VETERINARY MATERIA MEDICA. 651 



rient. It also proves itself a vermifuge, and in solution 

 assists the effects of opening clysters. It may be given 

 in doses of from six to eight ounces. The chloride of 

 sodium or common salt is an invaluable tonic and altera- 

 tive, and is so palatable that it induces the animals 

 before whom it is placed to eat it with avidity. It 

 increases the digestive powers ; and we believe it to be a 

 vermifuge also. As a remedy for the rot in sheep, Mr. 

 Youatt bears evidence of its excellence. 



Salt, Epsom (Magnesia sulphas). — See Sulphate of 

 Magnesia. 



Salt of Steel. — See Iron. 

 Salt of Tartar. — See Potash. 



Savin. — It is efficacious against warts. 



Sedatives. — These form a class of valuable remedies cal- 

 culated to diminish the irritability of the system, either 

 by acting on the immediate part or on the whole senso- 

 rium. In some cases they may be supposed to act by 

 enabling the system to resist irritating impressions ; in 

 others they lower the animal powers by a narcotic or 

 soporific effect. In the horse we have no remedies that 

 are decided soporifics ; but we have such as lessen irrita- 

 tion and check spasmodic action (see Antispasmodics) . 

 Opium, hyoscyamus, digitalis, cicuta, belladonna, cam- 

 phor, nauseants, and the cold bath, are sedatives adopted 

 in different stages succeeding upon injuries or fever. 

 Some irritative states are best combated by tonics, as 

 the mineral acids, &c. 



Silver furnishes us with a nitrate known as the lunar 

 caustic, whose properties as an escharotic are detailed 

 under that head. 



Soda is the mineral alkali, the medicinal properties of which 

 do not differ materially from potash, or the vegetable 

 alkali. 



Chloride of Soda is a detergent, and a disinfectant. 

 As an application for malignant and spreading ulcers it 

 possesses very great efficacy. It forms also a good 

 stimulating injection for poll-evil and fistulous withers ; 

 and in grease it may be often advantageously employed. 



Spanish Flies. — See Cantharides. 



