When reduced to a fine powder
, by the addition of a little spirit of wine and friction, it is very useful as a local stimulant to indolent ulcers, especially when they discharge a foul kind of matter; a pinch is taken between the finger and thumb, and sprinkled into the ulcer, which is then dressed as usual.
When dissolved in oil of turpentine
, a few drops placed in a hollow tooth and covered with jeweller's wool, or scraped lint, give almost instant relief to toothache.
Used internally
, it is apt to excite nausea, and even vomiting, especially when given in the solid form.
As a stimulant
it is of great service in all low fevers, malignant measles, malignant sore throat, and confluent small-pox; and when combined with opium and bark, it is extremely useful in checking the progress of malignant ulcers, and gangrene.
As a narcotic
it is very useful, because it allays pain and irritation, without increasing the pulse very much.