CLASSIFIED LIST OF DRUGS, 



ACCORDING TO THEIR ACTION ON THE SYSTEM, WITH 

 EXPLANATIONS AND FORMULAS. 



"When we wish to bring about a particular effect on the 

 system we select as medicines those agents which experience 

 has shown to produce the desired action ; and with this end 

 in view, drugs have been arranged in classes, with reference 

 to their specific or peculiar action. The practical utility of 

 such an arrangement will be obvious; and for that reason 

 we give below a scheme of the kind, omitting various minor 

 divisions of no great importance. 



ALTERATIVES. 



These are medicines wliicli alter or correct some faulty condition of 

 the blood or secretions. They are used when animals are " out of con- 

 dition," and in scrofula, rheumatism, distemper, anaemia^ and chronic, 

 diseases generally. The principal alteratives are ;^ 



Mercury and its preparations. 



Iodine and its preparations. 



Arsenic. 



Sulphur. 



The Salines (Nitre, Epsom, Glauber and Common Salt). 



Alkalies (Potash, Soda, Lime). 



Vegetable alteratives (Podophyllin, Poke). 



Mercury, in the form of calomel, was formerly much more largely 

 employed than it is now. Nevertheless, in the commencement of some 

 acute diseases, and also where an active fillip to the liver is required, it 

 is a valuable remedy. 



Iodine is used principally in the form of the iodide of potash. 



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