20 SYNOPSIS OF VETERINARY 



molasses or honey, gelatine, albumen (white of eggs) fats, oils, 

 glycerin and milk. 



They lubricate and defend abraded or irritable parts from 

 injury or acrid secretions; are used internally. 



Emollients. — Soften, soothe and relax the parts to which they 

 are applied, they resemble demulcents and include many of the 

 articles specified in that class, as well as those substances which 

 absorb and retain heat and moisture. They are represented by 

 fomentations, poultices and by folds of lint, flannel and hot, wet, 

 woolen cloths, etc. 



Fats, oils, lanolin, vaseline, paraffin with soap and other 

 liniments are also emollients. 



Fatty emollients rubbed into the skin soften and supple it, 

 thus relaxing the tissues, reducing tension and relieve pain. 



Diluents. — Applied to demulcents and emollients, they are 

 liquid or solid substances, used with more active agents to 

 diminish their activity, water is generally their basis and they in- 

 clude most demulcent drugs. 



Diluents in General. — Are agents which dilute the fluids of 

 the body; generally water. 



Diluents, especially water beneficially dilute and hasten the 

 excretion of pathogenic materials and favor the action of diu- 

 retics, diaphoretics, and purgatives. 



MEDICINES ACTING ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 



That is on the brain, spinal cord, motor and sensory nerves. 



Actions of Medicines on the Brain. — Medicines act on the 

 brain, directly on the nerve cells or through the general circula- 

 tion; some act both ways. 



Cerebral Stimulants or Cerebral Excitants. — Stimulate the 

 functions of the brain, such as alcohol, ether, turpentine, etc. 



Alcohol in excessive doses acts as a cerebral depressant, as 

 also does the bromides of potash, ammonia, soda, etc. 



Hypnotics or Soporifics. — Are agents which produce sleep, 

 without at first causing previous excitement, as bromides, anti- 

 pyrine and other cold tar preparations. 



Narcotics. — Produce sleep, but at first cause cerebral excite- 

 ment, as alcohol, ether, chloroform and belladonna. 



