.272 INORGANIC AGENTS 



The action of nitric acid may be limited by surrounding 

 the part to which the strong acid is applied with oil, or by 

 washing the acid off with soapsuds. Glacial acetic acid is 

 frequently employed to remove warts and small excres- 

 cences. It is not so powerful as sulphuric or nitric acid. 

 The acids in weak solution ( 3 i.-Oi.) are useful in relieving 

 irritation of the skin, as in urticaria, for their astringent 

 action upon piles, and to stop slight haemorrhages. Vinegar 

 diluted with 3 parts of water may be used for the same 

 purposes. Nitric acid (TTI^v.-xxx. to ^ i- of water) is a good 

 antiseptic, stimulant and astringent application to indolent 

 ulcers, wounds, or, in the mouth, for ulcerative or mercurial 

 stomatitis. 



Uses Internal. — The acids are all of value in digestive 

 disorders. Hydrochloric acid is useful in fever, to relieve 

 thirst and aid digestion, when a few drops may be put in 

 the drinking water. Hydrochloric acid is especially indi- 

 cated for gastric indigestion with deficiency in the secretion 

 of gastric juice, in convalesence, and for fermentation and 

 tympanites in chronic-gastritis. Hydrochloric acid should 

 be given after feeding, and is often combined with bitters. 

 It acts as an antiseptic in addition to aiding digestion. 

 Hypersecretion of hydrochloric acid, or hyper chlorhydria, 

 is said to be characterized by acid reaction of the secretion 

 in the month, and a desire to lick alkaline earthy matters. It 

 is best treated by alkalies after feeding. All the acids are 

 serviceable in the treatment of diarrhoea and intestinal indi- 

 gestion. Aromatic sulphuric acid (with opium) is more 

 particularly valuable as a remedy for watery purging. 

 Nitric and nitrohydrochloric acids are of more use in 

 diarrhoea with indigestion, jaundice, and disordered hepatic 

 functions. The latter acid is often combined with nux 

 vomica in the treatment of intestinal indigestion, and is a 

 valuable remedy in catarrhal jaundice of dogs. The mineral 

 acids are of service in preventing the formation of phos- 

 phatic calculi in horses. 



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