CHAPTER II. 



MEDICINES OBTAINED FROM THE VEGETABLE 



KINGDOM. 

 1. Aconite. 



Source.— Aconite is the product of a plant that grows in 

 cool, mountainous countries. The form of aconite we recom- 

 mend and use is Fleming's Tincture, which is got from the 

 root of the plant. 



Action and Use.— Aconite acts on the heart and blood 

 vessels, causing the heart to beat slower, and in this way 

 lowers blood pressure in the system, thus it is good in most 

 kinds of inflammation where the animal is in good condition. 

 It is used now in nearly every case in place of bleeding. 



Dose. — Fleming's Tincture of Aconite — For horses, 3 to 

 10 drops; cattle, 8 to 12 drops; sheep, 2 to 3 drops; pigs and 

 dogs, 1 to 2 drops. 



12. Alcohol. 



Source. — Alcohol is obtained from certain kinds of wood, 

 grapes, beets, potatoes, etc. It is not used much in its pure 

 state for treating stock, but is used in the form of liquors for 

 medicines. One preparation, known as methylated spirits of 

 alcohol is used in making liniments. 



Action and Use. — Its action is as a stimulant, and it also 

 acts on the kidneys as a diuretic. It is mostly used in the 

 form of liquors, such as whisky, gin, beer and ale. For 

 external use see Chapter V. 



Dose.— For horses (whiskey), 1 to 2 wineglassfuls ; 

 cattle, 2 to 4 wineglassfuls; sheep, 1 wineglassful ; pigs and 

 dogs, 1 to 2 dessertspoonfuls. For horses (gin), 1 wine- 

 glassful; cattle, 1 to 2 wineglassfuls; sheep, 1 to 2 teaspoon- 

 fuls; pigs and dogs, 1 teaspoonful. For horses (beer and 

 ale), y 2 to 1 pint; cattle, 1 pint; sheep, y A to y 2 pint; pigs 

 and dogs, 1 wineglassful. 



3. Aloes. 



Source. — Aloes is obtained from a plant grown in the 

 West India Islands. There are three kinds, Barbadoes, Soco- 



