170 MEDICINAL USES AND DOSES 



' 

 liquor ammoniae, but is less volatile, less powerful, and rather 



more permanent in its effects. Orfila records that two and 

 a half drachms given to a dog caused gastric inflammation, 

 tetanic convulsions, and death. 



MEDICINAL USES. It is given to all animals in atonic 

 dyspepsia ; conjoins the actions of an antacid and diffusible 

 stimulant ; in small doses promotes secretion of gastric 

 juice, and in larger relieves flatulence and spasm. It is 

 prescribed with nux vomica to stimulate the neuro-muscular 

 apparatus in obstruction of the bowel. A few doses 

 materially help the extra rug, warm bran mash, and other 

 hygienic remedies in combating chill, blowing, and other 

 premonitory symptoms of disease of the air-passages in hard- 

 worked horses. It stimulates both cardiac and respiratory 

 functions, and hence is prescribed in influenza, and in the 

 later stages of various acute debilitating inflammatory com- 

 plaints, in many of which it may be substituted for or 

 conjoined with alcoholic stimulants. In respiratory disease, 

 while sustaining the action of the heart, it promotes secretion 

 and expectoration, and hence relieves bronchial congestion, 

 being especially serviceable when the lower bronchi are 

 choked with tough mucus, and cardiac action is weak. It is 

 sometimes given to dogs as a stimulant emetic ; acts without 

 nausea, and usually promptly ; but as it is somewhat un- 

 certain is best used in conjunction with ipecacuanha, or 

 other emetic. It sometimes averts epileptic fits in weakly 

 dogs. It neutralises the poisons of wasp stings and insect 

 bites. A useful dressing for removing the scales of psoriasis 

 is made by adding one part to ten of unguentum simplex. 



DOSES, etc. Horses take 3ij- to 3iv. ; cattle, 3iij- to 3 V J- 5 

 sheep and pigs, grs. xv. to grs. Ix. ; dogs, grs. iij. to grs. viij. 

 It is given either in bolus with linseed meal, or dissolved in 

 gruel, which, to prevent coughing from liberation of 

 ammonia, must be used cold. Where prompt stimulant 

 effects are required, ammonium carbonate is conjoined with 

 alcohol or ether ; where febrifuge and expectorant effects 

 are sought, it is prescribed with spirit of nitrous ether, 

 potassium chlorate, and camphor ; while in chronic gastric 

 derangements it is given with gentian, ginger, or cinchona 

 bark. 



