VETERINARY MATERIA MEDICA. 659 



in drachm doses for six mornings, and then a purging 

 ball ; all these are, or have been, thought to be excellent 

 vermifuges, but the last is now most confided in. Worm 

 medicines should be given fasting. — See Worms, in the 

 Diseases. 



Vesicatories, blistering articles. — See Blisters. 



Vitriol, white {Sulphas zinci). — White vitriol, or sulphate 

 of zinc, is an excellent styptic and astringent : applied 

 externally : Mr. Morton speaks of it in solution, as 

 very useful in reducing the swellings of horses' legs, 

 gorged by over exertion. But instead of the common 

 linen or woollen bandages usually employed, Mr. M. 

 recommends those made of chamois leather, which not 

 only retain the moisture, but by their elasticity give a 

 continued compression to the relaxed or gorged limb. 

 In ophthalmia it forms the best wash for the middle and 

 latter stages. It is also a good detergent in grease and 

 other ill-conditioned sores. 



Vitriolated Copper. — See Blue Vitriol. 

 Vitriolated Iron. — See Green Vitriol. 

 Vitriol, Oil of. — See Sulphuric Acid. 



Vingegar, Dilute Acetic Acid {Acetum). — The acetous 

 acid is very frequently used in veterinary practice ; it is 

 of the utmost consequence, therefore, that it should be 

 pure. It is, however, unfortunately, very liable to be 

 adulterated with, or wholly made of, sulphuric acid, and 

 then becomes very unfit for use as an internal remedy, 

 being changed into an active stimulant instead of a refri- 

 gerant. Vinegar, not neutralized by salt or sugar, is 

 capable of proving very noxious to the horse. We have 

 instances on record of a pint of strong vinegar destroying 

 life ; but, neutralized with carbonate of ammonia, it forms 

 a most excellent febrifuge, under the old name of Min- 

 dererus's Spirit. Neutralized with sugar or honey, it 

 forms a valuable expectorant called oxymel. As an ex- 

 ternal application, the acetous acid is likewise no less 

 useful. In strains, bruises, and other local injuries, it is 

 the base of the best remedies, either in combination with 

 acetate of lead when active inflammation exists, or mixed 

 with crude sal ammoniac, or the bay salt, to counteract 

 the effects of distention. 



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