500
ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA.
Verdigris with a greenish tint consists of the subsesquiacetate and thetrisacetate (Berzelius , Traitt de Chimie, iv. 347 & 349). The composi-tion of these salts is as follows:—
DIACETATE.
SUBSESQUIACETATE.
TRISACETATE.
Eq.
Eq.Wt.
Per Cent.
Eq.
Eq.Wt.
Per Cent.
Eq.
Eq.Wt.
Per Cent.
Oxide of copper
2 .
... 80 ..
.. 43-24
U -
... 60 ..
.. 43-48
3
... 120 ..
.. 63-5
1 .
... 51 ..
.. 27-57
1 .
... 51 ..
.. 36-96
1
... 51 ..
.. 27-0
Water .
6 .
... 54 ..
.. 29-19
3 .
... 27 ..
.. 19*56
2
... 18 ..
9-5
1 .
... 185 ..
.. 100-00
1 .
... 138 ..
.. 100-00
... 189 ..
.. 100-0
Physiological Effects. —The action of verdigris on the system isvery similar to that of the other preparations of copper: thus, taken insmall and repeated doses, it acts on the nervous system, and is calledtonic and antispasmodic ; in larger doses it operates as an emetic ; and,in excessive doses, is a powerful poison, producing both gastro-enteritis(indicated by vomiting, purging, and pain), and an affection of the ner-vous system (marked by insensibility, convulsions, and even tetanus).
Uses. —Verdigris, when taken into the stomach, being variable anddangerous in its operation, is never administered internally. It was for-merly employed in obstinate syphilis, when mercurials failed.
The powder is sometimes employed as an escharotic. It is sprinkledover foul and indolent ulcers, or, when mixed with savin, is applied todestroy venereal warts. When used for the latter purpose it rarely 1'ails.
Linimentum JEruginis, Ph . Lond. Oxymel cupri subacetatis,Ph . Dubl. (verdigris, powdered [prepared subacetate, Dubl.], Sj.; vine-gar [distilled, Dubl.] f.jvij.; clarified honey, Sxiv. Dissolve the verdi-gris in the vinegar, and strain the solution through linen; afterwards, thehoney being added, boil down to a proper consistence) .•—This was for-merly called Mel AEgyptiacum, Unguentum AEgyptiacum , or OxymelAEruginis. It is stimulant, detergent, and slightly escharotic. It isapplied by means of a camel’s-hair pencil to venereal ulcers of the throat,as well as to other indolent ulcers. Diluted with water it is employedas a gargle.
Unguentum Cupri Subacetatis, Ph . Dubl.; unguentum cuprisubacetatis, Ph . Ed. (Prepared subacetate of copper, Sss.; olive oil, 3j.;ointment of white resin, Ibj. M. Ph. Dubl. —Resinous ointment, 15 parts;subacetate of copper, in very fine powder, 1 part. M. Ph. Ed.) —This isa stimulant and mild escharotic. It is used as an application to foululcers, in ophthalmia tarsi, as a cure for the obstinate forms of ring-worm,and as an application to corns.
Andidotes. —Vide Cuprum.
Cu'pri Ace'tas. — Ac'etate of Copper,
This salt is commonly, though very improperly, termed distilled orcrystallized verdigris, and is met with in the shops crystallized on sticks.It is usually prepared by dissolving common verdigris in acetic acid,and crystallizing. The crystals are oblique rhombic prisms. They con- !sist of one equivalent of oxide of copper, one equivalent of acetic acid,and one equivalent of water. This salt is completely soluble in water, ■by which it is distinguished from common verdigris. In most other pro-perties it agrees with the latter. It is included in the list of materia