410 MATERIA MEDICA 



necessary for a horse to lie down in the clay-time, he should be 

 allowed fresh straw. 



ALCOHOL. — Spiritus Rcctificatus. Alcohol. Rectified 

 spirit. This is obtained by the distillation of fermented liquors, 

 in a diluted state ; it is afterwards rectified or concentrated by a 

 second or third distillation more gi'adually conducted, and with 

 less heat. Alcohol is extensively employed in medicine, chiefly 

 in making tinctures ; with an equal quantity of water it forms 

 proof spirit (^spiritus tenuior), the most usual form in which 

 it is employed. The strength of alcohol is sometimes judged 

 of by sliaking the spirit, and observing the length of time 

 the bubbles thus created on its surface remain ; but this is a 

 most uncertain criterion. Another method is to pour a few 

 drops of it upon gunpowder, in order to ascertain whether it is 

 capable of making it explode ; but, if it be not strong enough 

 to do so, this experiment affords no certain data for judging 

 of its strength. A simple mode of determining the relative de- 

 grees of strength possessed by sjtirits, is to take a phial capable 

 of containing 500 grains of distilled water. Rectified spirit of 

 equal bulk should weigh 418 grains, and proof spirit 465. Proof 

 spirit, either in the form of brandy, rum, or gin, or made into a 

 cordial tincture, by having some sj^ices or bitters steeped in it, 

 is sometimes given to horses as a cordial or carminative, when 

 fatigued before they arrive at the end of their journey, or when 

 seized with the fret or gripes. From 2 to 4 or 6 oz. diluted 

 with water are the doses generally employed. If a horse is 

 unaccustomed to this cordial, or to beer, a small dose will 

 generally be sufficient. When we consider that the excitement 

 produced by cordials, especially diluted spirit or beer, is only 

 temporary, that it causes a greater flow of nervous power or 

 animal spirit towards the stomach in particular, and likewise to 

 all the muscular system, it must appear evident that it has a 

 tendency to weaken the sensorium or In-ain, as is proved by the 

 excitement it produces being always followed by more or less 

 depi'cssion in the stomach, and all the organs of the body, ac- 

 cording to the degree of excitement that has been produced. 

 From this consideration it is obvious that we should be cautious 

 in the use of spirituous cordials, and not give stronger doses than 

 are necessary. It is not an unusual thing to give two bottles 

 (about a pint) of Dafty's Elixir, a tincture made with proof 

 spirit, at a dose ; sometimes undiluted, and even mixed with 

 pepper. Half a pint of gin, and two ounces of pepper, is not an 

 unusual dose with stable-men for gripes or fret ; and, as it often 

 cures the disease, they think nothing of the consequences. 

 Mr. Bracy Clark recommends four ounces of a tincture of all- 

 spice, made with proof spirit, as an excellent remedy for the 

 gripes or fret ; and such I have no doubt it is, especially if made 



