258 INORGANIC AGENTS 



branes of the eyelids, moutli, nose, vagina, urethra and 

 bladder, for their non-irritating, antiseptic properties, and 

 also to relieve itching and to destroy parasites upon the 

 skin. Boric acid is in more frequent use than any other 

 agent in simple catarrhal conjunctivitis, and may be com- 

 bined to advantage with cocaine as follows : 



Cocainae Hydrochlor gr.v.-x. 



Acid. Borici. gr.x.-xx. 



Aquae ad | i. 



M. 



S. Eye lotion. 



Borax is perhaps more appropriate in the mouth, being 

 alkaline. It is applied by swab, in saturated solution, for 

 aphthous and other forms of stomatitis. A saturated solu- 

 tion (4 per cent.) of boric acid is useful as an injection for 

 ozoena, cystitis and vaginitis. Borax in saturated solution 

 assuages pruritus ani and vulvae, and is employed as an 

 application for ringworm. Boroglyceride is indicated for 

 burns aud wounds. 



A serviceable antiseptic dressing is made by soaking 

 gauze in a boiling saturated solution of boric acid. The 

 dried gauze contains boric acid, which crystallizes upon it as 

 the solution cools. One paj-t of boric acid in combination 

 with four parts of zinc oxide forms a soothing, protective 

 dusting powder for chafed surfaces, intertrigo, erythema and 

 moist eczema in dogs. Boric acid is occasionally prescribed 

 in 10 per cent, oiutment for eczema and psoriasis. It is 

 perhaps the best remedy for canker of the ear in dogs (otitis 

 externa). The ear should be syringed out with a 2 per 

 cent, solution, dried with absorbent cotton, and powdered 

 with pure boric acid. The internal uses of boric acid are 

 unimportant. It has been recommended and given as an 

 emmenagogue, and as an intestinal antiseptic in fermenta- 

 tive diarrhoea of foals and calves. Boric acid is often 

 administered in human medicine to acidify the urine and 

 disinfect the genito-urinary tract, although not so efficient 

 las urotropin. 



