DISINFECTANTS AND DISINFECTION. 169 



iodol, losophen and nosophen are iodoform derivatives, have similar proper- 

 ties, less odorous, less irritating and less poisonous. The persistent dis- 

 agreeable odor of iodoform is a great objection to its use. 



B. Boric Acid and Borax. Boric acid is a very mild antiseptic and hence 

 is of little or no practical value as a germicide but it is an ideal aseptic agent. 

 It can be applied to comparatively aseptic cuts, bruises, wounds, etc., in 

 saturated solution (aqueous) or in powder. It can be applied as a dusting 

 powder to many conditions where an aseptic substance is indicated. In 

 saturated solution it makes a good gargle, mouth wash, eye wash, etc. 



Borax is similarly used and has similar properties. The choice between 

 the two is decided by the difference in reaction. Boric acid is slightly acid 

 in reaction, whereas borax is slightly alkaline. The preparation boro- 

 glycerin is much used as a dressing for inflamed and infected mucous 

 membranes. 



Sixteen grains of salicylic acid and 96 grains of boric acid dissolved in a 

 pint of sterile water makes Thiersh's fluid. This is useful in cleansing 

 mucous membranes, such as those of the mouth and eye, and it may be used 

 in the form of irrigations for cleansing purposes. 



C. Creosote. This excellent germicide is rarely used for general external 

 disinfection though it is more active than phenol and does not coagulate 

 albumen and is less toxic and less irritating. In doses of from i to 10 minims 

 (given internally) it is much used as an antiseptic and stimulant in tubercu- 

 losis and to correct intestinal fermentation. The carbonate of creosote is 

 said to be especially efficacious in lung troubles (tuberculosis). Creosote 

 is essentially an intestinal antiseptic. 



D. Hydrogen Dioxide. This is the most active of the oxidizing dis- 

 infectants, used in solutions of from 10 to 15 per cent. It is a very active 

 bleaching and deodorizing agent. It is not used for general disinfection 

 but is one of the best known local germicides, applied to abscesses, ulcers, 

 used as a spray, as a gargle, etc. Much employed in dental work. Used by 

 bacteriologists to determine the amount of bacteria in milk (indicated by 

 gas liberation when added to the milk in fermentation tubes). 



E. Naphthalene Derivatives. These are used as intestinal antiseptics 

 .but are of doubtful value in the treatment of intestinal diseases. They are 



not acted upon in the stomach secretions but on reaching the intestinal tract 

 they undergo a chemical change and act as antiseptics. Their prolonged 

 use produces irritation of intestines, bladder and kidneys. To this group 

 belong betanaphthol, betol, naphthol naphthalin, and others. 



To the group of so-called intestinal antiseptics belong antipyrin, acetan- 

 ilid, phenacetin, phenecol, quinine, salicylic acid, salol, salophen, guaiacol, 

 resorcin and many other substances. Their value as intestinal antiseptics 

 is very problematical and doubtful. 



