The Collaborative International Dictionary
Turpeth \Tur"peth\, n. [NL. turpethum, fr. Per. tirbid a cathartic, turbad a purgative root. Cf. Turbith.] [Written also turbeth, and turbith.]
(Bot.) The root of Ipom[oe]a Turpethum, a plant of Ceylon, Malabar, and Australia, formerly used in medicine as a purgative; -- sometimes called vegetable turpeth.
(Chem.) A heavy yellow powder, Hg3O2SO4, which consists of a basic mercuric sulphate; -- called also turpeth mineral.
Wiktionary
n. 1 (taxlink Operculina turpethum species noshow=1), a plant in the morning glory family. 2 (context chemistry obsolete English) A heavy yellow powder with chemical formula Hg3O2SO4.
Usage examples of "turpeth".
The following treatment has been found very effectual in membranous croup, and is recommended by the highest authorities: Yellow subsulphate of mercury, or turpeth mineral, three to five grains, depending upon the age of the child, for one dose.
The following treatment has been found very effectual in membranous croup, and is recommended by the highest authorities: Yellow subsulphate of mercury, or turpeth mineral, three to five grains, depending upon the age of the child, for one dose.