INTRODUCTION 



METHODS OP ADMINISTERING MEDICINE. 



There are several ways in which medicine can 

 enter the system : By the mouth, by the lungs and 

 air passages (by inhalation), under the skin (hypo- 

 dermic), and by the rectum. But the most conven- 

 ient and safest plan for the farmer and stockman is 

 by the mouth. One form is the ball, which is made 

 by pulverizing the substance and mixing it with a 

 little lard or syrup to the consistency of a dough 

 for making bread, then roll it up in a small piece of 

 tissue paper, using a little gum to make it stick. 

 The ball should not be too large, not exceeding the 

 size of one's thumb. If there is too much material 

 make it into two balls instead of having one too 

 large. Balls should be used fresh; when they are 

 old and hard they may pass through without being- 

 digested. Powders should be finely ground, so that 

 they will dissolve easily in the stomach, and there- 

 fore act morequickly. Medicine in the form of pow- 

 ders, such as sulphate of iron and copper, are too 

 irritating to be given as they are, as they would ir- 

 ritate the mouth, and should be given in bran mash 

 or oatmeal gruel. The vegetable powders, such as 

 gentian, are too bitter to give in mashes to horses, 



