470 MATERIA MEDIC A 



cines are so very uncertain in tlie horse, and so rarely succeed 

 unless assisted by exercise, that it seems probable that exercise, 

 a proper diet, and good grooming, form the only effectual dia- 

 phoretics. 



Emetic tartar and other preparations of antimony, j\Iinde- 

 rerus's spirit, or Avatcr of acetate of ammonia, and camplior are 

 the diaphoretics which are employed in febrile complaints. Sec 

 Febrifuges.* 



DIGESTIVES. Medicines which promote suppuration in 

 ulcers, and cause them to discharge a white healthy matter. 

 This term is commonly applied to ointments and other prepara- 

 tions which Improve the state or condition of ulcers or sores, 

 and cause them to discharge good matter. Medicines that pro- 

 mote the digestion of food are named tonics, stomachics, and 

 cordials. 



DIGESTIVE OINTMENT. 



No. 1. Hog's lard and strained turpen- 

 tine, of each 4 ozs. 



Yerdio-ris I oz. — Mix. 



o 



No. 2. Hog's-lard and Venice turpentine, 



of each 4 ozs. 



Sulphate of copper (blue vitriol) 

 finely powdered 1 oz. — Mix. 



No. 3. Ointment of yellow resin 4 ozs. 



Oil of turpentine 1 oz. 



Nitric oxide of mercury (red pre- 

 cipitate) finely powdered 1 oz. — Mix. 



DIGITALIS. See Foxglove. 



DILUENTS. Weak liquids employed as a common drink, 

 such as barley-water, bran-water, &c., supposed to cool and di- 

 lute the blood in fevers, and inflammatory complaints. 



DISTILLATION. An operation by which, through the 

 agency of heat, the fixed and volatile principles contained in 

 any body are separately obtained. 



DIUIIETICS. Medicines that increase the secretion of 

 urine ; an effect more readily produced in the horse than in the 

 human body. There is a great variety of medicines that act 

 as diuretics: the principal are, the various kinds of turpentine, 

 balsam, soap, the fixed alkalies, nitre, &c. 



Diuretics are much used in veterinary practice, particularly 



* 



Spirit of nitrons etlier in doses of from one to two ounces is one of the 

 most effectual and usefid diaphoretics, and will frequently produce perspira- 

 lion. It is liiglily useful in inflammatory diseases when the surface and ex- 

 tremities feel cold; it then rouses the circulation, and enables a greater 

 portion of blood to be taken away. — Ed. 



