SPAN′ISH FLIES. See Cantharides.
SPAR′ADRAP. Syn. Sparadrapum, L. Originally a cerecloth; now applied to spread plasters; as SPARADRAPUM COMMUNE, common strapping or adhesive plaster; S. VESICATORIUM, blistering plaster or tissue, &c.
The following are in occasional demand by the pharmacist:—
Sparadrap, Opium. Syn. Sparadrapum opii (M. Schœufelle.) Prep. On a piece of black sarcenet of a close and strong texture, properly stretched; spread with a brush, 3 layers of extract of opium, softened with water, to the consistence of treacle, and mixed with a sixth part of powdered gum. Keep the plaster dry.
Sparadrap, Thapsian. Syn. Sparadrapum Thapsiæ. (P. Cod.) Prep. Yellow wax, 41⁄4 oz.; resin, 11⁄2 oz.; Burgundy pitch, 11⁄2 oz.; boiled turpentine, 11⁄2 oz.; Swiss turpentine, 1⁄2 oz.; glycerin, 1⁄2 oz.; honey, 1⁄2 oz.; resin of thapsia, 3⁄4 oz. Melt the first five substances together and strain through linen. Keep them liquefied and add the glycerin, the honey, and the resin. When well mixed, and of a proper consistence, spread on strips of linen cloth.
Sparadrap, Wax. Sparadrapum cum cera, Toile de mai. (P. Cod.) Prep. White wax, 8 oz.; (by wt.), oil of almonds, 4 oz.; (by wt.), Swiss turpentine, 1 oz. Melt together and dip into it strips of linen cloth, which are to be passed between wooden rollers, to remove the superfluous plaster. Spread on paper it forms waxed paper.
SPARTE′INE. Syn. Sparteina, L. A volatile oily liquid, possessing basic properties, obtained from Spartium scoparium, or broom. It is highly poisonous, and resembles conine and nicotine in its general properties.
SPASMS. Syn. Cramp; Spasmus, L. An involuntary contraction of the muscles, generally of the extremities, accompanied with pain more or less severe. Spasms are distinguished into clonic spasms or convulsions, in which the contractions and relaxations are alternate, as in epilepsy; and into tonic spasms, in which there is continued rigidity, as in locked-jaw. That form which commonly attacks the muscles of the legs and feet, especially after great exertion or exposure to cold, is commonly called cramp. The best treatment for this is immediately to stand upright, and to well rub the part with the hand. The application of strong stimulants, as spirits of ammonia, or of anodynes, as opiate liniments, has been recommended. When spasm or cramp occurs in the stomach, a teaspoonful of sal volatile in water, or a teaspoonful of good brandy, may be swallowed immediately. When cramp comes or during cold bathing, the limb should be thrown out as suddenly and violently as possible, which will generally remove it, care being also taken not to become flurried or frightened, as presence of mind is very essential to personal safety on such an occasion. A common cause of spasm is indigestion, and
the use of acescent liquors; these should, therefore, be avoided, and bitters and absorbents had recourse to. See Antispasmodics, and the names of the principal spasmodic diseases.
SPEAR′MINT. See Mint.