Chapter IV: Part 4

USES.--Mixed with one to eight parts of lard it is a blister used to reduce bony enlargements or bone-tumors as in splints, bone spavin, ringbone, sidebone and actinomycosis; it is also used with good results in reducing soft swellings, to arrest chronic inflammation and promote absorption of inflammatory deposits, as seen in sprained tendons, curbs, enlarged joints, bursae, etc. It is frequently used as a counter-irritant in sore throat, chronic cough and roaring. Mixed with cantharides the strength can be reduced as an irritant and less apt to permanently destroy the hair bulbs. It is used internally to arrest the growths of actinomycoses and scirrhous cord, but in those cases the benefits are derived from the potassium iodide which it contains, and I would recommend administering internally without the mercury.

HYDRARGYRI OXIDUM FLAVUM--YELLOW MERCURIC OXIDE

ORIGIN.--Yellow mercuric oxide is obtained by the interaction of mercuric chloride and sodium hydroxide.

PROPERTIES.--Mercuric oxide is of a yellow color, similar to that of the yolk of egg, and is a completely amorphous powder; odorless, and having a somewhat metallic taste; permanent in the air, but turning dark on exposure to light; insoluble in water or alcohol.

ACTIONS.--A stimulant caustic and anesthetic.

USES.--The official ointment of yellow mercuric oxide is prescribed as a stimulant and anesthetic in chronic inflammation and ulceration of the eye (4 gr. of yellow mercuric oxide to 1 oz. of vaseline). It is also employed on skin diseases, indolent ulcers, swollen glands and granulated wounds.

HYDRASTIS--GOLDEN SEAL

The rhizome and roots of hydrastis canadensis Linne, yielding not less than 2.5 per cent of hydrastine.

HABITAT.--North America in woods west to Missouri and Arkansas.

PROPERTIES.--Externally brownish-gray to yellow-brown; fracture short, wood wedges bright yellow, pith large, light yellow, the roots thin, brittle, with a thick yellow bark and a somewhat quadrangular wood; odor distinct; taste bitter.

CONSTITUENTS.--Berberine, an alkaloid occurring in yellow crystals; hydrastine, a colorless crystalline alkaloid, soluble in alcohol and ether; canadine occurring in white, acicular crystals.

DOSE.--Horses and cattle, 2 dr. to 1 oz.; sheep and pigs, 1 to 2 dr.; dogs, 5 gr. to 1 dr.

PREPARATIONS

FLUIDEXTRACTUM HYDRASTIS--FLUIDEXTRACT OF HYDRASTIS

Made by maceration and percolation with alcohol, glycerin and water and evaporation.

DOSE.--Horses and cattle, 3 drs. to 1 oz.; sheep and pigs, 1 to 2 drs.; dogs, 5 gr. to 1 dr.

TINCTURA HYDRASTIS--TINCTURE OF HYDRASTIS

Made by maceration and percolation of hydrastis, with diluted alcohol.

DOSE.--Horses and cattle, 1 to 2 oz.; sheep and pigs, 2 to 4 drs.; dogs, ¹⁄₂ to 2 drs.

GLYCERITUM HYDRASTIS--GLYCERITE OF HYDRASTIS

Made by maceration and percolation of hydrastis, 1000 parts add water to the percolate and evaporate. Add water to the residue, set aside 24 hours and filter; add enough water to the filtrate to make 500 parts; then add glycerin 500.

DOSE.--Horses and cattle, 2 drs. to 1 oz.; sheep and pigs, 1 to 2 drs.; dogs, 5 m. to 1 dr.

HYDRASTINNAE HYDROCHLORIDUM--HYDRASTINE HYDROCHLORIDE

The hydrochloride of an artificial alkaloid derived from hydrastine.

PROPERTIES.--Light, yellow, amorphous granules, or a pale yellow crystalline powder; odorless and having a bitter, saline taste; deliquescent on exposure to damp air. Very soluble in cold and hot water and in alcohol.

DOSE.--Horses and cattle, 2 to 6 grs.; sheep and pigs, ¹⁄₂ to 1¹⁄₂ grs.; dogs, ¹⁄₁₂ to ¹⁄₄ gr.

ACTION AND USES.--It acts like the simple bitters, promotes appetite and aids digestion, increases nutrition and stimulates secretion, especially of the intestines and liver. It is a stomach tonic, laxative, slightly diuretic and hepatic stimulant. It is also said to promote uterine constructions, and has some power as an antispasmodic. Externally it is an antiseptic and astringent. Useful in conjunctivitis, nasal gleet and leucorrhoea; one to two drachms of the fluid extract or glycerite to the ounce of distilled water. One to two drachms of the fluidextract of hydrastis to one ounce of water is useful as a gargle for sore throat. Equal parts of fluidextract of ergot and fluidextract of hydrastis is useful in ulceration of the uterus, vagina and in eversion of the rectum. Useful internally during convalescence after debilitating diseases, as in influenza and distemper, or whenever a bitter tonic is indicated, as in dyspepsia, chronic gastric catarrh, catarrhal jaundice, constipation from chronic nephritis and chronic cystitis. The glycerite applied locally for fissure of teats, cracked heels. Where there is a tendency to constipation it should be used as a bitter in preference to gentian, etc.

IODUM--IODINE

DERIVATION.--Iodine exists in certain marine vegetables, particularly the fuci or common sea weeds, which have long been its most abundant natural source. Iodine is also found in the animal kingdom, as in the sponge, oysters, cod liver oil and eggs, and in the mineral kingdom, in sea water in small quantities, in certain salt springs. It is obtained commercially from one of these sources.

PROPERTIES.--Iodine is heavy, bluish-black color, dry and friable, rhombic plates, having a metallic luster, a distinctive odor, and a sharp and acrid taste. Iodine imparts a deep brown, evanescent stain to the skin, and slowly destroys vegetable colors. Soluble in about 5000 parts of water and in 10 parts of alcohol at 77° F., freely soluble in ether, chloroform or carbon disulphide; its solution in alcohol or in an aqueous solution of potassium iodide has a reddish color; its solution in chloroform or carbon disulphide has a violet color.

ACTIONS.--Iodine internally is an antiseptic, alterative, resolvent and irritant. Full doses persisted will produce a state of debility and emaciation termed iodism. Externally it is applied as an antiseptic, disinfectant, parasiticide, deodorant, stimulant, desquamatic, absorbent and counter-irritant. Iodine is one of the best antiseptics for surgical purposes. The tincture iodine especially kills all disease producing bacteria in one minute, whereas it takes a one in one thousandth solution of bichloride of mercury more than half an hour to destroy the same micro-organisms. The tincture of iodine also possesses unusual penetrating power on the dry skin, finding its way into the hair follicles and cutaneous glands. Iodine must not be applied to the wetted skin because the wetting causes the skin cells to swell and thus prevent the iodine from penetrating into the sebaceous and sudoriparous glands, the very action upon which the special germicidal action depends.

USES.--Iodine is of most value applied externally, or locally. In sterilizing the skin for an emergency operation the hair should be clipped and shaved dry and the tincture of iodine applied without washing the skin. For other operations the skin may be scrubbed with soap and shaved and dried before applying the tincture. The tincture should always dry on the skin before the operation is begun.

The method used in human surgery for sterilizing the skin, and recommended by leading surgeons, consists in first of cleansing the skin with gasoline to remove the grease and then applying the tincture of iodine in full or half strength.

Tincture of iodine applied is of some value in the treatment of periostitis with osseous deposits, as splints, bone-spavin, ringbone, sidebones, etc. It is used for enlargements of glands as goiter in dog.

LINUM--LINSEED--FLAXSEED

Ground linseed (linseed meal or flaxseed meal) should be recently prepared and free from unpleasant or rancid odor. It is a grayish-yellow powder containing brownish fragments.

ACTION AND USES.--It is nutrient, tonic, laxative, emollient and demulcent. Linseed meal and the cake are valuable foodstuffs in small quantities. It is two and one-half times as fattening as starch or sugar. It causes the hair of an animal to become slick and glossy and induces shedding in the spring, but is very heating in summer. Linseed gruel is a food, being palatable and easily digested, for horses, cattle and sheep, not only good in health, but in debilitating diseases, also in chronic skin diseases. It acts in such cases both as food and medicine. In febrile diseases horses will often sip or drink cold linseed tea (linseed meal two ounces to one pint of water) when they will not touch anything else. When a patient is exhausted the linseed tea is given with milk, eggs and whisky. Horses that are poor feeders, having harsh scurvy skins, or being affected with roaring, thick wind or heaves, are usually much benefited with linseed in some form. A mucilaginous demulcent in the proportion of about one to two ounces to a pint of warm water, is useful in irritable conditions of the throat, alimentary canal, kidneys and bladder.

For linseed poultices, take the best grade of linseed meal, pour hot water over it until it becomes pasty. Charcoal and antiseptics are often mixed with it. When used as a poultice on the foot in nail pricks, always put on a poultice that will cover the whole foot.

OLEUM LINI--LINSEED OIL--OIL OF FLAXSEED

A fixed oil expressed from flaxseed without the use of heat.

PROPERTIES.--A yellowish or yellow, oily liquid, having a slight, peculiar odor and bland taste. Soluble in about ten parts of absolute alcohol and in all proportions in ether, chloroform, benzine or oil of turpentine.

Linseed oil for medicine should always be used raw.

DOSE.--Horses, 1 to 2 pints; cattle, 2 to 4 pints; sheep and pigs, 5 to 10 ozs.; dogs, ¹⁄₂ to 3 ozs.; cats, ¹⁄₂ to 1 dr.

ACTION AND USES.--Linseed oil cannot be used as a diet on account of its being too laxative; it is laxative in small doses, but in large doses produces copious discharges of faeces, having a distinct linseed oil smell. The oil is also emollient, soothing and softening to inflamed and indurated surfaces. As a laxative it usually produces tolerably full and softened evacuations, without nausea, griping or superpurgation and with decided odor of oil. It is the best physic to administer to pregnant animals and in irritable conditions of the bowels; also in cases of influenza, purpura and other debilitating diseases, where the usual purgatives would be too severe, irritating and exhausting. It is also used as an enema; two to four ounces of the oil or meal given daily in mash often suffices to maintain the bowels in a relaxed condition throughout febrile attacks, where there is a tendency to constipation. An ounce or two of oil given daily often relieves broken wind in horses. For burns and scalds the well known _carron oil_, composed of equal parts of linseed oil and lime water, cannot be surpassed. This oil is also used as a vehicle for acrid medicines and to act as a protective to the alimentary tract in poisoning of corrosive medicines, also to sweep them out. Carron oil in two to four ounce doses two to three times daily will often relieve “heaves” in horses.

Linseed oil is frequently given to ruminants, although Epsom salts is generally the best purge for them. It is indicated for these animals when a milder operation than that obtained by a full dose of salts is required, and for its demulcent action in irritable states of the digestive organs.

MAGNESII SULPHAS--MAGNESIUM SULPHATE--EPSOM SALTS

DERIVATION.--Magnesium sulphate is a constituent of sea water and of some saline springs. It also occurs native, either crystallized in slender, prismatic, adhering crystals, or as an efflorescence on certain rocks and soils which contain magnesia and a sulphate or sulphide. In the United States it is found in the great caves so numerous to the west of the Alleghany Mountains.

PROPERTIES.--Small, colorless, rhombic prisms, or acicular crystals, without color and having a cooling, saline and bitter taste; slowly efflorescent in dry air; .85 part of water; insoluble in alcohol.

ACTIONS.--Magnesium sulphate is a hydragogue and cholagogue cathartic; alterative and febrifuge and is also feebly diuretic and diaphoretic. As a cathartic it resembles common and glauber salts, and is more active than potassium bitartrate or sodium phosphate. When magnesium sulphate is administered it causes outpouring of secretion from the walls of the small intestines, most quickly and abundantly when the bowels have been partially emptied by several hours’ fasting. Neither pancreatic fluid nor bile is materially increased. But magnesium sulphate has a low diffusing power. It is slowly absorbed, and moreover, retards diffusion and absorption of fluid present in the bowels. In this twofold action by increased secretion and retarded absorption the fluid contents of the bowels are increased, producing more or less mechanical distension and provoking, like other salines, slight peristalsis. The retarded removal of accumulating liquid is apt to produce the formation of gases in the bowels, which is relieved by conjoining carminatives, as ginger or capsicum, while effectual removal of the intestinal fluids is attained by using with magnesium sulphate aloes, calomel or oil. It acts in from twelve to sixteen hours; in small doses it stimulates the secretions of the kidneys and skin. In febrile diseases it is used in small repeated doses. It is valuable in treating animals suffering from reflex skin irritation, combined with large doses of bicarbonate of sodium, generally gives relief, especially in urticaria of the horse. It is quite commonly used as a cathartic for horses, but most often for cattle and sheep.

DOSES.--When repeated two or three times as a laxative and alterative horses take 2 to 4 ounces, cattle 3 to 6 ounces, sheep and pigs, 1 to 2 drachms. As a cathartic cattle take 1 to 2 pounds, calves two to three months old 3 to 4 ounces, sheep 4 to 6 ounces, dogs 1 to 4 drachms. Aloes is a much better cathartic for horses, and castor or linseed oil acts much better as a cathartic in pigs.

NAPHTHALENUM--NAPHTHALENE

A by-product of gas manufacture.

PROPERTIES.--Colorless, shining rhombic crystals of an aromatic acrid taste, insoluble in water but soluble in alcohol, ether and oils.

DOSE.--Horses, 1 to 3 dr.; cattle, 2 to 4 dr.; sheep and pigs, 5 to 15 gr.; dogs, 1 to 10 gr. These doses can be doubled in severe cases of intestinal flatulence.

ACTIONS AND USES.--A true intestinal antiseptic and antiferment, is also expectorant, antiseptic and parasiticide. Used in intestinal flatulence, dissolved in tincture capsicum; in diarrhoea and dysentery, is of great value in these ailments, quickly allays foul odor of the evacuations of the bowels; large doses irritate the kidneys and cause bloody urine which ceases upon withholding the drug. When powdered on a wound as wire cuts, etc., will keep away flies and other insects, besides it is a powerful antiseptic and promotes the healing of wounds. Used as an ointment it is very effective in parasitic skin diseases.

NUX VOMICA--QUAKER BUTTON

The dried ripe seeds of Strychnos nux vomica, yielding when assayed by the process given below, not less than 1.25 per cent of strychnine.

HABITAT.--The tree is a native of the East Indies, growing in Bengal, Malabar, on the Coromandel Coast, in Ceylon, in many islands of the Indian Archipelago, in Cochin-China and in other neighboring countries.

DESCRIPTION.--Orbicular, nearly flat, sometimes irregularly bent, about three-quarters of an inch in diameter and two in thickness; externally grayish or greenish-gray, the surface covered with short closely oppressed, satiny hairs; rounded or somewhat acute at the margin, with a slight ridge extending from the center of one side to the edge; internally whitish-gray, horny, very tough, the endosperm in two more or less regular concavo-convex halves, between which, at one end, lie the heart-shaped, palmately nerved cotyledons; inodorous; taste intensely and persistently bitter.

CONSTITUENTS.--Two alkaloids. 1. Strychnine, 0.2-0.6 per cent. 2. Brucine, 0.5-1.0 per cent. Similar in action to strychnine, but weaker and slower. Both alkaloids exist in combination with igasuric acid. Brucine occurs in rectangular octohedral crystals; it is soluble in alcohol, in 7 parts of chloroform, and possesses a bitter taste. With sulphuric and nitric acids a beautiful blood-red color is developed. There are also: 4. Igasuric acid with which strychnine and brucine are combined. 5. Loganin, an inert glucoside occurring in colorless prisms.

DOSE.--Of the ground seeds, horses and cattle, 1 to 2 dr.; sheep, 20 to 40 gr.; pigs, 10 to 20 gr.; dogs, 1 to 2 gr.

PREPARATIONS

EXTRACTUM NUCIS VOMICAE--EXTRACT OF NUX VOMICA

Made by maceration with alcohol, water and acetic acid; percolation with alcohol and water and evaporation. Standardized to contain 5 per cent of strychnine.

DOSE.--Horses and cattle, 5 to 15 gr.; sheep, 2 to 5 gr.; pigs, 1 to 2 gr.; dogs, ¹⁄₈ to ¹⁄₄ gr.

FLUIDEXTRACTUM NUCIS VOMICAE--FLUIDEXTRACT OF NUX VOMICA

Made by digestion and percolation with alcohol and water and acetic acid. The alcohol is distilled off and the solution evaporated. Alcohol and water are added so that the fluid extract shall contain one per cent of strychnine.

DOSE.--Horses and cattle, 1 to 2 dr.; sheep, 20 to 30 m.; pigs, 10 to 20 m.; dogs, 1 to 2 m.

TINCTURA NUCIS VOMICAE--TINCTURE OF NUX VOMICA

Made by solution of the extract of nux vomica, 20 in alcohol, and water to make 1000. Standardized to contain 0.1 per cent strychnine.

STRYCHNINA--STRYCHNINE

An alkaloid obtained from nux vomica, and also obtainable from other plants of the natural order Loganiaceae.

DERIVATION.--Nux vomica seeds are powdered and strychnine is extracted with water acidulated with hydrochloric acid. The solution is concentrated and strychnine precipitated with lime. It is then redissolved in boiling alcohol and the crystals are deposited upon concentration of the solution.

PROPERTIES.--Colorless, transparent, prismatic crystals, or a white crystalline powder; odorless, having an intensely bitter taste, perceptible even in solutions of 1 in 700,000. Strychnine should be tasted with extreme caution. Permanent in the air, soluble in water, alcohol, ether, chloroform, benzine and amyl alcohol.

DOSE.--Same as strychnine sulphate.

STRYCHNINAE SULPHAS--STRYCHNINE SULPHATE

Made by the action of sulphuric acid on strychnine.

PROPERTIES.--Colorless or white, prismatic crystals, odorless and having an intensely bitter taste. Efflorescent in dry air. Soluble in water and alcohol. Almost soluble in ether.

DOSE.--Horses, ¹⁄₂ to 1¹⁄₂ gr.; cattle, 1 to 3 gr.; sheep, ¹⁄₄ to ¹⁄₂ gr.; dogs, ¹⁄₁₂₀ to ¹⁄₄₀ gr. The small doses are to be used when strychnine is given subcutaneously.

ACTIONS.--Nerve tonic, stomach tonic, stimulates respiration, secretion, appetite and digestion; it increases peristalsis, stimulates both the motor and inhibitory apparatus of the heart, and raises arterial tension by stimulating the vaso-motor centers, thus contracting the arterioles, though full doses relax the arterioles and thus lower blood pressure.

Strychnine exalts all functions of the spinal cord, reflex, motor, vaso-motor and sensory, the latter being the least affected; it does not affect the brain directly.

TOXICOLOGY.--Large doses cause trembling and twitching of the voluntary and involuntary muscles with violent clonic spasms, lasting one or two minutes, gradually getting more frequent and severe in form involving the glottis, diaphragm and other muscles of respiration; causes death usually from asphyxia. Very large doses may paralyze the cord as from a blow, and cause almost instant death.

USES.--Nux vomica or strychnine is indicated in any condition in which there is a paralysis or depressed state of the nerves or nervous system; atonic dyspepsia, broken wind, relaxed condition of the bowels due to lack of tone, in small doses.

In weak condition of the heart give with small doses of digitalis; it stimulates sexual organs. Give it in convalescence from debilitating diseases, also as an aid to recovery during their progress; in collapse and for narcotic poisoning strychnine hypodermically in paralysis, whether of limbs, intestines or bladder.

In diarrhoea, due to lack of tone of muscular coat of the bowels combined with astringents; for anaemia, strychnine combined with iron and quinine; nervous coughs use strychnine with sedatives; also in incontinuence of urine and chorea, in dogs after distemper.

ANTIDOTE FOR STRYCHNINE POISONING.--Tannic acid or vegetables containing it should be freely administered, for the tannate of strychnine which is formed is very insoluble; an emetic or the stomach pump must be used promptly. The tetanic spasms are best controlled by chloral hydrate or very large doses of potassium bromide (2 dr. to ¹⁄₂ oz. for man) or 4 to 8 ounces for the horse as antidote for strychnine poisoning. Inhalations of ether are also recommended. Chloral hydrate may be used per rectum or intravenously. Inhalations of amyl nitrate are also of value. The administration of melted lard seems to exert peculiar antidotal properties to strychnine poisoning. As an emetic for dogs apomorphinae hydrochloras ¹⁄₂₀ to ¹⁄₅ grain, given hypodermically, is the best and may have to be pushed as emetics act tardily in poisoning by this drug.

OLEUM MORRHUAE--COD LIVER OIL

A fixed oil obtained from the fresh livers of cod fish.

HABITAT.--North Atlantic Ocean.

PROPERTIES.--A pale yellow, thin, oily liquid, having a peculiar slightly fishy but not rancid odor, and a bland, slightly fishy taste. Cod liver oil is often adulterated with the oil of other fish. Brown oils are not desirable therapeutically.

DOSE.--Horses, 2 oz.; cattle, 2 to 4 oz.; sheep, 1 oz.; pigs, ¹⁄₂ to 1 oz.; dogs, 1 to 4 dr.; cats, ¹⁄₂ to 1 dr.

ACTION AND USES.--Nutrient, tonic and alterative; on account of its biliary constituents is easily emulsified and digested. It is indicated in all cases of malnutritions and where the digestive organs are weak; also in animals recovering from debilitating diseases, such as distemper and influenza. It is good in catarrh and bronchitis, as it appears to furnish suitable material for repair of the inflamed mucous membranes. Like other oils it relieves broken wind and is given to man in consumption. It is particularly used for the smaller animals. It is given to dogs and cats during distemper, also in eczema, epilepsy, chorea, rickets and chronic rheumatism.

OLEUM OLIVAE--OLIVE OIL--SWEET OIL

A fixed oil expressed from the ripe fruit of Olea europaea Linne. It should be kept in well stoppered bottles in a cool place.

HABITAT.--Southern Europe and Asia.

PROPERTIES.--A pale yellow, or light greenish-yellow, oily liquid, having a slightly peculiar odor and a nutty oleaginous taste, with a faintly acrid after-taste. Very sparingly soluble in alcohol, but readily soluble in ether and chloroform.

DOSE.--As a laxative--Horses and cattle, 1 to 2 pt.; dogs, 2 to 4 oz.

OLEUM GOSSYPII SEMINIS--COTTON SEED OIL

A fixed oil expressed from the seeds of Gossypium herbaceum Linne and of other species of Gossypium and subsequently purified.

HABITAT.--Southern United States and other semitropical countries; cultivated.

PROPERTIES.--A pale yellow, oily liquid, without odor and having a bland nut-like taste. Very sparingly soluble in alcohol, but readily soluble in ether, chloroform or carbon disulphide.

DOSE.--Same as olive oil.

ACTION AND USES.--Both olive and cotton seed oil are laxative tonics, demulcents and emollients. Sweet oil, not used internally to any extent, but is used externally for soothing and healing irritated wounds. It may be used in its pure state or be mixed with carbolic acid, 20 m. of the carbolic acid to 4 oz. of sweet oil.

OLEUM RICINI--CASTOR OIL

DERIVATION.--Castor oil is expressed from the seeds of a plant (Ricinus communis) which grows in the East Indies and Africa in the character of a tree and rises sometimes thirty or forty feet. It also grows in the temperate latitudes of North America and Europe.

PROPERTIES.--Pure castor oil is a thick, viscid, colorless liquid, with little or no odor and a mild though somewhat nauseous taste.

ACTION AND USES.--Good castor oil is a mild and speedy cathartic, usually operating within four to five hours with little griping or uneasiness, and evacuating the contents of the bowels without much increasing the alvine secretions. Hence it is particularly applicable to constipation from collections of abnormally hard faeces, and to cases in which irritating substances have been swallowed or irritating substances have accumulated in the bowels. From its mildness it is also especially adapted to diseases of the bowels, as colic, indigestion, diarrhoea, dysentery and enteritis. It is also indicated in overloaded bowels in pregnancy combined with anodynes and antispasmodics to prevent griping. Castor oil in two or three ounce doses conjoined with gruel and five or six drops of oil of peppermint is suitable for foals and calves affected with gastro-intestinal disorders. Castor oil is specially applicable in canine practice, to evacuate the bowels, and in irritated conditions of the digestive tract, in ounce doses mixed with equal parts of glycerine and adding two or three drops of oil of wintergreen.

Castor oil may be given to horses in sixteen ounce doses conjoined with oil of peppermint, twenty drops, or tincture opium, one ounce and fluidextract of belladonna, one to two drachms, flour gruel, etc.

Castor oil in one to two drachm doses is especially valuable for poultry.

Castor oil is used with equal success in the treatment of gastro-intestinal disorders of cattle, sheep and pigs.

DOSE.--Horses and cattle, 12 to 16 oz.; sheep and pigs, 2 to 6 oz.; dogs and cats, ¹⁄₂ to 2 oz.; poultry, ¹⁄₂ to 2 dr.

OLEUM TEREBINTHINAE--OIL OF TURPENTINE
Erroneously Called Spirits of Turpentine

DERIVATION.--A concrete oleo-resin from Pinus palustris Miller, and from other species of Pinus. The oil is distilled, usually by the use of steam, from the oleo-resin.

HABITAT.--Southern United States, from Virginia to the Gulf of Mexico.

PROPERTIES.--A thin, colorless liquid, having a characteristic odor and taste. Soluble in three times its volume of alcohol; also soluble in an equal volume of glacial acetic acid.

DOSE.--Carminative--Horses and cattle, 1 to 2 oz.; sheep and pigs, 1 to 4 dr.; dogs, 5 to 30 m. Best given in 8 to 10 times its bulk of cotton seed oil, linseed oil or milk. Anthelmintic--Horses and cattle, 2 to 4 oz.; sheep and pigs, ¹⁄₂ to 1 oz.; dogs, ¹⁄₂ to 4 dr. Diuretic--Horses and cattle, 2 to 4 dr.

PREPARATIONS

LINIMENTUM TERBINTHINAE--TURPENTINE LINIMENT

Composed of resin cerate, 650 parts; oil of turpentine, 350 parts; melt the resin cerate and add the oil of turpentine.

OLEUM TEREBINTHINAE RECTIFICATUM--RECTIFIED OIL OF TURPENTINE

Made by slaking oil of turpentine with an equal volume of Solution of Sodium Hydroxide, and distillation.

PROPERTIES.--A thin, colorless liquid, having the same properties as oil of turpentine and should be the one used for internal use.

DERIVATIVES OF TURPENTINE

TEREBENUM--TEREBENE

Made by the action of sulphuric acid on oil of turpentine and by distillation.

PROPERTIES.--A colorless, or slightly yellowish, thin liquid, having a rather agreeable thyme-like odor, and an aromatic, somewhat terebinthinated taste. Only slightly soluble in water, but soluble in three times its volume of alcohol.

DOSE.--Horses and cattle, 2 to 4 dr.; dogs, 5 to 15 m. Dilute same as oil of turpentine.

TERPINI HYDRAS--TERPIN HYDRATE

The hydrate of the diatomic alcohol Terpin.

DERIVATION.--Rectified oil of turpentine, alcohol and nitric acid are mixed together in a shallow porcelain dish, and after three or four days terpin hydrate crystallizes out. The crystals are collected, drained, dried on absorbent paper and purified by recrystallization in alcohol.

PROPERTIES.--Colorless, crystals, odorless, having a somewhat bitter taste. Soluble in 200 parts of water, 10 parts of alcohol.

ACTIONS.--Externally--Oil of turpentine is rubefacient, irritant and counter-irritant; vesicant if rubbed in or confined, also a powerful antiseptic and disinfectant; is absorbed by the unbroken skin.

Internally--Is diuretic, stimulant, carminative, antispasmodic, hemostatic and anthelmintic; it is irritant, and large undiluted doses may cause gastro-enteritis and paralysis of nerve centers.

USES.--In colic, both spasmodic and flatulent; for worms, give full doses, septic fevers; gangrene of the lungs; catarrhal conditions, pneumonia and bronchitis; as a diuretic, but others not as irritant are better.

For local gangrene remove the dead tissue and then apply the turpentine direct to the affected parts by means of absorbent cotton or cloth saturated with it; the offensive odor is removed and sloughing arrested. For tape worm it is given with oleo-resin of aspidium, in oil. As an inhalation in pulmonary diseases one-half ounce is added to three quarts of boiling water. In two drachm doses every three hours, if frequently, aborts suppuration in parotiditis of horses. In purpura haemorrhagica, turpentine is a valuable medicine as a vaso-motor stimulant and diuretic, given in two drachm doses every four hours with tincture chloride of iron and linseed oil.

OLEUM TIGLII--CROTON OIL

A fixed oil expressed from the seed of Croton Tiglium Linne.

HABITAT.--Asia, India, Indian Archipelago and Philippine Islands.

PROPERTIES.--A pale yellow or brownish-yellow, somewhat viscid, and slightly fluorescent liquid, having a slight fatty odor, and a mild, oily afterwards acrid and burning taste (great caution is necessary in tasting). Specific gravity 0.935 to 0.950 at 25° C. (77° F.).

CONSTITUENTS.--Crotonoleic acid is the purgative principal. A small amount is free in the oil but it is mostly formed within the bowels. It resembles acid of castor oil in its chemistry; crotonol is a non-purgative body causing irritation of the skin; tiglinic acid and other volatile acids existing as glycerides and accounting for the odor of croton oil; it also contains free and combined fatty acids.

DOSE.--Horses, 15 to 30 m.; cattle, ¹⁄₂ to 1 dr.; sheep and pigs, 5 to 10 m.; dogs, ¹⁄₂ to 2 m.

ACTIONS.--It is a powerful irritant and pustulant, is a drastic hydragogue cathartic; full doses cause gastro-enteritis and much prostration; undiluted it seriously and deeply inflames the skin, causing severe blemishes and by absorption it may cause fever and superpurgation. The purgative action is probably due in part to direct irritation of the intestinal mucous membrane; in part to absorption and elimination of the purgative principle by the bowels.

USES.--Cattle are the only animals for which it can be used with any degree of safety; it can be used for dogs and pigs if used with great caution. For horses and sheep it is too irritating and depressing; it is used in cattle as an active hydragogue purgative when they suffer from lodgment of fecal matter in the third stomach and other forms of constipation, and from torpidity of the bowels. Should not be used in debilitated, delicate or young animals. If an over-dose has been given combat with demulcents, opium and stimulants. It should not be used as a counter-irritant or applied to the skin in any form or for any purpose. Croton oil (in a pint of linseed oil) is valuable in assisting the action of salts in obstinate constipation of cattle. It may be given to horses when a powerful derivative and purgative action is indicated, as in acute inflammation of the brain and spinal cord with calomel and aloes in a capsule.

OPIUM

DERIVATION.--The concrete, milky exudate obtained by incising the unripe capsules of Papaver somniferum Linne, and yielding in its normal, moist condition, not less than nine per cent of crystallized morphine when assayed by the official process. Opium is imported from Turkey, Asia Minor, Persia, India and Egypt. The Smyrna, or Turkey opium, is the more common variety used in the United States. It occurs in irregular, globular masses, covered with poppy leaves and capsules of a species of dock, weighing from one-half to one pound.

PROPERTIES.--In irregular, flattened, more or less rounded masses of variable size, externally grayish-brown, covered with particles of poppy leaves and with occasional fruits of a species of Rumex; more or less plastic when fresh, but becoming hard on keeping; internally dark brown, somewhat lustrous; odor strong, narcotic; taste bitter and characteristic. It yields its medical properties to water, alcohol and dilute acids, forming dark brown solutions. Ether extracts its principles in part.

CONSTITUENTS.--There are about nineteen or twenty alkaloids derived from opium, but only a few are of any importance so far as their medical value is concerned.

DOSE.--Of the crude opium--Horses, 1 to 2 dr.; cattle, 2 to 4 dr.; sheep, 10 to 30 gr.; pigs, 5 to 10 gr.; dogs, ¹⁄₂ to 2 gr.

PREPARATIONS

OPII PULVIS--POWDERED OPIUM

This is opium dried at a temperature not exceeding 85° C. (185° F.) and powdered and should not contain less than 12 per cent nor more than 12¹⁄₂ per cent morphine.

DOSE.--Horses, ¹⁄₂ to 1¹⁄₂ dr.; cattle, 1 to 3 dr.; sheep, 5 to 30 gr.; pigs, 5 to 15 gr.; dogs, ¹⁄₄ to 3 gr.

EXTRACTUM OPII--EXTRACT OF OPIUM

Composed of powdered opium, 100 parts; distilled water, 1000 parts; sugar of milk, a sufficient quantity. Made by trituration, filtration and evaporation. Assayed to contain 20 per cent of morphine.

DOSE.--Horses, ¹⁄₂ to 1 dr.; cattle, 1 to 2 dr.; sheep, 5 to 15 gr.; pigs, 3 to 10 gr.; dogs, ¹⁄₄ to 2 gr.

PULVIS IPECACUANHAE ET OPII--POWDER OF IPECAC AND OPIUM--DOVER’S POWDER

Composed of ipecac, 10 parts; powdered opium, 10 parts; sugar of milk, 80. The most diaphoretic and expectorant compound of opium.

DOSE.--Horses, ¹⁄₂ to 1 oz.; dogs, 2 to 12 gr.

TINCTURA IPECACUANHAE ET OPII--TINCTURE OF IPECAC AND OPIUM--LIQUID DOVER’S POWDER

Composed of tincture of deodorized opium 100, evaporated to 80, fluid extract of ipecac 10, diluted alcohol sufficient quantity to make 100.

DOSE.--Horses, ¹⁄₂ to 1 oz.; dogs, 3 to 12 m.

TINCTURA OPII--TINCTURE OF OPIUM
Popularly Known as Laudanum

Composed of granulated opium, 100 parts; alcohol, 400 parts; water, 400 parts; diluted alcohol to make 1000. Made by trituration, maceration with precipitated calcium phosphate and percolation. Assayed and standardized to contain between 1.2 and 1.25 gm. of morphine in 100 c. c.

DOSE.--Horses, 1 to 2 oz.; cattle, 2 to 3 oz.; sheep and pigs, 2 to 4 dr.; dogs, 3 to 20 m.

TINCTURA OPII CAMPHORATA--CAMPHORATED TINCTURE OF OPIUM

Well Known as Paregoric

Composed of powdered opium, 4 parts; benzoic acid, 4 parts; camphor, 4 parts; oil of anise, 4 parts; glycerine, 40 parts; diluted alcohol to make 1000 parts. Made by maceration and filtration.

DOSE.--Dogs, 1 to 4 dr.; puppies and cats, 2 to 10 m.

OPIUM DEODORATUM--DEODORIZED OPIUM

Composed of powdered opium, 500 parts; purified petroleum, q. s. Made by repeated maceration, agitation and percolation with purified petroleum benzine. The petroleum benzine removes narcotic and odorous principles, which cause nausea and disagreeable after-effects in opium. Contains 12 to 12.5 per cent of morphine.

DOSE.--Same as powdered opium.

VINUM OPII--WINE OF OPIUM

Composed of opium, cloves, cinnamon and sherry wine. Recommended for dogs suffering from diarrhoea.

DOSE.--Same as the tincture of opium.

MORPHINA--MORPHINE

An alkaloid obtained from opium.

PROPERTIES.--Colorless or white, shining prismatic crystals, or fine needles, or crystalline powder; odorless and having a bitter taste; permanent in the air; soluble in 3330 parts of water. The latter are preferable owing to their greater solubility.

MORPHINAE HYDROCHLORIDUM--MORPHINE HYDROCHLORIDE

Morphine is stirred with hot distilled water, to which hydrochloric acid is gradually added. Morphine hydrochlorate crystallizes out on cooling.

PROPERTIES.--White silky, glistening needles or microcrystalline cubes, or a white, crystalline powder, odorless and having a bitter taste; permanent in the air. Soluble in water and alcohol; insoluble in ether and chloroform.

DOSE.--Horses and cattle, 3 to 10 gr.; sheep, ¹⁄₂ to 2 gr.; pigs, ¹⁄₁₀ to ¹⁄₂ gr.; dogs, ¹⁄₈ to ¹⁄₂ gr. About one-half of these doses for hypodermic use.

MORPHINAE ACETAS--MORPHINE ACETATE

Morphine is dissolved in acetic acid and water and the solution evaporated and crystallized.

PROPERTIES.--A white or faintly yellowish-white, crystalline, amorphous powder, having a faint, acetous odor and bitter taste. Soluble in water and alcohol.

DOSE.--Same as morphine hydrochloride.

MORPHINAE SULPHAS--MORPHINE SULPHATE

Morphine is stirred into boiling distilled water; diluted sulphuric acid is added until neutralization is attained, and the sulphate crystallizes out on cooling.

PROPERTIES.--White, feathery, acicular, silky crystals, or in cubical masses, odorless, permanent in the air, and having a bitter taste. Soluble in water and alcohol, insoluble in chloroform and ether.

CODEINA--CODEINE

An alkaloid obtained from opium by evaporation of the ammoniacal liquid, after the precipitation of morphine. The residue is added to water, precipitated by potassium hydrate, and redissolved in ether, from which codeine crystallizes out on evaporation.

PROPERTIES.--White or nearly translucent, orthorhombic prisms, octahedral crystals, or a crystalline powder; odorless and having a faintly bitter taste; slightly efflorescent in warm air. Soluble in water, alcohol, ether and chloroform.

DOSE.--Dogs, ¹⁄₄ to 1¹⁄₂ gr.

HEROIN--DIACETYLMORPHINE

This drug is a derivative of morphine, and is now used extensively in human medicine as a substitute for morphine and codeine.

PROPERTIES.--White or colorless, crystalline powder, possessing a slightly bitter taste. Insoluble in water, but readily soluble in weak acidous solutions. Heroin hydrochloride is a white, crystalline powder, odorless, soluble in 2 parts of water. Heroin surpasses both morphine and codeine therapeutically in many ways. It increases markedly the inspiratory and expiratory force, while lessening the number of the respiratory movements and exerts a special sedative influence on the respiratory mucous membranes. The drug acts also as a general motor depressant, hypnotic and analgesic, but is not comparable to morphine in these respects. Heroin is about five times more toxic for dogs than morphine. Heroin is particularly valuable in the treatment of all varieties of coughs affecting the dog. The after-effects of small doses are not as nauseating or constipating as morphine.

Heroin can be given in powder, pill or tablet, the Heroin hydrochloride in solution, every three or four hours.

DOSE OF EITHER.--Horses, ¹⁄₂ to 2 gr.; dogs, ¹⁄₂₄ to ¹⁄₆ gr.

ACTIONS.--Opium is analgesic, hypnotic, diaphoretic, antispasmodic, narcotic; also cardiac and respiratory depressant after primary brief stimulation.

MEDICAL DOSES.--It dries all secretions except the mammae and skin. The latter being increased, it produces dryness of the mouth and throat, arrests gastric secretions, retards digestion and causes anorexia (loss of appetite); it stimulates the brain by increasing the blood supply; in man it stimulates the mental activity, while in animals it stimulates motor activity; it does not affect the conductivity of nerves, but it prevents the consciousness to pain by paralyzing the nerve centers; the action of the heart is increased and arterial tension is raised; the pupil slightly contracted; the mind at first stimulated, becomes calm, sleep follows, disturbed by dreams and headache; constipation and some depression follows.

LARGE DOSES.--Arrest digestion, cause nausea and vomiting, greatly increase perspiration, prevents the conductivity of nerves, depresses the heart and circulation, impairing oxidation and lowering temperature; it contracts the pupil by stimulating the motor nerve of the eye (in horses it dilates the pupil) and causes intense puritis (itching), especially of the nose, often retention of the urine and soon profound sleep; in some cases coma or delirium, leaving as after-effects nausea, depression, constipation, vertigo, anorexia, nasal puritis and fetid pathological secretions.

_Morphine and codeine compared with the action of opium._ Morphine is more anodyne and hypnotic; it causes more intense puritis (itching) is less stimulant, less convulsant, less constipating and diaphoretic.

Codeine is a motor paralyzant; it exalts the spinal cord more than morphine and affects the cerebrum less, producing muscular tremors in excess of sedation; it reduces the urinary sugar in diabetes and has a selective sedative influence on the pneumogastric nerve, thus a better sedative in cough.

_Indications for the use of Opium_:

1. To relieve pain and spasm.
2. To produce sleep.
3. To abort inflammation.
4. To check excessive secretions.
5. To act as a stimulant and supporting agent.
6. As a sudorific (not so active in animals as in man).

Sulphuric ether administered with opium prevents its drying up effects as well as the nauseating and depressing effects. Used for pain from any cause except acute inflammation of the brain. Used in low fevers to support the system when sufficient food cannot be taken, also in irritation of bronchi, bladder, stomach and bowels, as well as the uterus.

In inflammation of the serous membranes which line the abdominal walls (peritonitis) opium can be used freely; combined or alternated with aconite and diuretics is very highly recommended and tends to prevent dropsical conditions.

In inflammation of the serous membrane investing lungs and lining the thorax (pleurisy) opium and aconite will often arrest its development if administered in its first stages.

In diarrhoea and dysentery opium is said to be one of the best medicines we have, it can be combined with acetate of lead, prepared chalk, etc.

In inflammation of the bowels, owing to its effect in binding up the bowels, belladonna alternated with aconite is preferred to opium.

In colds administer Dover’s Powder, or opium, ammonium carbonate, quinine sulphate and camphor.

In spasmodic colic do not use opium, but give hypodermically three to four grains of morphine sulphate; it is non-constipating; also use anodynes, such as cannabis indica, hyoscyamus, etc., are preferable.

In gastritis, opium conjoined with bismuth subnitrate and hydrastis.

In eversion of the rectum or uterus, administer morphine hypodermically to prevent straining.

In muscular spasms opium is very effective.

In cerebro-spinal meningitis opium should be administered early, before exudation has set in, with belladonna and ergot, alternated with aconite.

In diabetes mellitus, codeine is said to be best, as it lessens the amount of sugar in the urine and should be administered by the mouth; if given hypodermically it exerts no influence on the sugar.

In catarrhal diseases administer opium to lessen the discharge.

In Thumps administer full doses of morphine subcutaneously.

In inflammation of the eyes morphine sulphate is very efficient combined with zinc sulphate and distilled water.

TOXIC DOSES.--Produce cold clammy sweat, very slow heart, diminished quantity of urine, abolished reflexes, coma, the pupil minutely contracted (except in the horse) but dilated as the end approaches and death by suspension of respiration, due to direct action of the poison on the respiratory centers in the medulla.

In case of poisoning. Emetics, stomach pump, permanganate of potassium, grain for grain of morphine, or 10 to 15 grains dissolved in 8 ounces of water, given by the mouth for large dogs, and 1 to 2 drachms of permanganate of potassium in 2 or 3 pints of water for horses. Artificial respiration, striking the body, keep patient moving, empty bladder to prevent absorption.

APOMORPHINE HYDROCHLORIDUM--APOMORPHINE HYDROCHLORIDE

DERIVATION.--The hydrochloride of an artificial alkaloid, obtained by heating morphine or codeine in hermetically closed tubes with an excess of pure hydrochloric acid.

PROPERTIES.--Minute, grayish-white, shining monoclinic prisms, without odor, having a faintly bitter taste and acquiring a greenish tint upon exposure to light and air. It should be kept in small, dark, amber-colored vials. Soluble in water, alcohol, ether and chloroform.

DOSE.--As an emetic for dogs, ¹⁄₈ to ¹⁄₅ gr., by the mouth, and ¹⁄₂₀ to ¹⁄₁₀ gr., subcutaneously.

DOSE.--As an expectorant, subcutaneously, horses, ³⁄₄ gr.; foals, ¹⁄₂ gr.; cattle, 1¹⁄₂ gr.; sheep and calves, ¹⁄₂ gr.; dogs, ¹⁄₁₀ to ¹⁄₅ gr. By the mouth, dogs, ¹⁄₄₀ to ¹⁄₂₅ gr. as an expectorant.

ACTION AND USES.--It is a prompt and effectual emetic in animals that vomit, acting on the vomiting centers. When ¹⁄₅ gr. dissolved in water is swallowed by either man or dog repeated vomiting occurs, but is not followed by so much nausea as usually follows the use of tartar emetic. Increases bronchial, intestinal and pancreatic secretions. Chronic dry bronchitis of dogs is benefited by apomorphine. In pica cattle, 1¹⁄₂ gr. may be given on three consecutive days, or in recent cases, 3 gr. are given subcutaneously in the same way. It relieves choking in animals by its relaxing spasm and increasing secretion of the gullet. Three-quarters of a grain may be injected under the skin in horses. It should be tried before using a probang, as, if successful, it will act within fifteen or twenty minutes. The alkaloid decomposes in crystal and rapidly in solution, becoming toxic and of a green hue. Solutions should be freshly prepared.

PETROLATUM LIQUIDUM--LIQUID PETROLATUM

DERIVATION.--A mixture of hydrocarbons, chiefly of the marshgas series, obtained by distilling off the lighter and more volatile portions from petroleum and purifying the residue when it has the desired consistence.

PROPERTIES.--A colorless, or more or less yellowish, oily transparent liquid without odor or taste; or giving off, when heated, a faint odor of petroleum. Insoluble in water; scarcely soluble in cold or hot alcohol, or cold absolute alcohol; but soluble in ether, chloroform, carbon disulphide, oil of turpentine, benzine, benzol and fixed and volatile oils.

PETROLATUM--VASELINE--COSMOLINE

DERIVATION.--A mixture of hydrocarbons, chiefly of the marshgas series, obtained by distilling off the lighter and more volatile portions from petroleum and purifying the residue when it has reached the desired melting point.

PROPERTIES.--A fat-like mass of about the consistence of an ointment varying in color from yellowish to light amber, having not more than a slight fluorescence, even after being melted; transparent in thin layers, completely amorphous and without odor or taste, or giving off when heated a faint odor of petroleum. In other respects soft petrolatum has the solubility of liquid petrolatum.

PETROLATUM ALBUM--WHITE PETROLATUM

DERIVATION.--A mixture of hydrocarbons, chiefly of the methane series, obtained by distilling off the lighter and more volatile portions from petroleum and purifying the residue.

PROPERTIES.--A white, unctuous mass, of about the consistency of an ointment, transparent in thin layers, completely amorphous; without odor or taste. Otherwise it resembles, in solubility, petrolatum.

ACTION.--All preparations of petrolatum are valuable emollients. They soothe, protect and soften parts to which they are applied and are superior to animal or vegetable fats or oils in not becoming rancid.

USES.--Petrolatum may be used alone, or as an excipient in the preparation of ointments, but does not aid the absorption of drugs (as do alcohol, glycerine, chloroform, animal oils and fats), for it is not itself absorbed even when administered internally. Petrolatum exerts a demulcent action upon the mucous membrane of the alimentary tract, and may be prescribed in electuary or capsule in inflammation thereof. Liquid petrolatum is useful given internally in piles (dogs one-half ounce twice daily) to soften the feces. It is also very serviceable with menthol and camphor (equal parts, fifteen grains to one ounce) dropped in the nostrils (with a medicine dropper) for dogs with acute nasal catarrh. Petrolatum is sold universally under the proprietary names of vaseline and cosmoline, and is often combined with antiseptics for medical and surgical purposes in skin diseases and upon inflamed mucous membranes, blisters and abraded surfaces and sores. It is one of the most useful agents in lubricating instruments, protecting metal from rust, and is sometimes employed as a vehicle for electuaries. It should not be used as a base for blisters or other ointments where absorption is desired.

PIX LIQUIDA--TAR

An empyreumatic oleo-resin obtained by the destructive distillation of the wood of various species of pines, especially that of Pinus palustris.

HABITAT.--United States.

PROPERTIES.--Thick, viscid, semi-fluid, blackish-brown; heavier than water, transparent, in thin layers, becoming granular and opaque with age; odor empyreumatic terebinthinated; taste sharp empyreumatic. Tar is slightly soluble in water; soluble in alcohol, fixed or volatile oils and solutions of potassium or sodium hydrate.

CONSTITUENTS.--Oil of turpentine; methylic alcohol; creosote; guaiacol; phenol; pyrocatechin; toluol; xylol; acetic acid; acetone; resins.

DOSE.--Horses and cattle, ¹⁄₂ to 1 oz.; sheep and pigs, 1 to 2 dr.; dogs, ¹⁄₄ to 1 dr. Oil of tar should be diluted with alcohol, glycerine, syrup or mucilage.

PREPARATIONS

UNGUENTUM PICIS LIQUIDAE--TAR OINTMENT

Composed of tar, 500; yellow wax, 150; lard, 350.

Used alone as a healing ointment or as a base.

OLEUM PICIS LIQUIDAE--OIL OF TAR

A volatile oil distilled from tar.

PROPERTIES.--An almost colorless liquid when freshly distilled, but soon acquiring a dull, reddish brown color, and having a strong tarry odor and taste. Soluble in alcohol.

DOSE.--Horses and cattle, 1 to 2 oz.; sheep and pigs, 2 to 4 dr.; dogs, ¹⁄₂ to 2 dr.

ACTIONS.--Internally, is an antiseptic stimulant expectorant. Externally, it is rubefacient and if continually rubbed in may cause papules and pustules.

USES.--Tar or the oil is commonly used in cough mixtures and in subacute and chronic bronchitis. By inhalation (which is done by pouring tar on a heated shovel or a shovel containing live coals or by adding a pint of tar to a gallon of water, heating the mixture by placing hot bricks or stones in the solution) either method is excellent for its local antiseptic and stimulating effects in the various catarrhal diseases; bronchitis, distemper, strangles, etc. Care should be used so that the vapor be not inhaled too hot.

Externally, it is a very useful agent in various skin diseases, both parasitic and non-parasitic; for this the official ointment may be used, or if used on a large surface on dogs it should be diluted with an equal amount of zinc ointment.

PLUMBI OXIDUM--LEAD OXIDE

DERIVATION.--Made by roasting lead in the air.

PROPERTIES.--A heavy, yellowish or reddish-yellow powder, or minute scales, without odor or taste. Almost insoluble in water; insoluble in alcohol. Lead oxide is only valuable for its preparations.

PREPARATIONS

PLUMBI ACETAS--LEAD ACETATE--SUGAR OF LEAD

DERIVATION.--Heat lead oxide in acetic acid and water. Lead acetate crystallizes on cooling.

PROPERTIES.--Colorless, shining, transparent; monoclinic prisms or plates, or heavy, white crystalline masses, or granular crystals, having a faintly acetous odor and a sweetish, astringent, afterwards metallic taste. Efflorescent and absorbing carbon dioxide on exposure to the air. Soluble in two parts of water and in thirty parts of alcohol.

DOSE.--Horses and cattle, ¹⁄₂ to 1 dr.; sheep and pigs, 15 to 20 gr.; dogs, 1 to 2 gr. Given in capsule or solution.

LIQUOR PLUMBI SUBACETATIS--SOLUTION OF LEAD SUBACETATE--GOULARD’S EXTRACT

An aqueous liquid, containing in solution about 25 per cent of lead subacetate.

DERIVATION.--Made from acetate of lead, 180 parts; oxide of lead, 110 parts; boiled together in water to make 1000 parts.

PROPERTIES.--A dense, clear colorless liquid, sweet, astringent taste, decomposed by exposure to the air.

ACTIONS.--The lead compounds are powerful astringents, haemostatics, styptics, anodynes, local sedatives and desiccants; they coagulate albumen and form a protective coat, also contract small vessels. In large or continued doses they irritate, then paralyze voluntary and involuntary muscles, and also the central nervous system.

USES.--Plumbi acetate is administered internally to check haemorrhages, especially of the stomach and lungs, has been used in purpura in horses with varying results; it is said to be very good in red water of cattle; also used in diabetes insipidus; for diarrhoea, lead acetate with opium is very good, also in dysentery, chronic scouring and bronchorrhoea; it is occasionally prescribed as a gargle.

Externally used in solution to check superficial inflammation; used on burns, bruises and ulcers, also to cool and relieve strained and inflamed tendons and joints, it is also used as a wash to abate the itching of nettle-rash and erythema and other skin diseases; also serviceable in eczema and grease-heel; used in eye wash but should not be used when there is an abrasion of the cornea, as insoluble compounds are formed; the acetate may be used as an ointment or powder or in solution dissolved in twenty to forty parts water, a little vinegar or acetic acid increases its solubility; it is used in white lotion combined with zinc sulphate and water.

Goulard’s Extract, four ounces to a pint of water, is used for sprains, bruises, cuts, burns, scratches, grease-heel, etc. For painful affections, tincture of opium, four to six ounces to one pint, or belladonna, two ounces to the pint, are added. Goulard’s Extract, one part, lard oil, four parts, makes a good dressing for blistered or bruised surfaces, grease-heel and other ailments of that class; for skin diseases, eczema, canker of ear in dog, etc.

POTASSII ACETAS--POTASSIUM ACETATE

DERIVATION.--Add acetic acid in excess to potassium carbonate. Evaporate to dryness and fuse residue.

PROPERTIES.--White, deliquescent, satiny, neutral masses of a peculiar odor; also in a granular form. Soluble in water and alcohol.

DOSE.--Horses and cattle, ¹⁄₂ to 1 oz.; sheep and pigs, ¹⁄₂ to 1 dr.; dogs, 5 to 20 gr.

POTASSII CITRAS--POTASSIUM CITRATE

DERIVATION.--Neutralize potassium carbonate with a solution of citric acid and evaporate to dryness.

PROPERTIES.--White, granular, deliquescent powder, saline taste, neutral reaction. Soluble in water.

DOSE.--Same as potassium acetate.

ACTIONS.--Potassium acetate and citrate are the least irritant to the stomach of all the potassium salts. They are neutral and have no action on the gastric juice: are not antacid. They are changed into the carbonate of potassium and as such circulate in the blood. Are powerful direct diuretics, stimulate the renal cells direct and increase both the water and the solids of the urine, also diaphoretic; the citrate more than the acetate. They have a slight depressing action on the heart, and slightly expectorant.

USES.--Potassium acetate and citrate are indicated in irritation or inflammation of the kidneys and bladder and cause absorption of exudations (pleural effusion, for example) through their diuretic power. They are sometimes prescribed in fever on account of slight diaphoretic and powerful diuretic properties. They also stimulate bronchial secretions and make it thinner and are recommended accordingly in bronchitis. They are used in gouty conditions, Bright’s disease, fevers of all kinds, azoturia, dropsical conditions, pleurisy, ascites oedema of the legs, sheath, udder, etc., combined with tonics, as iron, etc.

POTASSII BROMIDUM--POTASSIUM BROMIDE

DERIVATION.--Potassium bromide may be obtained by adding a slight excess of bromide to a strong solution of potassium hydroxide, evaporating the potassium bromide and bromate to dryness, decomposing the bromate by fusing the mixture with charcoal and purifying the crystallization.

PROPERTIES.--Colorless, or white, cubical crystals, or granules; odorless and having a strong saline taste. Permanent in the air. Soluble in about fifteen parts of water and in about one hundred and eighty parts of alcohol.

SODII BROMIDUM--SODIUM BROMIDE

DERIVATION.--Sodium bromide may be obtained in the same manner as potassium bromide, sodium hydroxide being used in place of potassium hydroxide.

PROPERTIES.--It occurs in colorless or white, cubical crystals, or a white, granular powder, odorless and having a saline, bitter taste. The salt absorbs moisture from the air without deliquescing. Soluble in one and seven-tenths parts of water and in twelve and a half parts of alcohol.

ACTION OF POTASSIUM AND SODIUM BROMIDE.--They are distinguished depressants of the cerebral and spinal functions, also hypnotic, anaphrodisiac, antispasmodic and alterative. The bromide of potash, like all other potassium salts, is especially a cardiac and muscular paralyzant. They are very diffusible and slowly eliminated; long continued doses produce gastric catarrh. They reduce the number of respirations and the heart’s action and force; lessen activity of brain cells, producing sleep; diminish sensibility of peripheral nerves, causing anesthesia of the skin and mucous membrane.