AND PHARMACOPCEIA. 495 



Sulphurate of potass is deliquescent, and is decomposed by ex- 

 posure to atmospheric air. It likewise sutlers decomposition by 

 being added to water, part of the sulpluu- taking up the oxygen 

 of the water, and becoming acidified, thereby forming sulphate 

 of potass : while th,e hydrogen of the water, combining with an- 

 other portion of the sulphur, is given off in the form of sulphu- 

 retted hydrogen gas. Hydroguretted sulphuret of potass is also 

 formed by the remaining sulphur uniting with the alkali. Sul- 

 phuret of potass is decomposed by acids, the acid forming a 

 neutral salt with the potass, and the sulphur being liberated. It 

 is very necessary to remember this fact when prescribing sul- 

 phuret of potass ; otherwise, its action may be entirely changed. 



The dose is from a scruple to a drachm or more. 



HOG'S LARD. — Adeps Suillus. An article of some im- 

 portance in veterinary surgery, being the basis of almost every 

 ointment. 



Hog's lard possesses a laxative quality, and may be given to 

 the extent of half a pound, melted and mixed with warm water 

 or peppermint water, as a substitute for castor oil, olive oil, or 

 linseed oil, Avhen neither of these can be procured. Fresh 

 hog's lard melted, and mixed with a little salad oil, forms a 

 good softening ointment for horses' heels that are subject to 

 cracks. 



HONEY. — Mel. A small quantity of honey, dissolved in 

 linseed infusion, is often used in those troublesome coughs which 

 arise from irritation, and serves in this way as a good auxiliary 

 to more important remedies. Honey is sometimes added to a 

 solution of alum, as a lotion for the mouth when it is inflamed 

 and sore. 



Honey is nutritious and rather laxative, and may be occa- 

 sionally given as a restorative, mixed with milk, or with gruel 

 made of wheat-flour and milk. (See Gruel.) With vinegar it 

 forms an oxymel; and when squills, garlic, &c. have been pre- 

 viously infused in the vinegar, it forms with it oxymel of squills, 

 garlic, &c., which are considered good medicines in chronic 

 cough. Honey is a convenient substance for forming balls. It 

 is sometimes used also as a basis for liniments or ointments (see 

 Egyptiacum) ; and when made into a syrup with an infusion 

 of roses, it forms honey of roses, which, with alum, forms an 

 useful wash for soreness of the mouth, lampas, &c. 



HOOF OINTMENT, is prepared from 



Tar and tallow, of each equal parts. 



When melted, let the mixture be removed from the fire, and 

 stirred until it is cold. 



This ointment is applied to the coronet and heels, when dry 

 and cracking; and is also an useful application to thin weak 

 feet. 



