VETERINARY MATERIA MEDICA. 
from mucous membranes; to arrest haemorrhage from the smaller 
vessels; to prevent inflammatory swellings; to disperse those 
which already exist, and to hasten the re-absorption of serous fluid 
thrown out in the cellular tissue. 
Astringents are furnished both from the mineral and vegetable 
kingdoms. Among the former we may reckon cold water, snow, 
and ice, the greater part of weak acids, and of salts with excess 
ol acid: among the second are the substances which contain 
tannin and gallic acid, in which two principles the astringent 
property of vegetables resides. They are also characterised by 
their peculiar rough taste. 
There are a variety of substances which decompose and neu¬ 
tralize the vegetable astringents, and therefore should not be found 
in the same medicine, as salts of iron, tartar-emetic, corrosive sub¬ 
limate, and gelatine. 
Sulphate of Iron. This is rarely employed internally, 
except in diseases of horned cattle and sheep, accompanied by 
debility. It is then administered in powder, made into a ball 
with honey and some farinaceous substance, or dissolved in some 
convenient fluid. It is advantageous to associate with it some 
vegetable stimulant, as gentian, juniper berries, and alder. The 
dose for large animals varies from two drachms to an ounce, and 
for smaller animals from a scruple to two drachms. 
Externally it is employed in solution, as a bath for tender and 
foundered feet, and to dry up certain cutaneous discharges. It 
also enters into the composition of discutient poultices, either for 
inflammation of the foot, or for swellings caused by the pressure 
of the harness. 
Tartrate of iron and Potash is employed both inter¬ 
nally and externally as a tonic and astringent; and for large ani¬ 
mals in doses of from two drachms to an ounce. 
Sulphate of Alumine and Potasii ( Alum ). This is a 
mineral astringent oftener used than any other in veterinary prac¬ 
tice. It is employed internally as a remedy for chronic diarrhoea, 
and mucous discharges. It is given in solution, and in some 
vehicle capable of mitigating or assisting its effect, as the disease 
may require, and in doses from one to six drachms for larger 
animals. 
Employed too long, or in too large doses, it debilitates the 
canal, diminishes the cutaneous transudation, and thus produces 
serious mischief. Bourgelat remarked, that horses became con¬ 
sumptive from its injudicious use. 
Externally applied, alum arrests capillary haemorrhage, and 
subdues chronic discharges from the nose and the heels. It is 
useful in obstinate canker in the ears of dogs. 
