490 A LIST OF THE MEDICINES USED IN 



near a fire. In five or six hours the transparent part may be poured off, 

 and is ready for use. In a few days, however, all infusions become 

 thick, and lose their \drtue, from the decomposition of the vegetable 

 matter. 



The infusion of chamomile is advantageously used instead of water in 

 compounding a mild tonic di^ench. The infusion of catechu is useful in 

 astringent mixtures ; that of linseed is used instead of common water in 

 catarrh and cold ; and the infusion of tobacco in some injections. 



Iodine. — This substance has not been long introduced into veterinary 

 practice. The first object which it seemed to accomplish was the reduc- 

 tion of the enlarged glands that frequently remain after catarrh, but it 

 soon appeared that it could reduce almost every species of tumour. 

 Much concerned in the first introduction of iodine into veterinary prac- 

 tice, the writer of the present work bears willing testimony to the zeal 

 and success of others, in estabhshing the claims of this most valuable 

 medicine. Professor Morton has devoted much time and labour to the 

 difierent combinations of iodine, and they are described at length in his 

 useful ' Manual of Pharmacy. ' He gives the formiilge of the composition 

 of a liniment, an ointment, and a tincture of iodine, adapted to different 

 species and stages of disease. He next describes the preparation of the 

 iodide of potassium — the combination of iodine and potash, — and then the 

 improvement on that under the name of the diniodide of copper — the 

 union of two parts of the iodide of potassium with four of the sulphate 

 copper. 



The action of this compound is an admirable tonic and a stimulant to 

 the absorbent system, if combined with vegetable tonics, and, occasionally, 

 small doses of cantharides. Professor Spooner and Mr. Daws appHed this 

 compound, and with marked success, to the alleviation of farcy, nasal gleet, 

 and glanders. It is pleasing to witness these triumphs over disease, a Uttle 

 while ago so unexpected, and now so assured. 



Juniper, Oil of. — This essential oil is retained because it has some 

 diui'etic property, as well as being a pleasant aromatic. It frequently 

 enters into the composition of the diuretic ball. 



Lead, Plumbum. — This metal in its natural state is generally found in 

 combination with sulphur, in the form of sulphuret of lead, from which it 

 is obtained by mixing with lime and exposure to heat. In its metallic 

 state, it is of a bright bluish- white colour, with little taste, but a disagree- 

 able odoui'. In its pure state, it has little effect on the animal system, but 

 there are several compounds which possess raedicinal and even poisonous 

 properties. Amongst the latter the Garhonate of Lead has a deleterious 

 effect on the biped and the quadruped in the neighbourhood of lead Avorks 

 and rifle butts. They are subject to violent griping pains, and to consti- 

 pation that can with great difficulty, or not at all, be overcome. Some- 

 thing of the same kind is occasionally observed in the cider counties, and 

 the ' painter's colic ' is a circumstance of too frequent occurrence — the 

 occasional dreadful pains, and the ravenous appetite extending to every 

 thing that comes in the way of the animal. Active purgatives followed 

 by sulphuric acid and opium are the most effectual remedies. 



The Acetate of Lead, Plumhi Acetas. — Sugar of lead is seldom given 

 internally to the horse, but is used as a collyrium for inflammation of 

 the eyes. 



The Liqiior Fhimhi Suhacefatis, or Goidard's Extract, or, as it used to 

 be termed at the Veterinary College, the Aqua Vegeto, is a better colly- 

 rium, and advantageously used in external and superficial inflammation, 

 and particularly the inflammation that remains after the application of 

 a blister. 



