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426 DENTAL MEDICINE.
the gums and mucous membrane of the mouth, loss of the teeth,
and even necrosis of the bones of the jaws. Mercury has also
the effect of causing considerable emaciation, from the absorption
of fat, and sometimes a peculiar febrile state known as mercurial
fever ; and also diarrhoea, skin diseases, rheumatism, neuralgia and
disorder of nervous system. Mercury, after it is absorbed, has a
decided effect upon the blood, which it impoverishes, destroving
the red blood globules (hematine and globuline) ; the blood con-
tains more water, is more prone to putrefaction, and the unnatural
fluidity predisposes to hemorrhage, which may become dangerous.
Therapeutic Uses.—Mercury in the form of calomel, blue mass
(Pilule Hydrargyri—pills of mercury—mercury .^ij ; confection
of rose Siij, and powdered liquorice root gj), are employed as
alteratives, sialagogues, indirect tonics and cholagogues, and pur-
gatives in syphilis, diseases of the skin, bilious derangements,
dyspepsia, acute glandular affections, diarrhoea and dysentery of
infants, hepatic disorders, croup and membranous laryngitis,
cholera, etc., etc.
Dose.—Of calomel, gr. tV to gr. x ; of blue pills, or mass,
gr. ss to gr. XV. Mercurials are administered by the mouth, by
inunction, by fumigation, and by the hypodermic method.
Mercurial Ointment— Unguentum Hydrargyri. Blue oint-
ment is made by rubbing two parts of mercury with one part of
suet and lard each, until the globules disappear. When rubbed
into the skin, it produces the constitutional effects of mercury,
and is applied to tumors, syphilitic sores, blistered surfaces, and
is used to destroy pediculi, and also to prevent pitting in small-
pox.
Mercury with Chalk.— Hydrargyrum cum Creta^ a gray
powder, consists of mercury, three parts, prepared chalk, five
parts. It is a gentle laxative, when given in full doses, and is
antacid, and employed chiefly as an alterative in infantile
diarrhoea, etc.
Dose.—Of mercury with chalk, for adults, gr. v to xx ; for
children, gr. ss to ij, iij or x.
The effect of mercurial preparations upon children is some-
times very serious, as a profuse, or even gentle salivation will,