MEDICAL HINTS, 231 
may be placed on the back of the tongue, and it will be swallowed 
unconsciously. 
Certain cases of dysentery are cured by calomel. 
Four grains of calomel may usually be given with advantage, at the 
beginning of a malarial attack. 
In syphilis, one grain may be given two or three times a day ; but its 
action should be watched, and if it causes salivation, tenderness of the 
gums, and a coppery taste in the mouth, it should be discontinued until 
these symptoms disappear. 
Camphor.—D ose, two to five grains. Is a stimulant, and an anti- 
spasmodic ; it helps to calm the nervous system. It is used in cholera 
and in fevers, and is very valuable for colds in the head. 
Camphor is slightly soluble in water, and this solution makes a cooling 
lotion, which is useful for inflamed or painful parts. 
Spirit of camphor consists of one part of camphor in ten of alcohol; 
the dose is ten to twenty drops. 
Camphorated oil consists of one ounce of camphor in four ounces of 
olive oil, and makes a stimulating liniment for stiff and painful parts. 
A stronger liniment may be made by adding to this an ounce of spirit, 
and half to one ounce of solution of ammonia or oil of turpentine. 
* Carbolic acid , phenic acid , or phenol. —Dose, one or two grains may be 
given internally, well diluted, for acute diarrhoea, dysentery, and cholera. 
Is mostly used as an external application. Carbolic acid acts as a 
caustic, and may be applied on the end of a match to poisoned wounds, 
e.g,, snake-bites, arrow wounds, and parts stung by venomous insects. A 
drop on a piece of cotton-wool applied to a hollow tooth quickly relieves 
pain. 
It is much used as an antiseptic lotion for wounds and foul sores, and 
for cleansing hands and instruments before operation. 
One part in thirty of water makes a strong solution for cleansing 
instruments and disinfecting dysenteric and other stools. 
One part in sixty may be used for sponging or syringing sores and 
wounds. 
One part added to nineteen of olive, or other oil, makes carbolic oil, 
which is a handy dressing for all kinds of wounds. 
One part to nineteen parts of vaseline, or fresh lard, makes carbolic 
ointment. 
