Liquor Gutta-Perchae (N. F.)—Solution of Gutta-Percha.
Related entry: Gutta-Percha.—Gutta-Percha
Preparation.—"Gutta-percha, in thin slices, fifteen grammes (15 Gm.) [231 grs.]; commercial chloroform, one hundred cubic centimeters (100 Cc.) [3 fl℥, 183♏︎]; lead carbonate, in fine powder, seventeen grammes (17 Gm.) [262 grs.]. Add the gutta-percha to seventy-five cubic centimeters (75 Cc.) [2 fl℥, 257♏︎] of the chloroform contained in the bottle, cork it well, and shake it occasionally until the gutta-percha is dissolved. Then add the lead carbonate, previously mixed with the remainder of the chloroform, and, having several times shaken the whole together, at intervals of ½ hour, set the mixture aside until the insoluble matters have subsided and the solution has become perfectly clear. Lastly, decant the liquid and preserve it in small, cork-stoppered vials"—(Nat. Form.).
As chloroform does not make a clear solution of gutta-percha, Maschke proposed agitation of the solution with water (1 to 1 ½ per cent), to hasten the collection of the impurities at the top of the solution. Others have proposed heavy, insoluble substances to carry with them in precipitation the insoluble matter. Chief among these was lead carbonate, proposed by Wm. Hodgson, Jr., in 1861, which, by causing the impurities to subside with it, renders the solution clear and colorless, or nearly so. The liquid may then be decanted. On account of its character it can not be filtered. Should it by evaporation become too dense, a little chloroform may be added. Under the name TRAUMATICINE, Auspitz, of Vienna, introduced a solution of gutta-percha (1 part) in chloroform (10 parts).
Action and Medical Uses.—An adhesive protective. (For uses, see Gutta-percha.)
