ADMINISTRATION OF ARSISNIC TO ANIMALS. 439 
Arsenic is also frequently given in small doses to pigs, 
especially at the commencement of their fattening ; when a 
daily dose of sulphuret of antimony is administered. It has 
been noticed that the purified sulphuret of antimony ( anti - 
monii sulphuretum nigrum leevigatum) , such as is prepared in 
the laboratories, produces no effect when given, whilst the 
sulphuret {unpurified ?) sold by the druggists, produces the 
expected result. This fact may possibly depend on the 
circumstance, that the unpurified sulphuret of antimony, 
usually contains no inconsiderable quantity of the sulphuret 
of arsenic, whereas, by purification, this latter ingredient is 
removed. 
At Vienna, the grooms and coachmen mix a good pinch of 
white arsenic with oatmeal, and wrap a piece the size of a 
pea in linen, and affix it to the bridle, when the horse is 
harnessed; when the saliva from the animal dissolves the 
drug gradually. 
The glossy, smooth, and freshened aspect of valuable 
horses ; and especially, the white foaming at the mouth, is 
caused very commonly by arsenic, which, as is well known, 
increases the salivary secretion. The drivers, in moun- 
tainous countries, very frequently introduce a dose of arsenic 
into the forage which they give to their horses, previously to 
undertaking a laborious ascent. The jockeys, too, frequently 
make use of small shot for short-winded animals that they in- 
tend taking to the market. It appears that the constant effect 
of this practice, an effect which lasts some days, is due entirely 
to the arsenic known to be contained in the shot. It is to be 
observed, that the exhibition of arsenic to animals is sub- 
jected to the same condition as the arsenico-players , or arsenic- 
eaters practise themselves ; and it would not be uninteresting 
to know, if the beneficial effects of small doses of this poison, 
observed in the case of animals, has led the peasants in 
these countries to make the same experiments upon them- 
selves ; or vice versa , if this practice of administering arsenic 
to animals, has been the consequence of observing its effects 
when administered to the human subject ; and it would be 
further desirable to ascertain beyond doubt, whether intelli- 
gent, scientific men residing in these parts, where the so- 
called arsenic-eaters dwell, can confirm or deny these state- 
ments, advanced in the article from which these particulars 
are quoted. 
We make the present communication — bearing as it does 
upon a most interesting, as well as upon a most important 
subject — exactly as it has come before our notice, and without 
in the least degree pledging ourselves to the accuracy of the 
