362 ACTIONS AND USES 



volatile oils, ethers, and ammonia, and is frequently pre- 

 scribed with one or more of these allied remedies. 



EXTERNAL USES. In a state of concentration, alcohol, 

 rubbed into the skin, acts as a rubefaeient. Coagulating 

 albumin, it is occasionally applied to arrest bleeding. 

 Beaten up with white of egg, it is used in veterinary as well 

 as in human practice to harden the epidermis and prevent 

 excoriation of parts exposed to pressure. Weak solutions, 

 conjoined with a half to one per cent, of carbolic or salicylic 

 acid, exert anodyne effects, relieving itching in erythematous 

 and other skin diseases. Nettlerash is often treated with 

 dilute spirituous solutions, to which one per cent, of petro- 

 leum benzene may be added. For surgical purposes it is 

 employed as a refrigerant and antiseptic. As a stimulant 

 and refrigerant for bruises, wounds, and strains, it is popu- 

 larly used throughout Scotland in the familiar form of 

 whisky and water. A cooling lotion is made with an ounce 

 each of rectified spirit, vinegar, and ammonium chloride, 

 dissolved in a quart of water. As a refrigerant, ice, how- 

 ever, is generally more convenient and effectual. A 

 convenient solvent for the active principles of many drugs, 

 alcohol is largely used for making tinctures and extracts. 



DOSES, etc. Of rectified spirit, horses and cattle, f i. to 

 giv. ; sheep, fgj. ; pigs, f3iv. ; and dogs, f3Jj. or more, 

 diluted with six or eight parts of water or other bland fluid. 

 Whisky, gin, or brandy, in larger doses may be substituted 

 for rectified spirit ; sherry, port, ale, or stout may be given 

 during convalescence. The suitable doses and the fre- 

 quency of their repetition are mainly determined by the 

 condition of the patient, and the purpose intended to be 

 served. Alcohol acts promptly, but its effects are transient. 

 It is less apt to excite or disagree when given with the food 

 or drinking water. Mixed with oatmeal or linseed gruel, 

 there is little risk of misappropriation. 



To intensify one or another of the effects of alcohol, it is 

 often conjoined with other medicines with ether or am- 

 monia, when more prompt and powerful stimulation is 

 desired ; with opium or chloral hydrate, when anodyne 

 effects are required, or spasms are to be combated ; with 

 digitalis, when the full effects of a cardiac tonic and stimu- 



