SULPHUR 199 



16 parts of lard, is curative in chronic eczema and grease. Sulphur is, 

 however, chiefly used in dips for scab of sheep with lime (see p. 606). 



In obstinate cases of ringworm, itching, or mange, the following 

 preparation is of value: 



Sulphuvis praecipitati. 



Olei cadini aa oSs. 



Saponis mollis. 



Adipls aa gi. 



M. 



S. External use. 



True follicular mange in the dog, if extensive and of long duration, 

 is practically incurable by any drug. Sulphur ointment is of benefit in 

 chronic eczema and acne, for its local stimulant and alterative action. 

 For the treatment of foot rot in sheep the U. S. Agric. Dep't. advises 

 the following, and also in other forms of necrobacillosis, after removing 

 scabs and necrotic tissue by the curette: 



Sulphuris lotl Sx. 



Cresolis gv. 



Adipis gC. 



M. 



S. Use externally. 



Uses Internal.— Sulphur is commonly used for its mild laxative 

 action in convalescence, pregnancy and in the treatment of young animals 

 and dogs suffering with constipation and hemorrhoids. It may be of 

 service in chronic bronchitis with copious secretion. Sulphur is frequently 

 prescribed internally for its action in chronic diseases of the skin, and is 

 thought to exert a beneficial alterative action. Sulphur is also recom- 

 mended in chronic rheumatism. 



Disinfectant Action. — When sulphur undergoes combustion, sulphur- 

 ous anhydride (SO2) is evolved, and the latter combining with water 

 forms sulphurous acid (SO3) and sulphuric acid gas (H2SO4). 



Sulphurous and sulphuric acid gas are strongly germicidal but dry 

 sulphur dioxide (SOj) is practically without disinfectant action. Sul- 

 phurous acid owes its germicidal actign to two properties. Chiefly to its 

 being a powerful reducing agent, by which it is oxidized into sulphuric 

 acid, and also to the acidity of both compounds. In withdrawing oxygen 

 from organic matter it is poisonous to protoplasm in general and to bac- 

 teria in particular. Bacteriological experiments, however, show that dry, 

 sulphur fumigation, as ordinarily employed for disinfection, is of little 

 worth for destroying disease germs. To be effective for killing bacteria 

 there should be moisture in the air to convert SOj into SO3 and H2SO4. 

 Generally formaldehyde disinfection is more efficient, but for killing ani- 

 mal life sulphur is much superior, as formaldehyde may not injure animals 

 at all. Thus, for killing flies, fleas, mosquitoes, bedbugs, lice, mice and 

 rats in barns, granaries, houses and ships, sulphur should be used. Sul- 

 phur destroys household fabrics, ornaments and utensils, but metal may 

 be protected from its corrosive influence by a thin coating of vaseline. 



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