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CARBOLIC ACID. 217

though the discharge of pus may be increased for a short time
after its application there is soon manifested a decided dimi-
nution in the quantity secreted. When applied to a suppurating
pulp it arrests putrefaction, and induces a healthy action without
irritation. It is also a valuable antiseptic application in ulcer-
ations of the mucous membrane of the mouth, gangrenous con-
ditions and mercurial stomatitis ; for such purposes it is com-
bined with glycerine and other agents. Applied to exposed
pulps, it forms, by its escharotic action, an eschar, which some
regard as conducive to the recovery of the organ, while others
regard the quiescent state it produces as an indication of the de-
generation of the pulp, and hence prefer to use it in a diluted
form, for the same object, objecting to its employment in its
pure state, on account of its escharotic or caustic action.
It is also useful as a styptic in case of superficial hemorrhage
from the gums after the extraction of teeth, especially in combi-
nation with other agents. A preparation known as phenol sodique
is often employed for such a purpose.
Oil of cloves, when added to an equal quantity of carbolic
acid, will disguise, to some extent, its taste and odor. It can
also be perfumed by adding to I part of carbolic acid 3 parts of
oil of lemon and lOO parts of alcohol (36 degrees). Carbolic
acid is also employed to check the hemorrhage resulting from
the application of leeches to the mucous membrane of the mouth.
When applied to an ulcerated surface, it should be repeated, as
pus is formed or fungous growths appear ; and having formed an
eschar when applied to an exposed pulp, it should not be re-
peated until the eschar is detached from the surface. It has also
been employed in the form of hypodermic injections, for the
relief of neuralgia.
Carbolic acid is also useful as a local anaesthetic. Combined
with glycerine (i part to 12 of glycerine), it will stimulate the
mucous secretion, and hence has been applied to the palate in
cases of deficiency of this secretion to promote the suction of
upper dentures.
When properly diluted with alcohol, it renders soft and
spongy gums firmer and less tender.