444 HEALTH AND DISEASE 



valuable, although we cannot give a reason in all that pertains to it " for 

 the feith that is in us ". With all the advantages enjoyed by our medical 

 friends, their practice is still largely empirical, and the scientific reason is 

 often not forthcoming until a century or two has proved the utility even of 

 such medicines as quinine and sulphur. 



MEDICINES AND THEIR PREPARATIONS 



The following useful formulae may be taken to represent those " stock " 

 medicines which are kept in readiness in large studs for ordinary and un- 

 complicated cases which may be anticipated where any considerable number 

 of horses are employed. 



The purgative or aloetic ball is, in the language of the horseman, called 

 "physic" or a "physic ball", to the exclusion of all other medicines with 

 equal rights. While unwilling to perpetuate a wrong impression, it is 

 absolutely necessary that our readers should be quite clear as to the mean- 

 ing of the term. They are spoken of as so many " dram" physic-balls, and 

 this always relates to the number of drams of aloes contained in the bolus, 

 and not to its gross weight, which will be about one-third more. A dram 

 or so of ginger in powder is usually found in each dose, and is given with 

 a view to preventing any griping effects from the aloes. 



The cheap, ready-made balls obtained at drug-stores are too often made 

 from Cape and Socotrine aloes, which long experience has proved to be less 

 suitable for horses than the variety known as, and chiefly obtained from, 

 Barljados. 



The materials used to give a proper consistence to a mass are various; 

 the common object desired is a substance that can be cut and manipulated 

 into a shape that it will retain when wrapped in paper. Soft soap is a con- 

 venient material if the ball is to be used immediately, but hardens too 

 much if kept as a mass. Glycerine, castor-oil, linseed- and rape-oil are also 

 used, the first-named retaining the moisture and consistence desired, and 

 not having the objection of greasing and staining the wrapper, which is tlie 

 invariable consequence of employing oils, unless a gelatine capsule is sub- 

 stituted for paper; but these again offer a disadvantage in being slippery 

 when wet, and therefore more likely to escape from the hand in the act of 

 being administered. (See Administration of Balls.) 



The formula recommended by Professor Tuson of the Royal Veterinary 

 College has been largely adopted. It is as follows: — 



Barbados Aloes ... ... ... Bounces. 



Powdered Ginger 2 ounces. 



Eape-Oil 1 ounce. 



