AND PHAEMACOP(EIA. 417 



is a good remedy for the grease, when dissolved and applied to 

 the diseased parts ; it is also used in the form of an ointment : — • 



Powdered alum 4 oz. 



Tui'pentine 4 oz. 



Hog's lard, or palm oil 12 oz. 



The lard and turpentine to be melted together, and when nearly- 

 cold the alum to be stirred in. 



Alum dissolved in water is used in aphtlife and other diseases 

 of the mouth ; and sometimes, much diluted, is applied to the 

 eyes in ophthalmia. In a state of powder it has been applied 

 with advantage to open joints, either alone or mixed with sulphate 

 of iron and myrrh. The burnt alum is best for this purpose, and 

 should be applied frequently. 



Burnt Alum is made by putting any quantity of alum in an 

 iron ladle, or common firepan, and keeping it over a gentle fire, 

 until its watery parts are evaporated, and it is converted into a 

 light and easily pulverisable substance. If exposed to a strong 

 heat for some time, the alum is decomposed, and of course useless. 



Burnt Alum has been advantageously employed as an external 

 application to open joints, and is best combined in equal propor- 

 tions, with sulphate of iron and myrrh ; or this powder may be 

 made into a paste with tincture of aloes. 



AMALGAM. The combination of mercury with any metal 

 is termed an amalgam. 



AMBER. — Succimim. This is what naturalists term bitu- 

 men. It aftbrds only one preparation that is used in veterinary 

 practice, — an essential oil, of a dark colour, and very disagreeable 

 odour, — which has been employed as an embrocation in strains, 

 bruises, &c., generally mixed with other oils, such as oil of elder, 

 tw-pentine, &c.* It is given internally as an antispasmodic, in 

 doses from two drachms to half an oimce or more. For medicinal 

 purposes this essential oil is rectified, whereby it becomes of a 

 lighter colour, and loses in some degree its unpleasant smell ; 

 but it does not appear to be rendered more efiicacious. There 

 is a salt of amber kept in the shops, procured from amber by sub- 

 limation, but it is never used in veterinary practice. 



AMMONIA. This is the modern term for what is named 

 volatile alkali, and is procured either from bones or sal-ammo- 

 niac. I^^ is kept in the shops both in a solid and a liquid form. 

 Strictly speaking, pure ammonia exists only in the form of gas or 

 air : but water will absorb a considerable quantity of this air ; 

 and when saturated with it becomes a violent stimulant, capable 

 of inflaming, and even blistering the skin. This is termed liquor 

 or water of, or solution of jnire ammonia, or strong spirit of sal- 



* This drug is not used in vetei'inary medicine at the present day. — Ed, 



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