Powders, So′da-water. Syn. Effervescing
powders, E. saline p., Sodaic p., Aerated soda p.; Pulveres effervescentes, L. Prep. 1. From bicarbonate of soda, 30 gr. in each blue paper; tartaric acid, 25 gr. (or citric acid, 24 gr.), in each white paper. One of each is dissolved separately in about half a glassful of water, and the two solutions mixed, and drank immediately. A cooling, wholesome summer beverage, but it should not be indulged in to excess.
2. (Chalybeated.) By adding 1 gr. of dried protosulphate of iron to each paper of acid. Tonic.
3. (Midgeley’s.) Made by adding 1⁄8 gr. of tartarised antimony to each paper of acid. Refrigerant and diaphoretic. For the Ph. formulæ see Powders, Effervescing (above).
Powders, Soup. See Powder, Curry, Powder, Pea, Spice, &c.
Powders, Spruce Beer. Syn. Pulveres effervescentes cum abiete, L. Prep. As ginger-beer powders, but substituting essence of spruce, 3 to 6 drops, for the powdered ginger.
Powders, Tooth. Syn. Pulvis dentifricii, L. The general principles which should be kept in view in the selection of the materials, and in the preparation of dentifrices, have been already fully noticed under Dentifrices, and need not, therefore, be repeated here. Care must be taken that all the dry ingredients be finely pulverised, and that the harder and gritty ones be reduced to the state of an impalpable powder, either by levigation or elutriation. The mixture of the ingredients must also be complete. This is the most readily effected by stirring them well together until they form an apparently homogeneous powder, and then passing this powder through a very fine sieve. Those which contain volatile substances should be preserved in closely corked wide-mouth bottles, and those which contain acidulous or gritty matter should not be frequently employed. The selection of the tooth brush likewise deserves attention. It should be sufficiently stiff to effect its purpose completely; but, at the same time, it should be so formed as not to cause irritation or injury to the gums during its use.
Prep. 1. Cuttle-fish bone and prepared chalk, of each 2 oz.; oil of cloves, 20 drops. This may be perfumed at will, and medicated by any of the substances referred to under Dentifrices.
2. To the last add of powdered Castile soap, 2 oz.
3. Prepared chalk, 12 oz.; cuttle-fish bone, 8 oz.; orris root, 4 oz.; dragon’s blood, 11⁄2 oz.; oils of cloves and cassia, of each 1⁄2 dr.