blue mass

noun

, Pharmacology.

1. Also called mercury mass. a preparation of metallic mercury and other ingredients, used for making blue pills.
2. blue pill ( def ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of blue mass¹

An Americanism dating back to 1850–55

Example Sentences

A dark blue mass of water some fifty feet in height was seen sweeping in upon the town with inconceivable rapidity.

From Project Gutenberg

The providence of God is not dependent on patent nostrums; nor is He limited in His healing power to calomel or blue mass.

From Project Gutenberg

Then some half-mile out they saw the blue mass of Sardinian cavalry advancing by squadrons.

From Project Gutenberg

In other cases I have used with advantage small doses of calomel or blue mass, followed, if necessary, by a gentle saline purge.

From Project Gutenberg

Calomel or blue mass may be given either simultaneously with the quinia or in alternate doses.

From Project Gutenberg