460 HEALTH AND DISEASE 



China, and Japan. It is a valuable drug in veterinary practice, and is 

 given internally as well as applied to the skin in various ways. Its chief 

 preparations are spirit of camphor and the compound tincture (better 

 known as paregoric elixir), camphor liniment (camphorated oil), and 

 camphor water. 



Action and Uses. — Externally applied, camphor acts as a stimulant 

 to the skin, and is employed as a liniment, in combination with oil, 

 ammonia, soap, and other ingredients, for relieving sprains and stiffness 

 of muscles and joints. 



It is a stomach stimulant and anti-spasmodic, controlling those con- 

 tractions of the intestine which occur in some forms of colic, and is pre- 

 scribed for persistent diarrhoea. 



It is also a heart stimulant, and is given in febrile diseases, more par- 

 ticularly to overcome nervous prostration following upon attacks of delirium. 

 Large doses cause excitement and convulsive movements of the muscles. 



Alcohol. — Alcohol in the form of brandy, whisky, or other spirit, if 

 not very much diluted, acts as a stimulant both when externally applied 

 and internally administered. The immediate effect of alcohol on entering 

 the blood is to increase the heart's contractions in both number and force, 

 and subsequently to reduce temperature, as elsewhere explained. In cases 

 of fever and prostration, suitable doses of alcohol, whether as wine, sjDirit, or 

 beer, are found to steady the pulse and reduce the number of respirations; 

 but there are exceptions to be met with among horses as among men. An 

 idiosyncrasy sometimes exists by which individuals are unable to benefit by 

 alcohol, and other stimulants must take its place. The effect of this agent 

 should be carefully watched, as the dose is often excessive and loss of 

 appetite results in consequence. In approaching convalescence the amount 

 should be gradually diminished and not abruptly discontinued. In pul- 

 monary congestion alcohol is a valuable remedy, and in its popular forms 

 readily obtainable. Considerable doses are given, and often with the 

 greatest benefit in the early stages of the affection. 



In the form of malt liquors, with gruel, it is given with advantage in 

 convalescence from gastric and intestinal inflammations. 



HEART TONICS 



The heart tonics of known value in equine medicine are digitalis and 

 strophanthus. 



Digitalis. — The leaves of the purple foxglove are the part of the plant 

 chosen for medicinal uses. Dried and finely powdered, they are employed 

 in veterinary practice. An infusion and a tincture are likewise made from 

 them, and an active principle is obtained and known as digitalin. 



