Lotions. Solutions of medicinal substances in water, employed for external application. They may be made of any soluble medicaments that are capable of exerting their action by contact with the skin. Lotions have been divided into classes, as sedative, anodyne, stimulant, etc.. Sedative and refrigerant lotions are commonly em-ployed to allay inflammation ; anodyne and narcotic lotions to relieve pain; stimulant lotions to assist the ripening of tumors, etc.; detergent lotions to clean foul ulcers, etc.; repellant and resolvent lotions to disperse tumors, remove eruptions, etc.. Lotions are usually applied by wetting a piece of linen with them, and keeping it on the part affected, or by moistening the part with the fingers previously dipped into them. Lotions are more agreeable if made with rose water. A number of these preparations are here given, and others will be found by referring to the index, under their respective headings.

4818. Lotion of Nitric Acid

4818.    Lotion of Nitric Acid. Mis together 2 drachms dilute nitric acid and 1 pint water. This lotion is stimulating and cleansing. It is very useful when applied to foul and foetid ulcers; it is likewise of considerable value in ulceration of the bone and threatened inflammation. It was the favorite lotion of Sir Astley Cooper in cases of unhealthy ulcerations requiring the application of a stimulant.

4819. Anodyne Lotion

4819.    Anodyne Lotion. Crude opium, 2 drachms; warm water, 1 pint. Rub the opium for a few minutes in a mortar with a little of the warm water, then pour in the remainder of the water and mix them well. This is an excellent wash for painful and irritable ulcers and swellings.

4820. Astringent Lotion

4820.     Astringent Lotion. Sulphate of zinc, 2 drachms; water, 1 pint; camphorated spirit of wine, 2 drachms; mixed together. This is an excellent lotion for piles, used night and morning.

4821. Compound Alum Lotion

4821.    Compound Alum Lotion. A detergent and astringent lotion for old ulcers, chilblains, excoriations, etc., and, largely diluted, as an eye-wash and injection. Dissolve 1 ounce each of alum and sulphate of zinc in 3 pints boiling water; filter, if necessary.

4822. Camphorated Lotion

4822.    Camphorated Lotion. Diluted solution of diacetate of lead, 8 fluid ounces; spirit of camphor, 2 drachms; mix, and shake well. Refrigerant and anodyne. Employed in erysipelatous inflammations, bums, contusions, sprains, excoriations, etc..

4823. Spackman's Lotion for In-flamed Parts

4823.      Spackman's Lotion for In-flamed Parts. Mix 1 drachm tincture of myrrh; 3 drachms tincture of camphor; 1 ounce rectified spirits of wine; 1 drachm Goulard's extract; 1 ounce solution of sulphate of morphia; 2 ounces tincture of arnica, and 4 ounces water.