650 BENZOIN BENZOIC ACID BENZOATES 



ACTIONS AND USES. Benzoin, benzole acid, and its salts 

 are very similar in action to salicylic acid. They are stimu- 

 lant, expectorant, diuretic, antiseptic, and antipyretic. 

 Benzoin, although less frequently employed now than 

 formerly in the treatment of disease of the air passages, 

 is still useful as an antiseptic expectorant in bronchitis 

 and especially in chronic catarrh of aged dogs. It may be 

 administered by the mouth or added to the steam-kettle 

 and used as an inhalation. It is excreted mainly in the 

 urine, part of the benzoic acid being converted in the kidneys 

 into hippuric acid. Freely applied to recent bleeding 

 wounds, it forms an antiseptic coagulum and serves the 

 purpose of a temporary styptic dressing. 



Benzoin is extensively used in the form of Friar's balsam, 

 or its pharmaceutical imitation, tinctura benzoin! composita, 

 which is thus prepared : Take of benzoin, 2 ounces, storax, 

 1J ounces, balsam of tolu, } ounce, socotrine aloes, 160 

 grains, alcohol (90 per cent.), 16 ounces : macerate for 

 two days, filter, and add sufficient alcohol to produce one 

 pint. This tincture is an excellent stimulant and antiseptic 

 for wounds, simple ulcers, and various skin complaints in 

 all classes of patients. 



Benzoated lard is made with 210 grains of benzoin to 

 each pound of lard. 



Benzoic acid is an intestinal antiseptic, lowers abnormal 

 temperature, promotes the elimination of incompletely 

 oxidised matters, increasing the amount of nitrogen excreted, 

 renders alkaline urine acid and disinfects the urinary tract. 

 It is used in the treatment of influenza and similar con- 

 ditions, and as an antiseptic diuretic in cystitis. W. 

 Kutherford found that twenty grains increased the biliary 

 secretion in dogs. It is as effectual as carbolic acid in 

 arresting the action of enzymes and destroying bacteria. 

 It is eliminated chiefly by the skin and kidneys ; in the 

 latter, uniting with glycocoll, it is excreted as hippuric 

 acid. 



Ammonium and Sodium benzoates are less irritating and 

 more soluble than the acid, and they are sometimes substi- 

 tuted for salicylate of soda in the treatment of articular 

 rheumatism. Commended as a remedy for joint disease 



