AND PnARMACOPCEIA. 511 



plaint which arises from it, termed gripes, fret, or flatulent 

 colic. 



Peppermint, however, is considerably stronger, and, I think, 

 more certain in its effect. All the virtues of mint reside in an 

 oil, which it affords plentifully by distillation; and this is the 

 most convenient form in which it can be employed for veteiinary 

 purposes ; but it requires to be highly diluted with water, with 

 which it mixes very readily, if previously dissolved in a small 

 proportion of rectified spirit, or rubbed in a mortar with muci- 

 lage and sugar. See Essence. 



The dose of oil of peppermint is from twenty drops to half a 

 drachm ; of spearmint from forty drops to one drachm. 



This is generally found a sufficient quantity, but it may be 

 increased if it prove ineffectual. 



A solution of oil of peppermint, in rectified spirit, is sold 

 under the name of Essence of Peppermint ; one part of the oil 

 to three of spirit is the strength of which I prescribe it. A 

 strong infusion of the dried herb is a good vehicle for more 

 active medicine; and, with a glass or two of gin may be given 

 for flatulent colic or gri^Des, when other medicine cannot be 

 procured. 



MOXA. A light fibrous substance, somewhat like very fine 

 tow. In eastern countries it is employed to remove deep-seated 

 pains, being set on fire on the affected part, so as to burn and 

 produce an eschar; it is, therefore, nothing more than the 

 actual cautery, which is much more conveniently applied in 

 veterinary practice by means of the hot iron. See Firing. 



MUCILAGE. — 3Iucilago. The mucilage commonly em- 

 ployed is made by dissolving gum arable in water. There are 

 other cheaper gums, however, that Avill answer the same pur- 

 pose; mucilage may be made also from quince seeds and 

 starch. For internal use, it is most cheaply and abundantly 

 obtained from flax seed (mixed, however, with oil), or, as it is 

 more commonly named, linseed. Eight ounces infused in two 

 or three quarts of boiling w^ater form a good mucilage. See 

 Acacia. Vera. 



MUKIATES. Combinations of muriatic acid, with alkalies, 

 earths, or metals. 



Muriate of Ammonia. — Ammonice Mnrias. This is com- 

 monly named crude sal ammoniac, and when dissolved in 

 vineo-ar hivS been found a useful application. I have employed 

 the following formula for splents when in a state of inflamma- 

 tion: — 



Muriate of ammonia, powdered 2 drs. 



Vinegar 1 oz. 



Alcohol 1 oz. 



Water 2 ozs. 



Mix. 



