VIRTUES OF HYDROCYANIC ACID 
443 
*** We thank “Rhesus” for this first mark of his attention: 
now that we are become somewhat better acquainted, we trust it 
will not be the last. Another kind friend had already sent us the 
(same) provincial account of the trial in question, of which we have 
availed ourselves in the proper place, by reprinting so much of the 
cause as is more particularly interesting to veterinary men. We 
wish, with Rhesus, we could always calculate on receiving the 
fullest reports of the professional evidence cited in trials for sound¬ 
ness and warranty. At the same time we must not complain, for 
we possess more considerate friends in this respect than we had 
formerly; nor are we without hope that, through their kindness 
and our own exertions, the day may arrive when we shall be inde¬ 
pendent of the short and imperfect accounts of provincial horse 
causes in general contained in the London papers.—E d. Yet. 
VIRTUES OF HYDROCYANIC ACID. 
By Mr. RELPH, V. S ., Sebergham. 
To the Editor of “ The Veterinarian .” 
Sir,—O f the many additions to the veterinary materia medica, 
hydrocyanic acid is not the least valuable ; but its proneness to 
decomposition is a great objection to its use. By adopting Mr. 
Morton’s formula this objection may be lessened; and, to facilitate 
the attainment of more permanency, I apprehend the substitution of 
the cyanuret of potassium merits attention. I have used it as a 
sedative in gastritis and enteritis, and various diseases where anti- 
monials, &c., are inadmissible, apparently with much benefit. The 
following is my formula:— 
Take cyanuret. potassae. xgrs. 
ol. lini 
aquae . 
Dissolve the salt in the water, in a bottle; add the oil, and agi¬ 
tate. A saponaceous mixture is readily formed, which when kept 
well corked, and has become cold, appears to retain the properties 
of the prussic acid for many weeks. 
As one grain of the cyanuret is equal to fifteen drops of the 
medical prussic acid, the dose of the above mixture can be easily 
determined. 
Your most obedient servant. 
