II. Sapo Mollis. Soft Soap.
This differs from hard soap chiefly in its consistence, which is never greater than that of hog’s lard: it is transparent, yellowish, with small seed-like lumps of tallow diffused through it; the alkali employed for its formation is a ley of potass, instead of that of soda.
SARSAPARILLA. L.E.D.
(Smilax Sarsaparilla. Radix.)
Sarsaparilla.
Qualities. Form, long and slender twigs, covered with a wrinkled brown bark; Odour, none; Taste, mucilaginous and slightly bitter. Chemical Comp. Its virtues appear to reside in fecula; it also contains a very large proportion of vegetable albumen. Solubility. It communicates its active principle most completely to boiling water. (See Decoct. Sarsaparillæ). Med. Uses. According to Monardes, it was imported by the Spaniards into Europe in 1549, as a specific remedy for the venereal disease; but it soon fell into disrepute, and so continued until about the middle of the last century, when it was again brought into esteem by Hunter and Fordyce, as a medicine calculated to assist the operation of mercury, as well as to cure those symptoms which may be called the sequelæ of a mercurial course. Dose, of the powdered root ℈j to ʒj, three times a day. In selecting the roots, it will be right to choose such as are plump, not carious, nor too dusty on breaking; but rough, and which easily split longitudinally. Officinal Prep. Decoctum Sarsaparillæ. L.E.D. Decoct. Sarsaparillæ comp: L.D. Extractum Sarsaparillæ. L. Syrupus Sarsaparillæ. L. There are several species of Carex which are substituted for Sarsaparilla. The C. villosa (German Sarsaparilla) is very commonly employed for this purpose.
SASSAFRAS. L.E.D.
(Laurus Sassafras. Lignum, Radix, et Cortex.)
The Wood, Root, and Bark of Sassafras.
Qualities. Odour, fragrant; Taste, sweet and aromatic. Chemical Composition. The qualities of this plant depend upon an essential oil and resin. Solubility. Its active parts are soluble in water and alcohol. Med. Uses. It is said to be diaphoretic, and diuretic; and has been employed in cases of scurvy, rheumatism, and in various cutaneous affections; it also formerly enjoyed the reputation of being an antisyphilitic remedy. Its powers are very questionable. Officinal Prep. Oleum Sassafras. L.E.D. Decoct: Sarsaparillæ comp. L.D. Decoct: Guaiae: L.E.D. Aqua Calcis comp: D.[[630]]