CHARCOAL 211 



aerobic rather than anaerobic organisms. The latter particularly produce 

 foul-smelling and toxic bodies. So it may be seen that charcoal acts di- 

 rectly to absorb gases and indirectly to prevent the formation of the 

 more undesirable fermentations. It was formerly thought that charcoal 

 only acted as an absorbent in the dry state, but it is almost as efficient 

 when wet. 



Charcoal is not absorbed and escapes from the bowels unchanged. 

 There is no material difference between the action of wood and animal 

 charcoal. Externally charcoal acts as a dessicant, deodorant, and, indi- 

 rectly, as an antiseptic by absorption of the body fluids on which 

 germs subsist. If administered continually in large quantities charcoal 

 may produce mechanical obstruction in the bowels, and it is therefore 

 employed in conjunction with laxatives. 



Uses External. — Charcoal is applied as a dusting powder with as- 

 tringents and antiseptics upon ulcers, galled and raw surfaces. The 

 following combination is useful: 



Aluminis exsiccatl 31. 



Acidi sallcylicl 311. 



Carbonis ligni 5ss 



M. 



S. Apply externally as dusting powder. 



It is also used in flaxseed meal poultices upon foul, sloughing parts. 



Uses Internal. — Charcoal is employed occasionally in indigestion, 

 chronic gastric and intestinal catarrh, and diarrhea, accompanied by flat- 

 ulence and mucous discharges. Charcoal possesses the power of attract- 

 ing and holding alkaloids in its substance, and so may be used in large 

 doses as an antidote in poisoning by alkaloidal drugs, as opium, nux 

 vomica and aconite. Its action is slow, and other means, as taimic acid, 

 emetics and the stomach tube, are more efficient. 



Carbonei Disulphidum. Carbon Dlsulphide. C S^. (U. S. P. 1905.) 

 Synonym. — Carbonis bisulphidum, B. P. ; bisulphide of carbon, E. ; carboneura 

 sulphuratum, P. G.; sulfure de carbone, Fr.; schwefelkohlenstoff, G. 

 Derivation. — Obtained from carbon and sulpliur by distillation. 

 Properties. — A clear, colorless, highly refractive liquid; very diffusive, having 

 a strong, characteristic, but not fetid odor, and a sharp, aromatic taste. Soluble 

 in 526 parts of water; very soluble in alcohol, ether, chloroform, and fixed vola- 

 tile oils. Spec. gr. 1.256 to 1.257. Carbon disulphide vaporizes readily and is 

 highly Inflammable. 



Actions and Uses. — Carbon disulphide is a rapid and powerful anes- 

 thetic when inhaled, and also locally, when applied in spray upon the 

 skin. It produces muscular weakness, coma, and, rarely, convulsions in 

 toxic doses. It has been used as a counter-irritant in the form of 

 vapor, to cause absorption of enlarged lymphatic glands. Carbon disul- 

 phide is given in gelatine capsules to horses to destroy the larvae of 

 the hot fly (Estrus equi). Two capsules containing 10 grams each 

 for a horse and 8 grams each for a colt should be given two hours apart 

 and followed in 12 hours by a pint of linseed oil. Walking the patifent 

 prevents colic. Round worms are also killed by this agent. 



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