500 MATERIA MEDICA 



venieiice. It seems to act on the skin like emetic tartar, and 

 pi'omotes Insensible perspiration ; but I do not think it is so cer- 

 tain in its effects as emetic tartar; it is sometimes joined with 

 opium, camphor, nitre, or ginger, according to the nature of 

 the disease : with ginger, it forms a good medicine for horses 

 that are hide-bound ; but this compound is not proper in fevers, 

 or any complaint arising from inflammation, and the fevers of 

 horses are almost always inflammatory. It is most commonly 

 given with nitre or with nitre and camphor ; and some prac- 

 titioners prefer it, as a fever medicine, to tartarised antimony 

 (tartar emetic). It has been asserted that it is much improved 

 as a diaphoretic, in the human subject, by the addition of one 

 fourth of its weight of precipitated sulphuret of antimony. (See 

 Febrifuges.) James's powder is insoluble in water, and should 

 therefore not be administered in a drench. According to the 

 analysis of this medicine, it has been found to contain antimony, 

 phosphate of lime, and potass.* 



JAPAN EARTH. See Acacia Catechu. 



JOHN'S-WORT. — Hypericum. There is an oil of John's- 

 wort kept by druggists, which appears to be nothing more than 

 common oil coloured with verdigris. The herb was formerly 

 employed in fomentations, but is now thought unworthy of 

 notice. 



JUNIPER BERRIES. — Juniperi Baccce. The juniper 

 shrub is an indigenous evergreen ; and is found generally grow- 

 ing on downs and heaths. It flowers in May, and bears berries, 

 Avhose medicinal properties are diuretic, carminative, and sto- 

 machic. They should be allowed to remain on the tree for two 

 years before they are gathered, as they do not come to maturity 

 before that time. Juniper berries generally form a part of 

 diuretic balls and drenches ; they are recommended also in 

 flatulency of the stomach and bowels. 



The dose is from one to two ounces. 



Juniper berries are often injured by keeping; becoming dry, 

 shrivelled, or nearly rotten. The purchaser should choose such 

 as are plump, rather heavy, and moist internally. 



An oil is obtained from juniper by distillation, Avhich seems 

 to be the part on which the virtues of the berry depend. Oil of 

 juniper is carminative and diuretic : the dose is from one drachm 

 to two or three. It is generally highly adulterated with oil of 

 turpentine; but this admixtui^e does not injure it materially, oil 

 of turpentine being very similar to it in its medical qualities, 

 tliough more powerfid. 



* This medicine Is scarcely ever used in the horse, being now regarded as 

 powerless in this animal. In the dog, however, it is commonly used, parti- 

 cularly for distemper, where, from the great irritability of the dog's stomach, 

 emetic tartar is inadmissible. — Ed. 



