AND PHARMACOrcEIA. 443 



termed. (See Cathartics.) Bran sliould be cliosen that is 

 sweet and free from any musty smell, which it generally acquires 

 by keeping, especially in damp places. There is a superior kind 

 of bran termed pollard, which is sometimes to be preferred ; that 

 is, when a little more nutriment is wanted in the mash than 

 common bran Avill afford; but as a medicinal mash, common 

 bran is perhaps preferable. Bran mashes are made by pouring 

 boiling water on bran, and letting it stand in a pail until suffi- 

 ciently cool. 



Br-an Water, or White Water, is made in the same manner, using 

 only a larger proportion of water. Bran is of an opening qua- 

 lity*, and therefore a proper diet for horses that have but little 

 exercise ; it may be occasionally mixed with oats or split beans. 

 Bran, with linseed powder or oatmeal, makes a good poultice. 

 See Poultice and Mashes. 



BRICKS, OIL OF. An old absurd preparation made from 

 a mixture of brick-dust and olive oil, used formerly in strains. 

 Barbadoes tar dissolved in oil of turpentine is generally sold as 

 such when it is inquired for. 



BRIMSTONE. Sec Sulphur. 



BURDOCK. — Bardana. A common plant known by its 

 burs. The leaves are said to be diuretic, and are employed in 

 making the green elder ointment, or Pompillion ( t7?«^. Populeiim), 

 so much used by farriers. 



BURGUNDY ^ITCYi. — Abietis Resina. The inspissated 

 juice of the Norway spruce-fir: it somewhat resembles yellow 

 resin, but is less brittle and transparent. What we commonly 

 meet with in the shops appears to be an artificial composition. 

 Burgundy-jntch is often used in making charges and strengthening 

 plasters ; also in some of their ointments. 



BUTTER OF ANTIMONY, or, according to the London 

 Dispensatory, Muriate of Antimony — Antimonii Murias.^ A 

 dark-coloured Hquid, possessing strong caustic powers, and com- 

 ])osed of antimony and muriatic acid. 



It has been highly spoken of as a remedy for quittors and 

 canker, and other ulcers of a similar kind: it is certainly a strong 

 caustic, and may be employed in cases where such applications 

 are required. 



There is something peculiar however in this caustic ; which is, 

 that by coming into contact with a moist part, it is immediately 



* The sligbt cathartic property of bran is supposed to be owing to the 

 small sllicioirs particles it receives from the mill stone, which thus acts mecha- 

 nically in stimulating the intestines. The irregularity of the bran itself may, 

 however, act in the same way. — Ed. 



t The new name for this preparation is sesqui-chloride of antimony. It is 

 a convenient caustic, as it immediately changes the colour of the part to 

 which it is applied. — Ed.^ 



