156 Materia-Medica* 



APERIENTS. 



Aperients are mild, gentle laxatives or purges. The 

 most powerful are termed cathartics, and the mildest 

 laxatives* 



1. A Mild Oleaginous Purge. Linseed oil, i pint. 



2. Linseed oil, i pint; croton oil, i to 5 drops. 



3. Barbadoes aloes, 2 to 7 or 8 drms. The extract is 

 first finely powdered, and afterwards caused to form a 

 tenacious paste by means of a small quantity of soft soap. 

 The addition of i or 2 drms. of finely powdered ginger 

 promotes warmth and prevents griping. 



Aperients or purgative medicine is known in the stable 

 by the elastic term of " physic," the real nature of which 

 is so little understood, that a few remarks will not be out 

 of place. The action alone of purgative medicine often 

 produces much inconvenience to the horse, even in 

 health, and when to this is added the nausea resulting 

 from the digestion of the drugs, one cannot exhibit too 

 much care in preserving the comfort of the sufferer when 

 doomed to their administration, especially during illness. 

 In all cases, if possible, the system should be prepared 

 by previous withdrawal of nearly all hard and dry food, 

 substituting an allowance of bran in the form of mash, 

 which should be continued over two or three days, 

 according to the state of the bowels, and the extent of 

 action required. In healthy working horses of all kinds 

 this is most important, as the full action of a smaller dose 

 of medicine is ensured, with the least inconvenience, and 

 a more certain possibility of a speedy return to the usual 

 duties. In these cases purgative medicine should be 

 given in the early morning, or not later than noon, the 

 mash being supplied immediately afterwards ; the animal 

 then remains at rest, chilled water being allowed for 

 drink, and an extra thin rug, or even two, may be put on. 

 In winter time this is very important. Before being left 

 for the night, the tail may be tied up to preserve it from 

 being fouled by the evacuations, and the floor behind may 

 be covered with a thin layer of litter to prevent splashing 

 of the walls, &c., if active purgation comes on in the 



