—has, in general acceptation, been received as a word strictly synonimous with food; and, like that term, been intended to imply support of any kind, in either a solid or a liquid form. One of the publications with which the press so frequently teems, from the fertile pens of juvenile veterinarians, says, "By ALIMENT, some understand only the nutricious part of the food; but this is a nice and useless distinction. Mr. Taplin uses the word aliment in both senses."
To set this upon better ground, for the comprehension of all matters relative to bodily sustenance, the animal œconomy, its natural secretions and evacuations, it is necessary a criterion should be fixed, by which its intentional meaning should be generally understood. It has been hitherto used in the previous Works of the present Author, not as synonimous with either FOOD or NUTRIMENT, but in a sense directly between both, and for this reason. Food may feed a frame, and prolong existence; though, from its weak, improper, or impoverished quality, it may not possess the essential property requisite to generate blood, create flesh, or promote strength.
The word ALIMENT seems intended to convey an idea somewhat superior to the meaning expressed in the term food, and yet not extend so far as the mind may lead us, in the comprehensive view of the word NUTRIMENT; for, although mouldy hay, or musty straw, may be taken by an animal, in a state of hunger and necessity, to support life, it does not follow that from such food a proper portion of nutriment can be conveyed to the frame. Aliment, therefore, upon every occasion, in which it will be found necessary to introduce it during the course of this Work, must be considered as a term intended to convey an idea of support (in any way whatever) adequate to health, and a state of useful service; in the direct line of mediocrity between the starving existence of a "winter straw yard," near the metropolis, and the nutritious and invigorating system necessary for the invalid recovering from a state of emaciation, or the severity of disease.
AMBLE
,—the pace in a horse, almost peculiar to country people, with poneys and galloways bred upon commons: its ease renders it convenient to women, and pleasing to children; but it is in very little use with any other part of the world.
AMBURY, or Anbury
,—is a complicated excrescence, bearing the appearance of a warty wen. Various have been the modes of cure; to prevent an unnecessary enumeration of which, will be to observe, that they may be safely extirpated, and completely cured, by carefully moistening the surface, once in every three or four days, with the butter of antimony, till they are obliterated; and this will certainly be effected, whatever may be their size or magnitude.
AMPHIBIOUS
—animals, are those capable of living both upon land and in the water, as the otter, the water rat, the eft, &c.