368 PHARMACEUTICAL BACTERIOLOGY 



Empty ampuls of German and French make can be secured from 

 dealers in glass ware and chemical supplies, likewise the appliances for 

 filling and sealing. These ready-made empty and filled ampuls vary in 

 form as already indicated. Those with a flat bottom and which will 

 remain standing when placed on a flat surface are preferred by some 

 physicians. 



The ready-made empty ampuls (still sealed) may be sterilized by boil- 

 ing for fifteen minutes in a 5 per cent, solution of phenol, rinsing thoroughly 

 in boiling hot sterile water, draining and drying. With the aid of a small 

 sharp file, break off the tips of the ampuls to be filled. Place them in dis- 

 tilled water, bring to a boil, take vessel from the fire for a few moments, 

 pour cold distilled water upon the empty floating ampuls, a partial vacuum 

 is produced in the interior of the ampuls and they quickly fill with water. 

 Now boil for thirty minutes. When water is sufficiently cool take out the 

 ampuls, shake out the water and dry in the hot-air sterilizer at 100 C. 

 They are then ready to be filled, sealed and finally sterilized in the manner 

 already described. An ordinary sterilized hypodermic syringe will be 

 found very satisfactory for filling the ampuls. The suggestions regarding 

 the amount of material to be placed in the ampul, sealing, sterilization, 

 use of the aniline solution, etc., already given, also apply here. 



