DISINFECTANTS AND DISINFECTION 331 



properties, less odorous, less irritating and less poisonous. The persistent 

 disagreeable odor of iodoform is a great objection to its use. 



b. Boric A rid and Borax. Boric acid is a very mild antiseptic and hence 

 is of little practical value as an active germicide but it is a good mild anti- 

 septic. It can be applied to comparatively aseptic cuts, bruises, wounds, 

 etc., in saturated solution (aqueous) or in powder. It can be applied as a 

 dusting powder to many conditions where a mild antiseptic is indicated. 

 In saturated solution it makes a good gargle, mouth wash, eye wash, etc. 



Borax is similarly used and has similar properties. The choice between 

 the two is decided by the difference in reaction. Boric acid is slightly acid 

 in reaction, whereas borax is slightly alkaline. The preparation boror 

 glycerin is much used as a 'dressing for inflamed and infected mucous 

 membranes. 



Sixteen grains of salicylic acid and 96 grains of boric acid dissolved in a 

 pint of sterile water makes Thiersh's fluid. This is useful in cleansing 

 mucous membranes, such as those of the mouth, nose and eye, and it 

 may be used in the form of irrigations for cleansing purposes. 



c. Creosote. This excellent germicide is rarely used for general ex- 

 ternal disinfection though it is more active than phenol and does not coagu- 

 late albumen and is less toxic and less irritating. In doses of from i to 10 

 minims (given internally) it is much used as an antiseptic and stimulant 

 in tuberculosis and to correct intestinal fermentation. The carbonate of 

 creosote is said to be especially efficacious in lung troubles (tuberculosis). 

 Creosote is essentially an intestinal antiseptic. 



d. Hydrogen Dioxide. This is the most active of the oxidizing dis- 

 infectants, used in solutions of from 10 to 15 per cent. It is a very active 

 bleaching and deodorizing agent. It is not used for general disinfection 

 but is one of the best known local germicides, applied to abscesses, ulcers, 

 used as a spray, as a gargle, etc. Much employed in dental work. Used 

 by bacteriologists to determine the amount of bacteria in milk (indicated 

 by gas liberation when added to the milk in fermentation tubes). 



e. Naphthalene Derivatives. These are used as intestinal antiseptics 

 but are of doubtful value in the treatment of intestinal diseases. They are 

 not acted upon in the stomach secretions but on reaching the intestinal 

 tract they undergo a chemical change and act as antiseptics. Their pro- 

 longed use produces irritation of intestines, bladder and kidneys. To this 

 group belong betanaphthol, betol, naphthol, naphthalin, and others. 



To the group of so-called intestinal antiseptics belong antipyrin, acetan- 

 ilid, phenacetin, phenecol, quinine, salicylic acid, salol, salophen, guaiacol, 

 resorcin and many other substances. Their value as intestinal antiseptics 

 is very problematical and doubtful. 



/. So-called Respiratory Antiseptics. There are a great variety of 



