The starch procured from the grains of common wheat, Triticum sativum (T. vulgare); maize, Zea Mays; and rice, Oryza sativa.

Characters. - In white columnar or irregular angular masses, white, inodorous, and tasteless; easily powdered.

Solubility. - Insoluble in alcohol, ether, or cold water.

Reactions. - When rubbed in a Wedgwood mortar with a little cold distilled water it is neither acid nor alkaline to test-paper, and the filtered liquid does not become blue on the addition of solution of iodine. Mixed with boiling water and cooled, it gives a deep blue colour with iodine.

Preparations.

B.P.

Dose.

Glycerinum Amyli.............................................

1 part in 10 by weight ...................

Mucilago ,, ............................................

12 gr. to 1 fl. oz.............................

Pulvis Tragacanthae Compositus .......................

1 part in 6.......................................

.20-60 gr.

Suppositoria Acidi Tannici cum Sapone.

„ Morphinae cum Sapone.

U.S.P.

Amylum Iodatum

(starch, 95 parts; iodine, 5 parts).

Glyceritum Amyli

(starch, 10 parts; glycerine, 90 parts).

Uses. - The glycerine of starch forms a soothing application for chilblains and chapped hands. Amylum iodatum is really a preparation of iodine (q.v.). Starch is also used as a vehicle for enemata. Bandages saturated with it are used in surgery.