The influence of Antimony on the glandular organs is indirectly but powerfully intensified by its nauseant action. In small doses it is a simple Expectorant; in nauseant doses, it assists expectoration by relaxing the bronchial tubes, and diminishing the number of the respirations. In a small dose it is Diaphoretic; but in large doses it may cause copious sweating, by favouring the absorption of fluid into the blood, and dilating the capillaries and pores of the sudorific glands. In inflammatory habits a small addition of Tartar Emetic forms a powerful adjunct to a purgative dose; for by it the absorption of the other medicine is assisted, and at the same time an over-tonicity of the muscular fibre of the intestine may be diminished. But in relaxed conditions of the system, where the intestine is apt to be over-dilated, and Catharsis is favoured by Tonic medicines,--Tartar Emetic would hinder it. Ipecacuanha, a vegetable substance, resembles Antimony in all its operations, excepting its blood-action. It is less potent as a Neurotic; less efficacious as a Diaphoretic; but excels it as an Expectorant. (_Vide_ pp. 93, 168, 185, 249, 283, 298.) MERCURY. Class I. Div. II. Ord. I. ANTIPHLOGISTICA. Class I. Div. II. Ord. II. ANTISYPHILITICA. Class IV. Ord. III. CATHARTICA. Class IV. Ord. IV. CHOLAGOGA. There are three principal forms in which this medicine may be exhibited. Blue pill contains the metal itself in a finely divided state, as well as a small quantity of the oxide. Calomel is an insoluble Chloride of Mercury. From the great similarity that exists between the action of these two it seems likely that they are reduced by the gastric fluid to the same condition. Both must be rendered soluble (p. 88) before they can be absorbed. Probably they are both absorbed in combination with the acid of the stomach. Bichloride of Mercury is soluble in water, and probably absorbed unchanged. It differs from the other two as a medicine, partly, but not entirely, on account of its solubility. The dose required is smaller, for it is much more powerful. It is also much more irritant, being in large doses a corrosive poison, and often producing soreness of the throat and of the urinary passages. Thirdly, it is less likely to produce salivation. It is more adapted for chronic than for acute diseases. As Hæmatic medicines, Mercurials have a double action. They counteract inflammation in general, and the poisons of Syphilis in particular. They thus belong to the first and second orders of Catalytics.