CATHAKTICS. 175 



Simple Purgatives. 



Rheum, rhubarb (Radix rhei), the dried and sliced 

 root of Rheum palmatum and other rhubarb species. 

 Obtained chiefly from China and Thibet. It is stom- 

 achic, tonic, astringent, a mild cathartic and chola- 

 gogue ; increases the secretion of bile. Small repeated 

 doses improve digestion and assist to correct slight 

 gastric derangement ; large doses are mild cathartics 

 in the dog and cat. Dose as stomachic and tonic for 

 the dog, gr. x.-xx. ; as cathartic, 3 i.-iij. 



Aloe, aloes, the inspissated juice of the leaves of 

 Aloe vera (Barbadoes aloes) and other aloes species. 

 Contains aloin, a neutral principle common to all va- 

 rieties of the plant, of which three are found in the 

 market. 



1. Aloe Barhadensis, Barbadoes aloes, obtained 

 from the West Indies, is of a liver-brown color, an 

 opaque, earthy fracture, a persistent, disagreeably bit- 

 ter taste, a strong, disagreeable odor. When breathed 

 upon, it gives off an odor resembling that of the human 

 axiUa. It is tough and hard to pulverize, and its 

 powder is a dull olive yellow and darker than that of 

 the other varieties. It is almost entirely soluble in 

 proof spirit. 



2. Aloe Socotrince, socotrine aloes, from East In- 

 dia, Bombay, and Zanzibar. Reddish-brown pieces 

 of various sizes, breaking with a smooth, resinous 

 fracture. Darkens on exposure to air ; odor, although 

 strong, is somewhat agreeable ; taste, very bitter. 



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