VETERINARY MATERIA MEDICA. 623 



is a proper quantity ; but it must not be forgotten to 

 subtract something from the strength of the purge. 

 During the use of calomel as an alterative, the horse 

 should not be exposed to wet or cold, nor should its use 

 be persisted in more than a week without a pause. It 

 remains to add, that, unless this article be purchased 

 from a druggist of reputation, it is very apt to be adul- 

 terated. 

 Camphor is an Indian produce, chiefly extracted from the 

 laurus camphor a. It is a substance whose action it is 

 very difficult to define ; but as it is active in its proper- 

 ties on the horse, it well deserves a full trial. In large 

 doses it produces convulsions and delirium : half an 

 ounce has done this. In moderate doses, as a drachm, 

 it proves sedative and antispasmodic, and therefore maybe 

 usefully employed in flatulent colic, in conjunction with 

 other remedies. United with opium, it has acted bene- 

 ficially in spasmodic constrictions of the neck of the 

 bladder not dependent on inflammation. It has also 

 been highly spoken of as a powerful remedy in locked 

 jaw : on very respectable authority it has been also 

 warmly praised for its virtues in fever ; and as in small 

 repeated doses it is at once a gentle stimulant and soother 

 of irritation, so in the latter stages of febrile complaints, 

 where the irritability is considerable, it may be very pro- 

 perly given. But in the more early stages its beneficial 

 action is questionable : nor are its powers as a permanent 

 stimulant sufficient to be depended on at any time with- 

 out other auxiharies. Externally it proves a mild dis- 

 cutient in indurations and rheumatic affections ; and it is 

 with advantage blended with the ordinary blister. 

 Cantharides, or Spanish Flies. — These are, or ought to 

 be, the principal stimulating ingredient in the making of 

 ordinary blisters ; and every veterinarian should purchase 

 them whole and powder them himself, otherwise he will 

 be very apt to buy them adulterated. Previously to 

 being powdered, they should be moderately dried, and 

 then leisurely pounded, or rather ground into a powder ; 

 the operator guarding his face with a close muslin hand- 

 kerchief, so as not to receive the fine particles into his 

 nose and throat, otherwise an unpleasant soreness will 



