ALTERATIVES. 447 



CHAPTER XXVIII. 



THE PRINCIPAL MEDICINES, AND THE DOSEh IN WHICH THEY 

 CAN SAFELY BE ADMINISTERED : — 



tilteratives — Anesthetics — Anodynes — Antacids — Anthelmintics 

 — Aperients — Astringents — Blisters — Caustics — Charges — 

 Clysters — Cordials — Demulcents — Diaphoretics — Digestives 

 Diuretics — Embrocations — Emulsions — Expectorants — Feb- 

 rifuges — Lotions — Narcotics — Refrigerants — Sedatives — Stim- 

 ulants — Stomachics — Styptics — Tonics — Vermifuges, or Worm 

 Medicines. 



(The Formula? enclosed in [ ] are by the American Editor ) 



ALTERATIVES. 



This term is not very scientific, but it is in very general 

 use, and easily explains its own meaning, though the modus operandi 

 of the drugs employed to carry it out is not so clear. The object is 

 to replace unhealthy action by a healthy one, without resorting to 

 any of the distinctly-defined remedies, such as tonics, stomachics, 

 &c. As a general rule, this class of remedies produce their effect 

 by acting slowly but steadily on the depuratory organs, as the liver, 

 k idneys, and skin. The following may be found useful : — 



I. In Disordered States of the Skin — 



Emetic Tartar ..... 2 ounces. 



Powdered Ginger ... .3 ounces. 



Opium ...... 1 ounce. 



Syrup enough to form 16 balls : one to be given every night. 



a. Simply Cooling — 



Barbadoes Aloes . . . 1 ounce. 



Castile Soap l£ ounce. 



Ginger ...... $ ounce. 



Syrup enough to form 6 balls : one to be given eveiy morning. Or, 



3. Barbadoes Aloes . . . . lj drachm. 



Emetic Tartar 2 drachms. 



Castile Soap ..... 2 drachms. Mix. 



1. Alterative Ball for General Use — 



Black Sulphuret of Antimony . . 2 to 4 drachn.8. 



Sulphur 2 drachms. 



Nitre ...... 2 drachms. 



Linseed meal and water enough to form a ball. 



