Calomel

Calomel, mercury sub-chloride. It is insoluble in water, and blacked by ammonia. It is used in liver complaints, and in any of the complaints for which mercury internally administered is indicated. Care should be exercised in its use, as it is likely to induce salivation.

Entry from Everybody's Cyclopedia, 1912.

Cal"o*mel (?), n. [Gr. beautuful + black. So called from its being white, though made from a black mixture of mercury and corrosive sublimate. Cf. F. calom'elas.] Chem.

Mild chloride of mercury, HgCl, a heavy, white or yellowish white substance, insoluble and tasteless, much used in medicine as a mercurial and purgative; mercurous chloride. It occurs native as the mineral born quicksilver.

© Webster 1913.