le* INTESTINAL WORMS. 



but, as these latter means were violent (for, without the very 

 mucus of the bowels, as well as the faeces, were expelled, no benefit 

 was derived from them), so the remedy, in many instances, be- 

 came worse than the disease. Many substances have, therefore, 

 been tried, in hopes of destroying these animals within the body ; 

 and it is evident, that any thing that could certainly do this would 

 be most important, as it would obviate the necessity of having re- 

 course to the violent purgative means heretofore employed. 



For this purpose, substances which present small spiculi, or 

 points, have been found the best adapted for the destruction of 

 worms, by abrading their external or internal surfaces, and that 

 without, in the slightest degree, injuring the patient. Among 

 huntsmen and gamekeepers, glass, very finely powdered, is a very 

 favourite remedy. An old man of this description, in Bucking- 

 hamshire, was famed for worm killing in dogs, and his only means 

 used was glass finely powdered, and given as a ball. Mr. Youatt 

 also recommends the same. If this should be objected to, from 

 what I know to be a groundless fear, that it is dangerous, try the 

 following : — 



Cowhage (dolichos pruriens, Linn) half a drachm 



Tin filings or iron, made with a very fine file, . 4 drachms. 



Form into four, six, or eight balls, and give one every morning ; 

 after which, a mercurial purgative will be proper. I have occa- 

 sionally succeeded, in very obstinate worm cases, by moderate daily 

 doses of Epsom salts. Ascarides are best destroyed by soap or 

 aloetic clysters. The tape worm is not unfrequently removed by 

 mercurial purges ; but a still more certain remedy for this noxious 

 guest is such doses of oil of turpentine as a dog could take safely, 

 remembering that dogs bear very little of it : to some, however, it 

 proves much less hurtful than to others. A small dog might be 

 tried with half a drachm given night and morning, mixed with the 

 yolk of an egg^ for a few days : a larger two scruples, and the 

 largest a drachm, beginning always with a very small dose, and in- 

 creasing it, if it produce no disturbance. 



