418

STYR

will give on evaporation crystals of strychnine nearly pure. It oughtnot to be reddened by nitric acid; but all the salts of strychnine areso reddened.

Soluble in alcohol, nearly insoluble in ether, and very sparingly solublein water.

Incompatible with alkalies and alkaline earths, and with the acid solu-tions of metallic oxides.

Medicinally it is narcotic, and acts powerfully on the nerves. It hasbeen given in paralysis and epilepsy, as well as mania, with goodeffect in doses of gr. -rV cautiously increased; but it is rather a ha-zardous remedy to tamper with. It has been given in form of pills,gr. ij with 5 SS of conserve of hips divided into two dozen pills andsilvered; or in form of tincture, gr. iij being dissolved in §j of alco-hol, from iT^vj to ir^xxiv for a dose. The sulphate and hydrochlorateof strychnine are still more soluble, and more active. See Mistur.Strych.

Poisonous, producing inebriation, stupor, convulsions, tetanus, and allthe dreadful effects of narcotico-acrid poisons. Stimulants must suc-ceed emetics in the treatment, and if emetics will not act, the cold•affusion may be tried with sinapisms over the stomach.Strychnos Nux Vomica. D. See Nux Vomica. P.Stucco is Plaster of Paris, prepared by heating it in an oven, powderingit finely, and mixing with water, to cast into moulds for ornaments,figures, &c. See Wax Casts.Styptics act by astringing the mouths of bleeding vessels. Alum, galls,Amadou, &c, are good styptics; but the mineral acids, and the actualcautery, are still more powerful in restraining haemorrhage. Themost celebrated styptic was that of Helvetius, which consists ofiron filings and tartar mixed with brandy, and coloured of a violethue, with galls. See Eaton.Styracis Balsamum. L. E. D. P. Storax. Procured from the Styraxofficinalis. It contains resin and benzoic acid, and is of a pleasantodour, and aromatic acrid taste.

Imitated by mixing ibij of rasped guaiac, ^vj of powdered gum benzoin,^ij of dragon's-blood, Jjss of ivory-black, and q. s. of rectified spiritand balsam of Peru.

Medicinally it is stimulant and nervine, in doses of gr. x to 5ss, but isseldom if ever employed in modern practice, except as an aromaticadjunct. Externally it is stimulant, and employed with unguents,in gangrene, rickets, palsy, &c.

Enters into Pil. e Styrace. D. Styrax Pyr. D.Styrax Liquida. P. Liquid Amber. Is an aromatic, acrid, stimu-lant, and applied exteriorly, like the preceding.