Pilulæ Aloes cum Colocynthide. E. This pill is known by the popular name of Pil. Cocciæ, κοκκὶον signifies a seed, and the term was first applied to this preparation by Rhazes. It consists of eight parts of aloes and scammony; four of colocynth; and one part of oil of cloves, (E) and of sulphate of potass with sulphur, olim Sal Polycrest. It is more powerful in its operation than the simple aloetic pills.
Pilulæ Cambogiæ Compositæ. L. Gamboge, extract of aloe, and compound powder of cinnamon one part; soap two parts; see page 172, and Form: 88.
Pilulæ Ferri Compositæ. L. This combination is analogous to that of Griffith’s mixture. Dose, gr. x to ℈j. Form: 99. They become extremely hard by keeping. If the practitioner consult the Medicinal Dynameter, he will observe that in order to give the same quantity of Proto-carbonate of Iron as is contained in f℥iss of Mist: Ferri comp: he must direct ℈j of this pill mass; which quantities will be seen to contain, respectively, a grain and seven tenths of this of the proto-carbonate, or, one grain of Protoxide, which is equivalent. It is doubtful whether the former preparation will not prove more active, in consequence of the saponaceous vehicle formed by the Myrrh and alkali in a state of solution.
Pilulæ Galbani Compositæ. L. Pil. Gummosæ, P.L. 1745. We are here presented with a combination of fœtid gums, in which assafœtida is the most potent article. Antispasmodic, and emmenagogue. Dose, grs. x to ℈j. See Form: 10, 27, 98.
Pilulæ Hydrargyri. L.E.D. Pil. Mercuriales. P.L. 1745, vulgo, The Blue Pill. The mercury in this preparation, is not, as it was formerly considered, in a state of mere mechanical division, but in that of a black oxide, upon which its activity as a remedy undoubtedly depends; for mercury in its metallic state is entirely inert with regard to the living system. Various substances have at different times been triturated with the mercury, for the purpose of extinguishing or killing it, by effecting the mechanical division and subsequent oxidation of its particles, as manna, melasses, &c. Conserve of Roses is now generally preferred for this purpose, although Swediaur suspects that the astringent principle of this conserve invalidates the effects of the mercury, “I have,” says he, “given these pills to several patients for a long time, without any symptom of salivation.” Mr. Abernethy observes in his surgical works, that the Pilulæ Hydrargyri are uncertain in their effects; and that some of the students at the hospital on examining them, and different parcels of the conserve of roses, say that the sulphuric acid may be discovered in each. Nor is it improbable that in making the conserve for sale, some of this acid may be added to brighten the colour; and if so, the mercurial pill which is made from it may contain in varying proportions, some of that highly deleterious compound, the sub-sulphate of mercury. When any of the gums are employed for killing the metal, the pills soon become hard and brittle, and after some time the mercury is liable to run into its metallic state. The pill-mass, when rendered thinner by the addition of a little water, and extended on a piece of paper, ought not to exhibit any metallic globules; in this examination, however, we must be careful not to be betrayed by the fallacious appearance which is frequently presented by small crystals of saccharine matter. The relative proportion of mercury contained in the mass can be ascertained only by its weight. The blue pill is made at Apothecaries’ Hall by a very ingenious machine actuated by steam, and which rubs as well as rolls the materials, and it is said the pill thus made is more active than that produced in the ordinary way. Med. Uses. It is by far the best form for the internal exhibition of mercury; where it is intended to act upon the system as an alterative, it should be administered in doses of from grs. iv to vj; if it occasion any action on the bowels, it may be conjoined with opium; sometimes a few grains of rhubarb, exhibited every morning, will impart such a tone to the intestines, as to enable them to resist the mercurial irritation. In cases where the form of pill is objectionable, it may be readily suspended by the aid of mucilage, in some aqueous vehicle; when exhibited in doses of grs. x to ℈j, it acts as a mild but efficient purgative. Form: 79, 106. One grain of mercury is contained in three grains of the mass; the proportion of metal, or oxide, in any other given quantity, is shewn at once by the Dynameter. For the specific effects of mercury, see Ung. Hydrarg.
Pilulæ Hydrargyri Sub-muriatis Compositæ. L.E. Olim Plummer’s Pills. They consist of one part of calomel and precipitated sulphuret of antimony (H) and two parts of guaiac (E) made into form with spirit. It is a very useful alterative, especially in cutaneous eruptions and in secondary syphilitic symptoms, particularly when affecting the skin. Dose, grs. v to x. Should their exhibition affect the bowels, the addition of a small proportion of Opium may be added.
Pilulæ Opiatæ. E. Opium one part; extract of liquorice, seven parts; Jamaica pepper, two parts. It is however a compound of questionable propriety.
Pilulæ Rhei Compositæ. E. Rhubarb, Aloes, and myrrh, with oil of peppermint. When such a combination is indicated, it is better to prescribe it extemporaneously: for the mass, by being kept, will become less efficacious.
Pilulæ Saponis cum Opio. L. Pil. Opii. P.L. 1787. By substituting soap for extract of liquorice, these pills are now rendered more soluble in the stomach, and are consequently more efficient. Five grains contain one of opium.
Pilulæ Scillæ Compositæ. L. A stimulating expectorant: but as squill is always impaired by keeping, it ought to be considered as an extemporaneous combination. It is surely injudicious thus to multiply our officinal formulæ, but it is difficult, on such occasions, to run counter to popular opinion. Form: 104.