LIST OF MEDICINES. 461 



and the whole put in a pint of gruel, and given as a drench. 

 The meal of the croton-nut is preferred by veterinary sur- 

 geons. The dose is from twenty to thirty grains, mixed with 

 an ounce of linseed-meal to form a ball, using sufficient palm- 

 oil to form the ball. Croton is useful in severe cases of stran- 

 gles, lock-jaw, dropsy of the chest or belly. It is not near so 

 dangerous as many suppose. 



Ciihehs is generally used in powder or tincture. It is stimu- 

 lant and diuretic, and has a good effect on the kidneys. It 

 is used in treatment of diseases of the kidneys and de- 

 rana-ed conditions of the water. The dose is one ounce of the 

 tincture ; of the powder, two to four drams. 



Digitalis. — This is a foreign plant, the tincture of the leaves 

 being used. It is narcotic, and produces a powerful sedative 

 effect on the heart's action. The mode in which it influences 

 the heart's action is not by regularly diminishing the number 

 of pulsations, but at first, apparently, stopping the heart's 

 action for the time of several beats. When this effect is ob- 

 served the disease will begin to yield, and the digitalis may 

 be given afterward in only half the dose before used. Digi- 

 talis is also a mild diuretic. This remedy sometimes acts very 

 singularly, having no effect until several doses have been given, 

 and then commencing with the same power as if all the doses 

 had just been given in one dose. This is called its cumulative 

 effect. It should be closely watched when given. 



Elecampane. — The root of this well-known plant is the part 

 used. It is given in powder, and is useful in chronic lung dis- 

 eases. Dose from two drams to an ounce ; generally given in 

 compounds. 



Elixir of vitriol is a cooling tonic. It also improves di- 

 gestion. From its effect on the human patient, I think it 

 would be good for the horse that sweats too much or too easily. 

 It is used in glanders and farcy. It may be given in doses of 

 from eight to one hundred and twenty drops, in a bucket of 

 water, once or twice a day, or whenever he drinks. 



