Linimenta.—Liniments.
Other tomes: BPC
SYNONYMS: Embrocations.
These preparations are designed for external application, and should always be of a consistence which will enable them to be applied to the skin by gently rubbing with the naked hand, or flannel. They are usually composed of oily, spirituous, gummy, or saponaceous substances, are more fluid than the ointments, denser than water, and at the temperature of the body are always liquid. Water is seldom employed as a vehicle. The benefit derived from them depends either upon their counter-irritating influences, or from absorption of their active constituents. Liniments are usually prescribed extemporaneously by physicians, each having a preference; yet it is absolutely necessary that there be some established rule in relation to them, and that the official preparations be generally known. A solution of ammonium chloride formed the basis of many liniments employed by Prof. King, who was not an admirer of greasy embrocations.
