SPONGE. 391 



immersion In the brook, and which is said to convert the 

 flesh in the short period of three days, into a yellow colored 

 spermaceti. Another plan is mentioned by Lord Bacon, 

 in his work Sylva Sylvarium, in Avhich he says that the 

 flesh of an animal may be changed into a fatty substance, 

 by cutting it into pieces, putting it into a glass vessel, 

 covering with parchment, and allowing it to stand for six 

 or seven hours in boiling water. Experiments of this kind 

 might result in profit to those who would undertake them. 

 The use of spermaceti in horse and cattle diseases, is for 

 the making of ointments and salves, especially in hot 

 weather, when lard cannot be conveniently carried without 

 the risk, not ouly of losing a portion of the ointment, but 

 of soiling the clothing, or other articles coming in contact 

 with it. 



Spirits of Hitrous Ether. — Sweet spirits of nitre is 

 well known to most persons as a good household remedy 

 for fevers, etc. In the treatment of diseases of horses 

 and cattle, sweet spirits of nitre is used as a stimulant and 

 antispasmodic. It is also used in the case of a horse 

 having a chill, and in colic. For colic, it was formerly 

 given in combination with laudanum. 



Dose, For horses and cattle, the dose of sw^et spirits of 

 nitre will be from one to two ounces, given in cold water 

 to prevent loss. 



Spirits of Wine. — Alcohol. This is used for making 

 tinctures for medicinal purposes, from the various plants in 

 use. It is also a good stimulant; much better than the 

 bad whisky which is so often poured down the throats of 

 horses affected with colic. 



Sponge. — A valuable article for the cleansing of wounds 

 and sores. 



