LINIMENTS (from the Latin word linire, to besmear) may be regarded, in so far as their physical, properties are concerned, as ointments having the consistence of oil, while, chemically, most of them are soaps—that is to say, compounds of oils and alka lies. In consequence of their slighter consistence; they are rubbed into the skin more readily than ointments. Among the most important of them are: Liniment of amnwnia, popularly known as hartshorn and oil,which is prepared by mixing and shaking together solution of ammonia and olive-oil, and is employed as an external stimulant and rube facient to relieve neuralgic and rheinna,tic pains, sore throat, etc.: Soap liniment, or opodeldoe, the constituents of which are soap, camphor, and spirits of rosemary, and which is used in sprains, bruises, rheumatism, etc.: Liniment of lime, or earron oil, which is prepared by mixing and shaking together equal measures of olive or linseed oil and lime-water; it is an excellent application to burns and scalds, and from its general employment for this purpose at the Carron iron-works, has derived its popular name: Camphor liniment, consisting of camphor dissolved in olive-oil, which is used in sprains, bruises, and glandular enlargements, and which must not be confounded with compound camphor liniment, which contains a considerable quantity of ammonia, and is a power ful stimulant and rubefacient: Opium liniment, which consists of soap liniment and tinc ture of opium, and is much employed as an anodyne in neuralgia, rheumatism, etc. ,
and the simple liniment of the Edinburgh Pharmacopceia, which is composed of four parts of olive-oil, and one part of white wax, and is used to soften the skin and promote the healing of chaps.