On the value of a lotion of sulphide of zinc in the treatment of superficial lupus erythematosus / by Louis A. Duhring.

  • Duhring, Louis A., 1845-1913.
Date:
[1883]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: On the value of a lotion of sulphide of zinc in the treatment of superficial lupus erythematosus / by Louis A. Duhring. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the National Library of Medicine (U.S.), through the Medical Heritage Library. The original may be consulted at the National Library of Medicine (U.S.)

    5/8
    from five to twenty minutes by means of a sponge or a rag mop, allowing the sediment to adhere to the surface. The immediate effect is usually cool- ing and soothing. The application may be repeated two or more times in the twenty-four hours. The skin should first be cleansed of scales by means of soap, the milder soaps sometimes proving more beneficial than the stronger soft soaps. The following note by Dr. L. Wolff, pharmaceu- tical chemist, of Philadelphia, explains briefly the chemistry, as well as the best method of making the compound. When equal parts of zinc sulphate and potas- sium sulphide are mixed together in the presence of water, a double decomposition takes place, result- ing in zinc sulphide, potassium sulphate, and pre- cipitated sulphur. The zinc sulphide thus formed is a hydrate, and of a white, pulverulent appearance. When the two are to be combined in a lotion with water, they are best dissolved separately in half the prescribed quantity of water each, and then the two solutions poured together. When the liquid, however, consists of alcohol, or alcohol and ether, the two salts must be rubbed down fine first, whereupon a small quantity of water is added, just sufficient to allow the reaction to take place, which is known by the white appearance of the mass; the alcohol is then added, and lastly the ether. As there are five potassium sulphides, according to the quantity of sulphur in the combination, the results will vary as to the amount of precipitated