This salt is easily decomposed; for example, the following lotion contains precipitated sulphur and has the odour of sulphuretted hydrogen :

The decomposition is probably intentional on the part of the prescriber.

Sulphur Praecipitatum

No attempt should be made to mix this in the bottle. Put it in a mortar and triturate with any glycerin or spirituous ingredient which may be in the prescription before adding the water. Let the trituration be thorough, so as to increase the diffusibility of the sulphur.

Sulphurated Alkalies are frequently used in lotions for parasitic skin-diseases. The object is to form on the epidermis a deposit of sulphur. The sulphurated solutions should be perfectly fresh and clear. The most commonly used preparation is Liquor calcis sulphurate.