5006. Compound Gall Ointment

5006. Compound Gall Ointment. Rub together 6 drachms very finely powdered gall-nuts, l1/2 drachms powdered opium, and 6 ounces lard.

5007. German Black Salve

5007.    German Black Salve. Lard, 24 parts; white oxide of zinc and Peruvian balsam, of each 3 parts; nitrate of silver, finely pulverized, 1 part. This formula is taken from the Hamburg Pharmacopoeia.

5008. To Keep Ointment from Becoming Rancid

5008.    To Keep Ointment from Becoming Rancid. About 2 per cent, of finely powdered gum benzoin, or a less quantity of benzoic acid dissolved in the fatty matter by heat, will greatly retard, if not wholly prevent, the ointment from turning rancid.

5009. Schacht's Glycerine of Starch, or Plasma

5009.    Schacht's Glycerine of Starch, or Plasma. The use of fatty matter as the vehicle for drugs in preparing ointments and cerates is sometimes open to objection. The remedies introduced are frequently insoluble in fat, which consequently acts to a certain extent in defending the skin from, instead of facilitating the perfect action of the remedy. Aqueous remedies are difficult to mix with fat without soap or some otherwise needless addition. Another strong objection is the tendency of fatty matter to become rancid in contact with the skin. Mr. G. F. Schacht proposes a substitute consisting of 1 fluid ounce pure glycerine and 70 grains starch powder. These are mixed while cold, and then gradually heated to about 240° Fahr., constantly stirring; he gives this preparation the name of plasma. This constitutes a basis whose consistence is good, and does not vary with changes of temperature; it is soluble in water, and may consequently be removed from tender surfaces with the greatest ease; it dissolves and thoroughly mingles with all materials that are soluble in water, and therefore presents such remedies in the condition most favorable for absorption; and, lastly, it is not liable to rancidity. "With plasma substituted for fat, may be produced preparations corresponding to most of the cerates and ointments of the Pharmacopoeia, but free from the special objections before alluded to. The plasma should be kept in a closely corked bottle. The following plasmas are proposed by Mr. Schacht as improvements on the corresponding ointments of the Pharmacopoeia.

5010. Schacht's Cantharides Plasma

5010.    Schacht's Cantharides Plasma. Evaporate the decoction of Spanish flies to an extract, and mix with the plasma, using the same proportions as laid down for cantharides ointment. (See No. 5017 (Cantharides Ointment).)

5011. Schacht's Mercurial Plasma

5011.     Schacht's Mercurial Plasma. Mix 14 drachms starch with 6 fluid ounces glycerine, gradually adding 12 ounces mercury, and stirring till the globules disappear. Then add 6 fluid ounces glycerine, and heat to 240° Fahr., constantly stirring.