AGGLUTINANTS, Agglutinanta, in Medicine, are a kind of strengthening remedy that adheres to the solid parts of the body, replenishing what is worn off and wasted in the body's actions. See MEDICINES, NUTRITION, etc. Most of these are glutinous in nature or easily form into gels and gummy consistencies. The term is derived from the Latin "ad" meaning "to" and "gluten" meaning "glue." See GLUE and AGGLUTINATION. The Operation and Use of Agglutinants, see under STRENGTHENERS. The principal Simples which come under this Class, are Ising-glass, Olibanum, Gum Arabic, Dragon's Blood, Cassia, Sago, Vermicelli, Pulse, Comfrey, Plantain, &c. See ISING-GLASS, GUM, OLIBANUM, DRAGON'S BLOOD, CASSIA, PULSE, &c.
ALEXIPHARMIC, in Medicine, expresses that Property which a Remedy, either simple or compound, has to resist, or destroy everything of a poisonous Nature: For the Ancients had a Notion, that there was Poison in all malignant Diseases, and in the generality of those whose Cause is unknown. See POISON. Alexiterial, Cardiac, Antidote, Alexipharmic, and Counterpoison, are all Terms of the same Signification. See ANTIDOTE, COUNTERPOISON, &c. Alexipharmics are ordinarily divided into such as are general; and those more particular, supposed only to combat some particular Disease.—But this Division is founded more on Speculation than Experience.
ALEXITERIAL, in Medicine, a Term of the same import with Alexipharmic. See ALEXIPHARMIC.It is formed from the Greek ἀλέξω, alexo, I drive away; or ὀπιτυλορ, opitulor, I assist.
ALKERMES, in Medicine, &c., a Term borrowed from the Arabs.—The Confection of Alkermes, is a celebrated Remedy, of the Form and Consistence of a Confection - whereof the Kermes Berries are the Basis. See CONFECTION and KERMES.The other Ingredients, as prescribed by the College, are Pippin-Cyder, Rose-Water, Sugar, Ambergrease, Musk, Cinnamon, Aloes Wood, Pearls, and Leaf Gold.—But the Sweets are usually omitted. It is much used as a Cordial; especially, says Dr. Quincy, among Female Prescribers, and in compliance to them: But that Author decries its Value in that Intention, and thinks it ought only to be regarded as a Sweetener.