MEDICAL HINTS. 
195 
Large, unhealthy ulcers should be well bathed with some antiseptic 
such as carbolic acid, one in sixty of water, or a solution of chinosol 
(l in 600); and after the sore has been cleansed, it may be lightly 
dusted with iodoform and then covered with a piece of lint moistened 
with carbolic oil or smeared with iodoform ointment and supported by 
an evenly applied bandage. Boric ointment, lano-creoline ointment or 
other antiseptic dressing may take the place of iodoform ointment. 
Iron and quinine tonics should be given. 
Bedsore. 
When a patient is confined to his bed for a long time, it is necessary 
to support the lower part of the back on something soft, such as a pad of 
■wool, or an extra pillow, in order to prevent the formation of a bedsore ; 
pillows should also be placed under the hips and heels. 
To harden the skin it is well to rub with oil or white of an egg three 
parts, and spirits one part; zinc ointment is also useful for this purpose. 
Besides pressure, the most frequent cause of bedsores is constant, 
moisture from the passage of urine and motions and consequent damping 
of the sheets. Great care must be taken to thoroughly dry the back 
after any evacuation; the lower part of the back should be dusted with 
a powder of boric acid and zinc oxide. 
If a bedsore is present, the patient should lie on a circular pad with a. 
hole in the middle, to take pressure off the bedsore. The sore should 
be thoroughly cleaned twice a day with some antiseptic lotion, such as 
chinosol or permanganate, and subsequently dressed with zinc ointment, 
or vaseline. 
If the bedsore is on the back, the patient should lie if possible on 
each side alternately, to relieve the pressure. 
Parasites. 
Mosquitoes and Midges .—-These and other annoying insects must be 
warded off by the use of netting, as already described. The application 
of carbolic, castor, or eucalyptus oil or keroseije helps to keep them off.* 
* Since writing the above, Prof. Henry Armstrong has informed me that he 
finis oil of lavender the most useful application for this purpose. 
o 2 
