dogs: their management. 119 



A quarter of a grain of tartar emetic in solution is suffi- 

 cient for a middling sized dog ; and four grains of ipeca- 

 cuanha is equally effective. If in two hours (which rarely 

 happens) no effect is produced, it is better to repeat the 

 dose, and continue even to do so, than to commence with 

 a larger quantity in the first instance. These animals in 

 their constitutions are so various, and the practitioner has 

 so little to guide his judgment, that the utmost caution 

 will not in every instance protect him from self-reproach ; 

 and in no case is he warranted in closing his mind against 

 the suggestions of prudence. It is true the primary effects 

 of an emetic are generally gratifying, hut the after conse- 

 quences, if carefully traced, will not he found to be equally 

 satisfactory. Often the purge and the vomit, with which 

 every dabbler commences his treatment of a " dog-case," 

 appear to gi|ie relief; but, commonly, when the immedi- 

 ate excitation which their first operation naturally calls 

 forth passes away, debility ensues, and the termination is 

 not in harmony with the beginning. I once was very 

 partial to emetics. I now rarely make use of them, and 

 have no reason to lament my change of practice. 



No notice will be bestowed upon those mysterious com- 

 pounds known as alteratives, sedatives, &c., which are 

 given merely because habit has sanctioned their administra- 

 tion. Names are in medicine dangerous things, and give a 

 currency to error which, to man and beast alike, has 

 proved fatal. Neither will any attempt be made to 

 classify diseases ; which custom, though it has some 

 advantages, is likely to mislead, by setting up a system 



