150 THE DISTEMPER. 



It yet remains to point out the proper treatment of such 

 cases of distemper as degenerate into a malignant putrid 

 type, either epidemic or occasional. The symptoms of this 

 variety of the disease have been already detailed, and from 

 them it will be evident that our curative endeavours should 

 be principally directed to prevent the septic or putrid ten- 

 dency that exists. As an internal medicine, either of the 

 following mixtures may be tried ; beginning with the first, 

 and changing it for the second if it should produce purging, 

 or not sit easy on the stomach, or if benefit does not follow 

 its administration. Under either of these circumstances, the 

 second may also be afterwards changed for the third : — 



Acetated water of ammonia (Mindererus's ^ ^ ounces 



spirit) S 



Peruvian bark, in powder 2 drams 



Tincture of opium 40 drops : 



Or, 



Yeast 2 ounces 



Decoction of bark 2 ounces : 



Or, 



Spirit of nitrous aether half an ounce 



Camphor half a dram 



Aromatic confection 2 drams 



Camomile infusion 4 ounces. 



Give of either, one, two, three, or four table spoonsful, accord- 

 ing to the size, every three or four hours. If diarrhoea should 

 prove a bar to the administration, increase the opiate to twenty 

 drops with each dose, or alternate these remedies with those 

 detailed under the head Looseness ; but in every case of this 

 nature, diarrhoea is so much to be dreaded, that the attempts 

 to restrain it must give place to every other, when, from its vi- 

 olence, the antiseptic and astringent plans cannot be carried 



ever inclined to recommend a further trial of this experiment. Whatever 

 means are resorted to, they should be prompt and active ; for as these 

 cases may be considered as otherwise hopeless, so very powerful meant- 

 may be applied, and very active medicines employed with propriety. 



