550 MATERIA MEDICA 



The opium In these balls Is Intended to enable the stomach to 

 bear the mineral preparations better than it otherwise could ; but 

 by many practitioners it is thought unnecessary. • 



In farcy, sublimate (oxymuriate of mercury) may be added to 

 either of the balls ; but this medicine cannot, with propriety, be 

 classed with tonics in veterinary medicine, for its effect, when 

 given for several days, is that of producing debility, and an In- 

 creased flow of urine. The dose is the same as arsenic. The 

 vegetable tonics I consider as an Important class of medicines. 

 A description of each, as well as of each mineral tonic, will be 

 found under Its respective name. 



VEGETABLE TONICS. 



No. 1. Peruvian bark 1 oz. 



Opium i dr. 



Ginger 1^ dr. 



Oil of caraways 20 drops. 



Treacle, enough to form the ball. — One dose. 



No. 2. Cascarilla 2 drs. 



Gentian root 2 drs. 



Opium 1 dr. 



Oil of caraways 20 drops. 



Treacle, enough to form the ball. 



No. 3. Gentian root 3 drs. 



Opium i dr. 



Cascarilla 1 dr. 



Myrrh 1 dr. 



Carbonate of soda I dr. 



Treacle, enough to form the ball. 



No. 4. Colombo 3 to 4 drs. 



Opium i dr. 



Cassia..., 1 dr. 



Powdered allspice 2 drs. 



Treacle, enough to form the ball. 



These formulte may be considerably varied, or given as 

 drenches in warm ale, or In an infusion of some aromatic or 

 bitter herb, and, If preceded by a mild purgative, and, assisted by 

 a light nutritious diet, will often do much good, moi'e perhaps 

 than the mineral tonics. 



TORMENTIL ROOT. — TormentiUa officinalis. This Is an 

 indigenous perennial plant, growing chiefly In dry heathy spots. 

 It Is a powerful astringent, and is sometimes employed in diar- 

 rhoea In horses and horned cattle. 



