Ammoniacum
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
This 1930s encyclopedia article describes Ammoniacum, a gum-resin obtained from the Persian plant Dorema ammoniacum. It details its physical properties, chemical composition, and historical use in internal medicine as an expectorant and as an ingredient in certain plasters.
Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)
AMMONIACUM, Gummi resina Ammoniaci, belongs to the gum-resins. It is obtained from Dorema Ammoniacum Don, of the umbellifer family (Umbelliferae), which grows in Persia. It is available on the market in the form of white drops up to the size of a hazelnut (in lacrymis) or as an inferior grade contaminated with various impurities (in massis); its odor is specific and unpleasant, and its taste is bitter. It consists of 70% resin, 18% gum, 0.5% essential oil, and traces of salicylic acid. Ammoniacum is administered internally as an expectorant in doses of 0.5. It is a component of certain plasters.
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Cite this page
“Ammoniacum.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/ammoniacum/