The New International Encyclopædia/Dover's Powder

DOVER'S POWDER (named from Thomas Dover, an English physician of the eighteenth century, who first prepared the powder). An old preparation of powder of ipecacuanha 1 dram, opium in powder 1 dram, and sulphate of potash 1 ounce, the whole being thoroughly mixed. Sugar of milk is now substituted for the sulphate of potash, and occasionally saltpetre is added. The powder is largely used in domestic practice to abort a ‘cold’ (because of its causing a sweat), as well as at the beginning of any attack of fever; but it should be used cautiously, on account of the opium it contains.