Pure Sulphur is generally regarded as a simple substance. According to Sir H. Davy's experiments, it is a triple compound of oxygen, hydrogen, and a peculiar, unknown base: but late experiments have not tended to confirm this opinion. It unites readily with metals, forming compounds which have been denominated Sulphurets. These are formed by the fusion of the substances in a dry state; and the compounds require to be carefully preserved from the atmosphere, as they attract moisture from it, deliquesce, and are decomposed. When, however, the union of sulphur and alkaline or earthy bases is effected by means of water, the products are not simple sul-phurets, but sulphurets combined with sulphureted hydrogen, and have been named Hydrogureted Hydrosulphurets. They are equally susceptible of decomposition by exposure to the air as the sulphurets.

Oleum Sulphuretum. Edin. Sulphureted Oil

"Take of olive oil, eight parts; sublimed sulphur, one part.

Boil them with a gentle heat in a large iron vessel, stirring constantly, until they unite."

Syn. Huile de sulphur (F.), Oleo.sulfurato (I.).

Sulphur is soluble in many fixed oils, but particularly so in linseed oil. This combination was formerly termed a balsam, and was sometimes united with other substances; as, for instance, the oil of aniseed, in forming the anisated balsam of sulphur. Great attention is required in these processes to prevent the mixture from boiling over, or its vapour from catching fire. If either of these accidents occur, the combustion may be stopped, by instantly covering the pot with a close lid. The iron pot should be sufficient to contain thrice the bulk of the ingredients.

Qualities. - The odour of this solution of sulphur is extremely fetid, and the taste acrid. It is of a reddish-brown colour; has a thick, viscid consistence; and, when heated, emits sulphureted hydrogen. When it is much concentrated, the sulphur crystallises in octahedrons.

twelve pints of rectified spirit and two pints of water. Distil, with a slow fire, eleven pints.

Eau de Cologne. Take of alcohol, one pint; oil of bergamotte, oil of orange-peel, oil of rosemary, of each one drachm; bruised cardamom seeds, one drachm; orange-flower water, one pint. Distil, from a water bath, one pint.

Medical properties and uses, - Sulphureted oil is stimulant, and externally detergent. It was formerly, when regarded as balsamic, recommended in catarrh, asthma, and phthisical affections; but its internal use is now properly exploded. It is sometimes still externally applied for cleansing foul ulcers. The dose was from v. to xxx. taken in water.

Sulphur Sublimatum Lotum. Edin. Washed sublimed Sulphur

"Take of sublimed sulphur, one part; water, four parts. Boil the sulphur, for a short time, in the water; then pour off this water, and by repeated affusions of cold water, wash away all the acid; lastly, dry the sulphur."

Dublin. "Let warm water be poured upon sublimed sulphur, and the washing be repeated as long as the water employed shall appear acid. This is known by means of litmus. Dry the sulphur on bibulous paper."

Syn. Soufre lave (F.), Geevaschner Schwefel (G.), Zolfo lavato (I.).

In subliming sulphur, a small portion of it is apt to be acidified by attracting the oxygen of the heated air of the vessels, or the chamber in which the process is conducted. The quantity is, however, very minute, and is completely removed by the above processes. The sulphur does not afterwards undergo any change from exposure to the air at the ordinary temperature of the atmosphere. The equivalent of sulphur is 16.1.