DRUGS

.—The parts of the MATERIA MEDICA are so called in their individual state, previous to their incorporation with each other, when they then become CHEMICALS or GALENICALS, according to the different processes they have undergone; and the most eminent commercial houses in that way, announce themselves dealers in "Chemicals, Galenicals, and Drugs." There is nothing requires more the scrutinizing eye of the SPORTSMAN, or the judicious exertion of the VETERINARIAN, than the selection of MEDICINES; upon the pure and unadulterated properties of which, he has alone to depend for the foundation of all his hopes, the gratification of all his wishes, and the support of all his professional reputation.

It is a matter too universally known to require much information, that DRUGS of different kinds (or qualities) are sold under the same denomination at various prices; by which the prudent and the experienced may easily judge of the gradational shades of ADULTERATION by which those prices are reduced. The lower class of FARRIERS, particularly in the country, are remarkable for purchasing the cheapest articles they can obtain, and have of course the regular channels through which they are supplied. The paltry articles sold for LIQUORICE POWDER, DIAPENTE, FŒNUGREC, ANISEED POWDER, and TURMERIC, are mostly a compound of flour, bean meal, oatmeal, and various kinds of rubbish, slightly impregnated with a small proportion of the genuine drug or medicine it is intended to represent. See Adulteration.

The DRUGS and MEDICINES indispensibly necessary for the professional embarkation of the VETERINARIAN, are as follow; and without the entire possession of which, it will be impossible to do justice to the good opinion of his employers, or to the reputation he may be anxious to obtain.

To which may be added ointments detergent, digestive, and healing; lint, tow, syringes, pipes, bladders, &c. to meet all emergencies. Nothing so much betrays a want of medical knowledge and consistency, as the habitual indolence of being without the necessary apparatus, when suddenly called upon in cases of ALARM and DANGER. Judicious practitioners never fall into the slovenly mode of substituting one medicine for another, unless difficulties or distance prevent the possibility of their being obtained.

Many of the foregoing articles will also be found useful in the possession of gentlemen resident in remote parts of the country, or at a distance from towns; particularly as the practice of the VILLAGE SMITH or FARRIER may be too confined and unprofitable to admit of his keeping up a stock adapted to a more extensive concern. Sportsmen who are anxious for the uniform consistency of stable discipline, and the preservation of their studs in good condition, stand not in need of advice upon a subject become so universal; as very few sporting establishments are now to be seen, but what have their collection of medicines ready prepared for any unexpected emergency.