Part 5

ORIGIN.--The world’s supply of arsenic and arsenic compounds at the present time is obtained from Germany, Spain, England, Canada and portions of the United States, as Montana and Washington, where considerable quantities of arsenic are being produced as a by-product in the smelting of copper ores. Arsenic ore is roasted and purified by sublimation, before it is used for medical purposes.

ARSENI TRIOXIDUM--ARSENIC TRIOXIDE ACIDUM ARSENOSUM--ARCENOUS ACID (White Arsenic)

DERIVATION.--Arsenical ores are roasted or conducted into condensing chambers and purified by sublimation.

PROPERTIES.--A heavy solid, occurring either as an opaque, white powder, or in irregular masses of two varieties; the one amorphous, transparent and colorless, like glass; the other crystalline, opaque, and white, resembling porcelain. Frequently the same piece has an opaque, white outer crust enclosing the glassy variety. Contact with moist air gradually changes the glassy into the white opaque variety. Both are odorless and tasteless. The glassy variety dissolves slowly in thirty parts of water; the porcelain-like in eighty parts of water. Arcenous acid is sparingly soluble in alcohol, but soluble in glycerin, hydrochloric acid and solutions of the alkali hydrates and carbonates. When heated to 424°, arcenous acid is completely volatilized without melting.

INCOMPATIBLES.--Lime water, salts of iron and magnesia.

DOSE.--Horses, 1 to 5 grs.; cattle, 2 to 8 grs.; sheep and pigs, 1 to 2 grs.; dogs, ¹⁄₃₀ to ¹⁄₁₀ gr.

LIQUOR POTASSII ARSENITIS--SOLUTION OF POTASSIUM ARSENITE (Fowler’s Solution)

DERIVATION.--Arcenous acid, potassium bicarbonate, compound tincture of lavender and distilled water. Strength one part of arcenous acid in 100.

DOSE.--Horses, 2 drs. to 1 oz.; cattle, ¹⁄₂ to 1¹⁄₂ ozs.; sheep and pigs, 10 to 40 ms.; dogs, 2 to 5 ms. Average dose for horse is ¹⁄₂ oz. usually given three times daily in drinking water or bran mash.

LIQUOR ACIDI ARSENOSI--SOLUTION OF ARCENOUS ACID

DERIVATION.--Arcenous acid, diluted hydrochloric acid, and distilled water. Strength one part arcenous acid in 100.

DOSE.--Same as liquor potassii arsenitis.

LIQUOR ARSENI ET HYDRARGYRI IODIDI (Donovan’s Solution)

DERIVATION.--Arcenous iodide, red mercuric iodide, and distilled water, which should contain not less then one per cent of arcenous iodide and one per cent of mercuric iodide.

DOSE.--Same as liquor potassii arsenitis.

ACTIONS.--Arsenic and its compounds are gastro-intestinal and pulmonary tonic, a stimulant and alterative, acting particularly on the digestive and respiratory mucous membranes and skin. It is antiperiodic and tonic; also antispasmodic in diseases of the nervous system, and is a nervine tonic. In large doses it is a corrosive-irritant poison, killing either by gastro-enteritis, or nervous paresis. Continued doses produce fatty degeneration. On account of its being a stomachic, small doses promote the appetite and digestion. Large doses inflame the stomach and derange digestion. It increases the cardiac action, respiratory power, and secretion of the intestines. It also stimulates peristalsis. When tolerance is established, large doses are taken with impunity.

EXTERNALLY.--Arsenic is a very painful escharotic, exciting violent inflammation. It is a caustic, antiseptic, and parasiticide, and is frequently used as a sheep dip. It is eliminated chiefly by the kidneys, skin and saliva and milk of nursing animals.

USES.--It should not be given in acute diseases. It is given as a general tonic after debilitating diseases especially when the lungs are involved, as in pneumonia, bronchitis and pleurisy. Arsenic combined with bran mashes is beneficial in stocking or swelling of the legs. As for its use in chronic indigestion, other medicines had better be resorted to. It assists in the expulsion of worms. Useful in chronic diseases of the air passage. Arsenic relieves irritable chronic coughs, and roaring in early stages, as well as thick and broken wind and heaves. As an alterative modifying tissue change it is prescribed in early stages of tuberculosis, chronic rheumatism, chorea and epilepsy. It prevents periodically returning fevers. In anaemia it increases both red and white blood corpuscles. For chorea in dogs, commence with a small dose, three times daily and increase a minimum per dose every third or fourth day until the physiological limit is reached as described under (Toxicology of Arsenic).

ACTIONS ON THE SKIN.--Administered internally it stimulates the dermis and hastens the removal of epidermal cells; hence it is useful in all chronic skin diseases, as chronic eczema, scab, mange and warts. To remove warts that occur in the mouth and on the muzzle of animals, give internally and apply locally Fowler’s solution. In chronic skin diseases use Donovan’s or Fowler’s solution or acidum arsenosum and sulphur mixed in the feed. Useful internally in successive eruptions of the skin boils and in chronic urticaria.

EXTERNAL USES.--The white arsenic or arcenous acid is used to slough out tumors, fistulae, quittors, etc. But I would not recommend it as it is too painful. It is valuable in the treatment of foot-rot. The affected animals should be slowly driven through a trough containing a solution of arsenic. It is used extensively for sheep and cattle to destroy ticks. In this way, animals are sometimes poisoned, as it drips on the grass and other animals eat it.

TOXICOLOGY OF ARSENIC.--Full medical doses if long continued, cause edema and itching of the eyelids, increased flow of saliva nausea, diarrhoea or dysentery, weak heart, soreness to the touch over the region of the stomach, itchy skin with small eruptions, jaundice and albuminuria. In long continued doses it diminishes exudation, decomposes albuminoid tissues and produces fatty degeneration; also lessens the glycogenic functions of the liver.

CHRONIC ARSENICAL POISONING.--Is common in the vicinity of either tin or copper smelting plants. The symptoms are as follows: indigestion, thirst, wasting, chronic diseases of joints and bones, the knee joints swell, the animal becomes lame and hide-bound, hair falls off, skin gets rough and scurfy, teeth get black and fall out and necrosis of the bones follow.

ANTAGONISTS AND INCOMPATIBLES.--The salts of iron, magnesia, lime, and astringents, are chemically incompatible. The hydroxide of iron, or as it is also known, hydrate sesquioxide of iron, freshly made and in soft magma is the antidote to arsenic. To dogs give from half to one tablespoonful every five or ten minutes. From eight to twenty grains of the antidote are required to each grain of arsenic swallowed (when it can be determined). The stomach should first be emptied by the use of cathartics or stomach pump and then give the antidote, and follow with demulcents as oil, milk and mucilaginous drinks. Also administer diluents, as weak alkaline water. Iodide of potassium is valuable as a antidote of arsenical poisoning and should be administered to promote elimination of the poison. In the absence of the antidote, chalk, magnesia and lime water may be freely given. These agents act mechanically by developing the poison and preventing absorption. Dialysed iron is recommended as efficacious as an antidote in doses of five to fifteen minimums for dogs.

ASPIDIUM--MALE FERN

DERIVATION.--The rhizome of Aspidium Filix-mas. Collected late in the autumn, divested of its roots, leaves and dead portions, and carefully dried. Male fern should not be kept more than a year.

HABITAT.--The male fern grows wild throughout most temperate regions, on the sides of roads and in open woods, especially where the soil is light.

PROPERTIES.--Its root stock is perennial, about a foot long and two inches thick; is scaly, tufted, greenish-brown, and firmly fixed in the ground by numerous black root fibers. The dried root has a disagreeable odor, and a sweet, astringent, nauseous taste. Powdered male fern should be freshly prepared and have a bright green color.

DOSE.--The powdered male fern is given to horses and cattle in doses of 4 to 6 ozs.; sheep and pigs, 1 to 4 ozs.; dogs and cats, ¹⁄₂ to 2 ozs. The powder is bulky, and less certain than the oleoresin of aspidium.

PREPARATIONS

OLEORESINA ASPIDII--OLEORESIN ASPIDIUM--OLEORESIN MALE FERN

Made by percolation with ether, distillation and evaporation of the ether.

DOSE.--Horses and cattle, 3 to 6 drs.; sheep and pigs, 1 to 2 drs.; dogs and cats, 15 ms. to 1 dr.

ACTION AND USES.--Male fern is irritant, vermicide laxative, large doses of the drug cause hemorrhagic gastro-enteritis, tremors, weakness, stupor, coma, acute nephritis and cystitis. Oleoresin of male fern is one of the most effectual remedies for tapeworm, particularly those inhabiting dogs.

BELLADONNAE FOLIA--BELLADONNA LEAVES

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.