CHAP. 27.—HIERACIUM.
"Hieracium" [Note] is the name given to an eye-salve, which is
essentially composed of the following ingredients; four ounces
of sal ammoniac, two of Cyprian verdigris, the same quantity
of the kind of copperas which is called "chalcanthum," [Note] one
ounce of misy [Note] and six of saffron; all these substances being
pounded together with Thasian vinegar and made up into
pills. It is an excellent remedy for incipient glaucoma and
cataract, as also for films upon the eyes, eruptions, albugo,
and diseases of the eye-lids. Verdigris, in a crude state, is
also used as an ingredient in plasters for wounds. In combination
with oil, it is wonderfully efficacious for ulcerations
of the mouth and gums, and for sore lips. Used in the form
of a cerate, it acts detergently upon ulcers, and promotes their
cicatrization. Verdigris also consumes the callosities of fistulas
and excrescences about the anus, either used by itself,
applied with sal ammoniac, or inserted in the fistula in the
form of a salve. The same substance, kneaded with one third
part of resin of turpentine, removes leprosy.
