Pancreatinum

Volume I — Special Symptomatology

(Inspissated pancreatic juice.) Description. — It is a grayish powder; with an odor something like rancid lard.

Pharmacology. — The pancreas are dissected and macerated in water, acidulated with hydrochloric acid, for about forty-eight hours, then separated, and the acidulated solution of pancreatine passed through a pulp filter until it is perfectly clear. To this clear solution is then added a saturated solution of chloride of sodium, and allowed to stand until the pancreatine is separated. This is carefully skimmed off and placed upon a muslin filter and allowed to drain, after which it should be washed with a less concentrated solution of chloride of sodium, and then put under the press. When the mass is nearly dry, it is rubbed with a quantity of sugar of milk and dried thoroughly without heat.

Officinal Preparations — Saccharrated Pancreatine.

Analogues. — Pepsin, Iris, Pulsatilla, Ptelea, Nux mm., etc.

° Dyspepsia; when the power of digesting fatty and starchy food is deficient.

(See Therapeutics of Pepsin.)

Volume II — Special Therapeutics

Is supposed to have the power of converting starch into sugar, and to emulsify fat. It assists in the digestion of starch and fat, and is recommended in those cases of dyspepsia or indigestion where the patient cannot eat those substances. The dose is the same as Pepsin. It is sometimes combined with that agent. It is often prescribed for the purpose of aiding the digestion and assimilation of Cod-liver oil.