THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR. 259 



This medicine should be continued as occasion may require ; 

 for example, suspending it when the discharges are frequent, and 

 again exhibiting it when peristaltic action is tardy. 



In view of increasing cutaneous exhalation, we give an infusion 

 of lobelia and pleurisy root, half an ounce of each to half a gallon 

 of boiling water; when macerated sufficiently, strain, and add a 

 gill of honey. Dose, one pint every four or six hours. 



As regards large and repeated Doses of Medicine. — When car- 

 ried beyond a certain point, these are sure to do harm ; for this 

 disease is located in tissues that are under the dominion of the 

 nerves of external relation : these tissues may be highly excited 

 and painful, in consequence of the congested state of the capil- 

 laries ; at the same time, the vital fluid — blood — is deficient in 

 the region of nutritive tissues : at such times cathartics have a dis- 

 astrous sedative * tendency, very prostrating and uncontrollable. 



It is a fact not generally realized, that there is more danger in 

 giving too much, than too little, medicine. It is astonishing how 

 little medicine will at times favor the physiological state, and thus 

 restore a patient to health ; while we have abundant evidence 

 going to show that ours, as well as the four-footed race, have been 

 almost universally over-dosed. "We generally keep the rectum 

 empty by means of saline injections ; should the bowels respond 

 to the medicine as often as seems proper, they may be dispensed 

 with. 



As regards external Applications. — If steam can be so con- 

 ducted to the body of the patient (see Steaming Apparatus) as to 

 keep up a relaxation of the capillaries, external liniments may 

 be dispensed with. In the event of failing to secure diaphoresis, 

 the capillary absorbents must be excited with the following ex- 

 ternal application : — 



which he prefers to any other ; he has termed it the acidulated tincture of col- 

 chicum. It is made in the following manner : — 



Take of colchictnn, bull) and seeds, 2 ounces, 



Proof spirit, 1 pint, 



Diluted acetic acid, 1 pint. 



(Diluted acetic acid is formed by mixing one part strong acetic acid with four 



parts water.) Let the preparation stand for the space of a fortnight; pour 



off the clear liquor, and run it through fine linen, and it will be fit for use, 



* All cathartics have a sedative effect. 



