VETERINARY MATERIA MEDIC A. 647 



possesses no powers superior to turpentine, and is there- 

 fore little used by modern practitioners. 

 Oil of Vitriol. — See Sulphuric Acid. 



Ointments are greasy applications for covering excoriated 

 surfaces. The numerous preparations of this kind are 

 much reduced in number. 



Opium. — We believe it has been attempted to prove that 

 this valuable antispasmodic is nearly inert in the 

 horse, and it is true that it requires a large dose to 

 exert a narcotic efiect ; on the contrary, its action is 

 rather that of a stimulant when the system is already 

 excited ; it therefore is injurious in direct increased 

 vascular action ; but in indirect vascular action, the con- 

 sequence of some great irritation, it then exerts its 

 sedative properties. In enteritis of the horse, never- 

 theless, after blood has been abstracted, it has had a most 

 salutary effect. Its advantages also are apparent in teta- 

 nus, where its benefits are sometimes most striking : in 

 spasmodic colic its powers are particularly observable after 

 very enormous doses ; in which cases, also, it may be 

 given in clysters as well. It greatly assists the action of 

 astringents' in diarrhoea ; and, in profuse staling, united 

 with alum and catechu, it has proved singularly effica- 

 cious ; as also in difficult staling, not dependent upon 

 spasm of the neck of the bladder. In farcy and 

 skin complaints, it combats the ill effects of too large 

 doses of active minerals. It increases the pulse, in 

 repeated doses of one to two drachms every six hours ; 

 hence it is an useful auxiliary remedy in the debile stages 

 of irritative fever. 



Laudanum is the tincture of opium, and is a most 

 effective preparation. It must, however, be given to 

 the horse in doses of one ounce, and even larger, accord- 

 ing to the necessity of the case. 

 Oxymel, Simple.— This is made by simmering a pint of 

 vinegar with two pounds of honey. Sugar is sometimes 

 substituted, but this is never advisable, as it destroys a 

 considerable portion of the efficacy of the compound. 

 Oxymel, properly made, will be found a valuable remedy 

 in pneumonia, and all catarrhal affections ; particularly 

 in conjunction with nitre, tartar emetic, and foxglove ; 

 the dose from four to six ounces. 



