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214 DENTAL MEDICINE.

sote so closely in many of its characters and medicinal properties,
that the therapeutic applications are the same in the case of both
of these substances. Many, however, consider carbolic acid to
be more efficacious in obstinate discharges than creasote ; and
also less irritating in its crystalline form when applied to very
sensitive organs, such as the pulp of a tooth.
In its pure state it is escharotic ; when diluted, it is rube-
facient, anaesthetic and antiseptic. Internally administered, it is
sedative and carminative, possessing the power of allaving vom-
iting and gastric irritability.
Its powers as an antiseptic and germicide are not now con-
sidered to be equal to those of some other substances, such as
bichloride of mercury, iodine, aristol, etc., although it is yet
regarded as a useful and important agent. It is irritant to the
skin and other tissues, and capable of being absorbed to a dan-
gerous amount. Eisentein regards carbolic acid as an antipyretic
as inferior to salicylic acid, and others regard boric acid as pos-
sessing equal antiseptic properties. As a local anaesthetic, car-
bolic acid exerts a very soothing influence upon painful tissues
;
hence it is beneficial in odontalgia, and for pulp dressing. On
account of its solubility, a variety of solutions of special value
can be formed with it, which are especially serviceable as anti-
septic applications.
The application of large quantities of carbolic acid to an ex-
tensive surface is, however, dangerous, as cases of fatal poison-
ing have resulted by the absorption of this acid; hence, care is
necessary in its use as an external application.
Its nauseous odor and taste and its caustic action render it
objectionable, unless greatly diluted, for internal administration.
To obviate such objections, it is recommended to use it in the
form of sulpho-carbolates.
When applied to the skin or to mucous membrane, it pro-
duces a burning sensation, of short duration, and the eschar is at
first whitish, afterward becoming brown or black, and surrounded
by a zone of inflammatory redness ; and, notwithstanding its
power to coagulate albumen, is rapidly difi^used into the blood.
Carbolic acid exists in the^ blood as a carbolate ; and the blood