1647. To Test Creosote

1647.    To Test Creosote. A large proportion of ordinary creosote is simply carbolic acid; but the pure creosote, which constitutes the peculiar smell of smoke, is quite a different substance, and may be distinguished from the false by its behavior with collodion. A mixture of this latter with carbolic acid gives a gelatinous precipitate, while with true creosote the collodion remains clear. Dr. Hager gives another test: To a weak solution of iron, a few drops of ammonia are added, until the precipitate which originally forms is dissolved. Carbolic acid communicates a blue or violet tinge to the solution, while genuine creosote gives a green color, afterward turning to brown.

1648. Charcoal as an Antiseptic

1648.    Charcoal as an Antiseptic. It is well known that charcoal possesses extraordinary powers in checking decomposition, as well as in deodorizing animal substances which have already begun to undergo change. Meat, either before or after it is cooked, may be preserved for a considerable time, even in warm weather, by being placed in the centre of a clean earthenware vessel, and closely surrounded with pieces of common charcoal. To prevent the flies from "blowing" the meat, the vessel ought to be covered with wire-gauze. Putrid water is immediately deprived of its bad smell by charcoal. When meat, fish, etc., from intense heat or long keeping, are likely to pass into a state of corruption, a simple mode of keeping them sound and healthful is by putting a few pieces of charcoal, each about the size of an egg, into the pot or saucepan wherein the fish or flesh is to be boiled.

1649. Caution About Charcoal

1649.    Caution About Charcoal. It must be recollected that in all cases, to exercise its highest powers as a disinfectant, deodorizer, and bleacher, charcoal should be both fresh-burnt and fresh-powdered, and carefully preserved out of contact with the air, until about to be employed. Exposed to the 'air, it rapidly loses its valuable qualities.

1650. To Prevent Water From Putrefying

1650.    To Prevent Water From Putrefying. Keep it in an iron vessel, or immerse fragments of iron in it. Distilled water should be kept in stoppered glass bottles.