MEDICINES. 457 



mors, for blistering or firing. One or two drachms, according to 

 the nature and size of the swelling, may be daily well rubbed in ; 

 but it should be watched, for it sometimes salivates the horse very 

 speedily. The tumors more readily disperse, at the application of 

 a stronger stimulant," when they have been thus prepared. Mer- 

 curial ointment in a weaker state is sometimes necessary for th 

 cure of mallenders and sallenders ; and in very obstinate cases of 

 mange, one-eighth part of mercurial ointment may be added to 

 the ointment recommended at page 409. 



Calomel, the submuriate or protochloride of mercury, may be 

 given, combined with aloes, in mange, surfeit, or worms. It is 

 also useful in some cases of chronic cough, in farcy and in jaun- 

 dice. Alone it has little purgative effect on the horse, but it as- 

 sists the action of other aperients. It is given in doses from a 

 scruple to a drachm. As soon as the gums become red, or the ani- 

 mal begins to quid or drop his hay, it must be discontinued. Cal- 

 omel has lately gained much repute in arresting the progress of 

 epidemic catarrh in the horse. Mr. Percival has succeeded in 

 this attempt to a very considerable extent. In fact, the influence 

 of calomel in veterinary practice seems to have been far too much 

 undervalued. 



Corwuve Sublimate, the oxymuriate or bichloride of mercury, 

 combined with chlorine in a double proportion, is a useful tonic 

 in farcy. It should be given in doses of ten grains daily, and 

 gradually increased to a scruple, until the horse is purged, or the 

 mouth becomes sore, when it may be omitted for a few days, and 

 resumed. Some have recommended it as a diuretic, but it is too 

 dangerous a medicine for this purpose. It is used externally in 

 solution ; m substance in quittor, as a stimulant to foul ulcers ; 

 and in the proportion of five grains to an oiaice of rectified spirit 



n obstinate mange, or to destroy vermin on the skin. It is, how- 

 ever, too uncertain and too dangerous a medicine for the horse- 

 proprietor to venture on its use. 



jEthiops Mineral, the black sulphuret of mercury, is not 

 often used in horse-practice, but it is a good alterative for obstin- 

 ate surfeit or foulness of the skin, in doses of three drachms daily. 

 Four drachms of cream of tartar may be advantageously added 

 to each dose. 



Infusions. — The active matter of some vegetable substances is 

 partly or entirely extracted by water. Dried vegetables yield 

 their properties more readily and perfectly than when in their 

 ^reen state. Boiling water is poured on the substance to be in- 

 fused, and Avhich should have been previously pounded oi pow- 

 dered, and the vessel then covered and placed near a fire. In 

 five or six hours the transparent part may be poured .off, and is 



•^ady for use. In a few days, however, all infusions become thick. 



