This section is from the book "Materia Medica Pharmacy, Pharmacology And Therapeutics", by W. Hale White. Also available from Amazon: Materia Medica Pharmacy, Pharmacology And Therapeutics..
It is probable that the action of these drugs is, in some respects, similar.
Fe=55.88.
Ferrum. Metallic Iron In Form Of Fine, Bright And Nonelastic Wire.
Metallic Iron is pharmacopoeial in two forms, viz., this and reduced iron. Metallic Iron is used to prepare Ferri Iodidum Saccharatum, Ferri Chlori-dum, Liquor Ferri Chloridi, and Syrupus Ferri Iodidi.
Ferrum Reductum. Reduced Iron. Synonyms. - Que-venne's Iron. Iron by Hydrogen. Metallic Iron with a variable amount of oxide.
Hydrogen gas is passed through a hot, closed tube which contains freshly prepared, thoroughly washed Ferric Oxide. Fe2O3+3H2=Fe2+ 3H2O.
A very fine grayish-black lustreless powder, strongly attracted by the magnet, without odor or taste. Solubility. - Insoluble in water or Alcohol.
Reduced Iron is used to make Pilulae Ferri Iodidi and Ferri Iodidum Sac-charatum.
Dose, 1 to 5 gr.; .06 to .30 gm.
The following (viz., the sulphate, thee carbonate, the iodide and the lactate) are ferrous salts, that is to say, salts of the lower Oxide, FeO.
Ferri Sulphas. Ferrous Sulphate. FeSo4+7H2O=277.42. Synonyms. - If impure, Copperas. Green Vitriol.
Iron Wire is dissolved by boiling in Sulphuric Acid and water. The sulphate is crystallized out. Fe2+2H2So4=2FeSo4+ 2H2.
Large pale, bluish-green monoclinic prisms, having a saline, styptic taste. Solubility. - In 1.8 parts of water; insoluble in Alcohol.
Ferric salts and copper.
Ferrous Sulphate is used to make Ferri Carbonas Saccharatus, Liquor Ferri Subsulphatis, Liquor Ferri Tersulphatis, and Massa Ferri Carbonatis.
Dose, 1/2 to 2 gr.; .03 to .12 gm.
Ferri Sulphas Exsiccatus. Dried Ferric Sulphate. Approximately 2FeSo4+3H2O=357.28.
Allow the sulphate to effloresce at 1040 F.; 400 C, and heat in a porcelain dish until it weighs 64 to 65 parts.
A grayish-white powder, slowly but completely soluble in water.
Dose, 1/2 to 2 gr.; .03 to .12 gm.
Dried Ferrous Sulphate is used to make Pilulae Aloes et Ferri.
Ferri Sulphas Granulatus. Granulated Ferrous Sulphate. FeSo4+7H2O=277.42.
Dissolve Ferrous Sulphate, 100; in diluted Sulphuric Acid, 5; and Distilled Water, 100; pour upon it Alcohol, 25; and filter, wash and dry the precipitate.
Pale, bluish-green, crystalline powder, which conforms to the reactions of the sulphate. Impurities. - The same as of the sulphate.
Dose, 1/2 to 2 gr.; .03 to .12 gm.
 
Continue to: