Depilatory, Arsen′ical

Orpiment (sulphide of arsenic) forms the principal ingredient in many fashionable depilatories, but its use is not free from danger. The following are well-known preparations: 1. ( Colley’s D. ) From nitre and sulphur, of each 1 part; orpiment, 3 parts; quicklime, 8 parts; soap lees, 32 parts; boil to the consistence of cream. Very caustic. 2. ( Delcroix’s d.; ‘poudre subtile,’ ) Orpiment, 1 oz.; quicklime, 10 oz.; starch, 14 oz. 3. ( Oriental d. ; Oriental rusma. )— a. Quicklime, 3 oz.; orpiment, 1 ⁄ 2 dr.; strong alkaline lye, 1 lb.; boil together in a clean iron ve el until a feather dipped into the liquor loses its flue. b. From pearlash, 2 oz.; orpiment, 3 dr.; liquor of pota a, 1 ⁄ 2 pint; boil together as before. One of the most caustic and consequently the most certain of depilatory preparations; but, with the rest of its cla , open to the objections of containing orpiment. (See No. 7.) 4. ( Paste d. ; ‘Pâte épilatoire,’ ) To No. 1 add of orris root, 3 parts. 5. ( Plenck’s d. ; ‘Pasta epilator i a,’ ) Orpiment, 1 part; quicklime and starch, of each 12 parts. 6. ( Soap d. ; ‘Savon épilatoire ,’) Turkish depilatory and soft soap, equal parts. Must not be mixed until about to be applied. (See No. 7.) 7. ( Turkish d. ; Turkish rusma .) Orpiment, 1 part; quicklime, 9 parts. For use, it is mixed up with soap lees, and a little powdered starch.