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MERCURY. 427

at times, cause mortification and destruction of the bones of the
jaw, the teeth, the cheek and lip j and although such cases may
not be common, yet, to avoid such a powerful action, the gums
should be frequently and carefully examined, when a course of
such remedies is being pursued.
Protiodide of Mercury— Hydrargyrum lodidum Viride
known also as Green Iodide of Mercury— is prepared by rubbing
mercury and iodine together with the addition of a little alcohol.
The formula is Hgl, and it is in the form of a greenish-yellow
powder, insoluble in water and alcohol, but soluble in ether.
Exposure to the light partially decomposes it, when it becomes
of a dark olive color.
Protiodide of mercury is internally administered in scrofula and
scrofulous syphilis. It exercises a specific influence over the
lymphatic and glandular system. It should never be given at
the same time as iodide of potassium, as it converts it into bin-
iodide and metallic mercury.
Doie.—Gr. to j.
I
Externally, protiodide of mercury is applied, in the form of
ointment, to syphilitic ulcers, acne, pityriasis, etc., etc.
BiNiODiDE OF Mercury— Hydrargyri lodidum Rubrum.—Red
Iodide of Mercury. Mercuric Iodide. A red powder which
becomes yellow when heated and red again when cold. It is
wholly volatilized by heat, and condenses in scales, which are
first yellow, but afterwards red. It is insoluble in water, but sol-
uble in boiling alcohol and solutions of iodide of potassium and
chloride of sodium. Poisonous.
Dose.—Gr. jj to ^ig. It is a powerful germicide.
Red Sulphuret of Mercury— Hydrargyri Sulphidum Ru-
brum.—Vermilion. Cinnabar. In brilliant crystalline masses of
a deep-red color and fibrous texture. It is entirely volatilized
by heat. It is not soluble in either nitric or muriatic acid, but a
mixture of the two acids will dissolve it. Cases have been cited
in support of the asserted poisonous eff^ects of vermilion, where it
has been used as a coloring matter for dental vulcanite, but a
careful analysis as well as evidence based upon scientific investi-
gation, fails to establish the truth of such a theory. Vulcanite