give him a cut with the whip and put him back in the same place if he
stands; gentle him with the hand as before, and continue in this until
you can get around him without making him move; continue walking around
him, increasing your walk, touching him occasionally; enlarging your
circle as you walk around, and if he should move, give him a cut with the
whip and put him again in his place; if he stands go up to him frequently
and gentle him with your hand; then walk around him again. Do not keep
him in one position too long at a time; permit him to come to you and
walk him around or about with you; then stand him at another place, and
continue as before. Do not train him more than half an hour at a time.
You should never attempt to train a horse to do more than one thing at
a time. Learn him the one which you have commenced on well first; then
in no case should you attempt to learn him another under a week or so,
always using caution no matter what you wish him to do or learn.
A LIST OF MEDICINES BELONGING TO THE HORSE, THEIR PROPERTIES AND USE.
ANTIMONY.
A compound of sulphor and antimony is a good alterative. It is given with
sulphor and nitre in varying quantities.
SPASMODICS.
Of these opium stands first on our list, next peppermint, tincture of
pimento, turpentine, camphor, asafœtida, &c.
SPIRITS OF CAMPHOR.
The spirits of camphor is made by taking 95 per cent. alcohol, put in as
much gum camphor as it will dissolve.
VINEGAR.
Vinegar is a very useful application for sprains, bruises, &c. Equal
parts of boiling water and cold vinegar will form a good fomentation;
extract of lead or bay salt may be added with some advantage.
ALCOHOL--RECTIFIED SPIRITS.
This is used in making many tinctures and other preparations; 3 or 4
ounces of which are largely diluted with water, and given to a horse
that has become fatigued while on a journey, will cause him to rally and
cheerfully pursue his course to the end of the day’s travel.
AQUA-FORTIS.
This is a valuable external application for destroying fungus
excrescences. A pledget of tar should be dipped in the acid, then firmly
pressed on the cankerous surface. Every part with which the acid comes in
contact will be deadened and slough off, when healthy granulations spring
up.
SULPHURIC ACID.
Sulphuric acid is a good application for the thrush and canker, and in
fact the only thing that can be relied on. It is occasionally used with
tar in the proportion of an ounce of acid to 1 pound of tar.
ALOES.
The Barbadoes aloes is the best for the horse. They are of a dark brown
color; they are very useful for physic, and the dose is from ½ to 1
ounce, which should be given immediately in cases where it is needed.
They are also very useful in the form of a tincture, to make which 8
ounces of powdered aloes and 1 ounce of powdered myrrh, put into 2 quarts
of alcohol diluted with an equal quantity of water. This mixture should
be well shaken once a day for a fortnight, and be suffered to stand,
in order that the undissolved portion may fall to the bottom. This
constitutes an excellent application for wounds, whether recent or of
long standing and indisposed to heal. It is not only a gentle stimulant
but it forms a thin coat over the wound, and shields it from the action
of the air.
ALUM.
Is occasionally used internally in cases of supurgation, in the form
of alum whey:--two drachms of pulverized alum being put into a pint of
hot milk; yet there are much better astringents. Its principal use is
external. A solution of 2 drachms to a pint of water makes alone, or with
the addition of a small quantity of white vitriol, a very useful wash
for cracked heels, grease and those forms of swelled legs, attended with
moisture through the skin.
MURIATIC ACID OR SPIRITS OF SALT.
This acid is very strong and should be bottled and corked tight. As
soon as it touches any muscular or living part, a change of color is
perceived. It is good for corns, canker thrush, and for every case where
caustic is needed, this acid is unrivalled.
MUSTARD.
This will be found useful in inflammation of the chest or bowels. When
using, it should be well rubbed on.
CANTHARIDES.
Are the basis of the most approved and useful blister. In blistering,
the hair should be cut or rather shaved off close, then rubbing in the
ointment well for at least 15 minutes, repeating it every day until it
does its work. After it has acted you may relieve the torture of the
animal by the application of olive oil or lard. In deep seated sprains
or inflammations, the blister should not be discontinued too hurriedly.
An infusion of 2 ounces of the flies in a pint of oil of turpentine for
several days is used as a liquid blister, and when sufficiently reduced
with common oil, is called a sweating oil, and gradually abates or
removes old or deep inflammation or cause of lameness.
CHARCOAL.
This is occasionally used with linseed meal, for poulticing offensive
ulcers and cracked heels; it removes the unwholesome smell and purifies
the parts so that they heal easily.
BALL OR PILLS.
The usual and most convenient mode of administering medicines, is in
the form of balls compounded with sweet oil. Balls should never weigh
more than 1½ ounces, otherwise they will be so large as not to pass
down the gullet. They should not be more than one inch in diameter, and
three inches in length. The mode of delivering balls is not difficult to
acquire. The horse should be backed in the stall, the tongue drawn out
gently with the left hand on the off side of the mouth, not continuing to
pull, but by pressing the finger against the lower jaw. The ball being
now taken between the tips of the fingers of the right hand, is passed
rapidly up the mouth as near the palate as possible, until it reaches the
root of the tongue. It is then delivered with a slight jerk, the hand
being immediately withdrawn. Its passage should be watched down the left
side of the throat; if it does not pass down a slight tap under the jaw
or chin, will generally cause the horse to swallow it, or a few gulps
of water will convey in into the stomach. Very few balls should be kept
made.
CLYSTERS.
These are useful and too often neglected means of hastening the bowels to
their speedy action, where diseases require it. The old ox bladder filled
and tied on the wooden or elder pipe, answers every purpose for injecting
the fluid into the intestines. For a moderate clyster take 2 ounces of
soft or yellow soap, mix with 1 gallon of warm water; for a more active
clyster take ½ pound epsom salts, dissolve in the same quantity of water.
LINSEED.
An infusion of linseed is often used instead of water for the drink of
a horse with a sore throat, catarrh, disease of the urinary organs, or
of the bowels. Thin gruel is preferable, being as soothing and more
nutritious. Linseed meal makes an excellent poultice for almost any
purpose.
DIGITALIS.
This should be powdered, put into a black bottle, corked tight, and kept
in a dark place. It is one of the most valuable medicines in veterinary
practice, and on account of its action in diminishing the pulse and
general irritability of the system, is very useful in inflammations, &c.
It is usually given in combination with emetic tartar and nitre. The
average dose is 1 drachm of digitalis, 1½ drachms emetic tartar, and 3
drachms of nitre, repeated twice or three times a day. When the horse
begins to amend the dose must be diminished one-half, and in a few days
it may be omitted altogether, but the emetic tartar and the nitre should
be continued during several days.
PITCH.
Is used in plasters. The best plaster for sand crack consists of 1 pound
of pitch and 1 ounce of yellow beeswax melted together.
MASHES.
Constitute a very important provender in sickness or health. A mash
given occasionally to a horse that is fed on dry meat, prevents him from
becoming dangerously costive. To the over-worked and tired horse, nothing
is so refreshing as a warm mash, with his usual allowance of corn in it.
Mashes are used for putting horses in good order for sale, giving him a
round and plump appearance. They are made by pouring boiling water on
bran, stirring it well; cover over with a cloth, and let it remain until
cool enough for the horse to eat; if in the heat of summer, a cold mash
is preferable,--yet it should be made with hot water, and remain until it
is cold.
GINGER.
Is as valuable as a cordial as the gentian is as a tonic. These are both
valuable in horse powders.
FOMENTATIONS.
Are to open the pores of the skin and promote perspiration in the part,
so as to abate local swellings, relieve pain and lessen inflammation. The
effect depends upon the warmth of the water and not upon any herb that
may have been boiled in it; they are best applied by means of flannel
dipped in the hot water, or on which the water is poured, which should
be as hot as the hand will bear. The fomentation should be continued for
15 or 20 minutes, but if kept on with for half an hour will be better.
The parts fomentated should be wrapped or covered up warm. Great good has
sometimes resulted from fomentations.
GENTIAN.
Stands at the head of vegetable tonics, an infusion of which is one of
the best applications for putrid ulcers known.
OPIUM.
Is the most valuable drug on the list as an anti-spasmodic; it is also a
sedative and astringent. As an anti-spasmodic it enters into the colic
drink; as a sedative it relaxes spasms of the muscular system. Opium
should, however, be given with caution. In the early acute stage of fever
it will be a bad practice to give it even in the smallest quantity. When
the fever has passed it may be given with great benefit.
POULTICES.
Few persons are aware of the value of these simple applications in
abating inflammation, relieving pain, cleansing wounds, and disposing
them to heal. In all inflammations of the foot they are very beneficial,
by softening the horn hardened by the heat of the inflamed foot.--Linseed
meal forms the best general poultice.
DRINKS OR DRENCHES.
A drink is not so portable as a ball; it is more troublesome to
administer, and a portion of it is usually wasted. Medicines given as a
drench will act upon the horse much quicker than when given in balls, but
the great objection is in wasting a portion. Too much of the drink should
not be forced into the horse’s mouth at once, as it will be found very
difficult to make him swallow large quantities; small portions should be
given, which he should be made to swallow before any more is put into the
mouth.
TAR.
Melted with an equal quantity of grease forms the usual stopping of the
farrier. It is warm or slightly stimulant, and is therefore useful in
dressing bruised or wounded feet; it prevents the penetration of dirt and
water to the wounded part; it is also useful in chronic coughs.
LINIMENTS.
Are designed to remove deep seated pain and inflammation, by gently
stimulating the skin. The following is an excellent liniment for old
swellings, sprains, or rheumatism: 2 ounces of hartshorn, 2 ounces
camphorated spirits, 1 ounce oil of turpentine, and ½ ounce of laudanum,
mixed well together; or 1 ounce of camphor may be dissolved in 4 ounces
of sweet oil, to which may be added 1 ounce of oil of turpentine. A
little powdered cantharides or tincture of cantharides or ground mustard,
will render either of these more powerful, or convert it into a liquid
blister.
SULPHUR.
Is the basis of the most effectual application for mange. It is an
excellent alterative, combined usually with antimony and nitre,
particularly for mange, surfeit, grease, hidebound or want of condition,
and it is a useful ingredient in the cough and fever ball.
COMMON SALT.
Is very useful in a clyster. A solution of it has been given as an
aperient drink, sprinkled over hay or in mash, it is very palatable to
sick horses; few things will so soon recall the appetite as a drink
composed of 6 or 8 ounces of salt in solution. Horses in health, it
promotes the digestion of the food. There are few better lotions for
inflamed eyes than a solution of ½ ounce of salt, in 4 pints of water.
An ounce of salt to 8 pints of water is a good embrocation for sore
shoulders and back.
TURPENTINE.
The common liquid turpentine has been described as one of the best
diuretics; for the removal of colic it stands unrivalled; with
cantharides it is the basis of the sweating blister for old sprains and
swellings.
CHLORIDE OF LIME.
This is very good for removing the smell of fistula, withers, poll evil
and ill conditioned wounds and ulcerations. Chloride diluted with twenty
times its quantity of water, and used as a wash for the wounds, will
remove any infection that may lurk about them. One pint of the chloride,
mixed with 3 gallons of water and brushed over the walls, manger and rack
of the foulest stable, will completely remove all infections.
GINGER ROOT.
This is an excellent stimulant. It is useful in loss of appetite and
flatulent colic, while it rouses the intestinal canal to its proper
action. The ginger and gentian powdered is also very much used. Brown
sugar is useful in the loss of appetite.
ZINC OR CALAMINE POWDER.
This made into an ointment is valuable for healing. Take five ounces of
lard, one ounce of rosin, melt them together and when these begin to get
cool, stir in 2 ounces of calamine, finely powdered. If the wound is not
healthy, a small quantity of common turpentine may be added. This salve
justly deserves the name of healing ointment. The calamine is sometimes
sprinkled with advantage on cracked heels.
THOMPSON’S NO. 6.
This is a good carminative for relieving colic, arresting mortification,
and for sprains, rheumatism, pains, &c. As a general stimulant it may be
taken in teaspoonful doses in water and repeated as the case demands.
Take ½ gallon of fourth proof brandy, ½ pound pulverized gum myrrh and ½
ounce of African pepper, mix and macerate for ten days, when it will be
ready for use.
LIST OF DOMESTIC MEDICINES RECEIPTS, &c.
CEMENT TO MEND GLASS AND CHINA.
Take 2 pounds good gum, shellac, 2 ounces pulverized borax; put into an
earthen crock, filled half full of water; boil until all is dissolved,
then take out a portion and roll into sticks while hot, on a table or
smooth board.
DIRECTIONS FOR USE.
Heat the edges of the ware over a fire or hot stove, then heat the cement
in the same manner; put the cement on the edges of the ware regularly,
heat it again along the edges and place together as quick as possible,
holding them firm until the cement cools, being careful to put the pieces
together as they came off, so as it will fit nicely. If done properly it
will hold so firm that the ware will break some other place before where
it has been mended.
LUNAR CAUSTIC.
Is very useful in curing bites of rabid dogs, and for removing
ulcerations of any kind.
AMERICAN HELEBORE.
_Medical Properties and Use._
This has been tried by many physicians and has proved a valuable remedy
in chronic rheumatism and gout. It is certainly a powerful emetic when
given in large doses, and the effect continues a long time. In over doses
it effects the functions of the brain and nervous system, in a powerful
manner producing giddiness, prostration of strength, &c. It has arrested
the paroxysm of gout and given relief in some unyielding cases of chronic
rheumatism. It requires to be given with great caution and under vigilant
restrictions. The mode of administration is in the form of a tincture. A
saturated tincture is made in wine and 3 parts of this is mixed with 1
of the wine of opium; of this mixture from 15 to 20 drops. In some cases
however, 1 drachm of the mixture will be required to give relief, which
quantity generally vomits and always gives relief. The proper method of
preparing this tincture is to macerate 8 ounces of the sliced root in
2½ pints of spanish white wine, let it stand for 15 days and filter.
Before given, it must be mixed with one-fourth its quantity of the wine
of opium; from 15 to 60 drops is a dose. In some cases less than the
nauseating point will cure the disease, if not it must be carried to that
point.
EMETIC FOR POISON.
If poison should be administered or swallowed accidentally, take two
tablespoonsful of ground mustard, mixed with warm water, which will
operate as an instantaneous emetic.
INDIAN TURNIP.
_Medical Properties and use._
The Indian turnip, when partially dried and grated and mixed with honey,
is good for the coughs of old persons, when there is no fever. It also
enters into many of the cough syrups.
SENECA SNAKEROOT.
In chronic rheumatism it has been of great service by its universal
stimulant and diuretic effects. If however an ounce of the root be
boiled in a pint of water to a strong tea, and all be taken at once,
a violent vomiting, purging and diuresis occurs. The disease has been
known to yield to one dose, but this is a desperate one, and should not
be ventured upon by a person much debilitated; take a wine glass full 3
times until the water is evacuated in uterine complaints,--especially in
painful menstruation is the seneca a good remedy. Begin one day before
the return of the catatmenia and take it in such portions as the stomach
will bear, every two hours until the flow commences. For this put 1 ounce
of the root in a pint of water, give a small wine glass full every one,
two or three hours.
CEMENT FOR GRAFTING.
Take 1 pound of beeswax, 1 pound of rosin, 1 pound of tallow; put all
into a pan and heat until the ingredients are melted, after cooling it
will be ready for use. When using put a coat of the cement over the
grafted part, thick enough to prevent the rain and air from penetrating.
GUAIACUM, AMMONIATED TINCTURE.
Take 4 ounces powdered gum guaiacum, 1½ pints spirits of amonia, put
them together and let the mixture stand for fourteen days, when it will
be ready for use. Shake the bottle occasionally. This is a celebrated
remedy in the treatment of chronic rheumatism. The dose is from one to
two teaspoonsful three times a day, given in milk or some mucilaginous
tea. The stomach must be well cleaned before the tincture is used, and
the diet light.
COMPOUND TINCTURE OF GENTIAN.
Take of gentian root bruised 2 ounces, orange peel do. 2 ounces, cardamom
seed do. ½ ounce, proof whiskey 1 quart; add the other ingredients to
the whiskey, and shake the bottle once a day for fourteen days, when it
will be ready for use. This is much used in dyspepsia and debilitated
states of the digestive organs. The stomach should be cleaned before it
is given. It is not admissable where there is fever. Dose from one to two
teaspoonsful in water, to be repeated before breakfast, dinner and supper.
OINTMENT FOR MILCH SCALD ON THE FACES OF INFANTS.
Take 6 drachms of beefs marrow, 2 drachms oil of sweet almonds, 1 drachm
red peruvian bark, powdered, mix and melt over a slow fire. Apply every
day, washing it off every morning with mild soap.
SIMPLE TINCTURE OF RHUBARB.
Take of best Turkey rhubarb 3 ounces and pulverize, good whiskey 1 quart,
add the rhubarb to the whiskey and shake it every day for a week, then
let it stand ten days and filter through paper, or let it stand without
filtering. From a tea spoonful to a large table spoonful is a dose
according to the age of the person and nature of the case. It is a good
purgative in costive habits. Take it at bed time in sweetened water.
SIMPLE SYRUP OF RHUBARB.
Take of best Turkey rhubarb 2 ounces, water 1 pint, macerate the rhubarb
in the water warm for twenty-four hours; strain off, add 2 pounds
of refined white sugar and simmer until they are well mixed, add 2
tablespoonsful of whiskey, stop it tight in a bottle for use. This is a
good medicine for infants in teaspoonful doses.
AMERICAN COLUMBO.
_Medical Properties and Use._
This is a mild tonic, calculated to meet the indications alike with
the other bitters of its class. It is a very good and pleasant tonic
in indigestion and dyspepsia, improving the appetite and digestion. It
is given in infusion and in substance--1 ounce of the pulverized root
infused in a pint of boiling water. A small wine glass full of the
infusion may be taken once in 2 hours, or from thirty to sixty grains
of the pulverized substance, in sweetened water, from 3 to 5 times a
day; but the most common way of using the columbo is in combination
with other tonics, such as gentian, orange peel, and columbo, of each 1
ounce powdered, then add to them 1 quart of whiskey, of which bitters
a tablespoonful may be taken in water three times a day, as a tonic in
cases of debility.
BLACK ALDER.
The berries of this plant are sometimes used, but the bark is the proper
medicinal part of the shrub. It is best adapted to the cure of flabby,
ill-conditioned ulcers and mortifications, in which a strong decoction
is freely used with great benefit. It should be given internally several
times a day, as well as applied as a wash and poultice to the parts. A
saturated tincture, both of the bark and berries is used internally.
THE PRICKLEY ASH.
_Its Medical Properties and Use._
The prickley ash has a good reputation in the United States as a remedy
in chronic rheumatism. In that disease its operation seems analogous to
that of mazorion and guaiacum, which it nearly resembles in its sensible
properties. Many physicians place so much confidence in it that it is
generally kept by the apothecaries. It is most frequently given in
decoction--an ounce being boiled in a quart of water and taken in small
quantities, frequently repeated. Dr. George Hayward, of Boston, took it
in his own case of chronic rheumatism with evidently good effect; he
took a pint of the decoction a day, diluted with water so as to weaken
its pungency. The powdered bark may be taken in doses of from 10 to 20
grains, and frequently repeated. Dr. Bigelow says it is also given with
good effect in cases of old indolent sores; it is given internally and
applied to the sore in the form of a wash. Doctors Barton and Thatcher
both speak highly of this medicine.
AMERICAN GENTRAURY.
_Its Medical Properties and Use._
Every part of this plant is a pure and very strong bitter. It is used in
form of tea or tincture and is good for ague and fever. It was used in
the yellow fever at Philadelphia with good effect. It may be given even
when the fever is on, in such quantities as the stomach will bear. It
is not apt to nauseate and is an excellent tonic for the stomach, which
improves the appetite and promotes digestion. It is highly recommended
by Drs. Barton, Chapman and Elliott, all of whom are physicians of high
respectability.
DANDELINE.
Has been much employed in Germany and the United States, and is certainly
a valuable remedy in chronic diseases of the liver and the digestive
organs generally. It is also a good remedy in diseases of the spleen. It
is beneficial in consumption and as a general alterative when combined
with sarsaparilla, and invaluable in scrofula. One ounce of the fresh
root, or ½ ounce of the dried, and the same quantity of sarsaparilla put
into a pitcher and a pint of boiling water poured on it at night, to be
used at pleasure next day, so that all is taken before bed time, or as
much more as the stomach will bear. This repeated for a month, produces a
fine effect on the system, when the blood needs purifying or in cases of
chronic affections of the liver.
BLOOD ROOT OR PERCOON ROOT.
_Medical Properties and Use._
The blood root is an active emetic and cathartic, which acts finely on
the liver. It has been given in pneumonia, catarrh, whooping cough,
croup, consumption, rheumatism, jaundice and dropsy of the chest. For
rheumatism, it may be given in 2 or 3 grain pills, 3 or 4 times a day.
It is an effectual remedy for the yellow water in horses: 3 or 4 ounces
of the fresh root may be bruised and a pint of water added, the juice of
which should be squeezed out for a drench; 1 or 2 doses will cure. It
purges the horse freely. The tincture is often used: 2 ounces of the root
to a quart of spirits makes the tincture, ½ an ounce of which is a dose
for an adult.
BONESET OR THOROUGHWORT.
_Medical Properties and Use._