MATERIA MEDICA AND THERAPEUTICS. 147 



Soluble in water, mixture of equal volumes of alcohol and 

 ether; insoluble in undiluted alcohol or ether; miscible with gly- 

 cerin, oils and fats. 



Incompatibles. — Acids, alkali hydrates or carbonates and 

 aikaioidb and their salts. 



Actions. — Alterative, antiphlogistic, antiseptic, anodyne, an- 

 tipruritic, astringent and resolvent. 



Uses. — Being rich in sulphur, containing about 10 per cent 

 in chemical combination, it is naturally of value in mange and 

 other parasitic skin diseases. Before applying the drug the parts 

 should be thoroughly washed with warm water and soap and 

 dried. 



It is most often used in the form of ointments with lanolin, 

 vaselin or lard in strengths of from 10 to 50 per cent, usually 

 from 25 to 50 per cent. 



It is of great value in erysipelas in a 50 per cent ointment of 

 lanolin or vaselin. Also in eczema, grease heel, scratches, and 

 to apply to the edges of freshly sutured wounds. 



Ichthyol 1 part, Olive oil 3 parts thoroughly rubbed in and 

 covered with cotton and bandaged is of great value in acute and 

 chronic arthritis. 



In Puerperal Metritis washing the uterus with Ichthyol and 

 water in 25 to 50 per cent solution and then leaving in an ounce 

 or two of pure Ichthyol or Ichthyol and Glycerin will be found 

 valuable in preventing auto-infection. 



It would be well worth trying the introduction of about two 

 ounces (or more) into the uterus in Parturient Paresis. 



By inunction it relieves the pain of and reduces the swelling 

 of painful glandular inflammations 



For chronic ulcers paint on Ichthyol full strength. 



In human practice it is often given internally in Tubercu- 

 losis and as an intestinal antiseptic. I use it as an ointment in 

 nearly every case of sutured wounds to prevent itching and the 

 consequent tearing open of the wound on account of the rubbing 

 and scratching of the patient ; stitches are less apt to tear out 

 when a-n ointment is used than when the wound is kept dry by 

 means of powder or lotion. 



