SURGICAL USES 413 



conveniently given in the form of solution of sodium sulphate. 

 The escharotic action of pure carbolic acid is quickly 

 neutralised by alcohol or oil. 



For SURGICAL PURPOSES carbolic acid is the antiseptic 

 most frequently and generally used in this country. Ac- 

 cording to Lister, it has a powerful affinity for the epidermis. 

 Carbolic acid penetrates deeply into its substance, and mingles 

 with fatty materials in any proportion. Corrosive subli- 

 mate solution, on the other hand, cannot penetrate in the 

 slightest degree into anything greasy. Preparatory to an 

 operation the parts, and the hands of the operator and his 

 assistants, are washed with a 5 per cent, warm, aqueous 

 solution, and the instruments, sutures, and other appliances 

 are placed in a solution of the same strength. During 

 operation a one to forty solution is used for washing sponges, 

 and rinsing instruments, and for irrigating the wound. 

 With similar antiseptic precautions, human surgeons have 

 reduced the mortality of capital operations by more than 

 one-half, and equally favourable results have been obtained 

 by veterinarians. 



To prevent and arrest attacks of micro-organisms, carbolic 

 acid is applied, in all classes of patients, to most accidental 

 or surgical wounds. Incised or lacerated wounds are 

 washed or swabbed according to their condition, with a one 

 to forty or one to twenty solution, before and after being 

 secured with stitches or sutures. Broken knees and open 

 joints are cleansed, and at intervals irrigated with carbolic 

 lotions. When wounds for several days have been treated 

 with the stronger carbolic solutions, an aseptic condition 

 may be maintained, and healing usually hastened by milder 

 dressings of boric, salicylic, or sulphurous acid. Added to 

 Carron oil, it allays pain, and prevents or limits suppuration 

 of burns and scalds. Over-reaches and other bruises, after 

 being thoroughly cleansed, are dressed with a watery 

 solution, and covered with a few folds of carbolised lint or 

 wool, secured by a bandage. Similar treatment is service- 

 able in necrosis of the coronary band, occurring in hard- 

 worked horses in wet, cold weather. A saturated watery 

 solution is used in foot-rot in sheep. Ulcers are stimulated, 

 and their healing promoted, by thorough soaking with 



