PURGING. 27 



In some cases, as in inflammation of the brain, it is 

 desirable that the physic should act as quickly as 

 possible. There is another purgative which may then 

 be resorted to, but which, from its irritating properties, 

 should otherwise be avoided, and that is, the croton 

 nut, or oil. 



The following would be the prescription : — 



RECIPE (No. 2). 



Very strong Physic Ball. 



Take — Physic mass, 10 drachms ; and 



Croton nut, from 10 to 15 grains : 

 Beat them together, and make them into a ball, or dissolve them 

 in warm linseed tea. 



This dose may be given in the first instance, if it 

 is wished to produce purgation without loss of time ; 

 but if medicine has been already administered, then 

 ten grains of the croton nut may be made into a ball 

 with a little linseed meal and honey. 



The preparation for physic is as important as the 

 physic itself. A horse should, when possible, be well 

 mashed for twenty-four hours before he has physic ; 

 mashes made of bran and water, should also be given 

 during the operation of the laxative. 



The management of a horse after it has received 

 physic is also deserving of consideration. If the 

 weather and the disease will permit, the horse should 

 be walked out for a quarter of an hour three or four 

 times on the day when the physic is administered. 

 On the following morning he should be exercised 

 again; but no quicker pace than a walk must be 

 allowed. If at the end of the second day the physic 

 c 2 



