472 WOUNDS. 



followed by the application of cups exhausted of air (cupping) ; 

 followed by the free use of the actual cautery. 



The constitutional treatment must be directed to combat de- 

 pression by stimulants — wine, brandy, whisky, or, according to 

 the latest method practised in India, the injection of ammonia 

 into the veins. Other methods are recommended, such as the 

 free use of arsenic ; and Professor Bribon's antidote finds favour 

 with some. It consists of bromine, five drachms ; bichloride of 

 mercury, two grains ; and iodide of potassium, four grains. This 

 is given to the human being in doses of ten drops, repeated, if 

 necessar}^, every twenty minutes. Should it ever be deemed 

 advisable to give this to the horse, it must be used in larger 

 doses than these ; care, however, being taken that the bichloride 

 is not pushed too far. There are some snakes and vipers whose 

 bites are harmless. 



Animal poisons, and the poison of raMes that act peculiarly 

 upon the horse, will be considered upon another occasion. 



Sometimes the skin and subcutaneous tissues are destroyed 

 by the action of some poisonous substance, such as the 

 mineral or other acids. I have met with no cases except 

 those caused by mineral acids, and the caustic alkalies, which 

 have a similar effect when accidentally or otherwise applied 

 to the skin. These substances, when used intentionally 

 to remove morbid structures, or when applied to unhealthy 

 wounds, are called caustics. When spilled upon or applied to a 

 large surface, their effects are similar to those of burns ; they 

 inflame and afterwards destroy the part. If concentrated, they 

 chemically destroy the vitality of the tissues, and results like 

 those supervening on burns are the consequence. If an acid 

 has been the cause, it is well to wash the parts in some alkaline 

 solution, to neutralise its effect as much as possible, and to 

 destroy any that may be left on the surface. If a caustic 

 alkali has been the cause, a weak acidulated solution is to be 

 used, such as vinegar and water, and the after treatment must 

 be according to the general principles laid down for the treat- 

 ment of burua. 



