Goulard's Extract
Encyclopedia
Goulard's Extract is a solution of lead(II) acetate
and lead oxide
used as an astringent
during the 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries. It was named after its introducer, Thomas Goulard
. Lead poisoning
and the development of more effective astringents led doctors to abandon its use. Synonymous or very closely related formulations were known as liquor plumbi subacetis dilutus, eau de Goulard, extract of Saturn, vinegar of Saturn, and liquid acetate of lead. The white water eau de Saturne differed from eau de Goulard in not containing alcohol, but was often confounded with it.
Goulard's Extract was a primary ingredient in both Goulard's Cerate and Goulard's Water.
Lead(II) acetate
Lead acetate , also known as lead acetate, lead diacetate, plumbous acetate, sugar of lead, lead sugar, salt of Saturn, and Goulard's powder, is a white crystalline chemical compound with a sweetish taste. It is made by treating lead oxide with acetic acid. Like other lead compounds, it is toxic...
and lead oxide
Lead oxide
Lead oxide may refer to:* Lead oxide, PbO, litharge, massicot* Lead oxide, Pb3O4, minium, red lead* Lead dioxide , PbO2Less common lead oxides are:* Lead oxide, Pb2O3, lead sesquioxide...
used as an astringent
Astringent
An astringent substance is a chemical compound that tends to shrink or constrict body tissues, usually locally after topical medicinal application. The word "astringent" derives from Latin adstringere, meaning "to bind fast"...
during the 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries. It was named after its introducer, Thomas Goulard
Thomas Goulard
Thomas Goulard was a French surgeon famous for Goulard's extract, a solution of lead acetate and lead oxide which was formerly used as an astringent. Goulard was a surgeon and anatomist in Montpellier who specialized in genitourinary disorders. His best known written work is titled Oeuvres de...
. Lead poisoning
Lead poisoning
Lead poisoning is a medical condition caused by increased levels of the heavy metal lead in the body. Lead interferes with a variety of body processes and is toxic to many organs and tissues including the heart, bones, intestines, kidneys, and reproductive and nervous systems...
and the development of more effective astringents led doctors to abandon its use. Synonymous or very closely related formulations were known as liquor plumbi subacetis dilutus, eau de Goulard, extract of Saturn, vinegar of Saturn, and liquid acetate of lead. The white water eau de Saturne differed from eau de Goulard in not containing alcohol, but was often confounded with it.
Goulard's Extract was a primary ingredient in both Goulard's Cerate and Goulard's Water.