12 SYNOPSIS OE VETERINARY 



acids given before meals increase the diffusion of the alkaline 

 constituents of the blood. 



Mineral Acids. — Especially hydrochloric and phosphoric in- 

 crease the activity of pepsin, when administered during the proc- 

 ess of digestion. Alkalies given before digestion begins, have 

 the same effect to some extent, but if taken during digestion, 

 retard or suspend it. 



Germicides or Antiseptics. — Interfere with digestion in pro- 

 portion to their power. Such agents should be given when the 

 stomach is empty or nearly so; freely diluted to prevent injury 

 to the mucous membrane. 



The Sulphates. — Especially of the metals, nitrates, chlorates, 

 bromides and salicylates, in the order named, decidedly lessen the 

 fermentive power of pepsin, and consequently retard digestion. 



None of them should be given during the time of digestion 

 but as long before and after as the circumstances will permit. 



Remedial agents intended to enter the blood with the food, 

 must of necessity be given when the conversion of food is going 

 on ; iron, the hypophosphites and the phosphates and certain lime 

 salts are of this character, but these remedies should be selected 

 with reference to their action on the digestive fluid. 



According to the observations of Eccles, the hypophosphite 

 of potassium, phosphate of iron, lactophosphate of calcium and 

 citrate of iron are among those exerting comparatively little effect 

 on the process of digestion, while others heretofore supposed to 

 be free from injurious action are especially hurtful. 



While the stomach contents are decidedly acid, those of the 

 smaller intestines are alkaline, and sufficiently so as to neutralize 

 the stomach acid and to maintain the alkalinity of the intestinal 

 juices. 



When, therefore, it is required to have the medicament act on 

 the small intestineSj the best time to secure that effect is when 

 the flow of material is in that direction, and other things being 

 equal by combination with alkalies, if the nature of the substance 

 will permit. 



Medicines intended to affect the secretions of the liver and 

 pancreas require ample time, and should be so administered as to 

 begin their action when the periods of physiological activity ar- 

 rive (after meals). 



