414 MATERIA MEDICA 



strangles, In wlilcli disease the tliroat is often so much inflamed, 

 and so very sore, as to render the exhibition of medicine by the 

 mouth improper. Clysters, however, are often beneficial in 

 those cases. 



In short, there are few medicines of more general utility In 

 the diseases of horses than the laxative alteratives, the most effec- 

 tual of which is aloes, in the dose of two or three drachms, with 

 an equal quantity of Castile soap. 



Diuretic Alteratives are composed o^nitre, resin, soap, and 

 turpentine. They are employed in swellings of the legs and other 

 parts, or as a preventive, in horses that are subject to such swell- 

 ings; and they are given also to improve the coat and general 

 condition of the animal. 



Though not so effectual in some cases as the preceding, they 

 are certainly very convenient and innocent, and produce so little 

 disturbance in the body, that a horse may continue his work 

 Avhile taking them, without the least danger, even in the winter 

 season. Nor is there any trouble in giving them ; as a horse 

 readily eats them, when in the form of a powder, Avith liis corn. 

 The laxative alterative has not this advantage, the aloes, of which 

 it is composed, being extremely bitter, and therefore requiring 

 to be given in the form of a ball. 



Diaphoretic Alteratives are composed of medicines that 

 act on the skin, gradually increasing the insensible perspii-ation, 

 and giving a smoothness and gloss to the coat. The most effec- 

 tual medicines of this class are the preparations of antimony (see 

 Antimony) ; but these may be rendered more efficacious by 

 belno- joined with other medicines, such as cordials, camphor, 



opium, &c. 



The complaints in which this kind of alterative is most useful, 

 are those termed surfeit and 1 dele- bound ; they are also employed 

 to remove an undue determination of blood to any internal organ 

 or to diminish general plethora. 



Diaphoretic Alteratives seldom prove effectual, unless assisted 

 by exercise and good grooming. 



The alteratives recommended by writers on farriery were not 

 composed according to the distinction we have here made ; but 

 laxatives, diuretics, &c. were mixed with little discrimination; 

 thus, as we have before observed, antimony, nitre, sulphur, and 

 resin, formed their general alteratives; and when it was required 

 to remove diseases, supposed to arise from obstruction in the 

 blood-vessels, some ponderous medicines were prescribed : among 

 these were cinnabar, and yEthiop's mineral. 



