Vaselin.—­Under the name of Petrolatum is sold a semi-solid substance derived from certain kinds of petroleum called cosmoline or vaselin.  It has very soothing powers and does not become rancid and is used as a soothing dressing in sores, boils, and skin affections.  It is frequently used as a base for ointments.  Fluid or liquid petrolatum is much used now in the form of a spray in the treatment of acute and chronic catarrh and after irritant applications to the nasal cavities.  It is put up now in tubes and is much cleaner and purer.  It is very soothing and healing when used in this pure form.

Alcohol (Spirit of Wine).—­Alcohol is a liquid composed of ninety-one per cent by weight of ethylic alcohol and of nine per cent by weight of water.  Alcohol dissolves alkaloids, fatty and resinous substances, and is largely used as a menstruum in obtaining the active principles of drugs in an available form for administration.  It is the basis for spirits, tinctures and elixirs; spirits being solutions of volatile substances in alcohol; tinctures, solutions of active principles of plants, generally obtained by maceration and percolation.  An elixir is a cordial flavored with orange and syrup, used as a vehicle for other remedies and as a stomachic.

Its action is very extensive.  It is used extensively in medical preparations.  It is a good application to prevent bed-sores.  The addition of one dram of alum to a pint makes it more effective.  Hot applications relieve pain in face neuralgia, cold in the face or toothache.  It is often used after bathing in full strength or diluted to rub on the body to prevent taking cold.  It stimulates the digestive organs, nervous system and the circulation.  It is much used in snake-bite.  Its constant use is a menace, as all know.  It should never be taken for disease unless prescribed by a reputable physician.

[Medical uses of common articles 671]

Alum (Alumen).—­Dried alum is an astringent and mild “burner” for growths such as “proud flesh.”  The glycerite of alum is useful in tonsilitis or pharyngitis when it is not acute.  In solution it condenses tissue by coagulating their albumin and acts as an astringent.

Uses of the Strength.—­One dram to a pint of whisky and water aids in checking sweating in consumption when applied with a sponge.  It is a good injection for the whites.  A cotton plug soaked in alum often stops nosebleed by inserting it in the nostrils, or a solution may be thrown or snuffed into the nostrils.  It is also good as a gargle for tonsilitis and sore throat.

Emetic for Croup.—­Put a heaping teaspoonful in thirty-two teaspoonfuls of water or syrup and give a teaspoonful every fifteen minutes until vomiting is produced.  It is often used stronger when quick action is desired.  It is a mild astringent and thus used to check mucous discharges from the bowels, etc.  Burnt powdered alum is often used to destroy “proud flesh.”