QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 321 



(b) A drug which increases the secretion of sweat, pilocarpine. 



(c) A drug which produces sleep, potassium bromide. 



(d) A drug which stimulates sexual appetite and function, can- 

 nabis indica. 



Name three preparations of zinc and state the uses of each. 



1. Zinc chloride is used as a caustic in chronic ulcers and fistulae, 

 and as an astringent in wounds; also used in conjunctivitis and 

 keratitis. 



2. Zinc sulphate is used as an emetic for dogs and pigs. Its prin- 

 cipal use is externally as an astringent (white lotion). 



3. Zinc oxide is used as a dusting powder for wounds and ex- 

 coriated surfaces. Used in the form of ointment for its desiccating, 

 astringent and protective properties. Occasionally given internally 

 in chorea and diarrhoea. 



Describe tannic acid. Give the source and the actions of tannic acid. 



Tannic acid is a light, yellowish powder, odorless, or having a 

 faint characteristic odor, and a strongly astringent taste. Soluble 

 in 1 part of water. It is obtained from nut-gall. It is a powerful 

 astringent, styptic, and coagulates albumin. 



Compare the action of morphine on the horse with its action on the 

 dog. State the dose in each case. 



Morphine often causes cerebral and motor excitement, sweating, 

 and dilatation of the pupil in the horse. In the dog it seldom causes 

 excitement and sweating, but does cause contraction of the pupil, 

 nausea, and cerebral depression. 



Hypodermic dose for the horse. 3 to 5 grains; for the dog. Vie to 

 14 grain. 



What is (a) a tonic, (b) an alterative? Give an example of each. 



(a) A tonic is a drug which produces a permanent, though 

 scarcely perceptible, excitement of all the vital functions. Example, 

 iron. 



(b) An alterative is a drug which alters the process of nutrition 

 and excretion and restores the normal functions of an organ or of the 

 system; e.g., iodide of potassium. 



Give the properties, actions and uses of boric acid. 



Occurs in transparent, white, scaly crystals; odorless, faintly 

 bitter taste, permanent in the air, and feebly acid. Soluble in 26 

 parts cold water, 3 parts of warm water, and in 15 parts alcohol. 



It is a non-volatile, imirritating antiseptic, deodorant, and 

 astringent, and is used in all cases where an antiseptic is indicated. 



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