly made of
copper, but too much caution cannot be exercised in their employment. Acid
syrups, vegetable juices, aqueous extracts, soups, stews, &c., prepared in
copper saucepans, or boilers, receive a metallic contamination
proportional to the length of time they are exposed to the action of the
metal. Such vessels are frequently tinned, for the purpose of protecting
the copper from contact with their contents, but this film of tin is
necessarily very thin, and soon becomes imperfect by constant use. When
copper vessels are allowed to remain wet or dirty, or, more especially,
greasy, a poisonous green rust forms upon the surface, somewhat similar to
verdigris. If articles are prepared in them in this state, serious
consequences may ensue. Cases of poisoning from this cause are frequently
met with, and instances of vomiting following the use of such articles are
almost of daily occurrence, without the reason being suspected. We have
occasionally seen confections and extracts, prepared in copper pans,
deposit a coating of that metal upon the knives used to stir them. The
ashes of the inspissated juices of fresh vegetables, and especially the
pulps of fruit, prepared in vessels of this metal, have exhibited the
presence of copper on the application of chemical tests. Ketchup is
frequently rendered poisonous in this way. The most wholesome material for
culinary utensils is thin sheet iron, or tinned iron plate (TIN), which is
very durable if kept clean and dry when not in use. Copper vessels of
every kind should be cleaned out, immediately before use, even though they
may not appear to require it, and on no account should they be employed
for any fluids that are the least acidulous, or that may have to remain
long in them.
The following enamel is recommended in Dingler's Polytechnic Journal for
coating the inside of the copper vessels, used for cooking fruit or
vegetables:--12 parts of white fluor-spar, 12 parts of unburnt gypsum, and
1 part of borax, are finely powdered, intimately mixed, and fused in a
crucible. The fused mass is then poured out, and after cooling, is rubbed
up to a paste. The copper vessel is then coated inside with this
preparation, which is applied by means of a brush, and the vessel is
placed in a moderately warm place, so that the coating may dry uniformly,
when it is subjected to a gradually increasing heat, till at length the
preparation fuses. On cooling, the vessel is found to be protected
internally by a white opaque enamel, adhering very firmly to the copper,
not chipping off by ordinary knocking and rubbing, and impervious to
vegetable acids.
Copper may be cleaned by applying a small portion of the following paste,
and rubbing it dry by a flannel or leather:--1 oz. oxalic acid, 6 oz.
rotten stone, 1/2 oz. gum arabic, all in powder, 1 oz. of sweet oil, and
sufficient water to make a paste.
=Copper, Neu'tral Acetate of.= Cu(C_{2}H_{3}O_{2})_{2}. _Syn._ NOR'MAL
CUPRIC ACETATE, ACETATE OF COPPER, CRYS'TALLISED VER'DIGRIS. _Prep._
Dissolve common verdigris or cupric hydrate in hot acetic acid, so as to
form a highly concentrated solution; filter and place in a cool situation
to crystallise.
_Prop._ Beautiful dark, bluish-green prisms, which dissolve in 14 parts of
cold and 5 parts of boiling water.
=Copper, Ba'sic Acetates of.= _Syn._ BA'SIC CU'PRIC ACETATES,
SUB-AC'ETATES OF COPPER. Common verdigris is a mixture of several basic
acetates which have a green or blue colour. One of these (SESQUIBASIC
ACETATE) is obtained by digesting powdered verdigris in tepid water,
filtering, and leaving the soluble part to spontaneous evaporation. It may
also be obtained in a state of purity by adding liquor of ammonia in small
portions to a boiling concentrated solution of the neutral acetate till
the precipitate is just redissolved, and leaving the solution to cool. It
forms a blue, crystalline mass, but little soluble in cold water. The
green, insoluble residue of the verdigris, after treatment with tepid
water, contains another acetate (TRIBASIC ACETATE); this may be formed by
digesting neutral acetate of copper with the hydrated oxide. A third salt
(DIBASIC ACETATE, BLUE VERDIGRIS) is prepared on a large scale in France
by exposing copper to the air in contact with fermenting wine-lees.
=Copper, Ammo''nio-sul'phate of.= _Syn._ SULPHATE OF CUPRAMMONIUM.
CU'PRO-SULPHATE OF AMMO''NIA; CU'PRI AMMO''NIO-SULPHAS, L.; CUIVRE
AMMONIACAL, Fr.; KUPFER SALMIAK, Ger. _Prep._ Sulphate of copper, 1 oz.;
sesquicarbonate of ammonium, 1-1/2 oz.; rub together until carbonic acid
ceases to be evolved, then wrap it in bibulous paper, and dry it in the
air.
_Pur._ Pulverulent; dark blue; at an intense heat it is changed into oxide
of copper, at first sesquicarbonate of ammonia, and, afterwards, sulphate
of ammonia, being thrown off. It is soluble in water to a splendid
purple-blue solution, from which the salt is precipitated by alcohol in
blue crystals. This solution has the peculiar property of dissolving
CELLULOSE (cotton, paper, &c.). The cellulose may be precipitated from the
solution in colourless flakes by the addition of acids.
_Uses., &c._ It is occasionally employed in _pyrotechny_. In _medicine_,
it has been given in chorea, epilepsy, hysteria, &c., but is now
principally used as an injection, as a wash for foul ulcers, used as a
collyrium, in opacity of the cornea.--_Dose_, 1/4 gr., gradually increased
to 5 gr., twice a day. Great care must be taken in drying, as it is apt
not only to lose a large portion of its weight, but to become of an
inferior colour. Both the ingredients should be separately reduced to
powder before mixing them.
=Copper, Ar'senite of.= Cu(AsO_{2})_{2}. See GREEN PIGMENTS (Scheele's
Green).
=Copper, Carbonate of.= CuCO_{3}. _Syn._ DIBA'SIC CARBONATE OF COPPER,
DICARBONATE OF C.; CUPRI CARBONAS, L. _Prep._ Add carbonate of soda in
excess to a solution of sulphate of copper, and warm the mixture till the
pale-blue, flocculent precipitate becomes sandy and assumes a green tint.
Used as a pigment. See GREEN PIGMENTS and VERDITER.
_Obs._ As prepared above, the carbonate contains 2 equivalents of water.
The beautiful green mineral, MAL'ACHITE, has a similar composition, but
contains only 1 equiv. of water. Another carbonate (TRIBASIC C., BLUE C.),
occurs as a natural ore in large, transparent crystals, of the most
intense blue; it has not yet been artificially imitated.
=Cuprous Chloride.= CuCl. _Syn._ DICHLORIDE OF COPPER, SUBCHLORIDE OF
COPPER. _Prep._ By exposing the neutral chloride of copper to the action
of heat.
_Prop._ White; fusible; slightly soluble in water; and decomposed by
exposure to the air.
=Copper, Chloride of.= CuCl_{2}. _Syn._ NEUTRAL CHLORIDE OF COPPER.
_Prep._ From copper scales or black oxide of copper dissolved in
hydrochloric acid, and the solution evaporated and crystallised.
_Prop., &c._ Green, acicular crystals; deliquescent; soluble in alcohol,
the flame of which it colours green. When gently heated it loses water,
and assumes the form of a yellowish-brown powder (ANHYDROUS CUPRIC
CHLORIDE, or CHLORIDE OF COPPER); at a high temperature it loses half its
chlorine, and becomes converted into cuprous chloride.
=Cupric Iodide.= CuI_{2}. _Syn._ IODIDE OF COPPER, DINI'ODIDE OF COPPER;
CU'PRI IODI'DUM. L. _Prep._ By adding iodide of potassium to a solution of
sulphate of copper, and washing out with alcohol the free iodine from the
precipitate formed. A greenish-white precipitate.
(Commercial.) To a solution of sulphate of copper, 1 part, and
protosulphate of iron, 3 parts, add a solution of iodide of potassium, and
wash and dry the precipitate. This is the preparation commonly known in
trade by the name of 'iodide of copper.'
=Cupric Nitrate.= Cu(NO_{3})_{2}. _Syn._ NITRATE OF COPPER; CU'PRI
NI'TRAS, L. _Prep._ By dissolving the copper in dilute nitric acid to
saturation; evaporating to dryness; redissolving in distilled water;
filtering, evaporating, and allowing to crystallise; or from black oxide
of copper and nitric acid in the same manner.
_Prop., Uses, &c._ Deep-blue prismatic crystals, very soluble in water and
deliquescent, soluble in alcohol. Generally used in medicine externally,
in injections, or as a caustic, but sometimes given internally, dissolved
in mucilaginous liquids.--_Dose_, 1/8 to 1/4 gr.
=Cuprous Oxide.= Cu_{2}O. _Syn._ RED OXIDE OF COPPER, DINOX'IDE, SUBOXIDE;
CUPRI SUBOX'YDUM, L. _Prep._ Add grape sugar to a solution of sulphate or
acetate of copper, then further add caustic potassa in excess; the blue
solution heated to ebullition deposits the suboxide, which must then be
collected, washed, and dried.
A solution of cane sugar, 27 parts, in water, 60 parts, is poured over
hydrated oxide of copper (weighed in the compressed and still moist
state), 9 parts; a solution of caustic potassa, 18 parts, in water, 60
parts, is then added, and the whole mass well agitated together at the
ordinary temperature, and strained through linen. If the dark-blue
filtrate is next heated (continually stirring), over a water bath,
anhydrous cuprous oxide is disengaged, and the liquor becomes nearly
colourless.
_Prop., Uses, &c._ A superb red powder, with a metallic lustre. It often
occurs in beautiful transparent, ruby-red crystals, associated with other
ores of copper, and can be obtained in this state by artificial means. It
is used as a pigment and a bronze, and as a stain for glass and enamels,
to which it gives a rich red colour. By heat it is converted into the
black oxide. With ammonia it forms a colourless solution, which rapidly
becomes blue from the action of the air.
=Cupric Oxide.= CuO. _Syn._ OX'IDE OF COPPER, BLACK OXIDE, PROTOXIDE;
CU'PRI PROTOX'YDUM. _Prep._ By heating the nitrate or carbonate of copper
to redness. When it ceases to lose weight the conversion is completed, and
the oxide appears as a heavy, black powder.
By heating in the air the hydrated oxide thrown down from solutions of
copper by pure potassa.
By adding caustic potassa, in excess, to a solution of a cupric salt, and
heating the whole to a boiling-point; the precipitate is then collected,
washed, and dried. A heavy, dark-brown powder.
_Uses, &c._ Protoxide of copper is unchanged by heat unless combustible
matter is present, when it readily parts with its oxygen; hence its
general use in ORGANIC ANALYSIS as a source of that element. It
communicates a beautiful green colour to glass and enamels. With the acids
it produces the ordinary salts of copper.
=Cupric Sulphate.= CuSO_{4}.5Aq. _Syn._ SULPHATE OF COPPER, BLUE
COP'PERAS, B. VIT'RIOL; CU'PRI SUL'PHAS, L.; SULFATE DE CUIVRE, Fr.;
KUPFER VITRIOL, Ger.; NEELA TOOTIA, Hind. _Prep._ (Commercial.) The
sulphate of copper of commerce is obtained by the oxidation of native
sulphide of copper (COPPER PYRITES); by the joint action of air, heat, and
moisture, the copper is converted into an oxide, and the sulphur into
sulphuric acid. The resulting salt is washed out, and the solution
evaporated and crystallised. The water found in and issuing from copper
mines often furnishes such a solution ready to the hands of the
manufacturers. A large quantity of sulphate of copper is also obtained as
a secondary product in the refining of silver, and is occasionally
prepared by dissolving in sulphuric acid an oxychloride of copper, made
for the purpose by exposing sheets of copper to the joint action of air
and hydrochloric acid.
(Pure.) By the direct solution of the metal, or preferably, of its oxide
or carbonate in sulphuric acid, or by purifying the commercial salt by
recrystallisation, &c.
_Prop., Uses, &c._ Fine blue crystals, slightly efflorescent, having an
intensely styptic and metallic taste. By heat the blue salt loses its
water of crystallisation, and becomes a white, anhydrous powder. It
dissolves in 4 parts of water at 60° Fahr., and in 2 parts at 212°; is
insoluble in alcohol and ether; and is decomposed at an intense heat into
protoxide of copper, sulphurous acid, and oxygen. It has been used to
prevent the dry rot in timber and in dyeing. It is largely employed as a
source of metallic copper in the ELECTROTYPE. Grain is steeped in a weak
solution of it by the farmer, to prevent the 'smut,' As a medicine, it is
employed chiefly as a styptic (in solution) and caustic (in substance) to
destroy 'proud flesh,' and, less frequently, as an astringent or tonic
(from 1/4 gr. to 2 gr.), and an emetic (3 or 4 gr. to 10 or 12 gr). It is
exceedingly poisonous.
=COP'PERAS.= This is a generic name for the CRUDE METALLIC SULPHATES. When
used without a qualifying adjective, it generally means sulphate of iron.
=Copperas, Blue.= Crude sulphate of copper. See COPPER (_above_).
=Copperas, Calcined'.= From green copperas, heated in an unglazed earthen
pot until it becomes white and dry. Used as an astringent and 'drier,' and
in making ink and dyeing.
=Copperas, Green.= _Syn._ COPPERAS. Crude sulphate of iron. See IRON.
=Copperas, White.= Crude sulphate of zinc. See ZINC.
=COP'PERING.= Iron may be covered with a thin film of copper by merely
immersing it (previously scoured clean) in an acidulated solution of
sulphate of copper, after which it must be rinsed in clean water. This
film soon rubs off, but still it lasts long enough to deceive the
travelling tinker's customers, who imagine that their copper kettles are
properly repaired. Metals may be conveniently coated with compact copper
to any desired thickness by means of voltaic electricity. See ELECTROTYPE.
=COP'ROLITE.= _Syn._ DUNG'STONE, FOSSIL MANURE. This mineral is the
petrified dung of carnivorous reptiles. (Buckland.) Coprolites are found
in all the secondary and tertiary strata. They contain a considerable
proportion of phosphate of lime, for which reason they are largely
employed in the manufacture of artificial manures. They form the bases of
Lawes' SUPERPHOSPHATE OF COPROLITE MANURE. The nodules, after being
washed, are ground to powder in a mill, and mixed with an equal weight of
oil of vitriol.
=COPTIS TEETA.= (Ind. Ph.) _Syn._ COPTIS, or MISHMI TITA. _Hab._ Mishmel
mountains, east of Assam. _Officinal part._ The dried root (_Coptidis
Radix_), imported into Bengal from Assam in small rattan baskets, each
containing from 1 to 2 ounces of the drug. This consists of pieces of a
woody rhizome, of the thickness of a small goose-quill and from 1 to 2
inches in length, often contracted at one extremity into a short woody
stem; the surface is usually rough, irregular, more or less annulated, and
marked with the remains of rootlets in the shape of short spiny point.
Externally, yellowish-brown; internally, much brighter, frequently of a
golden-yellow colour, exhibiting on fracture a radiated structure. Taste,
persistently bitter, and when chewed tinges the saliva yellow. Contains
neither tannic nor gallic acid, but abounds with a yellow, bitter
principle, soluble in water and alcohol.--_Prop._ Pure bitter
tonic.--_Therapeutic uses._ In debility, convalescence after fevers, and
other debilitating diseases, atonic dyspepsia, and in mild forms of
intermittent fevers.--_Dose_, 10 to 15 gr. of the powdered root, thrice
daily.
=Tincture of Coptis= (_Tinctura Coptidis_). Take of coptis root, in coarse
powder, 2-1/2 oz.; proof spirits, 2 pints. Macerate for 7 days in a closed
vessel, with occasional agitation; strain, press, filter, and add
sufficient proof spirit to make 1 pint.--_Dose_. 1/2 to 2 fl. oz.
=Infusion of Coptis= (_Infusum Coptidis_). Take of coptis root, in coarse
powder, 5 dr.; boiling water, 1 pint. Infuse in a covered vessel for 2
hours, and strain.--_Dose_, 1 to 2 fl. oz., thrice daily.
=COR'AL.= _Syn._ CORAL'LIUM, L. The comprehensive term for all calcareous
or stony structures secreted by the marine asteroid polypes, or zoophytes.
The RED CORAL of commerce, which is so largely employed for beads,
earrings, and other ornaments, may be described as the internal skeleton
of _Corallium rubrum_.
=Coral, Red= (=Facti''tious=). _Syn._ CORAL'LIUM RU'BRUM FACTI''TIUM, L.
Prepared chalk, coloured with a little sesquioxide of iron or rose pink,
and passed through a sieve. Sold by the druggists for powdered coral.
=Coral, Prepared' Red.= _Syn._ CORAL'LIUM RU'BRUM PREPARA'TUM. Levigated
coral was formerly used in medicine as an antacid or absorbent, and is
still occasionally employed as a dentifrice. It consists almost entirely
of carbonate of lime, coloured with red oxide of iron, and possesses no
advantage over good chalk. It is prepared in a similar manner as chalk.
=CORAL, to Bleach.= Immerse the coral in a mixture composed of one part of
hydrochloric acid, and thirty parts of water; and keep it in this liquid
until it becomes quite white. It should then be taken out, washed well in
cold water, and allowed to dry.
=COPPER, CYANIDE= (CuCy_{2}). This salt is much used in electro-coppering.
It may be obtained by adding to a solution of a copper salt, a solution of
ferrocyanide of potassium; when a precipitate is obtained, which dried, is
of a brown colour, and is cyanide of copper.
=CORALLINE.= See TAR COLOURS.
=CORD'IALS.= _Syn._ CARDI'ACA, L. Warm, stimulating, restorative
medicines, that tend to raise the spirits and promote the circulation. The
principal cordial medicines are noticed under the heads TINCTURE and
SYRUP. See also PATENT MEDICINES.
=Cordials.= Aromatised and sweetened spirits used as beverages. See
LIQUEUR.
=CORIAN'DER.= _Syn._ (CORIANDER FRUIT, CORIANDRI FRUCTUS, (B. P.);
CORIANDERS, C. SEED; CORIANDRUM (Ph. L. E. & D.), L. "The ripe fruit of
the _Coriandrum sativum_, dried." (B. P.) Coriander is chiefly used by
confectioners and distillers as a flavouring ingredient. In the East it is
much employed as a condiment, being an ingredient in CURRY POWDER. It is
aromatic, carminative, and stimulant; and more effectually covers the
taste of senna than any other substance.--_Dose_, 20 to 60 gr.; chiefly
used as a corrective or adjuvant in compound medicines.
=CORK.= The outer bark of the _Quercus Suber_ or _cork oak_, a tree common
in southern France, Italy, and Spain. The bark obtained from the younger
branches of the same tree is employed for tanning. See ALCORNOCO.
=Cork.= A stopple or plug for a bottle or jar cut from the above
substance. The common practice of employing inferior corks for the purpose
of stopping the mouths of bottles is often productive of considerable
loss, from the air being only partially excluded, and the contents
suffering in consequence. Many a large bin of valuable wine has become,
from this cause, in less than a year, little better than sour 'Cape.'
Chemical preparations often suffer from a similar cause. The best corks
are those called 'velvet corks,' and of these the finest qualities are
imported from France. No pains should be spared to obtain sound and soft
cork for connecting the combustion- and drying-tubes used in organic
analysis.
Ruschhaupt gives the following process for preparing corks for corking
bottles containing alcoholic or caustic liquids:--Paraffin is fused in a
suitable vessel, the dry corks are added, and immersed in the paraffin by
means of a perforated coon or disk. The air is now easily expelled from
the pores of the corks, which after about five minutes, are removed and
cooled; they may now be cut and bored like wax, are easily driven into the
necks of bottles, and readily removed, retain their smoothness and are
gas-tight throughout.
Several attempts have been made to introduce cork-cutting by machinery,
but they have hitherto failed to supersede hand labour.
=Cork-bo''rer.= A thin brass tube, filed to a cutting edge, used for
piercing holes through corks. Several tubes of different sizes, which fit
into each other, are generally sold together. This simple and convenient
instrument was introduced into the laboratory by Dr Mohr.
=CORN.= _Syn._ CLA'VUS, L. A horny induration of the skin, with a central
nucleus, very sensitive at the base. The common cause of corns is
continued pressure over the projection of the bones, from tight or stiff
boots or shoes. They are of two kinds, hard and soft. The first grow on
the exposed portions of the joints; the last, between the toes.
_Preven._ This consists in keeping the feet clean, by frequent ablution
with warm water, and in the use of easy, soft boots and shoes. Without the
latter precaution, corns will generally return, even after they appear to
have been perfectly removed.
_Treatment._ After soaking the feet in warm water for a few minutes, pare
the corns as close as possible with a sharp knife, taking care not to make
them bleed. They may now be touched over with a little lunar caustic, or
nitric acid, or a little concentrated acetic acid or aromatic vinegar. The
last two do not stain the skin. The first is used by merely rubbing it on
the corns, previously slightly moistened with water; the others, by
moistening the corns with them, by means of a small strip of wood, or,
preferably, a rod of glass; due care being taken not to allow the liquid
to touch the neighbouring parts. This treatment, adopted every 3 or 4 days
for 10 days or a fortnight, accompanied by the use of soft, loose shoes,
will generally effect a cure. It has been recommended to remove large
corns by ligatures of silk, applied as close to their base as possible,
and tightened daily until they drop off; but this plan is tedious, and
often inconvenient, and is not always successful. Another mode of
extirpation is, the application of a small blister, which will frequently
raise them with the skin out of their beds. In this case the exposed
surface must be dressed with a little simple ointment. Soft corns may be
removed by applying ivy leaf, previously soaked in strong vinegar changing
the piece every morning; or by placing a dressing of soap cerate, spread
on a bit of lint or old rag, between the toes. One of the simplest and
best remedies for hard corns, and which has received the sanction of high
medical authority, is to wear upon the toe or part affected a small,
circular piece of soft leather, or, still better, a piece of amadou,
spread with diachylon, or some other emollient plaster, and having a hole
cut in the centre, corresponding to the size of the corn. (Sir B. Brodie.)
By this means the pressure of the boot or shoe is equalised and the apex
of the corn protected from injury. The following are among the most useful
of the POPULAR REMEDIES FOR CORNS:--
=Corns, Caus'tic for.= _Prep._ From tincture of iodine and chloride of
antimony, of each, 1 dr.; iodide of iron, 3 grs.; mix. It is applied with
a camel-hair brush, after paring the corn. 2 to 4 applications are said to
effect a cure.
_Obs._ Most of the remedies noticed below really act as caustics.
=Corns, Lo'tion for.= _Prep._ 1. A solution of sal-ammoniac, 1 part; in
proof spirit, 4 parts.
2. A concentrated aqueous solution of sulphate of copper. To be applied
night and morning.
=Corn Plasters.= _Prep._ 1. From white diachylon, 3 parts; yellow resin, 2
parts; verdigris, 1 part; melted together, and spread on leather.