278 
A NEW CAUSTIC, ETC. 
A crust is soon formed, and it is then covered with a com- 
press and bandage. The caustic that remains in the vessel 
cannot be preserved for any length of time. The sulphuric 
acid attracting powerfully the humidity of the air; but that 
which has been applied to the flesh forms a hard crust, and 
sounds, when struck, like charcoal, perfectly dry, bounded 
by the limits to which it has been applied, and of a depth 
equal to the thickness of the layer that was applied. 
The slough began to detach itself from the eighth to the 
tenth day in the case of an individual who had submitted 
to its limited application. In the instance of a patient who 
had a cancer, and in whose case 100 grammes of the caus- 
tic pommade had been used, it was noticed with satisfaction 
that no symptom of re-absorption took place, and that, in 
addition, the caustic had the effect of completely removing 
the disgusting smell the cancer had hitherto possessed, and 
with which it infected the sick person and those near him. 
The cauterized tissues even gave out an odor rather agree- 
able than fetid. While waiting until additional instances 
shall enable us better to appreciate the value of the new 
agent, we ought to direct attention to the three important 
conditions it offers : namely, 1st, the exactlcircumscription 
of its action to the limits marked out by the pommade ; 2d, 
the quick separation of the slough ; and 3d, the absence of 
serious re-absorption. — Chemist. 
