18 MATERIA MEDICA. 



as an alterative, and sometimes very vio- 

 lently, if continued for two or tiiree weeks. 

 Diuretic alteratives are employed in swell- 

 ings of the l^gs and other parts, or as a 

 preventative, in horses that are subject to 

 such swellings. They are given also to im- 

 prove the coat and general condition of the 

 animal. 



Though not so effectual in many cases as 

 the preceding, they are certainly very conve- 

 nient and innocent, and produce so little 

 disturbance in the body, that a horse may 

 continue his work while taking them, with^ 

 out the least danger, even in the winter sea- 

 son. Nor is there any trouble in giving 

 .them, as a horse readily eats them, when in 

 the form of a powder, with his corn. The 

 laxative alterative has not this advantage, the 

 aloes, of which it is composed, being ex- 

 tremely bitter, and therefore require to be 

 jgiven in the form of a bull. 



Diaphoretic Alteratives are com- 

 posed of medicines that act on the skin, 

 ;gradually increasing the insensible perspira- 

 tion, and giving a smoothness and gloss to 

 .the coat. The most effectual medicines of 

 this class, are the preparations of antimon^y 



