3. (Liston’s.) Soak isinglass, 1 oz., in water, 21⁄2 fl. oz., until it becomes swollen and quite soft; then add of proof spirit, 31⁄2 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 11⁄2 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.