Powder, Arsen′ical. See Powder, Escharotic.
Powder of Asarabac′ca (Compound). See Snuff (Cephalic).
Powder, Astrin′gent. Syn. Pulvis astringens, P. stypticus, L. Prep. 1. From Aleppo galls and burnt alum, in fine powder, equal parts. Used in piles, soft polypi of the nose, chilblains, &c.
Powder, Ba′′king. Prep. 1. Tartaric acid, 1⁄2 lb.; bicarbonate of soda and potato farina or British arrow-root, of each 3⁄4 lb. (each in powder); separately dry them perfectly by a very gentle heat, then mix them in a dry room, pass the mixture through a sieve, and at once put it into packets, observing to press it hard, and to cover it with tinfoil or close-made paper, to preserve it as much as possible from the air and moisture.
2. (Delforte’s.) Powdered tartaric acid, 1⁄4 lb.; powdered alum, 1⁄2 lb.; bicarbonate of soda, 3⁄4 lb.; farina, 1 lb.; dry separately, as before, mix, and further add of sesquicarbonate of ammonia (in powder), 3 oz.; lastly, closely pack it in tinfoil.
3. (Green’s.) Tartaric acid, 35 lbs.; sesquicarbonate of soda, 56 lbs.; potato flour, 1 cwt.; mix as before.
Uses, &c. Baking powder is chiefly employed as a substitute for yeast. 1 or 2 teaspoonfuls are mixed with the dry flour and other ingredients, which are then made into a dough, as quickly as possible, with cold water, and at once baked or boiled as the case may be. By the addition of about 1⁄2 dr. of turmeric powder to each pound of the mixture it is converted into egg powder. When intended to be kept for any length of time it should be preserved in bottles or tins, so as to prevent the absorption of moisture. We have discovered traces of arsenic in some of the baking powders of the shops, which we refer to common washerwoman’s soda being used in their composition, instead of the pure carbonate or sesquicarbonate.
Powder, Basil′ic. Syn. Royal powder, Cornachini’s p.; Pulvis Basilicus, P. Cornachini, L. Prep. From scammony, calomel, cream of tartar, and diaphoretic antimony, equal parts. This is the formula generally adopted for this compound, which has now long been omitted from the Pharmacopœias. It is still a favourite with many practitioners, as an alterative purgative, and vermifuge for children.—Dose. For a child, 2 to 8 gr.; for an adult, 5 to 20 gr. Compound powder of scammony is now generally sold for it.
Powder, Belladonna, Saccharated. (Wertzler.) Syn. Pulvis belladonnæ saccharatus. Prep. Belladonna root, 15 gr.; pure sugar, 1 dr.; mix. For 72 powders. One twice a day, or oftener, according to the age. In hooping-cough.
Powder, Blaine’s Distem′per. The basis of this preparation is the ‘aurum musivum,’ or bisulphuret of tin. (Dr Paris.)