172. Sulphate of Iron, in a more or less pure state, is met with in most Indian bazaars; that only should be selected for medicinal use which occurs in the form of crystals or small crystalline masses of a pale green colour, wholly soluble in water. The dirty yellowish powder usually associated with it in bazaar specimens, as well as the flat whitish-yellow cakes sold under the same native names as the Sulphate, should be rejected. It is a valuable tonic and astringent in doses of from ¼ grain to 2 grains. In solution it forms a useful external application.
173. Remarks on the Use of this and other Preparations of Iron.
a. Under its use the stools become black and offensive, but they resume their natural characters when the medicine is discontinued. The tongue also, if iron has been taken in solution, becomes black.
b. In order to judge fairly of its effects, it requires to be persevered in for weeks or longer.
c. No advantage is gained by giving it in large doses. The fact of the stools becoming deeply black is an indication that the dose may be diminished.
d. Purgatives increase its efficacy; a dose of castor oil, or other aperient, every week or ten days, is advisable during a course of Iron.
e. Acids and acidulous fruits should be avoided during its use.
f. Children may take it not only with safety, but with advantage.
174. In that form of Constitutional Debility termed Anæmia, when the body is apparently bloodless, when, especially in natives, the inner surface of the eyelids, the tongue, and the palms of the hands, become very pale or white, the Sulphate proves very valuable. It is best given in solution as follows: Take of Sulphate of Iron, 4 grains, Omum water and Infusion of Chiretta, of each 6 ounces; of this the dose is a wineglassful thrice daily for adults, and from a teaspoonful to a table-spoonful for children, according to age. Anæmic females, suffering from Leucorrhœa (Whites) and Amenorrhœa (Suspension of menstrual discharge), may advantageously take it combined with Aloes as advised in paragraph 18.
175. In Intermittent Fever the Sulphate often proves of great service, especially in obstinate or long-standing cases, where the patient has become weak and anæmic. It may be given as follows: Take of Sulphate of Iron, finely powdered, 24 grains; powdered Black Pepper, 30 grains; Beat them into a mass with a little honey, and divide into twelve pills. Of these two should be taken twice or thrice daily, with a wineglassful of Infusion of Chiretta (98), or Gulancha (352). Whilst taking these pills, all acids and acidulous fruits should be avoided, and the bowels kept open. They are inadmissible when the stomach is very irritable, or when diarrhœa exists.