582 Diseases of the Genital Organs 



pursue is to introduce deeply within the chorionic sac 

 a drug of high specific gravity, so that it may not be 

 thrown out readily, and slow-dissolving, so that it will 

 not require frequent renewal, which will soothe rather 

 than irritate any portion of the genital mucosa with 

 which it may come in contact and which will deter in 

 some measure the putrid decomposition of the mem- 

 branes. The two best known drugs in this group are 

 iodoform and bismuth subnitrate. To these may be added 

 some of the rapidly-dissolving disinfectants of a non-irri- 

 tating character. Here the limit is virtually set at boric 

 acid which may be used without restriction. There are two 

 methods of application. The more convenient form is the 

 introduction of the drugs inclosed within gelatin capsules. 

 An efficient formula is one-half to one ounce each of pow- 

 dered iodoform and boric acid, with three to five grains of 

 powdered thymol, inclosed in a large gelatin capsule. The 

 capsules may be prepared in large numbers. Properly 

 wrapped, they will keep indefinitely, ready for use when- 

 ever needed. Bismuth may be added or may be substituted 

 for the iodoform or boric acid. When retained afterbirth is 

 diagnosed, one of the capsules should be deposited as deeply 

 within the uterus, or rather in the sac of the chorion, as 

 possible. The gelatin quickly dissolves and the heavy drug 

 drops to the floor of the uterus, where it slowly dissolves 

 during a period of seven to ten or more days. If the reten- 

 tion continues, a second capsule may be added three to four 

 days after the first. When the membranes finally come away, 

 the drugs previously introduced largely or wholly accom- 

 pany them, and it is desirable then to introduce another 

 capsule, which now comes into immediate contact with the 

 uterus. As this taints the milk badly, it must on no account 

 be included in market milk or used for making butter or 

 cheese. Tasting the milk carefully is the only guide as to 

 when it is fit to market. It is perfectly healthful and may 

 be used freely for feeding calves. The intelligent layman 

 can readily learn to introduce the capsule. The tail, vulva 

 and buttocks of the cow should first be washed and disin- 



