CHOLAGOGTJES 117 



mucus, and promptly discharging it by the mouth as well as 

 by the rectum. 



Owing to the low blood-pressure in the portal vein, and 

 also the low pressure at which bile is secreted, there is little 

 vis a tergo to overcome obstruction in the gall ducts, and 

 hence the bile flow is rather liable to stagnation, with conse- 

 quent increased reabsorption. This is apt to occur in human 

 patients living largely on albuminoid food, and not taking 

 sufficient brisk exercise. It also occurs in cattle forced for 

 exhibition, and in all animals as a concomitant of intestinal 

 catarrh. It is frequent among horses suffering from in- 

 fluenza, and the circulation of bile accounts not only for the 

 yellow membranes, but also, in great part, for the dulness 

 and languor characterising such complaints. The removal 

 of this superfluous bile in these cases is suitably effected by 

 half a dose of physic, or by some calomel or grey powder, 

 followed by or conjoined with salines. Nitro-muriatic acid 

 and iron salts, which experience shows to be subsequently 

 serviceable, owe their good effects, at least in part, to their 

 action on the liver. In jaundice, Kobertson prescribed a 

 purgative, followed by salines, and subsequently adminis- 

 tered twice daily a bolus of inspissated ox bile, alternately 

 with aromatic spirit of ammonia. 



The pancreas has been termed an abdominal salivary 

 gland, but its secretion not only converts starch into sugar, 

 but also digests proteids, and breaks up and emulsifies fat. 

 Not much is accurately known regarding the action of drugs 

 upon the pancreas. Its secretion is increased when ether is 

 introduced into the stomach, and diminished in dogs by 

 atropine and vomiting. Calomel and salicylic acid check 

 decomposition of pancreatic juice. 



Few investigations have yet been made regarding the 

 action of drugs on the spleen. 



MEDICINES WHICH KILL OR EXPEL WORMS 

 ANTHELMINTICS VERMICIDES VERMIFUGES 



ANTHELMINTICS are agents which kill or expel intestinal 

 worms. They include vermicides, which kill the parasites, 



