644 VETERINARY MATERIA MEDICA. 



to have a very peculiar effect on cattle : received by the 

 stomach, a considerable quantity may be given with im- 

 punity : but sprinkled on a wound, comparatively a small 

 quantity destroys. 



Red precipitated mercury [Hydrargyri oxydum ruhrum) , 

 or red precipitate, is a useful, active, and convenient 

 caustic, by the ease with which it may be sprinkled over 

 sores. (See Escharotics.) 



Black sulphuret of mercury {Hydrargyri sulphur etum 

 nigrum) , or jEthiops Mineral, is less frequently given in 

 horse practice than it deserves. There is too much 

 fashion in our pharmacy, and too little experiment. In 

 all skin affections we have found this a valuable alterative, 

 and also vermifuge, in daily doses of two or three 

 drachms. 



Mint and Peppermint. — See Oils. 



Muriate of Antimony. — See Antimony. 



Muriate of Barytes. — See Barytes. 



Muriate of Soda, or Common Salt. — See Salts. 



Myrrh. — This excellent gum resin is a valuable tonic to 

 the horse, in doses of an ounce, particularly if united with 

 a salt of iron, and any warm bitter. There are two tinc- 

 tures of it ; one simple, and one compounded with aloes : 

 both of which are much used externally, as warm diges- 

 tives, in wounds and sinuous sores, and the application 

 is frequently attended with striking benefit : the aloetic 

 tincture is by much the most stimulant. To cattle also 

 it proves a stimulating tonic and valuable antiseptic in 

 doses from one ounce to two ounces. 



Naphtha. — See Tar. 



Narcotics. — In the present instance, it is not necessary to 

 separate the consideration of these from what lessens 

 irritation and eases pain. — See Antispasmodics and 

 Anodynes. 



Natron. — See Soda. 



Nitrate of Silver {Argenti nitras). This is popularly 

 called lunar caustic, and is in veterinary practice a valu- 

 able external application. — See Escharotics. 



Nitre [PotasscB nitras) is a very general mineral product, 

 and is as useful as it is general : it is compounded of 

 nitric acid, and vegetable alkali, whence its chemical 



