ZINC CHLORIDE 241 



ZINC CHLORIDE. Zinci Chloridum. Butter of Zinc. ZnCl 2 . 



Chloride of zinc is produced by the interaction of hydro- 

 chloric acid and zinc. It occurs in colourless, opaque rods 

 or tablets, very deliquescent and caustic ; soluble in water, 

 alcohol, and ether. 



ACTIONS AND USES. It is an irritant and corrosive poison. 

 Medicinal doses are antiseptic and astringent ; but it is 

 seldom given internally. Externally, it is applied as a 

 stimulant, astringent, caustic, and parasiticide. It is also 

 used as an antiseptic, disinfectant, and deodoriser. 



SURGICAL USES. From its strong attraction for water, and 

 its coagulating albumin, it is an energetic caustic. It 

 resembles mercuric and antimony chlorides. It is used to 

 control luxuriant granulations, unhealthy ulceration, and 

 foot-rot in sheep, and for such purposes is applied in sub- 

 stance. To remove malignant growths and to destroy the 

 walls of sinuses, it is applied, usually mixed with two parts 

 of flour made into a paste with glycerin and water. Unlike 

 arsenic or mercury salts, it is not liable to undergo absorption 

 and produce constitutional mischief. Strong solutions, con- 

 taining 10 per cent., secure the aseptic state of foul or 

 envenomed wounds, and are serviceable where repeated 

 dressings are inadmissible, and the volatile carbolic acid 

 cannot be conveniently used. Socin's paste, consisting of 

 five parts zinc chloride, thoroughly mixed with fifty parts 

 each of zinc oxide and water, is used as an antiseptic pro- 

 tective for surgical wounds which cannot be bandaged. 

 Solutions of two to three per cent, are used for ordinary 

 astringent purposes and for the destruction of vermin. 

 Almond recommends a 2^ per cent, solution as an application 

 for follicular mange of the dog. 



Like mercuric chloride, it is serviceable for keeping animal 

 tissues for dissection. Its antiseptic effects are exerted even 

 in the presence of considerable quantities of water, which 

 interferes with the efficacy of the tar acids. Besides prevent- 

 ing and arresting putrefaction, it also decomposes hydrogen 

 sulphide, ammonia, and other offensive products of decay. 

 Burnett's disinfecting and antiseptic fluid contains twenty- 

 five grains zinc chloride in every fluid drachm, and is 



