VETERINARY MATERIA MEDICA. 



635 



tassa fusa), called lapis infernalis, formed into a^ solid 

 body, is also another powerful caustic, quicker in its 

 action than the lunar, and therefore more convenient for 

 extensive use ; but its ready liquefaction renders it unfit 

 for tedious operations or deep-seated parts. Made into 

 a paste with soap, it forms a useful escharotic to insert 

 into the pipes of a quittor.— Oxymuriate of mercury 

 {hydrargyri oxymurias), known by the term corrosive 

 sublimate, is a very usual caustic employed, and is, per- 

 haps, one of the best, for 'coring out' quittors. In 

 strong solution it is an excellent appUcation for grease, 

 often ^curing when every other means have failed.— The 

 nitrous oxyde of quicksilver, called red precipitate, is also 

 another preparation from mercury, and in very general 

 use as an escharotic in horse practice. Sprinkled over 

 very foul surfaces, it changes them quickly into a better 

 state ; and it acts equally beneficially on luxuriant sores, 

 by destroying fungus, for which purpose its form of a 

 powder renders it very convenient. — The sulphate of 

 copper, called blue vitriol, is a much milder escharotic 

 than most others, and much used in powder, to destroy 

 fungus. A solution, of a drachm to six ounces of 

 water, makes a detergent lotion for ulcers, as grease, &c. 

 —The sulphate of zinc, or ivhite vitriol, is also a good 

 escharotic, and forms, in a saturate solution, the remedy 

 for quittor, which it is said has been adopted by Mr. 

 Newport.— Qwic/c lime is sometimes used as an escharotic 

 substance, for sprinkling over ulcerated surfaces, as can- 

 kered feet, &c. ; for which purpose it is convenient, from 

 its property of absorbing the moisture. 

 EuPHORBiuM.— This most acrid substance is sometimes used 

 as a substitute for cantharides. It irritates extremely, 

 and therefore should never be used. See Blisters. 

 Expectorants.— These are remedies that promote the re- 

 moval of the irritating mucus formed in the bronchn 

 and trachea. The principal of these are oxymel, and 

 probably squills : nauseants likewise act in this way. 

 The critic might say that the horse does not expectorate ; 

 but his bronchial secretion can be increased, and he can 

 cough out the produce : thus this class of remedies is 

 not ^without its value in veterinary medicine. 



