Suppositories may be defined as variously shaped masses of medicated fat, possessing a consistence ensuring their quick fusion when introduced in the orifices of the body.

The U. S. P. defines Suppositories with reference to their weights and shapes, corresponding to their several uses - i. e. for introduction in the respective orifices of the body - as follows:

Rectal, cone-shaped or spindle-shaped, should weigh 30 grains (2 Gm.).

Urethral, pencil-shaped, should weigh 30 to 60 grains (2-4 Gm.).

Vaginal, globular or oviform, should weigh about 60 grains (4 Gm.).

The vehicle is Cacao Butter (Oleum Theobromatis) or Glycerin-ated Gelatin, both of which possess the property of melting at the temperature of the human body, 350 C.(950 F.), and yet remaining firm at ordinary temperatures. An addition of 10 to 15 per cent. of spermaceti is recommended to raise the melting-point and thus give more stability to suppositories during the heated seasons of the year, or if they contain chloral, phenol, or other substances which soften the vehicle.

The U. S. P. gives a general formula for preparing suppositories; only one Suppository is official, and this is not made from Cacao Butter.

The methods of preparing suppositories are quite numerous: any process may be employed by which the product is obtained uniform in size and shape and with the medicinal ingredients thoroughly incorporated. Moulds are usually employed; the medicinal ingredients, if solid, are first reduced to powder in a mortar, and mixed with a small quantity of the grated Fat; the remainder of the Fat, previously melted and cooled to 35 C, is then gradually incorporated with this mixture, thoroughly mixed, and, if possible, without further heating, poured into the moulds, previously chilled.

Another process consists in rolling the mass on a slab, cutting it as in making pills, and forming the cones with the fingers. By cold compression in a screw-press "machine," suppositories may be formed from the prepared mass.

Urethral Suppositories are commonly called Bougies, or, more properly, Medicated Bougies. They are usually made with the addition of Wax, or from Glyco-gelatin mass.

Suppositoria Glycerini. - Glycerin 30; sodium carbonate 0.5;

stearic acid 2; water 5. They are made by heating until a solution of sodium stearate, or soap, is formed, which is poured into a mould. Upon cooling, the mixture gelatinizes and the suppository is wrapped in tin-foil.

Uses. - Upon introduction into the rectum the mass melts, and the Glycerin, acting upon the feces, produces evacuation.

A formula for suppositories would be:

Extracti Belladonnae Fol., alc,

0.1;

Acidi Tannici,

1.0;

Olei Theobromatis, q. s. (20 Gm.).

Fiant suppositoriae No. x. (2 Gm.).

Each suppository would contain 1/6 grain (0.01) Ext. Belladonna and 1 1/2 grains (0.1) Tannic Acid.