BENZOIC ACID AND THE BENZOATES 471 



Action and Uses. Boric acid is a weak antiseptic but not a dis- 

 infectant although it destroys some moulds. It is protectant and 

 soothing when applied to inflamed mucous membranes or raw surfaces. 

 The continued use of even small doses internally causes severe gastro- 

 intestinal trouble. 



Boric acid is used mostly as a wash for irritated mucous mem- 

 branes, conjunctivitis, cystitis, etc., in from 2 to 4 per cent, solution. 

 The glycerite is a good application for many irritable skin diseases, 

 eczema, etc. Boric acid is frequently used as a dusting powder for 

 wounds, either alone or in combination with talcum or other diluent. 

 Boric acid is somewhat eliminated by the urine and at one time was 

 employed as a urinary disinfectant but its use has been abandoned 

 for more favorably acting drugs. 



soon BORAS — SODIUM BORATE 



Synonym. Borax 



Sodium borate is a white powder or colorless transparent crys- 

 tals, odorless, of a sweetish alkaline taste, soluble in 17 parts of 

 water, insoluble in alcohol, but freely soluble in glycerin. 



Action and Uses. Borax is a less active antiseptic than boric 

 acid. It may be used as a mild astringent and antiseptic collyrium 

 and as a gargle or mouth wash. It ma;y be used in somewhat stronger 

 solutions for the latter conditions. 



Sodium^ perborate is discussed under the oxidizers, p. 4-64. 



BENZOIC ACID AND THE BENZOATES 



AOIDUM BENZOIOUM — BENZOIC ACID 



This is an organic acid obtained from benzoin or prepared syn- 

 thetically. It occurs as colorless or almost colorless scales or needles 

 having an agreeable odor and pungent acid taste. It is slightly 

 soluble in water but freely soluble in alcohol. 



SODII BENZOAS — SODIUM BENZOATE 



Sodium benzoate occurs as a white amorphous, odorless powder, 

 having a sweetish astringent taste, soluble in water and alcohol. 



Benzoic acid and the benzoates really belong to the phenol group 

 of antiseptics. They are mild antiseptics and differ from phenol in 

 not being toxic to the central nervous system. They are also 

 antipyretics but are not often used as such. 



The benzoates are good preservatives and as such have been used 

 in the preservation of many foods ; they have no important uses in- 

 ternally, but may be used as mild antiseptics externally. 



