ACETIC ACID.

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bleeding vessels. As a local astringent, it is injected into the nose inepistaxis, and is used as a wash in profuse hsemorrhoidal discharges.The benefit obtained by the application of vinegar and water to theabdomen, vulva, and thighs, in uterine haemorrhages, arises from thecold produced. In phthisis pulmonalis, vinegar diluted with water issometimes serviceable as a palliative, by its refrigerant qualities: itrelieves the hectic symptoms, diminishes or puts a stop to the nightsweats, checks bronchial haemorrhage, and prevents diarrhoea. In maniait has been recommended as a means of allaying cerebral excitement.In poisoning by opium , and some other narcotics, it is used to counteractthe effects of these substances: but as acetic acid forms soluble andpowerful compounds with the active principles of some of these poisons,it ought not to be exhibited until the contents of the stomach have beenevacuated. In poisoning by the alkalies and their carbonates, and bylime, vinegar is the safest and most efficacious acidulous substance thatcan be employed. In diseases attended with phosphatic deposits in theurine, it may be advantageously used either as a medicine or condiment.As an adjunct to the acetate of lead, acetic acid is recommended by Dr.A. T. Thomson, to prevent the formation of carbonate of lead, whichhe believes to be more apt to produce lead colic than the acetate. Inscurvy, the acetic, as well as other vegetable acids, has been found ser-viceable. Clysters containing vinegar have been employed for the purposeof provoking alvine evacuations in obstinate constipation and strangulatedhernia; of expelling the small round worm ( Ascaris vermicularis) ; ofchecking uterine and intestinal luemorrhagc; and of relieving inflammationor congestive conditions of the brain.

As a stimulant, disinfectant, and antiseptic, lotions containing aceticacid are used in gangrenous and other ill-conditioned ulcers. For thesepuiposes crude pyroligneous acid is more efficacious than ordinaryvinegar, on account of the creasote and other substances which it con-tains. In ulceration of the throat, in scarlatina and cynanche, garglescontaining acetic acid or vinegar are sometimes used with good effect.Collyria, containing it, are useful as mild astringent applications in chronicophthalmia, and for removing lime-dust adhering to any part of the globeor lid of the eye.

Sponging the face, trunk, or extremities, with cold or tepid vinegarand water, is frequently most refreshing and grateful in febrile disorders.It diminishes preternatural heat, promotes the cutaneous functions, andoperates as a beneficial stimulant to the nervous system.

Fomentations containing vinegar are used in bruises, sprains, &c.

The concentrated acetic acid sold in the shops under the name ofpyroligneous acid, is a valuable remedy for the cure of the different formsof' porrigo, popularly called ring-worm or scalled head. Its application,which may be effected by means of a piece of lint wrapped round awooden stick, causes acute but temporary pain, redness of the skin, andwhitening of the abraded spots. One or two applications are usuallysufficient to effect a cure. Strong acetic acid is also employed as acaustic to destroy corns and warts. It has been proposed as a speedymeans of exciting rubefaction and vesication, and for this purposeblotting-paper or cambric, moistened with this acid, has been applied tothe neck in cases of croup.

Under the name of aromatic vinegar, concentrated acetic acid, flavoured

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