168 INORGANIC AGENTS 



Uses External. — An aqueous solution (gr.iii. to 3 i.) is most 

 valuable in the treatment of catarrhal conjunctivitis, while a 

 stronger preparation (gr.x. to § i.) is employed for purulent 

 conjunctivitis, as a stimulant, astringent and antiseptic 

 collyrium. A solution of common salt can be used to relieve 

 the irritation caused by the latter solution. Lunar caustic 

 is applied in pencil form to ulcerated surfaces. When these 

 surfaces are touched lightly the caustic stimulates sluggish 

 granulations; when more heavily, it destroys exuberant 

 granulations. In 2 to 4 per cent, solution, silver nitrate is 

 caustic to mucous membranes ; in ^ per cent, solution it is 

 stimulant and astringent to mucous membranes. 



Boils may be aborted by painting tbem with a saturated 

 solution of silver nitrate. Pruritus ani, or vulvae, is relieved 

 by painting the parts several times daily with a 1-per-cent. 

 solution. A solution (gr.iii. to 3 i.) may be used in the form 

 of spray in the treatment of pharyngitis and laryngitis in 

 the dog. 



Fissures in the skin occurring in sore teats of cows are 

 cured by the application of fused silver nitrate. 



Uses Internal. — The crystals should only be employed 

 internally, to insure purity. Silver nitrate is not of much 

 value for internal use except in the digestive tract. Pills 

 containing the silver salt are sometimes given to dogs with 

 diarrhoea and ulcer of the stomach. Dy.^entery may be 

 treated by enemata containing 12 grains of silver nitrate to 

 the ounce of water. If this treatment is followed by much 

 irritation, injections of salt and water should be used 

 afterwards. 



Protargol. (Non-official.) 



Protargol was first introduced into medicine by Prof. 

 Neisser, in 1897, as a local remedy for gonorrhoea in man. 

 It is a fine, yellowish-brown, soluble powder, a combination 

 of a protein substance with silver ; odorless, and possessing 

 a strong metallic taste. 



