The preparations of mercury are various: but those chiefly employed in the treatment of syphilis are the oxymuriate, or bi-chloride, the submuriate, or chloride, the red precipitate, or the hydrargyri nitrico-oxydum, the blue pill, the red sulphate for fumigations, and the blue ointment.
Ptyalism or salivation, which implies an extraordinary secretion of the salivary and other glands, occasioned by the taking of mercury, inasmuch that when carried to an unwarrantable extent, ulceration is the consequence, may be produced by the internal exhibition or external application of almost any of its preparations. With this view, however, the blue pill is usually administered in doses of five grains twice a day, or the blue ointment is directed to be rubbed in on the inner part of the legs and thighs, in quantities varying from one to two drachms night and morning. Mercury, when given to excite ptyalism, is generally taken in conjunction with sarsaparilla (see Form 51, or the fluid extract). The symptoms whereby the effects of mercury are ascertained, are a coppery taste in the mouth, followed by a tenderness of the gums on mastication, an increased flow of the saliva, and a peculiar fœtor of the breath. It is usual, on the tainted taste being perceptible, to diminish or discontinue the further use of the medicine, unless the case be very severe, or merely to keep up the effect produced. But it can not be denied that, although sufficiently manageable in scientific hands, mercury, or any one of its preparations, is too powerful to be taken indiscriminately.
[6] Antimony.
The preparations of antimony consist of the precipitated sulphuret, called now the oxysulphuret of antimony, and the powder, as directed to be made in the Pharmacopœia, or its secret modification, known by the name of “Dr. James’s Powder.” The sulphuret enters into the composition of the red or Plummer’s pills, which is an admirable alterative, given in conjunction with sarsaparilla, in doses of five grains, once or twice a day. The James’s powder, with the like intention, may be taken in two or three grain doses twice or thrice a day.
[7] Wagner, translated by Dr. Willis.
[8] Some say eight days after.
[9] Instances of different conceptions following connexion at brief intervals are of occasional occurrence.
A case is recorded of a negress having brought forth a negro and a mulatto child, and who confessed having received the embraces of a white and a negro the same evening. Drs. Dewees of Philadelphia, and Francis of New York, adduce similar instances.
[10] The membrane containing the liquid comes away with the after-birth or placenta; but when it is brought away with the child’s head, it is named a “caul,” to which the ignorant attach a superstitious belief that it saves the possessor from drowning, and hence it has been a source of traffic between the cunning and the weak-minded. Cauls are made by detaching the membrane from the placenta.
[11] Yellow wax may be substituted for the white wax, which renders the ointment stronger and better adapted for excoriations that yield a discharge.