Ointments

Here is a sample of some of the ointments made and used during the 19th Century. I took out the technical name of each of these ointments but I've included the list of ingredients.

Ointment of Gallic Acid." for a preparation made rom ten parts of gallic acid and ninety parts of benzoinated lard. Rub the gallic acid with the benzoinated lard, gradually added, until they are thoroughly mixed, avoiding the use of an iron spatula. It may be found useful as an astringent, but it is inferior to the ointment of tannic acid.

Ointment of Tannic Acid.” for a preparation made thus: Take of tannic acid, ten parts; of benzoinated lard, ninety parts. Rub the tannic acid with the benzoinated lard, gradually added, until they are thoroughly mixed, avoiding the use of an iron spatula. This ointment is an excellent application in many cases of piles and prolapsus ani. it may be used also in flabby ulcers. According to the Pharmacopoeia of 1870, it was prepared as follows: Take of tannic acid, thirty grains; lard, a troyounce. Rub the tannic acid with the lard, gradually added, until they are thoroughly mixed, avoiding the use of an iron spatula.

Ointment of Rose-Water," or Cold Cream. for a preparation made from fifty parts of expressed oil of almond, ten parts of spermaceti, ten parts of white wax, and thirty parts of rose-water, to make one hundred parts. Melt together at a moderate heat the oil, spermaceti, and wax; then gradually add the rose~ water, stirring the mixture briskly and constantly until it is cool, and continue the stirring until it has become uniformly soft and creamy. This is a pleasant cooling application to irritated and excoriatcd surfaces, and may be used with great advantage for chapped lips and hands.

Iodine Ointment. for an Ointment made from four parts of iodine, one part of iodide of potassium, two parts of water, and tiinety-three parts of benzoinated lard. Rub the iodine and iodide of potassium first with the water, and then with the benzoinated lard, gradually added, until they are thoroughly mixed, avoiding the use of an iron spatula. This is useful as a local application in goitre,scrofulous swellings of the glands, and other chronic tumefactions, internal or external.
Source: A Complete Pronouncing Medical Dictionary ©1893