486 HEALTH AND DISEASE 



carbolic preparations, but not as eiFectual in arresting the disengagement of 

 intestinal gases. 



Permanganate of Potash.— AVitli the exception perhaps of carbolic 

 acid, this very beautiful product of the chemist's art is in more universal 

 demand than any other remedy of its class. Its purple crystals are readily 

 soluble in water in any proportion recjuired, and its virtues depend upon 

 the large proportion of oxygen which it contains and readily gives up to 

 unite with and destroy organic substances. 



Condy's Fluid, so generally prescribed, is said to be composed of two 

 grains of permanganate of potash to each ounce of water, but the makers 

 have denied the 'statement. It is, however, believed that sodium is the 

 alkaline base of the salt, and it is for all practical purposes tlie same as 

 potash in its action. 



The annexed table, showing the relative activity of various disinfectants, 

 is copied from The Houmhold Plnimian, and justifies the high regard in 

 which permanganate of potash is held: — 



1 part of carbolic acid in |1,2.50 parts of water hindered the 



^ ^ growth 01 the organism. 



1 part of boracic acid in ... ... 1,2.50 ,, „ 



1 part of chlorine in ... ... ... 1,500 „ „ 



1 part of eucalyptol in ... ... 2,.50O ,, „ 



1 part of camphor in ... ... ... 2,500 „ „ 



1 part of permanganate of potash in .. . 3,000 ,, „ 



1 part of oil of cloves in ... ... 5,000 „ „ 



1 part of peppermint oil in ... ... 33,000 ,, „ 



1 part of thymol in ... ... ... 80,000 „ „ 



1 part of corrosive sublimate in ... 1,000,000 „ „ 



It will be seen that one grain in 3000 of water is capable of hindering 

 the growth of organisms. 



Iodoform. — A yellow crystalline powder, in which iodine, carbon, and 

 hydrogen combine to form a valuable compound, with a somewhat offeu-sive 

 odour and powerful antiseptic projDcrties. In horse practice it is u.sed in 

 the treatment of foul ulcers and unhealthy wounds. In cases of ozena it is 

 injected up the nostrils by means of an insufflator. Mixed with oxide of 

 zinc, flour, and other diluents, it is dusted over abraded surfaces and injured 

 tissues as a preventive of putrefaction where septic influences are known to 

 be at work. 



Perchloride of Mercury. — A solution of this substance, which is 

 commonly called corrosive sublimate, is the most powerful antiseptic known 

 to science, and, freely diluted (see the table above), is employed as an 

 antiseptic agent, and also in the preparation of instruments and appli- 

 ances for surgical operations. It is injected into the various cavities of the 



