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CALCIUM. 313

ing from the removal of salivary calculus : also useful in superfi-
cial inflammations of the mucous membrane of the mouth, etc.

CALX—CALCIUM.
LIME.
Formula.—CaO.
Derivation.—Lime is obtained by calcining limestone or chalk,
until the carbonic acid is driven off. Lime is more soluble in
cold than in hot water, and a compound of lime and sugar is
more soluble in water than pure lime alone. Calcium is the
metallic base of lime.
Medical Properties and Action.—Quicklime is a powerful escha-
rotic and irritant.
Liquor Calcis— Lime Water.—It is prepared by adding cold
water to freshly slacked lime, and the clear fluid poured off.
The officinal preparation consists of forty troy ounces of satu-
rated solution of lime in eight pints of distilled water. It is a
colorless, inodorous liquid, possessing a disagreeable alkaline taste.
Exposure to the air causes it to gradually absorb carbonic acid,
with the formation of insoluble carbonate of lime, and it should
therefore be preserved in glass-stoppered bottles. The addition
of liquorice or coriander seed will disguise its taste.
Medical Properties and Action.—Lime water is antacid, astrin-
gent, antiseptic and detergent. It is applicable to all cases where
antacids are indicated, and where an astringent effect is not
objectionable.
Therapeutic Uses.—Lime water is an excellent remedy in gastric
irritation, accompanied with nausea and vomiting ; also in dys-
pepsia, attended with vomiting of food ; also in diarrhoea, after
the inflammatory action has been relieved ; also in glandular
affections, as an alterative resolvent. Externally, as a wash for
foul ulcers, diseases of the skin, and as an injection in gleet and
leucorrhoea. Atomized inhalations have been found useful in
diphtheria and membranous croup.
Dose.—Of lime water, f^ss to f^iij or iv, several times a day.
It may be mixed with an equal quantity of milk for internal use.
Lime Liniment— Linimentum Calcis (lime water fSviij, flax-