Materia Medica. 119 
form a pouch, into which the fluid is gently poured in 
successive quantities as the animal swallows. By care 
and tact many dogs may be treated for severe illness 
during lengthened periods without tiring or rendering 
them obstinate or vicious. 
Nursing.—The importance of careful nursing cannot 
be overstated. The term, although of acknowledged 
scope, is minus one important essential. | Plenty of food, 
water, warmth, or ventilation, cleanliness, &c., are liber. 
ally conceded, but the creature mopes and pines, making 
no progress; some, indeed, die, because the surroundings 
are ungenial. Perhaps the attendant is not so studious 
of the state and requirements of the patient as he should 
be, neglect and coarse treatment having the effect of 
rendering the sufferer absolutely miserable. We have a 
somewhat extensive and vivid experience of the value of 
gentleness and kindness to canine patients. They are 
exceedingly susceptible to kindly treatment, and fre- 
quently yield obedience to a firm and salutary discipline, 
the effects of which are evident in the memory of the 
animal during long subsequent periods. 
In the various formule now to be considered, the 
maximum or full dose is intended for mature dogs of the 
Setter and Retriever class; one-half for other breeds half 
their size and weight, and one-third, one-fourth, or even 
one-sixth, &c., for puppies and the breeds of correspond- 
ing diminutive proportions. 
The Bloodhound, St. Bernard, Mastiff and the like, 
will require double, three-fourths, or one-half in addition 
to the proportions laid down for Setters, size and age 
being considered. 
Alteratives.—A variety of substances are included 
under the term which is neither precise nor commendable. 
It is usually understood to refer to remedies which re- 
store healthy functions to organs previously disordered. 
If the definition be correct, a// remedies are alteratives. 
1. Sublimed sulphur, 5 grs.; powdered nitre or 
saltpetre, c gr.; linseed meal, 1 or 2 grs.; lard or palm- 
oil, sufficient to incorporate the whole as a pill. 
The above ingredients may be given in form of a 
