MEDICINES 467 



Strychnia. — This drug has frequently been imployed with 

 decided advantage in cases of paralysis in the d jg ; and lately, 

 and with decided advantage, it has been administered to the 

 horse. The dose is from one to three grains, given twice in the 

 day. 



Sugar of Lead, — see under Lead. 



Sulphur, — ^is the basis of the most effectual applications for 

 mange. It is an excellent alterative, combined usually with an- 

 timony and nitre, and particularly for mange, surfeit, grease, hide- 

 bound, or want of condition ; and it is a useful ingredient in the 

 cough and fever ball. When given alone, it seems to have little 

 effect, except as a laxative in doses of six or eight ounces ; but 

 there are much better aperients. The black sulphur consists prin ■ 

 oipally of the dross after the pure sulphur has been separated. 



Tar, — melted vnth an equal quantity of grease forms the usu- 

 al stopping of the farrier. It is a warm, or slightly stimulant, 

 and therefore useful, dressing for bruised or wounded feet ; but its 

 principal virtue seems to consist in preventing the penetration of 

 dirt and water to the wounded part. As a common stopping it 

 has been considered objectionable. From its warm and drying 

 properties it is the usual and proper basis for thrush ointments; 

 and from its adhesiveness, and shghtly stimulating power, it often 

 forms an ingredient in application for mange. Some practition- 

 ers give it, and advantageously, with the usual cough medicine, 

 and in doses of two or three drachms for chronic cough. The 

 conmion tar is as effectual as the Barbadoes for every veterinary 

 purpose. The oil, or spirit (rectified oil) of tar is sometimes used 

 alone for the cure of mange, but it is not to be depended upon. 

 The spirit of tar, mixed with double the quantity of fish-oil, is, 

 from its peculiar penetrating property, one of the best applica- 

 tions for hard and brittle feet. It should be well rubbed with a 

 brush, every night, both on the crust and sole. 



Tinctures. — The medicinal properties of many substances are 

 extracted by spirit of wine, but in such small quantities as to be 

 scarcely available for internal use in veterinary practice. So 

 much aloes or opium must be given in order to produce effect on 

 the horse, that the quantity of spirit necessary to dissolve it would 

 be injurious or might be fatal. As applications to wounds or in- 

 flamed surfaces, the tinctures of aloes, digitalis, myrrh, and opium, 

 are highly usefiil. 



Tobacco, — in the hands of the skilful veterinarian, may be ad' 

 vantageously employed in cases of extreme costiveness, or danger- 

 ous cholic ; but should never be permitted to be used as an ex- 

 ternal application for the cure of mange, ar an internal medicine 

 to promote a fine coat. 



Tonics —are valuable medicines when judiciously employed ; 



