Domestic Encyclopædia (1802)/Kermes-Mineral

KERMES-MINERAL, one of the best preparations of antimony, which is so termed from its close resemblance to the insect called Kermes, or Coccus ilicis, L.—It is prepared by boiling together half a pound of crude antimony reduced to powder, and two pounds of purified pot-ash in eight pints of pure water, for fifteen minutes; stirring the mixture with an iron spatula; and then expeditiously filtering it while it is hot. The liquor is now suffered to stand in a cool place, where it soon deposits a powder that ought to be repeatedly washed, first with cold, and afterwards with hot water, till it be completely divested of its taste.

This medicine was originally contrived by Glauber, whose successor sold the secret of preparing it to the French King; in consequence of which, it was published in 1720.—If judiciously administered, kermes-mineral is a compound of great efficacy, on account of its exciting and evacuating properties. According to the quantity that is taken, it will operate either as an emetic, purgative, sudorific, or expectorant; for it is equally attenuating and resolvent, especially in disorders of the breast, proceeding from obstructions. The particular doses of this powder are mentioned in the accounts of the different disorders in which it is recommended; but, in general, one grain only is prescribed for adults, to be taken eveiy third or fourth hour.