MEDICINES USED FOR THE HORSE. 89 



the surface may bo cleansed before another application is made for the 

 night. It allays irritation and is quite soothing to the parts. 



Bose. Internally it is given in doses of from ^ to 1 drachm. 



Red Iodide of MERCUirr. (Called also Biniodide of Mercury.) 

 This is a powerful irritant poison, when taken internally, and is now 

 used only as an external remedy. It is a scarlet-red powder, which, like 

 other preparations of mercury, is very heavy for its bulk; not soluble in 

 water and only slightly so in alcohol. It is held in great repute by 

 veterinary surgeons for swellings of the glands of the neck, tumors 

 and unnatural growths of all kmds. 



It is used principally with Cantharides mixed with lard, which forms 

 an excellent blister for various purposes. It is not generally used where 

 it is desired to blister a large surface, as it produces considerable pain. 



Rosin, ok Resin. This is the residue left from the distillation of 

 turpentine, and is used by horsemen quite freely, and oftentimes is the 

 cause of much mischief, as it is used, to a considerable extent, to cause 

 the horse to urinate more freely, and the overdoses, so frequently 

 given, are often the cause of various diseases of the kidney and loins. 

 The oftener rosin is given the horse, the more he stands in need of it, in 

 the eyes of the driver. The kidneys become over -worked, he desires to 

 urinate more frequently and less urine is voided at each time. The mis- 

 chief is not seen, and the owner hastens to give more rosin, thinking to 

 remedy the defect that he has been instrumental in producing. It should 

 be remembered that powerful diuretics, like powerful purgatives, tend 

 only to w^eaken and to debilitate. If there be a urinary defect find out 

 the cause, and, if possible, have it removed, and the effect will cease ; 

 but do not attempt to do so by force against all science and common 

 sense. 



Sweet Spirits of Nitre. This is generally considered a good house- 

 hold remedy for fevers, &c. It is used for the horse to increase tlie ac- 

 tion of the kidneys : but should not be given too freely in all cases of 

 supposed inaction of the kidneys. 



The dose, is from 1 to 2 ounces, given with a little cold water. 



Sulphur. Is a valuable medicine, given internally, for rheumatism, 

 in doses of i to 2 ounces, and also for various disorders. It is also used 

 with grand success for skin diseases. 



Tar. The tar used in this country is prepared mostly from a species 

 of pine growing in the Southern States. Tar consists of resinous mat- 

 ter united with the acetic acid, oil of turpentine and various volatile 

 empyreumatic products, and colored with charcoal. 



Uses. The medical properties of tar are similar to those of the tur- 

 pentines. It is used occasionally with good results for complaints of 

 the urinary passages, and also for coughs. Externally it is used for foul 



