MEDICINES. 455 



the animal suffers considerable pain, and, more harm is done by 

 tlie extreme change of temperature than if the fomentation had 

 not been attempted. 



Fox-Glove. — See Digitalis. 



Gentian, — stands at the head of the vegetable tonics, and is a 

 stomachic as ■well as a tonic. It is equally useful in chronic de- 

 bility, and in that which is consequent on severe and protracted ill- 

 ness. It is generally united with chamomile, ginger, and, when 

 the patient will bear it, carbonate of iron. Four drachms of gen- 

 tian, two of chamomile, one of carbonate of iron, and one of ginger, 

 wiU make an excellent tonic ball. An infusion of gentian is one 

 of the best applications to putrid ulcers. 



CriNGER, — ^is as valuable as a cordial, as gentian is as a tonic. 

 It is the basis of the cordial ball, and it is indispensable in the 

 tonic ball. Although it is diflBcult to powder, the veterinary prac- 

 titioner should always purchase it in its soUd form. If the root is 

 large, heavy, and not worm-eaten, the black ginger is as good as 

 the white, and considerably cheaper. The powder is adulterated 

 with bean-meal and the sawdust of boxwood, and rendered warm 

 and pungent by means of capsicum. 



Goulard's Extract. — See under Lead. 



Glauber's Salt. — See Sod^ Sulphur. 



Hartshorn. — See Ammonia. 



Healing Ointment. — See under Zinc. 



Hellebore, white, — This is a drastic cathartic, and should be 

 used with great caution. It is a powerful nauseant, and lowers 

 both the force and frequency of the pulse, and is therefore given 

 with good effect in various inflammations, and particularly that 

 of the lungs. In the hospital of the veterinary surgeon, or in the 

 stable of the gentleman who will superintend the giving and the 

 operation of every medicine, it may be used with safety ; but with 

 him who has to trust to others, and who does not see the horse 

 more than once in twelve or twenty-four hours, it is a dangerous 

 drug. If it is pushed a little too far, trembling and giddiness, and 

 purging follow, and the horse is sometimes lost. The hanging of 

 the head, and the frothing of the mouth, and, more particularly, 

 the sinking of the pulse, will give warning of danger ; but the 

 medical attendant may not have the opportunity of obsei-ving this, 

 and when he does observe it, it may be too late. Its dose varies 

 from a scruple to half a drachm. In doses of a drachm, it could not 

 be given with safety ; and yet, such is the different effect of med- 

 icines given in different doses, that in the quantity of an ounce it 

 is said to be a, diaretic aiid a tonic, and exhibited with advantage 

 in chronic and obstinate grease. . 



Hellebore, black, — This is used mostly as a local application, 

 and as such it is a very powerful stimulant. Mr. E. Stanley, of 



