374 
MEDICINES THAT ACT ON THE UTERUS. 
der in what different states the digestive organs, or the nervous 
system, may be at different periods. Besides, we know that every 
medicine at times is variable in its operation. 
M. Bonjean, of Chambery (see VETERINARIAN, vol. xv, p. 665), 
has determined by numerous experiments, 1st, that the ergot 
gathered on the first day of its formation has not the poisonous 
properties which it has when taken on the sixth day ; 2d, that a 
heat of 212° Fahr. produces the same effect as gathering it too 
early ; and, 3d, that fermentation deprives it of its properties; 
These circumstances serve to explain the want of success which 
sometimes attend its administration. 
M. Bonjean has discovered in it two active principles : — 
1st. The oil of ergot, of a uniform consistence, a yellow colour, 
an acid flavour, and possessing poisonous properties in a high 
degree. 
2d. The aqueous extract, which is obtained by treating it with 
water, either deprived of its oil or not, of a brown colour, a thick 
consistence, and a musty smell. 
It is soluble in water, and can be formed into mixtures, syrups, 
pills, &c. It possesses decided anti-hsemorrhagic properties. It 
exerts a specific influence on the uterus, occasioning a contraction 
of that organ. 
Mr. Morton also says, “ that its activity appears to reside in its 
investing tunic, and, as this may be rubbed off or washed off by 
rains, the remaining part is inert; and that, to insure its good 
effects, it should be carefully kept in stoppered bottles, and never 
used after it is one year old. Also, not to pulverize it until it is 
wanted.” 
The ergot of rye should not be given unless there is some tor- 
pidity in the action of the uterus, or that its action has subsided; 
nor when there is malformation of the pelvis, or any tumours in 
the vagina tending to impede the passage of the foetus ; nor where 
there is rigidity or scirrhosity of the os uteri. It will also be 
highly imprudent to use it where there is emphysema of the foetus 
to a great extent, or when the foetus is a monster or of enormous 
size ; nor should it be used until the feet and head have fairly en- 
tered the pelvis, and the vagina and soft parts are flaccid and pro- 
perly lubricated. 
The medicine will generally act after a dose or two has been 
given, and frequently in half an hour or an hour’s time. 
As the ergot has but recently been introduced into veterinary 
practice, I may as well give you the experience of those that have 
used it. 
In the Mare. — In the 1 2th volume of The Veterinarian, 
p. 288, a veterinary surgeon relates a case in a mare, wherein he 
