MEDICINES. 393 



and when they are removed, the part is left wet and uncovered, and the 

 coldness of evaporation succeeds to the heat of fomentation. The perspi- 

 ration is thus suddenly checked, the animal suffers considerable pain, and 

 more harm is done by the extreme change of temperature than if the 

 fomentation had not been attempted. 



Gentian stands at the head of the vegetable tonics, and it is a sto- 

 machic as well as a tonic. It is equally useful in chronic debility, and in 

 that which is consequent on severe and protracted illness. It is generally 

 united with chamomile, ginger, and, when the patient will bear it, car- 

 bonate of iron. Four drachms of gentian, two of chamomile, one of car- 

 bonate of iron, and one of ginger, will make an excellent tonic ball. An 

 infusion of gentian is one of the best applications to putrid ulcers. 



Ginger is as valuable as a cordial, as gentian is as a tonic. It is the 

 basis of the cordial ball, and it is indispensable in the tonic ball. Although 

 it is difficult to powder, the veterinary practitioner should always purchase 

 it in its solid form. If the root be large, heavy, and not worm-eaten, the 

 black ginger is as good as the white, and considerably cheaper. The pow- 

 der is adulterated with bean-meal and the sawdust of boxwood, and ren- 

 dered warm and pungent by means of capsicum. 

 Goulard's Extract. — See Lead. 



Hellebore, White, is a powerful nauseant, and lowers both the force 

 and the frequency of the pulse, and is therefore given with good effect in 

 various inflammations, and particularly that of the lungs ; but it requires 

 watching. In the hospital of the veterinary surgeon, or in the stable of 

 the gentleman who will superintend the giving and the operation of every 

 medicine, it may be used with safety ; but with him who has to trust to 

 others, and who does not see the horse more than once in twelve or twenty- 

 four hours, it is a dangerous drug. If it is pushed a little too far, 

 trembling and giddiness, and purging follow, and the horse is sometimes 

 lost. The hanging of the head, and the frothing of the mouth, and, more 

 particularly, the sinking of the pulse, would give warning of danger ; but 

 the medical attendant may not have the opportunity of observing this, and 

 when he does observe it, it may be too late. Its dose varies from a scruple 

 to half a drachm. In doses of a drachm it could not be given with 

 safety ; and yet, such is the different effect of medicines given in different 

 doses, that in the quantity of an ounce it is said to be a diuretic and a 

 tonic, and exhibited with advantage in chronic and obstinate grease. 



Hemlock is used by some practitioners, instead of digitalis or hellebore, 

 in affections of the chest, whether acute or chronic ; but it is inferior to 

 both. The dose of the powder of the dried leaves is about a drachm. 



Infusions. — The active matter of some vegetable substances is partly or 

 entirely extracted by water. Dried vegetables yield their properties more 

 readily and perfectly than when in their green state. Boiling water is 

 poured on the substance to be infused, and which is previously grossly 

 pounded or powdered ; the vessel is then covered and placed by a fire. 

 In five or six hours the transparent part may be poured off, and is ready 

 for use. In a few days, however, all infusions become thick, and lose 

 their virtue, from the decomposition of the vegetable matter. 



The infusion of chamomile is advantageously used instead of water in 

 compounding a mild tonic drench : the infusion of catechu is useful in 

 astringent mixtures; the infusion of linseed is used instead of common 

 water in catarrh and cold ; and the infusion of tobacco in some injections. 

 Iodine. — This substance is but lately introduced into veterinary prac- 

 tice, and has been given with effect in doses of five grains daily, "to reduce 

 the enlarged glands which sometimes remain after catarrh. It has like- 



