FORMALDEHYDE 321 



formalin is sufficient to kill all pathogenic micro-organisms 

 within 2^ hours, in 1,000 cubic feet of air space. Sheets 

 saturated with formalin ( J v. to 1,000 cubic feet air space) 

 will efficiently disinfect premises when reasonably air-tight, 

 by simple evaporation. 



It is necessary to employ a generator or special ap- 

 pliance to convert wood alcohol into formic aldehyde, but 

 these are not expensive. 



Formalin, in ^ to 2 per cent, solution, is perhaps the 

 most powerful antiseptic we possess for surgical purposes. 

 It is somewhat painful and irritating on raw surfaces, but is 

 a valuable agent for the disinfection of the skin or septic 

 parts. 



PREPARATIONS. 



CTro^rqpm (Hexamethylentetramen). Cs H,2 N4. 



Urotropin occurs in colorless, transparent crystals, soluble in 1.2 

 parts of water and in 14 parts of alcohol; odorless, of a sweet, afterward 

 bitter taste, and slight alkaline reaction. It is made by combining solu- 

 tions of ammonia and formaldehyde, and was first introduced into 

 medicine by Nicolaier in 1895. Urotropin appears to be decomposed in 

 the kidneys with the liberation of formaldehyde, and thus disinfects 

 the urinary tract. It is, in fact, considered the best urinary antiseptic in 

 human medicine and has been used with the greatest success in the 

 treatment of all infectious diseases of the urinary passages, especially 

 acute and chronic pyelitis and cystitis. It renders normal a putrid 

 urine containing pus or mucus, is a solvent for uric acid and is slightly 

 diuretic. These actions should be of value in similar diseases of animals, 

 especially of dogs. The drug may be given in from 3 to 5 grain doses 

 thrice daily in solution, in canine practice. 



Olutol (Formalin Gelatin). 



Glutei is a coarse, white powder, without odor or irritating pro- 

 perties, and is prepared by dissolving gelatin in water and drying the 

 solution in formalin vapor. It is a most valuable antiseptic powder in 

 liberating formaldehyde gas in contact with living cells. Glutei forms 

 a scab when dusted over fresh wounds, preventing infection, and is 

 serviceable in the treatment of infected wounds, abscesses, boils (after 

 paracentesis), sinuses and other surgical conditions. It was first 

 brought into use by Dr. C. L. Schleich, in 1896. 



