SCAM

389

Savine. See Sabin.se Folia.

Savonettes. See Wash Balls.

Savory. Satureja. A genus of plants, which are aromatic and pungent.The Codex mentions the Hortensis and the Thymbra, as stimulant,nervine, and aphrodisiac.

Saxifbaga Granulata. P. White Saxifrage. A native plant, the rootand seeds of which are acrid and diuretic.

Scabiosa Arvensis et Succisa. P. Field Scabius, and Devil's Bit.The roots, herbs, and flowers are feebly bitter, and alterative incutaneous disorders.

Scalding Mixture, in Farriery. Take 5J oxymuriate of mercury(corrosive sublimate), 51J muriatic (hydrochloric) acid, Oj boilingolive oil. Dissolve the salt in the acid and add the oil; mix, andinject as soon as possible. Used for pole-evil. (Pharm. Veter.College.)

Scales of Iron. See Ferrum.

ScammonIjE Gummi Resina. L. E. P. Scammony. Scammonhim. D.Procured from the Convolvulus scammonia, by the incision of theroots. This important article of the materia medica has a slightlyunpleasant smell, and a bitter acrid taste.Genuine scammony may be known by being black or dark grey exter-nally, becoming yellowish white when moistened with the finger, andwhen broken appearing shining, and of a grey or greenish browntint. It should have a cheesy smell, and be easily powdered.When it is very soft, of a disagreeable smell, or without anysmell, and when it does not become easily milky by triturationwith water, it is bad. The best is from Aleppo, and is importedin drums of 100ft weight. The worst is from Smyrna in formof cakes.

Imitated by mixing together extract of jalap, senna, manna, gamboge,guaiac, sago, syrup of buckthorn, and colouring the mass with ivory-black.

Adulterated with the same substances to a great extent, and also withsand, ashes, flour, and the scammony of Montpellier, which is theextract of Cynanchum Mon.ipelliacum. P.

Chemically it is composed of resin, gum, and extractive; and partlysoluble, partly miscible with water, forming a lactescent liquid ;proof spirit completely dissolves it.

Incompatible with acids, which appear to render it inert, though theydo not exhibit any chemical action upon its solutions. Potass andsoda give yellow precipitates, though they do not appear to injure butrather to assist its action. Dr. Paris says that when the stomachand bowels are loaded with mucus it is very inactive, but when their