Veterinary medicines : their actions and uses / by Finlay Dun.

  • Dun, Finlay, 1830-1897.
Date:
1895
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Veterinary medicines : their actions and uses / by Finlay Dun. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    65/792 (page 53)
    smart and continued friction, they also increase tissue changes, and hasten removal of deposits. In the form of watery vapour, simple or medicated emollients relieve irritability and congestion of the respiratory mucous membrane. In the form of clysters, they directly soothe the posterior portions of the alimentary tract, and by reflex action their good effects are propagated to adjacent parts. Not only do they reduce tension and relax tissues to which they are immediately applied, but, acting on adjacent vaso-motor centres, they dilate collateral blood-vessels ; and mainly in these ways fomentations and poultices relieve irritation and inflammation of the throat, lungs, and other deep-seated organs. In the earlier stages of inflammation they effect resolution; in more advanced stages they promote sup- puration; in all stages they relieve heat, tension, pain, and spasm. Although serviceable for softening and cleansing wounds, they are generally unsuitable for those likely to heal by first intention or adhesion. Diluents are allied to demulcents and emollients, are liquid or solid substances used along with more active agents in order to diminish their activity. Water is generally their basis, and they include most demulcent drugs. They beneficially dilute and hasten the excretion of pathogenic materials, and favour the action of diaphoretics, diuretics, and cathartics. MEDICINES ACTING ON MUSCLES. MUSCULAR POISONS MUSCULAR STIMULANTS. Muscles possess extensibility and retractility. Heat renders muscles less extensible and more retractile; cold, and section of an important nerve, have the opposite effects. Fatigue and acids, notably lactic acid, one *of the products of muscular waste, increase extensibility. Very dilute alkalies diminish extensibility. Irritability is increased by heat and physostygmine; while it is diminished by cold, curare, and other substances which cause muscular paralysis. Contraction and relaxation of muscles, possibly consisting, like other forms of motion, in waves of vibration, appear to be connected with some chemical changes in the muscle resembling oxidation;