422 THE MODLUX HORSE DOCTOR. 



ing : such are alcohol, tincture of capsicum, stimulating liniments 

 of various kinds, strong vinegar, and turpentine, mixed with lin- 

 seed oil. They are indicated in all cases of internal congestion 

 in view of counter irritation : for chronic lameness, and to soften 

 indurated and indolent tumors. 



Vesicants, or Blisters. 

 The principal one used by the author, and several times 

 alluded to in this work, is acetate of cantharides, made as fol- 

 lows : — 



Strong acetic acid, 8 ounces, 



Water, 1 quart, 



Powdered Spanish flies, .... 3 ounces. 



Mix ; let it stand for fourteen or more days, and then filter 

 through blotting paper. Used in cases of spavin, splent, ringbone, 

 and callous swellings. The usual vesicant is the common horse 

 blister, thus prepared : — 



Take lard, free from salt, twelve ounces ; melt it in an earthen 

 vessel with two ounces of rosin, — taking care not to raise the 

 temperature above that of a man's blood, — then add powdered 

 Spanish flies, two ounces ; oil of origanum, one ounce : stir until 

 oool. 



The part to be blistered should be shaved, and then rubbed for 

 a few minutes with strong vinegar ; after wiping the part dry, 

 spread on the blister to about the thickness of a dollar. If it be 

 necessary to keep up the vesicatory action, let it be dressed 

 daily with savin ointment. 



Antiseptics. 

 Antiseptics are remedies which arrest decomposition and ex- 

 cite the healing process in wounds ; among them we name pyro- 

 ligneous acid, salt, charcoal, chloride of lime and of soda. 



Emollients. 

 The best emollient for softening and lubricating a part is 

 poultice of slippery elm ; the next best is tepid water. 



Digestives. 



Digestives are used for the purpose of hastening suppuration ; 

 we have used a great many, but find none equal to, — 



