200 
USE OF TINCTURE OF ACONITE IN SPASM. 
say we have cured total blindness in a few hours. If I had 
time I could relate several such cases as this to which I have 
alluded. 
ON THE USE OF THE TINCTURE OF ACONITE 
IN SPASM IN THE HORSE. 
By J. M. Parker, M.R.C.V.S., Birmingham. 
I do not know whether the attention of the profession 
has ever been directed to the good results following the ad¬ 
ministration of the tincture of aconite in cases of spasm of the 
horse, but having used it to a considerable extent in my own 
practice, I take this opportunity of stating my experience, 
hoping that others, who value simplicity in the various for¬ 
mulae they employ, may give it a fair trial. In all cases of 
spasm I commence by giving ten drops of the Tinct. Aconit. 
of the Pharmacopoeia, in a pint of cold water, combined with 
an ounce of Sp. Vini.; the sedative effect on the system is 
almost instantaneous, and in cases where the dose is given 
within an hour of the first symptoms of uneasiness, the pain 
is relieved at once. The first signs of the powerful effect of 
this drug are, grinding of the teeth, twisting of the jaws, and 
attempts to vomit; the force of the pulse is depressed, but 
sometimes the beats are more rapid; the horse generally lies 
down at full length, and in a few minutes becomes in a comatose 
state. The time of repose—for such it is—varies. In cases 
of recent origin—not exceeding an hour—the patient lies still 
for half an hour, or thereabouts; but in cases where the pain 
has been excessive, and there has been much knocking about, 
I have known my patient lie quietly for some hours, giving me 
the impression that after the fatigue consequent on the violent 
exertion of dashing about and struggling, the animal is really 
glad to lie still and have a “ good rest.” The dose very 
rarely requires to be repeated, but it may be in twenty 
minutes or half an hour after the first one. It sometimes 
happens that, owing to the struggles of our patient, a portion 
of the draught is wasted; and I am inclined to think, that in 
cases of pure spasm , this is the only circumstance which 
renders another dose necessary. 
There are several advantages connected with the use of this 
drug, of which I will point out a few. In the first place it does 
not accumulate in the system, or produce anything like conti¬ 
nuous nausea, which last is important, for in many instances 
