tion given by previous authors — their formulae, however, will 



some cases not be recognized when reformed by scientific revisi( 



although their actions can be much altered for the better by su 



treatment. To the scientific therapeutist of the present day ma 



errors in Gilchrist's system of treatment will be evident at a mi 



glance. Thus sulphur is considered " stimulant" in its acti 



cloves and coriander seeds are "cooling," black henbane is "co 



ing and carminative," and sti-amoniura is "stimulant." We po 



this out not in a spirit of hostile criticism but rather to indie 



the very elementary knowledge possessed by Gilchi-ist and 



informants oE the nature and action of medicines on the syat 



of the elephant and the way in which they may be utilized 



the treatment of disease. The ground was practically unbrol 



then; as far as we can determine from literature, it remains in 



same state now, forty years since Gilchrist turned the first so( 



The Mahouts knew only about the value of carminatives, i 



some sedatives which they called "coohng" medicines. T 



never used purgatives. Their external applications have s< 



value, but they were utterly ignorant of the surgical treatmen 



wounds, &c. Gilchrist and his school have introduced the "bl 



and physic" plan and also a little system into elephant medic 



have placed the native mussauls on paper and have thus gi 



some basis for f ature action. Col. Hawkes and Dr. Slymm, w 



adopting most of Gilchrist's ideas, have simplified his form 



and pharmacy, with considerable benefit in lessening cost 



promoting efficiency of the remedies. It remains to apply 



present therapeutical knowledge to this subject — and to -w 



scientifically on the pi-aclical basis thus afforded. 



I have decided, then, to— I. Give a list of ordinary Veterii 

 medicines procurable in this country useful in elephant treatra 

 with their doses and actions.— II. To notice agents which 1 

 been specially recommended in elephant treatment. — III. 

 give some simple formulte such as will prove useful in roi 

 treatment and ought to be kept on hand and ready for use. 

 latter are the more necessary because at present the disease 

 elephants are seldom treated by Veterinary Surgeons and 

 prescriptions will probably be more effectual and certainly dc 

 harm and cost less money than those which are otherwise li 

 to be resorted to. 



