* Aromatic chalk with opium tablets.—Ten grains three times a day in severe cases of diarrhœa.
* Arsenic.—Dose, one-sixtieth to one-fifteenth of a grain. Is a powerful and poisonous drug, and should be taken with caution. It is useful in chronic malaria, and in anæmia and debility, especially that following an attack of fever.
It is best combined with iron in tablet form—iron and arsenic tablet—two of which may be taken twice a day, after food, for a week. This is a good general tonic.
Aspirin.—Dose 5 to 15 grains. Should be taken with a drink of water. Useful in rheumatic and febrile conditions; often relieves headache and the feeling of discomfort associated with chill. It is apt to be depressing in large doses, and some persons do not tolerate it well. Speaking generally it may be used in those conditions in which salicylate of soda is indicated.
Bismuth carbonate.—Dose, five to twenty grains. Useful in dyspepsia, pain in the stomach, vomiting and diarrhœa. The drug is heavy, and therefore gum or starch water should be used to suspend it.
It is often combined with opium and bicarbonate of soda to check vomiting and diarrhœa.
Bismuth may also be used as a dusting powder.
Boric acid, or boracic acid.—Chiefly used in solution, for its mild antiseptic properties, as a gargle, injection, eye lotion, or mouth wash. On the same account, it is used for washing wounds, or syringing out ulcers, or sore and inflamed ears. It is practically non-poisonous.
Lotions should contain from five to ten grains to the ounce. Boric ointment is a useful dressing for sores, burns, or wounds; it may be made by adding one part of powdered boric acid to nine of vaseline or fat.
Equal parts of finely-powdered boric acid, zinc oxide and starch makes a good dusting powder for moist eczema, bed-sores, chafes, and perspiring feet.