630 VETERINARY MATERIA MEDICA. 



into the veterinary practice of this country : the expressed 

 oil is of extraordinary power as a cathartic. In veterinarv 

 pharmacy the meal which possesses similar properties is 

 often used ; but, unfortunately, by the arts of the druggist, 

 it is often so adulterated as to deceive the expectations 

 of the practitioner. When it is pure, it may be given in 

 doses from a scruple to half a drachm, with linseed meal, 

 in the form of a ball, to shield its acrid nature. It is 

 equally, indeed somewhat more, drastic than aloes, 

 producing profuse liquid watery stools, often much 

 griping, and it occasionally takes as much time to excite 

 purgation. It is also somewhat uncertain in its action, 

 but, under a favourable operation, it is quicker than 

 aloes, although our first accounts of it denied this. It 

 may, therefore, when immediate purgation is necessary, 

 be very properly applied to ; and also in tetanus its 

 diminished bulk and great activity make it valuable. 

 Dissolved in turpentine, it forms a blister, only inferior 

 to cantharides. For cattle, Mr. Morton observes, that 

 its union with the sulphate of magnesia in doses of from 

 twenty to thirty grains is now commonly had recourse 

 to ; and that it has been found effectual in overcoming 

 obstinate constipations, as well as in those cases which 

 require the bowels to be quickly acted upon. 



Demulcents are medicines that act mechanically, by sur- 

 rounding acrid matter, and thus sheathing it from hurting 

 sensitive and irritable parts. In this way oily prepara- 

 tions act ; likewise, honey, gums, mucilages, &c. Di- 

 luents, as warm fluids, mashes, &c., are also demulcents, 

 because they dilute acrimonious matter, and render it 

 less active. 



Diaphoretics are supposed moderatelv to increase the 

 natural exhalations of the skin. Sudorifics are intended 

 to do it more actively, and to occasion actual sweating. 

 Vinegar will often produce a violent perspiration, but it 

 is not a salutary one ; yet the same liquid, neutralized by 

 ammoniacal salts into Alindererus's spirit, will often ex- 

 cite a favourable but mild diaphoretic effect. Antimo- 

 nials in repeated doses, assisted by diluting liquors and 

 warm clothing, will likewise commonly produce some 

 diaphoresis. Camphor, in considerable doses, will also 



