Drugs and Mediaines, 499 



and in weak animals without appetite, and which do not thrive ; also in 

 febrile and exhausting diseases, and in hemorrhages. May be advan- 

 tageously combined with iron, gentian, Peruvian bark or other bitters. 

 Externally, the strong acid is a powerful caustic ; diluted, it may be 

 applied to ulcers with proud flesh ; and as a cheap and penetrating dis- 

 infectant, it is suitable for pouring on carcases of diseased animals which 

 have died of contagious diseases. No. 141. 



Mustard {Sinapis). — Dose ^- oz. Best given as a pill or ball. 

 A stomachic and mild stimulant, in colic, cramps, dyspepsia, etc. 

 Principally used externally, as the popular "mustard plaster." For 

 ordinary purposes, it may be mixed with tepid water ; mixed with 

 whisky or vinegar, the action is slower ; with turpentine or spirits of 

 ammonia, the action is much more prompt and severe. The oil of mus- 

 tard rubbed in is a strong blistering fluid. For all domestic animals, 

 mustard plasters are admirable means of reducing inflammations, reliev- 

 ing pain, lessening swellings and stimulating parts. Nos. 190, 395. 



Nitre {Nitrate of Potash) — see Potash nitrate. 



Nitrate of Silver {Lunar caustic)— see Silver Nitrate. 



Nitric Acid {Aqua fortis). — Dose of the dilute medicinal acid 

 1 to 2 drs., well diluted. Internally a stimulant and antiseptic, useful in 

 dyspepsia, low fever, and diarrhea. The strong acid is used as a caustic 

 for removing warts, proud flesh, etc. It is generally applied on a splinter 

 of soft wood. A drachm of the strong acid to a pint of water is a valu- 

 able wash for foul sores, old ulcers, foot rot, and sloughing wounds. It 

 is also serviceable in abating itching, nettle rash and mange. No. 229. 



Nux Vomica and Strychnine {Strych7iia).—&ivje\i- 



nine is the active principle of the plant nux vomica. The dose of the 

 powdered nux is, for horses, 1 dr., cattle, 2 drs., sheep and pigs, 20grs., 

 given in a ball. Far more convenient is strychnine used with the hypo- 

 dermic syringe, as — 



No. 489. Strychnine, ' 5 grains. 



Water, 6 drachms. 



Alcohol, 2 drachms. 



Of this ten drops contain one-tenth of a grain of strychnine, and 20 

 or 30 drops m»y be thrown at one time under the skin of the 

 horse. 



Internally, a horse may take 2 grains of strychnine. Both nux and 

 strychnia are of unequaled value in stiffened and partly paralyzed ani- 

 mals. To be used with advantage, they must be continued and the dose 



