314 
i 
FRANK H. MILLER. 
antiseptic powers of the salt, its solubility rendering it possible 
to reach all parts (which powder alone cannot do satisfactorily) 
and also greatly to its well-known negative chemotacti: action 
in effectually checking the migration of leucocytes, which fig¬ 
ures so largely in these cases. 
The alcohol, besides being a perfect solvent for the sublimate, 
causes it to penetrate to every part, and deeply into the tissues, 
at the same time desiccating the normal secretions present, and 
the tissues in general, by its affinity for water and its volatility, 
thereby removing the conditions under wdiich these cases pro¬ 
gress toward chronicity. It is to be mentioned, at this time, 
that these solutions should be applied once daily only, as their 
too frequent use stimulates unduly, and, if used heedlessly, can 
produce grave effects, including ulceration, etc., but is abso¬ 
lutely safe even in the most delicate subject when used once 
daily. 
After the organs have been cleansed as thoroughly as possi¬ 
ble with the cotton, pour in a very few c.c. of the spirits, and by 
carefully pressing the sides of the ear together repeatedly, wash 
it about for about one minute that it may reach all parts most 
completely, then allow it to escape, using cotton to dry the ex¬ 
cess from the hair,'that it may not injure the eye by reaching it. 
Then for a second time drv the interior of the ear as thor- 
oughly as possible with cotton tampons, and allow due time for 
complete evaporation of the alcoholic moisture which it may 
not have been possible to reach with the cotton and dress with 
a very slight quantity of thioform. This may be effectually and 
economically applied by means of the insufflator. The smaller 
the quantity used the better, so long as it is equally distributed. 
If the case be one of unusual severity, and much irritation 
be manifest by shaking and scratching, I frequently relieve the 
suffering by thoroughly incorporating .25 of carefully powdered 
hydrochlorate of cocaine crystals, to each 25.0 of thioform used, 
and bind the ears loosely back over the top of the head with a 
net, at least until the urgent symptoms are relieved. 
I select thioform in preference to iodoform, dermatol, aristol 
