174 MATERIA MEDIC A AND THERAPEUTICS. 



deodorant. Applied to the human tissues, it produces little or 

 no irritation. 



lodoform is used to cleanse foul ulcers, especially of vene- 

 real origin ; and may possibly have a special effect on strumous 

 ulceration. It has also been extensively applied as an anti- 

 septic dressing to healing wounds, the best forms being the 

 wool and the ointment. Sometimes iodoform gauze has been 

 employed. lodoform bougies for insertion into the urethra and 

 os uteri have not given satisfaction. A powder of iodoform 

 diluted with quinine or bismuth is a valuable insufflation in 

 ozoena and ulcers of the mouth and throat. 



2. ACTION ON THE BLOOD, SPECIFIC, AND REMOTE LOCAL ACTION 

 AND USES. 



Iodoform is occasionally absorbed from wounds, causing 

 sickness and fever, restlessness and delirium in some subjects, 

 dr< wsiness and collapse in others. Iodine is possibly set 

 free in the blood, appearing in the urine as iodide of sodium, 

 lodoform has been used in an endless variety of diseases inter- 

 nally, but unfortunately with no special benefit. 



Petrolatum (TI.S.P.) PETROLEUM OINTMENT, 

 VASELINE. (Not Officinal.) 



Source. Obtained from American petroleum by distilling 

 off the lighter portions and purifying the residue. 



Characters. A yellowish semi-solid fat-like mass, trans- 

 parent, odourless, tasteless, neutral. Insoluble in water ; freely 

 soluble in fixed and volatile oils. 



ACTION AND USES. 



Vaseline cannot become rancid or irritant to the skin, and, 

 being readily miscible with many active 'substances, such as 

 the phenol compounds and alkaloids, is indicated as a valuable 

 basis for ointments instead of lard. Its chief disadvantage is 

 the low point at which it melts, and its consequent tendency 

 to spread through the dressings. It is now extensively used. 



