444 MEDICINES. 



removing, in tlic.se latter cases, the superficial inflami..iation caused 

 by them, in order that one of a different kind may be excited, and 

 to which the deeply-seated inflammation of the part will be more 

 likely to yield. The blisters used in horse-practice are composed 

 of cantharides or the oil of turpentine, to which some have added 

 a tincture of the croton-nut. 



The art of blistering consists in cutting, or rather shaving, the 

 hair perfectly close ; then well rubbing in the ointment, for at 

 least ten minutes ; and, afterwards, and what is of the greatest 

 consequence of all, plastering a little more of the ointment lightly 

 over the part and leaving it. As soon as the vesicles have per- 

 fectly risen, which will be in twenty or twenty-four hours, the tor- 

 ture of the animal may be somewhat relieved by the application 

 of olive or neat's-foot oil, or any emollient ointment. 



When too extensive a blister has been employed, or, from the 

 intensity of the original inflammation, the blister has not risen (for 

 no two intense inflammations can exist in neighboring parts at the 

 same time), strangury — great difficulty in passing urine, and even 

 suppression of it — has occurred. The careful washing off of the 

 blister, and the administration of plenty of warm water, with 

 opium, and bleeding if the symptoms run high, will generally re- 

 move this unpleasant effect. 



For some important remarks on the composition, application, 

 and management of the blister, see page 362, 



Bole Armenian, — is an argillaceous earth combined with iron, 

 and is supposed to possess some astringent property. The pro- 

 priety of its being administered inwardly is doubtful ; for it may 

 remain in the intestinal canal, and become the nucleus of a cal- 

 culus. On account of its supposed astringency, it is employed ex- 

 ternally to give consistence to ointments for grease. Even the 

 bole Armenian has not escaped the process of adulteration, and is 

 largely mixed with inferior earths. The fraud may be suspected, 

 but not satisilictorily detected, by the color of the powder, which 

 should be a bright red. 



Calamine Powder. — See Zinc. 



Calomel. — See Hydrargyrum. 



Camphor, — is the produce of one of the laurus species, a native 

 of Japan, and too often imitated by passing a stream of chlorine 

 through oil of turpentine. According to Professor Morton, it is a 

 narcotic. It diminishes the frequency of the pulse, and softens its 

 tone. When long exhibited, it acts on the kidneys. Externally 

 applied, it is said to be a discutient and an anodyne for chronic 

 sprains, bruises, and tumors. The camph(yr ball is a favorite one 

 with the groom, and occasionally administered by the veterinary 

 surgeon. Mr. W. C. Spooner uses it, mixed with opium, in cases 

 of locked-jaw, and in doses of from one to two drachms. In the 



