EXTRACTUM BRAYERE FLUIDUM.

273

the active principle. This usually very efficient anthelmintic is especially useful to dislodge the common tapeworm (tænia solium), and is also efficient in the case of the broad tapeworm from beef (bothriocephalus latus, tænia lata), but is apparently not so fatal to the latter. The Pharmacopoeia prescribes a fluid extract and an infusion; the latter freshly prepared and given on a stomach which has been fasting for twenty-four hours generally dislodges the head in the course of twenty-four hours without purging. A certain amount of intestinal irritation is often observed. An emulsion with castor oil, egg-yolk, a few drops of ether and oil of anise makes a less nauseant mixture than does the infusion alone. It is also advisable to add a few drops (ten to twenty) of oleoresin of male fern.

DOSE.-Four to six drachms, fifteen to twenty-three grammes.

INFUSUM BRAYERA.-Infusion of Brayera.

Brayera, 6; Boiling Water, 100.

If the "parts" of the Pharmacopoeial formula are taken as forty to forty-six grains, or two and a half to three grammes, the whole quantity may be taken at once, or in two doses at an hour's interval.

Citric acid or lemonade is said to diminish the liability to vomiting.

EXTRACTUM BRAYERÆ FLUIDUM.

More convenient, but perhaps less efficacious than a freshly made infusion or decoction.

DOSE. Two drachms to two teaspoonfuls, eight to ten grammes.

KAMALA.

Rottlera, Pharm. 1870.

The glands and hairs from the capsules of Mallotus philippinensis, a shrub growing in Australia, Southern Asia, and Africa (Nat. Ord. Euphorbiacea). This drug contains about 80 per cent. of a resin soluble in ether, alcohol, alkalies, and other solvents.

The powder is used for the expulsion of intestinal worms, chiefly, though not exclusively, the tæniæ. It is said to produce its effects without severe action on the intestinal canal, although it is a purgative and may produce some nausea and griping. A tincture and extract have been used, but are not officinal. The dose may be repeated in six or eight hours, if the first does not operate.

DOSE. One or two drachms, four to eight grammes, suspended in syrup.

Semences de Potirons, Fr.; Kürbissamen, G.

The seed of Cucurbita Pepo (Nat. Ord. Cucurbitaceae).

It has been by no means certain to what these seeds owe their undoubted efficacy in the removal of tapeworm, but the active part is probably the endopleuron or greenish envelope immediately surrounding the embryo, which contains a resin, the active principle. This resin is dissolved and rendered more active by the castor oil, which should be given before and after the anthelmintic. The decorticated seeds, as well as the oil derived from them, are bland and unirritating, and their action is unattended by any unpleasant symptoms. The somewhat bulky emulsion, however, may give rise to some nausea, which is to be avoided by rest for an hour or two after it is taken. They are administered in the form of a paste made by removing the outer coat of the seeds, although this is said not to be absolutely necessary, beating them with sugar, and diluting with milk or water. The emulsion, which, like all anthelmintics, is to be administered after a fast, should be followed by castor oil in a few hours.

DOSE. Four ounces, one hundred and twenty grammes. Good results are said to have been obtained by the patient's carrying with him a supply of the seeds, and eating them, from time to time, like nuts or confectionery.

SOLUTION OF COMMON SALT, and

INFUSION OF QUASSIA used by enema, to get rid of the oxyuris vermicularis, or "seat worms." As these worms live high in the large intestine, as well as in the rectum, a cathartic should precede the enema, in order to bring them within its reach.

SECTION XX.

PARASITICIDES.

THE number of drugs which can be used for the destruction of cutaneous parasites is by no means small. They are to be found among the irritants, such as the various mercurial ointments, iodine, tar, oil of tar, antiseptics, corrosive sublimate, thymol, sulphides, carbolic acid, resins, balsam of Peru, styrax, and many others.

The preparations following are placed here because they are used exclusively or chiefly for this purpose. In a strictly philosophical classification the anthelmintics and many more of the antiseptics would be placed here.

UNGUENTUM SULPHURIS.—Sulphur Ointment.

Sublimed Sulphur, 30; Benzoinated Lard, 70.

UNGUENTUM SULPHURIS ALKALINUM.-Alkaline Sulphur Ointment.

Washed Sulphur, 20; Carbonate of Potassium, 10; Water, 5; Benzoinated Lard, 65.

The number of formulæ for sulphur ointments is larger than the two given here, which, however, represent two distinct classes. They are the principal means used in the treatment of scabies, and both kinds are efficient, but the mode of action is not equally clear, since the non-alkaline sulphur ointment away from the body does not kill the itch insect.

It is to be noticed that all the more recent preparations, made with purified or precipitated sulphur, contain an alkaline ingredient-i. e., a salt of potash, of ammonia, of lime, or soap. It. is possible that the older sulphur ointments, made with sublimed sulphur, and without the alkalies, owed their efficacy as parasiticides to a larger amount of sulphurous acid than is contained in that now officinal, or it may be that alkaline sulphides are developed in small quantity in contact with the skin.

Salves made with addition of alkalies develop sulphides, which are rapid and efficient poisons to the parasite. The mechanical effect of sulphur in breaking up the burrows and

dislodging the inhabitants, or preventing their supply of air, as well as similar results from the eczema produced, are also important factors in the curative action.

Either of these ointments is rubbed freely and thoroughly over the affected part, every evening, for three days.

STAPHISAGRIA.

Stavesacre, Semina Staphidis Agria s. Pedicularis; Staphisaigre, Fr.; Stephanskörner, Läusekörner, G.

The seed of Delphinium Staphisagria, a native of Southern Europe (Nat. Ord. Ranunculacea).

The seeds contain an alkaloid, delphinine, which is in some respects like veratrine.

The alkaloid produces on the skin or mucous membranes prickling, burning, and inflammation. When absorbed, it diminishes the activity of the heart and respiration, and kills by general adynamia.

It has been used externally in neuralgias in the form of an alcoholic solution or ointment, of the strength of one to sixty, thirty, or eight parts of the excipient.

It has been suggested, like most other drugs which have a decided effect upon the heart, but certainly not extensively used, for dropsy and rheumatism, and as an antipyretic.

The seeds also contain other alkaloids not known to have any therapeutic importance. Stavesacre is itself used externally in the form of a parasiticide ointment, one part of the powdered seeds to two parts each of olive oil and lard. The fatty oil of stavesacre, extracted by ether, contains the delphinine, and has also been used as a parasiticide in pediculosis.

DOSE. Of the alkaloid delphinine, one-twelfth to one-sixth of a grain, five milligrammes to one centigramme (0.005 to 0.01).

[PETROLEUM.]

Rock Oil, Coal Oil, Huile Mineral, Bergöl, Steinöl.

This natural product, or rather class of products, contains, or can be separated into, a vast number of hydrocarbons, the study of which constitutes almost a distinct branch of chemistry. They range from the solid Paraffine, through the semisolid Petrolatum (which see), and the widely used Kerosene, to Benzin, and even lighter oils. Kerosene may be used for the destruction of head-lice, a few drops being poured upon the head and left all night under a tight fitting close cap (oiled silk or India rubber is best).

BENZINUM.-BENZIN.

Petroleum Ether-Petroleum Benzin.

A purified distillate from American Petroleum, consisting of hydrocarbons, chiefly of the marsh gas series [CH12; C6H1, and homologous compounds],

BENZINUM.

277 having a sp. gr. 0.670 to 0.673, and boiling at 50° to 60° C. It should be kept away from lights and fire.

A transparent, colorless, diffusive liquid; neutral in reaction; insoluble in water, soluble in about 6 parts of alcohol, and readily so in ether, chloroform, benzol, and fusel and volatile oils.

It has been used externally to allay itching, and also as a parasiticide in itch.

In neuralgic pains it would have no marked effect, except a certain amount of counter-irritation or cooling from the rapid evaporation.

It has also been used internally as a vermifuge for tapeworm, but in one case it has been reported to have produced the toxic symptoms of a diminished pulse and a gastro-intestinal irritation, followed by death on the twentieth day. Generally it does not cause vomiting or diarrhoea.

DOSE.-Five to ten drops, thirty to sixty centigrammes (0.30 to 0.60); as a vermifuge, thirty minims, two grammes or cubic centimeters (2). It may be administered on a lump of sugar or in mucilage.