gauze, or purified similarly to cotton, when it is called Lint, is made from the bast-fibres of the Linum usitatissimum L., Flax. Hemp and Jute are the bast-fibres of their respective plants.

Medicated Dressings.-These are made by saturating the material or vehicle in a solution of certain strength of the medicinal agent, or incorporating the latter in powdered form. In the application of a dressing which has been rendered aseptic or antiseptic by impregnating it with Phenol (Carbolic Acid), Salicylic Acid, Mercuric Chloride, or similar agent, it is desired to bring in contact with the wound a solution of certain strength-for example, a 5 or 10 per cent. solution of Phenol, a or 6 of 1 per cent. solution of Mercuric Chloride, etc. The quantity of material which conveys the agent is of no consequence, as the fabric simply serves as a vehicle for the medicinal or antiseptic agent. The strengths of such dressings should therefore be designated by the percentagestrength of the solutions by which they are saturated, rather than by the percentage by weight of the medicinal agent the finished dressing may contain.

In dressings of antiseptic agents that are usually applied in substance, such as Boric Acid and Iodoform, the percentage-amount actually contained by weight in the finished dressing should be stated. Here the use of a vehicle is only a matter of convenience, and it is desirable to know just how much of the medicinal agent is contained in a certain quantity by weight or by area of the dressing.

Medicated Cottons.-Purified cotton is saturated in a solution in Water, or Glycerin and Water, of the strength desired of the medicinal agent, and thoroughly expressed.

The following are the usual strengths:

Iodoform, being insoluble in Water, should be dissolved in Ether or, preferably, in a mixture of Alcohol and Glycerin.

Medicated Gauzes; Carbasa.-The material used for making Medicated Gauzes is a muslin gauze free from sizing or other extraneous matter. The gauze is thoroughly impregnated with the

solution of the particular strength required, then forcibly expressed, after which it is ready for use; or, if desired for future use, it should be tightly rolled, wrapped in parchment paper, and kept in closely covered boxes in a cool, dry place.

The following are the most commonly used Gauzes and their

The Iodoform Gauze is made in the same way as the Cotton, by saturation with a solution of Iodoform in Alcohol and Glycerin. All the others, except the Mercurial Gauze, contain Glycerin. Mercuric Chloride is dissolved in Water with a little Acid Tartaric (5 parts for 1 of Mercuric Chloride), the presence of which in the Gauze prevents the formation of insoluble albuminate of mercury when it is brought in contact with the albuminous discharges from wounds.

Plaster-of-Paris bandages are made by thoroughly incorporating Calcium Sulphate (gypsum) into linen bandages. When applied, the bandage, after being dipped in water, sets hard and firm in a few minutes.

CLASS I-DISEASE MEDICINES.

DIVISION I.-RESTORATIVES.

GROUP I-DIGESTANTS.

[IN the present work care has been taken to designate the proper pronunciation (Foster) of the names of drugs and their preparations common to Materia Medica and Therapeutics. The simplest and most efficient method appears to be that herein followed-namely, to indicate accent and quantity by a single sign; for example, Pepsinum (nom.)-Pepsini (gen.), in which the i is long and the accent upon the second syllable; Cocculus-Cocculi, in which the o is short and the accent upon the first syllable.

In nearly all cases the genitive, as used in prescription-writing, and the English equivalent, are given. When the accusative, not genitive, is adopted, the usage is marked by "(acc.)"; as Pilulæ, Pilulas (acc.), etc.]

Pepsinum-Pepsini-Pepsin. U. S. P.

Origin. A proteolytic ferment or enzyme obtained from the glandular layer of fresh stomachs from healthy pigs, and capable of digesting not less than 3000 times its own weight of freshly coagulated and disintegrated egg albumen when tested by the process given in the United States Pharmacopoeia.

Description and Properties.-A fine white, or yellowish-white, amorphous powder, or thin, pale yellow, or yellowish, transparent or translucent grains or scales, free from offensive odor, and having a mildly acidulous or slightly saline taste, usually followed by a suggestion of bitterness. It slowly attracts moisture when exposed to the air. Soluble, or for the most part soluble, in about 100 parts of water, with more or less opalescence; more soluble in water acidulated with hydrochloric acid; insoluble in alcohol, ether, or chloroform. Pepsin usually has a slightly acid reaction. It may be neutral, but should never be alkaline.

Dose.-5-60 gr. (0.3-4.0 Gm.).

Official Preparations.

Pepsinum Saccharātum-Pepsīni Saccharāti—Saccharated Pepsin. Formula: Pepsin 10, Sugar of Milk 90 parts. Dose, 30 gr.-4 dr. (2.0–16.0 Gm.).

Antagonists and Incompatibles.—Tannic and gallic acids are incompatibles. Mineral salts, alcohol, and alkalies precipitate pepsin from solution, the two latter impairing its digestive property. The "Wine of Pepsin" is therefore unreliable.

Synergists.-Diluted hydrochloric acid, in not over of I per cent., increases its digestive action.

Physiological Action.-Its only influence seems to be upon the digestive system. Pepsin is a typical restorative, being a normal constituent of the gastric juice, and in the presence of hydrochloric acid digesting the nitrogenous elements of the food, converting them into albumoses, and finally into peptones.

Therapeutics.-Externally and Locally.-Its digestive action is utilized to dissolve or digest the false membrane in diphtheria and croup. A solution of pepsin has also been injected into the bladder to digest blood-clots. It has been further recommended as an application to cancer of the cervix uteri.

Internally. As a restorative, where there is a lessened secretion of gastric juice, atonic dyspepsia, apepsia of infants, cancer of the stomach, and gastric ulcer, pepsin has proved serviceable. It is also employed to favor digestion in convalescence from acute and long illness. It is frequently necessary to give pepsin, or "peptonized milk," in acute dyspeptic diarrhea of infants.

Administration.-Pepsin should be given in powder or dissolved in glycerin (Glycerol of Pepsin), or in water acidulated with hydrochloric acid, directly after meals.

The drug should not be given continuously for too long a period, lest the function of the stomach become impaired from disuse, the artificial digestion having replaced the natural, normal process.

Unless there be some direct indication for its use, rather than give pepsin it is better to stimulate the gastric glands to secrete a larger amount of their normal juice, that they may not lie idle, and their function be consequently impaired by disuse. Hydrochloric acid administered with pepsin probably slightly promotes glandular activity. Often, however, pepsin must be given, and in certain cases the stomach is in such a condition that nutrient enemata must be administered. Yet, since the rectum possesses very