Liniments

Liniments (from the Latin word linire, 'to besmear') may be regarded, in so far as their physical properties are concerned, as ointments having the consistence of oil, while, chemically, most of them are soaps—that is to say, compounds of oils and alkalies. In consequence of their slighter consistence, they are rubbed into the skin more readily than ointments. Among the most important of them are: Liniment of Ammonia, popularly known as Hartshorn and Oil, which is prepared by mixing and shaking together solution of ammonia and olive-oil, and is employed as an external stimulant and rubefacient to relieve neuralgic and rheumatic pains, sore throat, &c.: Soap Liniment, or Opodeldoc, the constituents of which are soap, camphor, and spirits of rosemary, and which is used in sprains, bruises, rheumatism, &c.: Liniment of Lime, or Carron Oil, which is prepared by mixing and shaking together equal measures of olive or linseed oil and lime-water; it is an excellent application to burns and scalds, and from its general employment for this purpose at the Carron iron-works has derived its popular name: Camphor Liniment, consisting of camphor dissolved in olive-oil, which is used in sprains, bruises, and glandular enlargements, and which must not be confounded with Compound Camphor Liniment, which contains a considerable quantity of ammonia, and is a powerful stimulant and rubefacient; and the Opium Liniment, which consists of soap liniment and tincture of opium, and is much employed as an anodyne in neuralgia, rheumatism, &c. These are the chief liniments according to the old definition, but the term has gradually come to be applied to tinctures intended for external use. Such are the liniments of aconite, belladonna, cantharides, iodine, &c., which are made by treating the drugs with alcohol, and thus obtaining a concentrated tincture.