900, 77, p.
646) by vapour density determinations of the absolutely dry substance.

Calomel possesses certain special properties and uses in medicine which
are dealt with here as a supplement to the general discussion of the
pharmacology and therapeutics of mercury (q.v.). Calomel exerts remote
actions in the form of mercuric chloride. The specific value of
mercurous chloride is that it exerts the valuable properties of mercuric
chloride in the safest and least irritant manner, as the active salt is
continuously and freshly generated in small quantities. Its
pharmacopeial preparations are the "Black wash," in which calomel and
lime react to form mercurous oxide, a pill still known as "Plummer's
pill" and an ointment. Externally the salt has not any particular
advantage over other mercurial compounds, despite the existence of the
official ointment. Internally the salt is given in doses--for an adult
of from one-half to five grains. It is an admirable aperient, acting
especially on the upper part of the intestinal canal, and causing a
slight increase of intestinal secretion. The stimulant action occurring
high up in the canal (duodenum and jejunum), it is well to follow a dose
of calomel with a saline purgative a few hours afterwards. The special
value of the drug as an aperient depends on its antiseptic power and its
stimulation of the liver. The stools are dark green, containing calomel,
mercuric sulphide and bile which, owing to the antiseptic action, has
not been decomposed. The salt is often used in the treatment of
syphilis, but is probably less useful than certain other mercurial
compounds. It is also employed for fumigation; the patient sits naked
with a blanket over him, on a cane-bottomed chair, under which twenty
grains of calomel are volatilized by a spirit-lamp; in about twenty
minutes the calomel is effectually absorbed by the skin.

CALONNE, CHARLES ALEXANDRE DE (1734-1803), French statesman, was born at
Douai of a good family. He entered the profession of the law, and became
in succession advocate to the general council of Artois, _procureur_ to
the parlement of Douai, master of requests, then intendant of Metz
(1768) and of Lille (1774). He seems to have been a man of great
business capacity, gay and careless in temperament, and thoroughly
unscrupulous in political action. In the terrible crisis of affairs
preceding the French Revolution, when minister after minister tried in
vain to replenish the