138 MxA.TERIA MEDICA, 



given in doses from one to two ounoL^&p. 

 thougli in this quantity it would be a povver- 

 fnl stimulant. 



OPIUM. One of the most important ar- 

 ticles of the Materia Medica. 



It is classed among the narcotic sedatives, 

 of which it is undoubtedly the most useful. 



The anodyne quality which renders opium 

 so valuable in human medicine, is not so 

 manifest when given to the horse; this I at- 

 tribute to the great difference there is be- 

 tween the diseases of men and horses. 



If injudiciously given, opium frequently 

 aggravates the disease, and does much in- 

 jury ; and I have several times seen it in- 

 crease pain, when it has been improperly- 

 given as an anodyne. In spasmodic com- 

 plaints of the bowels it is an excellent re- 

 medy, particularly if joined with aromatic 

 powder, ginger, or some othei' stimulant. 

 In diarrhoea it is an effectual remedy, but 

 must be given cautiously. In diabetes I 

 have found it very beneficial, when joined 

 with bark and ginger. Sometimes it is 

 triven with emetic tartar, and some cordial 

 composition, with good eBect, and in this 

 way it proves a good diaphoretic. 



