Mercury antiseptic action

The medicinal use of mercurials can also be traced back over 3000 years. They were used by Discorides Pedanius and Pliny as a treatment for syphilis and various skin disorders (Farler 1952). During the eighth and eleventh centuries, Mesue, Rhazas, and Avicenna are also reported to have used mercurial ointments as medicines (Magos 1975). In 1881, the antiseptic action of HgCl2 was demonstrated, and between 1900 and 1920 mercurials were introduced for diuretic... 

Mercurials. Mercurials, such as mercuric chloride and phenyl mercuric nitrate, exert their antiseptic action on bacteria by combining with essential SH... 

Mercurials. Mercurials, such as mercuric chloride and phenyl mercuric nitrate, exert their antiseptic action on bacteria by combining with essential SH groups (Fildes, 1940b). The bacteria appear to be dead, but are easily revived by treatment with a thiol such as thioglycollic acid or even hydrogen sulphide (Chick, 1908). 

The test identifies the substance to be examined as either a salt of mercury, Hg2 + or Hg + or a substance containing covalently bound mercury. At the present, reference to mercury is made in only two monographs. One is an inorganic salt mercuric chloride, HgCl2, which has antibacterial action through precipitation proteins and thimerosal (Figure 3.24.1), which likewise is an antiseptic but also a preservative in pharmaceutical product. The use... 

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