MATERIA MEDICA. 
619 
a decided manner on the urinary secretion, and influences not 
only the quantity but the quality of the urine ; for that fluid be¬ 
comes more aqueous, and contains less uric acid both in man 
and carnivorous animals. It actively produces internal absorp¬ 
tion ; but more, perhaps, from its diuretic property than from any 
special effect on the absorbent sygtem. It is given to large ani¬ 
mals in doses of from four drachms to an ounce and a half. 
Dissolved in pure water, it becomes an excellent detersive, and 
is employed on sanious ulcers; also in cases of chronic grease, 
and in some analoD:ous cutaneous affections. 
D -nr- 
Carbonate of Soda. —This salt possesses the same pro¬ 
perties, but in a less degree, as the carbonate of potash ; but it 
is not so generally used. 
Acetate of Potash. —Administered in a dose of about 
two ounces, it acts as a simple diuretic ; if three times that quan¬ 
tity is given, it becomes a purgative. It is an excellent diuretic 
for herbivorous animals ,* and is, at the same time, a refrigerant. 
Its use is indicated wherever nitrate of potash is employed; 
and, perhaps, it is preferable to the nitrate, as being more of a 
refrigerant. I believe that its use is very much neglected among 
veterinarians. 
Acetate of Soda. —^This has nearly the same chemical and 
medicinal properties as the acetate of potash. 
Soap.— This substance is nothing but the combination of 
soda, or of potash, with the acids that result from the decom¬ 
position of adipose matter; and hence the saponification. Ad¬ 
ministered internally, it is a diuretic. It enters into the compo¬ 
sition of some ointments; and, dissolved in certain stimulating 
liquids, it is used externally as a friction for indolent tumours. 
Inversion of the Vagina and Uterus in a Cow, 
complicated with Mephitic Indigestion. 
By M. Prettot, V.S. to the 7th Dragoons. 
On the 29th of January, 1832, at eight o’clock in the morn¬ 
ing, I was desired to render my assistance to a cow, which, after 
a labour difficult and protracted, had inversion of the womb. 
The beast, purchased three months before, was beautiful; she 
was six years old, and for some days past they had made her eat 
more than was usual, that she might have sufficient strength to 
produce her calf. At my arrival, three hours after the accident, 
