Page 248 - My FlipBook

232 THE TREATMENT OF TEETH
than any of the more modern productions. It is
not as powerful a germicide as some (Dr. Black's
tables give 1 in 400 as being efficient), but, perhaps,
combines in itself more valuable properties than any-
other single remedy. It is an excellent cauterant
for an alveolar abscess, and if accidentally forced
through the apical foramen when not needed, is
less irritating than the oils of cassia and cinna-
mon. It has been stated (just as has been oil
of cloves) to be devoid of irritating properties.
This, however, is not borne out either with creosote
or oil of cloves in the clinical experience of the
writer. It appears to be fairly persistent in its
action, and is stated to possess some local anaesthetic
properties. Its odour is, however, strong, and
permeates the operating room ; and an odour of
drugs about an operating room has a disagreeable
effect on some patients. Beechwood creosote is
considered the best.
In making tests in infected bouillon in order to
determine the antiseptic properties of various
essential oils and some other antiseptics, Dr. A. K.
Peck found that 1 in 338 of carbolic acid was an effi-
cient antiseptic; beechwood-creosote, 1 in 1280;
oil of cloves, 1 in 1150; oil of peppermint, 1 in
875; Black's 1, 2, 3 (viz. 1 part oil of cassia,
2 parts carbolic acid, 3 parts oil of wintergreen) was

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