MEDICINES AND RECEIPTS 
699 
Action and Use. — It is a very severe physic when given 
internally. It is sometimes given to cattle and horses when 
the bowels are severely constipated, but is never given until 
all the milder physic medicines fail. 
Dose. — For horses, 15 to 20 drops ; cattle, 30 to 40*drops ; 
sheep, 5 to 10 drops ; pigs and dogs, 2 to 3 drops. For horses 
and cattle, give it in a pint of raw linseed oil ; for sheep, give 
in a half a pint of oil, and for pigs and dogs, give it in two 
tablespoonfuls of castor oil. 
13. Cocaine. 
Source. — Cocaine is an alkaloid extracted from the leaves 
of erythroxylum coca and its varieties. The hydrochloride is 
that more generally used. It is in the form of colorless 
crystals which dissolve readily in water, alcohol or glycerine. 
Action and Use. — A few drops of a 57 solution placed 
within the eyelids dilates the pupil. When in contact with 
the sensory nerves it causes paralysis and is consequently 
used as a local anaesthetic for all kinds of operations. 
Dissolve six grains of cocaine in a half ounce of pure 
water and inject with a hypodermic syringe into an ordinary- 
sized tumor. It so paralyzes the sensory nerves locally that 
the tumor may be removed without causing pain. The quan- 
tity used varies of course according to the extent of the 
operation. 
14. Digitalis. 
Source. — Digitalis is obtained from the leaves of a plant 
that grows in many parts of the* country. The leaves are 
dried and ground, and in this form is placed upon the market. 
Action and Use. — It is a heart and lung tonic, used 
mostly mixed in powders that are given in weakening 
diseases, such as influenza, distemper, and lung troubles. It 
is also mixed in powders that are given for heaves. 
15. Elecampane. 
Source. — Elecampane is obtained from a plant which 
may be found growing along the roadside and in pasture 
fields of cool countries. The root is dried, ground and used 
as a powder. 
Action and Use. — It is more generally used as a con- 
stituent of cough powders and is a splendid medicine for 
heaves. 
