LIST OF MEDICINES. 451 



powder mixed with the feed of the horse. ]\Iany liquid medi- 

 cines are also given in this way. Indeed, nearly all medicines 

 may b6 given in some kind of feed, unless so disagreeable to 

 the taste as to make the horse refuse the feed. Of course, when 

 the horse is too sick to eat, the medicine must be given in 

 some other way. 



LIST OF MEDICINES. 



Acetic Acid. — This is a very strong acid. It has great 

 power of dissolving, or eating up, many substances. It will 

 destroy the animal part of bone, leaving the solid part. It is 

 used by some for the purpose of blistering. It acts very quick. 

 The following is a good vesicating liquid to raise little blisters : 



Take — Acetic acid 4 ounces. 



Water 1 pint. 



Powdered cantliarides ^ ounce. 



Mis, and let it stand two weeks, shaking it daily, and then pour off the liquid 

 and bottle for use. 



A sponge or scA^eral folds of cloth may be wet with this, 

 and bound to the part, or it may be frequently rubbed on as a 

 liniment. Its use may be continued from day to day. Use- 

 ful in callous or hardened swellings, spavin, ring-bone, and 

 splint. 



Alcohol is the intoxicating principle of all liquors. When 

 separated from them it is a clear liquid, and in this country is 

 formed of two standard strengths. The stronger article, called 

 rectified sjjirit, has a specific gravity of 0.835. The weaker 

 article is caWed dilute alcohol, or proof spirit, and has a specific 

 gravity of 0.935,' being about one-half water, etc. Alcohol is 

 used very extensively in preparing medicines, as tinctures, 

 extracts, etc. It has the power of extracting the virtues of 

 most plants, and, hence, it is useful in making tinctures. It is 

 added to infusions to preserve them from spoiling. It is used * 

 as an external application to stimulate the skin; also in lice 

 to destroy them. Internally, it is a pure stimulant. 



