314 
ON THERAPEUTICS. 
sequently much caution is necessary to avoid its poisonous 
effects ; when, therefore, it is desired to continue the action, 
the exhibition of the drug should be interrupted every two or 
three days; loss of appetite is held to be the warning sign, 
but in acute diseases this symptom is often consequent on 
the malady, and will not therefore be of any value. 
Associated with the sedative action of digitalis upon the heart 
are its two further effects of irritation to the mucous tissues, 
and a well-marked diuresis, the irritative effects may be 
avoided by using the smallest doses consistent w r ith the pro¬ 
duction of the action sought. The action upon the secretive 
function of the kidneys renders the drug very valuable in the 
treatment of various forms of effusion, as hydrothorax and 
ascites. 
An infusion of digitalis is recommended as a lotion for irri¬ 
tation of the erysipelatous kind ; it has occurred to us to 
employ it with benefit in the treatment of a peculiar irritation 
to which the scrotum of sporting dogs is liable. 
Aconite .—This agent is compared to digitalis in its action 
upon the circulation, and its diuretic property; given in small 
doses we have observed it to diminish vascular and nervous 
excitement, and when administered with care, no ill conse¬ 
quences follow its use; the dose we ordinarily give to the 
horse and ox is ten drops of Fleming’s tincture in water. Half 
a drachm in one case produced considerable excitement, 
accompanied with spasm of the muscles of the neck and head, 
and discharge of saliva; the smaller quantity never occasions 
these symptoms, we have exhibited ten drops at intervals of 
two hours, for three or four doses, and we have given to a 
healthy horse four drops, twice a day, for three weeks, without 
inducing any decided indication of its influence upon the 
system beyond the production of a general quietude; in these 
doses, then, the drug is perfectly safe, and sufficiently powerful 
in its action to produce the sedative effect we require. 
Aconite is effective in inflammation of various parts ; in the 
constitutional fever from wounds or injuries, in acute rheu¬ 
matism, and in a remarkable degree after parturition, when 
a certain amount of excitement remains, and commonly cul¬ 
minates in puerperal apoplexy. 
Externally we have employed the agent in the form of 
lotiontoinflamed jointsaftersprain, andin rheumatic affections, 
with marked benefit, we have also used it with advantage in 
the treatment of the so-called “mud fever,” of the hunting 
field, that irritable condition of skin, accompanied with loss 
of hair, very readily yields to its action; one ounce of the 
tincture (Fleming’s), with a gallon of water, is sufficient for 
