Soviet Medical Encyclopedia

Kaolin

Pharmacology

Also known as: White clay, Bolus alba, Aluminum silicate

Historical document, translated for reference.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

Summary

Kaolin, or white clay, is an aluminum silicate used in medicine due to its drying and inert properties as a substitute for zinc oxide. A preparation known as antiphlogistin, which is a mixture of kaolin with glycerin, salicylic acid, and essential oils, is used for dressings in phlegmons, joint inflammation, and other conditions as an anti-inflammatory agent.

Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)

KAOLIN, Kaolin, white clay, Bolus alba, Terra porcellanea, Argilla porcellanea, H2Al2Si2O8, aluminum silicate. Owing to its drying and inert properties, it replaces zinc oxide. The kaolin preparation antiphlogistin—a mixture of kaolin with glycerin, salicylic acid, and essential oils—is used for dressings in phlegmons, joint inflammation, and so on, as an anti-inflammatory agent.

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Cite this page

“Kaolin.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/kaolin/