TREATMENT OF DISEASES OP TfTE HORSE. 477 



a] ways to Lu depended upon. The corubination of alkaline compounds with 

 aloes alters the results of the medicine. Their action is quickened, but 

 their purgative properties are impaired, and they cease to operate specifi- 

 cally on the larger intestines. Such is the opinion of Professor Morton, 

 and undoubtedly the latter would be an advantage gained. Mashes ai-e 

 useful helps when physic is administered. 



Some persons are fond of what are called half-doses af physic. Thi'ee 

 or four drachms are given on one day, and three or four on the following; 

 and perhaps if the medicine has not operated, as in this di\'ided state it 

 will not always, two or three additional draclims are given on the third 

 day. The consequence is, that the bowels having been rendered irritable 

 by the former doses, the horse is over-purged, and inflammation and death 

 occasionally ensue. In physicking a horse, whatever is to be done should 

 be done at once. Whatever quantity is intended to be given should be 

 given in one dose. 



The system of giving small doses of aloes as alteratives is not good. 

 These repeated minute doses lodging in some of the folds of the intestines, 

 and at length uniting, often produce more effect than is desirable. It is 

 never safe to ride a horse far or fast, with even a small dose of aloes vnthin 

 him. 



Most of all objectionable is the custom of giving small doses of aloes, as 

 a nauseant, in inflammation of the lungs. There is so much sympathy be- 

 tween the contents of the chest and the belly in the horse, and inflamma- 

 tion of one part is so likely to be transferred to another, that it is treading 

 on very dangerous ground, when, with much inflammation of the lungs, 

 that is given which will stimulate and may inflame the intestines. 



Aloes are most commonly, because most easily, administered in the form 

 of ball, but in a state of solution their effect is more speedy, effectual, 

 and safe. 



Aloes are useful in the form of tincture. Eight ounces of powdered 

 aloes, and one ounce of poAvdered myrrh, may be put into two quarts of 

 rectified sjDirit, diluted with an equal quantity of water. The mixture 

 should be daily well shaken for a fortnight, and then suffered to stand, in 

 order that the undissolved portion may fall to the bottom. This will con- 

 stitute a very excellent application for wounds, whether recent or of long 

 standing and indisposed to heal. It is not only a gentle stimulant, but it 

 foi'ms a thin crust over the wound, and shields it fi'om the action of the 

 air. 



The principal adulteration of aloes is by means of resin, and the altera- 

 tion of coloui' is concealed by the addition of charcoal or lamp-black. 

 This adulteration is easily enough detected by dissolving the aloes in hot 

 water. All aloes contain some resinous matter, which the water \vill not 

 dissolve, and which has very shght purgative effect. The excess of this 

 resin at the bottom of the solution will mark the degree of adulteration. 



AcoNiTUM, Monkshood. — This plant, which was introduced into this 

 country from Germany, is found growing in most of our flower gardens. 

 As a medicinal agent, it has recently come somewhat prominently into 

 notice in veterinary practice. The preparations chiefly used are the tinc- 

 ture and extract of aconite. It is said to possess nai*cotic, diaphoretic, and 

 diuretic properties, but its action upon the horse is at present but httle 

 understood. It is a very powerful and highly deleterious agent, and 

 should never be used except by the veterinary attendant. 



Alteratives are a class of medicines the nature and effect of which are 

 often much misunderstood, and Hable to considerable abuse. It is a very 

 convenient name in order to excuse that propensity to dose the horse with 

 medicines, which is the disgrace of the groom, and the bane of the stable. 



