348 FORMIC ACID 



part of iodoform abates the erythema and itching of eczema 

 in dogs and horses. Catarrhal conjunctivitis and keratitis 

 are benefited by spraying the surface three or four times a 

 day with a solution containing three to six grains boric acid, 

 one drachm of aqueous solution of opium, and an ounce of 

 water. 



DOSES, etc. Horses and cattle take 3 U - to 3 V - 5 foals 

 and calves, grs. xx. to grs. xxx. ; dogs, to which it is usefully 

 given in distemper, grs. v. to grs. xx. 



A saturated solution is made with one part of acid to 

 sixteen of water, and for surgical purposes is used diluted 

 as required. A few grains of salicylic acid are sometimes 

 added. An ointment is prepared by melting nine parts 

 white paraffin ointment, and adding one part boric acid in 

 fine powder. Boric dressings are made by soaking lint, 

 gauze, cotton wool, or oakum in a saturated boiling watery 

 solution, from which the acid crystallises, adhering to the 

 fibrous material. Four to ten layers of lint are applied, 

 either wet or dry, over the wound ; and in order to prevent 

 evaporation and access of micro-organisms, a piece of 

 mackintosh is laid on the lint and secured by a bandage. 

 Unless the wound discharges are excessive, a properly 

 applied dressing does not require to be disturbed for several 

 days. A few layers of boric lint applied wet to a wound 

 or ulcer, and covered with oiled silk or mackintosh, acts as 

 an antiseptic compress, and its effects may be kept up by 

 pouring the lotion from time to time between the folds of 

 lint. Boric gauze is charged with 20 per cent, of boric acid. 



Boro-glyeeride is made by heating ninety-two parts 

 glycerin with sixty-two boric acid. Solutions of one to 

 twenty of hot water are used as antiseptic gargles, lotions 

 for purulent ophthalmia, urethritis, and dressings for 

 wounds. 



FORMIC ACID-FORMATES 



Formic or aminic acid (H 2 C0 2 ) is obtained by oxidation 

 from various organic substances (albuminoids, fatty bodies, 

 acid fats, sugar, etc.). It is a volatile, colourless fluid, with 

 an irritating odour and a caustic taste ; very soluble in 



