This section is from the book "Practical Materia Medica And Prescription Writing", by Oscar W. Bethea. Also available from Amazon: Practical Materia Medica and Prescription Writing.
Latin, Pix Liquida (Gen., Picis Liquidae)
Eng., Tar. A product obtained by the destructive distillation of the wood of Pinus palustris and other species of Pinus.
A blackish-brown semi-liquid.
Empyreumatic, terebinthinate odor; sharp, empyreumatic taste.
Only slightly soluble in water. Almost entirely soluble in alcohol.
8 grains (0.5 Gm.).
Eng., Syrup of Tar. Represents about 0.5 per cent. of tar.
1 fluidrachm (4 mils).
Eng., Tar Ointment. Contains 50 per cent. of tar.
Eng., Rectified Oil of Tar. A volatile oil distilled from tar.
3 minims (0.2 mil).
Antiseptic, irritant, expectorant, diuretic.
Tar or its preparations are used in the treatment of many skin diseases, particularly of the chronic type; also for coughs, bronchitis and kindred conditions.
The following will illustrate the manner of prescribing:
In the treatment of eczema of the feet and legs:
or | |||
Phenolis........... | gr. x | 65 | |
Olei Cadini................... | X | 65 | |
Picis Liquidae.............. | gr. xx | 1 | 30 |
Ung. Aquae Rosae................. | 30 | 00 |
M.
Apply thoroughly twice a day.
1 Ohmann-Dumesnil: Diseases of the Skin.
In the treatment of ecthyma:
or | |||
Acidi Borici...................................................... | gr. x | 65 | |
Bismuthi Subnit........................................... | 3j | 4 | 00 |
Picis Liquidae............................................... | gr. xx | 1 | 30 |
Ung. Aquae Rosae.............................................. | q.s | 30 | 00 |
M.
Apply on a cloth twice a day.
 
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