ges mothers are frequently
told to use "a saturated solution of boracic acid." A saturated solution
means that the water in the solution has dissolved all of the product
that is put into it that it is capable of dissolving. When boracic acid
is put into water, the water will dissolve it up to a certain point; if
you add more the boracic acid will not dissolve; it will float if it is
in the form of powder, or it will remain at the bottom of the glass if
it is crystal--in other words the water is saturated to its limit and
the solution is known as a saturated solution.

The strength of a saturated solution of boracic acid is as follows:--

Boracic Acid Ounces 1-1/2
Hot Sterile Water Pints 2

which means that 2 pints of hot water will completely dissolve 1-1/2
ounces of boracic acid. If any more boracic acid is added the water
will not dissolve it because it is already "saturated." Inasmuch,
however, as boracic acid is harmless, it is perfectly safe to use the
liquid part of a solution which contains some undissolved acid.

A saturated solution is used in the eyes after it is strained.

Normal Salt Solution.--A normal salt solution is made in the following
proportions:--

Sodium Chloride (ordinary table salt) Grains 128
Sterile Water Pints 2

Normal salt solution is much used in irrigating the bowel. A mother may
safely use it in the proportion of one heaping teaspoonful to two quarts
of water--two quarts being the size of the ordinary fountain syringe.

Carron Oil.--Lime water and raw linseed oil, equal parts. This mixture
is much used in burns. It should be made fresh.

Thiersch's Solution:--

Salicylic Acid Drams 1/2
Boracic Acid Drams 3
Sterile Water Pints 2

Thiersch's solution is a good, mild antiseptic solution, or wash.

Solution of Bichloride of Mercury (1 to 1000):--

Bichloride of Mercury Grains 15
Common Salt Grains 15
Sterile Water Pints 2

Bichloride of mercury is one of the most powerful and poisonous drugs.
Solutions made from it should never be used without special directions
from a physician. In much weaker solutions than the above it is one of
the best antiseptic washes known. It is used to disinfect wounds, for
douches, and for various other purposes, but always by special direction
of a physician.

Other solutions.--Frequently mothers are directed to u