This section is from the book "Laboratory Manual Of Pharmacology", by A. D. Bush. Also available from Amazon: Laboratory manual of pharmacology.
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.
 
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