Its alterative and stimulant effects on the skin have led to its use in rheumatism, eczema and cutaneous diseases. Some veterinarians affirm that it benefits dry congested conditions of the respiratory membrane by stimulating its epithelial cells and increasing movements of the cilia. It has no special vermicide action. Sulphur dusted on the skin slightly stimulates, but when dissolved by admixture with an alkali or oil, and smartly rubbed in, it more actively stimulates the cells of the rete Malpighi and thus hastens desquamation; while it also increases contractility of the muscular textures, and hence overcomes passive cutaneous hyperaemia. It thus promotes a healthier action in chronic eczema and psoriasis, and in such cases sulphur dressings are used with benefit combined or alternated with iodine or tar acids, and are aided by the internal use of sulphur and arsenic. Infriction of sulphur ointment is stated to relieve the pain of rheumatic muscles and joints. Sulphurous gas from burning sulphur is used for husk or hoose of sheep and calves; this is a disease in which worms affect the bronchial tubes, due to strongylus micrurus in calves and strongylus filaria in sheep. The patients are placed in a loose box and sulphur is burned about six feet away from them, so that air may dilute the fumes before being inhaled by the animals; let them inhale the fumes for ten or twenty minutes or longer, unless irritation is too great. TARAXACUM--DANDELION ROOT The fresh and dried roots of Taraxacum officinale, collected in the autumn. HABITAT.--United States and Europe. PROPERTIES.--The root is about six to twelve inches long, half an inch to an inch thick, is dark brown externally and white within. It breaks with a short fracture; from the fractured surface a milky juice exudes, which is inodorous, but has a bitter taste. CONSTITUENTS.--Taraxacin, a bitter, soluble, crystalline substance; inulin, taraxacerin, resin causing milky juice, asparagin of no medical value. DOSE.--Horses and cattle, 1 to 2 oz.; sheep and pigs, 2 to 4 dr.; dogs, 1 to 2 dr. PREPARATIONS EXTRACTUM TARAXACI--EXTRACT OF TARAXACUM Made by percolation of powdered taraxacum with alcohol and water, and evaporation. DOSE.--Horses and cattle, 1 to 4 dr.; sheep and pigs, 30 gr. to 1 dr.; dogs, 5 to 20 gr. FLUIDEXTRACTUM TARAXACI--FLUIDEXTRACT OF TARAXACUM Made by maceration and percolation with dilute alcohol, and evaporation. DOSE.--Horses and cattle, 1 to 2 oz.; sheep and pigs, 2 to 4 dr.; dogs, 1 to 2 dr. ACTION AND USES.--Taraxacum is a simple stomachic and bitter and may be employed in place of gentian or calumba. It has been generally taught that taraxacum is a hepatic stimulant and increases the secretion of bile. This has been proven valueless. The extract is often used as a base in preparing masses. ZINGIBER--GINGER The scraped and dried rhizome of Zingiber officinale. HABITAT.--East and West Indies and India; cultivated in tropical climates.