The principal caustics are nitrate of silver, caustic potassa, a mixture of caustic potassa and quick-lime, sulphate of copper, red oxide of mercury, verdigris, tincture of sesquichloride of iron, chloride of zinc, chloride of antimony, nitric acid, acetic acid, and carbolic acid.
Use. Caustics are employed to remove excrescences, morbid growths, granulations, &c., as corns, warts, and proud flesh; and to open issues, abscesses, &c. The first, second, and fourth are applied by gently rubbing them on the part previously moistened with water; the third is commonly made into a paste, with rectified spirit or glycerin, before application; red oxide of mercury and verdigris (in the form of powder) are often sprinkled over foul and indolent ulcers; whilst the acids and other liquid caustics are applied with a feather, camel-hair pencil, or glass rod. The same applies to the liquid preparations below. In all cases care should be taken to confine the application to the affected part.
Caustic, Ammoni′acal. See Ointments, and Caustic, Gondret’s.
Caustic, Antimo′′nial. Syn. Causticum antimonia′le, L. Chloride of antimony.
Caustic, Arsen′ical. Syn. Causticum arsenica′le, C. arsenio′sum, C. a. compos′itum, L. Prep. 1. See Caustic, Plunket’s.
2. (Cutan. Hosp.) Calomel, 21⁄2 oz.; red sulphide of mercury, 1 dr.; arsenious acid, 1 dr. to 2 dr.
3. (Van Mons.) Arsenious acid, 6 dr.; dragon’s blood, 2 dr.; animal charcoal, 11⁄2 dr.; cinnabar, 3 oz.
4. (Ratier.) Arsenious acid, 1 part; kino, 8 parts; cinnabar, 16 parts. The ingredients of the last three must be separately reduced to fine powder, and then carefully mixed. They are favourite applications on the Continent, in cases of cancer, cancerous sores, obstinate lepra, &c. They are either dusted over the part, or are made into a paste with mucilage or the saliva, and applied like an ointment on a piece of rag or lint; due caution being observed, and the effects watched. The last is much used in the French hospitals.
Caustic, Canquoin’s. See Zinc Caustic.
Caustic, Canthar′ides. Syn. Causticum Canthar′idis, L. Prep. 1. Powdered cantharides made into a paste with concentrated acetic acid.