Soviet Medical Encyclopedia

Haller's Elixir

Pharmacology, Internal Medicine, History of Medicine

Also known as: Mixtura sulfurica acida, Elixir acidum Halleri, Aqua Rabelii

Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.

Summary

Haller's Elixir is a mixture of equal parts of ethyl alcohol and sulfuric acid, used as a hemostatic for internal bleeding and metrorrhagia, and externally for skin itching and throat inflammation.

Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)

HALLER'S ELIXIR, Mixtura sulfurica acida, Elixir acidum Halleri, Aqua Rabelii. A mixture of equal parts H2SO4 and ethyl alcohol, first used as a medicine by Haller. According to FUP, H.e. is prepared from 3 parts of 90° alcohol and 1 part of strong H2SO4. H.e. is a colorless transparent liquid, specific gravity 0.994-1.002, with a faint ethereal odor and an acidic reaction. It is taken internally in doses of 2-15 drops with 100-150 cubic centimeters of sugar water or in mixtures, several times a day, as a hemostatic for hemoptysis, internal bleeding, and metrorrhagias. Externally, 0.5-1% solutions are used for washing in skin itching, for throat gargling, and mixed with honey or syrup for application.

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Cite this page

“Haller's Elixir.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/hellers-elixir/