USES OF ACIDS 255 



useful agent for the removal of tumors, for the cauterization 

 of bites inflicted by rabid animals, and for the treatment of 

 foul, sloughing wounds or foot rot. 



The action of nitric acid may be limited by surrounding 

 the part to which the strong acid is applied with oil, or by 

 washing the acid off with soapsuds. Glacial acetic acid is 

 frequently employed to remove warts and small excres- 

 cences. It is not so powerful as sulphuric or nitric acid. 

 The acids in weak solution ( 3 i.-Oi.) are useful in relieving 

 irritation of the skin, as in urticaria, for their astringent 

 action upon piles, and to stop slight haemorrhages. Vinegar 

 diluted with 3 parts of water may be used for the same 

 purposes. Nitric acid (TTLv.-xxx. to § i. of water) is a good 

 antiseptic, stimulant and astringent application to indolent 

 ulcers, wounds, or, in the mouth, for ulcerativa or mercurial 

 stomatitis. 



Uses Internal. — The acids are all of value in digestive 

 disorders. Hydrochloric acid is useful in fever, to relieve 

 thirst and aid digestion, when a few drops may be put in 

 the drinking water. Hydrochloric acid is especially indi- 

 cated for gastric indigestion with deficiency in the secretion 

 of gastric juice, and for fermentation and tympanites in 

 chronic gastritis. Hydrochloric acid should be given 

 after feeding, and is often combined with bitters. It acts 

 as an antiseptic in addition to aiding digestion. Hyper- 

 secretion of hydrochloric acid, or hyperchlorhydria, is said 

 to be characterized by acid reaction of the secretion in the 

 mouth, and a desire to lick alkaline earthy matters. It is 

 best treated by alkalies after feeding. All the acids are 

 serviceable in the treatment of diarrhoea and intestinal indi- 

 gestion. Aromatic sulphuric acid (with opium) is more 

 particularly valuable as a remedy for watery purging. 

 Nitric and nitrohydrochloric acids are of more use in 

 diarrhoea with indigestion, jaundice, and disordered hepatic 

 functions. The latter acid is often combined with nux 

 vomica in the treatment of intestinal indigestion, and is a 

 valuable remedy in catarrhal jaundice of dogs. 



