TREATMENT. 125) 



In most if not all these diseases, tlie administration of the 

 sulphites has also proved prophylactic. 



When the fermenting process is arrested by sulphnrons 

 acid, the rationale of such action, according to Liebig, is that 

 atoms of oxygen are taken up from the liquor of ferment, 

 and combining with those of the sulphurous acid, form Sul- 

 phuric Acid, If this transposition in inorganic, is also real- 

 ized in organic fluids, and takes place during the administra- 

 tion of the sulphites in zymotic diseases ; the resultant acid 

 being formed in very minute quantities and generally distri- 

 buted throughout the circulating media, could not exert its 

 ordinary local effects, which are primarily escharotic and 

 destructive of the tissues. Indeed, Pereira's statements in 

 regard to the constitutional action of all mineral acids may 

 be adopted here, that they become neutralized by combina- 

 tion with bases (of salts), and are not absorbed as free acids 

 which operate topically only. In this view we may be 

 spared any extended discussion of the constitutional disturb- 

 ances produced by the use of sulphuric acid ; and for the 

 further reason that its lesions do not correspond with those 

 of the Pest. 



The Sulphite of Potassium develops in the treatment of 

 zymotics, action equally beneficial with that of the like salt 

 of soda. It is more expensive, and for that reason not so 

 well fitted for general use. ^Nevertheless, it should be em- 

 ployed as we may recommend in experimental trials ; and 

 in all desperate and long neglected cases, where it is proba- 

 ble that the salts of potash have begun to leave the circula- 

 tion. 



Carbolic Acid sometimes called Fhenic Acid, but chemi- 

 cally, Phenic Alcohol^ or Phenol, is said to occur as a natural 

 product in the secretion of the beaver, castoreum, whose pecu- 

 liar odor is that of this acid ; it is also found in the oil of 

 coal-tar. Its aqueous solution has an acrid taste, and an 

 odor like that of wood smoke or creosote, of which last it is 



17 



