62 BACTERIOLOGY 



Because of its toxic properties it is unsafe for use in irri- 

 gation of cavities, and because of its irritating and corro- 

 sive action unsuited for wound dressing. By coagulat- 

 ing the albumin of the wound discharges it defeats 

 its purpose as an antiseptic and is extremely painful 

 besides. 



Mercuric lodid. This is a germicide of much power, 

 and because of its not coagulating albumin is of greater 

 value in some conditions than the bichlorid. It is com- 

 bined with potassium in the form of a soap, which makes 

 an ideal hand disinfectant. 



Silver Nitrate. This is a caustic poison of high ger- 

 micidal value, but owing to the unstable property of its 

 solutions, the silver being precipitated by chlorids or 

 inorganic salts, it is of little clinical value. Its most 

 important use is in Crede*'s method for the prevention 

 of gonorrheal infection of the eyes of the newborn, where 

 a 2 per cent, solution is instilled into the eyes and im- 

 mediately neutralized with normal salt solution. 



Carbolic Acid. A poison of high germicidal value 

 extensively used, especially in domestic practice. It is 

 used in from i to 5 per cent, solution, and finds its great- 

 est field of usefulness as an all-round antiseptic in the 

 treatment of infected wounds. 



Gangrene of the fingers and toes has followed its 

 prolonged use as a wet dressing. Caution should, 

 therefore, be used in its application on dressings, band- 

 ages, etc, 



