Carbo-Ligni. (Wood Charcoal.)

Is an absorbent and antiseptic, and has this general use, both internally and topically. Given in water-brash, or where there is decomposition of the food, it is sometimes quite beneficial. So in topical disease—with free secretion and tendency to sepsis— its local application absorbs the one and checks the other.

The specific use of charcoal is to arrest hemorrhage from the bowels. It is used in enema, ʒj. to ℥ij. finely powdered, to four ounces of water, thrown up the rectum. Why it checks it I can not tell; that it does it, I have the evidence of my own eyes.

Specific Medication and Specific Medicines, 1870, was written by John M. Scudder, M.D.