—is, in its original state, a mineral, extracted and separated from different ores by a peculiar process of eliquation; the various medical preparations from which, in the present state of hourly increasing improvement, absolutely excite both surprise and admiration. This article, now known and proved of such general utility, was alternately received into, and rejected from, a respectable rank in medicine, by both the ancients and moderns, till the more judicious and persevering speculatists established its estimation upon a basis too firm ever to be again shaken by the attack of whatever new opinions may be introduced for its degradation.
The crude antimony, when reduced to a fine and impalpable powder, is in many disorders full as efficacious as its more subtle and elaborate preparations; this observation appertaining to its effects upon the human frame, to which it is administered in all forms, by the most learned and eminent physicians in every part of the enlightened world. In respect to its corresponding effect upon one of our most useful animals, the HORSE, experience has proved it to be a safe and certain medicine to obtund acrimony, promote the secretions, open the pores, refine the coat, and finally ensure condition; hence it stands the principal ingredient in the well known advertised "Alterative Powders" of the Author.
ANTLERS
,—used under different significations to explain the various branches of what is called the head (but divested of technical terms, the horns) of a deer. Except with the huntsmen of stag hounds, the keepers of parks, and out keepers of forests and chaces, the infinity of old terms and distinctions are become nearly obsolete; and ANTLERS amongst sportsmen, as well as sporting rhymesters, are now conceived to imply the whole head (alias the horns) of the deer.
APERIENTS
—are medicines which mildly soften the contents of the intestines, and gently promote moderate evacuation, without producing the strong and repeated effects of physic, given with an intent to purge.
APERTURE
;—a term in farriery, applied to the orifice or opening of a tumour or abscess, whether made by Nature, or by perforation with the instrument of the operator: in either case the principal consideration must be, to have it sufficiently large for the transpiration of the offending matter for which the effort was made; if in that respect it is deficient, relief must be obtained from the hand of the VETERINARIAN.
APOPLEXY
,—in horses, a paralytic affection of the brain, from too great or sudden flux of blood to the part, too powerful exertions of strength in drawing substances over heavy, or some pre-disposing tendency to inflammation.