MATERIA MEDICA AND THERAPEUTICS. 1 45 



Uses. — The tincture and compound tincture are used as stim- 

 ulants and antiseptics for wounds and sores. Benzoic Acid, 

 when administered internally, acts mildy as an antiseptic to the 

 bladder ; useful in catarrh of the bladder. Benzoate of soda is 

 used in bronchial catarrh. Benzoate of Ammonia is used to dis- 

 solve phosphatic calculi. 



Compound tincture of benzoin in the proportion of % ss. to 

 § i. to the quart of boiling water makes a soothing and antiseptic 

 inhalation of a grateful character in Bronchitis of all animals and 

 a pleasant deodorizer in Distemper of dogs. 



FORMALDEHYDE OR FORMALIN. 



These terms are applied to a 40 per cent solution of chemi- 

 cally pure Formaldehyde or Formic Aldehyde Gas in water. 



Formic Aldehyde or Formaldehyde is a gaseous product 

 which is prepared by subjecting methyl alcohol (wood alcohol) 

 to oxidation. It is readily absorbed by water and is put on the 

 market in the form of a saturated aqueous solution, termed For- 

 malin and Formaldehyde. It mixes with water in all proportions. 



Actions. — Formaldehyde or Formalin is the most powerful 

 antiseptic, disinfectant, deodorant and antizymodic, also has pecu- 

 liar astringent or drying properties sufficient to cause dry gan- 

 grene when used too strong. 



Uses. — As an antiseptic applied to wounds, it is used in from 

 Y\ to y^ of one per cent solutions. 



As a general antiseptic for hands and instruments, a 3^ to 1 

 per cent to a 2 per cent solution is used. 



As a deodorizer for faecal and other extraneous matter a 1 

 per cent solution is sufficient. 



Stables may be disinfected by spraying it into the air from an 

 atomizer or by heating a solution of it (about a 20 per cent solu- 

 tion) on a stove. Its fumes are somewhat irritating but not 

 dangerous. 



For hardening anatomical specimens 4 to 10 per cent solu- 

 tions are used. 



It is more powerful than corrosive sublimate, as an anti- 

 septic and at the same time devoid of danger by absorption. 



