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VETERINARY MATERIA MED1CA. 
and every organ endued with new energy. These effects result, 
in some, from the impression made on the nerves of the stomach, 
and in others from the absorption of the most subtle portion of 
the drug into the vital current. These actions may be distinct, 
yet often rapidly succeed to each other. Some of these excitants, 
from their effects, although extended, yet confined to certain tis¬ 
sues, are called cordials, sudorifics, &c.; others are more truly 
diffusible. They are useful in diseases accompanied by much 
debility, in those which are connected with a tendency to decom¬ 
position, and in all the varieties of typhus. They are indicated 
in indigestion, flatulence, and every disease not accompanied 
by irritation. They are drawn principally from the animal and 
vegetable kingdoms. 
First among those of animal origin he places the 
Liquor Ammonia, the volatile spirit of ammonia , or harts¬ 
horn . He says that it is one of the most powerful medicaments. 
In its concentrated state it is a poison; but properly diluted, and 
given internally, it augments the animal heat, gives force and 
Frequency to the pulse, increases the cutaneous perspiration, and 
gives to all the functions new activity. It is useful in all typhoid 
diseases, and in all exanthematous ones, where the eruption is 
suppressed: but as these affections are often combined with an 
affection of the bowels, the ammonia must be administered with 
caution. It is peculiarly efficacious in flatulence produced by 
green food, and especially in the hoove of cattle. It is given 
in cold water or aromatic infusion, in doses of from one to six 
drachms for oxen, and from two scruples to a drachm and a half 
for smaller animals. The dose may be repeated twice in the dav, 
and should not be administered in too warm a menstruum, lest a 
portion of it should be evaporated and lost. 
In a concentrated state it is employed, externally, as a rube¬ 
facient and caustic. It is applied to the wounds inflicted by rabid 
or venomous animals, and particularly used for the bite of the 
viper. It is made into an ointment with lard, to produce irritation 
of the skin. United with an essential or fixed oil, it composes 
frictions for rheumatism and all chronic and indolent swellings. 
In its gaseous state it stimulates the Schneiderian membrane in 
fainting, and the conjunctiva in gutta serena. 
Carbonate of Ammonia : Smelling Salts .—Its action resem- 
bl es that of the liquor ammonia?, but is less powerful. It has 
been given in glanders and farcy. By giving new activity to the 
system, it may favour the resolution of chronic enlargements; but 
its special influence on the absorbent system has not been proved. 
It has been used with advantage in epizootic complaints, accom¬ 
panied by great prostration of strength. It is given, incorporated 
