; SLAKINO.
LIME, 3fedital Properties of.—Though lime exists in almost all plants, yet it is more particularly the characteristic element of animal structured, into which it is introduced with the food, as well as often by the water drank, especially when hard. It is present in small quantity in soa-water (Delabeche). A deficiency of lime in the body causes a softness of the bones to result ; while an excess of it occasions preternatural induration of the bones, morbid growths from them, or cleanses, ossifications of the cartilage/1, of the heart and arteries, as well as depositions of calcareous concretions in various glands and cavities, such as the urinary bladder. [Cateutus.] The action of lime on the human system varies considerably according to the state in wbleb It is when introduced into or applied to it. Thus quick-lime is violently eacharotic, causing inflammation and often de composition of the part which it touches, and is never employed save when the actual destruction of the part is intended. In a state of great dilution, such as that of lime-water, or when rendered mild by combination with carbonic acid or phosphoric acid, it scarcely produces any immediate or direct action beyond what results from its com bining with the acids of the stomach, and, if in considerable quantity, absorbing the mucous and other secretions. It likewise checks the secretions of remote mucous membranes with which it is not brought into contact, such as those of the bronchia. After its absorption into the system, it augments the secretion of the kidneys, and at the same time hinders the excessive formation of uric acid.
Lime-water has an effect beyond what results from its combining with any excess of Acid, of a kind to create diarrivei, for it acts as an astringent and tonic. Hence it removes a tendency to the disease, as well as cures it, when debility is the cause. Its action is often pro moted by combination with aromatics, as in the aromatic confection, and crecapionally with opium. Carbonate of limo in the form of pre pered chalk acts in a similar way, but is accompanied with a disengage ment of carbonic acid, which is sometimes beneficial, at other times distressing to time patient. [ANTACIDS; AsTittsoesits.] Lime-water
often the most effectual means of reconciling the stomach to a milk diet, and Is also of great service In removing the tendency to the generation of WOTTUIL [ANTIIELLINTICS.] LiMeAVSICT with olive oil is a useful application to burns, called carron oil, or Linimentunt (=leis of the Pliarmaeopria.
Chloride of lune appears to exercise a specific power over the lymphatic vessels and glands, increasing their activity, so that under its influence various swellings and induration* have first softened and then disappeared. This le the more remarkable as bronchocele, or enlargement of the thyroid gland, seems to be caused chiefly by drink ing water abounding in caleareona salts. Chloride of lime has been strongly reconunended in scrofula. It Is generally given in the form of solution, but in a dry state, with extract of eintutn, it is even more useful.
The great tendency of chloride of lime to absorb humidity from the air renders it of much utility in preserving steel and surgical instru ments from rust. Hence the presence of a portion of it in chests sent to sea protects the Goo edge from erosion. For the use of the chloride (hypochlorite) of lime as a disinfecting agent, see Asitserrics, CITLO RINE, and DISINFECTANTS.
Phosphate of limo has been recommended in rickets and other diseases of the bones in which this earth is deficient. Its utility is increased by using at the same time phosphate of iron, or, if that cannot bo obtained, the sesquioxide or rust of iron. This salt and many other salts of lime exist in different mineral waters, and some of their effects are due to this impregnation. [3iTNERAL WATERS.] Lime-water, if at hand, affords an efficient antidote to poisoning with some of the mineral acids, such as sulphuric or hydrochloric, also oxalic acid. Some of the lime or plaster torn from the walls of the room, diffused through water, will answer this end.
LIME [Claxton ; Oxygen and Calcium.]