ACTION AND USES OF MEDJCINKS. 147 



290. Saline enhstances. 



Saline substances, such as Sulphate of Magnesia or Epsom Salts are 

 also used as purgatives. In addition to their purgative properties, they 

 seem to alter the condition of the blood and to diminish its tendency to 

 coa^lation m certain diseases. Hence in fevers they are often adminis- 

 tered with benefit ; but as a general rule they are neither so safe nor so 

 certain m their action as aloes. 



291. Clysters or Enemata. 



f3^'^^''j ''}^''T'^ '^^^''^ Enemata, soften and loosen the hardened 

 feces, and also by mechanically distending the lower gut cause it to 

 evacuate Its contents The excitement of the lower intestines sometimes 



Kl nnM 1 71 . "'' '°^''' ^^^ '"^^^^ intestines to action. The water 

 hou Id be of the temperature of new milk. The quantity of water thrown 

 up at one ime should not exceed quarts. No violence should be used 

 m forcing it up. \\ hether the insti-unients used are the ordinary syrinfre 

 patent pump, common bladder, or leather bag and funnel pipe the fluid 



enema T'^'fr' \'^^''''t ^^^^^^ -^ .racluall,. The ob ect of an 

 enema is not to wash out the patient's inside, but simply to rouse the 

 powers of natui-e to evacuation. Purgative enemata usually consist of 

 wa m water only, but if a more stimulating effect is desired, common 

 salt, oil, or solution of aloes or soap may be added. Retention for a few 

 minutes should be ensured by keeping the tail down. A second enema 

 after an interval of half an hour is generally beneficial 



..tT'T^ IT'""*'''- '"^^^^^^^^ «f Smel or rice water, are beneficial in 

 case where the patient is unable or unwilling to take food by the 

 mouth. They should not exceed a quart in quantity. If lar^^er they 

 will probably be ejected. ^ == ' ^ 



or a quait of starch m a gallon of water, are said to be useful in check' 

 mg diarrhoea. 



o^l'IZr^'f" ""ir^" ^^ '^^^"- "^"^* *-« «^^^^« -^ ti^^ture of 

 opium to the water. They are said to be useful in allaying spasms in 

 the m estmes. Their utility is, however, extremely doubtful. Gaseous 

 enernata, consisting of tobacco smoke, are also used for a similar purpose 

 Enemata consisting of two ounces of oil of turpentine, diluted with a 

 p nt of ohve oil, are recommended by some Veterinarians for the purpose 

 oi kilhng worms m the large intestines. ^ 



292. Diuretics. 



secTetTof nf ''' '""''^\"'-r '"^'"^- "'* '^ *^" ^^^^^y^ ^^^ '^^'^ i^^reased 

 not it ''"■'''; . i ^ P^^'g^tives, they are absorbed in the blood, but 



not being assimilated, are ejected from it and excreted through the 

 ^idneys. During excretion they cause irritation, and hence produce in- 

 creased secretion. The body should be kept cool during the period of 



