SULPHUR PRECIPITATUM—PRECIPITATED SULPHUR
Derivation.—Obtained from a solution of sublimed sulphur, 100; in boiling calcium hydrate, 50; by precipitation with hydrochloric acid.
Properties.—A fine, amorphous powder, of a pale yellow color, without odor or taste. Solubility same as sublimed sulphur.
Dose.—Same as sublimed sulphur.
UNGUENTUM SULPHURIS—SULPHUR OINTMENT
Composed of washed sulphur, 150; benzoinated lard, 850.
Actions.—Sulphur applied to skin or mucous surfaces is a feeble, mechanical stimulant, and hence relieves chronic passive congestion. It destroys parasitic infestation of the skin. Administered internally it is a laxative and alterative. It destroys fungi on vines and kills similar parasites affecting plants and animals. How much of this toxic effect depends on the sulphur acting as sulphur, and how much on the alkaline sulphides, sulphuretted hydrogen and sulphurous acid into which it is gradually converted, has not been determined. Sulphur when swallowed is slowly acted upon by the alkaline secretions of the intestines, and small quantities are converted into sulphides, which stimulate the intestinal mucous membrane. A further change liberates sulphuretted hydrogen, which imparts its disagreeable smell to the breath, secretions of the skin and bowels. The greater part of the sulphur swallowed is removed unchanged by the bowels, but a portion is excreted in the urine as sulphates. Over-doses given to horses and other animals cause colic, purging, prostration and sometime fatal gastro-enteritis.
Uses.—Sulphur is given to the several domestic animals as a laxative where more powerful purgatives might irritate—as in pregnancy, convalescence from acute diseases in young animals, and in piles.
Its alterative and stimulant effects on the skin have led to its use in rheumatism, eczema and cutaneous diseases. Some veterinarians affirm that it benefits dry congested conditions of the respiratory membrane by stimulating its epithelial cells and increasing movements of the cilia. It has no special vermicide action. Sulphur dusted on the skin slightly stimulates, but when dissolved by admixture with an alkali or oil, and smartly rubbed in, it more actively stimulates the cells of the rete Malpighi and thus hastens desquamation; while it also increases contractility of the muscular textures, and hence overcomes passive cutaneous hyperaemia. It thus promotes a healthier action in chronic eczema and psoriasis, and in such cases sulphur dressings are used with benefit combined or alternated with iodine or tar acids, and are aided by the internal use of sulphur and arsenic. Infriction of sulphur ointment is stated to relieve the pain of rheumatic muscles and joints. Sulphurous gas from burning sulphur is used for husk or hoose of sheep and calves; this is a disease in which worms affect the bronchial tubes, due to strongylus micrurus in calves and strongylus filaria in sheep. The patients are placed in a loose box and sulphur is burned about six feet away from them, so that air may dilute the fumes before being inhaled by the animals; let them inhale the fumes for ten or twenty minutes or longer, unless irritation is too great.