428 MATERIA MEDICA 



wliolesome food, and occasionally physic, have proved ineffectual. 

 Yellow arsenic, finely powdered and mixed with lard, is some- 

 times used by ftxrrlers to remove warts ; also in fistula of the 

 withers and poll-evil, but its eifect is sometimes violent, and ex- 

 tends beyond the diseased parts.* 



ASSAFQ3TIDA. — Assafcetidce, Giimmi-resina. Assafoetida 

 is sent to this country packed in cases, casks, and mats. That 

 contained in the cases is to be preferred. It is in irregular 

 lumps of a reddish-brown colour, intersected by small glistening 

 tears, of a pale red, whitish, or violet hue. The best quality is 

 that which contains the most tears, and is of a light red colour. 

 It is a gummy and resinous substance, possessing a powerful and 

 most unpleasant smell. It is much used in human medicine as 

 an antispasmodic, in nervous and hysterical complaints. In ve- 

 terinary practice it is not so frequently employed, though some 

 practitioners speak highly of its virtues. It is said to be ser- 

 viceable in obstinate coughs, or thickness of wind, flatulent colic, 

 and locked-jaw. It appears to be more efficacious when joined 

 with ammonia, in the form o^ foetid spirit of ammonia^ a prepara- 

 tion kept in the shops. The dose of assafoetida is from two 

 drachms to half an ounce or more ; it is generally joined with 

 galbanum, ammoniacum, opium, &c. When employed as an ex- 

 pectorant, squill, ammoniacum, camphor, or opium may be added. 



The dose of the foetid spirit of ammonia is from one ounce to 

 one ounce and a half. 



ASTRAGALUS TRAGACANTHA. Gum Tragacanth. 

 The properties of this gum are similar to those of Gum Arabic. 



ASTRINGENTS. Medicines that diminish increased eva- 

 cuations, as those of dung or urine in the diseases named diar- 

 rhoea and diabetes : they are employed also for the cure of bloody 

 urine, and sometimes externally to heal wounds, or put a stop 

 to that discharge from the heels, termed grease, as well as to 

 heal those painful sores or cracks with which that part is often 

 affected in winter. Medical writers generally class the prepara- 

 tions of iron, copper, zinc, and lead, with astringents : these, 

 however, have not been found very useful as internal remedies 

 in the horse ; and whenever they prove serviceable, it is in cases 

 of debility, in which tonics are required. 



The mineral tonics have been recommended in diabetes, 

 especially sulphate of copper (blue vitriol), which I have been in- 

 formed has, in several cases, been found an effectual remedy for 

 diabetes. The dose, about one drachm, joined with other tonics, 

 cordials, or astringents, such as cascarilla or cinchona bark, or 

 the common cordial ball. The effect of those medicines is con- 

 siderably promoted by a nutritious diet, moderate exercise, and 



* Arsenic in the form of a lotion with carbonate of potash is recommended 

 for the destruction of vermin in cattle. See White on Cattle Medicine^ &,x. — Ed. 



