blue mass

nounPharmacology.

Also called mercury mass. a preparation of metallic mercury and other ingredients, used for making blue pills.
blue pill.

Origin of blue mass

An Americanism dating back to 1850–55

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

A dark blue mass of water some fifty feet in height was seen sweeping in upon the town with inconceivable rapidity.
Young Folks' Library, Volume XI (of 20) | Various
The providence of God is not dependent on patent nostrums; nor is He limited in His healing power to calomel or blue mass.
Autobiography of Frank G. Allen, Minister of the Gospel | Frank G. Allen
Then some half-mile out they saw the blue mass of Sardinian cavalry advancing by squadrons.
Jack Archer | G. A. Henty
In other cases I have used with advantage small doses of calomel or blue mass, followed, if necessary, by a gentle saline purge.
A System of Practical Medicine by American Authors, Vol. I | Various
Calomel or blue mass may be given either simultaneously with the quinia or in alternate doses.
A System of Practical Medicine by American Authors, Vol. I | Various

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