This was formerly prepared by incorporating a concentrated decoction of cantharides with melted resin cerate, or basilicon ointment. The British Pharmacopoeia now prepares it by exhausting cantharides by means of olive oil, at an elevated temperature, and then mixing the oleaginous infusion with melted yellow wax. it is a much weaker preparation than the cerate, and is employed chiefly as a dressing for blisters, in order to keep them open, and maintain the discharge. it should not be used in persons liable to be attacked by strangury, under the external use of cantharides. it may also be employed as a stimulating or rubefacient liniment. it is to be regretted that, in the late revision of our Pharmacopoeia, it should have been discarded; as there is no other officinal preparation that can fully supply its place for the purpose for which it was intended.