Alcohol is the solvent most commonly employed in pharmacy, dissolving alkaloids, resins, volatile oils, balsams, oleo-resins, tannin, sugar, some fats and fixed oils. DOSE.--Horses and cattle, 3 to 6 oz.; sheep and pigs, 1 to 3 oz.; dogs, 2 dr. to 1 oz. ACTIONS.--Alcohol is a cerebral excitant and finally becomes a depressant and a narcotic poison. It is anesthetic, antiseptic, antiparasitic, rubefacient (if confined), mild astringent, coagulate albumen; a local refrigerant by virtue of its rapid evaporation, unless confined by bandage, oiled silk, etc., when it is absorbed by the tissues and causes a sensation of warmth. In medical doses it is a powerful general stimulant; it is very diffusible, and is partly oxidized by the organism, and partly excreted; thus alcohol acts as a food. Small doses relax the blood vessels, stimulate the gastric glands, promote appetite and digestion; lessen the elimination of waste products, by preventing rapid tissue waste; causes a feeling of warmth, and temporarily, though slightly, raises the body temperature. It stimulates the heart and increases the functional activity of all organs, especially the kidneys and skin. Large or too long continued doses derange the appetite and digestion, congest or inflame the stomach and liver. Eight ounces of alcohol killed a horse. Alcohol is poisonous and should be used with caution. USES.--Are numerous, used principally as a stimulant, either in one large dose, 2 to 3 ounces of alcohol, or better, in small repeated doses, 1 ounce every 1, 2 or 3 hours, can be conjoined with other stimulants such as sulphuric ether, aromatic spirits of ammonia, digitalis, etc. It is used in anesthetic mixtures, such as alcohol, ether and chloroform, combined in different proportions; in snake bites it is administered in very large doses. In blood poisoning alcohol is a most potent drug, sustaining the heart, lowering the temperature and acting as a germicide. Alcohol makes an excellent dressing for wounds; applied locally to threatened bed-sores, frequently prevents their formation. It is useful in colds at their outset, or in a chill to restore the balance of the circulation and prevent or overcome internal congestion by relaxing the blood vessels of the periphery.