These are prepared by slowly dissolving the metallic oxide or alkaloid in oleic acid, without heat: they are solutions of the oleates in an excess of oleic acid : (Marshall's formula).

They should not be rubbed in, but very lightly applied with a brush or the finger. Oleate of Morphia affects for good the nerve extremities; useful in all inflammations near the skin, relieving pain in acute rheumatism, neuralgia, threatened abscess, tonsillitis, enlarged glands, epididymitis (well replacing belladonna and mercurial oint-ment). The Oleate of Mercury kills pediculi and their ova, eases herpes zoster, and of 20 % strength salivates easily. The principal oleates are of the following strengths :-

Mercury ... 10% 15% or 20%

of oxid.; is a good way to ex. hibit the metal. 10 % in ring-worm, as a parasiticide.

Lead ... normal (29.0)

in eczema, to relieve irritation.

Zinc ... „ (12.9)

soothing.

Arsenic ... 5 %

caustic in lumps, eczema, etc.

Copper ... 10%

caustic, stimulating.

Bismuth ... normal (22.2)

stimulating and soothing.

Iron ... „ (11.7)

astringent.

Oleates of Aluminium, an astringent dressing for ulcers; Nickel, Sodium, etc, have also been made. Oleate of Mercury and Morphia is usually 10 % of former and 2 % of latter; also 20 % of former and 5 % of latter. Oleates of the stronger Alkaloids, Aconitia, Atropia, Strychnine, and Veratrine are generally 2 %; Oleate of Morphia, usually 5 %; Oleate of Quinine, 5 %, 10 %, and 25 % have been administered.