522 THE IMPROVED ART OF FARRIERY. 



of long Standing, and indisposed to heal. It is not 

 only a gentle stimulant, but it forms a thin crust over 

 the wound and shields it from the action of the air. 



The principal adulteration of aloes is by meaas 

 of resin, and the alteration of colour is concealed by 

 the addition of charcoal or lamp black 



This adulteration is easily enough detected by dis- 

 solving the aloes in hot water. All aloes contain some 

 resinous matter, which the water will not dissolve, and 

 which has very slight purgative effect. The excess 

 of this resin at the bottom of the solution will mark 

 the degree of adulteration. 



ALUM. 



This compounded body of sulphuric acid and pure 

 argil, is in very general use in veterinary practice both 

 externally and internally. In doses of one or two 

 drachms, it is a useful astringent in diarrhoea, diabetes, 

 and other fluxes ; it also possesses some virtue as a 

 stomachic. Externally, it is used as a styptic to stop 

 haemorrhage, by sprinkling it on the bleeding orifice, 

 when its coagulating properties plug up the mouth 

 of the vessel. 



It is a useful escharotic to destroy fungus, and a 

 valuable detergent for foul ulcers. 



It is also a useful stimulant in inflammation of the 

 eye ; and a whey made of it forms a good astringent 

 clyster. 



When it is burnt, it is rather milder, but its pro- 

 perties are not otherwise materially altered. 



