12 On the Use and Abuse of Purgatives, 



he observed, that disappointment with respect to the Purg-ative 

 effect of an Aloetic ball^ arises from tlie circumstance of the medi- 

 cine acting" upon the Kidnies, instead of the Bowels, and therefore 

 it becomes necessary, in all such cases, to notice the colour of Ihe 

 Urine, which Avill be found always deeply tinged with the Aloes. 



The average time requisite for the production of the Purgative 

 effect of Aloes on the bowels of the Horse, is twenty-four hours ; 

 but great latitude must be allowed in this particular, if it were only 

 on account of the difference in the constitutions of Horses, and 

 more especially when this circumstance is coupled with the great 

 variety of treatment which they get, both before and after the ex- 

 hibition of ihe medicine. And therefore in some instances it hap- 

 pens that Horses will be purged in twelve hours after the Physic is 

 given, in others thirty-six hours, or even a longer space of time 

 may elapse before the medicine operates. But if the Horse have 

 been treated in the way of preparation, upon the plan which I have 

 recommended, and should shew no disposition to be purged at the 

 expiration of thirty hours after the Physic is given, it will uniformly 

 J3e found safe and proper practice, to give one-fourth part of the 

 original dose every six or eight hours, continuing the Mashes with 

 warm water and gentle exercise at intervals, frequently repeated, 

 until the <lesired effect be produced. 



A practice this, far more safe and preferable to that which is com- 

 monly had recourse to, viz. that of giving the Horse a much stronger 

 dose at the end of two or three days, which is done with a view to 

 insure the certain and complete operation of the medicine. 



But should it so happen, that from some peculiarity of constitu- 

 tion, the medicine should not operate^ and that the Horse should 



