436 MATERIA MEDICA 



and Pectorals.) It Is sometimes used externally as an appli- 

 cation to irritable ulcers. 



Balsam of Tolu. This is generally in a solid form, of a 

 light yellowish colour, and fragrant odour : it is used for the 

 same purposes as the balsam of Peru, in doses from one to two 

 drachms. 



Balsam of Sulphur. This is made by boiling sulphur and 

 olive oil, until they are united : they form a dark-coloured mass, 

 rather like treacle in appearance, but more tenacious, and of a 

 very disagreeable odour. 



Balsam of sulphur is used as an expectorant ; but farriers 

 frequently employ it in recent inflammatory coughs, which is 

 impropei*. 



The dose is from half an ounce to one ounce, mixed with 

 anise- seed or liquorice powder. 



BARBADOES ALOES. See Aloes. 



BABBADOES T All. — Petroleum. This is a bituminous 

 substance brought from the island of Barbadoes. It is nearly 

 of the colour and consistence of common tar, but smells differ- 

 ently, and its colour approaches more to brown. It is insoluble 

 in water, but dissolves in alcohol, ether, and in the fixed and 

 volatile oils, and combines with fat, essential oil, resins, and 

 camphor. By subjection to the influence of sulphuric or nitric 

 acid it becomes a solid resin. It has a considerable diuretic 

 power, and is said to be useful in chronic coughs. Farriers fre- 

 quently use it in this disease ; but by giving it indiscriminately 

 they often do mischief. 



BABK, V^n\]YlK^,OY Jesuits' Barh— Cinchona. Though 

 in the human subject bark is an useful tonic and febrifuge me- 

 dicine, it has no verv remarkable efl'ect on the horse. I have 

 seen it do good, however, in diabetes, a disease consisting in an 

 excessive discharge of urine. 



The dose is from six drachms to one ounce and a half or two 

 ounces. 



There are three sorts of bark : the pale or Jesuits , the red, 

 and the yelloia. The first is considered the best, and is most 

 commonly used ; but the others do not greatly differ from it in 

 their effects. Oak hark would probably be found an useful sub- 

 stitute for Peruvian bark. By boiling bark in water a consider- 

 able time, its virtues are said to be considerably diminished. 



Thei'e is a concentrated preparation of bark, called the Sul- 

 phate of Quinine. I am not aware that it has ever been em- 

 ployed as a horse medicine, but should feel disposed to give it a 

 trial. The dose may be from ten grains to thirty, twice or three 

 times a day.* 



* Mr. Morton recommends it as a valuable tonic after inflammatory action 

 has been subdued, in doses of" from i to 1 drachm. Its chief objection apj^ears 

 to be its expense. — Ed. 



