VKTEIilXARY SCIEXCE (55 



large doses, i^ lo 2 oz. for the horse, followed in 12 hours 

 by a purgative. 



Applied externally it is an irritant and is used in many 

 liniments. The following liniment may be used where a 

 mild counter-irritant is desired : Oil of turpentine and aqua 

 ammonia, of each 4 oz., linseed oil S oz. Mix. This lini- 

 ment is used chiefly for rheumatic swellings, sprains, and 

 bruises after the active pain is subdued by fomentations, 

 and for sore throats, as seen in distemper. 



Alcohol. — Dose : Korse, ^ oz. well diluted, whisky 

 or brandy 2 to 4 oz. Alcohol is a narcotic poison. It first 

 stimulates, then deranges, and ultimately depresses the 

 functions of the brain and spinal cord. It kills, as a rule, by 

 paralysis of respiration. Medicinally it is a very valuable, 

 diffusible stimulant, anti-spasmodic heart tonic and anti- 

 septic. Moderate doses increase the gastric secretions and 

 aid digestion, but large doses destroy pepsin, arrest secre- 

 tion, and interfere with absorption. There is probably no 

 drug more extensively used than alcohol. It is useful in 

 indigestion, spasmodic colic, cases of poisoning by aconite 

 or tobacco. It is valuable in influenza and debilitating dis- 

 eases. In blood-poisoning whisky combined with quinine 

 is one of the most efl'ective agents we have in controlling 

 the temperature and keeping up the strength of the animal. 



The following is very useful in some cases of indigestion: 

 Whisky i pt., quinine (sulfate) i oz., water i pt. Mix. 

 Give 3 ounces at intervals of 3 to 4 or 6 hours, according to 

 the nature of the case. 



Saltpeter (Nitrate of Potash). — Dose : Horse, i tea- 

 spoonful to half an ounce. Large doses are irritant and 

 cathartic and are liable to cause Inflammation of the bow- 

 els. Medicinal doses are discretive, alterative, antiseptic, 

 febrifugal, and refrigerant. In febrile, inflammatory, and 

 rheumatic complaints it allays fever, lowers excessive tem- 

 perature, and removes by the kidneys both solid and fluid 

 matters. Dissolved in water and applied externally it ab- 

 stracts heat and is a useful refrigerant. Combined with 

 sulfate of iron it makes an excellent tonic for horses 

 recovering from debilitating diseases. 



