ESCHAROT′ICS

Syn. Escharotic a , L. Substances that destroy the texture of living organic bodies, with the production of an ‘eschar’ or ‘scab.’ Escharotics have been divided into two cla es— mechanical and chemical . Among the former are actual cauteries, as a heated iron, moxas, .; among the latter are all those substances commonly known as caustics. Some writers have subdivided chemical escharotics into ERODING ESCHAROTICS , as blue vitriol, red precipitate, burnt alum, .; and into CAUSTIC ESCHAROTICS , as lunar caustic, pure pota a, strong sulphuric acid, nitric acid, .; but these distinctions po e little practical value. “In cauterising with a heated iron, this should be at a white heat, as, at this temperature, it occasions le pain to the patient, from its causing an immediate death of the parts to which it is applied.” “The surrounding surface should be protected by some non-conductor of heat, but not by wet paper or cloth, as the sudden extrication of steam will produce a blistered surface around the burn, and will much increase the pain.” (Dr R. E. Griffith.) See Caustic , Solution , .