Part 5
ORIGIN.--Belladonna is the leaves of a plant known as deadly nightshade. It grows wild in some parts of Great Britain, and is also cultivated to a great extent. The dried leaves of atropa belladonna yield, when assayed by the U. S. P. process, not less than 0.35 per cent of mydriatic alkaloids. Usually of a dull brownish-green color, the leaves much wrinkled and matted together, frequently with the flowering tops intermixed; odor distinctly narcotic, especially on moistening; taste somewhat bitter and acrid. Contains not less than 0.5 per cent atropine. The powdered leaves are characterized by few hairs and numerous small arrow-shaped crystals of calcium oxalate.
DOSE.--Of the powdered leaves, horses and cattle, ¹⁄₂ to 1 oz.; sheep and pigs, ¹⁄₂ to 2 dr.; dogs, 1 to 5 grs.
PREPARATIONS
EXTRACTUM BELLADONNAE FOLIORUM--EXTRACT OF BELLADONNA LEAVES
Made by percolation with dilute alcohol and evaporation to pilular consistence. Used in preparing the unguentum belladonnae. Contains 1.4 per cent of mydriatic alkaloids.
DOSE.--Horses and cattle, 10 to 20 grs.; sheep and pigs, 2 to 4 grs.; dogs, ¹⁄₈ to ¹⁄₂ gr.
TINCTURA BELLADONNAE FOLIORUM--TINCTURE OF BELLADONNA LEAVES
Belladonna leaves 100, dilute alcohol to make 1,000, made by maceration and percolation. (Strength 10%.)
DOSE.--Dogs, 3 to 30 ms.
UNGUENTUM BELLADONNAE--BELLADONNA OINTMENT
Extract of belladonna leaves, 10; dilute alcohol, 5; hydrous wool fat, 20; benzoinated lard, 63.
BELLADONNAE RADIX--BELLADONNA ROOT
DERIVATION.--The dried root of atropa belladonna yielding, when assayed by the U. S. P. process not less than 0.5 per cent of mydriatic alkaloids.
CONSTITUENTS.--Same as leaves. Contains not less than 0.5 per cent atropine.
PREPARATIONS
FLUIDEXTRACTUM BELLADONNAE RADICIS--FLUIDEXTRACT OF BELLADONNA ROOT
Made by maceration with alcohol and water and evaporation. One cc. of the extract = one gm. of belladonna root. Standardized so that 100 cc. of the fluidextract contain 0.5 gm. of mydriatic alkaloids. This is one of the most reliable preparations of belladonna.
DOSE.--Horses, 1 to 2 dr.; cattle, 2 to 3 dr.; sheep and pigs, 10 to 15 ms.; dogs, 1 to 3 ms.
LINIMENTUM BELLADONNAE--BELLADONNA LINIMENT
Made by adding camphor, 50 parts to fluidextract of belladonna to make 1,000 parts (U. S. P.).
ATROPINAE SULPHAS--SULPHATE OF ATROPHINE
An alkaloid obtained from belladonna. As it occurs in commerce, it is always accompanied by small proportion of hyoscyamine extracted along with it, from which it cannot readily be separated.
DERIVATION.--Atropine is obtained from a strong tincture of the root.
PROPERTIES.--A white crystalline powder, very soluble in water and alcohol.
DOSE.--Horses, ¹⁄₂ to 1¹⁄₂ grs.; cattle, 1 to 2 grs.; sheep and pigs, ¹⁄₂₀ to ¹⁄₁₂ gr.; dogs, ¹⁄₁₅₀ to ¹⁄₅₀ gr. The doses should be considerably reduced when used with morphine.
INCOMPATIBLES.--Caustic alkalies; antagonize physiologically by pilocarpine and physostigma throughout almost whole range of its influence, and opium within a certain limitation, prevents the respiratory failure, which is the cause of death.
## ACTION.--Belladonna is an irritant narcotic, a mydriatic, an
antispasmodic and anodyne. In small doses a cardiac, respiratory and spinal stimulant; in large doses a paralyzer of the sensory and motor nerve endings and a stimulator of the entire sympathetic system.
It produces dryness of the mucous membrane of the throat, mouth, nose and pharynx, and at first lessens the gastric and intestinal secretions, but soon produces them in large quantities. It is anti-galactogogue, that is, it arrests secretion of milk.
The heart rate is at first slowed, but soon becomes very rapid and vigorous, the pulse being doubled in rapidity; arterial tension is raised and the circulation greatly increased.
The pupils are dilated by the local or systemic use of the drug.
The brain is congested by belladonna, a busy delirium being produced, and hallucinations with mental disorder, due to a selective action on the cell of the gray matter.
The spinal cord is stimulated from the second cervical vertebrae to the tenth dorsal, resulting in paralysis of the motor nerves, both central and peripheral, power being lost in hind extremities first. The respiration is increased and the temperature is raised by the increased circulation; metamorphosis is greatly promoted.
Belladonna and atrophine are rapidly diffused and quickly eliminated by the kidneys. By its paralyzing effect on the terminal nerve filaments, it relaxes the bronchial tubes and checks the secretion of the bronchial mucous membrane; it checks secretion of saliva and milk in the same way and causes dryness of the skin.
USES.--Belladonna and atrophine is indicated anywhere that an antispasmodic and anodyne is needed. Is serviceable in catarrh, pharyngitis and bronchitis to check secretion in second stage; heaves, especially asthmatic heaves, combined with gelsemium and lobelia, followed by Fowler’s Solution; in influenza, it stimulates the weakened heart, besides having other good effects.
In the first stage of respiratory diseases, belladonna alone, or combined with aconite or other febrifuges and expectorants; in cough, especially spasmodic or when due to irritation of the throat; in heart failure or heart weakness, hypodermic injections of atrophine are beneficial; in spasmodic colic one to two drachms of the fluid extract to a dose, but one drachm is usually sufficient; as a powerful antispasmodic and anodyne, atropine and morphine combined; small doses are given in constipation of the bowels, combined with nux vomica; small doses with purgatives are said to aid their action.
In tetanus give one to two drachms of the extract two or three times daily; in paralysis of the throat of tetanus the fluid extract combined with soap liniment or used alone externally; in cerebro-spinal meningitis, belladonna and ergot alternated with aconite is rational treatment, conjoined with the external treatment. It allays irritations of the bladder, rectum, and uterus, especially if combined with cannabis indica.
In contraction or rigid os the extract applied directly, quickly relaxes and allows parturition; it is well to see if this is necessary before giving ergot.
Used extensively in examinations and diseases of the eye.
Atrophine sulphate is used locally to dilate the pupil, assisting in the detection of cataracts or other disorders of the eye and testing the condition of the refracting media; for dilating pupil use a solution of four grains of the atrophine to one ounce of distilled water; a few drops are placed into the eye, for inflammation of the eye with great irritation; belladonna may be combined with cocaine; in iritis.
ANTIDOTE.--In poisoning, tannic acid should be used.
BENZOINUM--BENZOIN
A balsamic resin obtained from styrax benzoin dryander, and another unidentified species of styrax. It contains benzoic acid in the proportions 12 to 20 per cent to which it probably owes its action.
HABITAT.--Southern Asia.
PROPERTIES.--In pebble-like bodies or tears, slightly flattened, straight or curved, yellowish to rusty-brown externally, milky-white on fresh fractures internally. Odor agreeable, balsamic; taste slightly acrid. It is almost wholly soluble in five parts of moderately warm alcohol, and in solutions of the fixed alkalies. When heated it gives off fumes of benzoic acid.
CONSTITUENTS.--Benzoic acid, cinnamic acid; resins and a volatile oil.
PREPARATIONS
ADEPS BENZOINATUS--BENZOINATED LARD
Made by melting lard 1,000, with benzoin 20, and straining; used as an ointment itself, and as a base for other ointments.
TINCTURA BENZOINI--TINCTURE OF BENZOIN
Made by maceration of benzoin 200, in alcohol; filtration and addition of alcohol to make 1,000.
DOSE.--Horses and cattle, ¹⁄₂ to 1 oz.; sheep and pigs, 2 to 4 drs.; dogs, 30 to 60 ms.
TINCTURA BENZOINI COMPOSITA--COMPOUND TINCTURE OF BENZOIN
Commonly known as Friar’s Balsam. Benzoin, 100; purified aloes, 20; storax, 80; balsam of tolu, 40; alcohol to make 1,000. Made by digestion and filtration.
ACIDUM BENZOICUM--BENZOIC ACID
DERIVATION.--Obtained from benzoin by sublimation, or artificially prepared.
PROPERTIES.--White feathery crystals of a peculiar, agreeable odor, and warm acidulous taste, sparingly soluble in cold water (1 to 500), more soluble in boiling water, 1 in 15, and in 2 parts of alcohol; borax renders it more soluble.
INCOMPATIBLES.--Alkalies, ammonium carbonate.
DOSE.--Horses and cattle, 2 to 4 drs.; sheep and pigs, ¹⁄₂ to 1 dr.; dogs, 5 to 15 grs.
AMMONII BENZOAS--AMMONIUM BENZOATE
Made by the action of benzoic acid and ammonia water. In white crystals. Soluble in 10.5 parts of water; in 25 parts of alcohol.
DOSE.--Same as benzoic acid.
SODII BENZOAS--SODIUM BENZOATE
Made by the action of a hot solution of sodium carbonate of benzoic acid. Occurs in a white powder. Soluble in 1.6 parts of water; in 43 parts of alcohol.
DOSE.--Same as benzoic acid.
LITHII BENZOAS--LITHIUM BENZOATE
Made by decomposing lithium carbonate with benzoic acid. It should contain not less than 98.5 per cent of pure lithium benzoate, and should be kept in a well stopped bottle. Soluble in 3 parts of water, and in 13 parts of alcohol.
DOSE.--Same as benzoic acid.
## ACTIONS.--Benzoin is a mild stimulant, expectorant and antiseptic;
benzoic acid is quite powerful; it renders alkaline urine acid; it is used to dissolve phosphatic calculi.
USES.--The tincture and compound tincture are used as stimulants and antiseptics for wounds and sores. Benzoic acid, when administered internally, acts mildly as an antiseptic to the bladder; useful in catarrh of the bladder. Benzoate of soda is used in bronchial catarrh. Benzoate of ammonia is used to dissolve phosphatic calculi. Lithium benzoate has been highly recommended as a remedy for rheumatic affections.
CALAMUS--SWEET FLAG
The unpeeled, dried rhizome of acorus calamus Linne.
HABITAT.--United States, Europe, Western and Southern Asia, including India and Japan.
PROPERTIES.--The leaves as well as the root have an aromatic odor; but the root only is employed. It should be collected late in the autumn, or in the early spring. After removal from the ground, the roots are washed, freed from their fibers, and dried with moderate heat. By drying they lose nearly one-half their diameter, but are improved in odor and taste.
CONSTITUENTS.--Acorin, a liquid, yellow glucoside, having a bitter taste; a volatile oil; calamine; choline.
DOSE.--Horses and cattle, 1 to 2 ozs.; sheep and pigs, 1 to 3 drs.; dogs, 15 grs to 1 dr.
PREPARATIONS
FLUIDEXTRACTUM CALAMI--FLUIDEXTRACT OF CALAMUS
Made by maceration, percolation and evaporation.
DOSE.--Horses and cattle, 1 to 2 ozs.; sheep and pigs, 1 to 3 drs.; dogs, 15 ms. to 1 dr.
## ACTION AND USES.--Calanus is a feeble aromatic bitter, and is therefore
useful in loss of appetite and indigestion associated with mild forms of flatulence. The powdered root is used as a base in powders, balls and electuaries. It is harmless, and the dose is therefore unimportant.
CALX LIME--CALCIUM OXIDE
DERIVATION.--Prepared by burning white marble, oyster shells, or the purest varieties of natural calcium carbonate; to expel carbon dioxide.
PROPERTIES.--Lime is in hard, white or grayish-white masses, which in contact with air gradually attract moisture and carbon dioxide and fall to a white powder; odorless; of a sharp caustic taste. Soluble in water; insoluble in alcohol.
## ACTIONS.--Antacid, gastric sedative, intestinal astringent, desiccant.
USES.--Its principal use is in diarrhoea, combined with opium tannic acid, also antiseptics; makes a very good dusting powder over abraded surfaces. Lime water and milk equal parts and sweetened is very good for puppies raised on a bottle as it is easily digested.
LINIMENTUM CALCIS--LIME LINIMENT (Carron Oil)
Composed of lime water and raw linseed oil equal parts; is very good for burns. Carron oil given internally is a good, mild laxative and antacid for horses with heaves. It is given on the food. It is also an excellent purgative for foals and calves in the treatment of diarrhoea and indigestion.
CALUMBA
The dried transversely cut slices of the root of Jateorhiza Calumba.
HABITAT.--Mozambique, East Africa. Cultivated in the East Indies.
PROPERTIES.--Odor slight, taste bitter. It contains calumbin, a neutral bitter, crystalline substance; an alkaloid, berberine; calumbic acid and starch.
DOSE.--Horses and cattle, ¹⁄₂ to 1 oz.; sheep and pigs, 1 to 2 drs.; dogs, 5 to 30 grs.
PREPARATIONS
FLUIDEXTRACTUM CALUMBAE--FLUIDEXTRACT OF CALUMBA
Made by maceration and percolation with alcohol and water, and evaporation.
DOSE.--Same as calumba.
TINCTURA CALUMBAE--TINCTURE OF CALUMBA
Made by maceration and percolation of calumbae, with alcohol and water.
DOSE.--Horses and cattle, 2 to 4 ozs.; sheep and pigs, ¹⁄₂ to 1 oz.; dogs, 1 to 2 dr.
## ACTIONS AND USES.--Calumba is a bitter, gastric stimulant and
carminative. It promotes secretion of gastric juice and improves the appetite. As it contains no tannin it is devoid of astringency and may be prescribed with preparations of iron. Like qussia, calumba infusion may be used to destroy worms in the horse’s rectum.
GAMBOGIA--GAMBOGE
A gum-resin obtained from garcinia hunburii Hooker filius (nat. ord. guttiferae).
HABITAT.--Southern Asia.
PROPERTIES.--In cylindrical pieces, usually hollow in the center, externally grayish orange-brown, longitudinally striate; fracture conchordal, orange-red, waxy and somewhat porous; inodorous; taste very acid. Powder bright yellow, sternutatory, containing few or no starch grains. Not more than 25 per cent should be soluble in alcohol; ash not more than 3 per cent.
DOSE.--Horses, ¹⁄₂ to 1 oz.; cattle, 1 to 1¹⁄₂ oz.; sheep and pigs, 20 grs. to 1 dr.; dogs, 5 to 10 grs.
## ACTIONS.--Gamboge is a drastic, hydragogue purgative, and slightly
diuretic. Its action is uncertain and often violent, with production of griping pains. Large doses cause vomiting in the dog and gastro-enteritis in all that cannot vomit. Gamboge is dissolved by the bile and alkaline intestinal juices and some of it is absorbed, since it colors the urine yellow in its elimination and occasions diuresis.
USES.--Gamboge should never be prescribed alone. It has been recommended in obstinate constipation, indigestion, impaction of the third stomach, and brain diseases of cattle, conjoined with salts, or rubbed up with water and an equal amount of aloes (each one ounce).
CAMPHORA--CAMPHOR--GUM CAMPHOR
DERIVATION.--Camphor is obtained from a tree known as Laurel Camphor. The branches are cut and boiled in water and the camphor rises to the top in the form of gum.
HABITAT.--Japan, China and Sunda Islands.
PROPERTIES.--White translucent masses, of a tough consistence and a crystalline structure, readily pulverizable in the presence of a little alcohol ether or chloroform; having a penetrating characteristic odor, and a pungent aromatic taste. Very sparingly soluble in water, but readily soluble in alcohol, ether, chloroform, carbon disulphide, petroleum, benzine and in fixed and volatile oils. On exposure to the air, it evaporates more or less rapidly at ordinary temperatures, and when moderately heated, it sublimes without leaving a residue.
DOSE.--Horses, 1 to 3 drs.; cattle, 2 to 4 drs.; sheep and pigs, 15 grs. to 1 dr.; dogs, 3 to 30 grs.
PREPARATIONS
AQUA CAMPHORAE--CAMPHOR WATER
Tincture camphor 8, with alcohol 8 and purified talc 15; then with water to make 1000 filter.
Camphor water has this advantage over camphor in substance, that the latter is with difficulty dissolved by liquids of the stomach; but it is too feeble a preparation for use when a decided effect is desired; it is, however, an excellent vehicle for the administration of more active substances.
DOSE.--Ad lib.
SPIRITUS CAMPHORAE--SPIRIT OF CAMPHOR
Made by dissolving gum camphor, 100, in alcohol, 800; filter and add alcohol to make 1000.
DOSE.--Horses and cattle, 1 to 2 oz.; sheep and pigs, 2 to 4 dr.; dogs, 30 grs. to 1 dr. Spirit of camphor is frequently prescribed in colic mixtures.
LINIMENTUM CAMPHORAE--CAMPHOR LINIMENT--CAMPHORATED OIL
Made by adding camphor, 200 parts to cottonseed oil, 800 parts.
It is a mild rubefacient; is used in cough mixtures, also used locally in liniments.
CERATUM CAMPHORAE--CAMPHOR CERATE
Composed of camphor liniment, 100 parts, white wax 350 parts, white petrolatum 150 parts, lard 400 parts.
For external use only.
LINIMENTUM SAPONIS--SOAP LINIMENT
Composed of soap 60 parts, camphor 45 parts, oil of rosemary 10 parts, alcohol 725 parts, water to make 1000 parts; for external use only, as a mild stimulating and anodyne liniment, usually combined with other medicines and used for its stimulating properties.
CAMPHORA MONOBROMATA--MONOBROMATED CAMPHOR
DERIVATION.--Made by heating camphor and bromine in the proper chemical proportions for three hours in a sealed tube, in a water bath. The crystalline masses washed with water, recrystallized from alcohol after treatment with animal charcoal, washed with an alcoholic solution of potassium hydroxide, then with much water and finally recrystallized from a mixture of alcohol and ether. It is very easy to prepare the monobromide on a small scale in this way.
PROPERTIES.--Colorless, prismatic needles or scales, permanent in air, almost soluble in water, freely soluble in alcohol, ether, chloroform and fixed and volatile oils; used frequently as an anaphrodisiac.
DOSE.--Dogs, 2 to 10 gr.
## ACTIONS.--Antispasmodic or nerve stimulant, anodyne, antiseptic,
diaphoretic, a stimulant, expectorant, a cerebral excitant or narcotic, a gastro-intestinal irritant, a rubefacient or counter-irritant and also carminative. It has an acrid hot taste, irritates the skin and mucous membrane, large doses causing gastro-intestinal inflammation.
Medical doses stimulate the vaso-motor system and the cardiac-motor ganglia, and lessens the influence of the pneumogastric (inhibitory nerve); afterwards stimulates the accelerator apparatus, thus increasing the circulation and raising arterial tension; it also stimulates respiration, and in man stimulates mental activity even to intoxication.
USES.--In catarrhal conditions, cough mixtures, acute and chronic bronchitis, pneumonia. The spirits of camphor is used in colic mixtures; also locally to stop secretions of milk applied frequently; in cardiac weakness; strangury may be relieved by one to two ounce doses of the spirits for the horse. Spirits of camphor is used in Thumps.
Camphor is a valuable medicine in diarrhoea, particularly in serious variety, and in that form following exposure to cold. It is not useful in inflammatory conditions, but checks secretions and pain.
Spirit of camphor and nitrous ether are efficient in relieving irritation of the genito-urinary tract. Camphor has proven of service in purpura hemorrhagica of horses given three times daily in capsules or pills.
CANTHARIS--CANTHARIDES--SPANISH FLY--BLISTER BEETLES
DERIVATION.--Cantharides is obtained from flies which receive the name Spanish Fly on account of so many of them coming from Spain, but they are also imported from Germany and Russia; living chiefly on climbing shrubs and trees.
DESCRIPTION.--About 20 to 25 m. m. long and about 6 mm. broad, flattish cylindrical, with filiform antennae, black in the upper part, and with long wing-sheaths, and ample membranous, transparent, brownish wings, elsewhere of a shining, coppery-green color. The powder is grayish-brown, and contains green shining particles. Odor strong and disagreeable; taste slight, afterwards irritating. Cantharides deteriorate with age and should be kept unpowdered in tightly stoppered bottles.
DOSE.--Of the powdered fly, horses and cattle, 5 to 10 gr.; sheep and pigs, 3 to 6 gr.; dogs, ¹⁄₂ to 2 gr.
TINCTURA CANTHARIDIS--TINCTURE OF CANTHARIDES
Prepared by percolation of powdered cantharides, 100 parts, with alcohol to make 1000 parts.
DOSE.--Horses and cattle, 2 to 4 dr.; sheep and pigs, 15 to 30 m.; dogs, 2 to 15 m.
## ACTIONS.--Externally, is rubefacient, irritant, vesicant, according to
the strength used, it promotes water blister; counter-irritant, etc. Cantharides acts more powerfully on the skin of horses and dogs than on that of cattle and swine. If applied over an extensive surface, absorption and poisoning may occur.
Internally cantharides is an irritant, and produces its effects on any part which the free cantharidin is brought into contact. When swallowed it irritates the digestive mucous membrane; large doses produce gastro-enteritis. The active cantharidin is absorbed, and in the blood forms a non-irritant albuminoid, but in the kidneys is again liberated, developing its characteristic irritation, medical doses stimulating the urino-genital tract, causing diuresis, and in some animals increases sexual appetite; full doses induce inflammation, slow and painful discharge of bloody urine.
USES.--Externally cantharides is employed as a blister rubefacient or as a counter-irritant; blisters are formed in from two to eight hours. If repeatedly used it may cause sloughing of the tissue; cantharides may be used wherever a blister or counter-irritant is required, except in inflammation of the urinary organs, as it is absorbed and will increase the inflammation. Cantharides conjoined with red mercurous iodide and adeps is usually employed in the treatment of diseases of the bones, joints, bursae, ligaments and tendons. In exostoses, as bone spavin and ring bone, used most effectively after the actual cautery, to secure absorption and resolution, or anchylosis. Always clip off the hair close before applying a blister, tie or muzzle the animal so he cannot bite it; leave blister on forty-eight hours, then wash and grease the parts daily. A cantharides blister is sometimes beneficial in hastening the formation of abscess (distemper); also to stimulate indolent ulcers or wounds; it causes swelling and closes the opening of small umbilical hernias of foals and calves. It is also valuable in closing and sealing punctured wounds into joints and synovial cavities. The tincture of cantharides can be applied once or twice daily, full strength, when the exudation of much serum is desired. Cantharides is seldom used internally except in incontinuence of urine from debility or partial paralysis of the bladder. Seldom used to increase sexual desire. The tincture of cantharides should be employed when the drug is administered internally.
CAPSICUM--RED PEPPER--CAYENNE PEPPER
The dried ripe fruit of Capsicum fastigiatum Blume deprived of its calyx.
HABITAT.--Tropical America; cultivated also in other tropical countries.
PROPERTIES.--Capsicum when ground has a hot, pungent, spicy taste.
CONSTITUENTS.--Capsicum contains capsaicin, a crystallizable, acrid body; capsicin, a volatile alkaloid; a fixed oil; fatty matter; resin.
DOSE.--Horses, 20 gr. to 1 dr.; cattle, 1 to 2 dr., sheep and pigs, 5 to 10 gr.; dogs, 1 to 5 gr.
PREPARATIONS
FLUIDEXTRACTUM CAPSICI--FLUID EXTRACT OF CAPSICUM
Made by maceration and percolation with alcohol, and evaporated, so that 1 cc. equals 1 gm. of the crude drug.
DOSE.--Horses, 10 m. to 1 dr.; cattle, 1 to 2 dr.; sheep and pigs, 5 to 10 m.; dogs, 1 to 5 m.
TINCTURA CAPSICI--TINCTURE OF CAPSICUM
Made by percolation of capsicum, 100, with alcohol and water to make 1,000.
DOSE.--Horses, 2 to 4 dr.; cattle, ¹⁄₂ to 1 oz.; sheep and pigs, 20 m. to 1 dr.; dogs, 5 to 30 m.
OLEORESINA CAPSICI--OLEORESIN OF CAPSICUM
Made by percolation with acetone, distillation and evaporation of the residue.
DOSE.--Horses, 10 to 30 m.; cattle, ¹⁄₂ to 1 dr.; sheep and pigs, 1 to 5 m.; dogs, ¹⁄₂ to 1 m.
## ACTION AND USES.--Capsicum and its preparations are irritants,
stimulating stomachics, carminatives and rubefacients. Large doses, especially in carnivora and omnivora, are irritant poisons, inflaming the alimentary and sometimes also the urino-genital mucous membranes. Properly regulated doses are indicated in atonic indigestion and flatulent colic in horses combined with ammonium carbonate. It may be advantageously combined with bitters, as nux vomica. Capsicum is a favorite stimulant and tonic remedy--to the digestion--with poultry fanciers. It also increases the laying of eggs when given to hens. Externally capsicum is rubefacient and counter-irritant, producing about the same degree of irritation as mustard, but causing considerable pain. It ought not be used for blistering ointments or for setons.
CHLOROFORMUM--CHLOROFORM
A liquid consisting of 99 to 99.4 per cent, by weight, of absolute chloroform, and 0.6 to 1 per cent alcohol.
DERIVATION.--Alcohol and water are heated in a still to 37.70° C. (100° F.), when chlorinated lime is added and chloroform is evolved.
PROPERTIES.--Chloroform is a heavy, clear, colorless, mobile and diffusible liquid, of a characteristic ethereal odor, and a burning sweet taste. Specific gravity not below 1.476 at 25° C. (77° F.). Soluble in 200 times its volume of cold water, and in all proportions in alcohol, ether, benzol, benzine and the fixed and volatile oils. Chloroform is not inflammable. Chloroform should be kept in dark amber colored well stoppered bottles in a cool and dark place.
DOSE.--Horses and cattle, 1 to 2 dr.; sheep and pigs, 20 to 40 m.; dogs, 2 to 8 m. Should be well diluted with glycerine, syrup, eggs or diluted alcohol; the above dose can be repeated every two or three hours.
PREPARATIONS
AQUA CHLOROFORMI--CHLOROFORM WATER
A saturated solution of chloroform and distilled water, it should contain one-half per cent of chloroform. Chloroform water has been proven to be an excellent vehicle for administering active remedies, and, owing to its antiseptic properties, mixtures having it for a basis resist decomposition longer than those made with ordinary water. Used extensively as a vehicle in cough and diarrhoea mixtures.
LINIMENTUM CHLOROFORMI--CHLOROFORM LINIMENT