260 DICTIONARY OF THE VETERINARY ART. 



that have been hard worked and badly fed. At both these 

 periods it is necessary to take particular care of horses, and 

 work them moderately. A horse, when moulting, should not 

 be exposed in the stable to a current of air, but kept in a 

 ventilated stable. Warm clothing is improper. 



Mucilage. A solution of gum, or any thing that partakes 

 of the nature of gum. Gummy or mucilaginous drinks are 

 useful in internal disease ; the cheapest is an infusion of lin- 

 seed or marshmallows ; but the best, perhaps, is a solution of 

 gum arabic. 



Mucous Membranes. (See Membrane.) 



Mucous. Many of the secretions of the body are of a 

 mucous nature. 



Mucus. A fluid secreted by mucous surfaces. 



Muscle. The parts that are usually included under this 

 name, consist of distinct portions of flesh, susceptible of con- 

 traction and relaxation. 



Musk. A powerful odorous substance, whose medical vir- 

 tues are chiefly antispasmodic. 



Myrrh. A gum resin of a fragrant smell and bitter taste. 

 It is given internally, as a tonic, in doses of one or two 

 drachms. Tincture of myrrh is sometimes applied to wounds, 

 ulcers, and sinuses. 



N 



Nag. A name sometimes applied to road horses, and such 

 as have been docked, in contradistinction to those that have 

 long tails, or are used in harness. 



Narcotics. Medicines which stupefy, relieve pain, and 

 promote sleep. There are, however, two different ways to 

 effect these objects, and, of course, two different characters of 

 remedies to be used for the purpose. The popular method is 

 to administer opium, whose natural tendency is to depress the 

 vital powers, and deprive them of sensibility. All mixtures, 

 in any form, that contain opium, though soothing for the 



