MEDICINES USED FOR THE HOESE. 89 



hastens to give more rosin, thinking to remedy the defect that he has been 

 instrumental in producing. It should be remembered that powerful diuret- 

 ics, like powerful purgatives, tend only to weaken and to debilitate. If there 

 be a urinary defect, find out the cause, and, if possible, have it removed, 

 and the effect will cease ; but do not attempt to do so by force, against all 

 science and common sense. 



Sweet Spirits of Nitre. — This is generally considered a good house- 

 hold remedy for fevers, etc. It is used for the horse to increase the action 

 of the kidneys, but should not be given too freely in all cases of supposed 

 inaction of the kidneys. 



Dose. — One to two ounces, given with a little cold water. 



Sulphur.— Is a valuable medicine, given internally, for rheumatism, in 

 doses of one-half to two ounces, and also for various disorders. It is also 

 used, with grand success, for skin diseases. 



Tar.— The tar used in this country is prepared mostly from a species of 

 pine growing in the Southern States. Tar consists of resinous matter, 

 united with the acetic acid, oil of turpentine and various volatile empyreu- 

 matic products, and colored with charcoal. 



Uses. — The medical properties of tar are similar to those of the turpen- 

 tines. It is used occasionally, with good results, for complaints of the 

 urinary passages, and also for coughs. Externally, it is used for foul and 

 indolent sores ; it is also an excellent application to the bottom of the foot, 

 to soften the hoof when it is too hard and the foot sore. Some prefer a 

 mixture of glycerine and tar, mixed as follows-. Take of tar and glycerine, 

 each, six troy ounces, and of starch, in powder, two drachms. Mix the 

 starch thoroughly with the glycerine, previously warmed ; then add the tar, 

 and heat quickly to 212°. Strain, if necessary, and stir the mixture while 

 cooling. Tar should be kept in every horse-shoeing shop for putting on the 

 foot, usually with cotton batting or oakum, and having leather nailed on 

 with the shoe. 



Dose. — One to two ounces, repeated two or three times a day. 



White Vitriol. (Sulphate of Zinc.) — This preparation of zinc is a valua- 

 ble medicine, also, for healing sores and wounds. It is used, with good 

 results, for healing fresh cuts and wounds, or ulcers, whether they be 

 healthy or unhealthy, by applying a solution of the following strength, viz. : 

 white vitriol, one ounce; soft water, one quart. It is also used, with very 

 good results, m eye waters, and, perhaps, is one of the very best of medicines 

 we have for the eye. As we have given two or three receipts for eye waters, 

 with the miscellaneous receipts, we refer all who are interested to those. 



Z)os6.— When given as a tonic, ten to fifteen grains may be given, dissolved 

 in water. It is used, with good results, for irritated stomach, loss of appe- 

 tite, etc. 



