The adherence of wax or mixtures containing it, and of gutta percha, is best prevented by moistening the surface of the mould (whether of plaster, metal, or gutta percha), immediately before use, with soft soap reduced to the consistence of thin cream with water. See Casts, Moulds, Electrotype, &c.
ABSORB′ENTS. In anatomy and physiology, two distinct sets of small, delicate, transparent vessels, which imbibe or suck up fluid substances, and convey them to the blood. They are termed lacteals or lymphatics; the former take up the chyme from the alimentary canal, the latter pervade almost every part of the body in which they absorb lymph.
Absorbents. In botany and vegetable physiology, the origins of the different vessels constituting the vascular tissue, as they are found in the root, where they imbibe or suck up the nutritive fluids from the soil. See Plants and Vegetables.
Absorbents. In agriculture and chemistry, substances which possess the power of withdrawing moisture from the atmosphere; as soils, argillaceous earths, &c. Also (but less frequently) substances which neutralise acids; as chalk, lime, and magnesia. Absorbents differ from ‘deliquescent salts’; the latter attract moisture and dissolve in it; whilst the former merely suck it into their pores, as a sponge does water. See Absorption.
Absorbents. Syn. Absorben′tia, L. In medicine and pharmacy, substances which remove acidity from the stomach and bowels. Of these the principal are—magnesia, carbonate and bicarbonate of magnesia, prepared chalk, and the carbonates and bicarbonates of potash, soda, and ammonia. The first four are popularly called earthy absorbents; and the others, alkaline absorbents. See Antacids.
The following absorbent mixtures are taken from Dr Kirby’s valuable work, ‘Selected Remedies’:
1. Infusion of rhubarb, 11⁄2 oz.; compound spirit of ammonia, 11⁄2 dr.; compound infusion of gentian to 6 oz. Two tablespoonfuls to be taken 3 times a day.
2. Bicarbonate of potash, 11⁄2 dr.; syrup, 2 drs.; compound spirit ammonia, 11⁄2 dr.; compound infusion of gentian to 6 oz. Two tablespoonfuls to be taken 3 times a day.
3. Bicarbonate of soda, 11⁄2 dr.; spirits of chloroform, 11⁄2 dr.; infusion of calumba to 6 oz. Two tablespoonfuls to be taken 3 times a day.
ABSORP′TION. [Eng., Fr.] Syn. Absorp′tio, L.; Einsaugung, Ger. The act or the power of absorbing, in various applications. (See below.)