SEPSIS. — Like most metallic sub stances, copper has been suggested in septic disorders, but latterly its use has become very restricted.
In threatened puerperal fever good results were obtained by washing out the uterus and vagina with a 5-per-cent. solution of copper sulphate. By control experiments it was found that this salt is antiseptic and fatal to streptococci and staphylococci: the vibriones are, however, not influenced by its use. Tar nier (Centralb. f. Gyniik., May 8, '91; Archives of Gyn., Oct., '91).
SKIN DISEASES.—Here the value of the copper salts rests chiefly in their power as antiseptics, astringents, anti parasitics, and stimulants. The nitrate is powerfully caustic; hence finds a place in the treatment of lupus and other stub born maladies. The sulphate is some times very efficacious in tinea trycophy tina, icthyosis, and ringworm; has also been recommended in scabies, after the scabs are removed. In molluscum the
crystal salt has been applied in substance with excellent results; and French prac titioners often use a strong solution to remove wa.rts.
Oleate of copper is generally efficacious to combat ringworm, and is best em ployed by incorporating with an equal quantity (or perhaps double its weight) of lard. It should be rubbed into the diseased surface thoroughly, and success depends upon the persistence with which the medicament is employed, as much as upon its strength. Joseph Adolphus (Med. Age, Apr. 10, '90).
Oleate of copper may be employed as a plaster for warts and corns. An oint ment of copper oleate (1 to 4 or 8 parts of petroleum cerate) is especially useful in ringworm, if lightly rubbed in night and morning, and is recommended for the removal of freckles. Martindale and Westcott ("The Extra Plir,rm.," Lond., '95).