INTRODUCTION. 85 



Besides the agents administered medicinally, certain 

 drugs gain a place in the Pharmacopoeia as constituting 

 useful and convenient means of giving bulk to remedies, 

 whether for internal or external use. Such are — 



ExcipientSy as common mass, formed of equal parts of 

 linseed meal and treacle thoroughly intermingled. Gly- 

 cerine and linseed meal, or soft soap, vaseline or lard 

 are used for this purpose ; but agents of this kind are not 

 used much for the ox, as 



Vehicles, fluid media, are more frequently considered 

 necessary. Water is the most common, the active sub- 

 stances being either dissolved or suspended in it. Gruel 

 is also very useful for this purpose, and in many cases the 

 medicines may be given in beer. 



The application of boiling wafer, as mentioned above, to 

 the sides or other parts of an animal, must be effected by 

 dipping a blanket in the water and keeping it held up against 

 the part from each side. As soon as it begins to cool, more 

 boiling water is baled into it, and the process is thus con- 

 tinued for half-an-hour or upwards. Then to the surface a 

 little stimulating liniment may be applied to keep up the 

 excitation and prevent a relapse. Considerable serous 

 effusion into the subcutaneous areolar tissue will result. 

 This is a most valuable means of external stimulation. 



Blistering should be performed by removal of the hair 

 from the part by means of scissors or the clipper, and well 

 rubbing in the ointment for about ten minutes. The action 

 of the agent seldom runs too high, but in such a case the 

 removal of any remains of the blister is called for, and 

 alkaline or anodyne lotions must subsequently be applied. 

 Occasionally too extensive application leads to absorption 

 of the vesicant and constitutional symptoms of its medi- 

 cinal or poisonous action. 



Fomentations must be continuously applied, of uniform 

 temperature, as much as possible, and when necessary 

 may be medicated. 



Poultices or cataplasmata must be of soft consistence, 

 moist, but not too watery — generally are made with lin- 

 seed meal and bran. Boiled turnips are sometimes used 



