MEDICINAL TREATMENT IN GENERAL. 351 



3naesthetica. 



Agents which cause a temporary loss of sensation. There 

 are two classes of anaesthetics: (1) Local; (2) General. 



(1) Local, where the agent being applied to the body pro- 

 duces anaesthesia only at the seat of application. 



(2) General. These produce a general condition of 

 anaesthesia to the whole system. They are administered by in- 

 halation. 



Hntheltnintics. 



Drugs which either destroy or expel intestinal worms. 

 Hnt-3cids. 



Alkalies which, by their chemical action in the system, 

 counteract excessive gastro-intestinal acidity. 



Hnodynes. 



Drugs which by their power to diminish excitability of 

 nerves or nerve centers, overcome the sensation called pain. 



Hntiscptics. 



Agents which prevent the development of bacilli or spores, 

 causing a condition of septic decomposition. 



Cathartics. 



Are agents which stimulate the action of the bowels, caus- 

 ing an increased flow of fluids to the parts. Of these there are 

 three classes. 



(1) Laxatives. 



(2) Purgatives. 



(3) Drastics. 



A laxative, causes a mild action. Purgative, a slightly 

 stronger. While a drastic causes a severe purgation. 



(Sulphur. 



T>axatives '. . .(Epsom salts. 



(Cascara segrada. 



