128 Materia Medica. 
4. Gum arabic, finely powdered, 4 0z.; water, 1 pint. 
Mix, and agitate frequently, until a mucilage is formed, 
and adminster 2 to 4 0z. for a dose. 
Diaphoretics.—The power of promoting transpiration 
from the skin of the dog, as in man or the horse, is a 
matter of extreme doubt. The only reliable method of 
accelerating the normal functions is by a judicious use of 
stimulants, as ammonia, assisted by warm clothing or the 
vapour bath. 
Digestives.—These are agents used to promote the 
discharge of pus, in stimulating the tardy or chronic 
action of wounds, and thus promote healing. They are 
also used for smearing setons with a view of hastening 
desirable suppuration. In canine surgery they are not 
largely made use of, simple resin or cantharidine oint- 
ment being all that is required. 
Diuretics. — Medicines which exert their beneficial 
effect by stimulus of the kidneys are known as diuretics. 
They reduce the watery parts of the blood and thus pro- 
mote absorption, by which dropsical states are removed. 
They also exert a sedative effect on the circulation, 
the object of which is to reduce the tendency to fever and 
inflammation. 
1. Bolus.—Nitrate of potash, 1 drm. ; extract of gen- 
tian, sufficient to make a paste. Divide into 6, 8 or 10 
pills, as may be required. 
2. Draught.—Dissolve the required dose of nitrate of 
potash in 1 or 2 oz. of linseed mucilage. 
Electuaries.—Electuaries are syrupy concoctions for 
conveying medicines to the mouth for sustaining local 
action. They slowly dissolve, and are carried by the 
tongue to all parts of the cavity, exerting a beneficial 
action when movement of the jaws is painful, or the 
animal is unable to swallow. 
1. Muriate of ammonia, 1 drm.; camphor, 1 drm. ; 
gum kino, 1 drm. Pulverise separately, and further 
triturate the whole to an impalpable powder, then. 
add treacle sufficient to form a soft paste. Dose, half 
a teaspoonful placed on the tongue three or four times 
a day. 
