38 



Alteratives are substances which improve the general nutrition of 

 the body without exerting a special action on any particular organ. 

 Their action is more general than that of tonics ; they are of value 

 in combating disease of a constitutional nature, accompanied by 

 general mal-nutrition, due to impared tissue activity or to a retention 

 of waste products in the body 



Some of the more common drugs that are benefiicial as condi- 

 ments, tonics, and alteratives are: iron sulphate, arsenic, potassium 

 iodide, sulphur, gentian, ginger, caraway, anise, cardamon, fennel, 

 fenugreek and pepper. 



Having briefly considered the general action of condiments, 

 tonics, and alteratives, one naturally asks : 



First. Are such substances beneficial to animals in a healthy 

 condition, either for improving their condition, or for stimulating the 

 production of meat, milk, and eggs ? 



Second. Are tonic foods or condition powders of value for 

 sick animals ? 



Third. What effect follows their long continued use ? 



Contrary to the popular belief, animals, in a state of 

 Effect of con- health, under favorable conditions as regards food 

 diments and and stabling, do not need condition poivders or tonic 

 tonics on heal- foods. There is in the body of such an animal a 

 thy animals, condition of equilibrium of all body functions. The 

 processes of nutrition, digestion, and assimilation 

 are at their best. All that is required to maintain this condition of 

 balance is that the animal be kept under sanitary conditions and 

 receive a sufficient quantity of healthful, nutritious food, and pure 

 water. It may be possible by the use of such substances to improve 

 the appetite so that an animal will ingest and possibly digest more 

 food, but should the increased quantity of nutrient constituents 

 elaborated, not be appropriated by the tissues of the body, //c?;-;;/ inay 

 result from the overloading of the lymphatic system, or from an increased 

 activity of the excretory organs. 



Stimulating foods may have a greater influence upon ^g^ produc- 

 tion than upon meat or milk production. 



It is unquestionably possible to stimulate and excite the reproduc- 

 tive system by the use of drugs. As a result of this stimulation the 

 organs become more vascular and active, in consequence of which 



