Mucilages, correctly speaking, are simple solutions of gum or mucus in water: but the term mucilage, in pharmaceutical languags, implies also any solution of a thick and adhesive nature, resembling in its appearance the solutions of gum.

Mucilago Astragali Tragacanthae. Edin. Mucilage of Tragacanth

"Take of gum tragacanth, in powder, two drachms; boiling water, eight ounces. Macerate for twenty-four hours, and triturate the gum carefully, that it may be dissolved; then strain the mucilage through linen."

Mucilago Gummi Tragacanthae, Dub. Mucilage of Gum Tragacanth.

"Take of gum tragacanth, in powder, two drachms; water, eight fluid ounces. Macerate in a covered vessel until the gum be dissolved, then strain the mucilage through linen."

Syn. Mucilage de Gomrae Adragantlie (F.), Schlieim de Traganth (G.), Mucilagine di Gomma Adragante (I.).

Tragacanthe, treated in this manner, forms a thick, soft, very viscid mucilage, but the diffusion in the water, is not uniform; nor does it become so even when boiled. The water separates from the tragacanth, on standing; and this separation is increased, if mucilage of gum be mixed with the tragacanth. It may be used in the same cases as mucilage of gum arabic; and has been recommended by M. Blaire, a French surgeon, as a remedy in burns. He directs linen rags, or bibulous paper, soaked in the mucilage, to be applied over the affected part, which must be also kept moist with the mucilage for some days.1 It is chiefly employed for making pills and troches.

Mucilago Amyli. Edin. Dub. Mucilage of Starch

"Take of starch, three drachms; water, a pint. Rub the starch, gradually adding the water to it; then boil till a mucilage be produced."

1 Vide London Med. Repository, vol. iii. p. 257.

Starch, thus treated, forms a strong, insipid, inodorous, opaline-coloured, gelatinous mucilage. In cases of phthisis, hectic fever, and abrasions of the stomach, it is given as a demulcent by the mouth; but it is more generally and more advantageously exhibited in the form of enema in diarrhoea, dysentery, and abrasions of the rectum. It is the common vehicle for exhibiting opium in the form of enema.