_Remarks._--Absorbents are composed of materials partaking of an
alkaline character, and are used for the purpose of neutralizing acid
matter. The formation of an acid in the stomach arises from some
derangement of the digestive organs, sometimes brought on by the
improper quantity or quality of the food. It is useless, therefore, to
give absorbents, with a view of neutralizing acid, unless the former are
combined with tonics, or agents that are capable of restoring the
stomach to a healthy state. This morbid state of the stomach is
recognized in oxen by a disposition to eat all kinds of trash that comes
in their way, such as dirt, litter, &c. They are frequently licking
themselves, and often swallow a great deal of hair, which is formed into
balls in the stomach, and occasions serious irritation. Calves, when
fattening, are often fed so injudiciously, that the stomach is incapable
of reducing the food to chyme and chyle: the consequence is, that a
large amount of carbonic acid gas is evolved. Many calves and lambs die
from this cause.
A mixture of chalk, saleratus, and soda is often given by farmers; yet
they do not afford permanent relief. They do some good by correcting the
acidity of the stomach; but the animals are often affected with
diarrhoea, or costiveness, loss of appetite, colic, and convulsions.
Attention to the diet would probably do more than all the medicine in
the world. Yet if they do get sick, something must be done. The best
forms of absorbents are the following: they restore healthy action to
the lost function at the same time that they neutralize the gas.