An Oleate is a solution of an alkaloid or of an oxide in oleic acid.

Prepare the official Oleatum Hydrargyri as follows: In a tared porcelain dish place 2.5 Gm. finely powdered yellow mercuric oxide, and 2 mils alcohol; mix well; then add 7.5 Gm. oleic acid; warm the mixture over a water bath to a temperature not exceeding 500 C, stirring constantly with a glass rod until the alcohol is expelled and the mercuric oxide is entirely dissolved. Then add enough oleic acid to make the product weigh 10 Gm. Mix thoroughly.

' This Oleate has to be kept in tightly closed containers, well protected from light. It should not be used if globules of metallic mercury are visible.

Properties of Oleatum Hydrargyrum:

Freshly made:

After 1 month:

After 2 months:

Sample............................................................

Sample............................................................

Sample..........................................................

Appearance................................................

Appearance................................................

Appearance................................................

Consistency................................................

Consistency................................................

Consistency...............................................

Color ...............................................................

Color ...............................................................

Color ..............................................................

Odor ...............................................................

Odor ...............................................................

Odor .............................................................

Visible Hg.................................................

Visible Hg.................................................

Visible Hg...............................................

The Oleate of Mercury is more elegant and efficient than the corresponding ointment, especially in the treatment of pediculosis.