Black Jack

[Cheezypeas]

My parents mentioned an old ointment called Black Jack used for drawing out boils etc.  I don't think it's still available but does anyone know what it was made of?

[cat woman]

Hi Cheezypeas, I haven't heard of the product Black Jack, but there is an excellent drawing ointment you can get from he chemist's called Magnesium Sulphate, maybe this was the compound in what made up Black Jack.  :-)

[Quizmonster]

One old meaning of 'Black Jack' in the 1700s was zinc sulphide. Whether that is anything like the magnesiun sulphate, mentioned by Cat above, I don't know and I am certainly not recommending that you use it! However, I'm sure your local pharmacist would be happy to advise you.

[Englishbird]

Yep, Magnesium sulphate paste works, you can get it over the counter. can't find any info on zinc sulphide still being available.