388 



THE HORSE. 



cences, or stiniulttn indolent ulcers, or remove portions of cellular sub. 

 stance or muscle i<ifcctecl by any poison. They are the butyr of antimony 

 blue vitriol — verdigris — corrosive sublimate — lunar caustic, and sul- 

 phuric acid. See these ditlerent substances. 



Chalk is used only in combination with catechu for superpurgation, and 

 in the proportions directed under the article Catechu. The prepared or 

 levigated chalk is generally preferred. 



Chamomile- — The powder of the flower is a useful vegetable tonic, and 

 the mildest in our list. It is given in doses of one or two drachms, and is 

 exliibited in the early stage of convalescence to ascertain whether the 

 febrile stage of the disease is passed, and to prepare the way for a more 

 powerful tonic, the gentian. If no acceleration of pulse, or heat of mouth, 

 or indication of return of fever, accompanies the cautious use of the chamo- 

 mile, the gentian, with carbonate of iron, may be safely ventured on ; but 

 if the gentian had been used first, and a little too soon, there might have 

 been a considerable, and, perhaps, dangerous return of fever. 



Charcoal is a useful antiseptic, and, mixed with a poultice, readily 

 removes the foetid smell of unhealthy ulcers, or cracked heels. 



Charges are thick, adhesive plasters, spread over parts that have been 

 strained or weakened, and, being applied to the skin warm, adhere for a 

 considerable time. The following mixture makes a good charge — Bur- 

 gundy or common pitch, five ounces ; tar, six ounces ; yellow wax, one 

 ounce, melted together, and when they are becoming cool, half a drachm 

 of powdered cantharides well stirred in. This must be partially melted 

 afresh when applied, and put on the part with a large spatula, as hot as it 

 can be, without giving the animal too much pain. Flocks of tow should 

 be scattered over it while it is warm, and thus a thick and adhesive cover- 

 ing will be formed, which cannot be separated from the skin for many 

 months. This is applied for old sprains of the loins, and also strains of 

 the back sinews. The charge acts in three ways — by the slight stimulant 

 power which it possesses, it gradually removes all deep-seated inflamma- 

 tion — by its stimulus and by its pressure, it promotes the absorption of any 

 callus or thickening beneath ; and, acting as a constant bandage, it gives 

 tone and strength to the part. 



Clysters. — These are useful and too often neglected means of hastening 

 tlie evacuation of the bowels, when the disease requires their speedy 

 action. The old ox-bladder and wooden pipe may still be employed, and 

 a considerable quantity of fluid may be thrown into the intestine ; but the 

 patent stomach and clyster-pump of Mr. Reid is far preferable, as enabling 

 the practitioner to inject a greater quantity of fluid, and in a less time, and 

 has lately been introduced into general practice. 



Two ounces of soft or yellow soap, disscjlved in a gallon of Avarm water, 

 will form a useful aperient clyster ; it will detach or dissolve many irritat- 

 ing substances that may have adhered to the mucous coat of the bowels. 

 For a more active aperient, eight ounces of Epsom salts, or even of common 

 salt, may be dissolved in the same quantity of water; a more active injec- 

 tion, but not to be used if much purgative medicine has Iieen previously 

 given, may be composed of an ounce of Barbadoes aloes, dissolved in two 

 or three quarts of warm water. If nothing else can be procured, warm 

 water may be employed ; it will act as a fomentation to the inflamed and 

 'rritable surface of the bowels, and will have no inconsiderable etlect even 

 as an aperient. 



In cases of over-purging, or inflammation of the bowels, the injection 

 must be of a soothing nature : it may consist of gruel alone ; or /f \he 

 uurging be great, and diflicult to stop, the gruel must be thicker, (our 



