654 
REVIEW OF MOIROUD’s MATERIA MEDICA. 
secretion of urine, but on the mucous membrane of the bladder. 
It irritates that organ, and provokes it to the more frequent 
expulsion of urine; but, in doing this, it may possibly be doing 
considerable mischief. 
Fourth Class of Special Irritants, 
THOSE WHICH ACT ON THE UTERUS, AND PROVOKE ITS CONTRACTION. 
That there are substances which have this effect, no practi¬ 
tioner can doubt; and they may be employed by the veterinarian 
in cases of retarded or difficult parturition, depending on a slug¬ 
gish action of the uterus, or exhaustion of its energy, or general 
debility. In every other case its employment will be irrational 
and danoferous. 
o 
Rue, given in moderate doses, not only acts as a general 
stimulant, but has a specific influence on the uterus. When it 
is given in large doses it is apt to produce inflammation of the 
alimentary canal. It may be infused in water, or in any fer¬ 
mented liquor : or given in a state of powder, and mixed with 
honey. For the larger animals, the dose varies from two to six 
ounces; and from two to four drachms for the smaller ones. 
Rue is also an antsipasmodic, and has considerable power as 
a vermifuge. 
SavinE. —This vegetable acts on the animal economy in the 
same way as rue, and fulfills the same indications; but its 
action is more intense and durable. It must be administered 
with caution, and in very small doses. Reduced to powder, it 
is sometimes employed as a stimulant to old and indolent ulcers. 
It is both detersive and antiseptic. It enters into the composition 
of various powders, cordial, stomachic, and vermifuge. 
Saffron. —The first action of this vegetable is on the sto¬ 
mach, and, confined to that viscus, and if given in quantities not 
exceeding half a drachm or a drachm for the larger animals, 
it recalls the appetite, and promotes digestion. If the dose • 
is increased to an ounce, it has an immediate effect on the womb; 
it allays all unnatural spasmodic action, but arouses it to its 
natural and powerful contraction. It is used externally to allay 
irritation in inflammation of the eyes and other delicate parts. 
It should be given in the form of infusion or tincture, and is 
often advantageously combined with opium, camphor, or va¬ 
lerian. 
The Ergot of Rye, although when taken in a considerable 
quantity it is a virulent poison, is a most useful medicine in the 
hands of the veterinarian. Wlien given to the female of almost 
