AND PHAIlMACOrCElA. 473 



to give either a drench or a ball, as the complaint would be in- 

 creased by it ; and if at any time a horse happens to cough or 

 appear distressed, while taking a drench, his head should be 

 immediately let down. Hot stimulating medicines, or such as 

 are very nauseous, are better given in the form of balls than 

 drenches. Drenches should always be given with as much gen- 

 tleness as possible ; the horn may generally be introduced with 

 ease, merely by pressing down the tongue Avith the fingers of 

 the left hand, instead of dragging it out, as is commonly done. 

 A small quantity only of the liquid should be given at once ; 

 about six or eight ounces, or even less, when tincture of opium, 

 or any powerful medicine, is given ; and it is of importance to 

 be accui-ate in the dose, and not give either more or less than a 

 certain quantity.* 



In locked-jaw, it is very difficult to give a drench, unless a 

 small horn l)e kept for the purpose, and even then a good deal 

 of dexterity and perseverance are often required to effect it. In 

 some cases, the jaws are so completely closed, and the muscles 

 of deglutition so aftected, that a drench cannot be uiven : and 

 then the only method of conveying liquid medicine into the 

 body, is in the form of clystei'. See CLYSTER.f 



Markham's drench for Anasarca, or general dropsy, consists 

 of a decoction of wormwood in ale, boiled down to two quarts, 

 and skimmed. In this, 1 oz. of Castile soap is to be dissolved ; 

 and into this mixture, 6 drachms of powdered grains of Paradise 

 (greater cardamom seeds), and a similar quantity of long pepper, 

 are to be stirred. The whole of this drench is to be o'ivcn fast- 

 ing, and the horse to be clothed, and exercised until he sweats 

 and stales profusely. This is a most powerful medicine. 



COEDIAL DRENCH. 



Good beer or ale ~ pint to a pint. 



Ginger, powdered 1 dr. 



Allspice, ditto 2 drs. 



Caraways, ditto ., 3 drs. 



Let the ginger, allspice, and caraways simmer for ten minutes 

 in a small quantity of the ale, and then add the rest. When it 



* In giving medicine, a flat pint bottle witli a long neck is the most 

 convenient means; there is much less danger of any being wasted than by 

 the use of a horn, and there is no fear of the bottle breaking if common care 

 and attention are exercised. For administering gruel or anything of a thick 

 consistence, a horn is preferable, or a copper or tin vessel mnde for the 

 purpose. — Ed. 



t Read's injecting apparatus will be found convenient in administering 

 medicine and gruel in this disease. — Ed. 



