652 GI,OSSARY. 



An-ti-sbp-tic. Anything that counteracts or prevents putrefacation or 

 decay. There are spores in the air that attack wounds and cause 

 rotting or putrefaction. Antiseptic surgery uses applications to 

 prevent these spores from living in the wounds. 



An-ti-spas-mod-ic. Medicines that relieve spasms, such as cramps 

 and convulsions. 



A-NUS. The posterior opening of the alimentary canal, through which 

 the excrements are expelled. 



A-OR-TA. The great artery which carries the blood from the heart to 

 all parts of the body except the lungs; the main trunk of the arte- 

 rial system. 



A-PE-Ri-RNT. A medicine that gently moves or opens the bowels; sim- 

 ply a laxative. 



Ar-o-mat-ic. A plant, drug, or medicine characterized by a fragrant 

 smell, and usually by a warm pungent taste, as ginger, cinnamon 

 and spices. 



As-CAR-i-DES. A parasitic worm often occuring in the human intes- 

 tines also in the domestic animals. 



As-ci-TES. Dropsy of the peritoneum. A collection of serous fluid in 

 the cavity of the abdomen. 



As-PHYX-iA. Apparent death or suspended animation; the condition 

 which results from drowning or inhaling irrespirable or poisonous 

 gases. See Carbon-monoxide. 



As-SiM-i-LA-TiON. The changing of nutriment into the fluid or solid 

 substance of the body, by the processes of digestion and absorption, 

 whether in plants or animals. 



As-TRTN-GENT. A medicine or other substance that produces contrac- 

 tion in the soft organic textures, and checks the discharges of 

 blood, mucus, etc. 



Au-Ri-CLES. The two chambers of the heart into which the blood is re- 

 ceived and transmitted to the ventricles, from which it is forced 

 through the arteries to the various parts of the body. 



Aus-CUL-TA-TiON. An examination by listening either directly by ap- 

 plying the ear to the parts of the body, as the chest or abdomen, or 

 with the stethoscope, in order to distinguish sounds recognized as a 

 sign of health or disease. 



Bal-sam-ics. Medicines employed for healing purposes, Soft, sooth- 

 ing, mitigating remedies. 



