MEDICINES. 439 



as in this divided state it will not aiways, two or three additional 

 drachms are given on the third day. The consequence is, that 

 the bowels havinj^ been rendered irritable by the tbrmer doses, 

 the horse is over-purged, and inflammation and death occasion- 

 ally ensue. In physicking a horse, whatever is to be done should 

 be done at once. Whatever quantity is intended to be given 

 should be given in one dose. 



The system of giving small doses of aloes as alteratives is nc 

 good. These repeated minute doses lodging in some of the folds 

 of the intestines, and at length uniting, often produce more eflect 

 than is desirable. It is never safe to ride a horse far or fast, with 

 even a small dose of aloes within him. 



Most of all objectionable is the custom of giving small doses 

 of aloes as a nauseant, in inflammation of the lungs. There is 

 so much sympathy between the contents of the chest and the 

 belly in the horse, and inflammation of one part is so likely to 

 be transferred to another, that it is treading on very dangerous 

 ground, when, with much inflammation of the lungs, that is 

 given which will stimulate and may inflame the intestines. 



Aloes are most commonly, because most easily, administered in 

 ilie form of ball, but in a state of solution their eflect is more 

 speedy, eflectual and safe.^ 



Aloes are usetul in the form of tincture. Eight ounces of 

 powdered aloes, and one ounce of powdered myrrh, may be put 

 into two quarts of alcohol, diluted with an equal quantity of 

 water. The mixture should be daily well shaken for a fortnight, 

 and then suflered to stand, in order that the undissolved portion 

 may fall to the bottom. This will constitute a very excellent 

 application for wounds, whether recent or of long-standing and 

 indisposed to heal. It is not only a gentle stimulant, but it forms 

 a thin crust over the wound, and shields it from the action of the 

 air. 



The principal adulteration of aloes is by means of resin, and 

 the alteration of color is concealed by the addition of charcoal or 

 lamp-black. This adulteration is easily enough detected by dis- 

 solving the aloes in hot water. All aloes contahi some resinous 

 matter, which the water will not dissolve and which has very 

 slight purgative eflect. The excess of this resin at the bottom 

 of the solution will mark the degree of adulteration. 



Alteratives, — are a class of medicines the nature and eflect 

 of which are often much misunderstood, and liable to considerable 

 abuse. It is a very convenient name in order to excuse that pro- 

 pensity to dose the horse with medicines, which is the disgrace 

 of the groom, and the bane of the stable. 



* See note by Mr. Spooner, on page 225 



