s used externally either mixed in ointments, or by sprinkling it on old gleeting and watery ulcers, and in many diseases of the skin. If, when it is reduced into a fine powder, it is received in with the breath in inspiration, and carried down into the lungs, it causes terrible asthmas, that are almost incurable, and at last generally prove fatal: sad instances of the very pernicious effects of this metal are too often seen among those persons who work lead in any form, but particularly among the workers in white-lead.

The painters use it in great quantities, and, that it may be afforded cheap to them, it is generally adulterated with common whiting: the English and Dutch cerus are very bad in this respect: the Venetian ought always to be used by apothecaries.