MAGNESIUM SULPHATE 213 



dilute mineral acids. Fluid magnesia usually contains in 

 every ounce ten grains of carbonate, dissolved in water 

 charged with carbonic acid gas. 



ACTIONS AND USES. Magnesia is antacid and laxative. The 

 oxide and carbonate are sparingly absorbed, chiefly as 

 chlorides. Thus they combine the action of the saline 

 laxatives with that of the very mild alkalies. Their laxative 

 effect and absence of causticity distinguish them from 

 corresponding lime salts. 



Magnesia does not purge either horses or cattle, but is a 

 gentle laxative for dogs and cats, to which it is occasionally 

 prescribed with calomel, jalap, or buckthorn. Its laxative 

 effects are increased when the bowels contain acid secretions. 

 For foals and calves suffering from acidity and flatulence, 

 acids and bitters are usually the appropriate treatment ; 

 magnesia, however, is sometimes prescribed, but must not be 

 too freely or continuously used, as it is apt to concrete and 

 accumulate in the bowels. It is an antidote in poisoning by 

 oxalic and the mineral acids. It removes arsenic from 

 solution, and for this purpose is most effective in the form of 

 the gelatinous hydrate made by adding caustic potash to a 

 solution of the sulphate. It is occasionally applied as a 

 desiccant. 



DOSES, etc. Foals and calves three or four months old 

 take, as an antacid, 3 SS - to 3i- 5 dogs and cats, grs. v. to 3J- 

 It is given suspended in milk or gruel, and conjoined with 

 carminatives. 



Magnesium peroxide, a white powder, insoluble in water, 

 alcohol and ether, and containing about thirty per cent, of 

 magnesium peroxide (Mg 2 ), or about ten per cent, of 

 active oxygen, has been found serviceable in affections of the 

 stomach and intestine associated with much fermentation. 



DOSES. Small dogs, grs. jss. to grs. v. ; large dogs, grs. vj. 

 to grs. xv., in milk. 



MAGNESIUM SULPHATE. Magnesii Sulphas. Epsom Salt. 

 MgS0 4 .7H 2 0. 



Magnesium sulphate is present in various rocks and soils, 

 in the proportion of fifteen to twenty grains in the pint of 



