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222 DENTAL MEDICINE.
acid upon a solution of bichromate of potash. It is deliquescent,
and very soluble in water aad alcohol, forming an orange-yellow
solution.
Medical Properties and Action—It is a powerful caustic, decom-
posing the tissues by rapid oxidation ; and although it is very slow
and gradual in its action, yet it is deeply penetrating and when its
action ceases, sesquioxide of chromium remains. So destructive
is its effect, that small animals are dissolved entirely, bones and
all, by it, in fifteen or twenty minutes. On account of its pen-
etrating deeply, without much pain, care is necessary in its use
;
and when used as a caustic, the surrounding tissues should be
well protected. The part on which it acts first becomes yellow,
then brown, and ultimately black, and the eschar is detached in
from twenty-four to forty-eight hours. It is a powerful oxidizer,
and gives up its oxygen readily to organic matter, which it thus
dissolves. When in solution, more or less diluted, its action can
be modified, according to the eff'ect desired.
Therapeutic Uses.—Chromic acid is not given internally. In
the form of paste, or solution with water, it is a valuable caustic
in cancerous and other ulcerations, malignant growths, hem-
orrhoids, warts, etc. Chromic acid has been employed with good
eff^ect in syphilitic sores, cases of secondary syphilis, deep and
jagged ulcers of the tongue, and ulceration of inside of the cheek,
mucous tubercles and condylomata. It has also been employed
in the treatment of granular ophthalmia, uterine hemorrhage,
uterine catarrh, etc. It causes less pain than nitric acid and
other caustics, and should never be applied to a surface to be
cauterized in a layer deeper than a line in thickness. For re-
moval of warts, etc., it is employed in a solution of lOO grains
to the ounce of distilled water.
Dental Uses.—In dental practice chromic acid has been em-
ployed for obtunding sensitive dentine; but its most valuable ap-
plication is for the removal of tumors and morbid growths upon
the gums, fungous growths of tooth pulp, etc. When applied to
any part of the mouth, the surrounding parts should be carefully
protected by folds of lint or strips of adhesive plaster, or the rub-
ber dam. A glass rod, or a gold or platinum wire, should be used