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CHLORIDE OF MAGNESIA. 327

of aluminium and charcoal. By placing the anhydrou chlorides
of aluminium in water, it is converted into hydrated chloride. It
is said to be quite as potent as chloride of zinc or carbolic acid,
and devoid of poisonous properties and unpleasant odor, and is
unirritating, rendering it a useful antiseptic and disinfectant. As
it does not cauterize, it is especially convenient for applications
to the mouth. The taste is sharply saline, like that of alum, and
its action closely approximates that of chloride of zinc.
In dental practice it has been used in the treatment of peri-
odontitis, alveolar abscess, caries of bones, putrid pulps, alveolar
pyorrhoea, and other diseases of mucous membrane.

CHLORIDE OF MAGNESIA—MAGNESII CHLORIDUM.
Formula.—MgCl^-j- 2Na.
Chloride of Magnesia is prepared by evaporating to dryness a
concentrated solution of muriate of magnesia, the chloride being
obtained in the state of a fused hydrate. It is a bitter, very
deliquescent salt, vi^hich acts mildly and favorably as a purgative,
causing a flow of bile, and an increase of appetite. On account
of its extreme deliquescence the liquid form, prepared by dis-
solving the salt in its weight of water, is preferred. The dose,
diluted, is .^ss to .^j. In dental practice the chloride and hypo-
chlorite of magnesia have been employed for bleaching teeth.

CHLORIDE OF TIN—STANNUM CHLORIDIUM.
Formula,—SnCl2.
Chloride of tin is prepared by heating tin and hydrochloric
acid together, and has been recommended for local application in
purulent discharges. According to M. Mallez, chloride of tin
has a direct action upon purulent secretions from mucous
surfaces, without any substitutive action, like nitrate of silver
for instance. Placed in contact with pus globules, under the
microscope, these are seen to immediately disappear. In purulent
diseases of the eye, also it was successful. A solution, consisting
of 3ss of the salt in fsiij of distilled water, is used for injections.