736 THE PEOPLE'S FARM AND STOCK CYCLOPEDIA. 



containing the medicine inside of another vessel which contains 

 water. Place this on a fire, and heat slowly until the lard melts; 

 then remove it from the fire, and when it gets so near cold that 

 the cantharides will not settle, stir it thoroughly, and it is ready 

 for use. 



When a bone is affected, as in spavin a cartilage, as in 

 side-bone or when a ligament is chronically affected, or when 

 a deeper and more permanent action is desired, the Biniodide of 

 Mercury Blister should be used, prepared as follows : 



Take Biuiodide of Mercury, . . . . 1 dram. 



Lard, .... .... 8 drains. 



Mix thoroughly, and it is ready for use. 



There are many other compound blisters which are some- 

 times used, but these are the ones most frequently recommended, 

 and almost universally used. Compound blisters are more liable 

 to blemish than the more simple ones. 



Owing to the fact that all animals are not equally affected 

 by blister the skin of some responding to their action more 

 readily than that of others these preparations do not act uni- 

 formly on all animals ; in the one case the blister will have to be 

 made stronger, and vice versa. A very large surface should not 

 in any case be blistered at one time ; especially with canthar- 

 ides, as the cantharides is liable to be absorbed, and cause an 

 irritation of the urinary organs. Before applying a blister, the 

 skin should be well washed with soap and water; and it is best 

 to clip or shave the hair off before applying the medicine ; rubbing 

 it into the parts well makes it more active. A very severe sore 

 is not often desirable, and better results usually follow milder 

 applications. In two or three days after a blister has been 

 applied, the blistered surface should be thoroughly washed, and 

 rubbed over with oil or glycerine ; or the white lotion may be 

 used. (See Index.) 



In old, chronic cases, when a blister has been applied and no 

 good results follow, it may be repeated again and again, always 

 bearing in mind the rules given at the head of this chapter, 

 until it either accomplishes the desired effect, or satisfies you 

 that it will not do any good. 



