78 OPERATIVE TECHNIQUE. 



parts of chloride of sodium or ammonium to each part of sublimate 

 are added in preparing them. A convenient method of preparing 

 sublimate solutions is offered by the tabloids, etc., manufactured by 

 various wholesale chemists. An excellent material for disinfecting the 

 surgeon's hands is obtained by dissolving two parts of sublimate in looo 

 parts of rectified spirit. Prick's wound gelatine for covering wounds 

 after operation is prepared by soaking gelatine in i in lOOo sublimate 

 solution, dissolving by heat, and adding lo per cent, glycerine. It 

 adheres better than collodion. 



Chloride of zinc, formerly used for treating unhealthy wounds, is a 

 powerful antiseptic. In 5 per cent, solution it rapidly destroys most 

 spores (Koch), but it is caustic. The 10 per cent, solution is useful 

 for disinfecting fistulae, abscesses, and suppurating or septic wounds. 



Socin's paste, consisting of 50 parts oxide of zinc, 50 parts water, 

 and 5 parts chloride of zinc, is used in veterinary practice ; applied to 

 aseptic sutured wounds it forms a kind of protective varnish, replacing 

 a dressing. It is specially useful for wounds about the head and in the 

 upper regions of the body. 



Permanganate of potash is also a good antiseptic, devoid of toxic 

 properties. It owes its microbicidal powers to the oxygen which it 

 disengages. Producing no irritation it can be used for all wounds, 

 especially those in mucous membranes. A strength of 1 in 1000 is 

 useful for disinfecting the mouth, nasal cavity, vagina, rectum, and 

 serous cavities. A 10 per cent, solution is used for infected wounds, 

 and occasionally for the hands. The stain can be removed by plunging 

 the hands into a 10 per cent, solution of bisulphite of soda to which 

 has been added a few drops of hydrochloric acid. 



Biniodide of mercury is stated to be thirty times more active than 

 sublimate, and of a strength of i in 10,000 to i in 20,000 is used for 

 disinfecting the vagina and mucous membrane of the uterus. This 

 solution neither irritates the hands nor the lips of wounds, and does 

 not injure instruments. 



Iodoform, long used for treating wounds and ulcers, is especially 

 useful in checking suppuration. Its action is slow. Being both 

 antiseptic and analgesic it assists cicatrisation, retards decomposition 

 (jf wound discharges, and diminishes pain. Powdered over the lips of 

 wounds before suturing it does not prevent immediate union. Dusted 

 in a thin layer into wounds with loss of substance it keeps them 

 aseptic for 5, 6, or 7 days, constituting a kind of disinfecting 

 reserve. Used freely and over large areas it may, in recent wounds, 

 become dissolved in the fatty materials often contained in the 

 serous exudate, giving rise to intoxication. Its disadvantages are its 



