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.

    458/554 (page 446)
    Diseases of the Ear and Nose.—One drachm of the oxide of zinc combined with an ounce each of powdered alum and starch forms an admirable protectant for Acute Eczema of the auricle. The following preparation was a favorite with Wilde for the treatment of Chronic Inflammation of the Auricle : Req: Acetate of lead, ^ss; oxide of zinc, 3] ; mild chloride of mercury, ^ss; nitrate of mercury ointment, ; lard (washed), §ss j pure palm oil, gss. M. With many cases this severe treatment is not absolutely necessary, and the mild mucilaginous applications—the ear being covered by oil-silk—have been attended with success. The ointment of oxide of zinc is an admirable application to the skin of the external nose. In the form of a powder it is often combined with nitrate of bismuth. Such a combination proves useful chiefly as an exsic- cant. It may be dusted upon excoriated skin-surfaces or even carried up the nostril as in an application to Septal Ulcers. It forms a paste with water which is convenient to manipulate. Diseases of the Eye.—Oxide of zinc ointment is indicated in Ecze- matous Conditions of the Eyelids, and is much used for the relief of inflammation of the skin caused by irritating discharges from the eyes, particularly in the Ophthalmia of Strumous Children. In some cases the dry powder dusted on the surface of the skin answers better than the ointment. ZINCI SALICYLAS. Salicylate of Zinc. A salt obtained by adding oxide of zinc to a hot aqueous solution of salicylic acid as long as it is dissolved. On filtering the solution hot and allowing to cool, the salt crys- tallizes in long, satiny needles. It is soluble in twenty parts of cold water, and is freely soluble in hot water, alcohol, and ether. Salicylate of zinc is an astringent. Diseases of the Nose, etc.—This salt is employed in the form of a nasal bougie for the treatment of Nasal Catarrh ; each bougie to contain one grain of the agent. t ZINCI SULPHAS. Sulphate of Zinc. Sulphate of zinc exhibits small, colorless, right rhombic prisms, or acicular needles, slowly efflorescing in dry air, odorless, having a sharp, saline, nauseous, and metallic taste, and an acid reaction. It is soluble in 0.6 parts of water at 15° C. (59° F.), and in 0.3 part of boiling water; insoluble in alcohol. (U. S. P.) Sulphate of zinc is caustic and irritating, astringent and stimulant, haemostatic, and probably antiseptic. An ounce of the salt dried and finely pulverized, mixed with a drachm of glycerin, is a painful escharotic.