Confectio Piperis Nigri. L. This preparation has been introduced into the Pharmacopœia, on the suggestion of several eminent practitioners, who have experienced its utility in certain cases of Piles. It is intended to resemble Ward’s[[479]] Paste, whose composition has been given in all the former editions of this work, and according to which Formula the committee have directed the present preparation. It is principally useful in those cases attended with considerable debility, in leucophlegmatic habits, and when piles arise from a deficient secretion in the rectum. On the other hand, the composition will as certainly prove injurious in those cases which are accompanied with erysipelatous inflammation, and which require cooling laxatives, and a total abstinence from all stimulants, for their cure.
Confectio Rosæ Caninæ, olim Conserva Cynosbati. Its acidity depends upon uncombined citric acid, a circumstance which it is essential to remember when we direct its use in combination. The hip, or fruit of this plant, beat up with sugar, and mixed with wine, is a very acceptable treat in the north of Europe.
Confectio Rosæ Gallicæ. Confection of the Red Rose. Principally used as a vehicle for more active medicines. It is sometimes brightened by the addition of a small proportion of sulphuric acid; this is a circumstance of great importance, where the confection is used for making the mercurial pill. See Pilulæ Hydrarg. It is a very common excipient for pills, see Form: 21, 59, 66, 73, 122, 160, 170.
Confectio Rutæ, Confection of Rue. The principal use of this preparation is as an ingredient in antispasmodic enemas.
Confectio Scammoneæ. L.D. Scammony, two parts, powdered cloves and ginger, of each, one part, to which are added a small portion of oil of carraway, and of syrup of roses, q. s. It is a stimulating cathartic, and may be given in the dose of ʒss to ʒj.
Confectio Sennæ. L.E.D olim Electuarium Lenitivum. The ingredients of this preparation are senna leaves, figs, tamarind pulp, cassia pulp, the pulp of prunes, coriander seeds, liquorice root, and refined sugar. It is gently laxative, and is an excellent vehicle for the exhibition of more powerful cathartics. (Form. 74, 93.) When properly made, it is an elegant preparation, not apt to ferment, nor to become acescent; the directions of the pharmacopœia are however rarely followed. Jalap blackened with walnut liquor, is frequently substituted for the more expensive article cassia; and the great bulk of it, sold in London, is little else than prunes, figs, and jalap. I understand that a considerable quantity is also manufactured in Staffordshire, into which unsound and spoilt apples enter as a principal ingredient. The preparation sold at Apothecaries’ Hall is certainly unique in excellence. Dose, ʒij or more.
The above are the principal confections which are employed in modern practice, for happily the shops are at length disencumbered of those nauseous insignificant conserves, unknown to the ancients, but which were ushered into use by the Arabian physicians, and which continued for so many years to disgrace our dispensatories and to embarrass our practice. The French, in their new Codex Medicamentarius, have limited their electuaries to a number not exceeding nine; they have however made up in complexity for deficiency in number; the Electuarium de croco, which is intended to answer the same ends as our confectio aromatica, has no less than twelve ingredients, although the force of the combination depends entirely upon carbonate of lime, cinnamon, and saffron; and so it is with the rest.
CONII FOLIA. L.E. (Conium Maculatum.)
Cicuta. D. Hemlock.
Qualities. The leaves, when properly dried, have a strong and narcotic odour, and a slightly bitter and nauseous taste: the fresh leaves contain not only the narcotic, but also the acrid principle: by exsiccation, the latter is nearly lost, but the former undergoes no change; the medicinal properties of the leaves are therefore improved by the operation of drying. Chemical Composition. The medicinal activity of the plant resides in a resinous element, which may be obtained in an insulated form, by evaporating an ethereal tincture made with the leaves, on the surface of water; it has a rich dark green colour, and contains the peculiar odour and taste of hemlock in perfection; a dose of half a grain will produce vertigo and head-ache. It may be distinguished by the name of Conein. The watery extract of this plant can therefore possess but little power, a fact which Orfila has fully established by experiment. No part of the plant is entirely destitute of efficacy, though the leaves possess the most activity. Solubility. Alcohol and æther extract its virtues. Incompatible Substances. Its energies are greatly diminished by vegetable acids; hence vinegar is its best antidote. Medicinal Uses. It is a powerful sedative, and has been deservedly commended for its powers in allaying morbid irritability: according to my own experience, it is, in well directed doses, by far the most efficacious of all palliatives, for quieting pulmonary irritation. It has been extolled also in the cure of schirrus and cancer, and it will without doubt prove in such cases a valuable resource, from its sedative influence. Externally, it will afford considerable relief in irritable ulcers, when applied in the form of fomentation or cataplasm, see Form. 17, 18. Forms of Exhibition. The dried leaves, powdered, and made into pills, (Form. 2, 17, 18.) The powder ought to have a fine lively green colour. Dose, gr. iij, gradually increased, until some effect is produced. Several different plants have been mistaken for, and employed in the place of hemlock, such as Cicuta Virosa, (the water hemlock,) Æthusa Cynapium, Caucalis anthriscus, and several species of Chærophyllum. Officinal Preparations. Extract. Conii. L.E.D.