5051. Resolvent Plaster

5051.     Resolvent Plaster. Purified ammoniac, 1 pound; purified mercury, 3 ounces; sulphuretted oil, 1 fluid drachm. The mercury must be rubbed with the sulphuretted oil till the globules disappear, and the ammoniac, previously melted, added gradually, and the whole mixed together. This plaster has great efficacy in promoting the absorption of glandular swellings and indolent tumors. It is of much use also as an application to corns and bunions. It can be obtained from the apothecary, and is usually known as the plaster of ammoniac and mercury.

5052. Burgundy Pitch Plaster

5052.    Burgundy Pitch Plaster. Melt together 2 pounds strained burgundy pitch, 1 pound prepared frankincense, and 4 ounces each yellow resin and bees'-wax ; add 2 fluid ounces each olive oil and water, and 1 ounce expressed oil of nutmeg; stir constantly until evaporated to a proper consistence.

5053. Blister or Cantharides Plaster

5053.     Blister or Cantharides Plaster. Melt together 71/2 ounces each yellow wax and suet; 6 ounces lard, and 3 ounces resin; when mixed, remove from the fire, and, a little before they concrete, sprinkle in and mix thoroughly 1 pound very finely powdered cantharides.

5054. Strong Blistering, or Cantharides Plaster

5054.     Strong Blistering, or Cantharides Plaster. Mix at a heat below 212° Fahr., 41/2 ounces Venice turpentine, 3 ounces each of burgundy pitch and cantharides, 1 ounce bees'-wax, 1/2 ounce finely powdered verdigris, and 2 drachms each of powdered mustard and black pepper.

5055. Warm Plaster

5055.    Warm Plaster. For this plaster, take 1 part of blistering plaster, and of burgundy pitch 14 parts ; mix them by means of a moderate heat. This plaster is" stimulant, slightly irritating the skin, and is of use in ordinary coughs and whooping-cough, sciatica, and other local pains.

5056. Homoeopathic Mustard Plaster

5056.    Homoeopathic Mustard Plaster. For chronic inflammation, colds, sore throats, inflammations of the lungs, liver, and bowels, sprains, etc.. Take 1 part by measure of mustard; 5 parts flour; and 5 of Indian meal. Mix the mustard in a little hot water, and, when smooth, add about 2 parts boiling water, and when all is dissolved stir in the flour, and then the meal, thoroughly; adding more boiling water if necessary. Spread on a thick cloth double folded, to retain heat and moisture. Cover with mosquito netting, or lace, and nothing closer, sew around the edges, apply to the painful spot; fasten with bandages, and wear till dry, or for 24 hours, and then put on a fresh one. Continue to renew these for 1 or 2 weeks. When the skin becomes too tender, add 1 more spoonful of flour and meal each. When these plasters can no longer be borne, use powdered ginger instead of mustard, and then finish with plain Indian meal poultice alone. (Leggctt.)