180 VETERIXARY MATERIA MEDICA. 



from the zinc compound by its taste, absence of me- 

 tallic astringency, and by its neutral solution, giving 

 no precipitate with hydrogen sulphide; distinguished 

 from oxalic acid by its finer and more needle-shaped 

 crystals, its bitter taste, its lack of acid reaction, and 

 its propert}' of precipitating alkaline carbonates with- 

 out effervescence. Dose: cathartic, H., lb. ss.-i. ; 

 C, lb. i.-iss. ; D., 3 ij.-iv. Asa febrifuge and al- 

 terative, one-eighth to one-fifth of these doses suffice. 

 Its activity as a purgative may be somewhat in- 

 creased by the addition of diluted sulphuric acid. 



The magnesia salts are non-poisonous ; when given 

 internally they are slowly absorbed. The carbonate 

 is used as a laxative and antacid. Its laxative prop- 

 erties are somewhat increased when the contents of 

 the intestine and stomach are acid ; hence it is given 

 to calves and foals suffering from acidit}^ and flatu- 

 lence ; also to dogs and cats. The sulphate is purga- 

 tive, alterative, febrifuge, and also slightly diapho- 

 retic and diuretic, being excreted by the kidneys and 

 skin. For ruminants it is a good purgative, but on 

 the horse its action is rather uncertain. It is admin- 

 istered in indigestion, constipation, etc., and is usu- 

 ally given with some carminatives; as a febrifuge to 

 horses affected with influenza, pneumonia, and other 

 febrile disorders, when there is any tendency' to con- 

 stipation ; also as an antidote in lead-poisoning. 



Potassii Bitarfras, potassium bitartrate, cream 

 of tartar. Colorless or slightly opaque, rhombic crjs- 

 tals, or a white, somewhat gritty powder, permanent 

 in the air, odorless, having a pleasant, acidulous 



