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.