Salt Solutions for Wounds
We read that anciently the wounds of the martyrs were often covered with salt to render them more painful. It is now discovered that a solution of salt to wounds is beneficial. The medical commission of the British army makes this official recommendation: “In place of antiseptics, then, this commission has recommended as of great value the application, to the deep and ugly wounds, of what is called a hypertonic solution of salt and water, to promote the outflow of lymph. This sets a current flowing from the tissues, and saves absorption and retention, and cleanses by elimination.” But they think the best application is a five per cent solution of common salt. Sea water has two and one half per cent of salt, and this may be employed to advantage when a stronger solution cannot be obtained.