102 



organs, cbolics, ScC. The pjcDarations of mercury, 

 particularly calomel, are given as purges ; but from 

 their peculiar properties, and disposition to gripe and 

 salivate, are seldom given alone, but as auxiliaries 

 to other substances, as aloes. Mercurial purges are 

 peculiarly fitted for horses having worms, or when 

 there is much water in the system, or fipit; but as 

 merely condition physic, they are not, perhaps, so 

 advisable. 



But the most common substance used as physic is 

 aloes; and which, when properly prepared, and when 

 the aloes themselves are of a good kind, is certainly 

 not only the most convenient, but the best physic. 

 It is, however, too connnon to powder aloes very 

 grossly, which alone frequently occasions gripings and 

 other bad consequences ; but when to this defect is 

 added a bad quality in the aloes themselves, such as 

 is often found in the coarsest kinds of Cape and 

 Plantation aloeg, the mischief is commonly serious. 

 It is usual, likewise, to introduce too much heating 

 spice, or oils, into physic, which often intiame the 

 bowels. 



Aloes should be of the very best kind, and verv 

 iinely powdered ; and the quantity given, regulated 

 by the size, age, and strength of the horse, from three 

 dtams to ten. But that no mistake may arise about 

 proportions, and that such physic may be always 

 obtained as persons may be assured are j)repared of 

 the best drugs, and in the most judicious manner, 

 there enters into my medicine ariangenient the fol- 

 lowing varieties of purges: — Sh'ong Pur<i;hig Balls ^ 

 »uitable for strong horses ; Milder Purging Balls, 



