72 ANTISEPTICS. 



ANTISEPTICS. 

 Carbolic acid is used in solutions of 1, 2|,and 5 per rent, strength. 

 The 5 per cent, is mainly employed for disinfecting the hands, instru- 

 ments, seat of operation, abscess cavities, suppurating wounds, and 

 sometimes for exciting slight adhesive inflammation when inserting 

 intestinal sutures. It is unsuitable for operation and recent wounds, 

 because it strongly irritates the tissues and produces free serous 

 exudation, thus impeding immediate union. The 2 per cent, solution 

 is suitable for irrigating fresh wounds, and for rinsing the hands 

 during operation. The 1 per cent, solution is used for disinfecting 

 certain mucous surfaces and for obstetrical operations. 



Sublimate or perchloride of mercury solution is one of the most 

 useful chemical antiseptics. A 1 in 1000 solution destroys bacteria 

 and most micro-organisms in a few minutes (Koch). On account 

 of its irritant and toxic characters many surgeons restrict its use 

 to the disinfection of the skin and vaginal mucous membrane. For 

 other mucous surfaces and for deep wounds they regard it as 

 dangerous. Nevertheless, in weak solution it is valuable for irri- 

 gating surgical and accidental wounds, as it irritates tissues less 

 than carbolic acid. It blackens metallic instruments, destroys their 

 polish, and injures their edge. The strong solution of sublimate 

 is prepared as follows : 



Sublimate ...... 1 part. 



Tartaric acid ..... 5 parts. 



Boiled water 1000 



The weak solution contains double the above quantity of water. 

 Solutions of 1 in 3000 to 1 in 5000 can be used for most mucous 

 membranes. As, however, it is decomposed by alkaline salts, distilled 

 water must be used for making solutions, or a small quantity of acetic 

 or salicylic acid should be added to ordinary water before use. To 

 prevent sublimate solutions being decomposed by contact with 

 albumen, five 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 tablets, 

 etc., manufactured by various wholesale chemists. An excellent 

 material for disinfecting the surgeon's hands is obtained by dissolving 

 two parts of sublimate in 1000 parts of rectified spirit. Frick's 

 wound gelatine for covering wounds after operation is prepared by 

 soaking gelatine in 1 in 1000 sublimate solution, dissolving by heat, 

 and adding a quantity of glycerine equal to one-tenth of the weight 

 of the dry gelatine. It adheres better than collodion. 



