Creosotum. Creosote, or Kreosote. [Creasotum. Creasote. U. S.] A product of the distillation of Wood Tar.

Prep. During the destructive distillation of wood in the preparation of pyroligneous acid, amongst other hydrocarbons creosote is formed; it is also obtained from oil of tar, or pyroxylic oil, and is contained in the smoke from wood.

Prop. & Comp. A colourless transparent liquid, of peculiar strong odour and burning taste; sp. gr. 1.065; [1.046. U. S.] very slightly soluble in water, but soluble in acetic acid, alcohol, and ether; coagulates albuminous fluids, and has considerable preservative powers over both animal and vegetable matter; it. should volatilize entirely at 212° Fah., and not leave a transparent stain on bibulous paper. A slip of deal dipped into it, and afterwards into hydrochloric acid, and allowed to dry in the air, acquires a greenish-blue colour. Much doubt exists as to the composition of creosote; much of that found in commerce is carbolic acid. Probably it is a homologue of phenic (carbolic) acid, represented by the formula, C16 H10 O2.

Off. Prep. Mistura Creosoti. Creosote Mixture. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] (Creosote, sixteen minims; glacial acetic acid, sixteen minims; spirit of juniper, half a fluid drachm; syrup, one fluid ounce; distilled water, fifteen fluid ounces.)

Unguentum Creosoti. Ointment of Creosote. (Creosote, one fluid drachm; lard, one ounce. Rub them together.) [Creosote, half a fluid drachm; lard, a troy ounce, U. S.]

[Aqua Creasoti. Creasote Water. Creasote, a fluid drachm; distilled water, a pint. U. S.]

Therapeutics. Internally, in small doses, it acts as a stimulant to the stomach, and has often been used with success to arrest certain forms of vomiting, not connected with febrile disturbance of the system; it has been also given with temporary advantage in diabetes. Externally it allays toothache depending on caries, and forms a stimulant application to ulcers and chronic skin disorders, as porrigo; it is used also as a topical styptic in haemorrhages: the vapour mixed with that from hot water is useful in checking excessive expectoration in chronic bronchitis, and correcting the foetor of the sputa in dilatation of the bronchi, and in pulmonary abscess.

Dose. 1 min. to 5 min., in pill, or rubbed up with mucilage, or with a few drops of acetic acid. As an inhalation, 3 min. to 10 min., or more, to the 1/2 pint of boiling water. Of Mistura Creo-soti, 1/2 fl. oz. to 1 1/2 fl. oz.

Incompatibles. Creosote, when mixed with oxide of silver gives rise to much heat, and even flame, from the oxidizing power of the silver compound: hence these two medicinal agents should not be prescribed together. Carbolic Acid. (Not officinal.)

Prep. A product of the distillation of coal.

Description. Carbolic acid is generally met with in the form of an oily liquid, sp. gr. 1.065, with the odour and taste of creosote. It may also be obtained in crystals, which form long and colourless needles, melting at about 95°; a minute trace of moisture causes the liquefaction of the crystals.

Prop. & Comp. Carbolic acid is sparingly soluble in water, soluble in ether, alcohol, and strong acetic acid. It forms crystalline salts with potash, but the solution of carbolic acid does not redden litmus paper. The composition is represented by the formula, HO, C12 H5 O, a hydrate of phenyl; it is sometimes called phenic acid.

Therapeutics. Carbolic acid possesses powerful antiseptic properties, and has been much used lately to correct the foetor of gangrenous and offensive sores; it renders the discharges less noxious, and removes their disagreeable and putrid smell: hence it is particularly useful in cases of necrosis and caries, and other ulcerations attended with offensive discharges. Internally it resembles creosote in its action, and may be given in similar cases.

Dose. As an external application to ulcers, etc., 1 part of the acid to 7 or 8 of water. Internally 1 min., in the form of a pill. Petroleum. Barbadoes Tar. (Not officinal.)

Description. A black, bituminous liquid, exuding spontaneously from the earth, and found upon the surface of some lakes, especially in the islands of Barbadoes and Trinidad; it resembles treacle in appearance, has a dark-red colour when seen by transmitted light through thin layers, and a peculiar bituminous or tar-like odour and taste: it is lighter than water; sp. gr. about 0.88.

Prop. & Comp. It is insoluble in water, but soluble in fixed and volatile oils, also in ether; inflammable, burning with a very smoky flame; very complex in composition, containing many different hydrocarbons, among which are eupione and paraffine; when exposed to the air, it hardens into a species of asphaltum.

Therapeutics. Very closely resembles tar and pitch in its action, being a stimulant, diaphoretic, and expectorant: by some thought to be anthelmintic: it has been employed chiefly in chronic squamous skin affections, rheumatism and bronchitis. It may be employed internally or externally.

Dose. 1/2 fl. drm. to 1 fl. drm., or more.