A handbook of local therapeutics / edited by Harrison Allen.

Date:
1893
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: A handbook of local therapeutics / edited by Harrison Allen. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    33/554 (page 21)
    Diseases of Ear, Nose, and Throat.—Diluted acetic acid in the form of vinegar is a popular vehicle for exhibiting many remedies designed to affect the throat locally. M. Mackenzie uses a gargle composed of 30 minims of the diluted acid to 18 minims of glycerin in an ounce of water. In the last stage of the Angina of Exanthemata this mixture is especially indicated. It has even had its advocate in Phlegmonous Inflammation of the throat; but many more valued agents are here available. F. Engel- mann (^Centralblattfur Klin. Med., 1886, No. 14) recommends acetic acid in the local treatment of Diphtheria. In the list of medicines for our selection, many must take the preference to one which is so diffuse in its effects and whose odor is so penetrating. The diluted acid has been injected successfully into the Tonsil to reduce Hypertrophy. Equal parts of vinegar and water placed on a stove charges the sick-room with a vapor which is grateful in Acute Coryza. S. J. Bumstead speaks highly of diluted acetic acid in controlling the Cough of Laryngitis and as a solvent in the treatment of Croup and Diphtheria. For the first named he uses the old domestic form of diluting vinegar with molasses or honey and employing it as a gargle. For the diseases last named he prefers the form of steamed vapor, by heating vinegar in large trays or pans. Vinegar is a valuable haemostatic. It has been used with especial benefit in Epistaxis. The vinegar can be injected in the nostril, or tampons of lint or absorbent cotton saturated with the agent can be carried into the nasal passage. The diluted acetic acid, one part of the acid to five of water, will represent a strength suitable for use in absence of vinegar. Stronger vinegar also acts as an excellent counter-irritant when applied to the skin of the throat in Angina. Diluted vinegar may be drunk freely in ^sophagitis when due to an alkali. Diseases of the Eye.—Largely diluted acetic acid is a pleasant and useful application in Acute Conjunctivitis. Ten drops of the acid in an ounce of distilled water may be combined with from two to four grains of acetate of morphine. A frequent form of injury of the eye is by Lime in the Conjunctival Sac. If the patient is seen immediately after the accident, the eye should be thoroughly cleansed with diluted acetic acid, or vinegar, which is always at hand, in the proportion of 3j to Sj of water. AciDUM AcETicuM Glaciale. Glacial Acetic Acid. Glacial acetic acid should consist of over 99 per cent, of absolute acid (HC2H3O2.) It should form a clear mixture with an equal volume of oil of lemon. Much of that in commerce will not respond to this test, as it is only from 70 to 80 per cent, in strength. Glacial acetic acid is a powerful caustic. Applied to the skin it pro-