The uses of wood-charcoal are numerous and extensive. It is very largely employed aga fuel, taking the same place iu many countries that coal occupies here. From its being proof against all ordinary chemical agencies, "a superficial charring is frequently to, with the view to protect wood from decay, as in the case of piles which are driven mho mod or into the beds of rivers to serve as foundations. For the same reason, it is a common practice to char the interior of tubs and casks destined to hold . Inorganic Chemistry 3d ed. p. 77. In a finely-divided state, it is coin Imonly regarded, as has been already stated, as an antiseptic; and there is no doubt that the offensive effluvia from animal matter in an advanced stage of putrefaction disappear when the putrefying substance is covered with a layer of but in decay goes on, without the emission of any odor, till at length the whole of the is dissipated as 'carbonic acid gas, and the hydrogen as water, while the nitro n ' as nitric acid. For these explanations we are indebted to Dr: that the action consists in a rapid process of oxidation, dependent upon the power finely-divided charcoal possesses of condensing oxygen. In a finely-divided state, char ,coal not only condenses gases to a marvelous extent, but has the power of absorbine.
•coloring matters, bitter principles, etc.; and hence it is cf extensive use in the labora tory. From the rapidity of its absorbing action, "Steuhouse has proposed to use a respirator filled with charcoal to protect the mouth and nostrils in an infected atmos phere; and the employment of trays of powdered wood-charcoal in dissecting-rooms, in the wards of hospitals, and in situations where putrescent animal matter is present, is Sound to exert a most beneficial influence in sweetening the atmosphere, by absorbing' and decomposing the offensive gases. These properties render charcoal a valuable
material in the construction of filters, not only for decolorizing purposes, but likewise for assisting in purifying water for domestic use. It is now also employed most success fully to prevent the.escape of noxious vapors at the ventilating openings of the sewers, as it allows the free passage of air, but condenses the offensive effluvia in its pores, where they are destroyed by a process of oxidation.—Miller, op. cit. p. '78. Besides its employment in the manufacture of gunpowder, it has many applications in the arts. In medicine, it is at present chiefly used to destroy fetor; for which purpose it is applied in the form of powder or poultice to gangrenous sores, phagedenic ulcers, etc.; it is also largely employed in tooth-powders, as by its mechanical action it removes incrustations, while by its chemical action it destroys fetor of the breath. In indigestion, accompanied by much flatulence, it may be given in doses of two or three teaspoonfuls suspended is water, or may be administered in the form of charcoal-biscuits. Very finely divided poplar charcoal is regarded as the best for medicinal uses.