COLOGNES FOB THE SICK BOOM. 179 



trials of these new remedies, there is still a feeling predominant among 

 those interested in the subject, that the desideratum has not yet been ac- 

 quired. Some of the best disinfectants are in themselves objectionable; 

 they either possess a disagreeable odor, or will stain and corrode. Ferrous 

 sulphate (copperas) and manganous sulphate, though not really offensive, 

 are comparatively inert. lodate of calcium prevents decomposition, but if 

 used as a local application causes too much pain. Acetic acid or vinegar is 

 at first grateful and refreshing, but becomes sickening. Chloride of lime 

 (erroneously sb-called), as the formula shows, Ca (OCl) 01, is an uncei*tain 

 compound, whose virtue depends wholly upon the amount of free chlorine 

 it liberates; chlorine being an irritant, corroding gas, no one would desire 

 to have it in a room containing articles of vertu or delicate metallic orna- 

 ments. Potassa^ permanganas (permanganate of potassa) is also a very 

 good disinfectant; but unless sprinkled and brought into contact with the 

 air, is not so effective as thought, and in sprinkling the solution, it will nec- 

 essarily produce stains upon everything it may come in contact with; hence 

 this is not at all desirable. Hydrate chloral is quite offensive, and the 

 vapor stupefying. Acid carbolic or phenol, to which so much has been as- 

 cribed, is perhaps the best antiseptic we have in use at the present day, but 

 its odor is certainly intolerable to an invalid; its preparations are less 

 useful as they are less offensive. 



I have now fully delineated the objections to the various disinfectants 

 for the use of the sick-room, as per my investigations and experience. 

 What we need, in my opinion, is a preparation that shall possess equal, if 

 not greater, efficacy than any now in use, without irritant properties and 

 unpleasant odor. Such a body, we hope is to be found in salicylic acid. 



No theory as to the manner in which salicylic acid exerts its influence 

 has been advanced, but it probably acts as an anti-ferment, and in this 

 manner annihilates'the organic bodies produced by fermentation. 



The following formulas are such as I have experimented with to my 

 own satisfaction, and only hope they may prove as efi'ectual and as satis- 

 factory in the hands of others: 



Ko. 1 R — Acidi salicylici 3 ss. 



Spiritus vini rectificati f g iv. 



Olei cinnamomi , gtt. j. 



" bergamii gtt. xv. 



Balsami Peruani f. 3 ss. 



Make a solution. 

 In order to make a solution of the above formula, dissolve the balsam 

 of Peru in the spirits and filter, then adding balance of ingredients. The 

 aromatics used in perfuming the above solution are as nearly chemically 

 •compatible to salicylic acid as practicable. 



No. 2. R — Acidi salicylici gr. xx. 



Olei gaultherise gtt. v. 



Spiritus vini rectificati diluti f g ij. 



Mix. 



