426 MATERIA MEDICA 



Aromatic Poayder. — Pulvis Aromaticus. Take of carda- 

 mum seeds, ginger, and cinnamon bark, equal parts. Rub 

 them down to a very fine powder, and keep in a well-stopped 

 phial. This is a good cordial powder, and may be given in a 

 dose of two or three drachms in warm ale, in such cases as re- 

 quire the use of cordials. For veterinary purposes the following 

 composition is, I think, preferable : — 



VETERINARY AROMATIC POWDER. 



Powdered caraway seeds 6 ozs. 



Powdered allspice 4 ozs. 



Jamaica ginger powdered 2 ozs. 



Liquorice powder 2 ozs. — Mix. 



The dose from 6 to 8 drachms. 



If the form of a ball is preferred, it may be obtained by beat- 

 ing up a dose of the powders with a little treacle. 



ARROW-ROOT. See Starch. 



ARSENIC. — Arsenicum. New name, Arsenous Acid. 

 There are two preparations of arsenic that are principally made 

 use of in veterinai*y practice : and these are the tvldte arsenic, or 

 oxide of arsenic, and the yelloto arsenic, or sulphuret of arsenic. 

 The latter is a combination of white arsenic and sulphin*, either 

 natural or artificial, varying in colour according to the propor- 

 tion of sidphur, which, when considerable, gives it an orange or 

 red colour ; it is then called Realgar, and used as a pigment only. 



White arsenic is obtained in the process of roasting certain 

 ores. The arsenic sublimes, and is collected in chimneys 

 adapted to the purpose. It is beautifully white, and very heavy, 

 but easily reduced to a powder. The powdered arsenic of the 

 shops is generally adulterated, and ought never to be depended 

 upon. The practitioner should always buy it in the lump, and 

 either powder it himself or see it done. 



White arsenic has been considered a good tonic for horses ; 

 and, though a violent poison in the human system, may be given 

 to these animals with safety. From its tonic quality it has sus- 

 pended, or apparently cured the glanders ; but its effect in this 

 way, I believe, is never permanent. It is prudent to begin with 

 a small dose — from two to eight grains. This may be gradually 

 increased, and continued as long as it does not occasion irritation 

 of the stomach or bowels, or bring on vertigo. When any 

 symptoms of these complaints manifest themselves the use of 

 arsenic should be immediately discontinued. In experiments 

 on glandered horses, I have seen a dose of two drachms given 

 twice a day, and continued for a week ; at which period it pro- 

 duced inflammation of the bowels. I have even known two 

 drachms given for two or three days successively without any 



