THE  AMERICAN 
JOURNAL  OF  PHARMACY. 
MARCH,  1881. 
PEACTICAL  NOTES. 
By  Robert  F.  Fairthorne,  Ph.G. 
Solution  of  Hypocldorite  of  Zinc. — This  is  proposed  as  a  disinfecting 
and  bleaching  liquid,  possessing  advantages  over  Labarraque's  solution 
of  ^'  Chlorinated  Soda  "  in  several  particulars.  The  disinfecting  and 
bleaching  properties  of  hypochlorous  acid  are  in  this  preparation  com- 
bined with  the  astringent  and  antiseptic  virtues  of  the  zinc  compounds, 
and,  being  free  from  alkalinity,  this  solution  could  be  used  with  better 
effect  than  the  liquor  sodse  chlorinatie  for  many  purposes,  and  could  be, 
moreover,  employed  as  a  gargle,  injection  or  lotion  less  diluted  with 
water,  thereby  enabling  the  physician  to  bring  more  chlorine  or  hypo- 
chlorous  acid  in  contact  with  the  surface  to  which  it  may  be  applied. 
I  would  also  propose  it  as  a  bleaching  liquid  for  textile  fabrics,  and, 
on  account  of  its  freedom  from  caustic  properties,  believe  it  would  be 
of  considerable  value.  The  formula  by  which  the  solution  of  hypo- 
chlorite of  zinc  can  be  made  is  the  following : 
Take  of  Chlorinated  Lime,-    .  .  .12  troyounces 
Sulphate  of  zinc,  .  .         24  " 
Water,         .  .  .  .12  pints 
Dissolve  the  sulphate  of  zinc  in  3  pints  of  water.  Triturate  the 
chlorinated  lime,  a  little  at  a  time,  Avith  portions  of  the  water 
added  slowly,  and  mix  thoroughly  with  the  remainder  of  the  water. 
Allow  it  to  stand  until  the  lime  has  subsided.  Pour  olf  the  clear 
liquid.  Transfer  the  sediment  to  a  muslin  strainer,  and  allow  it  to 
drain  until  sufficient  liquid  has  passed  to  measure  8  pints  with  the 
decanted  portion  of  the  solution.  Mix  this  with  the  solution  of  sul- 
phate of  zinc,  and,  having  set  it  aside  for  12  hours,  pour  olf  the  clear 
portion  of  the  liquid  and  place  the  remaining  portion  on  a  piece  of 
muslin  to  drain.  Mix  these  liquids,  and  pour  more  water  on  the  pre- 
cipitate, if  necessary,  so  as  to  make  11  pints  and  a  half  of  the  finished 
product. 
7 
