NITRE. 251 



Mustard Seed. — Sinapis Nigra. — Used as an irri- 

 tant on parts of the body, where the Spanish fly would 

 be improper and dangerous. The belly, and over the 

 loins are the usual places where mustard is applied. In 

 lumbago, and sprains of the back and loins, and in pain 

 in the bowels, mustard is useful. The mode of applica- 

 tion of mustard is as follows : Jf the hair of the part be 

 long, cut it off, then foment the part with warm water, 

 and immediately rub into the parts a handful of the 

 best flour of mustard. This is more effectual than laying 

 a paste or poultice without rubbing. 



Volatile Oil of mustard makes a good counter-irri- 

 tant, when a few drops are rubbed into the skin. Vine- 

 gar added to mustard does not as it is^thought produce a 

 better effect. Warm water answers every purpose. 



Myrrh. — A gum resin, used in the form of a tincture 

 and a compound tincture, to sores, and a good application 

 in sore mouth, from the bit, or other cause. 



Narcotics are medicines which act upon the brain, 

 and thereby allay pain. Example, opium and its prepa- 

 rations, aconite, and chloroform. 



Neat's Foot Oil. — Used for skin diseases, and for 

 allaying the irritation of blisters, and keeping the skin 

 from cracking. 



Nervines. — Medicines relieving pain, without pro- 

 ducing narcotism. 



Nitric Acid. — (See Acids.) 



Nitre — Saltpetre. — This medicine has long been used 

 as a diuretic, and as a febrifuge in low fevers ; cheaper 

 and better medicines are daily in use for this purpose. 

 Nitre is not a cheap medicine, nor yet is it an indispen- 



