CARBOLIC ACID, 283 



Aug. /th, 1869). Solutions of sulphate of -zinc, bichlo- 

 ride of mercury, acetate of lead, sulphate of copper, 

 and other metallic salts, have been used almost from 

 ancient times in the treatment of wounds. 



Carbolic Acid, although very slightly soluble in 

 water, is readily dissolved in glycerine. Glycerinum 

 acidi carbolici is a preparation in the British Pharma- 

 copoeia. It consists of one ounce of the acid and four 

 ounces of glycerine, which are to be rubbed together 

 until the acid is dissolved. 



Mr. Lister is careful to prevent the ingress of non- 

 carbolised air into any wound which has not been 

 subjected to the influence of carbolic acid. In like 

 manner the instruments used are moistened with a 

 solution of the same reagent. In abscesses the opening 

 is carefully guarded by some preparation of carbolic 

 acid, and every precaution is taken during the dressing 

 to prevent the entrance of air which has not been 

 rendered antiseptic by admixture with carbolic acid 

 vapour. 



The composition of many of the medicaments re- 

 commended by Mr. Lister is subjoined. Carbolised 

 Oil. Crystallised carbolic acid, I part. Boiled lin- 

 seed oil, 4 parts : dissolve. Carbolised Ptitty. Car- 

 bolised oil, about 6 tablespoonfuls. Common white- 

 ning (chalk), sufficient to make a firm paste. 



A ntiseptic Lead Plaster. Olive oil, 1 2 parts (by mea- 

 sure) ; litharge (finely ground), 12 parts (by weight) ; 

 beeswax, 3 parts (by weight); crystallised carbolic 



