Permanganate of potash crystals, better known as Condy’s crystals
have a lot of uses. At public swimming baths it is dissolved in
foot-baths as disinfectant. The oldies also used one or two crystals
in the drinking water of sick fowls or birds and some of the people
apparently also put some crystals in the bath water to get a quick
tan. At a university hostel they even tried to colour a poor guy
purple with it, with rather bad consequences. If you prepare it too
strong it can burn the skin horribly. It was even believed that the
crystals would help for snakebite and for many years it was
considered as the proper emergency treatment.
Don’t
confuse Condy’s crystals with copper sulphate which, according to
tradition, were put in the tea or coffee of ex-servicemen to subdue
"readiness".
This small purple crystal still has, for the hunter
and those who expose themselves to the wilderness, very handy
emergency uses.
Add two or three crystals
per litre of water and stir until the colour is light pink.
Allow the mixture to stand for at least thirty minutes and you
have drinking water in an emergency. If possible, filter the
water and also boil it.
Antiseptic:
Add crystals in water and stir
until it is purple. This mixture can be used to disinfect wounds
as well as for fungus problems i.e. Athletic foot and other
external infections.
Start a fire:
To start a fire, form a small
heap with one teaspoon of crystals, dribble glycerine,
antifreeze or brake fluid on the crystals. Patiently wait until
it catches fire and use to start your fire.
Be sure you have a bottle of Condy’s crystals with
you on your next hunting expedition. It has little weight, does not
take up much space and is versatile in emergencies
