RATTLESNAKE ROOT — RECTIFIED SPIRIT. 145 



RECTIFIED SPIRIT. Alkohol, or Spi- 

 rit of Wine, This is obtained in a dilute 

 state, from fermented liquors by distillatioiij 

 and is afterwards rectified or concentrated, 

 by repeating the operation two or three 

 tinies. Rectified spirit is the basis of many 

 useful embrocations, for strains, bruises, &c. 

 It dissolves camphor, and all the resins very 

 readily ; hence we have camphorated spirit, 

 opodeldoc, Fryar's balsam, &c. Mixed with 

 an equal quantity of water it forms what is 

 termed proof spirit, which is the liquid ge- 

 nerally employed for making tinctures. 

 Rect.Jied Spirit is often used alone as an em- 

 brocation for strains ; and, when the injury 

 is deeply seated, is very serviceable. I 

 think, however, it is rendered more effica- 

 cious by the addition of camphor, or oil of 

 rosemary. Rectified spirit is never em- 

 ployed as an internal remedy in the horse ; 

 though fermented liquors, such as beer, 

 porter, or wine, have been often given with 

 great advantage, in cases which required 

 cordials. I have often seen horses, that have 

 been so fatigued with a long chase or jour- 

 ney, as to refuse their food and appear quite 

 exhausted, wonderfully refreshed by taking 



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