Mistura Assafœtidæ. L. A nauseous preparation; and where its use is indicated, it will be more judicious to prescribe it as an extemporaneous mixture. See Assafœtida.
Mistura Camphoræ. L. This solution of camphor forms an elegant vehicle for more active stimulants. The camphor is separated from the water by a solution of pure potass, by sulphate of magnesia, and by several saline bodies. See Form. 7, 24, 25, 32, 47, 72, 116, 117, 123.
Mistura Cornu Usti. L. Decoctum Cornu Cervini. D. This is nothing more than a simple diffusion of phosphate of lime in a thin mucilage—Cui bono? It was retained in the Pharmacopœia in deference to the opinion of some experienced practitioners.
Mistura Cretæ. L.D. A common and useful remedy in diarrhœa, and may be combined with opium, catechu, or any other astringent. Form. 52. It is of course incompatible with acids, and acidulous salts.
Mistura Ferri Composita. L. This is nearly the same as the celebrated anti-hectic mixture of Dr. Griffith; to the result of the decompositions which take place from the mixture of its ingredients, it is wholly indebted for its medicinal energies; thus, a proto-carbonate of iron is formed, i. e. the iron combined with carbonic acid is at its minimum of oxidation, which renders it more active than the common carbonate, and probably less stimulant than the sulphate; this product, by means of the saponaceous compound formed by the union of the myrrh with the excess of alkali, is partly diffused and suspended in the mixture, and partly dissolved, whilst at the same time a sulphate of potass is formed, which serves to correct the astringent influence which iron is apt to exert upon the bowels. The iron in this preparation is disposed to combine with an additional proportion of oxygen, hence its ingredients should be quickly mixed together, and it ought to be considered as an extemporaneous preparation, and be preserved in a closely-stopt vessel. Its change of colour will generally indicate its loss of efficacy. This preparation must be regarded as permanently serviceable in Chlorosis, and the numerous sympathetic affections connected with it. In the painful swellings which infest the breasts of chlorotic young women, I have found it almost a specific. Dose, f℥j-f℥ij. The proportion of Proto-carbonate of iron, contained in any given quantity of this mixture, may be found by referring to the Medicinal Dynameter; for instance, bring the preparation to 12, and we shall perceive that this number of fluid-drachms contain 1 grain of Protoxide, or rather more than gr. iss of Proto-carbonate of iron; and we shall, at the same time, perceive that to give an equivalent quantity in the form of Pil. Ferri comp. we must prescribe ℈j. See Form. 96.
Mistura Moschi. This is an eligible form for the administration of Musk. Dose, f℥j-f℥ij, to which may be added extemporaneously, ammonia, æther, and other diffusible stimulants.
The Dose of the above mixtures is f℥j-to f℥ij twice or thrice a day.
MOSCHUS. L.E.D. Musk.
Qualities. Form, grains concreted together, dry, yet slightly unctuous. Colour, deep brown with a shade of red; Odour, aromatic, peculiar, diffusive, and durable; and it has the curious property, when added in a minute quantity, to augment the odour of other perfumes without imparting its own; this renders it a valuable article in perfumery, on which account it is a usual ingredient in lavender water. Taste, bitterish and heavy. Chemical Composition. Resin combined with volatile oil, and a mucilaginous extractive matter, with small portions of albumen, gelatine, muriate of ammonia, and phosphate of soda. Solubility. Boiling water dissolves it perfectly; rectified spirit takes up most of its active parts, although the odour is only discovered upon dilution; sulphuric æther is its most complete menstruum. Incompatible Substances. The solutions are decomposed by Oxy-muriate of Mercury; Sulphate of Iron; Nitrate of Silver; and the Infusion of Yellow Bark. Med. Uses. Stimulant and antispasmodic. As early as the time of Meade it was employed in typhus fever; Pringle administered it in gout of the stomach, a practice which received the concurrence of Cullen; conjoined with ammonia it has been celebrated for its powers in arresting the progress of gangrene, and of imparting fresh excitement to the nervous system. It has been also administered with success in epilepsy, hooping cough, and other spasmodic affections. Forms of Exhibition. The best form is that of bolus, combined with ammonia or camphor, or some other similar remedy, (Form. 21); it may be also administered in a mixture, for which purpose it requires five times its weight of mucilage, consequently the London College has not directed a sufficient quantity to retain the musk in suspension: by previously triturating it with sugar, its minute division is much facilitated. Dose, grs. x to xxx. See Form. 22, 30. Officinal Prep. Mist. Mosch. L. Tinct. Mosch. D. Adulterations. The bag containing the musk should have no appearance of having been opened: the presence of dried blood may be suspected, by its emitting, as it inflames, a fetid smoke; Asphaltum is discovered by its melting and running before it inflames: the artificial bags are known from the deficiency of the membrane which lines the real musk bags. To increase the weight of the musk, fine particles of lead are frequently added; this is easily detected, for by rubbing it with water the metallic particles will subside.
Moschus Factitius. Artificial Musk, strongly resembling the real, may be formed by digesting f℥ss of Nitric Acid, for ten days, upon ℥j of fetid animal oil, obtained by distillation; to this is to be next gradually added oj of rectified spirit, and the whole is then to be left to digest for one month: or—