CI[J-:.MICAL SCIENCE. 230 



contain it in quantities easily perceivable. It exists also in pommcr- 

 cial creasote; but if is from the oil from gas tar, which contains it in 

 considerable quantity, that it is obtained. 



Preparation. The oil from coal tar is submitted to fractional dis- 

 tillation. The part which passes over between 100 and 1UO is treated 

 with a hot saturated solution of caustic potash and some powdered 

 potash. A mass of crystals is thus obtained, which may be separated 

 by decaptatiou of the fluid. 



When the mass is dissolved in water the solution separates into 

 two layers, one light and oily, the other heavy and watery. The lat- 

 ter is separated and treated with hydrochloric acid, which sets free the 

 c ir!>oiic acid. 



The pure acid has an odor resembling creasote ; the specific gravity 

 =rOu5. It is soluble to some extent in water, but is very soluble in 

 alcohol, ether, and acetic acid, as well as in glycerine and the fixed 

 arid volatile oils. The pure acid acts energetically on the skin. A 

 weak aqueous solution coagulates albumen and the blood, and acts as 

 a strong antiseptic. Putrid meat and fish, faecal matter and ferment- 

 ed urine instantly lose their disgusting odor, when immersed in or 

 tn.-at.ed with the solution. In consequence of the supposed little sol- 

 ubility of carbolic acid in water, it has hitherto been chiefly employed 

 mixed with powders, as in the case of Smith and McDougall's disin- 

 fecting powder ; but the author of these papers has by careful experi- 

 ments determined that the pure acid is sufficiently soluble in water 

 for the solution to possess the power of coagulating albumen, of arrest- 

 ing or preventing spontaneous fermentation, and consequently of de- 

 stroying infection. The saturated solution acts also on plants and the 

 lower animals as a violent poison, though containing but five per cent 

 of the acid. The solubility of the acid maybe considerably increased 

 by the addition of from five to ten per cent of alcohol or of acetic 

 acid. 



From the experiments which the author has made on the action of 

 phenic acid on plants and animals, it appears that a very weak solu- 

 tion will instantly destroy the lowest forms of animal and vegetable 

 life. The juices of vegetables are prevented from becoming mouldy 

 by the addition of the smallest quantity of the acid. Herbs and shrubs 

 watered by a stronger solution rapidly die. 



The microscopic beings concerned in the production of putrefactive 

 fermentation are as quickly destroyed by a weak solution, and the pu- 

 trefaction is completely arrested. Parasitic and earth-worms also 

 are easily killed by a solution containing per cent, or by expo- 

 sure to air containing but a small proportion of the acid. A 

 sh-onger solution kills the eggs of ants and earwigs, and larvae of but- 

 terilies, caterpillars, &c. 



Action on the Human Skin. Immediately after the application of a 

 tain coating of the pure acid, a sharp smarting is felt, which lasts 

 about an hour. The epidermis becomes wrinkled, and in a short 

 time the formation of a white body may be remarked wherever the 

 acid has touched. This white coloration results from the action of the 

 acid on albumen ; it disappears by degrees, and is replaced by some 

 congestion, which lasts about 20 days. This congestion presents all 

 the characters of an intense inflammation, being attended with red- 



