Cupri Subacetas PraeParatum. Dub. Prepared Subacetate of Copper

"Let the subacetate of copper be reduced to powder, and the more subtle parts be separated in the manner directed for the preparation of chalk."

Syn. Vert-de-gris (F.), Griinspan (G.), Acetato di Rame (I.), Cardenillo (S.).

By this process the subacetate of copper is obtained in a state of very minute mechanical division, better fitted for internal use, in the cases for which it is sometimes prescribed. (See Aerugo, Part II.)

Cupri Ammonio-Sulphas. Lond. Ammonio-Sulphate of Copper

"Take of sulphate of copper, an ounce; sesquicarbonate of ammonia, an ounce and a half. Rub them together until the effervescence cease, then wrap up the ammonio-sulphate of copper in bibulous paper, and dry it in the air."

Ammoniuretum Cupri, Edin. Ammoniuret of Copper.

"Take of pure sulphate of copper, two parts; subcarbonate of ammonia, three parts. Rub them thoroughly together in a glass mortar until all effervescence is finished, and they unite in a violet-coloured mass, which wrap up in bibulous paper and dry, first on a chalk stone and afterwards with a gentle heat. Let it be preserved in a well-stopped glass phial."

Cuprum ammoniatum, Dub. Ammoniated Copper.

"Take of sulphate of copper, two parts; carbonate of ammonia, three parts. Rub them in an earthenware mortar, until, all effervescence having ceased, they unite into a mass, which is to be dried, wrapped up in bibulous paper, and preserved in a phial closed with a glass stopper."

Syn. Sulphate de Cuivre et d'Ammoniaque (F.), Schwefelsaures Kupfer mit Ammonium Kuppersalmiak (G.), Ammoniuro di Rame (I.)•

During the trituration, in these processes, the sulphate of copper is partially decomposed, and part of its acid yielded up to the ammonia, which is consequently freed from the carbonic acid; a carbonate of copper is also formed, which in combination with the sulphate of ammonia, and the unde-composed sesquicarbonate of ammonia, form the ammonio-sulphate of copper. The action of the affinities which produce these changes is, perhaps, aided by the water of crystallisation of the ingredients becoming fluid. In drying the product, it must be very carefully excluded from the air.

Qualities. - This preparation has the odour of ammonia, a hot, styptic, metalline taste, and a rich azure blue colour. By exposure to the air, it parts gradually with ammonia, the blue colour is lost, and the salt acquires a greenish hue. It consists of 1 eq. of disulphate of copper = 79.2 + 2 of ammonia = 34.30 + 1 of water = 9; making the equivalent 122.50.

Medical properties and uses. - This salt of copper is tonic and antispasmodic. It has been principally employed in epilepsy, as a remedy for which it was first proposed by Dr. Cullen; and has since his time been frequently employed with evident advantage, - although we must confess that in our trials of it the event has not been such as to encourage us to place much dependence on its powers for relieving this severe disease. It has also been given in chorea after a course of purgatives. It is less apt to excite nausea than the other preparations of copper. Cullen, however, recommends its use not to be continued for more than a month at a time; and adds, that after the first interval, if the disease continue, the most benefit will be derived from giving the medicine " only for some days before an expected accession."l It has been given with advantage in chorea, after a course of purgatives, combined with digitalis and myrrh.

The dose is one fourth of a grain gradually increased to grs. v, given twice a day, either simply made into pill with crumb of bread, or combined with valerian.

Liquor Cupri Ammonio-Sulphatis. Lond. Solution of Ammonio-sulphate of Copper

"Take of ammonio-sulphate of copper, a drachm; distilled water, a pint. Dissolve the ammonio-sulphate of copper in the water, and filter."

Cupri ammoniati Aqua, Dub. Water of Ammoniated Copper.

" Take of ammoniated copper, one part; distilled water, one hundred parts. Dissolve the ammoniated copper in the water, and filter through paper."

1 Mat, Med. ii. 25.

Too much water is ordered in both these formulae; it being a curious fact, that this salt is more soluble in a smaller quantity of water, owing to the larger quantity decomposing the salt of copper, and leaving an insoluble oxide of copper, which is precipitated.

Medical properties and uses. - This solution is detergent, and mildly escharotic. It forms an useful local stimulant for cleaning foul, indolent ulcers, and disposing them to heal; and is also employed, still more largely diluted, for removing specks from the cornea.

Solutio Sulphatis Cupri Composita. Edin. Compound Solution of Sulphate of Copper

"Take of sulphate of copper, sulphate of alumina, each three ounces; water, two pounds; sulphuric acid, one ounce and a half Boil the sulphates in the water, to dissolve them; and then to the liquor filtered through paper add the acid."

This preparation is a simple solution of the sulphates. It is sometimes used as a styptic for stopping haemorrhages; and largely diluted, as a lotion in ophthalmia tarsi, and the purulent ophthalmia of infants.