ACTION AND USES.--Gambir is administered to all classes of domestic animals for the arrest of chronic catarrhal discharges and haemorrhage, especially from the alimentary canal. The insoluble catechnic acid beneficially exerts its astringency on the relaxed, over-secreting surfaces alike of small and large intestines. In chronic diarrhoea and in dysentery it is combined with aromatics to allay flatulence; with opium to relieve irritability and spasm; with alkalies, magnesia, or chalk to counteract acidity. If there is much mucus in the fecal discharges, showing a catarrhal state of the intestinal mucous membrane, it is advisable to give oil, salts or calomel before checking up the bowels with an astringent. GENTIANA--GENTIAN Gentian is obtained from the root Gentiana lutae. HABITAT.--Mountainous parts of Southern and Central Europe. PROPERTIES.--Odor strong, characteristic; taste slightly sweetish, strongly and persistently bitter. The powder is free from starch grains and sclerenchymatic tissues. DOSE.--Horses, ¹⁄₂ to 1 oz.; cattle, 1 to 2 oz.; sheep and pigs, 1 to 2 dr.; dogs, 5 to 30 gr. PREPARATIONS EXTRACTUM GENTIANAE--EXTRACT OF GENTIAN Made by maceration and percolation with water and evaporated. DOSE.--Horses, 30 gr. to 1 dr.; cattle, 1 to 2 dr.; sheep and pigs, 20 to 40 gr.; dogs, 1 to 3 gr. FLUIDEXTRACTUM OF GENTIANAE--FLUIDEXTRACT OF GENTIAN Made by maceration and percolation with dilute alcohol and evaporated, so that 1 c. c. equals 1 gm. of the crude drug. DOSE.--Horses, ¹⁄₂ to 1 oz.; cattle, 1 to 2 oz.; sheep and pigs, 1 to 2 dr.; dogs, 5 to 30 m. TINCTURA GENTIANAE COMPOSITA--COMPOUND TINCTURE OF GENTIAN Composed of gentian, 100 parts; bitter orange peel, 40 parts; cardamon, 10 parts; made by maceration and percolation with alcohol and water. DOSE.--Horses and cattle, 1 to 4 oz.; sheep and pigs, 2 dr. to 1 oz.; dogs, ¹⁄₂ to 1 dr.