Ointments are much of the same nature as in England and do not call for special remarks. Ungt hydr. fort, is occasionally prescribed, weighed off in quantities from 1 to 4 grammes, to be wrapped up separately in waxed paper to the number of 12 to 20. Plasters are sometimes ordered in bulk for the patient to spread them himself. Empl. vesicatorium stands for empl. cantharidis.

Directions for use are invariably written in German, certain abbreviations being made use of- e.g., 3 tgl. 1 Essl. = Dreimal taglich einen Essloffelvoll- i.e., one tablespoonful three times daily ('to be taken' being understood); 2 stl. 1 Teel. = Zweistundlich einen Teeloffelvoll- i.e., a teaspoonful every two hours. The following words occur constantly:

When prescribing doses of the more active substances in excess of the Pharmacopoeia maxima the physician adds a note of exclamation after the weight (thus: morph. acet., 0,05!), to indicate that he is well aware of the fact and takes the responsibility on himself.

The word 'cito!' or even 'citissime!' is sometimes added, to signify to the dispenser that the prescription is to be dispensed immediately, as, if delayed, the patient's life may be endangered.