ON THE ACTION OF MEDICINES.
In reference to the action of medicines and external agents on the animal body, we would observe, that warmth and moisture always expand it, and bayberry bark, tannin, and gum catechu always contract it; and that these agents have these effects at all times (provided, however, there be sufficient vitality in the part to manifest these peculiar changes) and under all circumstances. If a blister be applied to the external surface of an animal, and it produces irritation, it always has a tendency to produce that effect, whatever part of the living organism it may be applied to. So alcohol always has a tendency to stimulate; whether given by the mouth, or rubbed on the external surface, it will produce an excitement of nerves, heart, and arteries, and of course the muscles partake of the influence. Again, marshmallows, gum acacia, slippery elm, &c., always lubricate the mucous surfaces, quiet irritation, and relieve inflammatory symptoms.
It follows, of course, 1st. That when any other effects than those just named are seen to follow the administration of these articles, they must be attributed to the morbid state of the parts to which they are applied; 2d. That a medicine which is good to promote a given effect in one form of disease, will be equally good for the same purpose in another form of disease in the same tissue. Thus, if an infusion of mallows is good for inflammation of the stomach, and will lubricate the surface, and allay irritation in that organ, then it is equally good for the same purpose in inflammation of the bowels and bladder. What we wish the reader to understand is this: that a medicine used for any particular symptom in one form of disease, if it be a sanative agent, is equally good for the same symptom in every form. Medical men range their various remedies under different heads. Thus opium is called narcotic, aloes purgative or cathartic, potass diuretic, &c. And because the same results do not always follow the administration of these articles, they are perplexed, and are compelled to try every new remedy, in hopes to find a specific; not knowing that many of their "best medicines" (opium, for example) war against the vital principle, and as soon as they get into the system, nature sets up a strong action to counteract their effects; in short, to get them out of the system in the quickest possible manner: sometimes they pass through the kidneys; at other times, the intestinal canal, the lungs, or surface, afford them egress. And because a certain agent does not always act in their hands with unerring certainty, they seem to suppose that the same uncertainty attends the administration of every article in the materia medica. The medicines we recommend owe their diuretic, astringent, diaphoretic, and cathartic powers to their aromatic, relaxing, antispasmodic, lubricating, and irritating properties; and if we give them with a view of producing a certain result, and they do not act just as we wish, it is no proof that they have not done good. The fact is, all our medicines act on the parts where nature is making the greatest efforts to restore equilibrium; hence they relieve the constitution, whatever may be the nature of their results.
Many of the remedies recommended in this work are denounced by the United States Dispensatory a "useless, inert," &c.; yet many of our most celebrated physicians are in the daily habit of using them. Mr. Bracy Clark, V. S., recommends tincture of allspice for gripes. And Mr. Causer, an experienced veterinarian, says, "I ordered a dessert spoonful (about two drachms) of tincture of gentian and bark to be given twice a day in a case of gripes. Scarcely an hour after the animal had taken the first dose, he began to eat some hay, and on the next day he ate every thing that was offered him. After this, I ordered a quart of cold boiled milk to be given him every morning and evening. By these means, together with the good care of the coachman, he recovered his strength." Mr. White, V. S., says, "I have been assured by a veterinary surgeon, that he once cured a horse of gripes by a dose of hot water; and it is by no means unlikely that a warm infusion of some of our medicinal herbs, such as peppermint, pennyroyal, rosemary, &c., would be found effectual."
Mr. Gibson says, "It is a fact that cannot be too generally known, that an infusion of garlic has, to my certain knowledge, cured several cases of epilepsy—a dreadful disease, that seems to have baffled, in most instances, every effort of medical skill."
An intelligent farmer assures Dr. White that he has had forty sheep at a time hoven or blasted from feeding on vetches, and so swollen that he hardly knew which would drop first. His usual remedy was a quart of water for each sheep; and that generally had the desired effect, though many died before it could be given. We might give our own experience in favor of numberless simple agents, which we are in the constant habit of using, were it necessary; suffice it to say, that at the present time we use nothing else than simple means.
CLYSTERS.
Remarks.—As the more general use of clysters is recommended by the author, especially in acute diseases, he has thought proper to introduce, in this part of the work, a few remarks on them, with examples of their different forms. They serve not only to evacuate the rectum of its contents, but assist to evacuate the intestines, and serve also to convey nourishment into the system; as in cases of locked-jaw, and great prostration. They soften the hardened excrement in the rectum, and cause it to be expelled; besides, by their warm and relaxing powers, they act as fomentations. A stimulating clyster in congestion of the brain, or lungs, will relieve those parts by counter-irritation. An animal that is unable to swallow may be supported by nourishing clysters; for the lacteals, which open into the inner cavity of the intestines, absorb, or take up, the nourishment, and convey it into the thoracic duct, as already described. Some persons deny the utility of injections. We are satisfied on that point, and are able to convince any one, beyond a reasonable doubt, that fluids are absorbed in the rectum, notwithstanding the opinion of some men to the contrary.
In administering clysters, it ought always to be observed that the fluids should be neither too hot nor too cold: they should be about the temperature of the blood. The common sixteen-ounce metal syringe, with a wooden pipe about six inches in length, and gradually tapering from base to point, is to be preferred. It is, after being oiled, much more easily introduced into the fundament than one that is considerably smaller; and, having a blunt point, there is no danger of hurting the animal, or wounding the rectum.