MEDICINES AND RECEIPTS 599 



Action and Use. — It is a very severe physic when given 

 internally. It is sometimes given to cattle and horses when 

 the bowels are severely constipated, but is never given until 

 all the milder physic medicines fail. 



Dose. — For horses, 15 to 20 drops ; cattle, 30 to 40 drops ; 

 sheep, 5 to 10 drops ; pigs and dogs, 2 to 3 drops. For horses 

 and cattle, give it in a pint of raw linseed oil ; for sheep, give 

 in a half a pint of oil, and for pigs and dogs, give it in two 

 tablespoonfuls of castor oil. 



13. Cocaine. 



Source. — Cocaine is an alkaloid extracted from the leaves 

 of erythroxylum coca and its varieties. The hydrochloride is 

 that more generally used. It is in the form of colorless 

 crystals which dissolve readily in water, alcohol or glycerine. 



Action and Use. — A few drops of a 57 solution placed 

 within the eyelids dilates the pupil. When in contact with 

 the sensory nerves it causes paralysis and is consequently 

 used as a local anaesthetic for all kinds of operations. 



Dissolve six grains of cocaine in a half ounce of pure 

 water and inject with a hypodermic syringe into an ordinary- 

 sized tumor. It so paralyzes the sensory nerves locally that 

 the tumor may be removed without causing pain. The quan- 

 tity used varies of course according to the extent of the 

 operation. 



14. Digitalis. 



Source. — Digitalis is obtained from the leaves of a plant 

 that grows in many parts of the country. The leaves are 

 dried and ground, and in this form is placed upon the market. 



Action and Use. — It is a heart and lung tonic, used 

 mostly mixed in powders that are given in weakening 

 diseases, such as influenza, distemper, and lung troubles. It 

 is also mixed in powders that are given for heaves. 



15. Elecampane. 



Source. — Elecampane is obtained from a plant which 

 may be found growing along the roadside and in pasture 

 fields of cool countries. The root is dried, ground and used 

 as a powder. 



Action and Use. — It is more generally used as a con- 

 stituent of cough powders and is a splendid medicine for 

 heaves. 



