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.

    89/554 (page 77)
    varied with respect to its efficacy. Since the introduction of boric acid and corrosive sublimate treatment the remedy has fallen into disuse; it would appear to be especially indicated in those cases which, after treatment by antiseptic methods and careful cleansing, yet remain unhealed. In a word in the late stage of the antiseptic treatment if the discharge after cleansing be not diminished, the use of alcohol in the above-named strength stimulates the surface, deposits a coagulate of mucin in the dis- charge, and corrects odor. It appears to have a special disposition to destroy Aspergillus, and some of its value in the treatment of otorrhea may depend on this factor. In the beginning of the treatment caution should be used, as in some individuals alcohol in almost any strength causes irritation. Absolute alcohol has been tested for the treatment of Aural Polypus, but very properly has fallen into disuse. It is diffi- cult to restrict its action, and instances are known in which inflammation has extended into the middle ear and caused a clot to form in the lateral sinus. (Schwartz, Natiirforscher Versammlung zu Berlin, September, t886.) The first effect of strong alcoholic preparations on the mucous mem- brane is to constrict capillaries and induce pallor; the secondary effect is to dilate the vessels (Mandl). According to Zaufel ( Wiener Med. Presse, No. 50, 1883), alcohol in the form of spiritus rectificatus acts most happily, sometimes, in mammilliform perforations of the tympanum. Absolute alcohol is often diluted with glycerin, since the mixture serves better the purpose of local application than when used pure. It may be joined in proportion of one of the alcohol to four to ten parts of glycerin, or even of equal parts. Such a mixture forms a convenient medium for exhibiting the effects of boric acid, salicylic acid, and carbolic acid. In the weaker preparations these act somewhat alike; the carbolic acid being the least well borne on skin surfaces or in the auditory meatus and the nostril. The commercial alcohol has been praised by C. Seller as a remedy in the treatment of Chronic Nasal Catarrh. J. Solis Cohen practically admits its value in the treatment of Diphtheria, in making the assertion that the popular tincture of chloride of iron owes its efficacy to alcohol rather than to iron. It has also been used as a mouth wash in Noma. Claret wine as a gargle in relaxed states of the throat probably owes its virtue to the alcohol present, aided by a small proportion of tannic acid. G. Vivian (^Fhila. Med. Times. May 21, i88i) recommends alcohol as an inhalant in Diphtheria. He has never seen any constitutional effect arise from its use, although as much as £^ quart a day may be employed. Diseases of the Eye.—The delicate cutting instruments used in ophthalmic surgery can be readily cleaned and made aseptic without