Part 3

GENERAL ACTIONS.--Locally applied, in virtue of its action on sensory nerves, aconite produces first irritation, tingling and twitching and subsequently numbness and anesthesia. The tincture of aconite is rapidly absorbed and quickly passed into the tissues, as is shown by the blood of a poisoned dog five minutes after the drug has been administered, being transferred into the veins of another dog without producing the physiological action of the poison.

TOXIC EFFECTS.--One and one-half drachm of the tincture (equal to about one drachm of aconite root) is given as the minimum fatal dose for the horse, one-half drachm will occasionally cause very serious symptoms and where an idiosyncrasy exists as little as fifteen minims will cause toxic symptoms.

It causes great muscular weakness, dimness of sight; pupil at first may be dilated or contracted, but as the end approaches remains dilated; shallow irregular and labored respiration, a slow and small pulse, becoming rapid and imperceptible near the end. Gulping, frothy saliva, flatulence, belching, retching, nausea, etc. There is often a peculiar clicking sound made from the constant attempts at swallowing.

Coldness of surface, clammy sweat, anxious countenance, extreme weakness of the extremities, lowering of temperature 2 to 3 degrees, abolishment of sensation, reflexes and motility and finally death from paralysis of the heart and respiration, with or without convulsions, consciousness being preserved until near the end, when carbon dioxide narcosis sets in.

USES.--It antagonizes the fever process, when properly used is a most valuable drug; it is indicated in all affections, characterized by high resisting pulse, dry, hot skin and elevated body temperature; is useful in acute throat affections as laryngitis, pharyngitis and perotiditis, in small doses often repeated. Indicated in acute inflammation of the organs of respiration. For pleurisy and perotiditis, at the outset, give aconite with opium. Aconite is indicated in simple fevers or in puerperal fever, inflammation of the brain; in acute or inflammatory rheumatism, in acute local inflammation, as arthritis or inflammation resulting from bruises, sprains, etc.

In lymphangitis, laminitis and enteritis, if called in first stages of enteritis give 20 ms. of aconite and repeat with 10 or 15 ms. every hour and between times gives fluid extract of belladonna 15 to 20 ms. every hour and externally woolen blankets wrung out of hot water and wrapped around the body.

In mammitis is also useful in large doses, combined with phytolacca; in spasmodic colic brought on by drinking cold water, give 30 to 60 ms. of the tincture of aconite with other colic mixture; in congestion of the bowels or liver, or in congestion of any part, small repeated doses are better than large ones. It is also advantageously used in lung disorders.

AETHER--ETHER--PURE ETHER

A liquid composed of about 96 per cent, by weight, of absolute ether or ethyl oxide, and about 4 per cent of alcohol containing a little water.

DERIVATION.--Prepared by distillation of alcohol with sulphuric acid. There are two steps in the production of ether; sulphorvinic acid and water are formed in the first step. Sulphorvinic acid is then further acted upon by alcohol. The distillate is freed from water by agitation with calcium oxide and chloride and subjected to redistillation.

PROPERTIES.--A transparent, colorless, mobile liquid, having a characteristic odor and a burning and sweetish taste. Ether is highly volatile and inflammable; its vapor, when mixed with air and ignited, explodes violently. Miscible in all proportions with alcohol, chloroform, benzine, benzol, fixed and volatile oils. Ether is a solvent for fats, oils, alkaloids, resins, gutta percha and guncotton. Upon evaporation ether should have no residue. Ether vapor is heavier than air and consequently etherization should never be done above a light or fire.

DOSE.--Horses and cattle, 1 to 2 ozs.; sheep and pigs, 2 to 4 drs.; dogs, 10 ms. to 1 dr.

As an anaesthetic, horses and cattle require from 4 to 16 ozs. Smaller animals from 4 drs. to 4 ozs. Chloroform is usually prescribed for large animals and ether for smaller animals. Ether never paralyzes a healthy heart, while chloroform sometimes does. For anaesthetic purposes see anesthesia.

PREPARATIONS

SPIRITUS AETHERIS--SPIRIT OF ETHER

Composed of ether, 325 parts, alcohol to make 1000.

DOSE.--Same as ether.

SPIRITUS AETHERIS COMPOSITUS--COMPOUND SPIRIT OF ETHER--HOFFMAN’S ANODYNE

Composed of ether, 325 parts; alcohol, 650 parts; ethereal oil, 25 parts.

DOSE.--Same as for ether.

ACTIONS.--Ether is anodyne, antispasmodic, diaphoretic, anthelmintic; a cardiac, respiratory and cerebral stimulant, an anesthetic and a narcotic poison; one of the best and quickest acting, diffusible, general stimulants, acting on the heart reflexly from the stomach. It is a powerful secretory stimulant, acting especially on the secretions of the stomach, salivary glands and pancreas. On the cerebrum and the motor and sensory nerves, its actions are similar to that of alcohol, but more prompt and less protracted; it is eliminated quickly, chiefly by the lungs.

When inhaled, it first causes irritation of the fauces, a sense of strangulation and cough, then a stage of excitement in which the visible mucous membranes are flushed and the respiration and pulse quickened; a convulsive stage generally follows, with rigid muscles and respiration stertorous; this subsides and complete insensibility is established, the muscles being relaxed and the reflexes abolished; in fact all of the functions of the body are suspended, except respiration and circulation.

If the inhalation be continued these too become paralyzed, death usually resulting from slow paralysis of respiration (chloroform paralyzes quickly); the heart pulsating long after breathing has ceased. Atropine hypodermically is the best antagonist to the toxic effects of ether, also artificial respiration and injections of brandy.

USES OF ETHER.--When mixed with alcohol, as the spirit, ether mixes readily with water. It is excellent in indigestion with flatulence; it checks gastric fermentation, expels the gas and overcomes irregular and violent gastro-intestinal movements; hence, is also very good in spasmodic colic. In spasmodic colic, best to combine with cannabis indica or belladonna. When used as a vermifuge it should be followed by a purge. Used diluted one to ten to dislodge worms in the rectum. A most reliable remedy for collapse. Ether and alcohol are indicated in parturient paresis, ether with aqua ammonia may be used intravenously when the cow is unable to swallow. Sulphuric ether and alcohol or whisky are also good in parturient eclampsia of bitches, though aromatic spirit of ammonia is better; for chills, spirit of nitrous ether; also useful in convalescence from debilitating disease. Ether is a very good remedy in Thumps. Ether may be used for local anesthesia, applied as a spray, from an atomizer, about one ounce, usually being enough for the painless opening of abscesses or fistulae, but cocaine is better in our patients. _As an anesthetic_ it should be used in preference to chloroform, for the smaller and young animals, especially dogs, which are easily killed by chloroform. Ether is less prompt in action but much safer than chloroform, as it never paralyzes a healthy heart; it should be inhaled in as concentrated a form as possible, very little air being allowed, so it will exert its effects quickly, in the dog; a light or fire of any kind should not be allowed near, as ether is very inflammable and its vapor explosive. Always have a bottle of aqua ammonia fort. at hand as a restorer.

ALCOHOL

Alcohol is derived directly from fruit sugar, and indirectly from starch. The grains, as wheat, rye, corn; and potatoes, supply starch most economically. The starch in these substances is converted into glucose by heating with very dilute sulphuric acid, or by fermentation with malt. Glucose is further acted upon by yeast containing the Torula cerevisiae, which converts 15 per cent of glucose into alcohol and carbonic dioxide. The weak alcohol resulting is subjected to repeated distillation until sufficiently pure and concentrated. In the natural fermentation of fruit sugar in grape juice, during the formation of wine, the amount of alcohol is self-limited to 15, rarely 20 per cent, since the ferment is killed by a larger amount of alcohol than this.

DERIVATION.--The official alcohol is derived from rectified spirits, by maceration, first with anhydrous potassium carbonate, then freshly fused calcium chloride, and finally by distillation.

PROPERTIES.--A liquid composed of about 92.3 per cent, by weight, or 94.9 per cent, by volume, of ethyl alcohol (C₂H₅OH) and about 7.7 per cent, by weight, of water (U. S. P.). A transparent, colorless, mobile and volatile liquid, of a characteristic rather agreeable odor and a burning taste. Specific gravity about .816 at 15.6° C. (60° F.). Miscible with water in all proportions and without any trace of cloudiness. Also miscible with ether chloroform. It is readily volatile at low temperature, and boils at 78° C. (172.4° F.). It is inflammable and burns with a blue flame.

DOSE.--Horses and cattle, 1 to 3 oz.; sheep and pigs, 2 to 4 dr.; dogs, 1 to 2 dr. Diluted four to six times its bulk of water.

PREPARATIONS

ALCOHOL ABSOLUTUM--ABSOLUTE ALCOHOL

Ethyl alcohol, containing not more than one per cent, by weight, of water.

DERIVATION.--Percolation of the purest alcohol through quicklime, out of contact with the air, and redistillation in vacuo.

PROPERTIES.--Transparent, colorless, mobile and volatile liquid, of a characteristic rather agreeable odor and a burning taste. Very hydroscopic. Specific gravity not higher than 0.797 at 15.6° C. (60° F.).

SPIRITUS FRUMENTI--WHISKY

DERIVATION.--An alcoholic liquid obtained by the distillation of the mash of fermented grain (usually of mixtures of corn, wheat and rye) and at least four years old.

PROPERTIES.--An amber-colored liquid having a distinctive odor and taste, and a slightly acid reaction. Its specific gravity should not be more than 0.945, nor less than 0.924, corresponding, approximately, to an alcoholic strength of 37 to 47.5 per cent, by weight, or 44 to 55 per cent, by volume. Contains no more than traces of fusel oil. The alcoholic liquors owe their flavor to bouquet to ethers which are only developed in course of time. The amylic alcohol, or fusel oil, in whisky is therefore converted into ethers, which give the characteristic flavor to whisky.

DOSE.--Horses and cattle, 2 to 4 oz.; sheep and swine, 1 to 2 oz.; dogs, 1 to 4 dr., diluted three to four times its bulk in water.

SPIRITS VINI GALLICI--BRANDY

DERIVATION.--An alcoholic liquid obtained by the distillation of the fermented unmodified juice of fresh grapes, and at least four years old.

PROPERTIES.--A pale amber-colored liquid, having a distinctive odor and taste and a slightly acid reaction. Its specific gravity should not be more than 0.941, nor less than 0.925 at 15.6° C. (60° F.), corresponding, approximately, to an alcoholic strength of 39 to 47 per cent, by weight, or 46 to 55 per cent, by volume, of absolute alcohol.

DOSE.--Same as that for whisky.

SPIRITUS JUNIPERI COMPOSITUS--COMPOUND SPIRIT OF JUNIPER

DERIVATION.--Oil of juniper, 8; oil of caraway, 1; oil of fennel, 1; alcohol, 1,400; water to make 2,000.

Compound spirit of juniper is similar to gin in its therapeutic action. Contains about 15 per cent more alcohol. Gin is made by distillation of fermented malt and juniper berries. Gin differs from the other alcoholic preparations therapeutically in being more diuretic.

DOSE.--Same as that for whisky.

RUM (not official)

Rum is made from a fermented solution of molasses by distillation. It contains, by weight, from 40 to 50 per cent of absolute alcohol. Rum does not differ physiologically from alcohol. There is no authoritative Latin name for rum.

DOSE.--Same as that for whisky.

VINUM ALBUM--WHITE WINE

DERIVATION.--An alcoholic liquid made by fermenting the juice of fresh grapes, the fruit of Vitis vinifera, free from seeds, stems and skins.

PROPERTIES.--A pale amber or straw-colored liquid, having a pleasant odor, free from yeastiness and a fruity, agreeable, slightly spirituous taste, without excessive sweetness or acidity. The Pharmacopoeia (1890) directs that the wine should contain from 7 to 12 per cent, by weight, of absolute alcohol. California Hock and Reisling, Ohio Catawba, Sherry, Muscatel, Madeira or the stronger wines of the Rhine, Mediterranean and Hungary come within the pharmacopoeial limits. Wines containing more than 14 per cent of alcohol are usually fortified, i. e., have alcohol or brandy added to them, and much imported Sherry and Madeira contain 15 to 20 per cent, by weight, of absolute alcohol.

DOSE.--Same as that for whisky.

VINUM RUBRUM--RED WINE

DERIVATION.--An alcoholic liquid made by fermenting the juice of fresh colored grapes, the fruit of Vitis vinifera, in presence of their skins.

PROPERTIES.--A deep red liquid, having a pleasant odor, free from yeastiness, and a fruity moderately astringent, pleasant and slightly acidulous taste, without excessive sweetness or acidity. Should contain not less than 7 nor more than 12 per cent, by weight, of alcohol. Native Claret, Burgundy, Bordeaux and Hungarian wines may be included within the pharmacopoeial limits of vinum rubrum. Port (vinum portense) is fortified with brandy during fermentation, and contains 15 to 25 per cent, by weight, of absolute alcohol. Port is astringent from tannic acid in the grapes, skin and stalks, or the astringency may be due to logwood. Red wines are said to be rough, contain tannic acid and therefore are astringents. Dry wines are those which contain little sugar. The wines develop ethers with age and these improve their flavor and action.

Champagne contains about 10 per cent of absolute alcohol and carbonic acid gas, which acts as a local sedative upon the stomach. Ale, stout and beers contain from 4 to 8 per cent of alcohol, together with bitters and malt extracts.

Cider contains 5 to 9 per cent of absolute alcohol. Imported sherry (B. P.) contains 15 to 20 per cent of absolute alcohol.

Alcohol is the solvent most commonly employed in pharmacy, dissolving alkaloids, resins, volatile oils, balsams, oleo-resins, tannin, sugar, some fats and fixed oils.

DOSE.--Horses and cattle, 3 to 6 oz.; sheep and pigs, 1 to 3 oz.; dogs, 2 dr. to 1 oz.

ACTIONS.--Alcohol is a cerebral excitant and finally becomes a depressant and a narcotic poison.

It is anesthetic, antiseptic, antiparasitic, rubefacient (if confined), mild astringent, coagulate albumen; a local refrigerant by virtue of its rapid evaporation, unless confined by bandage, oiled silk, etc., when it is absorbed by the tissues and causes a sensation of warmth.

In medical doses it is a powerful general stimulant; it is very diffusible, and is partly oxidized by the organism, and partly excreted; thus alcohol acts as a food.

Small doses relax the blood vessels, stimulate the gastric glands, promote appetite and digestion; lessen the elimination of waste products, by preventing rapid tissue waste; causes a feeling of warmth, and temporarily, though slightly, raises the body temperature. It stimulates the heart and increases the functional activity of all organs, especially the kidneys and skin.

Large or too long continued doses derange the appetite and digestion, congest or inflame the stomach and liver. Eight ounces of alcohol killed a horse. Alcohol is poisonous and should be used with caution.

USES.--Are numerous, used principally as a stimulant, either in one large dose, 2 to 3 ounces of alcohol, or better, in small repeated doses, 1 ounce every 1, 2 or 3 hours, can be conjoined with other stimulants such as sulphuric ether, aromatic spirits of ammonia, digitalis, etc.

It is used in anesthetic mixtures, such as alcohol, ether and chloroform, combined in different proportions; in snake bites it is administered in very large doses.

In blood poisoning alcohol is a most potent drug, sustaining the heart, lowering the temperature and acting as a germicide. Alcohol makes an excellent dressing for wounds; applied locally to threatened bed-sores, frequently prevents their formation. It is useful in colds at their outset, or in a chill to restore the balance of the circulation and prevent or overcome internal congestion by relaxing the blood vessels of the periphery.

All alcoholic liquors are useful in debilitating diseases, such as influenza, in two or three ounce doses repeated every three or four hours. One-half to one drachm of quinine to one ounce of alcohol, for influenza or febrile diseases in general, excepting brain and spinal disease; useful in convalescence. In colic alcohol can be used with a great degree of success; it will act as a carminative antispasmodic and stimulant, used in collapse and weak heart; in septicaemia and pyaemia it has notable antiseptic and antipyretic effects. Useful in carbolic acid poisoning, alcohol, or alcoholic liquors, act as a chemical antidote besides overcoming the shock produced by the acid. It may also be used locally for carbolic acid burns.

The effects of alcohol are noticed in ten or fifteen minutes after administration and will be shown by a better condition of the pulse, the weak pulse becoming stronger and firmer; the quick pulse slower, the breathing becomes more natural, eyes brighten up and in fact a general improvement is shown.

Externally alcohol is used alone as a strengthening application to weak tendons and muscles; or after a race, is used to rub on the legs, combined with other drugs as a liniment, as alcohol, soap-liniment and witch hazel; can be used in surgery as an antiseptic.

To toughen the skin of tender or thin skinned horses who gall or chafe easily under the collar and saddle, alcohol will be found a most satisfactory application.

ALOE BARBADENSIS--BARBADOES ALOES

The thickened juice of the leaves of Aloe vera, Linn., Aloe chinensis, Bak., and probably other species, evaporated to dryness.

HABITAT.--The Barbadoes Island.

PROPERTIES.--In hard masses, orange, brown, opaque, translucent on the edges; fracture waxy or resinous; odor saffron-like; taste strongly bitter. Almost entirely soluble in alcohol; most used in veterinary medicine.

CONSTITUENT.--Aloin; a resin; volatile oil; gallic acid.

DOSE.--Horses, ¹⁄₂ to 1 oz.; cattle, 1 to 2 oz.; sheep, ¹⁄₂ to 1 oz.; pigs, 2 to 4 dr.; 20 gr. to 1 dr.

ALOE SOCOTRINA--SOCOTRINE ALOES

The juice that flows from the transversely cut leaves of Aloe Perryi, Baker, evaporated to dryness.

HABITAT.--Eastern Africa.

PROPERTIES.--In hard masses, occasionally soft in the interior; opaque, yellowish-brown, orange-brown or dark ruby-red, fracture resinous. When moistened it emits a fragrant saffron-like odor; taste peculiar, strongly bitter. Almost entirely soluble in alcohol and four parts of boiling water. The powdered socotrine aloes is brighter and redder, and the odor less disagreeable than that of Barbadoes Aloes.

CONSTITUENTS.--About the same as Barbadoes Aloes.

DOSE.--Same as Barbadoes Aloes.

ALOINUM--ALOIN

A neutral principle obtained from several varieties of aloes, chiefly from Barbadoes and Socotrine Aloes.

DERIVATION.--Obtained by pulverizing and macerating aloes in cold water, and evaporating the resulting solution in vacuo. Aloin crystallizes out and is dried between folds of bibulous paper. It is purified by repeated solution in hot water, filtration, recrystallization, and finally by solution in hot alcohol and crystallization.

PROPERTIES.--A micro-crystalline powder or minute acicular crystals, lemon yellow or dark yellow in color, possessing a slight odor of aloes and intensely bitter taste. Soluble in water and alcohol.

DOSE.--Horses and cattle, 2 to 3 dr.; sheep, 20 to 60 gr.; pigs, 10 to 40 gr.; dogs, 11 to 20 gr.; combined with other purgatives.

PREPARATIONS

TINCTURA ALOES ET MYRRHAE--TINCTURE OF ALOES AND MYRRH

Made by maceration and percolation of purified aloes, 100 parts; myrrh, 100 parts, and liquorice root, with alcohol and water to make 1000.

DOSE.--Dogs, ¹⁄₂ to 1 dr.

ACTION.--Aloes is a purgative, acting chiefly on the large intestines; small doses are bitter tonics; it stimulates both peristalsis and secretion, increases secretion of bile; is also diuretic; applied externally it is stimulant and desiccant; the Barbadoes is the most active and uniform in its effects.

Aloes should be kept in lumps in tin cans or other good containers, only powdered for immediate use; in melting aloes don’t let the temperature rise above 120 degrees as it impairs the activity by converting the active aloin into inert resin. Aloes operate in from 12 to 24 hours after administration; don’t repeat an aloetic purge until 24 hours have elapsed. It also does not cause catharsis. In about 15 hours, the patient should be exercised, but returned to the stall as soon as the desired effect is evident. If it fails to act in 24 hours, linseed oil may be given. Aloin appears to contain the active principles of aloes, and is usually as operative, but some manufactures are ineffective.

USES INTERNAL.--In dyspepsia with capricious appetite, irregularity of the bowels, hide-bound horses, worms; is used in colic, both spasmodic and flatulent, for overloaded condition of the bowels; to promote excretion of waste products from the bowels and the blood, and consequently relieve febrile symptoms; rheumatic attacks, skin irritation, swollen limbs and inflamed joints; in lymphangitis to prevent and aid in curing. By attracting the blood to the bowels, it is useful in congestion or inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, full doses being necessary; in paralysis, paraplegia or hemiplegia or reflexed paralysis due to indigestion, give full doses. Aloes should not be used in irritation or inflammation of the alimentary canal or piles. It is not advisable to give an aloetic purge when the temperature is above 102° F. Nor in hemorrhage from the rectum; in high fevers it is apt to cause superpurgation, also should not be used where there is great debility or weakness. In influenza the bowels are apt to be irritable and oil is preferable to aloes. Don’t use during pregnancy; may cause abortion. For young foals or other animals, the gentler purgative, such as linseed or castor oil should be used. The medical value of aloes being large, it is impossible to enumerate all the diseases in which it is useful. Externally the tincture of aloes and myrrh is sometimes applied as a stimulant to wounds, and powdered aloes is mixed with plaster of paris in making splints for dogs to prevent these animals from biting and tearing them off. Internally aloes should be combined with ginger, nux vomica and given in capsule or bolus.

ALUMEN--ALUM

DERIVATION.--From alum slate, shale, schist, a native mixture of aluminum silicate and iron sulphide. This is roasted and exposed to the air, when the sulphur is oxidized into sulphuric acid and combined in part with aluminum and iron to form sulphates. The mass is lixiviated with water, and aluminum and iron sulphates together with sulphuric acid are recovered in solution. The solution is concentrated and to it is added potassium chloride. The double sulphate of potassium and aluminum (alum) is formed, which crystallizes out on cooling, while potassium sulphate and ferric chloride remain as by-products. Alum is purified by recrystallization.

PROPERTIES.--Large, colorless, octahedral crystals, sometimes modified by cubes or crystalline fragments; without odor, but having a sweetish and strongly astringent taste. On exposure to the air the crystals are liable to absorb ammonia and acquire a whitish coating. Soluble in nine parts of water, insoluble in alcohol.