ANTIPERISTALTIC OR ANTIPERISTALSIS.--Are medicines that produce compression of peristalsis or the worm-like movement of the intestines by which method the alimentary canal propels its contents, as Opium. ANTIPHLOGISTIC.--A medicine or agent subduing or reducing inflammation or fever, as in bloodletting, applications of cold packs or the administration of Aconite, Acetanilide, etc. ANTIRHEUMATIC.--A medicine that prevents or cures rheumatism, as Sodium Salicylates, etc. ANTIPYRETIC.--A medicine which reduces body temperature in fever, as Quinine Sulphate, Salicylic Acid, etc. ANTISEPTIC.--A medicine which arrests putrefaction on or in the body, or hinders septic decomposition by killing the germs that produce it or by checking their development, as Carbolic Acid, Zinc Sulphocarbolates, etc. ANTISPASMODIC.--A medicine which prevents or removes spasmodic contraction of voluntary or involuntary muscles, as Belladonna, Valerian, Chloral Hydrate, etc. ANTITOXIN.--A counter poison or antidote generated within the body to counteract the toxins of bacteria. Antitoxins are frequently injected hypodermically in the treatment of certain infectious diseases and also to immunize against disease, as Tetanus Antitoxin for the treatment of tetanus or lockjaw, etc. ANTIVENENE.--A name applied to blood-serum of animals rendered immune against snake-poison owing to its antidotal properties. ANTIZYMOTIC.--A medicine preventing fermentation, as Salicylic Acid, etc. APERIENT.--A medicine possessing a mild laxative or purgative effect, as Rochelle Salts, etc. APHRODISIAC.--A medicine which stimulates sexual appetite, as Cantharides, Nux Vomica, Phosphorus, Alcohol and general tonics, etc. AROMATIC.--A medicine characterized by a fragrant taste or odor, as Aromatic Spiritus of Ammonia, Ginger and the essential oils, etc. ASTRINGENT.--A medicine which contracts vessels and arrests discharges, as Tannic Acid, Ergot, etc. AUXILIARY.--A medicine that assists the action of another, as Chloral Hydrate would assist Bromide of Potassium in checking excitability. BITTER.--A medicine with a bitter taste, stimulating the gastro-intestinal secretions without materially affecting the general system, as Qussia Gentian, etc. BLENNORRHAGIC.--A medicine which increases the secretions of mucus, as Eucalyptus, Balsam Tulo, etc. BLISTER.--An agent which, when applied over the skin, produces vesicles resulting from local inflammatory exudate of serous fluid between the epidermis and true skin, as applications of Cantharides, etc. BOLUS.--A large pill or a round mass of food prepared by the mouth for swallowing. BOUILON.--A nutritive medium for the culture of micro-organisms prepared from finely chopped beef or beef extract. CACHEXIA.--A deprived condition of general nutrition, due to serious diseases, as Tuberculosis, Scrofula, Syphilis, Cancer, etc.