Antivenene.—A name applied to blood-serum of animals rendered immune against snake-poison owing to its antidotal properties.
Antizymotic.—A medicine preventing fermentation, as Salicylic Acid, etc.
Aperient.—A medicine possessing a mild laxative or purgative effect, as Rochelle Salts, etc.
Aphrodisiac.—A medicine which stimulates sexual appetite, as Cantharides, Nux Vomica, Phosphorus, Alcohol and general tonics, etc.
Aromatic.—A medicine characterized by a fragrant taste or odor, as Aromatic Spiritus of Ammonia, Ginger and the essential oils, etc.
Astringent.—A medicine which contracts vessels and arrests discharges, as Tannic Acid, Ergot, etc.
Auxiliary.—A medicine that assists the action of another, as Chloral Hydrate would assist Bromide of Potassium in checking excitability.
Bitter.—A medicine with a bitter taste, stimulating the gastro-intestinal secretions without materially affecting the general system, as Qussia Gentian, etc.
Blennorrhagic.—A medicine which increases the secretions of mucus, as Eucalyptus, Balsam Tulo, etc.
Blister.—An agent which, when applied over the skin, produces vesicles resulting from local inflammatory exudate of serous fluid between the epidermis and true skin, as applications of Cantharides, etc.