MEDICINES. 441 



and when other thinp^s have failed, in flatulent colic ; and is best 

 administered in the form of the aromatic spirit of ammonia, and 

 in doses of one or two ounces, in warm water. 



Chloride of Ammonia, — or sal ammoniac, is scarcely deservingr 

 of a place in our list. It is not now used internally ; and as an 

 astringent embrocation, it must yield to several that are more ef- 

 fectual, and less likely to blemish. 



Anisi Semina, Anise Seed. — This seed is here mentioned prin- 

 cipally as a record of old times, when it was one of the sheet- 

 anchors of the farrier. It is not yet quite discarded from his shop 

 as a stimulant, a carminative, and a cordial. 



Anodynes. — Of these there is but cJne in horse practice : Opium 

 is the only drug that will lull pain. It may be given as an ano- 

 dyne, but it will also be an astringent in doses of one, two, oi 

 three drachms. 



Antimony. — There are several valuable preparations of thig 

 metal. 



The Black Sesqui-Sulphuret of Antimony, a compound of 

 sulphur and antimony, is a good alterative. It is given with 

 more sulphur and with nitre, in varying doses, according to the 

 disease, and the slow or rapid effect intended to be produced. It 

 should never be bought in powder whatever trouble there may be 

 in pulverizing it, for it is often grossly adulterated with lead, 

 manganese, forge-dust, and arsenic. The adulteration may be 

 detected by placing a little of the powder on a red-hot iron plate. 

 The pure sulphuret will evaporate without the slightest res- 

 idue — so will the arsenic : but there will be an evident smell of 

 garlic. A portion of the lead and the manganese will be left 

 behind. 



Antimonii Potassio Tartras, Emetic Tartar. — The tartrate 

 of potash and antimony, or a combination of super-tartrate of 

 potash and oxide of antimony, is a very useful nauseant, and has 

 considerable effect on the skin. It is particularly valuable in in- 

 flammation of the lungs, and in every catarrhal affection. It is 

 given in doses of from one drachm to a drachm and a half, and 

 combined with nitre and digitalis. It is also beneficial in the 

 expulsion of worms. It should be given in doses of two drachms, 

 and with some mechanical vermifuge, as tin filings, or grcund 

 glass, and administered on an empty stomach, and for several 

 successive days. Although it may sometimes fail to expel the 

 worms, it will materially improve the condition of the horse, and 

 produce sleekness of the coat. To a slight degree the emetic tar- 

 tar is decomposed by the action of light, and should be kept in a 

 jar, or green bottle. It is sometimes adulterated Avith arsenic, 

 which is detected by the garlic smell when it is placed on hot 

 iron, and also by its not giving a beautiful gold-colored precipitate 



