Dithymol-diiodide is a substitution compound, in which two molecules of hydroxyl have been replaced by two of iodoxyl, and to this product has been given the name aristol. It contains 48 per cent of iodine. It is insoluble in water, but dissolves in ether and collodion, and slightly in chloroform.

It is a reddish-brown powder, and has a faint aromatic odor. The powder may be applied undiluted or mixed with other innocuous powder, or made into ointment with lanolin or vaseline.

It has been used chiefly in nasal, aural, and cutaneous maladies. In purulent otitis media it has given better results than boric acid, according to Gaevert, Krebs, and Bürkner. In ulcerations of the eye, boils, and granulations it has proved efficacious. For these purposes it is applied in the form of ointment (10 per cent). Chronic rhinitis is also cured by application of the same ointment. In burns, according to Haas, it is a valuable antiseptic and analgesic application. According to Heckel, it relieves sweating of the feet, and in psoriasis it is as effective as chrysarobin, while not staining the neighboring parts. It is also useful in pityriasis.

In local venereal affections, as balanitis, soft chancre, warts, etc., it has usually acted most favorably.

Authorities referred to:

Burkner, Dr. Virchow und Hirsch's Jahresbericht for 1894.

Heckel, Dr. Ibid.

Gaevert, Dr. Ch. Therapeutische Monatshefte, September, 1895.

Krebs, Dr., in Hildesheim. Ibid., August, 1894.

Lewis, Dr. Daniel. The New York Medical Record, June, 1894.