115. In Ringworm and Scalled head the following ointment has been found useful: Sulphate of Copper in powder, 20 grains; powdered Galls, 1 drachm; Ceromel, 1 ounce. Mix them thoroughly, and rub well into the diseased spot. In Prickly Heat, a lotion of the Sulphate of Copper (10 grains to one ounce of water, or Rose water) often affords more relief than any other application.
116. Excessive Bleeding from Leechbites may often be speedily arrested by the application of a little powdered Sulphate of Copper. In Bleeding from the Nose, a solution of 4 grains of the Sulphate in one ounce of water introduced into the nostril, is sometimes effectual when Alum fails.
117. In Poisoning by Opium, Datura, Nux Vomica, Cocculus Indicus, Bish (Aconite), Arsenic, &c., where the poison has been swallowed, an emetic should at once be given to evacuate the contents of the stomach. For this purpose, Sulphate of Copper may be advantageously employed—5 grains in a pint of tepid water, taken at a draught. If this does not operate in half an hour it may be repeated; and a third dose, even, may be given if necessary, but this quantity should not be exceeded; as, unless it is vomited up, it remains in the stomach, and in large quantities is itself capable of acting as a poison. Its operation should be promoted by copious draughts of warm water. Its use as an emetic should be limited to cases of poisoning when it is of the greatest importance to empty the stomach as rapidly as possible. In other cases it is not a safe or manageable emetic. White of egg is the best remedy if the Sulphate causes any unpleasant effects.
118.
Croton Seeds.
The seeds of Croton Tiglium, Linn.
Jépál, Jamál-gótá (Hind.), Jamál-guttah (Duk.), Jépál, Jamál-gotá (Beng., Punj.), Nérválam kottai (Tam.), Népála-vittulu (Tel.), Nirválam (Mal.) Jápálada-bíjá (Can.), Népálácha-bi (Mah.), Jamlá-gota (Guz.), Jápála, Jaipála (Cing.), Kanakho-si, Sa-díva, Ta-díva (Burm.), Buah doomkian (Malay).
119. The Croton seeds met with in Indian bazaars are often spoilt by long keeping, &c.; they should, when practicable, be collected fresh when required for use. They are about the size of a grain of coffee, oval, rounded, of an imperfectly quadrangular form, with a thin brittle light-coloured shell, containing a yellowish albuminous kernel, enclosing a large leafy embryo; inodorous; taste at first mild, subsequently acrid and pungent. In their natural state they are violently purgative, and even in small quantity poisonous.
120. The following Croton pill is said to be an effectual purgative: take any quantity of the seeds, deprived of their outer shell, boil them three times in milk, and after boiling, carefully remove the outer skin and the little leaf-like body (embryo) which will be found between the two halves of the kernel; if the latter be allowed to remain, it will cause violent griping and vomiting. To 30 grains of the seeds thus prepared add 60 grains of finely powdered Catechu, and with the aid of a little honey or gum beat them into an even mass. Mix the ingredients thoroughly, and divide into pills, each weighing two grains. One of these is a sufficient dose for an adult, and should be given only when a strong purgative is required, as in Apoplexy, Convulsions, Insanity, Ardent Fevers, &c. Should it cause much griping, vomiting, or too violent purging, a good large draught of lime juice is the best remedy; and it may be safely repeated in half an hour if the vomiting, &c., continue.
121. The oil expressed from these seeds, Croton Oil, is a powerful purgative, in doses of one drop, or even less, made into a pill with bread-crumb. It is applicable for all the cases mentioned in the last section; and where one drop does not operate the dose may be increased to two or even three drops. In Apoplexy, Fits, &c., where the patient is unable to swallow, it is sufficient to place the oil at the base of the tongue. Its use, as a general rule, should be confined to adults.