USES.--Boric acid is indicated for all purposes for which an antiseptic is used; it is used in diarrhoea in foals, calves and dogs, combined with other drugs; it has a slightly astringent action of itself; it is excreted in the urine, consequently would exert its influence on the bladder in cystitis, cystic catarrh; 1 part in 800 prevents the development of anthrax-bacilli; useful in skin diseases, also used in keratitis and catarrhal and purulent conjunctivitis, six to ten grains to the ounce, with atropine or cocaine when very painful. Useful in distemper of dogs where the bowels are affected, as an antiseptic. Boric acid is preferred to carbolic acid as an antiseptic for dogs. On account of the paralyzing effect of carbolic acid on the nerves, it hinders the healing of wounds to a certain extent, while the boracic acid does not. Boric acid may be applied pure to wounds and sores or mixed with other suitable drugs as a dusting powder. Equal parts of boric acid and zinc oxide make a cheap and effective healing powder; to an itching wound the addition of an equal quantity of acetanilide increases its value. A saturated solution (four per cent) is useful as a vaginal and uterine douche and to flush the bladder in cystitis. ACIDUM CARBOLICUM CRUDUM--CRUDE CARBOLIC ACID DERIVATION.--A liquid consisting of several different constituents of coal tar, particularly creosol and phenol, obtained by fractional distillation. PROPERTIES.--A nearly colorless, or reddish-brown liquid of a strong disagreeable and creosote-like odor, and gradually turning darker on exposure to the air and light. Soluble in fifteen parts of water. PHENOL--ACIDUM CARBOLICUM--CARBOLIC ACID DERIVATION.--Obtained from crude carbolic acid by agitation with caustic soda, heating to 338° F., and adding hydrochloric acid. Then by agitation with sodium chloride, digestion with calcium chloride, and distillation at a temperature between 336° F. and 374° F. and finally by crystallization. PROPERTIES.--Phenol in its pure state is a solid at ordinary temperatures, crystallizing in minute plates or long rhomboidal needles, white or colorless, of a peculiar odor recalling that of creosote, and an acrid burning taste. It is likely to be colored pinkish or brown under the influence of light and air. Soluble in about 19.6 parts of water, and very soluble in alcohol, ether, chloroform, glycerin, fixed and volatile oils. ACTIONS.--Phenol in large and undiluted doses is an irritant and narcotic poison; it is used as an antiseptic, parasiticide, antiferment and sometimes used as a local anaesthetic or anodyne in a 2 to 5 per cent solution; also as a caustic, but should not be used as a caustic as a burn from it heals very slowly.