Warburg’s tincture.—One tablet is equal to thirty drops of the ordinary tincture. Stronger tablets are also available.
To produce sweating, first open the bowels, then give four to eight of the tablets with a little hot spirit and water. If necessary, repeat the dose in three hours, and in either case withhold if possible food or drink till after this period has elapsed, but if the patient is very thirsty give hot drinks of weak tea or spirit and water. Keep him covered up and put a hot-water bottle in the bed.
Urgency of the case is a guide as to how many tablets ought to be given.
Zinc oxide alone or mixed with an equal quantity of boric acid or starch makes a useful drying dusting powder.
Zinc ointment contains three parts of zinc oxide to seventeen parts of lard or vaseline. This is a most useful application for burns, eczema, chafes and sores.
Sulphate of zinc.—As a prompt emetic, give twenty to thirty grains in half a pint of warm water. If patient does not vomit give a pint or more of warm water and tickle the back of the throat. A second dose of the drug may be given.
Two grains to an ounce of water makes a valuable astringent lotion for gonorrhœa, raw surfaces, ulcers, and inflamed eyes and ears. The strength of this solution may be gradually increased to six grains to the ounce of water.