Care is no cure, but corrosive.
Shak.
Corrosive sublimate (Chem.), mercuric chloride, HgCl2; so called because obtained by sublimation, and because of its harsh irritating action on the body tissue. Usually it is in the form of a heavy, transparent, crystalline substance, easily soluble, and of an acrid, burning taste. It is a virulent poison, a powerful antiseptic, and an excellent antisyphilitic; called also mercuric bichloride. It is to be carefully distinguished from calomel, the mild chloride of mercury.
Cor*ro"sive, n. 1. That which has the quality of eating or wearing away gradually.
[Corrosives] act either directly, by chemically destroying the part, or indirectly by causing inflammation and gangrene.
Dunglison.