34 MEDICINES AND THEIR CLASSES. 



of powdered digitalis. The same ingredients, dissolved in 

 a pint of water, make a diuretic drink for the cow. 



Ecbolics expel the contents of the uterus; they cause 

 abortion or hasten birth. Ergot, hydrastis, savin, and 

 thuja. Ergot is the only one is general use. 



Emetics cause vomiting. Luke warm water, bitter in- 

 fusions, solutions of salt, mustard, alum, ammonium car- 

 bonate, copper and zinc sulphates ; tartar emetic, ipecac, 

 emetine, apomorphine, senega, squill. 



Emollients soften, soothe, and relax parts. They re- 

 semble ' demulcents ' (which see), and include many of 

 the medicines specified in that class. Warmth or moder- 

 ate heat, generated by fomentations, poultices, lint, flan- 

 nel, or woolen cloth, and retained by a waterproof cover- 

 ing, are a species of emollient. Fats, oils, lanolin, vaselin, 

 paraffin, with soap and other liniments, are emollients. 



Emulsions are soft, smooth, milk-like mixtures of oil 

 or resin, suspended in gum, soap, alkali, or white of egg. 



Expectorants aid in removing secretions from the air 

 passages. Those of a depressant type are such as the an- 

 timonials, alkalies in small doses, ipecac, lobelia, jabo- 

 randi, apomorphine, and potassium iodide. The stimula- 

 ting are such as the acids, ammonium salts, mix vomica, 

 senega, squill, balsams, terebinthinates, sulphur, sulphur 

 oils, and saccharines (sweets). 



Febrifuges. — See ' Antipyretics/ 



Fomentations are topical baths. They usually consist 

 of water alone, but vinegar, salines, &c, are sometimes 

 added. They are usually made with a sponge or soft rags, 

 tow, or lint. The temperature ranges from 100°, 110°, 

 120° F., and upward. 



Germicides destroy germs or bacteria. Sodium hydro- 

 fluosilicate (recently discovered) is a cheap and safe ger- 

 micide. (Dun.) Corrosive sublimate, chlorine, chlorina- 

 ted lime, bromine, iodine, quinine, beberine, &c, are all 

 good germicides, especially corrosive sublimate. 



