Argentum

(ar-jen'-tum). Silver. quantivalence, 1. A malleable and ductile metal of brilliant white luster. It tarnishes only in the presence of free sulphur, sulphur gases, and phosphorus. It is an excellent substance for ve els used in pharmacy and for sutures used in surgery. The following salts are used: A. cyanidum, used in the preparation of hydrocyanic acid. A. iodidum, Agl,. sometimes used internally instead of A. nitras. Dose gr. A. nitras, " nitrate of silver," argentic nitrate, " lunar caustic," a powerful astringent and an escharotic of moderate strength. It stains skin and other ti ues black when applied in strength. In small doses it stimulates the heart and nerve centers. If too long continued, it leaves a slate-colored, insoluble deposit of silver under the skin (Argyria). Dose gr- A. nitras dilutus, the mitigated caustic or dilute stick is fused with an equal weight of pota ium nitrate. A. nitras fusus, " stick caustic." Contains four per cent, of silver chlorid. It is used locally. A. oxidum, explosive when treated with ammonia. Dose gr. See Arg amblyopia .