DEOXIDIZERS — HALOGENS 465 



It has been recommended as an antiseptic for wounds upon which 

 it may be used as a dusting powder or in freshly prepared solutions. 

 Eor the action of chlorine see the group of halogens. 



CARBO — CARBON 



Carbon is official in two forms, Oarbo animalis, and carbo ligni. 



CARBO ANIMALIS, ANIMAL CHARCOAL 



Synonym. Bone Black 



This is prepared by burning bones in closed iron cylinders. It 

 is composed of carbon, calcium phosphate and carbonate. The 

 purified variety has the earthy salts removed by hydrochloric acid. 



CARBO LIGNI — WOOD CHARCOAL 



This is prepared by partial burning of soft wood. That made 

 from willow is supposed to be the best. 



Doses. H. S j— i] ; 30.— 60. D. 3 ss— ij ; 2.-8. 



Charcoal has the power of absorbing many times its volume of 

 gases. It is an oxidizing agent owing to condensation of oxygen in 

 its pores and may serve as a deodorant. Thorough wetting destroys 

 its activity. It is not absorbed so acts locally. 



Uses. Charcoal is used externally as a desiccant and absorbent 

 for wounds either alone or combined with other agents. It may be 

 of some service as an absorbent in flatulence but is not very service- 

 able for large animals. 



DEOXIDIZERS 



These agents absorb oxygen. Most of them belong to the sul- 

 phur or sulphide group, most prominent of which are Sulphur Di- 

 oxide, Sulphurous Acid, Sodium Sulphite, Bisulphite and Thiosul- 

 phite; Ferrous Sulphate also belongs to this group. These agents 

 are discussed elsewhere. 



HALOGENS 



The members of the halogen group of drugs used for disin- 

 fectants and antiseptics are the free elements chlorine and iodine and 

 those compounds from which they are easily liberated. The halogens 

 enter into combination with all organic matter by withdrawing hydro- 

 gen from it and forming the corresponding halogen acid, and at 

 the same time set free oxygen. The halogens are all disinfectant, but 

 bromine and fluorine are not used for this purpose because they are 

 too irritant and corrosive. 



