ARSENICI OXYDUM SUBLIMATUM. L.
Prepared Oxide of Arsenic.
The object of this process is to ensure a pure and uniform oxide; it has been already stated that a more dangerous fraud can scarcely be committed than the adulteration of arsenic; I am therefore not inclined to coincide with Mr. Thomson, and to regard “the present process as superfluous,” and the committee of the college entertained a similar opinion.
ASARI FOLIA. L.E.D. Asarum Europæum.
Asarabacca Leaves.
Qualities. The leaves, when recent, are nauseous, bitter, and acrimonious, and prove violently purgative and emetic, properties which are impaired by keeping. Chemical Composition, a peculiar acrid principle, not well understood. Solubility, water by infusion extracts their sensible properties, but they are lost by decoction. Uses. As an errhine, Dr. Cullen has remarked that they form the most useful species of this genus of local stimulants. Dose, gr. iij. to v. repeated every night until the full effect is produced. Officinal Prep. Pulvis Asari compositus. E.D.
ASCLEPIAS TUBEROSA.
Pleurisy root. Radix.
[The root of this plant, which is very abundant in every part of the United States, is the part used in medicine. It has a bitter taste, and its most soluble portions are fecula and a bitter extractive matter. Its best menstruum is boiling water. Its medicinal properties are expectorant and diaphoretic. The diseases in which it has been found useful are catarrh, bronchitis, the passive stage of pneumonia, and in rheumatism. In substance it may be taken in doses from ℈j to ʒss. Of the decoction, made by boiling half an ounce of the root in water, a tea cup full may be taken frequently during the day.]
ASSAFŒTIDA.[[423]] L.E.D.