This is probably more valuable as an external than as an internal remedy. in the latter capacity, it has been considered among the stimulant diuretics (II. 632). it depends for its topical efficiency upon the following properties; 1. that of stimulating or altering the condition of the skin, 2. that of correcting fetor and arresting putrefaction, and 3. that of coagulating albumen.

1. As a topical stimulant or alterative, it is employed in chronic cutaneous eruptions, especially those of a scaly character, in deafness from defective secretion in the meatus externus, in burns and chilblains in which it is asserted to be very useful, in chronic indolent ulcers, and as an injection into fistulous sores.

2. With a view to its antiputrescent qualities, which are very extraordinary, it is used as a gargle in the sloughing sore-throat of scarlatina, and as a wash in sloughing burns, gangrenous ulcers, and offensive sores of all kinds, whether cancerous, scrofulous, or syphilitic. it corrects the offensive odour in these cases, while it is also advantageous by its stimulant property.

3. its power of coagulating albumen renders it, in some instances, effectual in arresting hemorrhage from the small vessels of wounded surfaces; and its efficacy in toothache, when introduced into the carious hollow, is probably owing, not only to its benumbing influence on the nervous tissue, but to the protection it affords against the irritant influence of the air, by coagulating the albumen of the liquid secretion, and thus giving it an impervious coating. it is probably useful also in the same way in many ulcers.

Application. To indolent and diseased ulcers it may be applied undiluted, by means of a camel's-hair pencil, and produces on their surface a white coating, which is probably coagulated albumen. in toothache, the cavity having been carefully cleansed, the creasote is introduced first by means of a hair pencil, and afterwards dropped on a piece of cotton. One drop may be applied at a time, and will often succeed, not only in arresting the pain, but in removing it permanently. For application to cutaneous eruptions, it may be used in the form of aqueous solution as a wash, or in the state of ointment. in the form of solution, it is also used as a gargle in putrid sore-throat, to correct the fetor of offensive ulcers, and for arresting hemorrhage. in deafness, the meatus is to be washed out, and a solution of one part of creasote in four parts of oil of almonds is to be thoroughly applied, by means of a camel's-hair pencil.

The solution of creasote, or creasote water, is made by dissolving one part in eighty parts of water. it may be weakened if thought desirable.

Ointment of Creasote (Unguentum Creasoti, U. S., Br.) consists of half a fluidrachm of creasote mixed with an ounce of lard.