130 Scientific Intelligence, 
health, especially since Labarraque, some thirty years since, indicated an 
improved method of employing them. But the odor of chlorine, dis 
nds, moreover, hardly accommodate themselves to it any better than 
the sense of smell, whenever somewhat large doses of it are required. 
Chlorinated Sponge.—The idea of applying sponges saturated with 
chlorinated solutions, directly upon purulent or gangrenous wounds, as 
suggested by Hervieux, appears to be excellent for certain cases, Such 
Sponges, renewed several times per day, absorb the pus gradually s it 
fortunately, chlorine rapidly alters or destroys the sponges and soon 
causes undue irritation. hile this method, therefore, is an excellent one 
one to hope that by its aid profound reforms in the present system of 
maintaining and clearing out cess-pools, &c., may some day be brought 
ous. 
_ IL. In therapeutics the coal-tar and plaster has fulfilled only a part of 
its promises, As a disinfectant in the dissecting-room, upon the folds of 
bandages,—everywhere where there is infectious matter, it i 
incontestable, This is also true as regards putrid or gangrenous foci, on 
hosp! 
= 
ut upon acute and exposed wounds, or upon ordinaly 
wounds or ulvers, other topical applications are preferable to it. | 
IL. Used with lint upon cloths, with pomades or cerate, it has afforded 
no useful result, and nothing has occurred to prove that when adm 
istered internally it has produced the least benefit : 
IV. As an absorbent it leaves much to be desired, although it i 
entirely devoid of action, When applied as a poultice, in particular, 
Sorbs very incompletely. For that matter the mixtures of coal-tar 
and Demeaux, and are scarcely at all applicable in therapeutics. 
