ggg THE HORSE. 



cences, or stimulate indolent ulcers, or remove portions of cellular sub- 

 stance or muscle infected by any poison. They are the butyr of anti- 

 j^ony — blue vitriol — verdigris — corrosive sublimate — lunar caustic, and 

 sulphuric acid. See these different substances. 



Chalk is used only in combination with catechu for superpur^ation, 

 and in the proportions directed under the article Catechu. The prepared 

 or levigated chalk is generally preferred. 



Chamomile. — The powder of the flower is a useful vegetable tonic, and 

 the mildest in our list. It is given in doses of one or two drachms, and 

 is exhibited in the early stage of convalescence to ascertain whether the 

 febrile stage of the disease is passed, and to prepare the way for a more 

 powerful tonic, the gentian. If no acceleration of pulse, or heat of 

 mouth, or indication of return of fever, accompanies the cautious use of 

 the chamomile, the gentian, with carbonate of iron, may be safely ventured 

 on ; but if the gentian had been used first, and a little too soon, there 

 might have been a considerable, and perhaps dangerous return of fever. 



Charcoal is a useful antiseptic, and, mixed with a poultice, readily 

 removes the feetid smell of unhealthy ulcers, or cracked heels. 



Charges are thick adhesive plasters spread over parts that have been 

 strained or weakened, and, being applied to the skin warm, adhere for a 

 considerable time. The following mixture makes a good charge — Bur- 

 gundy or common pitch, five ounces ; tar, six ounces ; yellow wax, one 

 ounce, melted together, and when they are becoming cool, half a drachm 

 of powdered cantharides well stirred in. This must be partially melted 

 afresh when applied, and put on the part with a large spatula, as hot as it 

 can be without giving the animal too much pain. Flocks of tow should 

 be scattered over it while it is warm, and thus a thick and adhesive 

 covering will be formed, which cannot be separated from the skin for 

 many months. This is applied for old sprains of the loins, and also strains 

 of the back sinews. The charge acts in three ways — by the slight 

 stimulant power which it possesses it gradually removes all deep-seated 

 inflammation — by its stimulus and by its pressure it promotes the absorp- 

 tion of any callus or thickening beneath; and, acting as a constant bandage, 

 it gives tone and strength to the part. 



Clysters. — These are useful and too often neglected means of hastening 

 the evacuation of the bowels, when the disease requires their speedy 

 action. The old ox-bladder and wooden pipe may still be employed, and 

 a considerable quantity of fluid may be thrown into the intestine; but the 

 patent stomach and clyster-pump of Mr. Reid is far preferable, as en- 

 abling the practitioner to inject a greater quantity of fluid, and in a less 

 time. 



Two ounces of soft or yellow soap, dissolved in a gallon of warm water, 

 will form a useful aperient clyster; it will detach or dissolve many 

 irritating substances that may have adhered to the mucous coat of the 

 bowels. For a more active aperient, eight ounces of Epsom salts, or 

 even of common salt, may be dissolved in the same quantity of water : 

 a more active injection, but not to be used if much purgative medicine has 

 been previously given, may be composed of an ounce of Barbadoes aloes, 

 dissolved in two or three quarts of warm water. If nothing else can be 

 procured, warm water may be employed ; it will act as a fomentation to the 

 inflamed and irritable surface of the bowels, and will have no incon- 

 siderable effect even as an aperient. 



In cases of over-purging or inflamtnation of the bowels, the injection 

 must be of a soothing nature: it may consist of gruel alone; or if the 

 purging be great, and difficult to stop, the gruel must be thicker, four 



