CHAP. III.] MERCURY, A SPECIFIC. 383 



longest, and requires the most powerful means for 

 its removal, is that which is spread minutely all 

 over the body and limbs, and has penetrated the 

 whole system. In whichever manner the animal 

 may have acquired the disorder, we may safely 

 presume that the mass of humours is hideously de- 

 praved, and mercury in one or other of its varied 

 forms, is the only antidote to be relied upon for its 

 extinction. Previously, however, the farcy buds 

 and chancres must be reduced to the state of com- 

 mon sores, by means of the actual cautery freely 

 applied to each. When these slough off, and the 

 sores assume a healthy appearance, less of the 

 mercurial preparation will be required ; but if these 

 retain a livid and therefore unhealthy hue, accom- 

 panied by a poisonous discharge that ulcerates the 

 adjacent parts, a thorough course of mercury is the 

 only certain remedy, and this must be managed 

 with caution. 



Mercurial Ball. — No. 1. 



i^Ethiop's mineral, 2 drachms, 



Opium, 10 grains, 



Liquorice-powder and mucilage to form the 

 ball for one dose. 

 Give twice a day, until the patient's breath smells 

 offensive, and then discontinue the medicine a day 

 or two, as you should also when the animal is found 

 to stale inordinately, or the bowels be very much 

 disordered. But, when the bowels are slightly af- 

 fected, increase the quantity of opium to 20 or 30 



