ALTERATIVES. 19 



(see Antimony); but these may be rendered 

 more efficacious by being joined with other 

 medicines, (See Pharmacopoeia.) 



The complaints in which this kind of al- 

 terative is most useful, arc those termed sur- 

 feit and hidebound ; they are also employed 

 to remove an undue determination of blood 

 to any internal organ, or to diminish 

 general plethora. 



Diaphoretic alteratives seldom prove ef- 

 fectual, unless assisted by exercise and good 

 grooming. 



Tonic Alteratives are composed of 

 the preparations of iron, copper, zinc, and 

 arsenic: there are also vegetable tonics, such 

 as Peruvian bark, quassia, gentian, and 

 other bitter roots. It is remarkable that 

 arsenic*, though so poisonous in the human 

 body, is the best tonic for horses we are ac- 

 quainted with, apd may be given even in 

 considerable doses with perfect safety. 

 (See Arsenic.) 



The medicines we have just named will 



* Arsenic is said to be a powerful tonic in the 

 human body, but is considered as a dangeroua 

 remedy, and must be employed with the utmost 

 caution, 



