Important: Safety Warning
This page contains a formula or preparation using substances now known to be dangerously toxic, such as arsenic, mercury, lead, or cyanide compounds. Exposure to these substances can cause severe poisoning, permanent injury, or death.
In addition, this page presents medical treatment from an era before modern medicine. The remedies described are ineffective against the conditions named, and some of the ingredients or doses are harmful. Do not use them to treat any illness; consult a qualified medical professional.
This information has been left in for historical purposes but should not be acted upon.
Mercier
DESIRÉ JOSEPH, Cardinal; born Nov. 22, 1851, at Braine l'Al- ; born Nov. 22, 1851, at Braine l'Alleud, Belgium.
After studying at St.
Rombaud's College, Malines, was raised to the priesthood in 1874. Appointed to the chair of Philosophy of the Seminary of Malines in 1877.
In 1886 Pope Leo CARDINAL MERCIER XIII. appointed him a domestic prelate.
He was next appointed to the chair of Neo-Scholastic Philosophy at the University of Louvain, where in a few years he built up the world-known "Higher Institute of Philosophy ." Made cardinal, Feb. 21, 1906. During the German occupation of Belgium in the World War 1914- 1918, Mercier stood firmly for the rights countrymen, maintaining a correct, but uncompromising attitude toward the conquerors. His indomitable courage was effective in maintaining unpatriotic spirit of the people MERCURY of Belgium. His pastoral letter on "Patriotism and Endurance," distributed in spite of German opposition (Christmas, 1914), gained a world-wide fame and is regarded as one of the greatest utterances of the ances of the World War. Cardinal visited America in 1919 to ex- Cardinal press his gratitude for American services to Belgium in the war and was everywhere received with enthusiasm.
MERCURIC CHLORIDE (Corrosive sublimate; Mercury bichloride) Hg Cl2.
A heavy, white crystalline powder, speboiling point 303° C. Prepared by heat- cific gravity 5.32, melting point 265° C, ing a mixture of mercuric sulphate and sodium chloride, with a little manganese collecting the sublimate.
Soluble in water, alcohol, and ether.
Very poisonous and an extremely pow- For general use, a solution of one part in 1,000 of water is an efficient disinfectant, but one part in a million of water will prevent the growth of most bacteria . Medicinally it is used both externally and internally. In the form of ointment it is used in all parasitic skin diseases, and to reduce swellings.
Its principal use is in the treatment of syphilis , when it is given either by the mouth, in the form of ointment, injection, or by hypodermic.
The symptons of mercurial poisoning are salivation, fetid breath, virulent gassalivation, fetid breath, virulent gastro-enteritis, and collapse. In acute cases death follows in a few hours. The best antidote is raw white of egg, and emetics should be given and the stomach pump employed employed.
Other uses of mercuric chloride are as a wood preservative, in the tanning industry, for embalming, and in textile printing.
MERCUROUS CHLORIDE. See CAL- OMEL.