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.

    421/554 (page 409)
    The action of the sodium and potassium alcohols is less painful than would be expected, and when pain is felt it may be quickly checked by dropping upon the part a little chloroform, which decomposes the ethylate. The addition of an alcoholic solution of opium, likewise, is said to lessen the pain of the application. Ethylate of sodium may be applied upon surfaces rendered anaesthetic by cold, either by the application of ice or frozen by rhigolene spray. The action of ethylate of sodium on the blood is, according to Rich- ardson, rapid and marked. The red corpuscles are brought into a state of solution, crystallization of the hsematin and related substances almost instantly takes place, while the white corpuscles are acted on very slowly. Ethylate of sodium may be kept in a solution of half saturation in a glass-stoppered bottle, and should be applied by means of a glass rod, the end of which is somewhat pointed. It has been used successfully in the removal of small and moderate- sized N^vi and Telangiectases. A thin, dry eschar is formed. After some days this can be removed and further applications made until the growth is destroyed. It leaves a smaller cicatrix than that produced by any other caustic. It has also been recommended in N^vus, Epithe- lioma, Lupus, and other new growths, but it has not proved superior to other agents of its class in the cure of these affections. Diseases of the Nose.—The caustic effect of the sodii ethylate appears to be more manageable than that of caustic potassa. Richard- son {Joe. cii.) {The Asclepiad, i. No. 3, 1884) recommends it for the destruction of Nasal Polypus. The following direction is abridged from this writer's statements: Saturate a piece of cotton with sodium ethylate and apply to the selected spot for two or three minutes, and withdraw. The mass of polypi may be almost immediately destroyed ; then touch lightly the bases of the outgrowths with the same material. The applica- tion is described as being accompanied with slight burning pain, though occasionally moderate hemorrhage ensues. SODII HYDRAS. Hydrate of Sodium. Caustic Soda. General Surgery.—Caustic soda, being less deliquescent, possesses some advantages over caustic potassa. The indications for the use of these agents are in all respects similar.