VARIOUS SOLUTIONS
Boracic Acid Solution.—In the previous pages mothers are frequently told to use "a saturated solution of boracic acid." A saturated solution means that the water in the solution has dissolved all of the product that is put into it that it is capable of dissolving. When boracic acid is put into water, the water will dissolve it up to a certain point; if you add more the boracic acid will not dissolve; it will float if it is in the form of powder, or it will remain at the bottom of the glass if it is crystal—in other words the water is saturated to its limit and the solution is known as a saturated solution.
The strength of a saturated solution of boracic acid is as follows:—
| Boracic Acid | Ounces | 1-1/2 |
| Hot Sterile Water | Pints | 2 |
which means that 2 pints of hot water will completely dissolve 1-1/2 ounces of boracic acid. If any more boracic acid is added the water will not dissolve it because it is already "saturated." Inasmuch, however, as boracic acid is harmless, it is perfectly safe to use the liquid part of a solution which contains some undissolved acid.
A saturated solution is used in the eyes after it is strained.
Normal Salt Solution.—A normal salt solution is made in the following proportions:—
| Sodium Chloride (ordinary table salt) | Grains | 128 |
| Sterile Water | Pints | 2 |
Normal salt solution is much used in irrigating the bowel. A mother may safely use it in the proportion of one heaping teaspoonful to two quarts of water—two quarts being the size of the ordinary fountain syringe.
Carron Oil.—Lime water and raw linseed oil, equal parts. This mixture is much used in burns. It should be made fresh.