Sulphur has already been sufficiently treated of on all points, except in relation to its effects and uses as a cathartic, to which, therefore, our attention will be exclusively confined in this place. The washed sulphur, as designated by the U. S. Pharmacopoeia, or the precipitated sulphur (see page 411), should be used for this purpose.

Sulphur is a gentle laxative, operating mainly if not exclusively on the lower bowels, and on the peristaltic movement, and producing soft, somewhat consistent, and unirritating passages. it is slow in its action, and not unfrequently causes griping in a greater or less degree, possibly owing to the generation of sulphuretted hydrogen, possibly to the exertion of a special influence upon the muscular fibres, and perhaps to both causes combined. it may be used as a laxative in habitual costiveness, and is well adapted to dyspeptic cases, and those complicated with piles; to the former by its mildness, and its elementary nature, which prevents the generation of offending products by its decomposition in the stomach; to the latter by the blandness of the discharges it occasions. it may be employed also, preferably to other laxatives, when there is an indication for its alterative effect, in connection with habitual constipation; as in chronic rheumatic, gouty, neuralgic, and paralytic affections, and eruptions upon the skin.

The dose is one or two drachms, which may generally be most conveniently given at bedtime, mixed with simple syrup or molasses, or suspended in a little milk. it is very often combined with cream of tartar, in the treatment of piles.