576 
Combating Lousiness 
mixture may be combined with diatomaceous earth as a vehicle (429 
( g) and ( li )); naphthaline sachets are probably of little use (see discussion 
under 423-8). Oils of Birch-tar (437), eucalyptus (438), turpentine (442) 
and Tar preparations (466) appear worthy of further trial for the purpose 
of impregnating clothing. Ammoniated Mercury as a powder (410). Few 
of the foregoing remedies affect the nits and unless the application is 
thorough nits may survive in all cases. 
Remedies against crab-lice : Absolute alcohol* (366, applied as a spray), 
Benzine ointment (370), Chloroform-water should be tried (387-8). White 
precipitate ointment* (409), Sublimate-vinegar (414), Calomel pomade 
(419), Oleate of Mercury and Ether (420), Bed or Yellow Oxide of 
Mercury ointment (421-2). Mercurial preparations should always be 
used with caution. Some of the remedies given under head-lice should 
be tried. Treatment may have to be repeated because nits may survive, 
unless shaving is very completely performed. 
When lice occur beneath bandages which cannot be removed, 
Naphthaline, Oils of Eucalyptus or Turpentine appear the most suitable 
for application. No final opinion can be given as to the usefulness of the 
various kinds of impregnated underwear that have been supplied by 
private agencies and various firms for the use of soldiers; it will probably 
be found that the cost and labour involved are not proportionate to the 
results attained. 
To answer practical requirements, a remedy should be cheap and 
easily obtainable, not be injurious to man, not soil clothing, be readily 
manipulated under adverse conditions, not be too volatile and in¬ 
flammable. These requirements are answered by some of the remedies 
above-mentioned. For the armies in the field a number of the remedies 
suggested may not be procurable but some of those in the foregoing list 
should be obtainable. What Buchanan (1917, p. 21) writes is very true: 
“ It is noteworthy that few of the many panaceas against lice which were 
put out at the beginning of the war have stood the test of time and 
practical experience. Nearly always one came back to current steam for 
clothing and blankets, or to cresol and petrol emulsions.” 
It appears desirable that steps should be taken by Government to 
prevent soldiers and their relatives from being victimized by unscrupu¬ 
lous firms who flood the market with purported remedies against lice 
which may be injurious, and are usually valueless. 
