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102 DENTAL MEDICINE.
which the different kinds of vegetables, plants and animals are
generated. The discoveries in bacteriology have brought about a
revolution in the treatment of many diseases, namely, tuberculosis
—as the Koch treatment—typhoid and other fevers, carbuncle,
erysipelas, diptheria, pneumonia, influenza, malaria, tetanus, etc.,
etc. (See Use of Antiseptics in Dental Practice.^

AROMATIC BITTERS.
Aromatic bitters differ from simple bitters in the aromatic
constituents they contain. They possess tonic properties and
invigorate digestion and promote constructive metamorphosis.
They are employed in the same cases as simple bitters, but ap-
pear to possess some specific properties due to the aromatic con-
stituents. Included in this class are sepentaria, prunus virginiana,
canella, anthemis, etc.
CARMINATIVES.
Carminatives are medicinal agents capable of dispelling flatu-
lence, and allaying pain in the stomach and bowels. Included in
this class are such agents as cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, corian-
der, lavender, juniper, ginger, caraway, peppermint, etc.
CAUSTICS.
Caustics are medicinal substances capable of destroying vitalized
tissue. (See Irritants.)
CAUTERANTS (See Irritants).
CONSTRINGENTS (See Astringents).
COUNTER-IRRITANTS.
Counter-irritants are medical agents which are employed to
produce external irritation for the purpose of relieving or curing
diseased action in another part, as in periodontitis, for example,
when such agents as iodine, cantharidical collodion, creasote and
iodine, aconite and iodine, ammonia, etc., etc., are applied to the
gum over the root of the affected tooth. (See Irritants.)

DESICCATIVES.
Desiccatives are medicinal agents capable of checking secre-
tions and arresting mucous discharges from ulcers, wounds, etc.
(See Absorbents.)