1st. That when used pure and undiluted, campho-phenique is one of the most efficient and reliable germicides and antiseptics.

2d. Being non-poisonous and non-irritant, it is perfectly safe.

3d. It is the most agreeable to the patient of any drug of its class.

I am glad to know that I am not alone in these conclusions. Prof. J. Foster Flagg, writing on this subject in the July number of the Cosmos, said, “When it is known that it is a notable germicide, an efficient antiseptic, a non-irritant, a decided local anæsthetic, non-poisonous, insoluble in water or glycerine, does not discolor or stain, is possessed of an agreeable odor and no disagreeable taste, and maintaining an unchanged integrity, it will at once be recognized as wonderfully adapted to a large proportion of dento-pathological conditions, from sensitivity of dentine through the varying conditions of pulp irritation, pulp devitalization, pericemental irritation, alveolar abscess, and caries and necrosis of contiguous osseous structures, and that thus it must rank as one of the most, if not the most valuable polychrest which dentistry possesses.”

It seems to me that this endorsement from a teacher and author of such acknowledged ability as Dr. Flagg, ought to place campho-phenique in the armamentarium of every dentist in the land. And now a word on its special uses, and I am through.

First and foremost as a pulp canal dressing in the various pathological conditions, from recent devitalization to alveolar abscess. Here it will take the place of corrosive sublimate, carbolic acid, creosote, oil of cassia, oil of cloves, iodoform, or any germicide heretofore used, except peroxide of hydrogen. If thoroughly rubbed on the gum or injected with a hypodermic syringe, it acts efficiently as a local anæsthetic, not equal however to cocaine, but there are no constitutional effects following its use, and there is no danger of the tissues sloughing. It is quite efficient as an obtunder of sensitive dentine.

The very disagreeable ache which sometimes follows the extraction of abscessed teeth is almost instantly relieved by placing a pledget of absorbent cotton saturated with campho-phenique deep in the painful socket.

These are a few of the chief uses to which this new candidate for favor can be applied; others will suggest themselves to each practitioner. Before closing I want to mention its use for a condition which is not in the realm of dental pathology, but which is a source of annoyance to every dentist who uses plaster and hard water. I refer to the condition generally known as chapped hands. It is one of the numerous forms of eczema, and is greatly relieved by campho-phenique. I use the following formula:

℞ Campho-Phenique, . . . . . . .
Oil of Cade, . . . . . . . . .aa ʒi
Rose Cosmoline, . . . . . . . .℥i
M. Sig.—Apply frequently.

Campho-phenique should never be mixed with water or glycerine. It will mix in all proportions with alcohol, ether, chloroform, and all fatty substances. In dentistry it will seldom be necessary to dilute it at all. Gentlemen, give it a trial, and when you have weighed it in the balance of experience and found it wanting, we will assist you in writing its fate upon the wall.