Use. As a simple defensive plaster or strapping; but principally as a basis for other plasters.
Plaster, Liston’s. See Plaster, Court.
Plaster, Mahy’s. Syn. Emplastrum plumbi carbonatis, E. p. c. compositum, L. Prep. (Ph. U. S.) Carbonate of lead (pure white lead), 1 lb.; olive oil, 32 fl. oz.; water, q. s.; boil them together, constantly stirring until perfectly incorporated; then add, of yellow wax, 4 oz.; lead plaster, 11⁄2 lb.; and when these are melted, and the mass somewhat cooled, stir in of powdered orris root, 9 oz. A favourite application in the United States of America to inflamed and excoriated surfaces, bed sores, burns, &c.
Plaster of Mel′ilot. Syn. Emplastrum meliloti, E. è meliloto, L. Prep. 1. (Ph. E. 1744.) Fresh melilot, chopped small, 6 lbs.; suet, 3 lbs.; boil until crisp, strain with pressure, and add, of yellow resin, 8 lbs.; beeswax, 4 lbs., and boil to a plaster. Stimulant. Used to dress blisters, &c. The greater portion of this plaster in the shops is made without the herb, and is coloured with verdigris. (See the next formula.)
2. (Wholesale.) Take of yellow resin, 18 lbs.; green ointment, 41⁄2 lbs.; yellow wax, 3 lbs.; finely powdered verdigris, q. s. to give a deep-green colour.
Plaster, Mercu′′rial. Syn. Emplastrum mercuriale, E. hydrargyri (B. P., Ph. L., E., & D.), L. Prep. 1. (Ph. L.) Add, gradually, of sulphur, 8 gr., to heated olive oil, 1 fl. dr., and stir the mixture constantly with a spatula until they unite; next add of mercury, 3 oz., and triturate until globules are no longer visible; lastly, gradually add of lead plaster (melted over a slow fire), 1 lb., and mix them all well together. (About 1 fl. dr. of balsam of sulphur may be substituted for the oil and sulphur ordered above.) These proportions are the same as those of the B. P.
2. (Ph. E.) Resin, 1 oz.; olive oil, 9 fl. dr.; mix by heat, cool, add of mercury, 3 oz., and triturate until its globules disappear; then add of litharge plaster, 6 oz. (previously liquefied), and mix the whole thoroughly.
3. (Ph. D.) Oil of turpentine, 1 fl. oz.; resin, 2 oz.; dissolve, with the aid of heat; add of mercury, 6 oz.; triturate until the globules disappear, and the mixture assumes a dark grey colour, then add of litharge plaster (previously melted), 12 oz., and stir the whole until it stiffens on cooling.
4. (Wholesale.) Take of mercury, 7 lbs.; prepared serum, 1⁄2 lb.; triturate until the globules disappear, and add the mixture to lead plaster (melted by a gentle heat), 36 lbs.; stir them well together, and until they concrete. Very fine bluish-slate or lead colour.
Obs. Mercurial plaster is used as a discutient in glandular enlargements, and other swellings; and is also applied over the hepatic regions in liver complaints.