part in. Metallic Preparations. — Mercury. 691

Sun. Mercure (F.), Quecksilber (G.), Mercurio (/.), Azogogue (S.).

By this mode of treating mercury it is certainly obtainedmore bright and mobile; but although it is generally supposedthat the iron operates by exerting a superior affinity for theforeign metals with whiclf the mercury of commerce is supposedto be alloyed, yet this is altogether hypothetical, and the ne-cessity of the process may be well questioned.^ LIQUOR HYDRARGYRI OXYMURIATIS, Lond.Solution of Orjmuriate of Mercury.

" Take of oxymuriate of mercury, eight grains; distilledwater, fifteen fluid ounces; rectified spirit, a fluid ounce. Dis-solve the oxymuriate of mercury in the water, and add to it thespirit."

This solution is intended to facilitate the administration ofminute doses of oxymuriate of mercury, each fluid ouuce ofthe solution containing half a grain of the salt. It ought notto be long kept or exposed to a clear light, as the oxymuriateis gradually decomposed, and calomel precipitated. It is,however, the most safe and convenient form of administeringthis active salt; and may be given as an antisypliilitic in dosesof from Igss. to f 31J. in i'^13. of linseed infusion, or of water andsyrup, and in more minute doses, when its alterative effectsonly are required. As a local application, this solution, di-luted with two parts of water forms a useful gargle in venerealsore throat; and without dilution we have found it serviceableas a gargle for breaking the abscess in cynanche tonsillaris,when suppuration takes place. Diluted with an equal quan-tity of water, it is employed as a wash against tetters andscabies; and very largely diluted, it may be used as an injectionin gonorrhoea: or given in the form of enema, when the sto-mach will not receive it.

In concluding the account of the preparations of mercury,it may not be improper to observe that the exhibition ofany of them in certain states of the habit, and at the same timethe body is under exposure to cold, is apt to excite an erythe-matic eruption of the skin, accompanied with much fever. Thisdisease does not at all depend on the use of any particular pre-paration of the remedy; but, as far as I have been able to ob-serve, it is liable to show itself in such an irritable state ofthe habit as produces hysteria in females, when the bodyis very suddenly exposed to a current of cold air, or to acold moist atmosphere, while under the influence of mercury.When it occurs, the mercurials must be immediately discon-tinued, bark, opium, and purgatives internally administered,and the affected surface sprinkled with dry flour, or coveredwith the linimentum aquce calcis of the Edinburgh and Dublin

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