(Papaver Somniferum. Capsulæ Maturæ.)
Poppy Capsules, or Poppy heads.
These capsules are employed in medicine for the purpose of affording a decoction, to be applied as an anodyne fomentation, see Decoctum Papaveris, and as a syrup of hypnotic qualities, see Syrupus Papaveris.
The seeds of the poppy capsules are not directly used for any medicinal purposes, but they yield a fixed oil which is daily met with in the market, and is frequently used to adulterate Olive Oil, which see. As an article of trade it is considered very inferior to the other fixed oils; it burns very badly, and yields a great quantity of smoke. To the pharmaceutic chemist it is an article of interest from the controversies to which it has given origin.[[597]]
PILULÆ L.E.D. Pills.
For general instructions respecting the formation and administration of pills, the practitioner must refer to the first part of this work, page 193.
Officinal Pills.
Pilulæ Aloes Compositæ. L. Extract of Aloes, two parts, extract of gentian, (G) one part, with oil of carraway; (E) to which syrup is unnecessarily added. It is a useful pill in habitual costiveness. Dose, grs. x to ℈j.
Pilulæ Aloes et Assafœtidæ. E. Powdered aloes, assafœtida (G) and soap, (L) equal parts. Anodyne and cathartic; a very useful combination in dyspepsia attended with flatulence. Dose, grs. x.
Pilulæ Aloes cum Myrrha. L. Pilulæ Rufi. P.L. 1745. Extract of Aloë, two parts, saffron and myrrh, (E) one part, syrup, q. s. This is a very ancient form of preparation, and is described by Rhazes. It is stimulant and cathartic. (Form: 11, 81, 98, 99.) Dose, grs. x to ℈j.[[598]]