Dr. Symes, in the _Pharmaceutical Journal_ of January 10, publishes the
results of his researches on the combination of thymol, chloral-hydrate,
and camphor, acting as an antiseptic. The two former drugs are rubbed
together in a mortar, and an equal quantity of camphor added, which
liquefies the whole, and produces a powerful antiseptic. Its virtues
were immediately tested on some urine containing pus, and which was
already beginning to decompose. Two drops of the compound being added to
it, the putrefaction was arrested. If thymol and camphor alone are
rubbed together, they also become liquid, and this a convenient form
from which to prepare the ointment. Thymol-camphor can be mixed in
almost any proportion with vaseline, _ung. petrolei_, or ozokerine, and
the thymol will not separate, as in crystals, when thymol alone is used.
A solution of thymol in water (1 in 1000) is sufficiently strong for the
spray in surgical operations. If used for the throat, milk and glacial
acetic acid will be found to be good solvents for it.—_London Medical
Record._