Salicylic acid12parts.Alcohol (95 per cent)315parts.Distilled water60parts.Oil of wintergreen15parts.Essence of orange flowers15parts.
Salicylic acid12
Alcohol (95 per cent)315
Distilled water60
Oil of wintergreen15
Essence of orange flowers15
Color with tincture of cochineal. A few drops of carbolic acid may be added to the above in the case of decayed teeth and foul breath.
When the breath is very offensive the following should be taken in addition to rinsing the mouth with the mouth wash:
Solution chloride soda1ounce.Liquor potassa1ounce.Phosphate soda1/2ounce.Water8ounces.
Solution chloride soda1
Liquor potassa1
Phosphate soda1/2
Water8
Mix and take one-half tea-spoonful in water after each meal.
When the services of a dentist are not at hand and the teeth are badly decayed and aching, the following mouth wash is recommended. It is used by holding a tea-spoonful in the mouth as long as possible and spitting out:
Spanish camomile root41/2drachms.Sal-ammoniac21/4drachms.Vinegar and lavender water, each21/2fluid ounces.
Spanish camomile root41/2
Sal-ammoniac21/4
Vinegar and lavender water, each21/2
Cut the camomile in pieces and rub fine with the sal-ammoniac; add the lavender water and vinegar by placing all in a glass flask and let it digest for twelve hours and filter.
The following preparation is one of the best for relieving toothache until a dentist can be consulted:
Chloral hydrate1drachm.Camphor1drachm.Morphia sulphate2drachms.Oil peppermint2drachms.
Chloral hydrate1
Camphor1
Morphia sulphate2
Oil peppermint2
Rub the solids in a mortar until they liquefy, then add the oil of peppermint. Apply on cotton.
The following practical treatise on this much-abused subject is copied from theB. & C. Druggist, and although originally written in the interests of druggists it is of more value to persons affected with these blemishes; hence we reproduce the essay in its entirety with the formulas stripped of their technical terms and phrases:
At this time of the year there are few questions which are more frequently addressed to the “family chemist,” and fewer still to which he ordinarily gives so unsatisfactory a reply, as, “What shall I do to cure my freckles?”
Knowing as we do how greatly the popularity—i. e., the business prosperity—of the majority of our friends depends upon the votes and interest of their lady customers, we have been at some pains to lay before them such an amount of practical information upon the above subject as will enable them to retain the good will and material gratitude of their fair interrogators on the one hand, and to put a little extra profit in their own pockets on the other.
We do not propose to convert these pages into an elaborate treatise upon the skin; but for the benefit of those who are only just commencing business it will, perhaps, be as well to make a few observations which our more experienced friends may consider of the “leather and prunella” order. In the first place it will be generally admitted that upon the subject of our present notes there is no published information of a practical and reliable character, and that medical writers and practitioners either shun the question altogether or approach it in a perfunctory manner, and leave it very much where they found it. For our present purpose the cutaneous discoloration commonly designated by the term “freckles” may be considered under two heads—the so-called “summer” or temporary variety (ephelis), and the permanent kind (lentigo). Both are commonly stated to be simply morbid alterations of the skin-pigment, and to be situated solely in therete mucosum, but this is not absolutely true, inasmuch asephelis, properly so called, is generally due to a darkening of the under surface of the epidermis either in small ovoid patches (“summer freckles”) or extended over a large surface (“tan” or “sunburn”), while withlentigothe brownish discolorations are at a greater depth, and remainin situafter the covering epidermis has been completely removed. Strong sunshine, or any powerfully actinic light, and radiant heat from any source are apt to produce the first named, and to enhance the latter form of the skin’s chromatogenous function, the manifestations of which vary greatly according to individual idiosyncrasies.
Similarly the treatment which answers best for some persons is not so efficacious in other cases, but the old, old adage that “prevention is better than cure” applies here with considerable force, and as regards therationaleof remedial applications, it may be said in general terms that the application, in the right place, of active reducing, or deoxidizing, agents is as a rule successful in removingephelisaltogether, and in greatly toning down the shade oflentigo. Commencing with the mildest form we will give a good formula for a
Citric acid1drachm.Sulphate of iron (pure)18grains.Elder-flower water3ounces.Camphor, sufficient quantity.
Citric acid1
Sulphate of iron (pure)18
Elder-flower water3
The sulphate of iron must be in clear green crystals, unless the “granulated” form, which is preferable, be available, and in either case the salt should be fresh and free from oxidized portions, or “rustiness;” it should be dissolved in half the elder-flower water (all of which is better, if not quite recently distilled, for being quickly raised to the boiling point and cooled out of contact of air before use), the citric acid being also in solution in the other half, and the two fluids mixed, filtered if necessary, and bottled immediately, a lump of camphor about the size of small peppercorn to be added to the contents of each bottle.
Hydokinine48grains.Glacial phosphoric acid30grains.Glycerine2drachms.Distilled water6ounces.Mix.
Hydokinine48
Glacial phosphoric acid30
Glycerine2
Distilled water6
The two lotions are stated to give excellent results, especially the latter. They are to be applied to the skin of the face, etc., in the usual way, at least twice in the course of twenty-four hours, after it has been washed and dried carefully. If the skin be of the nature known as “greasy,” a preliminary wash with tepid water containing a few drops of stronger water of ammonia is advisable.
Under this empirical title a process of removing “tan” and the milder variety of “freckles,” a foreign surgeon has devised the following:
Iodide potassa2drachms.Pure iodine6grains.Glycerine3drachms.Infusion of rose leaves4ounces.
Iodide potassa2
Pure iodine6
Glycerine3
Infusion of rose leaves4
Dissolve the iodide of potassium in a small quantity of the infusion and a drachm of the glycerine; with this fluid moisten the iodine in a glass mortar and rub it down, gradually adding more liquid until complete solution has been obtained; then stir in the remainder of the ingredients, and bottle the mixture.
Hyposulphate of soda11/2ounces.Rose water1pint.Dissolve and filter.
Hyposulphate of soda11/2
Rose water1
With a small camel’s hair pencil or piece of fine sponge apply a littleof “Albadermine A” to the tanned or freckled surface, until a slight but tolerably uniform brownish-yellow skin has been produced. At the expiration of fifteen or twenty minutes moisten a piece of cambric, lint, or soft rag with “B” and lay it upon the affected part, removing, squeezing away the liquid, soaking it afresh, and again applying until the iodine stain has disappeared. Repeat the entire process thrice daily, but diminish the frequency of the application if tenderness be produced. In the course of from three or four days to as many weeks the freckles will either have disappeared entirely or their intensity will be very greatly diminished. “Summer freckles” yield very speedily to this treatment.
Corrosive sublimate12grains.Hydrochloric acid (pure)3drachms.Kernels of bitter almonds11/2ounces.Glycerine1ounce.Tincture benzoin2drachms.Orange-flower water, sufficient quantity.
Corrosive sublimate12
Hydrochloric acid (pure)3
Kernels of bitter almonds11/2
Glycerine1
Tincture benzoin2
Dissolve the corrosive sublimate in three ounces of the orange-flower water, add the hydrochloric acid, and set aside. Blanch the bitter almonds and bruise them in a Wedgwood mortar, adding thereto the glycerine and using the pestle vigorously; a smooth paste is thus obtained. Then add gradually about nine ounces of the orange-flower water, stirring constantly, continuing this operation until a fine, creamy emulsion is the result. Subject this to violent agitation—preferably with the aid of a mechanical egg whisk—and allow the tincture of benzoin to fall into it the while drop by drop. Then add the mercurial solution, filter, and make up the whole to the measure of one imperial pint (20 ounces) with more orange-flower water.
This preparation is recommended to us by an eminent dermatologist as being invariably efficacious in the treatment ofephelis, and always greatly amelioratinglentigo, even if it does not entirely decolorize the patches in the latter case. A general whitening of the skin is produced by this lotion without any irritation. It is as well, however, not to apply it to any abraded surfaces. It has been found far superior in practice to a preparation—which it somewhat resembles—sold at a high price in Paris under the name ofLait Antiphelique.
Subnitrate of bismuth3drachms.Simple ointment2ounces.
Subnitrate of bismuth3
Simple ointment2
Apply to the face, etc., at night, and remove in the morning with a little cold cream previous to washing. This is from a private American source.
This is a much more effective and reliable ointment for the purpose than the preceding, which is really only suited for the milder form of sunburn, while the oleate of copper will remove the more persistent and obstinatelentigo. It is thus prepared:
Oleate of copper1ounce.Petrolatum3ounces.Mix.
Oleate of copper1
Petrolatum3
This is to be applied in the same manner as the preceding, washing the surface of the skin, however (after the cold cream), about every third morning, with a little weak ammonia water, in order to prevent any inadvertent accumulation of copper.
Several of the preceding are well adapted for the treatment of very dark-colored and deep-seated examples oflentigo, of which, however, some seem capable of resisting all treatment of this kind. The only method of reaching these is by the complete removal of the epidermis of the part and of the upper portion of thecutisalso. A Turkish bath is often useful as a preliminary for an effort of this kind, which, of course, needs the application of some disorganizing substance. Permanganate of potassium answers in this direction, but we find that a moderately strong solution of Mr. H. B. Condy’s new disinfectant—permanganate of aluminum—is undoubtedly the best of the two for this purpose. It should be applied several times until the skin has acquired a uniform brown tint. At from one to twelve hours after this is noticed it should be removed by a warm and dilute solution (about 8 or 10 per cent) of hydrochloric acid, to which a little glycerine may be added to prevent too rapid drying. Still better, however, is nitric acid, which if “painted” upon a colored spot of this kind first renders it more distinctly yellow, then orange-brown. In a day or two this becomes a deeper brown, and more or less disorganized, cracking, either round the edge, or right across the center, so that it can be readily peeled away. Freckles removed in this manner seldom crop up again, in that particular place, at all events. In this connection it is a somewhat curious fact that whereasdilutenitric acid often caused soreness and irritation when applied in this manner, a stronger acid does nothing of the kind, but quietly and quickly “deadens” that portion of the outer covering it has been applied to, so that in a day or two it can be removed quite painlessly. What is known as “French nitric acid,” of from 1.330 to 1.350 specific gravity, is very appropriate for this purpose.
The removal of either deep-seated freckles or moles is, as before hinted, not always an easy task, but nitric acid is perhaps about as good an agent for the purpose as any other. The mole should be surrounded by a little “cell” or ring of wax, so that the acid can be applied direct without fear of disorganizing the adjacent skin. As, however, nitric acid by itself sometimes occasions a good deal of smarting, etc., when applied, it is better to avoid this by mixing cocaine with it. The mixture given below answers the purpose very well indeed:
Nitric acid1drachm.Cocaine6grains.
Nitric acid1
Cocaine6
This should be kept ready for use in a small bottle with a good-fitting stopper. The end of a glass rod dipped in and then cautiously applied to the surface of the mole or freckle, the process being repeated once ortwice a day, and the unsightly spot has its vitality destroyed without pain, being then easily and effectually removed.
This formula was procured from a friend of the author residing at Little Rock, Ark. I can vouch for its efficacy in his case, as it removed the unnatural color in a few days, and he told me that others had tried it with equally gratifying results. It is translated from a formula of a young physician, a graduate of Jefferson Medical College:
Oxide of zinc1/4ounce.Corrosive sublimate2grains.Sulphur (precip.)1/2ounce.Glycerine1/4ounce.Calamine3drachms.Rose water, sufficient to make 8 ounces.
Oxide of zinc1/4
Corrosive sublimate2
Sulphur (precip.)1/2
Glycerine1/4
Calamine3
Mix and apply with a small, soft sponge. The medical works say little about the red nose. The cause is usually attributed to drinking, but gluttony, tight lacing, nasal catarrh, chronic enlargement of the tonsils, exposure to strong sunlight, etc., all contribute to a reddening of the nasal organ.
The following formula, prescribed by the late Dr. Tilbury Fox, is a very soothing application, and is a great favorite with ladies who have flushed faces:
Levigated calamine120grains.Oxide of zinc60grains.Glycerine60drops.Rose water, sufficient to make 3 ounces.
Levigated calamine120
Oxide of zinc60
Glycerine60
Be sure and get the white calamine, and not the red. Apply with a small, soft sponge and allow to dry on, the excess of powder being lightly dusted off with a soft cloth.
Glycerine3drachms.Strained honey1drachm.Cologne1drachm.Oil of bitter almonds3drops.Alcohol4ounces.Water11/2ounces.
Glycerine3
Strained honey1
Cologne1
Oil of bitter almonds3
Alcohol4
Water11/2
Mix and apply with a soft sponge while the skin is damp, and wipe dry with a towel. This is the best preparation of its class.
For healing and softening the lips, preventing them from cracking, etc., the following is an elegant preparation:
Petrolatum2ounces.White wax, or paraffine1/2ounce.Tannin1/2drachm.Oils of lavender and bergamot, each1/4drachm.Oil of rose geranium1/2drachm.
Petrolatum2
White wax, or paraffine1/2
Tannin1/2
Oils of lavender and bergamot, each1/4
Oil of rose geranium1/2
Melt the petrolatum and wax together and add the tannin while cooling; add the oils and stir until cold. When it is desired to color the lips add 20 grains of carmine. This is done by reducing the carmine to a fine powder in a mortar and rub with a small portion of the salve until it is thoroughly incorporated, and then mix the remainder gradually.
Carbolic acid1/2drachm.Borax2drachms.Glycerine1ounce.Tannin1drachm.Alcohol11/2ounces.Rose water5ounces.
Carbolic acid1/2
Borax2
Glycerine1
Tannin1
Alcohol11/2
Rose water5
Mix and dissolve. Apply night and morning.
This is used for polishing and cleaning the nails:
Powdered pumice stone4ounces.Powdered French chalk1/4ounce.Carmine (No. 40) in powder1/4drachm.Bulk perfume (violet or rose)1/8ounce.
Powdered pumice stone4
Powdered French chalk1/4
Carmine (No. 40) in powder1/4
Bulk perfume (violet or rose)1/8
This is for softening the nails, curing hang-nails, etc.:
Petrolatum1ounce.Powdered castile soap2drachms.Oil of bergamot15drops.
Petrolatum1
Powdered castile soap2
Oil of bergamot15
Mix thoroughly and apply upon going to bed, wearing a pair of gloves.
Oil of bay leaves4fluid drachms.Oil of pimenta30minims.Oil of bergamot60minims.Acetic ether30minims.Concentrated lye4drachms.Deodorized alcohol7pints.Water9pints.Color sufficient with grass green.
Oil of bay leaves4
Oil of pimenta30
Oil of bergamot60
Acetic ether30
Concentrated lye4
Deodorized alcohol7
Water9
Mix the oils and dissolve them in the alcohol; to this gradually add the lye, previously dissolved in the water, then add the acetic ether and coloring matter, and let stand a few days and filter through a glass funnel into a glass vessel.
Oil of rose15drops.White sugar1/2ounce.Carbonate of magnesia2drachms.Water2pints.Alcohol2ounces.
Oil of rose15
White sugar1/2
Carbonate of magnesia2
Water2
Alcohol2
Add the oil to the alcohol, rub with magnesia and sugar, then add the water and filter.
Oil of bergamot1ounce.Oil of Neroli1/4ounce.Oil of lemon1ounce.Oil of sandal wood1/2ounce.Camphor20grains.Deodorized alcohol7pints.Rose water1pint.
Oil of bergamot1
Oil of Neroli1/4
Oil of lemon1
Oil of sandal wood1/2
Camphor20
Deodorized alcohol7
Rose water1
Mix, let stand 30 days, and then filter.
Tincture red cinchona3ounces.Glycerine11/2ounces.Jamaica rum1ounce.Tannic acid1/2drachm.Tincture cantharides2drachms.Tincture capsicum1drachm.Cologne, sufficient to make 9 ounces.
Tincture red cinchona3
Glycerine11/2
Jamaica rum1
Tannic acid1/2
Tincture cantharides2
Tincture capsicum1
Apply once or twice a day, rubbing well into the scalp.
Borax3ounces.Salts of tartar1ounce.
Borax3
Salts of tartar1
Mix, and dissolve 1 ounce of the mixture in 1 pint of water when wanted for use.
Tincture of quillaya1ounce.Bay rum1ounce.Water6ounces.
Tincture of quillaya1
Bay rum1
Water6
This is much better than the old form containing ammonia.
Pure winter-strained lard oil2ounces.Strong solution of borax2ounces.
Pure winter-strained lard oil2
Strong solution of borax2
Perfume with bergamot or any desired odor. This makes an elegant, creamy preparation, and is one of the best that can be made. The addition of1/4ounce of tincture of cantharides to the above amount will stop the hair from falling out and assist Nature in supplying new hair. A great many persons are prejudiced against hair oils, but they have been used for ages, and will continue to be used. Some hair actually demands oil, owing to a lack of that supplied by nature.
Petrolatum1/2pound.Tincture cantharides3/4ounce.Oil of cinnamon15minims.Oil of bergamot60minims.Oil of citronella30minims.Oil of cloves5minims.
Petrolatum1/2
Tincture cantharides3/4
Oil of cinnamon15
Oil of bergamot60
Oil of citronella30
Oil of cloves5
Melt the petrolatum and add the tincture of cantharides, and while cooling add the other ingredients.
Salicylic acid15grains.Carbolic acid10drops.Burnt alum (powdered)1drachm.Starch (powdered)2ounces.French chalk (powdered)1ounce.Oil of lemon20drops.
Salicylic acid15
Carbolic acid10
Burnt alum (powdered)1
Starch (powdered)2
French chalk (powdered)1
Oil of lemon20
Mix thoroughly, and apply by dusting the powder into the stockings and gloves.
Caustic soda or potassa1ounce.Water1ounce.Starch (powdered)1/4ounce.Glycerine2ounces.
Caustic soda or potassa1
Water1
Starch (powdered)1/4
Glycerine2
Mix the starch with the glycerine, heat, and stir until thoroughly incorporated. Dissolve the potassa in the water heated to a boiling point and add the other mixture to it. This preparation needs to be applied only once or twice. Spread a little of the salve on the corn, bunion, or wart. Do not touch the healthy skin. Allow it to remain several hours and then soak the part in warm water.
A very popular liquid preparation for removing corns, etc., is prepared as follows:
Salicylic acid3/4drachm.Extract of Indian hemp8grains.Collodion3/4ounce.
Salicylic acid3/4
Extract of Indian hemp8
Collodion3/4
Apply once a day to the hard skin by means of a small brush.
In the treatment of chilblains we give a detailed list of formulas from the works and practice of a number of the most eminent physicians and surgeons.
Dr. Bartholow’s prescription is as follows:
Carbolic acid1drachm.Tincture of iodine2drachms.Tannic acid2drachms.Simple cerate4ounces.
Carbolic acid1
Tincture of iodine2
Tannic acid2
Simple cerate4
Dr. Bandt gives the following prescription:
Sodium borate3parts.Alum and benzoin, each2parts.Mustard12parts.Orris root and bran, each10parts.Almond-skins30parts.
Sodium borate3
Alum and benzoin, each2
Mustard12
Orris root and bran, each10
Almond-skins30
Mix with a little water and apply.
Dr. Beasley’s prescription is as follows: