[42] See Fusible alloys.
b. (Clichée moulds.) From a fusible alloy formed of bismuth, 8 parts; lead, 5 parts; tin, 4 parts; antimony, 1 part; repeatedly melted together. The above are poured out in the melted state on a plate or slab, and after being stirred until in a pasty state, the object to be copied is strongly pressed on the alloy at the moment it begins to solidify. They are chiefly used for medals and other like objects.
c. (Chameroy’s Patent.) By melting together one part of some easily fusible metal in a crucible, and then mixing with it four parts of a metal far less readily fusible, steeped in ammonia and reduced to powder. Such a compound
is stated to be of great solidity, hardness, facility of soldering, melts at a low temperature, and has great tractability in moulding to any form; and in casting takes the sharpest impressions, whilst in its nature it is peculiarly unchangeable. See Electrotype.
MOUTH COSMET′ICS. See Breath, Teeth, Lozenge, Paste, Powder, &c.
MOX′AS. Substances burnt upon the body, for the purpose of acting as counter-irritants, and allaying deep-seated pains and inflammation. They have been used in gout, rheumatism, &c. The small cone constituting the moxa is placed upon a part, lighted, and allowed to burn to its base. The Chinese and Japanese moxas are made of the downy portion of the leaves of a species of wormwood (Artemisia sinensis); but various other substances, as the pith of the sunflower, cotton, or paper, soaked in a weak solution of nitrate, chlorate, or chromate of potassium, answer as well. Larrey’s moxas consist of lycopodium, 4 oz.; nitre, 2 oz.; formed into small cones, with alcohol, and dried for some days. Dr Osborne used quicklime enclosed in a hoop of card, and moistened with water. The actual cautery is said to be preferable to any of them.
MU′CILAGE. Syn. Mucilago, L. An aqueous solution of gum, or other like substance, that gives a considerable consistency to water. See Decoction, Mixture, &c.
Mucilage, Acacia. (Ph. B.) Syn. Mucilago acaciæ. Put gum acacia, in small pieces, 4 oz., and distilled water, 6 oz., into a covered earthen jar, and stir frequently until the gum is dissolved. If necessary, strain through muslin.
Mucilage, Fenugreek. Syn. Mucilago fenugreci. Digest 1 oz. of fenugreek seed with 1⁄2 pint of water for 12 hours, boil, and strain with pressure.
Mucilage, Linseed. (P. Cod.) Syn. Mucilago lini. Linseed, 1 oz.; warm water, 6 oz. Digest for 6 hours, stirring now and then, and strain.