HYDRARGYRI CHLORIDUM CORROSIVUM 201 



In the larger cavities of the body, as the vagina, solu- 

 tions should not be used in strength greater than 1-5000 or 

 1-3000. Mercuric bichloride, even in the weaker solution, 

 is too damaging to the serous membrane of the peritoneal 

 cavity, and there is too much danger of absorption to warrant 

 us in using it in intra-abdominal operations. As a caustic, 

 saturated solutions are injected into fistulous tracts: e.g.^ 

 fistulae of the withers, "quittor" and "poll evil," to destroy 

 their so-called pyogenic membranes, and hasten repair. 

 There is not much danger of absorption when used in this way. 



Corrosive sublimate is very useful as a parasiticide, in 

 destroying lice, ringworm and the fungus of favus, in solu- 

 tion (1-500) on the unbroken skin. It also relieves itching 

 in pruritus, prurigo and urticaria, but is generally inferior 

 to carbolic acid in this respect. Bichloride solutions may 

 be used in the septic uterus (after removing placental or 

 membranous remains, with the hands, forceps or curette), 

 in the strength of 1-3000 or 1-5000. Apart from the body, 

 corrosive sublimate in solution (1-500 or 1-1000) is one of 

 the cheapest and most efifective disinfectants for premises 

 infected with the contagion of glanders, anthrax, etc. The 

 walls and floors of stables (after thorough cleansing and 

 washing with soft soap and boiling water), clothing and all 

 paraphernalia, not metallic, can be disinfected by washing 

 or soaking in solutions of bichloride. Before operations, 

 the operative field should be sterilized by scrubbing v/ith 

 green soap and then with corrosive sublimate solution, 

 after the hair has been shaved from the part. The opera- 

 tor's hands can be also sterilized to advantage with a 

 solution (1-1000) of corrosive sublimate. During an 

 operation irrigation with corrosive (1-3000) solution, or 

 boiled normal salt solution is commonly practised. In 

 epizootic abortion, in addition to quarantining the diseased 

 animals, their discharges and the premises should be 

 disinfected, and both the well and sick female animals 

 should be washed twice daily about the genital regions w^ith 

 a solution of corrosive sublimate. Yellow wash, made hj 



