Part 24

DOSE.--Same as benzoic acid.

ACTIONS.--Benzoin is a mild stimulant, expectorant and antiseptic; benzoic acid is quite powerful; it renders alkaline urine acid; it is used to dissolve phosphatic calculi.

USES.--The tincture and compound tincture are used as stimulants and antiseptics for wounds and sores. Benzoic acid, when administered internally, acts mildly as an antiseptic to the bladder; useful in catarrh of the bladder. Benzoate of soda is used in bronchial catarrh. Benzoate of ammonia is used to dissolve phosphatic calculi. Lithium benzoate has been highly recommended as a remedy for rheumatic affections.

CALAMUS--SWEET FLAG

The unpeeled, dried rhizome of acorus calamus Linne.

HABITAT.--United States, Europe, Western and Southern Asia, including India and Japan.

PROPERTIES.--The leaves as well as the root have an aromatic odor; but the root only is employed. It should be collected late in the autumn, or in the early spring. After removal from the ground, the roots are washed, freed from their fibers, and dried with moderate heat. By drying they lose nearly one-half their diameter, but are improved in odor and taste.

CONSTITUENTS.--Acorin, a liquid, yellow glucoside, having a bitter taste; a volatile oil; calamine; choline.

DOSE.--Horses and cattle, 1 to 2 ozs.; sheep and pigs, 1 to 3 drs.; dogs, 15 grs to 1 dr.

PREPARATIONS

FLUIDEXTRACTUM CALAMI--FLUIDEXTRACT OF CALAMUS

Made by maceration, percolation and evaporation.

DOSE.--Horses and cattle, 1 to 2 ozs.; sheep and pigs, 1 to 3 drs.; dogs, 15 ms. to 1 dr.

ACTION AND USES.--Calanus is a feeble aromatic bitter, and is therefore useful in loss of appetite and indigestion associated with mild forms of flatulence. The powdered root is used as a base in powders, balls and electuaries. It is harmless, and the dose is therefore unimportant.

CALX LIME--CALCIUM OXIDE

DERIVATION.--Prepared by burning white marble, oyster shells, or the purest varieties of natural calcium carbonate; to expel carbon dioxide.

PROPERTIES.--Lime is in hard, white or grayish-white masses, which in contact with air gradually attract moisture and carbon dioxide and fall to a white powder; odorless; of a sharp caustic taste. Soluble in water; insoluble in alcohol.

ACTIONS.--Antacid, gastric sedative, intestinal astringent, desiccant.

USES.--Its principal use is in diarrhoea, combined with opium tannic acid, also antiseptics; makes a very good dusting powder over abraded surfaces. Lime water and milk equal parts and sweetened is very good for puppies raised on a bottle as it is easily digested.

LINIMENTUM CALCIS--LIME LINIMENT (Carron Oil)

Composed of lime water and raw linseed oil equal parts; is very good for burns. Carron oil given internally is a good, mild laxative and antacid for horses with heaves. It is given on the food. It is also an excellent purgative for foals and calves in the treatment of diarrhoea and indigestion.

CALUMBA

The dried transversely cut slices of the root of Jateorhiza Calumba.

HABITAT.--Mozambique, East Africa. Cultivated in the East Indies.

PROPERTIES.--Odor slight, taste bitter. It contains calumbin, a neutral bitter, crystalline substance; an alkaloid, berberine; calumbic acid and starch.

DOSE.--Horses and cattle, ¹⁄₂ to 1 oz.; sheep and pigs, 1 to 2 drs.; dogs, 5 to 30 grs.

PREPARATIONS

FLUIDEXTRACTUM CALUMBAE--FLUIDEXTRACT OF CALUMBA