2 l8 
A. BABB. 
Demulcents in the shape of mucilaginous drinks, linseed tea 
and the like prove very serviceable when the principal mucous 
membranes are invaded. Soothing agents in the form of elec¬ 
tuary are found of use in pharyngitis and similai troubles. 
The acetate of potassium, or some similar antiphlogistic, 
should be administered to remove the debris consequent on the 
retrograde metamorphosis. 
Digitalis, combining in a remarkable degree the properties 
of a heart tonic and a diuretic will aid materially to carry off by 
the kidneys the effusions of dropsy in an of its many forms. 
When the upper air passages are involved the inhalation of 
medicated steam, constantly generated, is the summuin bonuin. 
The regimen should be restricted in proportion to the acute¬ 
ness of the attack. In general, stimulate the vicaiious oigans 
allowing the inflamed ones to rest. 
Local Treatment. —Hippocrates, the father of medicine,, 
more than four hundred years before Christ, taught that it was 
the business of a physician to help his patient, or at least to do 
no harm. Bear this well in mind, it is better to do nothing 
than to do worse; better leave the meek dumb creature to the 
vis medicatrix natures than to torture it with irritating applica¬ 
tions which only invite complications and add fuel to the flames. 
It is a painful duty to say, however, that some of our brother 
practitioners seem not yet to have divested themselves fully of 
the common notion that drastic methods are necessary in treat¬ 
ing the domestic animals, which are in reality bone of our bone 
and flesh of our flesh. 
In the sthenic stages all heroic mixtures should be scrupu¬ 
lously avoided. 
As an anodyne liniment, one of opium, belladona and alco¬ 
hol is among the best. Opium and the acetate of lead, though 
chemically incompatible are found to work well together in 
actual practice as a lotion; or soap liniment with aconite or 
veratrum viride will answer. 
Avoid turpentine, aqua ammonia or any other Herculean 
prescription, and pin your faith to analgesics in some form. 
