Astringents.—Agents that cause contraction of muscular fibre: alum, catechu, oak-bark, tannic acid.
EXTERNALLY ADMINISTERED.
Medicines that Act upon the Skin and External Parts by Direct Application.
Refrigerants.—Agents that diminish morbid heat of a part: salt and cold water, solutions of acetate and subacetate of lead.
Discutients.—Agents that dispel enlargements: compounds of iodine, soap liniment, camphor.
Rubefacients.—Agents that cause heat or redness of skin without blistering: liniments of ammonia, tar and turpentine, vinegar.
Vesicants.—Agents that produce blisters: cantharides, tartar emetic, croton-oil, hot water.
Caustics.—Agents that decompose the part to which applied: carbolic, nitric, sulphuric, and hydrochloric acids; chlorides of antimony and zinc, corrosive sublimate, nitrate of silver, sulphate of copper, hot iron.
Pyogenics.—Agents that induce suppuration of wounds: liniment and ointment of turpentine, black hellebore.