BY THE REFEREE
This “chlorinated ozonized eucalyptus oil” is distinctly acid to litmus paper. It is claimed that further quantities of acid are liberated on contact with water. This is credited with producing a continuous acid reaction on the surface of tissues to which the oil may be applied and this in turn is stated to be antiseptic or germicidal.
This theoretical speculation does not take into account the large quantity of reserve alkali in the body by which it combats attempts to alter its normal reaction. It is therefore not convincing, unless it is supported by direct evidence.
In the absence of such data on the part of the promoters of the preparation, experiments were made to determine whether the oil preserves its acid reaction in contact with mucous and serous membranes. The answers were clearly in the negative.
In the mouth, the reaction becomes neutral within ten or fifteen minutes; in the pleura and peritoneum within half an hour, and probably in much shorter periods.
More detailed data follow:
SERIES A: BEHAVIOR IN THE MOUTH; HOMO
Experiment.—Chlorlyptus and to less extent Chlorlyptus Oil, are acid to litmus. They are applied:
(a) Drop to litmus paper and this to gums.
(b) Several drops directly to tongue.
(c) Same to gums.
The reaction to litmus paper is tried from time to time.
Results.—(a) Applied to gums on litmus paper: