DIGITALIS. 
759 
firsts knowing what drug to prescribe ; secondly^ the kind of 
I case in which this particular drug applies ; thirdly^ the qiian- 
i j tity of the drug to be given in each case ; fourthly^ the qual- 
^ ity of the drug, fifthly^ the idiosyncracies which may exist. 
I To sum up the actions and uses of digitalis: 
1. It is a peculiar heart stimulant (if the expresssion be 
allowed). 
2. It is a useful diuretic in certain cases. 
3. It increases the contractile power of the heart and ar- 
' teries as well. 
4. It does not stimulate the heart in the same way that 
alcohol and ammonia do. 
5. Its action is aided, increased and perfected in certain cases 
by the addition of nitroglycerine and strophanthus, and in other 
, cases by cold, ergot and belladonna. 
! 6. It is a symptom medicine and should be pushed until its 
physiological effect is obtained. 
7. It merely relieves certain symptoms, but does not cure 
disease. 
I 8. It should not be given in pneumonia in a routine way, 
I but only as the case requires, which usually is when the fever 
: falls. 
I 9. It is contra-indicated in fatty heart and generally in cardiac 
I hypertrophy. 
10. The fluid extract is probably the best preparation in use 
in veterinary practice. 
: II. The cinchona preparations, acetate of lead, sulphate and 
I tincture of the chloride of iron are chemically incompatible, 
j 12. In case of poisoning use tannic acid, opium, aconite or 
lobelia and in some cases stimulants according to the indica- 
' tions. 
P The news comes from Chicago that a contract has just 
been signed by some dealers of that city to furnish 10,000 horses 
suitable for omnibus and coach work to English parties, ship¬ 
ments to begin at once. 
