Cerates are mixtures of fats similar to the ointments, but of firmer consistence, because they contain Wax, Resin, or Paraffin (having a higher melting-point than Lard) in greater proportion than do ointments. In the preparation of Cerates the same rules are to be observed as noted under Ointments.

The six official Cerates are prepared by fusion or simple admixture, and one by extraction and digestion (Ceratum Cantharidis):

Percentage of Drugs.

Ceratum (Simple) . . . white petrolatum 20; benz. lard

50

white wax

30

Camphorae . camphor liniment 10; white petrolatum

15

benz. lard 40; white wax

35

Cantharidis (Blistering Cerate), liquid petrolat 15; lard

17

cantharides

32

yellow wax, resin, each

18

Plumbi Subacetatis (Goulard's Cerate) . . . camphor

2

solution lead subacetate

wool-fat; paraffin; white petrolat.

20

Resinae (Basilicon) . . yellow wax 15; lard 50; rosin

35

in cold weather yellow wax 12; lard 5 3; resin

35

Resinae Compositum . rosin 22.5; yellow wax 22.5;

suet 30; turpentine 11.5; linseed oil

13.5

Ceratum Camphorae Compositum, N. F. (Camphor Ice). - Moulded into small cakes suitable for popular use as an application to excoriated surfaces. It contains very small quantities of Benzoic and Carbolic Acids.