330 INORGANIC AGENTS 



and fats), for it is not itself absorbed even when adminis- 

 tered internally. Petrolatum exerts a demulcent action 

 upon the mucous membrane of the alimentary tract, and 

 may be prescribed in electuary or capsule in inflamma- 

 tion thereof. Petrolatum is sold universally under the 

 proprietary names of vaseline and cosmoline, and is often 

 combined with antiseptics for medicinal and surgical pur- 

 poses in skin diseases and upon inflamed mucous mem- 

 branes, blistered and abraded surfaces and sores. It is one 

 of the most useful agents in lubricating instruments, pro- 

 tecting metal from rust, preserving leather, and is sometimes 

 employed as a vehicle for electuaries. 



Rhigolene. (Non-official.) 



Rhigolene is a petroleum product prepared by repeated 

 distillation until the liquid boils at 64.4° F. It evaporates 

 at a lower temperature than any other substance, except 

 cymogene, and is employed as a spray to induce numbness 

 and local anaesthesia of a part in minor surgical operations, 

 such as paracentesis of an abscess or the use of the actual 

 cautery. 



