68 WOUNDS AND BEUISES. 



. BINIODIDE OF MERCURY (p. 632). 



BORIC (BORACIC) ACID (1 to 20 of water) makes a feeble anti- 

 septic lotion which has the advantage of being entirely non- 

 irritating. For foul wounds, a saturated solution should be used. 



BICARBONATE OF SODA (baking soda) closely resembles boric 

 acid in its action as an antiseptic, and can be employed at the 

 same strength. 



OIL OF TURPENTINE.— Mr. Banks ("Liverpool Med. Chir. 

 Journal," July, 1889) states that '' some agents, like the per- 

 ohloride of iron, are admirable styptics, and some, like iodoform, 

 chloride of zinc, and carbolic acid, are most effective antiseptics ; 

 but I know of no remedy which combines the two properties to the 

 same extent as common turpentine, while at the same time acting 

 as a direct stimulant to healthy granulation. The only objection 

 that can be urged against its use is that it may be painful. In the 

 case of a clean cut wound it is painful for some hours, but its 

 application causes no suffering at all in the case of old wounds, 

 sinuses or abscess cavities. The single word of caution in employ- 

 ing it is to see that it does not come on the skin, which it blisters. 

 There is no remedy at all to be compared to it in its power of 

 cleaning up old sinuses or sweetening sloughing woimds." Its 

 cheapness and the ease with which it can be usually obtained are 

 advantages in its favour well worth remembering. 



EUCALYPTUS OIL is an excellent application to sores and 

 unhealthy wounds. In this respect its value will be increased by 

 adding as much iodoform to it as it will dissolve. 



CHLORIDE OF ZINC, when used at a strength of 40 grains to 

 I oz. of water, is an admirable application for foul wounds which 

 cannot be regularly dressed, as it will keep them healthy for three 

 or four days. It is irritating to the skin, but has the advantage 

 of not being volatile. 



KEROSENE (see p. 97) (PARAFFIN) OIL is a good antiseptic 

 for sores and unhealthy wounds, but should be used sparingly, as 

 it will irritate the part, if employed freely. It is easily obtainable. 



Although CORROSIVE SUBLIMATE (mercuric Chloride) is 

 largely used in surgery, it is not included in the above list, as it 

 coagulates albumin. This is a large constituent of the blood and 

 tissues, and is apt to form clots which would serve to protect 

 putrefactive matter from its antiseptic action. The albuminate of 



