ICHTHYOCOLLÆ, E. ADHESIVUM ANGLICUM, L. _Prep._ 1. Isinglass, 1 part;
water, 10 parts; dissolve, strain the solution, and gradually add to it of
tincture of benzoin, 2 parts; apply this mixture, gently warmed, by means
of a camel-hair brush, to the surface of silk or sarcenet, stretched on a
frame, and allow each coating to dry before applying the next one, the
application being repeated as often as necessary; lastly, give the
prepared surface a coating of tincture of benzoin or tincture of balsam of
Peru. Some manufacturers apply this to the unprepared side of the plaster,
and others add to the tincture a few drops of essence of ambergris or
essence of musk.
2. (Deschamps.) A piece of fine muslin, linen, or silk is fastened to a
flat board, and a thin coating of smooth, strained flour paste is given to
it; over this, when dry, two coats of colourless gelatin, made into size
with water, q. s., are applied warm. Said to be superior to the ordinary
court plaster.
3. (Liston’s.) Soak isinglass, 1 oz., in water, 2-1/2 fl. oz., until it
becomes swollen and quite soft; then add of proof spirit, 3-1/2 fl. oz.,
and expose the mixture to the heat of hot water, frequently stirring,
until the union is complete; lastly, apply four coats of the solution to
the surface of oiled silk nailed to a board, by means of a soft brush.
4. (Dr Paris.) Black silk or sarcenet is strained and brushed over 10 or
12 times with the following composition:——Gum benzoin, 1/2 oz.; rectified
spirit, 6 oz.; dissolve. In a separate vessel dissolve of isinglass, 1
oz., in as little water as possible; strain each solution, mix them,
decant the clear portion, and apply it warm. When the last coating is
quite dry, a finishing coat is given with a solution of Chio turpentine, 4
oz., in tincture of benzoin, 6 oz.
_Obs._ The common ‘COURT PLASTER’ of the shops is generally prepared
without using spirit, and with merely sufficient tincture of benzoin, or
other aromatic, to give it an agreeable odour. Formerly, black silk or
sarcenet was exclusively employed as the basis of the plaster, but at the
present time checkered silk is also much in favour. ‘FLESH-COLOURED COURT
PLASTER’ is likewise fashionable. ‘TRANSPARENT COURT PLASTER’ is prepared
on oiled silk. ‘WATERPROOF COURT PLASTER’ is simply the common plaster
which has received a thin coating of pale drying oil on its exposed
surface. The FINEST COURT PLASTER of the West-end houses is now prepared
on gold-beaters’ skin (or the prepared membrane of the cæcum of the ox),
one side of which is coated with the isinglass solution, as above, and the
other with pale drying oil or a solution of either gutta percha or
caoutchouc in chloroform, or in bisulphuret of carbon.
=Plaster of Cro′ton Oil.= _Syn._ EMPLASTRUM CROTONIS, E. OLEI TIGLII, L.
_Prep._ (Bouchardat.) To lead plaster, 4 parts, melted by a very gentle
heat, add of croton oil, 1 part. A powerful counter-irritant; it also
generally acts powerfully on the bowels.
=Plaster of Cum′in.= _Syn._ EMPLASTRUM CUMINI (Ph. L.), E. CYMINI, L.
_Prep._ 1. (Ph. L.) Burgundy pitch, 3 lbs.; beeswax, 3 oz.; melt, add of
cumin seed, caraways, and bay-berries, of each (in powder) 3 oz.; next add
of olive oil and water of each 1-1/2 fl. oz., and evaporate to a proper
consistence.
2. (Wholesale.) From yellow resin, 7 lbs.; beeswax and linseed oil, of
each 1/2 lb.; powdered cumin and caraway seeds, of each 7 oz.; mix.
_Obs._ This is a mere revival of the formula of the Ph. L. 1724. In that
of the Ph. L. 1778 no water was ordered, and the powders simply stirred
into the melted mass shortly before it cools; the common practice in all
laboratories.
Cumin plaster is carminative, stimulant, and discutient. It is applied
over the regions of the stomach and bowels in colic, dyspepsia, and
flatulence, and is also applied to indolent tumours. It has long been a
favourite remedy with the lower classes.
=Plaster, Delacroix’s Agglu′tinative.= _Syn._ EMPLASTRUM GLUTINANS SANCTI
ANDREÆ A CRUCE, E. PICIS CUM ELEMI, L. EMPLÂTRE D’ANDRÉ DE LA CROIX, Fr.
_Prep._ (P. Cod.) From Burgundy pitch, 25 parts; gum elemi, 6 parts;
Venice turpentine and oil of bays, of each 3 parts; melted together, and
strained.
=Plaster, Diach′ylon.= See PLASTER OF LEAD.
=Plaster, Diapal′ma.= See PLASTER, PALM.
=Plaster of El′emi.= _Syn._ EMPLASTRUM ELEMI, L. _Prep._ From wax plaster,
3 parts; gum elemi, 1 part; melted together by a gentle heat. Stimulant
and discutient. Used for issues, &c.
=Plaster of Euphor′bium.= _Syn._ EMPLASTRUM EUPHORBII, L. _Prep._ 1.
(Guy’s Hosp.) Burgundy pitch plaster, 8 oz.; melt, and add of euphorbium
(in powder), 1 dr.
2. (CAPUCHIN PLASTER——Ph. Wirt.) Burgundy pitch and beeswax, of each 3
oz.; Venice turpentine, 1 oz.; melt them together, add, gum ammoniacum,
olibanum, mastic, and lapis calaminaris, of each 1 oz.; euphorbium,
pyrethrum, and common salt, of each (in powder) 2 oz.; and stir until the
mass concretes. Both of the above are stimulant, rubefacient, and
counter-irritant.
=Plaster, Fayard’s.= See PAPER (Gout).
=Plaster of Flower of Ointments.= _Syn._ EMPLASTRUM FLOS UNGUENTORUM
DICTUM, L. _Prep._ From frankincense (thus), yellow resin, suet, and
beeswax, of each 1 lb.; olibanum, 1/2 lb.; Venice turpentine, 5 oz.; gum
myrrh, 2 oz.; white wine, 16 fl. oz.; boil to a plaster, adding, before
the mass cool, of camphor, 1/2 oz. Calorifacient and stimulant.
=Plaster of Frank′incense.= _Syn._ STRENGTHENING PLASTER; EMPLASTRUM
THURIS, E. ROBORANS, L. _Prep._ (Ph. L. 1788.) To lead plaster, 2 lbs.,
melted by a gentle heat, add of frankincense (thus), 1/2 lb., dragon’s
blood (in powder), 3 oz., and stir well. In muscular relaxations, weak
joints, &c. Mr Redwood says that a “better-looking plaster is produced by
melting the frankincense and dragon’s blood together, and straining them
through a cloth, then mixing these with the lead plaster previously
melted.” See PLASTER OF OXIDE OF IRON.
=Plaster of Gal′banum.= _Syn._ COMPOUND GALBANUM PLASTER, YELLOW
DIACHYLON, GUM PLASTER, DIACHYLON WITH THE GUMS, EMPLASTRUM GALBANI (B.
P., Ph. L.), E. GUMMOSUM (Ph. E.), L. _Prep._ 1. (Ph. L.) Take of strained
galbanum, 8 oz.; common turpentine, 1 oz.; melt them together, then add of
prepared frankincense (thus), 3 oz.; and next, of lead plaster, 3 lbs.,
previously melted over a slow fire.
2. (Ph. E.) Gum ammoniacum and galbanum, of each 1/2 oz.; melt them
together, strain, and add, of litharge plaster, 4 oz.; beeswax, 1/2 oz.
(both previously melted); and mix the whole thoroughly. These proportions
are the same as those of the B. P.
3. (Wholesale.) From lead plaster, 42 lbs.; yellow resin, 12 lbs.;
strained galbanum, 3 lbs.; strained assafœtida, 1 oz.
_Obs._ Galbanum plaster is stimulant and resolvent, and is much used in
indolent, scrofulous, and other tumours, painful gouty and rheumatic
joints, in rickets, &c.
=Plaster, Gaulthier’s.= _Prep._ (Guibourt.) Palm plaster, 12 parts; olive
oil and white wax, of each 1 part; melt, and add of Venice turpentine, 2
parts. More adhesive than the simple PALM PLASTER.
=Plaster of Gin′ger.= _Syn._ EMPLASTRUM ZINGIBERIS, L. See GINGER.
=Plaster, Gout.= _Syn._ EMPLASTRUM ANTARTHRITICUM, L. See PLASTER OF
GALBANUM, PITCH, &c.; PAPER, GOUT.
=Plaster of Gum.= See PLASTER OF GALBANUM.
=Plaster of Hem′lock.= _Syn._ EMPLASTRUM CONII, E. CICUTÆ, L. _Prep._ 1.
Wax, 1 part; Burgundy pitch, 9 parts; melt them together, and add of
extract of hemlock, 3 parts.
2. (Ph. Bat.) Lead plaster and beeswax, of each 1 lb.; olive oil, 6 fl.
oz.; melt, and add of powdered hemlock (recent), 1 lb.
_Obs._ Hemlock plaster is occasionally used as an application to painful
and malignant ulcers and tumours, painful joints, &c. A spread plaster of
it, with 6 or 8 gr. of tartar emetic (in very fine powder) sprinkled over
its surface, has been highly extolled as a counter-irritant in
hooping-cough, phthisis, &c.
=Plaster of Hen′bane.= _Syn._ EMPLASTRUM HYOSCYAMI, L. _Prep._ As the
last, but using henbane instead of hemlock. As an anodyne, in various
external affections.
=Plaster of I′odide of Lead.= (Ph. B.) _Syn._ EMPLASTRUM PLUMBI IODIDI.
_Prep._ Add iodide of lead in fine powder, 1 oz.; to soap plaster and
resin plaster, of each 4 oz., previously melted together. Mix thoroughly.
=Plaster of Iodide of Potas′sium.= _Syn._ EMPLASTRUM POTASSII IODIDI (Ph.
L.), L. _Prep._ (Ph. L.) Iodide of potassium, 1 oz.; olive oil, 2 fl. dr.;
triturate them together, then add, of strained frankincense (thus), 6 oz.;
wax, 6 dr.; and stir constantly until the mass cools. “This plaster is to
be spread on linen, rather than on leather.” Used as a discutient or
resolvent; more particularly as an application to scrofulous tumours and
indurations.
=Plaster of I′odine.= _Syn._ EMPLASTRUM IODINII, L. _Prep._ Triturate
iodine, 1 dr., in a warm mortar, with olive oil, 1 oz.; then add, of
beeswax, 1 oz.; yellow resin, 1/2 oz.; previously melted together, and
stir the whole until it concretes. It should be, preferably, spread at
once on leather, and applied shortly after being prepared. Used as the
last.
=Plaster of Iodine (Compound).= _Syn._ EMPLASTRUM IODINII COMPOSITUM, L.
_Prep._ 1. Iodine, 1 dr.; iodide of potassium, 2 dr.; rub them to a fine
powder, add this to lead powder, 2 oz.; Burgundy pitch, 1 oz.; previously
melted together, and just about to concrete. More active than either of
the preceding.
2. (EMP. IOD. CUM BELLADONNÂ.) To belladonna plaster, 2 oz., melted by a
very gentle heat, add iodine and iodide of potassium (in fine powder), of
each 1 dr.; and stir the mixture until nearly cold. Powerfully resolvent
and anodyne. Used in the same cases as the preceding, when there is much
pain.
=Plaster of I′ron.= See PLASTER OF OXIDE OF IRON.
=Plaster of I′′singlass.= See PLASTER, COURT.
=Plaster, Is′sue.= _Syn._ EMPLASTRUM AD FONTICULOS, SPARADRAPUM PRO
FONTICULIS, L. _Prep._ 1. From beeswax, 1/2 lb.; Burgundy pitch and Chio
turpentine, of each 4 oz.; vermilion and orris powder, of each 1 oz.;
musk, 4 gr.; melted together and spread upon linen. This is afterwards
polished with a smooth piece of glass moistened with water, and cut into
pieces.
2. (Ph. Aust.) Yellow wax, 6 oz.; mutton suet, 2 oz.; lard, 1-1/2 oz.;
melt, add of turpentine, 1-1/2 oz., and afterwards of red lead, 4 oz.; dip
pieces of linen into the melted mixture, pass these between rollers, and,
when cold, polish them, as before, and cut them into squares. The issue
plaster (issue paper; charta ad fonticulos) of the Ph. Suecica is a nearly
similar compound, with the addition of about 1-48th part of verdigris, in
very fine powder, and being spread upon paper.
=Plaster, Kennedy’s.= See PLASTERS, CORN.
=Plaster, Kirkland’s.= See PLASTER, AMMONIACAL.
=Plaster of Lab′danum.= See PLASTER, CEPHALIC.
=Plaster of Lead.= _Syn._ LEAD PLASTER, LITHARGE P., COMMON P., DIACHYLON,
SIMPLE DIACHYLON, WHITE D.; EMPLASTRUM PLUMBI (B. P., Ph. L.), E.
LYTHARGYRI (Ph. E. & D.), E. COMMUNE, DIACHYLON SIMPLEX, L. _Prep._ 1.
(Ph. L.) Oxide of lead (litharge), in very fine powder, 6 lbs.; olive oil,
1 gall.; water, 1 quart; boil them over a slow fire, constantly stirring
to the consistence of a plaster, adding a little boiling water, if nearly
the whole of that used in the beginning should be consumed before the end
of the process.
2. (Ph. E.) Litharge, 5 oz.; olive oil, 12 fl. oz.; water, 8 fl. oz.; as
the last.
3. (Ph. D.) Litharge, 5 lbs.; olive oil, 1 gall.; water, 1 quart.
4. (Otto Kohnke.) For each lb. of litharge employed, add 1/4 pint of
colourless vinegar (each fl. oz. of which is capable of saturating 1/2 dr.
of carbonate of potassa); add the oil, boil until all moisture is
evaporated, and until only a few striæ of litharge rise to the surface,
then remove the vessel from the heat, add gradually 1/3 to 1/2 as much
vinegar as before, and boil the mixture to a proper consistence.
5. (Wholesale.) From Genoa oil, 7 galls. (or 65 lbs.); litharge (perfectly
free from copper), 28 lbs.; water, 2-1/2 galls.; boil to a plaster, as
before.
6. (B. P.) Oxide of lead, in very fine powder, 1; olive oil, 2-1/2; water,
1; boil all the ingredients together gently by the heat of a steam bath,
and keep them simmering for 4 or 5 hours, stirring constantly until the
product acquires the proper consistence for plaster, adding more water
during the process, if necessary.
_Obs._ The London College orders too little oil. The second, fourth, and
fifth formulæ produce beautiful plasters, that keep well; those of the
others, although very white, get hard and brittle much more rapidly. The
proper proportion of oil is fully 2-1/3 times the weight of the
litharge,——2-1/2 times appears the best quantity; and without this is
used, the plaster speedily gets hard and non-adhesive. The process
consists in putting the water and the litharge into a perfectly clean and
well-polished tinned copper or copper-pan, mixing them well together with
a spatula, adding the oil, and boiling, with constant stirring, until the
plaster is sufficiently hard, when thoroughly cold. This process usually
occupies from 4 to 5 hours, but by adopting the fourth formula an
excellent plaster may be made in from 20 to 30 minutes. This plaster is
generally cooled by immersion in cold water; and to render it very white,
a quality highly prized in the trade, it is usual to submit it to
laborious ‘pulling,’ in the manner already noticed.
_Use._ As a simple defensive plaster or strapping; but principally as a
basis for other plasters.
=Plaster, Liston’s.= See PLASTER, COURT.
=Plaster, Mahy’s.= _Syn._ EMPLASTRUM PLUMBI CARBONATIS, E. P. C.
COMPOSITUM, L. _Prep._ (Ph. U. S.) Carbonate of lead (pure white lead), 1
lb.; olive oil, 32 fl. oz.; water, q. s.; boil them together, constantly
stirring until perfectly incorporated; then add, of yellow wax, 4 oz.;
lead plaster, 1-1/2 lb.; and when these are melted, and the mass somewhat
cooled, stir in of powdered orris root, 9 oz. A favourite application in
the United States of America to inflamed and excoriated surfaces, bed
sores, burns, &c.
=Plaster of Mel′ilot.= _Syn._ EMPLASTRUM MELILOTI, E. È MELILOTO, L.
_Prep._ 1. (Ph. E. 1744.) Fresh melilot, chopped small, 6 lbs.; suet, 3
lbs.; boil until crisp, strain with pressure, and add, of yellow resin, 8
lbs.; beeswax, 4 lbs., and boil to a plaster. Stimulant. Used to dress
blisters, &c. The greater portion of this plaster in the shops is made
without the herb, and is coloured with verdigris. (See the next formula.)
2. (Wholesale.) Take of yellow resin, 18 lbs.; green ointment, 4-1/2 lbs.;
yellow wax, 3 lbs.; finely powdered verdigris, q. s. to give a deep-green
colour.
=Plaster, Mercu′′rial.= _Syn._ EMPLASTRUM MERCURIALE, E. HYDRARGYRI (B.
P., Ph. L., E., & D.), L. _Prep._ 1. (Ph. L.) Add, gradually, of sulphur,
8 gr., to heated olive oil, 1 fl. dr., and stir the mixture constantly
with a spatula until they unite; next add of mercury, 3 oz., and triturate
until globules are no longer visible; lastly, gradually add of lead
plaster (melted over a slow fire), 1 lb., and mix them all well together.
(About 1 fl. dr. of balsam of sulphur may be substituted for the oil and
sulphur ordered above.) These proportions are the same as those of the B.
P.
2. (Ph. E.) Resin, 1 oz.; olive oil, 9 fl. dr.; mix by heat, cool, add of
mercury, 3 oz., and triturate until its globules disappear; then add of
litharge plaster, 6 oz. (previously liquefied), and mix the whole
thoroughly.
3. (Ph. D.) Oil of turpentine, 1 fl. oz.; resin, 2 oz.; dissolve, with the
aid of heat; add of mercury, 6 oz.; triturate until the globules
disappear, and the mixture assumes a dark grey colour, then add of
litharge plaster (previously melted), 12 oz., and stir the whole until it
stiffens on cooling.
4. (Wholesale.) Take of mercury, 7 lbs.; prepared serum, 1/2 lb.;
triturate until the globules disappear, and add the mixture to lead
plaster (melted by a gentle heat), 36 lbs.; stir them well together, and
until they concrete. Very fine bluish-slate or lead colour.
_Obs._ Mercurial plaster is used as a discutient in glandular
enlargements, and other swellings; and is also applied over the hepatic
regions in liver complaints.
=Plaster, Mercurial, with Belladon′na.= _Syn._ EMPLASTRUM HYDRARGYRI CUM
BELLADONNÂ, L. _Prep._ From mercurial plaster, 6 dr.; extract of
belladonna, 2 dr.; olive oil, 1 dr.;mixed by a gentle heat. One of our
most useful anodyne and discutient applications, in painful scirrhous,
scrofulous, and syphilitic tumours. The Medico-Chirurgical Pharm. orders
1/2 fl. dr. of hydrocyanic acid to be added to every 2 oz. of the above.
=Plaster of Mezereon and Cantharides.= (Ph. G.) _Syn._ EMPLASTRUM MEZEREI
CANTHARIDATUM. _Prep._ Cantharides in coarse powder, 3 oz., mezereon cut
and dried, 1 oz.; acetic ether, 10 oz. by weight. Macerate for 8 days,
filter, and dissolve in the filtered liquid 175 gr. of sandarac, 87 gr. of
eleme, 87 gr. of resin, which, spread on silk previously covered with the
following solution; isinglass, 2 oz.; distilled water, 20 oz.; rectified
spirit, 5 oz. by weight.
=Plaster of Min′ium.= _Syn._ EMPLASTRUM MINII, E. È MINIO, E. PLUMBI OXYDI
RUBRI, L. _Prep._ (Ph. L. 1746.) Olive oil, 4 lbs.; minium (red lead), in
fine powder, 2-1/2 lbs.; water, q. s.; proceed as for lead plaster (which
it closely resembles).
_Obs._ To ensure a good colour and the quality of keeping well, the
quantity of oil should be increased about 1-3rd. When discoloured by heat
it forms the ‘brown minium plaster’ (emp. è minio fuscum) of old pharmacy.
Lead plaster, either alone or with the addition of a little red lead, is
usually sold for it.
=Plaster of Minium (Compound).= _Syn._ NUREMBERG PLASTER; EMPLASTRUM MINII
COMPOSITUM, L.; EMPLÂTRE DE NUREMBERG, Fr. _Prep._ (Soubeiran.) Red lead,
12 parts; olive oil, 8 parts; grind them together on a porphyry slab, and
add the mixture to lead plaster, 50 parts, beeswax, 24 parts, melted
together; lastly, when nearly cold, stir in of camphor, 1 part.
=Plaster, Morrison’s Adhesive.= _Syn._ MORRISON’S ADHESIVE PASTE. From
wheaten flour, 2 oz.; mild ale, 1/2 pint; stir them together, and heat the
mixture to the boiling point; when cold, add of powdered resin, 3 oz.;
and, constantly stirring, again heat them to boiling. Used as a depilatory
in ringworm, &c.
=Plaster of Mu′cilages.= _Syn._ DIACHYLON COMPOSITUM, EMPLASTRUM È
MUCILAGINIBUS, L. _Prep._ (Ph. L. 1746.) Beeswax, 20 oz.; oil of
mucilages, 4 oz.; melt, and add them to strained ammoniacum, 3 oz.; common
turpentine, 1 oz., previously melted together. Stimulant and emollient.
=Plaster of Mus′tard.= _Syn._ EMPLASTRUM SINAPIS, L. This is always an
extemporaneous preparation. Flour of mustard is made into a stiff paste
with lukewarm water, or with vinegar, and is then spread on a piece of
calico or linen (folded two or three times); over the surface of the
mustard is placed a piece of gauze or thin muslin, and the plaster is then
applied to the part of the body it is intended to medicate. Its action is
that of a powerful rubefacient and counter-irritant; but its application
should not be continued long, unless in extreme cases. Its effects are
often apparently wonderful. We have seen very severe cases of facial
neuralgia, sore throat, painful joints, rheumatic pains, &c., relieved in
a few minutes by means of a mustard plaster or ‘poultice.’
=Plaster, Nuremberg.= See PLASTER, MINIUM (COMPOUND).
=Plaster of Oak-mistletoe.= (Hardy.) _Syn._ EMPLASTRUM VISCI QUERCINI.
_Prep._ To 2 parts of melted beeswax add gradually 1 part of juice of true
oak mistletoe, and form a plaster. In neuralgic pains.
=Plaster of O′′pium.= _Syn._ EMPLASTRUM ANODYNUM, E. OPII (B. P., Ph. L.
E. & D.), L. _Prep._ 1. (Ph. L.) Lead plaster, 8 oz.; melt, and add of
frankincense (thus), 2 oz.; next, add of extract of opium, 1 oz.,
previously dissolved in boiling water, 1 fl. oz.; and, constantly
stirring, evaporate the mixture over a slow fire to a proper consistence.
This plaster is much stronger than that of the Ph. L. 1836 and of the
other British Colleges.
2. (Ph. L. 1836.) Lead plaster, 1 lb.; melt, add of powdered thus, 3 oz.;
mix, and further add, of powdered opium, 1/2 oz., water, 8 fl. oz., and
boil to a proper consistence.
3. (Ph. E.) Litharge plaster, 12 oz.; Burgundy pitch, 3 oz.; liquefy by
heat, then add, by degrees, of powdered opium, 1/2 oz., and mix them
thoroughly. This and the preceding contains only 1-3rd part of the opium
ordered in the present Ph. L. & D.
4. (Ph. D.) Resin plaster, 9 oz.; opium, in fine powder, 1 oz.; as the
last. Same as B. P.
5. (Ph. B.), Powdered opium, 1 oz.; resin plaster, 9 oz.; melt the plaster
and add the opium.
_Obs._ The above plaster is reputed anodyne, and useful in various local
pains; but its virtues in this way have been greatly exaggerated. The
formula of the Ph. L. 1836, from being less costly, is still often
employed in place of that of the Ph. L. 1851. The following is commonly
used:——Lead plaster, 14 lbs.; yellow resin, 2 lbs.; powdered opium, 1/2
lb.
=Plaster of Opium and Camphor.= (Dr Paris.) _Syn._ EMPLASTRUM OPII ET
CAMPHORÆ. _Prep._ Opium and camphor, of each 1/2 dr. Lead plaster q. s.
Mix.
=Plaster of Ox′ide of I′ron.= _Syn._ IRON PLASTER, FRANKINCENSE P.,
STRENGTHENING P.; EMPLASTRUM ROBORANS, E. FERRI (B. P., Ph. L. E. & D.),
E. THURIS, E. FERRI OXYDI RUBRI, L. _Prep._ 1. (Ph. L.) Lead plaster, 8
oz.; frankincense (thus), 2 oz.; melt them together over a slow fire,
sprinkle into the mixture sesquioxide of iron, 1 oz., and mix the whole
well together.
2. (Ph. E.) Litharge plaster, 3 oz.; yellow resin, 6 dr.; beeswax, 3 dr.;
melt them together, then add of red oxide of iron, 1 oz., previously
triturated with olive oil, 3-1/2 fl. dr.
3. (Ph. D.) Litharge plaster, 8 oz.; Burgundy pitch, 2 oz.; peroxide of
iron, in fine powder, 1 oz.; as No. 1. Same as B. P.
4. (Wholesale.) From lead plaster (quite dry), 84 lbs.; powdered yellow
resin, 14 lbs.; ‘crocus martis’ (lively coloured), 14 lbs.; olive oil, 3
pints; as No. 2.
5. (B. P.) Add hydrated peroxide of iron in fine powder, 1 oz., to
Burgundy pitch, 2 oz., and litharge plaster, 8 oz., previously melted
together, and stir the mixture constantly till it stiffens on cooling.
_Obs._ Iron plaster is reputed strengthening and stimulant. It is employed
as a mechanical support in muscular relaxation, weakness of the joints,
&c., especially by public dancers. Its tonic action is probably wholly
imaginary. No. 4 is the ‘EMPLASTRUM ROBORANS’ of the shops at the present
time.
=Plaster, Oxycro′ceum.= _Syn._ EMPLASTRUM OXYCROCEUM, L. _Prep._ 1. (Ph.
E. 1744.) Beeswax, 1 lb.; black pitch and strained galbanum, of each 1/2
lb.; melt, and add of Venice turpentine, powdered myrrh, and olibanum, of
each 3 oz.; powdered saffron, 2 oz.
2. (Wholesale.) From black pitch, 9 lbs.; black resin, 11 lbs.; beeswax
and lard, of each 2-1/2 lbs.; melted together. Warm; discutient. Still
popular with the lower orders. The saffron of the original formula never
finds its way into the oxycroceum plaster of the druggists.
=Plaster, Palm.= _Syn._ EMPLASTRUM DIAPALMUM, L.; DIAPALME, EMPLÂTRE
DIAPALME, Fr. _Prep._ (P. Cod.) Lead plaster, 32 parts; yellow wax, 2
parts; melt them together, add of sulphate of zinc, 1 part, dissolve in a
little water, and continue the heat, with constant agitation, until all
the water is evaporated.
_Obs._ This plaster originally contained palm oil, and this ingredient is
still ordered in the formulæ of Plenck and Reuss. Soubeiran directs white
wax to be employed.
=Plaster, Paracelsus’s.= _Syn._ EMPLASTRUM PARACELSI, E. STYPTICUM, L.
_Prep._ From lead plaster, 28 lbs.; galbanum plaster, 2 lbs.; powdered
white canella and gum thus, of each 1-1/2 lb.; melted together. The
original formula, as well as that of the Ph. L. 1721 were similar,
although much more complicated.
=Plaster of Pitch.= _Syn._ POOR MAN’S PLASTER, GOUT P., ANTI-RHEUMATIC P.;
EMPLASTRUM PAUPERIS, E. ANTIRHEUMATICUM, E. ANTARTHRITICUM, E. PICIS
COMMUNE, L. This has been already noticed under the head of RESIN PAPER.
It is also, but less frequently, spread on cloth and leather.
=Plaster, Prestat’s Adhe′sive.= _Prep._ From lead plaster, 2-1/2 lbs.;
yellow resin, 5 oz.; Venice turpentine, 4 oz.; gum ammoniacum and mastic,
of each 1-1/4 oz.; made into a plaster, and spread on linen or calico.
=Plaster of Red Lead.= See PLASTER OF MINIUM.
=Plaster of Res′in.= _Syn._ ADHESIVE PLASTER, RESINOUS P.; EMPLASTRUM
ADHESIVUM, E. RESINÆ (B. P., Ph. L. & D.), E. RESINOSUM (Ph. E.), E.
LYTHARGYRI CUM RESINÂ, L. _Prep._ 1. (Ph. L.) To lead plaster, 3 lbs.,
melted by a gentle heat, add of resin, 1/2 lb., also liquefied by heat,
and mix. The formula of the Ph. U. S. is similar.
2. (Ph. E.) Litharge plaster, 5 oz.; resin, 1 oz.; mix with a moderate
heat.
3. (Ph. D.) To litharge plaster, 2 lbs., melted by a gentle heat, add, of
powdered resin, 4 oz., Castile soap, in powder, 2 oz., and mix them
intimately.
4. (Wholesale.) Pale lead plaster (from a previous batch, and quite dry),
72 lbs.; olive oil (Genoa), 3 lbs.; melt them together in a bright and
perfectly clean copper pan, and sift in of pale yellow resin (in powder),
12 lbs., stirring all the while. The mixture is to be cooled, and ‘pulled’
or ‘worked,’ after the manner of lead plaster.
5. (B. P.) Resin (in powder), 2; litharge plaster, 16; hard soap, 1; melt
the plaster with a gentle heat, add the resin and soap, first liquefied,
and mix.
_Obs._ Resin plaster, spread upon calico, forms the well-known ‘STRAPPING’
or ‘ADHESIVE PLASTER’ so extensively used to protect raw surfaces, support
parts, and for dressing ulcers, retaining the lips of recent cuts and
wounds in contact, &c. It is gently stimulant, and is thought to assist
the healing process. It is also employed as a basis for other plasters.
The ‘HOSPITAL PLASTER’ of certain houses is of this kind. See PLASTER OF
SOAP, COMPOUND.
=Plaster, Resol′vent.= _Syn._ EMPLASTRUM RESOLVENS, E. EX MIXTIS QUATUOR,
L. _Prep._ (P. Cod.) Galbanum, hemlock, mercurial, and soap plasters,
equal parts, melted together.
=Plaster, Roper’s Royal Bath.= _Prep._ (Cooley.) Strained black pitch, 16
oz.; Burgundy pitch, 10 oz.; tar and beeswax, of each 1 oz.; melt, and,
when considerably cooled, add of expressed oil of mace, 2 dr.; croton oil,
1 dr.; and spread the mixture upon heart-shaped pieces of white
sheep-skin, without remelting it. Stimulant and counter-irritant;
recommended by its proprietor as a cure for all human ailments. The
‘BATH-PLASTER PILLS,’ also prepared by Mr Roper, resemble several of the
aperient pills already noticed. (See ‘Anat. of Quackery.’)
=Plaster, Scott’s.= _Prep._ From lead plaster, 14 oz.; olive oil and white
resin, of each 1 oz.; melted together, and spread on calico.
=Plaster, Sharp’s Black.= _Prep._ From olive oil, 5 parts; carbonate of
lead, 4 parts; beeswax, 1 part; boiled to a plaster.
=Plaster, Simple.= See PLASTER, WAX.
=Plaster of Soap.= _Syn._ EMPLASTRUM È SAPONE, E. SAPONIS (Ph. L. E. &
D.), L. _Prep._ 1. (Ph. L.) To lead plaster, 3 lbs., melted by a slow
heat, add of Castile soap, sliced, 1/2 lb., resin, 1 oz., both (also)
liquefied by heat, and, constantly stirring, evaporate to a proper
consistence.
2. (Ph. E.) To litharge plaster, 4 oz., gum plaster, 2 oz., melted
together, add of Castile soap, in shavings, 1 oz., and boil a little.
3. (Ph. D.) To litharge plaster, 2-1/2 lbs., melted over a gentle fire,
add of Castile soap, in powder, 4 oz., and heat them together (constantly
stirring) until they combine.
4. (B. P.) Hard soap (in powder), 6; lead plaster, 36; resin (in powder),
1; to the lead plaster, previously melted, add the soap and the resin,
first liquefied, then, constantly stirring, evaporate to a proper
consistence.
_Obs._ Care must be taken to evaporate all the moisture from the above
compounds, as, if any is left in the plaster, it turns out crumbly, and
does not keep well. Much heat discolours it. (See _below_.)
Soap plaster is emollient and resolvent, and is used in abrasions and
excoriations, and as a dressing to soft corns, lymphatic tumours, &c.
=Plaster of Soap (Camphorated).= (P. Cod.) _Syn._ EMPLASTRUM SAPONIS
CAMPHORATUM. Soap plaster, 10 oz.; camphor, 48 gr.
=Plaster of Soap (Compound).= _Syn._ EMPLASTRUM SAPONIS COMPOSITUM, E.
ADHÆRENS, L. Prep. (Ph. D. 1826.) Resin plaster, 3 oz.; soap plaster, 2
oz.; melted together.
_Obs._ Less emollient, but more stimulant, than the simple plaster. The
‘EMPLASTRUM È MINIO CUM SAPONE’——Ph. E. 1744 was made by melting 1 part of
soap with 5 parts of minium plaster. Neither of the above must be put into
water. See PLASTER OF RESIN, Ph. D.
=Plaster of Soap-ce′rate.= _Syn._ EMPLASTRUM CERATI SAPONIS (B. P.).
_Prep._ 1. From soap cerate, heated by means of a water bath until all the
moisture is evaporated. Sometimes 2 or 3 dr. each of powdered mastic and
gum ammoniacum are added for each pound of cerate. The product is
generally spread whilst still warm. Said to be suppurative, resolvent,
cooling, and desiccative. See CERATE (soap).
2. (B. P.) Hard soap, 10; beeswax, 12-1/2; oxide of lead (in powder), 15;
olive oil, 20; vinegar, 160; boil the vinegar with the oxide over a slow
fire, or by a steam bath, constantly stirring them until they unite; then
add the soap and boil again in a similar manner until all the moisture is
evaporated; lastly, mix with the wax previously dissolved in the oil, and
continue the process till the product takes the consistence of a plaster.
=Plaster of Squill, Compound.= _Syn._ EMPLASTRUM SCILLÆ COMPOSITUM.
_Prep._ Galbanum, 1/2 oz.; soap, 1/2 oz.; litharge plaster, 2 oz.; melt
together, and add opium, 1 dr.; ammoniacum, 1/2 oz.; vinegar of squills, 3
oz., mixed together; keep them over the fire constantly stirred till they
are incorporated.
=Plaster, St Andrew’s.= _Prep_. From yellow resin, 8 oz.; gum elemi, 2
oz.; Bordeaux turpentine and oil of the bay-laurel, of each 1 oz.; melted
together by a gentle heat. A stimulant, resolvent, and adhesive plaster,
once supposed to possess extraordinary virtues.
=Plaster, Stick′ing.= See PLASTER, COURT, PLASTER OF RESIN, &c.
=Plaster, Stom′ach.= See PLASTER, AROMATIC, &c.
=Plaster, Strength′ening.= See PLASTERS OF FRANKINCENSE and OXIDE OF IRON.
=Plaster, Styp′tic.= See PLASTER OF OXIDE OF IRON, PARACELSUS’S P., &c.
=Plaster of Sul′phate of Quinine′.= _Syn._ EMPLASTRUM QUINIÆ, E. Q.
DISULPHATIS, L. _Prep._ 1. Sulphate of quinine, 1 dr.; resin plaster, 1
oz. Applied to the abdomen in intermittents.
2. Sulphate of quinine, 1 dr.; mercurial plaster, 2 oz. In affections of
the liver or spleen, following intermittents, applied over the regions of
those viscera.
3. Resin plaster, 9 dr.; sulphate of quinine, 1 dr.; camphor and oil of
cajeput, of each 1/2 dr. Applied over the epigastrium as a prophylactic of
cholera.
=Plaster of Thus.= See PLASTER OF FRANKINCENSE.
=Plaster of Ver′digris.= Syn. EMPLASTRUM ÆRUGINIS, E. CUPRI SUBACETATIS,
L. Prep. (P. Cod.) Beeswax, 4 parts; Burgundy pitch, 2 parts; melt, add of
Venice turpentine and prepared verdigris (in powder), of each 1 part, and
stir until the mass is nearly cold. For other formulæ, see PLASTER, CORN,
&c.
=Plaster, Ver′mifuge.= _Syn._ EMPLASTRUM VERMIFUGUM, E. ANTHELMINTICUM, L.
Prep. From powdered aloes, 1 dr.; oil of chamomile, 10 drops; croton oil,
2 drops; oil of turpentine, q. s.
=Plaster, Vigo’s.= _Syn._ EMPLASTRUM VIGONIS, L. _Prep._ (P. Cod.) Lead
plaster, 40 oz.; mercury, 12 oz.; liquid styrax, 6 oz.; beeswax,
turpentine, and resin, of each 2 oz.; ammoniacum, bdellium, myrrh, and
olibanum, of each 5 dr.; saffron, 3 dr.; oil of lavender, 2 dr.; made into
a plaster s.a.
=Plaster, Warm.= See CALEFACIENT PLASTER, BURGUNDY PITCH P., &c.
=Plaster of Wax.= _Syn._ SIMPLE PLASTER; EMPLASTRUM ATTRAHENS, E. SIMPLEX
(Ph. E.), E. CERÆ, L. _Prep._ 1. (Ph. E.) Beeswax, 3 oz.; suet and yellow
resin, of each 2 oz.; melt them together, and stir the mixture briskly
until it concretes by cooling.
2. (Ph. L. 1836.) Yellow wax and suet, of each 3 lbs.; yellow resin, 1
lb.; as the last. Intended to be employed as a simple dressing, especially
to blistered surfaces. It is now seldom used.
=Plaster, White Diach′ylon.= See PLASTER OF LEAD.
=Plaster, Yellow Diach′ylon.= See PLASTER OF GALBANUM.
=Plaster, Zinco-lead.= _Syn._ EMPLASTRUM ZINCO-PLUMBICUM, E.
DIAPOMPHOLYGOS, L. _Prep._ (Ph. Suec.) Beeswax, 1 lb; olive oil and
graphite (black lead), of each 6 oz.; carbonate of lead, 4 oz.; oxide of
zinc (impure), 3 oz.; olibanum, 1-1/2 oz.; boil to a plaster. Astringent
and desiccant. Other forms substitute an equal weight of litharge for the
graphite.
=PLATE.= The name is commonly given to gold and silver wrought into
instruments or utensils for domestic use.
The cleaning of plate is an important operation in a large establishment,
as its durability, and much of its beauty, depend on this being properly
done. The common practice of using mercurial plate powder is destructive
to both of these, as mercury not only rapidly erodes the surface of
silver, but renders it soft, and, in extreme cases, even brittle. The only
powder that may be safely used for silver is prepared chalk, of the best
quality. For gold, the form of red oxide of iron, known as _Jeweller’s
Rouge_, is the most useful and appropriate.
In his ‘Workshop Receipts’ Mr Spon recommends the following:——“Take an
ounce each of cream of tartar, common salt, and alum, and boil in a gallon
or more of water. After the plate is taken out and rubbed dry it puts on a
beautiful silvery whiteness. Powdered magnesia may be used dry for
articles slightly tarnished, but if very dirty it must be used first wet
and then dry.”
Chamois leather, a plate brush, or very soft woollen rags, should alone be
used to apply them; and their application should be gentle and long
continued, rather than the reverse. Dirty plate, after being cleaned with
boiling water, may be restored by boiling it in water, each quart of which
contains a few grains of carbonate of soda, and about an ounce of prepared
chalk, calcined hartshorn, or cuttle-fish bone, in very fine powder. The
ebullition sets up a gentle friction, which effects its purpose admirably.
The boiled plate, after being dried, is best ‘finished off’ with a piece
of soft leather or woollen cloth which has been dipped into the cold
mixture of chalk and water, and then dried. The same method answers
admirably with German silver, brass, pewter, and all the softer metals.
See POWDER (Plate), &c.
=PLAT′INA.= See PLATINUM.
=PLA′′TING.= The art of covering copper and other metals with either
silver or gold.
Plating is performed in various ways. Sometimes the silver is fluxed on to
the surface of the copper by means of a solution of borax, and subsequent
exposure in the ‘plating furnace,’ and the compound ingot is then rolled
to the requisite thinness between cylinders of polished steel. The common
thickness of the silver plate before rolling is equal to about the 1-40th
of that of the compound ingot. Sometimes the nobler metal is precipitated
from its solutions upon the copper by the action of chemical affinity, or,
more frequently, by the agency of electro-chemical decomposition
(electro-plating).
The metal employed for plating is a mixture of copper and brass, annealed
or hardened, as the case may require. For electro-plated goods, ‘nickel
silver’ is now almost invariably employed. See ELECTROTYPE, GILDING,
PLATINISING, SILVERING, &c.
=PLAT′INISING.= Metals may be coated with platinum by nearly similar
processes to those already referred to under PLATING. In the ‘moist way’
vessels of brass, copper, and silver are conveniently platinised in the
following manner:——Solid bichloride of platinum, 1 part, is dissolved in
water, 100 parts, and to this solution is added of common salt, 8 parts;
or, still better, 1 part of ammonio-chloride of platinum and 8 parts of
chloride of ammonium are placed in a suitable porcelain vessel, with about
40 parts of water, and the whole heated to ebullition; the vessels or
utensils, previously made perfectly bright, are then immersed in the
boiling liquid. In a few seconds they generally acquire a brilliant and
firmly adhering layer of platinum.
Silver plates for voltaic batteries are commonly platinised by immersing
them for a few seconds in a mixture of saturated solution of bichloride of
platinum, 1 part; dilute sulphuric acid, 3 parts; water, 4 to 6 parts.
Platinum battery plates are covered with a pulverulent deposit of platinum
by means of the electrotype.
Platinised asbestos is prepared by dipping asbestos into a solution of
bichloride of platinum, or one of the double chlorides of that metal, and
then gradually heating it to redness. It is used as a substitute for
spongy platinum. See ELECTROTYPE, VOLTAIC ELECTRICITY.
=PLAT′INUM.= Pt. _Syn._ PLATINA, WHITE GOLD; PLATINUM, L. A heavy,
greyish-white metal, occurring chiefly in certain of the alluvial
districts of Mexico and Brazil, in the Ural mountains of Russia, in
Ceylon, and in a few other places. It occurs in nature under the form of
grains and small rolled masses, associated with palladium, rhodium,
osmium, ruthenium, iridium, and a little iron. It has only been known in
Europe since 1748.
_Prep._ The native alloy of this metal (crude platinum) is acted upon, as
far as possible, by nitro-hydrochloric acid containing an excess of
hydrochloric acid, and slightly diluted with water, in order to dissolve
as small a quantity of iridium as possible; to the deep yellowish-red and
high acid solution thus produced ammonium chloride is added, by which
nearly the whole of the platinum is thrown down in the state of
ammonio-chloride. This substance, after being washed with a little cold
water, is dried and heated to redness; the product is spongy metallic
platinum. This is made into a thin uniform paste with water, introduced
into a slightly conical mould of brass, and subjected to a graduated
pressure, by which the water is squeezed out, and the mass rendered at
length sufficiently solid to bear handling. It is next dried, very
carefully heated to whiteness, and hammered, or subjected to powerful
pressure by suitable means, whilst in the heated state. It will now bear
forging into a bar, and may afterwards be rolled into plates, or drawn
into wire, at pleasure.
_Prop., &c._ Platinum is one of the heaviest substances known, its sp. gr.
being 21·5. It is whiter than iron, harder than silver, infusible in the
strongest heat of our furnaces, and melts only when exposed to the highest
temperature obtained by Deville’s oxyhydrogen gas furnace. It is
unaffected by air, water, and all the ordinary acids, and even its polish
is uninjured by the strongest heat of a smith’s forge; aqua regia,
however, dissolves it, though with much more difficulty than gold; it is
also superficially oxidised by fused hydrate of potassium. Spongy
platinum, powdered platinum, and even perfectly clean platinum foil,
possess the remarkable property of causing the union of oxygen and
hydrogen gases, with more or less elevation of temperature. Platinum is
precipitated from its solutions by deoxidising substances under the form
of a black powder (platinum black), which has the power of absorbing
oxygen, and again imparting it to combustible substances, and thus causing
their oxidation. In this way alcohol and pyroxylic spirit may be converted
into acetic and formic acids, &c.
Platinum black is simply platinum in a fine state of division, and is
readily obtained as follows:——1. A solution of platinic chloride, to which
an excess of carbonate of sodium and a quantity of sugar have been added,
is boiled until the precipitate which forms after a little time becomes
perfectly black, and the supernatant liquid colourless; the black powder
is then collected on a filter, washed, and dried by gentle heat.
2. Platinic-ammonium chloride, reduced to very fine powder, is moistened
with strong sulphuric acid, and a small piece of zinc is thrust into the
mixture; after the whole is reduced to a black powder it is washed, first
with hydrochloric acid, and then with pure water, and is, lastly, dried.
3. (Zdrawkowitch.) Platinum black, in a highly active condition, can be
obtained, according to the author, by adding 3 to 5 c.c. of solution of
perchloride of platinum, drop by drop, to a boiling mixture of 15 c.c. of
glycerin and 10 c.c. of solution of caustic potash of 1·08 sp. gr.
4. (Ph. B.) Boil down rapidly, solution of potash, 2 pints, in a silver or
clean iron vessel, until there remains a fluid of oily consistence, a drop
of which removed on a warm glass rod solidifies on cooling. Pour this into
proper moulds, and when solidified and while still warm put it into
stoppered bottles.
Platinum, in the state of platinum black, possesses the property of
condensing gases, more especially oxygen, into its pores, and afterwards
giving it out to various oxidisable substances. When placed in contact
with a solution of formic acid it converts it, with copious effervescence,
into carbonic acid; alcohol, dropped upon it, becomes changed by oxidation
into acetic acid, the rise of temperature being often sufficient to cause
inflammation; exposed to a red heat, it shrinks in volume, assumes the
appearance of spongy platinum, and, for the most part, loses these
peculiarities. That prepared with zinc explodes, when heated, like
gunpowder. The spongy platinum is obtained by igniting the ammonium
platinic chloride at a red heat.
The salts of platinum are recognised as follows:——Sulphuretted hydrogen
throws down from neutral and acid solutions of the platinic salts a
blackish-brown precipitate, which is only formed after a time in the cold,
but immediately on heating the liquid. Ammonium sulphide also gives a
blackish-brown precipitate, which completely redissolves in a large excess
of the precipitant, provided the latter contains an excess of sulphur.
Chloride of ammonium and chloride of potassium give yellow crystalline
precipitates, insoluble in acids, but soluble in excess of the
precipitate, upon the application of heat, and decomposable by heat, with
production of spongy platinum. Ammonia and potassium hydrate also give
similar precipitates in solutions previously acidulated with hydrochloric
acid.
_Estim._ This may be effected by throwing down the metal in the form of
chloride of ammonium and platinum, which, after being washed on a filter
with a little weak spirit to which a little of the precipitate has been
added, and afterwards with the spirit alone, may be carefully dried at
212° Fahr., and weighed. Or, the precipitate may be ignited in a platinum
crucible, and weighed in the state of a spongy platinum. 193·25 gr. of
the platinic and ammonium chlorides are equivalent to 98·75 gr. of
metallic platinum.
_Uses._ Platinum is valuable for the formation of crucibles, capsules, and
other utensils or instruments intended to be exposed to a strong heat, or
to the action of acids. Platinic chloride and the platinic and sodium
chloride are much used in chemical analysis. Both of these are also used
in medicines with the same intentions, and in the same doses, as the
corresponding salts of gold. These compounds are poisonous. The antidotes
and treatment are similar to those described under GOLD.
_Concluding Remarks._——Daville and Debray have introduced a method of
refining platinum, which has already done much to extend the useful
applications of the metal. The process consists in submitting the crude
metal to the action of an intensely high temperature, obtained by the
combustion of hydrogen (or coal-gas) with oxygen, in a crucible of lime.
By this means large quantities of platinum (50 lbs. or more) can be kept
fused until the sulphur, phosphorus, arsenic, and osmium, generally
occurring in crude platinum, are oxidised and volatilised, and the iron
and copper are oxidised and absorbed by the lime forming the crucible. At
the International Exhibition of 1862 an ingot of pure platinum, weighing
over 2 cwt., was exhibited by Messrs Johnson & Mathey, as an illustration
of the practical results of this process.
=Platinic Chloride.= PtCl_{4}. _Syn._ BICHLORIDE OF PLATINUM, CHLORIDE OF
PLATINUM, PERCHLORIDE OF P.; PLATINI BICHLORIDUM (Ph. L.), L. PLATINI
TETRACHLORIDUM. _Prep._ By dissolving platinum in nitro-hydrochloric acid,
and evaporating the solution to dryness at a gentle heat. _Prop., &c._
Reddish-brown, deliquescent, and very soluble in both water and alcohol,
yielding orange-coloured solutions. It combines with a variety of metallic
chlorides to form ‘double salts.’ Used as a test in chemical analysis, and
as an alterative in secondary syphilis, &c.——_Dose_, 1/16 to 1/4 gr.,
dissolved in distilled water, or made into a pill with syrup and liquorice
powder. Some persons prescribe much larger doses, but unsafely. Hoefer
recommends an ointment made with it as an application to indolent ulcers.
In doses of 5 gr. and upwards it acts as a violent caustic poison. This
last salt is the ‘chloride of platinum’ of the shops, and the one used in
the arts and medicine. It forms one of the tests included in the Appendix
to the Ph. L.
=Platinic-Ammonium Chloride.= Pt(NH_{4})_{2}Cl_{6}, or PtCl_{4} 2NH_{4}Cl.
_Syn._ AMMONIO-CHLORIDE OF PLATINUM, PLATINO-CHLORIDE OF AMMONIUM. _Prep._
A solution of chloride of ammonium is added to a strong solution of
platinic chloride, and the precipitate washed with dilute alcohol.
_Prop._ Minute, transparent, yellow octahedral crystals very feebly
soluble in water, less so in dilute alcohol, and insoluble in acids; heat
converts it into spongy platinum.
=Platinic-Potassium Chloride.= PtK_{2}Cl_{6}, or PtCl_{4}2KCl. _Syn._
PLATINO-CHLORIDE OF POTASSIUM, POTASSIO-CHLORIDE OF PLATINUM. _Prep._ A
bright yellow, crystalline precipitate, formed whenever solutions of the
chlorides of platinum and of potassium are mixed; or a salt of potassium,
acidulated with a little hydrochloric acid, is added to platinic chloride.
In appearance, solubility, &c., it closely resembles ammonio-chloride of
platinum.
=Platinic-Sodium Chloride.= PtNa_{2}Cl_{6}, or PtCl_{4}2NaCl. _Syn._
CHLORIDE OF PLATINUM AND SODIUM, SODIO-CHLORIDE OF PLATINUM,
PLATINO-BICHLORIDE OF SODIUM; PLATINI ET SODII CHLORIDUM, PLATINI
SODIO-CHLORIDIUM, &c., L. _Prep._ (Redwood.) Platinic chloride, 17 parts;
chloride of sodium, 6 parts; dissolve the two salts separately in water,
q. s., mix the solutions, and evaporate, that crystals may form. The
crystals are large, transparent, and of a yellow-red colour.——_Dose_, 1/12
to 1/2 gr.; in the same cases as the bichloride.
=Platinic Oxide.= PtO_{2}. _Syn._ BINOXIDE OF PLATINUM. _Prep._ 1. By
exactly decomposing the platinic sulphate with nitrate of barium, and
adding pure hydrate of sodium to the filtered solution, so as to
precipitate only half the oxide. (Berzelius.)——2. By boiling platinic
chloride with hydrate of sodium, in considerable excess, and then adding
acetic acid.
_Prop., &c._ As the hydrate (Pt(HO)_{4}), it is a bulky brownish powder;
this, when gently heated, becomes black and anhydrous. It forms salts with
the acids, and combines with some of the bases. The salts have a red or
yellow colour, and a remarkable tendency to form double salts with the
alkaline salts.
_Obs._ Both the oxides of platinum are reduced to the metallic state on
ignition.
=Platinous Oxide.= PtO. _Syn._ OXIDE OF PLATINUM. _Prep._ By heating to
below redness the platinic chloride and digesting with hydrate of
potassium the residue.
_Prop., &c._ A black powder, soluble in excess of alkali, and freely so in
the acids, forming brown solutions of the platinous salts. These are
distinguished from solutions of the platinic salts by not being
precipitated by chloride of ammonium. Platinous oxalate, in fine
copper-coloured needles, may be obtained by heating platinic oxide in a
solution of oxalic acid.
=Platinum Gas.= _Syn._ GAZ-PLATINE; GILLARD’S GAS. In Paris this gas is
employed by gold- and silversmiths and electro-platers because it gives
rise to no sulphur product and burns without giving off soot or smoke. It
is free from smell. Steam is decomposed by being made to pass through a
retort filled with red-hot charcoal. The hydrogen being freed from the
carbonic acid which is associated with it, by means of crystallised
carbonate of soda, is burnt from an Argand burner provided with numerous
small holes. The flame, which is not luminous in itself, is surrounded by
a network of moderately fine platinum wire, which on becoming white-hot
becomes luminous. It burns quite steadily, and its illuminating power is
said to exceed slightly that of coal gas.
=Platinum, Spongy.= _Prep._ 1. By heating ammonio-chloride of platinum to
redness.
2. Crude bichloride of platinum and chloride of ammonium are separately
dissolved in proof spirit, and the one solution added to the other as long
as a precipitate forms; this is collected, and, whilst still moist, formed
into little balls or pieces, which are then dried, and gradually heated to
redness.
_Prop., &c._ These have been noticed above. Small balls of spongy platinum
are used for the hydrogen instantaneous-light lamp (Döbereiner’s lamp);
but they are apt to absorb moisture from the atmosphere, and then lose
their power of inflaming hydrogen, until they are re-dried and heated.
=PLEURISY.= Inflammation of the pleura, or membrane covering the lungs.
The symptoms of pleurisy are a sharp pain in the side, which is rendered
more acute when a deep breath is taken; quick, short, difficult
inspiration; a quick pulse; and fever. Much pain is also experienced if
the attempt be made to lie on the affected side.
Pleurisy sometimes accompanies pneumonia or inflammation of the substance
of the lungs. If allowed to run on, the disease produces effusion of serum
or of lymph into the cavity of the chest, in either case giving rise to
adhesions, which cause embarrassment of breathing. On the contrary, it may
terminate by resolution or complete recovery.
Pleurisy generally arises from exposure to the cold. A blow or a wound
will also cause it, and a not uncommon origin is the splintered end of a
broken rib. In every case the advice of the medical practitioner should be
sought upon the first indications of the disease. The following treatment
is suggested for adoption only by emigrants, or others unable to procure
the services of the medical man in cases of urgency:——
Under these circumstances the patient, sitting in an upright posture,
should be bled until he is able to breathe without feeling pain. If after
bleeding the pain should return, leeches, if obtainable, should be applied
to the painful part, and a large blister should be placed near the
affected spot. After being bled the patient should have a hot bath.
Should the pain not subside, leeching must be had free recourse to, or
blood be drawn by cupping. A brisk purgative should be given at the
commencement of the disease, and after this has ceased acting the patient
should take two grains of calomel and a quarter of a grain of opium every
four hours, but this treatment must not be continued longer than is
necessary. The patient should remain in bed in a room which has a uniform
temperature of 60° F., and adopt a low diet.
IN HORSES.——_Symptoms._ Fever, indicated by shivering, indisposition to
move or turn, quick pulse, painful cough, and hurried respiration.
“Place the animal without delay in a cool, airy, loose box, and bleed to
the extent of seven or eight quarts, or until the pulse falters. Bleeding
is never justifiable after the third day, when the pulse reaches 70. Three
or four drachms of aloes in solution will suffice for the horse, and
clysters must also be given. Until the physic operates sedatives must be
used with great caution. Twenty minims of Flemming’s tincture of aconite
should be given every three hours.
“Towards the close of the second day the aconite may be discontinued, and
a scruple of calomel and a drachm of opium given in a bolus, and repeated
every four hours until four or five doses have been given. Apply liniment
of ammonia or mustard to the sides. If the animal be thirsty give water in
which nitre has been dissolved. Keep the animal perfectly quiet, and let
it have soft laxative food.” (Finlay Dun.)
=PLUG′GING.= The introduction of a mass of lint, sponge, or other suitable
material, into a wound or cavity, with the intention of arresting
hæmorrhage. It is now seldom adopted, except in cases of bleeding from the
nose, and that only after more approved methods have failed.
=PLUM.= A name applied to several varieties of the _Prunus domesticus_
(Linn.), or wild plum. Among the cultivated varieties, the damson,
greengage, French plum, magnum bonum or Mogul p., mirabelle p., Orleans
p., and prune, are those best known. Grocers’ ‘plums’ are raisins, or
dried grapes.
In the following table will be found the composition of the principal
varieties of plum.
+------------------+----------+---------------+-------+-------+----------------+
| | | Greengage. | | | Mussel Plums. |
| | | |Black- | | |
| |Mirabelle,+-------+-------+ blue, | Dark +-------+--------+
| | common |Yellow-|Large |middle-|black- | |Italian,|
| | yellow. |green, |green, | sized | red |Common.| very |
| | |middle | very | Plums.| Plums.| | sweet. |
| | | size. | sweet.| | | | |
+------------------+----------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+--------+
|_Soluble matter_——| | | | | | | |
| Sugar | 3·584 | 2·960| 3·405| 1·996| 2·252| 5·793| 6·730 |
| Free acid, | | | | | | | |
| reduced to | | | | | | | |
| equivalent in | | | | | | | |
| malic acid | 0·582 | 0·960| 0·870| 1·270| 1·331| 0·952| 0·841 |
| Albuminous | | | | | | | |
| substances | 0·197 | 0·477| 0·401| 0·400| 0·426| 0·785| 0·832 |
| Pectous | | | | | | | |
| substances, &c. | 5·772 | 10·475| 11·074| 2·313| 5·851| 3·646| 4·105 |
| Ash | 0·570 | 0·318| 0·398| 0·496| 0·553| 0·734| 0·590 |
| | | | | | | | |
|_Insoluble | | | | | | | |
|matter_—— | | | | | | | |
| Seeds | 5·780 | 3·250| 2·852| 4·190| 3·329| 3·540| 3·124 |
| Skins, &c. | 0·179 | 0·680| 1·035|} | |{ 1·990| 0·972 |
| Pectose | 1·080 | 0·010| 0·245|} 0·509| 1·020|{ 0·630| 1·534 |
|[_Ash from | | | | | | | |
|insoluble matter | | | | | | | |
|included on | | | | | | | |
|weights given_] | [0·082] |[0·039]|[0·037]|[0·041]|[0·063]|[0·094]|[0·066] |
| Water | 82·256 | 80·841| 79·720| 88·751| 85·238| 81·930| 81·272 |
| +----------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+--------+
| | 100·00 | 99·971|100·00 | 99·925|100·00 |100·00 |100·00 |
+------------------+----------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+--------+
=PLUMBA′GO.= _Syn._ GRAPHITE, BLACK-LEAD. One of the native forms of
carbon. It contains from 95 to 100% of pure carbon; has a metallic lustre,
and conducts electricity nearly as well as the metals. It was formerly
regarded as a carbide of iron, but the iron generally found is now known
to be merely in a state of mixture. There are two distinct varieties of
graphite——crystallised or foliated graphite, obtained chiefly from Ceylon;
and amorphous graphite (the ordinary plumbago or black-lead), largely
imported to this country from Germany. The Borrowdale mine in Cumberland,
from which the finest black-lead was formerly derived, is now nearly
exhausted. The foliated graphite of Ceylon and other parts is the
principal material employed for making plumbago crucibles and other
fire-resisting goods. The amorphous graphite is used for making black-lead
pencils, polishing powder for stoves and grates (‘lustre,’ ‘servants’
friend,’ &c.), and to diminish friction in heavy machinery (anti-friction
powder). Its powder is also used to give conducting surfaces to articles
on which it is desired to deposit copper by the electrotype. In medicine
plumbago has been used with apparent advantage in herpes and several
chronic skin diseases——externally, as an ointment made with four times its
weight of lard; and internally, made into pills.
_Purification._ For medical and chemical use graphite may be treated as
follows:——
1. (Dumas and Stas.) Heat it to redness with caustic potassa, in a covered
crucible, then wash it well with water, boil it in nitric acid and in aqua
regia, again wash it with water, dry it, and expose it at a white heat to
a stream of dry chlorine gas; lastly, wash it with water, and again heat
it to dull redness. In analysis.
2. (Ph. Bor.) Pure native plumbago, 1 lb., is boiled in water for 1 hour,
then drained, and digested for 24 hours in a mixture of water, 8 oz.;
nitric acid and hydrochloric acid, of each 2 oz.; it is, lastly, well
washed with water, and dried.
3. (Brodie’s patent.) This process is only applicable to the hard
varieties of graphite, as that of Ceylon. It consists in introducing
coarsely powdered graphite, previously mixed with 1/14th of its weight of
chlorate of potassa, into 2 parts of concentrated sulphuric acid, which is
heated in a water bath until the evolution of acid fumes ceases. The acid
is then removed by water, and the graphite dried. Thus prepared, this
substance, when heated to a temperature approaching a red heat, swells up
to a voluminous mass of finely divided graphite. This powder, which is
quite free from grit, may be afterwards consolidated by pressure, and used
for making pencils or other purposes.
=PLUM′BIC ACID.= Binoxide of lead occasionally receives this name on
account of its combining with some of the bases to form compounds which
have been called plumbates.
=PLUM′BUM COR′NEUM.= See LEAD, CHLORIDE OF.
=PLUM′OSE AL′UM.= The old name of the silky amianthine crystals of the
double sulphate of aluminum and iron occasionally found on alum slate.
Asbestos has also been so called.
=PLUNKET’S CANCER REMEDY.= See CAUSTIC, PLUNKET’S.
=PNEUMONIA.= Inflammation of the substance of the lungs. When the
inflammation extends to the pleura, or covering of the lungs, the disease
is distinguished as PLEURO-PNEUMONIA. By most pathologists pneumonia is
described under the three general heads of——(1) Croupous pneumonia, (2)
catarrhal pneumonia, (3) chronic pneumonia, each of which have, by some
medical writers, been subdivided into other forms and varieties.
1. ACUTE CROUPOUS PNEUMONIA. This first description of pneumonia is most
common amongst persons of from twenty to thirty years of age, although no
age escapes it, and it is generally very severe in character when it
attacks the very young or old. It prevails more amongst men than women,
since the former, from their more frequent exposure to the weather and to
changes of temperature, run greater risk of being overtaken by a very
fertile cause of croupal pneumonia, viz. a sudden chill when the body is
unusually heated.
It frequently seizes those suffering from chronic or acute disorders, as
well as those who are intemperate and drunken. It often assails patients
suffering from contagious and acute maladies, such as measles, smallpox,
pyæmia, puerperal fever, typhus, and as appears from the accounts of the
recent outbreak of Astrakan plague in that disease also. It likewise
frequently prevails amongst the poor and badly fed living in the
overcrowded quarters of large towns and cities.
The following are the principal symptoms of acute croupous pneumonia,
given by Dr Roberts:[113]——
[Footnote 113: ‘Handbook of the Theory and Practice of Medicine,’ by F. J.
Roberts, M.D., &c. Lewis, 1873.]
“In some cases there are premonitory signs of general indisposition for a
short time. In primary, or unmixed pneumonia, the attack sets in usually
very suddenly, the invasion being attended with a _single, severe, more or
less prolonged rigor_. There may be great prostration with fever; vomiting
or nervous symptoms, viz. headache, delirium, restless stupor, or, in
children, convulsions. The special symptoms are _local_ and _general_.
“_Local symptoms._——Pain in the side is usually present, commonly stabbing
or piercing, increased by a deep breath. Difficulty of breathing. Cough
also commences speedily; it does not come on in violent paroxysms, but is
short and hacking and difficult to repress. Soon expectoration occurs, the
expectorated matter presenting peculiar characters. It is scarcely at all
frothy but extremely viscid and adhesive, and the vessel which contains it
may often be overturned without its escaping. The expectorated matter has
a rusty colour or presents various tints of red, from admixture of blood,
and as the case progresses, changes of colour are observed through shades
of yellow, until finally they become merely like the expectoration of
bronchitis. In some cases of croupal pneumonia pain and other symptoms
are sometimes very slight or absent, and the expectoration may be merely
like that in bronchitis, absent, or in low cases present the appearance of
a dark, offensive, thin fluid, resembling liquorice or prune juice.
“_General symptoms._——These may be summed up generally as severe fever
with great depression and prostration. The skin is hot, dry, and burning.
The temperature rises with great rapidity to 102°, 103°, 105°, or
sometimes higher. It has been known to reach 107° in cases which
recovered, and in fatal cases it has attained to 109·4°. In a large number
of instances it does not exceed 104°. There is usually considerable
flushing of the cheeks. The pulse ranges generally from 90 to 120, or may
be much above this.”
In the majority of cases this variety of pneumonia has a favorable
termination, but however slight the form in which it shows itself, or the
mildness of its attack, the properly qualified practitioner should be
called in to combat it. We have described the nature and cause of the
disease and given the course to be followed in treating it, for the
benefit only of the emigrant and others similarly situated. The above
comments are meant to apply to the other descriptions of pneumonia, which
will be adverted to in the course of the present article.
_Treatment to be followed in croupous pneumonia._——Bleeding was formerly
had recourse to, but this treatment has either been abandoned of late
years, or very rarely practised, the only case in which its moderate
employment is recommended being that in which the patient is threatened
with death from partial privation or suspension of breath.
Leeches may be applied to the spot in pain, and a large blister near it,
but it is preferable to first try the effect of hot fomentations and
poultices containing laudanum; or turpentine sprinkled on a warm damp
flannel may be tried. A third of a grain of tartarised antimony, with a
few drops of laudanum, or a third of a grain of hydrochlorate of morphia
may be given every four hours.
“In all _low_ forms of the disease the only chance is in _free
stimulation_. At the same times full doses of carbonate of ammonia, with
bark, spirits of chloroform, ether, camphor, and such remedies, must be
administered. In some cases quinine with iron is useful.”[114]
[Footnote 114: Dr Roberts.]
The best diet consists of milk and beef tea. The patient, it is needless
to say, should be kept in bed, and the temperature of his chamber should
be maintained at about 60° F. It is also most essential that the room
should be thoroughly ventilated, and all the expectorated matter, stools,
&c., thoroughly disinfected before removal.
2. CATARRHAL PNEUMONIA. The acute variety of this form of pneumonia is
that which principally attacks infants and children, and frequently
complicates diphtheria, hooping-cough, measles, and influenza; although it
may occasionally occur when not associated with these diseases.
In the other variety——chronic catarrhal pneumonia——the greater number of
cases arise from bronchitis. Many authorities look upon the last variety
of pneumonia as the cause of a great proportion of the cases of pulmonary
phthisis.
_Symptoms._——These differ, in the great majority of cases, from croupal
pneumonia, in not being preceded by rigors. There is always fever and a
rise of bodily temperature from 103° to 105°. There is often copious
perspiration and increased pulse. As the disease progresses the breathing
becomes more difficult and rapid, the cough changes its character, and
“becomes short, harsh, hacking, and painful, the child endeavouring to
repress it, and having an expression of pain or crying and diminished
expectoration.”[115]
[Footnote 115: Dr Roberts.]
The treatment of this form of pneumonia consists in keeping up the
strength of the patient by means of good nourishing food, and stimulants
judiciously administered. Ammonia and senega should be given if the
sufferer is very weak. In ordinary cases ipecacuanha wine will be found
useful. Poultices of linseed or mustard to the chest are also prescribed.
During convalescence the patient requires careful watching; his diet
should be generous, and should include wine; cod-liver oil, quinine, and
iron, or other tonics are additionally necessary.
3. CHRONIC PNEUMONIA. This disease, in which the substance of the lung is
in a more or less abnormal or altered condition, is mostly the result of
some previous pulmonary affection. It frequently follows successive
attacks of the catarrhal variety of pneumonia and the bronchial irritation
arising from the inhalation of small particles of dust given off by
substances employed in certain occupations or manufactures, such as coal,
steel, granite, &c.
The symptoms are pains in the side, cough, sometimes occurring in severe
paroxysms, shortness of breathing, the patient meantime gradually becoming
thinner and weaker. Sometimes night sweats occur, but generally there is
little or no fever.
The best treatment is nourishing diet, combined with tonics and cod-liver
oil.
Of late years the doctrine of the contagious nature of some forms of acute
pneumonia (whether complicated with pleurisy or not) seems to have been
gaining ground amongst medical practitioners. The well-known fact that the
pleuro-pneumonia of cattle is propagated by contagion, if it does not
prove this contention, is at any rate “worthy,” as Dr Parkes remarks, “of
all attention.”
The following cases, selected from amongst many others equally striking,
would appear to lend considerable support to this view:
1. The ‘Lancet’ for January 9th, 1862, contains a communication from Dr
Bryson, describing an epidemic of pleuro-pneumonia which occurred in 1860
amongst the Mediterranean fleet. The infectious character of the disease
is stated to have been very marked; besides which there were several
points of resemblance between it and the pleuro-pneumonia which attacks
cattle.
2. Professor Bock of Christiana has recorded an outbreak of pneumonia
which took place in the Akerhus prison of that city in 1866. Out of 360
prisoners 62 of them were attacked with pneumonia in six months. The
prison, like the cattle sheds, ravaged by pleuro-pneumonia, was badly
ventilated and overcrowded.
The following illustrations are extracted from Dr Wynter Blyth’s valuable
‘Dictionary of Hygiene and Public Health.’
1. “Mr Alfred Mayo, Mildenhall, Suffolk, in a private letter to the
author, gives a series of cases in which the infectious character of the
malady was well marked. The first case was that of a bricklayer, about
thirty-five years of age, who was taken ill with pleuro-pneumonia. His
mother, who nursed him, very shortly afterwards took the same disease and
died. A neighbour, a healthy young woman over thirty, who came in to nurse
the last patient, was also taken similarly ill, and died with all the
physical and other signs and symptoms well developed; and lastly, her
child contracted the disease, but eventually recovered. There were other
cases in the neighbourhood at the same time, and all of them were
remarkable for their fatality.”
2. “Dr Richard Budd, of Barnstaple, has communicated to the author the
following remarkable cases:——1. A clergyman, after attending a public
meeting, became affected with acute pneumonia. 2. The nurse in attendance
became ill of the same disease about a week afterwards. 3. The clergyman’s
sister, taking the place of the nurse, was in her turn also seized with
pneumonia. 4. A brother of the clergyman, who now undertook the duty of
nurse, was in a very short time laid up with the same malady. The nurse
and sister died, the two brothers recovered. Dr Budd concludes his
communications as follows: ‘Since that time I have witnessed innumerable
instances of the occurrence of this disorder in several members of the
same family in succession, and I am thoroughly convinced that it spreads
by infection, as the facts I have observed admit of no other
explanation.’”
The following table, from the Registrar-General’s Report for 1875, gives
the yearly number of deaths from pneumonia in England from 1848 to 1875:——
1848 21,868
1849 21,194
1850 20,303
1851 22,001
1852 21,421
1853 24,098
1854 23,523
1855 26,052
1856 22,653
1857 23,452
1858 26,486
1859 24,514
1860 25,264
1861 22,914
1862 23,713
1863 24,181
1864 24,470
1865 22,489
1866 25,155
1867 21,118
1868 19,908
1869 25,246
1870 23,729
1871 22,768
1872 20,282
1873 22,904
1874 25,927
1875 27,161
As a commentary upon the high death-rate from pneumonia for 1875, we may
quote the Report for 1877 of the Registrar-General to the President of the
Local Government Board. He writes, “The winter of 1875 was unusually
severe; extremes of temperature, with a long continuance of east winds,
were fatal to infants and to elderly people, and no less than 162,156
deaths were registered in England for the first quarter of the year; the
mortality was at the annual rate of 27·5 per 1000, or 2·6 per 1000 above
the average of the thirty-eight years——1838-75.”
_In animals._ For pneumonia and ordinary pleuro-pneumonia, the treatment
prescribed for pleurisy may be followed.
EPIDEMIC PLEURO-PNEUMONIA OF CATTLE. It is now universally admitted that
this disease is very often traceable to contagion, and hence that its
propagation has been largely due to the practice of purchasing infected
animals in open market, and afterwards allowing them to herd with healthy
ones. When a cow is attacked with this epizootic disease, the first
noticeable symptoms are generally tenderness and flabbiness of the udder,
and a frothy condition of the milk.
These symptoms are accompanied with a dry cough and irregularity of
appetite; at the same time the mouth, horns, and legs become hot, the
pulse becomes more rapid, and the breathing also. When on its feet the
animal arches its back, and when lying down rests itself upon its breast
bone. Generally, however, when in the recumbent posture, it lies on that
side where the affected lung is.
The treatment, omitting the bleeding, is very similar to that recommended
for pleurisy, except that it should be supplemented by the application to
the sides of fomentations of hot water, followed by the rubbing in of
mustard or of some vesicant. “If no improvement occur after the third or
fourth day, give three times daily an ounce each of ginger and gentian,
with four drachms of sulphate of iron. Where there is debility, arrested
secretion, and cold extremities, give several times a day a quart of warm
ale, with an ounce each of ginger, cardamoms, fenugreek, or other
aromatics.”[116]
[Footnote 116: Finlay Dun.]
=POACH′ING.= Amongst cooks, a peculiar method of cooking small articles by
a slight boiling or stewing process.
POACHED EGGS are prepared by breaking them into a small saucepan or
stewpan containing about 1/2 a pint of boiling water, to which a
teaspoonful of common salt, and, occasionally, a little vinegar, is added,
and gently simmering them for 3 or 4 minutes, or until sufficiently firm
to bear removal with a spoon or ‘slice.’ Another method is to employ
melted butter instead of water, and to dress them either with or without
stirring.
Poached eggs are commonly served on toast, or with fried ham or bacon,
with spice or vegetable seasoning at will. They form an excellent
breakfast, or ‘make-shift dinner.’
=PODOPH′YLLIN.= _Syn._ RESIN OF PODOPHYLLUM; RESINA PODOPHYLLI (B. P.).
Obtained from the root of the _Podophyllum peltatum_ (Linn.), or
may-apple, a substance officinal in the Ph. U. S.
_Prep._ 1. The alcoholic extract of may-apple is digested in cold ether to
remove fatty matter, and is then dissolved in rectified spirit; the
solution is decoloured with a little animal charcoal, and filtered; it is,
lastly, allowed to evaporate spontaneously.
2. (B. P.) Podophyllum, in coarse powder, 1; rectified spirit, 3-3/4, or a
sufficiency; distilled water and hydrochloric acid, of each a sufficiency;
exhaust the podophyllum by percolation with the spirit; distil over the
spirit; slowly pour the liquid remaining after the distillation of the
tincture into three times its volume of water acidulated with 1/24th part
of its weight of hydrochloric acid, constantly stirring; let it stand 24
hours; collect the resin which falls, wash on a filter with distilled
water, and dry in a stove. Cholagogue purgative; used as a substitute for
calomel.——_Dose_, 1/6 to 1/2 gr., or even 2 gr. It is best to begin with
1/8 gr. (Squire.)
_Prop., &c._ An amorphous, greyish-white mass, soluble in alcohol, and
slightly soluble in water. It is a safe and certain cathartic, superior in
activity to resin of jalap.——_Dose_, 1/2 to 3 gr. See EXTRACT OF
MAY-APPLE.
=PODOPHYLLUM ROOT.= _Syn._ PODOPHYLLI RADIX (B. P.) The dried rhizome of
the _Podophyllum peltatum_; imported from North America. Active and
certain cathartic.——_Dose_, 10 to 20 gr.
=POIS′ON.= _Syn._ TOXICUM, VENENUM, L. Any substance which, when swallowed
or applied in any particular way to the living body, disturbs, suspends,
or destroys one or more of the vital functions. In sufficient quantity, or
in small doses long continued, the common result of the administration of
deleterious substances is either impaired vitality or death.
Poisons are classified by Orfila under four heads:——
1. IRRITANT POISONS, or such as inflame or corrode the parts with which
they come in contact. Their chief effects are upon the alimentary canal,
with, sometimes, ulceration of the tongue, fauces, and œsophagus. Nausea,
vomiting, stomachic and intestinal pains, extreme anxiety and anguish,
quick and feeble pulse, cold and clammy skin, and mucous, bilious, or
bloody diarrhœa, are among the common leading symptoms. Arsenic, blue
vitriol, verdigris, strong acids and alkalies, drastic purgatives, and
numerous other substances, belong to this class.
2. NARCOTIC OR STUPEFYING POISONS, or such as paralyse the functions of
the nervous system, and produce headache, vertigo, confused vision,
delirium, stupor, convulsions, coma, &c. It includes morphia, opium,
henbane, oil of bitter almonds, prussic acid, &c.
3. NARCOTICO-ACRID POISONS, which produce at the same time narcotism and
irritation of the parts which they touch. Alcohol, belladonna, cocculus
indicus, colchicum, foxglove, hemlock, poisonous fungi, strychnine,
tobacco, veratrine, &c., are of this kind.
4. SEPTIC OR PUTREFIANT POISONS, including all those which alter, liquefy,
or cause the putrescence of the fluids of the body; as sulphuretted
hydrogen, the gas from sewers and cesspools, putrefying organic matter,
miasmata, &c.
The treatment of cases of poisoning varies with the substance occasioning
it; the proper antidotes will be found noticed under the names of the
various substances that exert a deleterious action on the animal body. It
may here, however, be useful to remark that, in almost all cases of
poisoning, copious vomiting should be excited as soon as possible by the
administration of a powerful emetic; its action being promoted by copious
draughts of lukewarm water, tickling the throat with the finger, &c.
Should this fail, but not otherwise, the stomach-pump should be had
recourse to. The vomiting should be kept up and the stomach well washed
out with bland albuminous or mucilaginous liquids, such as milk-and-water,
barley water, sweetened water, flour-and-water, or any similar matters, as
circumstances may afford. After the vomiting a brisk aperient draught, or
clyster, may be administered, and nervous irritability or exhaustion
allayed by means of ether, opium, wine, or warm spirit-and-water, as the
case may require. Even in a suspected case of poisoning, when proper
medical advice is not at hand, an emetic should be immediately
administered. Vomiting may be, in general, produced very promptly by
merely swallowing a cupful of warm water mixed with a teaspoonful of flour
of mustard. If no dry mustard is at hand, a portion of the contents of a
mustard-pot, put into the water, will answer nearly as well. As mustard
may thus prove of so much use, it should never be wanting in any house;
but even should there be no mustard at hand, warm water by itself, freely
taken, forms a tolerably efficacious emetic.
=POLARISA′TION (of Light).= A change produced upon light by the action of
certain media and surfaces, by which it ceases to present the ordinary
phenomena of reflection and transmission. Instruments or apparatus
employed to effect this change are called ‘polariscopes.’ Although the
polarisation of light is frequently employed as a means of chemical
investigation, and is of the utmost interest to the philosophical
inquirer, its consideration scarcely comes within the province of this
work. See ‘Watt’s Dict. of Chemistry,’ ‘Ganot’s Physics,’ &c.
=POL′ISH.= Various substances, differing widely from each other, are
popularly known under this name. See POWDERS, VARNISH, &c., and _below_.
=Polish, French.= See FRENCH POLISH.
=Polish, French Reviver.= _Prep._ 1. Linseed oil, 1/2 pint; pale lac
varnish and wood naphtha, of each 1/4 pint; well shaken together, and
again every time before use.
2. Methylated rectified spirit, 3 pints; linseed oil and French polish, of
each 1 pint; as the last.
3. Linseed oil (pale), 1 quart; strong distilled vinegar, 1/2 pint; spirit
of turpentine, 1/4 pint; muriatic acid, 1 oz.
=Furniture Cream.= _Prep._ 1. Pearlash, 2 oz.; soft soap, 4 oz.; beeswax,
1 lb.; water, 1 gall.; boil until the whole is united and forms a creamy
liquid when cold.
2. Beeswax, 1/2 lb.; good yellow soap, 1/4 lb.: water, 5 pints; boil to a
proper consistence with constant agitation, then add of boiled oil and
spirit of turpentine, of each 1/2 pint. For use, the above are diluted
with water, spread upon the surface with a painter’s brush, and then
polished off with a hard brush, cloth, or leather.
3. Boiled oil (pale), 1/2 pint; beeswax, 1-1/2 oz.; mixed by heat. Applied
by a ‘rubber,’ and at once polished off.
4. (For wooden furniture.) White wax, 8 parts; resin, 2 parts; true Venice
turpentine, 1/2 pint; melt at a gentle heat. The warm mass, completely
melted, is poured into a stone jar, agitated, and 6 parts of rectified oil
of turpentine added thereto. After 24 hours the mass, having the
consistency of soft butter, is ready for use. Before using the paste the
furniture should be washed with soap and water, and then well dried.
(‘Dingler’s Journal.’)
=Furniture Oil.= See OILS, MIXED.
=Furniture Paste.= _Prep._ 1. Oil of turpentine, 1 pint; alkanet root, 1/4
oz.; digest until sufficiently coloured, then add of beeswax (scraped
small), 4 oz.; put the vessel into hot water, and stir until the mixture
is complete, then put it into pots. If wanted pale, the alkanet root
should be omitted.
2. (White.) White wax, 1 lb.; solution of potassa, 1/2 gall.; boil to a
proper consistence.
=Polish, Harness.= See BLACKING, HARNESS.
=Polish, Leather.= See BLACKING.
=POL′LARD.= See FLOUR.
=POL′YCHREST.= _Syn._ POLYCHRESTUS, L. A term formerly applied to several
medicines on account of the numerous virtues they were supposed to
possess. Sal polycrestus is the old name for sulphate of potassa.
=POL′YCHROITE.= The name formerly given to the colouring matter of
saffron, from the variety of colours which it exhibits with different
reagents. Its alcoholic and aqueous solutions are of a golden yellow;
nitric acid turns it green; sulphuric acid, first blue, and then lilac.
=POM′ACE.= See CIDER.
=POMA′TUM.= _Syn._ POMMADE, Fr. This term was originally applied to a
fragrant ointment prepared with lard and apples; but is now wholly
restricted, in this country, to solid greasy substances used in dressing
the hair. The pomatums of French pharmacy (POMMADES, GRAISSES
MÉDICAMENTEUSES——P. Cod.; LIPAROLÉS——Guibourt; LIPAROLÉS and
LIPAROIDÉS——Béral; STEAROLÉS——Chéreau) are soft ointments, having a basis
of lard or fat, without resinous matter. See OINTMENT and POMMADE.
=POMEGRAN′ATE.= The _Tunica granatum_ (Linn.), a small tree indigenous in
Persia and the East. Fruit (POMEGRANATE; GRANATA, MALA PUNICA) is cooling
and astringent; fruit-rind (POMEGRANATE PEEL; MATACORIUM, CORTEX GRANATI;
GRANATUM——Ph. L.) and root-bark (GRANATI RADIX——B. P., Ph. L., E., & D.)
are powerfully astringent, detersive, and anthelmintic; the last more
particularly so. The double flowers of the wild tree (BALAUSTINES;
BALAUSTIÆ), as well as those of the cultivated one (CYTINI), are tonic and
astringent.——_Dose_, 15 to 20 gr. of the root-bark, repeated every 30 or
40 minutes, until four doses have been taken, followed by castor oil; in
tapeworm. As an astringent, all the parts described are commonly given
under the form of decoction.
=POMMADE.= [Fr.] The term applied by Continental perfumers to any soft
fragrant ointment (POMATUM).
In the preparation of pommades one of the first objects of consideration
is to obtain their fatty basis in as fresh and pure a state as possible.
Lard, beef, and mutton suet, beef marrow, veal fat, and bear’s fat, are
the substances commonly employed for this purpose, either singly or in
mixtures of two or more of them. The fat, carefully selected from a young
and healthy animal, after being separated from extraneous skin and fibre,
is pounded in a marble mortar, in the cold, until all the membranes are
completely torn asunder. It is next placed in a covered porcelain or
polished metal pan, and submitted to the heat of a water bath, which is
continued until its fatty portion has liquefied, and the albuminous and
aqueous matter, and other foreign substances, have completely separated
and subsided. The liquid fat is then carefully skimmed, and at once passed
through a clean flannel filter. In this state it may be aromatised or
perfumed at will; after which, when it is intended that the pommade should
be opaque and white, it is assiduously stirred or beaten with a glass or
wooden knife, or spatula, until it concretes; but when it is desired that
it should appear transparent or crystalline, it is allowed to cool very
slowly, and without being disturbed. To prevent the accession of
rancidity, a little benzoic acid, gum benzoin, or nitric ether may be
added to the fat, whilst in the liquid state, as noticed under FAT and
OINTMENT. Sometimes a small portion of white wax or beeswax (according to
the intended colour of the product) is melted with the fat to increase its
solidity. Some parties employ a few grains of powdered citric acid per
ounce, in a like manner, with the intention of increasing the whiteness of
the compound; but the practice is not to be commended, as pommades so
prepared prove injurious to the hair.
The French perfumers, who are celebrated for the variety and excellence of
their pommades, divide them into four classes:——
1. POMMADES BY INFUSION. These are made by gently melting in a clean pan,
over a water bath, 2 parts of hog’s lard, and 1 part of beef suet (both of
the finest quality, and carefully ‘rendered’), and adding thereto one part
of the given flowers, previously carefully picked and separated from
foreign matter; or, if the odorous substance is a solid, then coarsely
bruised, but not reduced to fine powder. The mixture is next digested at a
very gentle heat for from 12 to 24 hours, with occasional stirring, the
vessel being kept covered as much as possible during the whole time. The
next day the mixture is reheated, and again well stirred for a short time,
after which it is poured into canvas bags, and these, being securely tied,
are submitted to powerful pressure, gradually increased, in a screw or
barrel press. This operation is repeated with the same fat and fresh
flowers, several times, until the pommade is sufficiently perfumed. A good
pommade requires thrice to six times its weight in flowers to be thus
consumed; or of the aromatic barks and seeds a corresponding proportion.
The pommades of cassia, orange flowers, and several others kept by the
French perfumers, are prepared in this manner.
2. POMMADES BY CONTACT (ENFLEURAGE). These are made by spreading, with a
palette knife, simple pommade (made with lard and suet as above) on panes
of glass or pewter plates, to the thickness of a finger, and sticking the
surface all over with the sweet-scented flowers. These last are renewed
daily for one, two, or three months, or until the pommade has become
sufficiently perfumed. On the large scale, the panes are placed in small
shallow frames, made of four pieces of wood nicely fitted together, and
are then closely piled one upon another. On the small scale, pewter plates
are generally used, and they are inverted one over the other. In some of
the perfumeries of France many thousands of frames are employed at once.
The pommades of jasmin, jonquil, orange flowers, narcissus, tuberose,
violet, and of some other delicate flowers, are prepared in this manner.
3. POMMADES BY ADDITION. These are prepared by simply adding the fragrant
essences or essential oils, in the required quantity, to the simple
pommade of lard and suet to produce the proper odour. In this way the
pommades of bergamotte, cédrat, cinnamon, lemons, lemon thyme, lavender,
limettes, marjoram, Portugal roses, rosemary, thyme, verbena, and about 40
others kept by the Parisian perfumers, are made.
4. MIXED POMMADES. Of these a great variety exists, prepared by the
addition of judicious combinations of the more esteemed perfumes to simple
pommade; or, by the admixture of the different perfumed pommades, whilst
in the semi-liquid state. (See _below_.)
THE COLOURED POMMADES derive their respective tints from tinctorial matter
added to the melted fat before perfuming it. GREEN is given by gum
guaiacum (in powder), or by the green leaves or tops of spinach, parsley,
lavender, or walnut;——RED, by alkanet root and carmine;——YELLOW and
ORANGE, by annatto or palm oil; WHITE POMMADES are made with mutton suet,
instead of beef suet. The BROWN and BLACK hard pomatums, vended under the
name of ‘COSMETIQUE,’ are noticed at page 513. A few compound pommades are
used as skin cosmetics.
=Pommade.= _Syn._ POMATUM. _Prep._ 1. (PLAIN POMATUM, SIMPLE P.)——_a._
From lard, 2 lbs.; beef suet, 1 lb.; carefully rendered as above. The
ordinary consistence for temperate climates.
_b._ Lard and suet, equal parts. For warm climates. Both may be scented at
will.
2. (SCENTED POMATUM.)——_a._ Plain pomatum, 1 lb.; melt it by the least
possible degree of heat, add of essence of lemon or essence of bergamot, 3
dr.; and stir the mixture until it concretes. This forms the ordinary
‘pomatum’ of the shops.
_b._ Plain pomatum, 1-1/2 lb.; essence of bergamot, 1-1/2 dr.; essence of
lemon, 1 dr.; oils of rosemary and cassia, of each 1/2 dr.; oil of cloves,
20 drops. More fragrant than the last.
=Pommade, Castor Oil.= _Prep._ 1. From castor oil, 1 lb.; white wax, 4
oz.; melt them together; then add, when nearly cold, of essence of
bergamot, 3 dr.; oil of lavender (English), 1/2 dr.; essence of ambergris,
10 drops. Supposed to render the hair glossy.
2. (Crystallised.) From castor oil, 1 lb; spermaceti, 3 oz.; melt them
together by a gentle heat, add, of essence of bergamot, 3 dr.; oil of
verbena, lavender, and rosemary, of each 1/2 dr.; pour it into
wide-mouthed glass bottles, and allow it to cool very slowly and
undisturbed.
=Pommade, Castor Oil and Glycerine.= (American receipt.) White wax, 1-1/2
oz.; glycerin, 2 oz.; castor oil, 12 oz.; essence of lemon, 5 dr.; essence
of bergamot, 2 dr.; oil of lavender, 1 dr.; oil of cloves, 10 drops;
annatto, 10 gr.; rectified spirit and distilled water, of each a
sufficient quantity. By a moderate heat dissolve the wax in a small
portion of the castor oil (one fourth), and triturate it with the
remainder of the oil and glycerin till quite cool; then add volatile oils.
Lastly, rub the annatto with a drachm of water till smoothly suspended;
add a drachm of alcohol, and stir the colouring into the pomade until it
is thoroughly mixed. Avoid much heat.
=Pommade, Cazenave’s.= _Prep._ From prepared beef marrow, 4 oz.; tincture
of cantharides (P. Cod.), 3 to 4 dr.; powdered cinnamon, 1/2 oz.; melt
them together, stir until the spirit has, for the most part, evaporated,
then decant the clear portion, and again stir it until it concretes.
Recommended as a remedy for baldness and weak hair. It is to be used night
and morning; the head being washed with soap-and-water, and afterwards
with salt-and-water, before applying it. Dr Cattell scents it with the
oils of origanum and bergamot instead of cinnamon.
=Pommade, Collante.= _Prep._ 1. Oil of almonds, 3 oz.; white wax, 3/4 oz.;
melt them together, and add, of tincture of mastic (strong), 1 oz.;
essence of bergamot, 1/2 dr. Used to stiffen the hair, and keep it in
form.
2. Burgundy pitch (true), 3 oz.; white wax, 2 oz.; lard, 1 oz.; melt, and,
when considerably cooled, stir in, of tincture of benzoin, 1 oz.; essence
of bergamot, 1/2 dr. Used to fasten false curls.
=Pommade, Cowslip.= _Prep._ From plain pommade, 2 lbs.; essence of
bergamot, 3 dr.; essence of lemon and essence of orange peel, of each 1
dr.; huile au jasmin and essence de petit grain, of each 1/2 dr.; essence
of ambergris, 6 drops.
=Pommade, Crystallised.= _Prep._ From olive oil and spermaceti, as
crystallised castor oil pommade, with scent at will.
=Pommade of Cucumbers.= _Syn._ POMMADE DE CONCOMBRES, UNGUENTUM CUCUMIS.
_Prep._ Lard, 10 oz.; veal suet, 6 oz.; balsam of tolu, 9 gr.; rose water,
44 minims; cucumber juice, 12 oz., by weight. Melt the lard and the suet
over a water bath, and add the tolu, previously dissolved in a little
alcohol, and then the rose water. When clear, decant it into a tinned
basin, then add to a third of the cucumber juice, and stir continually for
4 hours; pour off the juice and add another third, stir as before, then
pour off, and add the remainder of the juice; separate as much as possible
the fat from the liquid, melt by a water bath, and after some hours skim,
and put into pots. (Beat, when in a semi-liquid state, with a wooden
spatula, when it will become much lighter and nearly double in bulk.)
=Pommade d’Alyon.= See OINTMENT OF NITRIC ACID. See CUPS.
=Pommade de Beauté.= _Prep._ From oil of almonds, 2 oz.; spermaceti, 2
dr.; white wax, 1-1/2 dr.; glycerin, 1 dr.; balsam of Peru, 1/2 dr.;
mixed by a gentle heat. Used as a skin cosmetic as well as for the hair.
=Pommade de Casse.= _Prep._ From plain pommade, 1 lb.; palm oil, 1/2 oz.;
melt, pour off the clear, and add oil of cassia and huile au jasmin, of
each 1 dr.; neroli, 20 drops; oil of verbena or lemon grass, 15 drops;
otto of roses, 5 drops; and stir until nearly cold. Very fragrant.
=Pommade d’Hebe.= _Prep._ To white wax, 1 oz., melted by a gentle heat,
add, of the juice of lily bulbs and Narbonne honey, each 2 oz.; rose
water, 2 dr.; otto of roses, 2 drops. Applied night and morning to remove
wrinkles.
=Pommade de Ninon de l′Enclos.= _Prep._ Take of oil of almonds, 4 oz.;
prepared lard, 3 oz.; juice of houseleek, 3 fl. oz. Used chiefly as a skin
cosmetic. Said to be very softening and refreshing.
=Pommade Divine.= _Prep._ 1. Washed and purified beef marrow, 2 lbs.;
liquid styrax, cypress wood, and powdered orris root, of each 2 oz.;
powdered cinnamon, 1 oz.; cloves and nutmegs, of each (bruised) 1/2 oz.;
digest the whole together by the heat of a water bath for six hours, and
then strain through flannel.
2. Plain pommade, 2 lbs.; essence of lemon and bergamot, of each 2 dr.;
oils of lavender and origanum, of each 1 dr.; oils of verbena, cassia,
cloves, and neroli, of each 12 drops; huile au jasmin, 3 dr.; essence of
violets, 1/2 oz.
=Pommade, Dupuytren’s.= _Prep._ 1. Take of prepared beef marrow, 12 oz.;
melt, add of baume nerval (see OINTMENT, NERVINE), 4 oz.; Peruvian balsam
and oil of almonds, of each 3 oz.; and lastly, of alcoholic extract of
cantharides, 36 gr.; (dissolve in) rectified spirit, 3 fl. dr. This is the
original formula for this celebrated pommade. The following modifications
of it are now commonly employed:——
2. (Cap.) Beef marrow, 2 oz.; alcoholic extract of cantharides, 8 gr.;
rose oil, 1 dr.; essence of lemons, 30 drops.
3. (Guibourt.) Beef marrow and ‘baume nerval’ (page 1179), of each 1 oz.;
rose oil, 1 dr.; alcoholic (or acetic) extract of cantharides, 6 gr.;
(dissolved in) rectified spirit, q. s. These compounds are used to promote
the growth of the hair and to prevent baldness, for which purpose they are
usually coloured and scented according to the taste of the manufacturer.
To be useful, they should be well rubbed on the scalp, at least once
daily, for several weeks, and the head should be occasionally washed with
soap-and-water.
=Pommade, East India.= _Prep._ Take of suet, 3 lbs.; lard, 2 lbs.; beeswax
(bright), 1/2 lb.; palm oil, 2 oz.; powdered gum benzoin, 3 oz.; musk
(previously triturated with a little lump sugar), 20 gr.; digest the whole
together in a covered vessel, by the heat of a water bath, for 2 hours,
then decant the clear portion, and add, of essence of lemon, 1/2 oz.; oil
of lavender, 1/4 oz.; oils of cloves, cassia, and verbena, of each 1/2
dr. A favourite pommade in the East Indies.
=Pommade for Freckles.= (‘New York Druggists’ Circular.’) _Prep._ Citrine
ointment and oil of almonds, of each 1 dr.; spermaceti ointment, 6 dr.;
oil of roses, 3 drops. Mix well in a wedgwood mortar, using a wooden or
bone knife.
=Pommade, Hard.= _Syn._ HARD POMATUM, ROLL P. _Prep._ 1. Take of beef
suet, 2 lbs.; yellow wax, 1/4 lb.; spermaceti, 1 oz.; powdered benzoin,
1/4 oz.; melt them together, then add, of oil of lavender, 2 dr.; essence
of ambergris, 1/2 dr. Before it concretes pour it into moulds of paper or
tin foil.
2. Mutton suet and lard, of each 1 lb.; white wax, 6 oz.; melt, and add,
of essence of lemon, 2 dr.; oil of cassia, 1/2 dr. Other perfumes may be
employed at will.
Hard pomatums are used to gloss and set the hair. They act both as
‘pommade’ and ‘fixateur.’ See COSMETIQUE.
=Pommade, Macassar.= _Prep._ From castor oil, 5 oz.; white wax, 1 oz.;
alkanet root, 1/2 dr.; heat them together until sufficiently coloured,
then strain, and add, oil of origanum and oil of rosemary, of each 1 dr.;
oil of nutmeg, 1/2 dr.; otto of roses, 10 drops. Said to be equal in
efficacy to MACASSAR OIL.
=Pommade, Marechal.= Plain pommade scented by digesting it with _poudre
maréchale_.
=Pommade, Marrow.= _Syn._ MARROW POMATUM. _Prep._ From prepared beef
marrow, 1/2 lb.; beef suet, 1/4 lb.; palm oil, 1/4 oz.; melted together
and scented at will.
=Pommade, Millefleur.= _Prep._ From plain pommade scented with a mixture
of essence of lemon and essence of ambergris, each 4 parts; oil of
lavender, 2 parts; oil of cloves and essence de petit grain, of each 1
part; or with other like perfumes so proportioned to each other that no
one shall predominate. Much esteemed.
=Pommade, Roll.= See POMMADE, HARD.
=Pommade, Roman.= See _below_.
=Pommade, Rose.= _Syn._ ROSE POMATUM. This is plain pommade or hard lard,
which has been well beaten with eau de rose, or, better still, scented
with otto of roses. It is sometimes tinged with alkanet root.
=Pommade, Soft.= Plain pomatum scented at will.
=Pommade, Soubeiran’s.= _Prep._ From beef marrow, 1-1/2 oz.; oil of
almonds, 1/2 oz.; disulphate of quinine, 1 dr. Recommended for
strengthening and restoring the hair.
=Pommade, Transparent.= _Prep._ Spermaceti, 2 oz.; castor oil, 5 oz.;
alcohol, 5 oz.; oil of bergamot, 1/2 dr.; oil of Portugal, 1/2 dr.
=Pommade, Vanilla.= _Syn._ ROMAN POMMADE, POMMADE À LA VANILLE, POMMADE
ROMAIN. From plain pommade and pommade à la rose, of each 12 lbs.;
powdered vanilla, 1 lb.; heat them together in a water bath, stir
constantly for 1 hour, let it settle for another hour, decant the clear,
and add, oil à la rose, 2-1/2 lbs.; bergamot, 4 oz.
=POPPY.= _Syn._ WHITE POPPY; PAPAVER SOMNIFERUM, L. The capsules or fruit
(“mature”——Ph. L.; “not quite ripe”——Ph. E.) form the poppies or
poppy-heads of the shops (PAPAVERIS CAPSULÆ; PAPAVER——Ph. L., E., & D.).
They are anodyne and narcotic, similar to opium, but in only a very slight
degree. The seeds (MAW SEED), which are sweet, oleaginous, and nutritious,
are used as a substitute for almonds in confectionery and mixtures, and
are pressed for their oil. See EXTRACT, OPIUM, and SYRUP.
=Poppy, Red.= _Syn._ CORN POPPY, CORN ROSE; PAPAVER RHŒAS, L. The fresh
petals or flowers (RHŒADOS PETALA; RHŒAS——Ph. L., E., & D.) are reputed
pectoral, but are chiefly employed on account of their rich colour. See
SYRUP.
=POP′ULIN.= _Syn._ POPULINUM, L. A peculiar neutral, crystallisable
substance, formerly supposed to be an alkaloid, found, associated with
SALICIN, in the root-bark of the _Populus tremula_ (Linn.), or aspen.
_Prep._ Concentrate the decoction by a gentle heat, and set it aside in a
cool situation to crystallise; dissolve the crystals which are deposited
in rectified spirit, decolour them by digestion with animal charcoal,
filter, and again crystallise. To render them still purer they may be
redissolved and crystallised a second and a third time, if necessary.
_Prop., &c._ It resembles salicin in appearance and solubility, but,
unlike that substance, has a penetrating sweet taste. Dilute acids convert
it into benzoic acid, grape sugar, and saliretin; and with a mixture of
sulphuric acid and bichromate of potassa it yields a large quantity of
salicylous acid. It appears to be tonic, stomachic, and febrifuge.
=POR′CELAIN.= See POTTERY.
=PORK.= The value of pork as an article of diet is well known. That from
the young and properly fed animal is savoury, easy of digestion, and, when
only occasionally employed, highly wholesome; but it is apt to disagree
with some stomachs, and should, in such cases, be avoided. To render it
proper for food, it should be thoroughly but not overcooked. When salted
it is less digestible. The frequent use of pork is said to favour obesity,
and to occasion disorders of the skin, especially in the sedentary. See
MEAT.
=POR′PHYRIZED, PORPHORIZA′TION.= Words coined by recent pharmaceutical
writers, and possessing similar meanings to LEVIGATED and LEVIGATION.
=PORPHY′ROXIN.= A neutral crystallisable substance discovered by Merck in
opium. It is soluble in both alcohol and ether, insoluble in water, and is
characterised by assuming a purplish-red colour when heated in dilute
hydrochloric acid.
=PORRI′GO.= See RINGWORM.
=POR′TER.= This well-known beverage, now the common drink of the
inhabitants of London, by whom it is generally termed ‘beer,’ originated
with a brewer named Harwood, in 1722. Previously to this date, ‘ale,’
‘beer,’ and ‘twopenny,’ constituted the stock in trade of the London
publican, and were drunk, either singly or together, under the names of
‘half-and-half’ or ‘three threads,’ for which the vendor was compelled to
have recourse to two or three different casks, as the case might demand.
The inconvenience and trouble thus incurred led Mr Harwood to endeavour to
produce a beer which should possess the flavour of the mixed liquors. In
this he succeeded so well that his new beverage rapidly superseded the
mixtures then in use, and obtained a general preference among the lower
classes of the people. At first this liquor was called ‘entire’ or ‘entire
butt,’ on account of it being drawn from one cask only, but it afterwards
acquired, at first in derision, the now familiar name of ‘porter,’ in
consequence of its general consumption among porters and labourers. The
word ‘entire’ is still, however, frequently met with on the signboards of
taverns about the metropolis.
The characteristics of pure and wholesome porter are its transparency,
lively dark brown colour, and its peculiar bitter and slightly burnt
taste. Originally, these qualities were derived from the ‘high-dried
malt,’ with which alone it was brewed. It is now generally, if not
entirely, made from ‘pale’ or ‘amber malt,’ mixed with a sufficient
quantity of ‘patent’ or ‘roasted malt’ to impart the necessary flavour and
colour. Formerly, this liquor was ‘vatted’ and ‘stored’ for some time
before being sent out to the retailer, but the change in the taste of the
public during the last quarter of a century in favour of the mild or new
porter has rendered this unnecessary. The best ‘draught porter,’ at the
time of its consumption, is now only a few weeks old. In this state only
would it be tolerated by the modern beer-drinker. The old and acid
beverage that was formerly sold under the name of porter would be rejected
at the present day as ‘hard’ and unpleasant, even by the most thirsty
votaries of malt liquor.
The ‘beer’ or ‘porter’ of the metropolitan brewers is essentially a weak
mild ale, coloured and flavoured with roasted malt. Its richness in sugar
and alcohol, on which its stimulating and nutritive properties depend, is
hence less than that of an uncoloured mild ale brewed from a like original
quantity of malt. For pale malt is assumed to yield 80 to 84 lbs. of
saccharine per quarter; whereas the torrefied malt employed by the porter
brewers only yields 18 to 24 lbs. per quarter, and much of even this small
quantity is altered in its properties, and is incapable of undergoing the
vinous fermentation. In the manufacture of porter there is a waste of malt
which does not occur in brewing ale; and the consumer must, therefore,
either pay a higher price for it or be content with a weaker liquor.
The hygienic properties of porter, for the most part, resemble those of
other malt liquors. Some members of the faculty conceive that it is better
suited to persons with delicate stomachs and weak digestion than either
ale or beer. That there may be some reason for this preference, in such
cases, we are not prepared to deny, but undoubtedly, when the intention is
to stimulate and nourish the system, ale is preferable. Certain it is,
however, that the dark colour and strong taste of porter render its
adulteration easier than that of ale, whilst such adulteration is more
difficult of detection than in the paler varieties of malt liquors. “For
medical purposes, ‘bottled porter’ (CEREVISIA LAGENARIA) is usually
preferred to ‘draught porter.’ It is useful as a restorative in the latter
stages of fever, and to support the powers of the system after surgical
operations, severe accidents, &c.” (Pereira, ii, 982.) When ‘out of
condition’ or adulterated, porter, more than perhaps any other malt
liquor, is totally unfit for use as a beverage, even for the healthy; and
when taken by the invalid, the consequences must necessarily be serious.
Dr Ure says that pure porter, “when drank in moderation, is a far
wholesomer beverage for the people than the thin acidulous wines of France
and Germany.”
The manufacture of porter has been described in our article on BREWING,
and is also referred to above. It presents no difficulty or peculiarity
beyond the choice of the proper materials. A mixture of ‘brown’ and ‘black
malt’ is thought to yield a finer flavour and colour to the pale malt that
gives the body to the liquor than when ‘black’ or ‘roasted malt’ is
employed alone. The proportion of the former to the latter commonly varies
from 1-6th to 1-4th. When ‘black malt’ is alone used, the proportion
varies from the 1-10th to 1-15th. 1 lb. of ‘roasted malt,’ mashed with
about 79 lbs. of pale malt, is said to be capable of imparting to the
liquor the flavour and colour of porter. The following formulæ were
formerly commonly employed in London:——
1. (DRAUGHT PORTER.) From pale malt, 3-1/2 q. s.; amber malt, 3 q. s.;
brown malt, 1-1/2 q.; mash at twice with 28 and 24 barrels of water, boil
with brown Kent hops, 56 lbs., and set with yeast, 40 lbs. _Prod._ 28
barrels, or 3-1/2 times the malt, besides 20 barrels of table-beer from a
third mashing.
2. (BOTTLING PORTER; BROWN STOUT.) From pale malt, 2 q. s.; amber and
brown malt, of each 1-1/2 qr.; mash at 3 times with 12, 7, and 6 barrels
of water, boil with hops, 50 lbs., and set with yeast, 26 lbs. _Prod._ 17
barrels, or 1-1/2 times the malt.
The purity and quality of porter, as well as of other malt liquors, may be
inferred in the manner noticed under BEER; but can only be positively
determined by a chemical examination. For this purpose several distinct
operations are required:——
1. _Richness in_ ALCOHOL. This may be correctly found by the method of M.
Gay-Lussac; or from the boiling point. (See ALCOHOLOMETRY and
EBULLIOSCOPE.) The method with anhydrous carbonate of potassa will also
give results sufficiently near to the truth for ordinary purposes, when
strong or old beer is operated on. The quantity of the liquor tested
should be 3600 water grains measure; and it should be well agitated, with
free exposure to the air, after weighing it, but before testing it for its
alcohol. The weight of alcohol found, multiplied by 1·8587, gives its
equivalent in sugar. This may be converted into ‘brewer’s pounds’ or
density per barrel, as below.
2. _Richness in_ SACCHARINE or EXTRACTIVE MATTER. A like quantity of the
liquor under examination, after being boiled for some time to dissipate
its alcohol, is made up with distilled water, so as to be again exactly
equal to 3600 water-grains measure. The sp. gr. of the resulting liquid is
then taken, and this is reduced to ‘brewers’ pounds’ per barrel, by
multiplying its excess of density above that of water (or 1000) by 360,
and pointing off the three right-hand figures as decimals.
3. ACETIC ACID or VINEGAR. This is determined by any of the common methods
of ACIDIMETRY (which _see_; see also ACETIMETRY). Each grain of anhydrous
acetic acid so found represents 1·6765 gr. of sugar.
4. _Gravity of_ ORIGINAL WORT. This is obtained by the addition of the
respective quantities of saccharine matter found in Nos. 1, 2, and 3
(_above_). These results are always slightly under the true original
density of the wort, as cane sugar appears to have been taken by the
Excise as the basis of their calculations. More correctly, 12% of proof
spirit is equivalent to 19 lbs. of saccharine per barrel. 10-1/2 lbs. of
saccharine are equiv. to 1 gall. of proof spirit.
5. _Detection of_ NARCOTICS. This may be effected either by the method
described under ALKALOID, or by one or other of the following processes:——
_a._ Half a gallon of the beer under examination is evaporated to dryness
in a water bath; the resulting extract is boiled for 30 or 40 minutes in a
covered vessel with 10 or 12 fl. oz. of alcohol or strong rectified
spirit, the mixture being occasionally stirred with a glass rod, to
promote the action of the menstruum; the alcoholic solution is next
filtered, treated with a sufficient quantity of solution of diacetate of
lead to precipitate colouring matter, and again filtered; the filtrate is
treated with a few drops of dilute sulphuric acid, again filtered, and
then evaporated to dryness; it may then be tested with any of the usual
reagents, either in the solid state, or after being dissolved in distilled
water. Or the extract, obtained as above, may be boiled as directed with
rectified spirit, the solution filtered, the spirit distilled off, and a
small quantity of pure liquor of potassa added to the aqueous residue,
which is then to be shaken up with about 1 fl. oz. of ether; lastly, the
ethereal solution, which separates and floats on the surface, is decanted,
evaporated, and the residuum tested, as before. The alkaline liquid, from
which the ether has been decanted, is then separated from any precipitate
which may have formed, and both of these separately tested for alkaloids.
_b._ From 2 to 3 oz. of purified animal charcoal are diffused through 1/2
gall. of the beer, and is digested in it, with frequent agitation, for
from 8 to 12 hours; the liquor is next filtered, and the charcoal
collected on the filter is boiled with about 1/2 pint of rectified spirit;
the resulting alcoholic solution is then further treated as above, and
tested. This answers well for the detection of strychnia or nux vomica.
6. PICRIC ACID. This substance, which was formerly employed to impart
bitterness to London porter in lieu of hops, may be detected as follows:——
_a._ A portion of the liquor agitated with a little solution of diacetate
of lead loses its bitter flavour if it depends on hops, but retains it if
it depends on picric acid.
_b._ Pure beer is decoloured and deodorised by animal charcoal; but beer
containing picric acid, when thus treated, retains a lemon-yellow colour
and the odour.
_c._ Unbleached sheep’s wool, boiled for six or ten minutes, and then
washed, takes a canary-yellow colour if picric acid be present. The test
is so delicate that 1 grain of the adulterant in 150,000 gr. of beer is
readily detected.
_d._ (Vitate.[117]) The author agitates 10 c.c. of the suspected beer in a
test tube with half its volume of pure amylic alcohol. If the mixture is
left to settle, the amylic stratum separates entirely, and is drawn off
with a pipette, evaporated to dryness at a convenient temperature in a
porcelain capsule, and the residue is finally taken up in a little
distilled water with the aid of heat. The aqueous solution is divided into
portions, and submitted to the following reagents. One portion is treated
with a solution of ammonio-sulphate of copper, which, in dilute solutions
of picric acid, instantly produces a turbidity, due to the formation of
very minute crystals of the ammonio-picrate of copper, of a greenish
colour. Another portion may be treated with a concentrated solution of
cyanide of potassium, which produces a blood-red colour, more or less
intense, according to the quantity of picric acid present, in consequence
of the formation of iso-purpuric acid. A third portion may be submitted to
the action of sulphide of ammonium, rendered still more alkaline by the
addition of a few drops of ammonia. Here also a blood-red colour is
produced, which becomes more intense on the application of heat, and is
due to the formation of picramic acid.
[Footnote 117: ‘Chemical News,’ vol. xxxv, p. 75.]
7. MINERAL MATTER.——_a._ A weighed quantity of pure beer evaporated to
dryness, and then incinerated, does not furnish more than from ·20% to
·35% of ash, the quantity varying within these limits with the strength of
the liquor and the character of the water used in brewing it.
_b._ A solution of this ash, made by decoction with distilled water,
should be only rendered slightly turbid by solutions of acetate of lead,
bichloride of platinum, nitrate of baryta, nitrate of silver, oxalate of
ammonia, and sulphuretted hydrogen.
_c._ If the beer contained common salt, the above solution will give a
cloudy white precipitate with a solution of nitrate of silver. Each grain
of this precipitate is equivalent to 1/2 gr. of common salt (nearly).
_d._ If GREEN COPPERAS (sulphate of iron) is present, ferridcyanide of
potassium gives a blue precipitate, and ferrocyanide of potassium a
bluish-white one, turning dark blue in the air; solution of chloride of
barium gives a white precipitate, each grain of which, after being washed,
dried, and ignited, represents 1·188 gr. of crystallised protosulphate of
iron.
_e._ The ash, digested in water slightly acidulated with nitric acid, and
then boiled, yields a solution which, when cold, gives a black precipitate
with sulphuretted hydrogen, and a white one with dilute sulphuric acid
when lead is present.
8. _Wittstein’s method for the detection of_ ADULTERANTS _in beer_.[118]
One litre of the suspected beer is evaporated by a moderate heat to the
consistence of a thick syrup. This is poured into a tared glass cylinder
capable of containing ten times its volume and weighed; five times its
weight of 93° to 95° alcohol is added, and the whole frequently stirred,
by means of a thick glass rod, during twenty-four hours.
[Footnote 118: ‘Archiv der Pharmacie,’ January, 1876, (‘Pharm. Journal,’
3rd series, v.)]
By this means all the gum, dextrin, sulphates, phosphates, and chlorides
are separated, and a comparatively small portion is obtained in solution.
After clearing, this solution is decanted, the residue is again treated
with fresh alcohol, the two products mixed, filtered, and the alcohol
driven off by a gentle heat.
_a._ Of the syrupy residue left after this evaporation, a small portion is
diluted with three times its bulk of water, and tested for picric acid,
according to the directions already given.
_b._ The remaining largest portion of the syrup is agitated for some time
with six times its weight of pure colourless benzol (boiling point 80°
C.); this is decanted off, and the operation is repeated with fresh
benzol, and the two liquors, the first of which has become yellow, the
second having scarcely changed colour, are evaporated at a gentle heat.
The pale, yellow, resinous residue thus obtained may possibly contain
brucine, strychnine, colchicine, or colocynthin. To ascertain this, three
portions of the resin are placed on a porcelain capsule; one is treated
with nitric acid (sp. gr. 1·33 to 1·40), another with concentrated
sulphuric acid, and the third, after a few morsels of red chromate of
potash have been added, also with sulphuric acid. A red colour, produced
by the nitric acid, indicates brucine with certainty, and a violet colour
colchicine; a red colour produced by sulphuric acid indicates colocynthin,
and a purple violet, produced by sulphuric acid and bichromate of potash,
reveals strychnine. Resin in which one or other of these colorations is
produced possesses an extremely bitter taste; that in which the coloration
does not take place is also bitter, but the bitterness recalls the
well-known hop flavour.
_c._ The syrup which has been treated with benzol is freed, by gentle
heating, from the small quantity of benzol remaining, and agitated twice
with pure colourless amylic alcohol (boiling point 132° C.). The first
portion of the alcohol acquires a more or less wine or golden-yellow
colour. It would take up any picrotoxin or aloes if present, and thereby
acquire a strongly bitter taste.
If neither of these two substances be present, the amylic alcohol does not
become bitter, because neither the hop bitter nor the remaining four
bitter principles——absinthin, gentipicrin, menyanthin, and quassiin——are
soluble in it.
In order to distinguish picrotoxin from aloes a portion of the first
obtained amylic alcoholic solution is poured upon glass, and allowed to
evaporate spontaneously. If a fine white crystallisation be formed
picrotoxin is present, if not aloes is present, and can only be recognised
by its peculiar, saffron-like odour.
_d._ The syrup which has been treated with benzol and amylic alcohol is
freed by means of blotting paper from the small quantity of amylic alcohol
adhering to it, evaporation by heat being impracticable in consequence of
the high boiling point of the alcohol, and shaken with anhydrous ether.
This takes up the hop bitter yet present and absinthin. After evaporation
the latter is easily recognised through its wormwood-like aroma; it also
gives a reddish-yellow solution with concentrated sulphuric acid, which
changes quickly to an indigo-blue colour.
_e._ After treating with ether the syrup has yet to be tested for
gentipicrin, menyanthin, and quassiin. As it is now free from the hop
bitter, a decidedly bitter taste points to one of these three substances.
Any remaining ether is removed, and the syrup is dissolved in water and
filtered; to one portion is added strong ammoniacal solution of silver,
and it is then heated.
If it remains clear quassiin is present; if a silver mirror be formed it
originates either with gentipicrin or menyanthin. Another portion is
evaporated to dryness on porcelain, and concentrated sulphuric acid added.
If, while cold, no change of colour takes place, but on heating it becomes
carmine red, gentipicrin is present; menyanthin would give a
yellowish-brown colour, gradually changing to violet.
For further information connected with this subject, see ALCOHOLOMETRY,
ALE, BEER, BREWING, MALT LIQUORS, &c.
=PORT-FIRE.= A paper tube, from 9 to 12 inches in length, filled with a
slow-burning composition of metal powder, nitre, and sulphur, rammed
moderately hard, by a similar process to that adopted for small rockets.
It is used in lieu of a touch-match, to fire guns, mortars, pyrotechnical
devices, &c.
=PORTLAND CEMENT.= A species of mortar formed by calcining a mixture of
limestone and argillaceous earth, and grinding the calcined mass to
powder, in which state it must be preserved from the air. It is
characterised by absorbing a large quantity of water, and then rapidly
becoming solid, and, after a time, acquiring considerable hardness. See
MORTAR and CEMENT.