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Experiments and Observations on the Following Subjects: 1. On the preparation, calcination, and medicinal uses of Magnesia Alba. 2. On the solvent qualities of calcined Magnesia. 3. On the variety in the solvent powers of quick-lime, when used in different quantities. 4. On various absorbents, as promoting or retarding putrefaction. 5. On the comparative antiseptic powers of vegetable infusions prepared with lime, &c. 6. On the sweetening properties of fixed air.Henry, Thomas

Science

Experiments and Observations on the Following Subjects: 1. On the preparation, calcination, and medicinal uses of Magnesia Alba. 2. On the solvent qualities of calcined Magnesia. 3. On the variety in the solvent powers of quick-lime, when used in different quantities. 4. On various absorbents, as promoting or retarding putrefaction. 5. On the comparative antiseptic powers of vegetable infusions prepared with lime, &c. 6. On the sweetening properties of fixed air.

Name: Experiments and Observations on the Following Subjects: 1. On the preparation, calcination, and medicinal uses of Magnesia Alba. 2. On the solvent qualities of calcined Magnesia. 3. On the variety in the solvent powers of quick-lime, when used in different quantities. 4. On various absorbents, as promoting or retarding putrefaction. 5. On the comparative antiseptic powers of vegetable infusions prepared with lime, &c. 6. On the sweetening properties of fixed air.
Author: Henry, Thomas

Henry, Thomas

Lime -- Early works to 1800; Magnesium carbonate -- Early works to 1800; Magnesium carbonate -- Therapeutic use -- Early works to 1800; Putrefaction -- Early works to 1800

[m] Medical Observations and Inquiries, Vol. III. p. 335.

In bilious habits, where there is generally a disposition in the
stomach contrary to acidity, Magnesia is usually esteemed to be
improper, taken alone: but I am dubious whether this opinion is well
founded, and many reasons for these doubts may be deduced from the
experiments hereafter to be recited. However, where putrid bile is to
be corrected and discharged, by stool, very good purposes may, perhaps,
be answered by taking the Magnesia, joined with a sufficient quantity
of acid to neutralize it, while in a state of effervescence; or by
swallowing the Magnesia and the acid, one immediately after the other,
so as to produce the fermentation in the stomach: for thus the fixed
air with which the Magnesia so greatly abounds, being let loose, may
powerfully correct the tendency to putridity in the contents of the
primæ viæ, and at the same time evacuate them downwards.

How far Magnesia may be of service in diseases of the skin I do not
take upon me to determine. Several authors have attributed cutaneous
eruptions, and indeed the ancient chemists ascribed almost all
disorders, to the presence of an acid in the blood; whilst others
absolutely deny that an acid can be admitted into the lacteals, or,
if admitted, exist in the blood in a state of acidity. In these cases
however, if an acid acrimony abounds in the stomach and bowels, with
a costive habit, and pale complexion, Magnesia will be a useful
corrector, and entering into the circulation in the form of a mild
neutral salt, may act as an excellent alterative,[n] proving both
diaphoretic and diuretic.

Having thus given a cursory detail of the medicinal properties of
Magnesia, in its natural state, I shall now proceed to consider it
in a state of calcination: but before any description of its uses in
medicine be given, it may be proper to take a view of the changes which
are produced in the nature of it by this operation.

  [n] Neque enim tantum absorbentem et catharticam, si acidum primâ in
  regione stabulatur, virtutem exserit; verum etiam si in remissiore
  dosi, ad grana xv. vel xx. usurpatur, diaphoreticum et diureticum
  effectum sequi, non semel observavimus.

    Hoffman. circa Magnesiam. Oper. Tom. 4. p. 481.




CHAP. IV.

ON THE CALCINATION OF MAGNESIA ALBA.

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