CORROSIVE SUBLIMATE 167 



for the irrigation of infected wounds and cavities, and for skin disin- 

 fection. 



For hand and skin disinfection Harrington's solution of corrosive 

 sublimate is perhaps the most effective of any in existence. 



Hydrargyrl chloridi corrosivi gr.xii. 



Acidi hydrochlorici 5ii- 



Alcoholis gxxi. 



M. 



S. Immerse hands or apply to skin for 2 minutes. 



Wash off hands with 70% alcohol to remove 



irritation of above. 



Mercuric bichloride, even in the weaker solution, is too damaging to 

 the serous membrane of the peritoneal cavity, and there is too much dan- 

 ger of absorption to warrant us in using it in intra-abdominal operations. 

 As a caustic, saturated solutions are injected into fistulous tracts, e.g., 

 fistulae of the withers, "quittor" and "poll evil," to destroy their so-called 

 pyogenic membranes, and hasten repair, as follows. There is not much 

 danger of absorption when used in this way. 



Hydrargyri chloridi corrosivi 3ii. 



Acidi hydrochlorici gi. 



Aquae ad Oi. 



M. 



S. For injection into fistulae. 



Corrosive sublimate is very useful in solution as a parasiticide, in 

 destroying lice, ringworm, the spores of pityriasis, and the fungus of 

 favus on the unbroken skin, and also relieves itching in pruritus, prurigo 

 and urticaria, as follows: 



Hydrargyri chloridi corrosivi gr-x. 



Glycerin! 3i. 



Alcoholis ( 70% ) Sviii. 



M. 



S. Apply externally. 



Apart from the body, corrosive sublimate in solution 1-500 or 1-1000 

 is one of the cheapest and most effective disinfectants for premises in- 

 fected with the contagion of glanders, anthrax, etc. The walls and floors 

 of stables (after thorough cleansing and washing with soft soap and 

 boiling water), clothing and all paraphernalia, not metallic, can be disin- 

 fected by washing or soaking in solutions of bichloride. Before opera- 

 tions, the operative field should be sterilized by scrubbing with green soap 

 and then with Harrington's solution, after the hair has been shaved from 

 the part. During an operation, irrigation with corrosive (1-3000) solu- 

 tion or boiled normal salt solution is commonly practised. In epizootic 

 abortion, in addition to quarantining the diseased animals, their discharges 

 and the premises should be disinfected, and both the well and sick female 

 animals should be washed twice daily about the genital regions with a 

 solution of corrosive sublimate. Yellow wash, made by the addition of 

 mercuric bichloride to lime water, is sometimes employed as a stimulant 



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