The Sporting Dictionary, and Rural Repository, Volume 1 (of 2) / Of General Information upon Every Subject Appertaining to the Sports of the Field

by William Taplin

CHARGE

—was a favourite part of former practice in farriery, and consisted of compositions in the form of an adhesive mass, which being plastered upon the part afflicted, was there left to act as a corroborant, an emollient, a discutient, a repellent, or, in fact, to effect any purpose intended, or that the case might require. These preparations were applied in different states, and were denominated hot or cold charges, according to the mode in which they were laid on. As, however, no great proofs of their efficacy were ever established, or any authenticated records of their utility known, they seem to have glided out of modern practice, and been totally superseded by the more rational introduction of penetrative stimulants, in fomentations, embrocations, &c. which come into more immediate contact with the affected parts, where injury has been sustained.