Domestic Encyclopædia (1802)/Styptic

STYPTIC, a term applied to medicines, which serve to stop hemorrhages, or effusions of blood.

Various vegetables may be advantageously employed as external styptics, such as the Agaric, Puff-ball, &c.; but there are certain preparations of greater efficacy, the principal of which is the compound powder of alum. It consists of one ounce and a half of alum, and three drams of gum kino, which are finely pulverized, and incorporated.—One of the most successful styptics, however, is prepared by mixing one part of the caustic volatile alkali, with three parts of water: if this fluid be applied to a fresh wound, it effectually checks the flowing of blood, both from large and small vessels.

Prof. Stark, of Jena, recommends the following styptic powder; which, according to his experience, has proved uncommonly efficacious in suppressing profuse uterine hemorrhages, namely: Peruvian bark, two drams; cinnamon, one dram; blood-stone (lapis haematites) half a dram; and loaf-sugar, two drams: let these ingredients be reduced to a fine powder; a tea-spoonful of which is to be taken every hour, or oftener, in chamomile or balm tea.—We have no doubt of its good effects.