174 ANTISEPTICS 



treatment of foul wounds, such as those of the mouth and 

 rectum, where reducing bacteria are abundantly present. It acts 

 more slightly where there are only pyogenic cocci, and it seems 

 to have a specially beneficial effect in tubercular affections. In 

 certain cases its action may apparently be aided by the presence 

 of the products of tissue degeneration. 



From the results which have been given it will easily be 

 recognised that the choice of an antiseptic and the precise 

 manner in which it is to be employed depend entirely on the 

 environment of the bacteria which are to be killed. In many 

 cases it will be quite impossible, without original inquiry, to say 

 what course is likely to be attended with most success. 



