32 ANTISEPTIC TREATMENT OF WOUNDS. 
equalled by no other known drug. It must, however, be ap- 
plied only with a full and detailed knowledge of its peculiarities 
in order to obtain those delicate results which the surgeon 
seeks in his operations. The following points must be born in 
mind: — 
First—That it must be applied in such concentration as the 
work at hand demands, as follows: : 
(A) 1 to 200 solution. This strong concentration is useful to 
hurriedly disinfect an operating field and vicinity when for any 
justifiable reason there is no time for a systematic disinfection. 
I use it repeatedly and with excellent results to purify the 
scrotum and surrounding field in castration. 
(B) 1 to 500 solution. This strength is the one generally 
used to purify the seat of operation after the usual scrubbing 
with soap and water, to wash the surgeon’s hands before and 
repeatedly during the operation, and to soak the protective 
bandages. 
(C) 1 to 1000 solution. For general use in wounds already 
infected for the purpose of rendering them aseptic, and for the 
after treatment cf wounds that must granulate. : 
(D) 1 to 1500, to 1 to 2000 solution. This strength is 
applied in irrigating and bathing the wound during the opera- 
tion and is specially weakened so as not to prevent immediate 
union, by destroying the vitality of the tissues. This strength 
is also suitable for irrigating the vagina, rectum, uterus, or 
internal cavities. 
Second—That it is rendered more or less inert by com- 
bining with the constituents of tap, well or spring water, This 
fault is obviated in a measure by adding 1 per cent. of sodium 
chlorid to the solution and by making solutions only for im- 
mediate use, or by using distilled water. : 
Third—That it is immediately rendered inert when it comes 
in contact with blood, and therefore sponges or cotton used 
for baling must not be carried into the vessel containing the 
solution. I always use a small porcelain vessel for baling. 
with which the solution is dipped from a larger container 
and in this way prevent the entire solution from becoming 
polluted with blood early in the operation. 
