HYDROTHORAX. 117 



therefore, indicated; but, at the same time, we desire 

 to promote absorption. Happily we possess a medicine 

 in which these valuable properties are combined. The 

 iodide of iron is both powerful and safe ; it will answer 

 the intention admirably, and may be given in the fol- 

 lowing form : — 



RECIPE (No. 32). 



Take — Iodide of iron, a drachm ; 



Powdered nux vomica, a scruple ; 

 Gentian, four drachms : 

 Make into a ball with honey, and give thrice a day. 



As, however, the iodide of iron is of a very perish- 

 able nature, and on that account may not be always 

 obtained in country places ; and as, moreover, when 

 it can be procured, it is an expensive medicine ; the 

 following may, under circumstances, be substituted 

 for it : — 



Iodine, a drachm ; 

 Sulphate of iron, a drachm. 



The other ingredients are to be retained ; and the 

 ball to be administered at the periods before directed. 



At the same time the food should be of the best 

 kind. Ground and scalded beans and oats, with malt 

 mashes, should be freely allowed ; and whitened water 

 or thin gruel must not be withheld under the idea of 

 drying up the fluid by keeping the horse in an agony 

 of thirst. Let him drink as much as he pleases — the 

 draught will add to his strength, and check rather 

 than increase the disease. 



The effusion, however, being established, the prac- 

 titioner should think seriously of getting rid of the 



