Alterative.—A medicine that alters the process of nutrition, so as to overcome morbid conditions of the body as Arcenous Acid, Potassium Iodide, etc.

Anaesthetic.—Medicines used to produce insensibility to pain, and they are divided into Local and General Anaesthetics.

General Anaesthetics.—Are inhaled and carried by the blood to the brain and spinal cord, where they paralyze the nerve centers, cause muscular relaxation and finally produce entire suspension of sensation and power of motion, together with a loss of consciousness, and apparent life, except breathing and the action of the heart. They comprise Nitrous Oxide Gas, Ether and Chloroform, etc.

Local Anaesthetics.—As a rule, are injected hypodermically or applied to open wounds. They cause temporary loss of local or circumscribed sensation by paralyzing the sensory nerves. When applied in the form of liniments they resemble anodynes, but act more promptly and profoundly. They comprise Cocaine, Eucaine, etc.

Analgesic.—A medicine used to relieve pain, as Opium, etc.

Anaphrodisiac.—A medicine used to produce absence or impairment of sexual appetite, as Potassium Bromide, etc.

Anhidrotic.—A medicine that diminishes the secretion of perspiration as Belladonna, etc.

Anodyne.—A medicine that lessens sensibility to pain, by diminishing the excitability of nerve centers, as Cannabis Indica, Chloral Hydrate, etc.

Anodynes Local.—Are drugs that diminish pain by acting locally on sensory nerves, and are applied in the form of a liniment over painful swellings, as Belladonna, Aconite, Opium, hot and cold packs, etc.

Antacid.—A medicine that counteracts or neutralizes acidity of the stomach or intestines as liquor Potassium, Sodium Carbonate and Bicarbonate, etc.

Antagonistic.—A medicine which counteracts the action of another medicine in the system, as would Potassium Bromide and Nux Vomica or Strychnine.

Anthelmintic.—A medicine efficiently destroying or expelling worms or preventing their development, as Santonin, Arecae Nut, etc.

Antidote.—A substance preventing or counteracting the action of a poison. Antidotes are distinguished as: chemical, those that change the chemical nature of the poison; mechanical, those that prevent absorption of poison; physiologic, those that counteract the effects of poison by producing other effects.

Antiemetic.—A medicine which prevents or arrests vomiting, as Bismuth Subnitrate.

Antifebrile.—A medicine that reduces temperature, as Acetanilid, etc.

Antiferment.—A medicine which prevents the formation of gases, as Sodium Bicarbonate, Turpentine, etc.

Antigalactic.—A medicine which lessens the secretion of milk, as Belladonna, Tannin, etc.

Antiparasitic.—An agent which destroys and repels insects, as essential oils, powdered tobacco, sulphur and naphthalin, etc.

Antiperiodic.—A medicine that tends to prevent the periodic recurrence of a disease, as Quinine Sulphate, Arsenous Acid, etc.

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.

Calefacient.—A medicine applied externally to produce a sensation of warmth to the part to which it is applied, as Turpentine, Mustard, Capsicum, etc.

Calmant.—A medicine that reduces functional activity, as Bromide of Potassium, Aconite, etc.

Calmative.—A medicine which has a quieting or a sedative effect, as Morphine, Cannibus Indica, etc.

Calorifacient or Calorific.—A heat producing substance which has the power of developing heat in the body, as Cod Liver and Olive Oil, Fats, etc.

Cardiac Depressant or Sedative.—A medicine which lessens the force and frequency of the heart’s action as Aconite, Potassium Nitrate, etc.

Cardiac Stimulant.—A medicine that increases the force and frequency of the heart’s action when in a depressed condition, as Alcohol, Nux Vomica, Ether, etc.

Cardiac Tonics.—Are medicines that do not act as quickly as cardiac stimulants, but they strengthen the heart muscles which regulate pulsation, as Digitalis, Nux Vomica, etc.

Carminative.—A medicine that allays pain by causing the expulsion of gases from the alimentary canal, as Aromatic Spiritus of Ammonia, Asafetida, Turpentine, etc.

Cataleptic.—A medicine causing animals to lose control of their muscles, as Cannibus Indica, etc.

Catalytic.—A medicine supposed to break down, destroy or counteract morbid agencies existing in the blood, as Calomel, Arcenous Acid, etc.

Cathartic.—A medicine which hastens the evacuation of the bowels, as Aloes, Castor Oil, etc.

Cathartic Cholagogue.—A medicine that stimulates the evacuation of the intestines and the flow of bile at the same time, as Podophyllin, etc.

Cathartic Drastic.—A medicine which produces violent action of the intestines with griping and pain, as Jalap, Arecoline, etc.

Cathartic Hydragogue.—A medicine that causes abundant watery discharges of feces, as Common Elaterium, etc.

Cathartic Saline.—A medicine which increases intestinal secretions and prevents re-absorption, and mechanically excites peristaltic action, as Magnesium Sulphate, etc.

Cathartic Simple.—A medicine that is more active then a laxative, but is accompanied by some griping; it causes active peristalsis and larger and softer stools than laxatives, as Rhubarb, Aloes, etc.

Caustic.—A medicine or agent used to destroy living tissue, as Caustic Potash, Silver Nitrate, etc.

Cautery.—An agent used to sear or burn living tissue, with a cautery or a caustic, as a hot iron or Nitric Acid, etc.

Cautery Actual.—A metal instrument heated by an electric current or by flame, used to destroy bone or muscular tissue or for producing counter-irritation, much preferred to setons in diseases of the bones especially of their joints, as in Bone Spavin, Ringbone, etc., also valuable in the treatment of sprained tendons. The methods used are either puncture or line firing.

Cautery Potential.—A chemical used for destroying or cauterizing flesh, as Nitric Acid, etc.

Chalybeate.—A medicine containing iron, as Tincture Chlorid of Iron.

Condiment.—A medicine used to improve palatability of food, as Fenugreek, Aniseed, Salt, Pepper, etc.

Conservative.—A medicine or substance used for the preservation of other medicines without loss, as Alcohol, Honey, etc.

Constringent.—A medicine which causes contraction of organic tissues, as Tannin, etc.

Convulsant.—A medicine which causes violent and unnatural contractions of muscles (convulsions) as Nux Vomica or its derivative, etc.

Cordial.—A medicine which increases the strength and raises the vitality when depressed, as Aromatic Spirits of Ammonia, Alcohol, etc.

Corrective or Correctant.—A substance used to modify or make pleasant the action of a cathartic or other medicines, as Acacia, Coriander, etc.

Corrosive.—A substance that destroys organic tissue either by direct chemical means or by causing inflammation and suppuration, as Mercuric Chloride, Nitric Acid, etc.

Counter Irritant.—A substance or medicine which produces superficial inflammation artificially in order to exercise a good effect, by stimulating functional activity of a part, thus promoting repair upon some adjacent or deep-seated morbid process, as Blistering or Firing, etc.

Cumulative Poison.—A medicine which finally acts as a poison after several successive doses have been taken with little or no apparent effect, as Arsenic, Strychnine, etc.

Debilitant.—A medicine which diminishes the energy of organs, as Bromide of Potassium, Lobelia, etc.

Defervescent.—A medicine that reduces temperature, as Quinine Sulphate, Aconite, etc.

Deliriant or Delirifacent.—A medicine which produces delirium, as Opium, Stramonium, Alcohol, etc.

Demulcent.—A mucilaginous or oily, soothing blend to protect irritated skin or mucous membranes, as Carron Oil, White of an Egg, etc.

Deobstruent.—A medicine which removes functional obstructions in the body, as Castor Oil, Magnesium Sulphate, Aloes, etc.

Deodorant or Deodorizer.—A substance to conceal or destroy foul odors, as Crude Carbolic Acid, Chloride of Lime, etc. Noxious odors may also be destroyed and absorbed with freshly burnt charcoal or dry earth.

Depletory.—A medicine which diminishes the quantity of liquid in the body, as Iodide or Nitrate of Potassium, etc.

Depressant.—A medicine which lessens vital power, as Opium, Aconite, etc.

Depresso-Motor.—A medicine that depresses motor activity, as Sodium or Potassium Bromide, etc.

Depurant.—A medicine for cleaning foul wounds and abscesses, as Hydrogen Peroxide, etc.

Depuratory.—A medicine which purifies the blood, as Sulphur, Iodide Potassium, etc.

Dermatic.—A medicine used in diseases of the skin, as Resorcinol, Zinc Oxide, etc.

Derivative.—A substance used in drawing away blood or liquid exudates from diseased parts by creating an extra demand for them in some other part of the body, as Mustard, Capsicum, Cantharides, etc.

Desiccant.—A medicine used for drying up sores, as Tannic Acid, Boric Acid, etc.

Desiccative.—A medicine which dries up secretions, as Zinc Oxide, Camphor, etc.

Desiccatory.—A medicine used externally to dry up moisture or fluids from wounds, as Tannic Acid, Starch, etc.

Desquamation.—A medicine which removes scales from the skin, bones and mucous membranes, as Potassium Iodide, etc.

Detergent.—A substance for purifying and cleansing wounds, ulcers, as Hydrogen Peroxide, Soap and Water, etc.

Diaphoretic.—A medicine which causes an increased amount of perspiration, as Pilocarpine, Ginger, etc.

Diarrhetic.—A substance or medicine which causes increased frequency and lessened consistency of fecal evacuations, as Mandrake.

Dietetic.—A medicine having nutritious properties, as Olive or Cod Liver Oil, etc.

Digestant.—A medicine that assists digestion of food, in the mouth, stomach or intestines, as Pancreatin, Pepsin, etc.

Digestive.—A medicine which promotes the process of digestion, as Gentian, Qussia, Nux Vomica, etc.

Diluent.—A medicine that dilutes the secretions of organs, as Magnesium Sulphate, Gamboge, Arecoline, etc.

Discutient.—A substance or medicine having the power of causing an exudation to disappear, as Iodide of Potassium, Red Iodide of Mercury, etc.

Disinfectant.—A medicine which destroys septic poisons of communicable diseases; its special function is to kill or hinder the development of those germs or bacteria which produce diseases, as Carbolic Acid, Chloride of Lime, Formaldehyde, etc.

Dissolvent.—A medicine that promotes solution of tissues of the body, as Potassium Iodide, etc.

Diuretic.—A medicine that increases the secretions of the urinary organs, as Potassium Nitrate, Buchu, Turpentine, Spirits Ether Nit, etc.

Drastic.—A medicine having a severe purgative or cathartic effect on the bowels, as Croton Oil, etc.

Ebolic.—A medicine causing contraction of the uterus, and thus producing abortion, as Ergot, etc.

Electuary.—A substance used to lessen irritability or increase the palatability of medicines, as Sugar, Honey, Molasses, Water, etc.

Eliminative.—A medicine having power of expelling or casting out, especially waste products, as Arecoline, Magnesium Sulphate, etc.

Emetic.—A substance or medicine having the power to induce vomiting, as Apomorphine, Ipecac, etc.

Emmenagogue.—A medicine which stimulates menstrual flow, as Potassium Permanganate, etc.

Emollient.—A substance used externally to soften, sooth and relax parts to which they are applied as vegetable poultices, oils, etc.

Epispastic.—A medicine producing a blister, as Cantharides, Aqua Ammonia Fort, etc.

Errhine.—A medicine that increases nasal secretions, as Formalin, Capsicum, etc.

Evacuant.—A medicine which causes the emptying of an organ, especially the bowels, as Magnesium Sulphate, Aloes, etc.

Excitant.—A medicine that arouses functional activity, as Nux Vomica, Alcohol, etc.

Exhilarant.—A medicine which cheers or stimulates the mind, as Strychnine, Alcohol, etc.

Expectorant.—A medicine that acts upon the pulmonary mucous membranes to increase or alter its secretions, as Lobelia, Chloride of Ammonia, etc.

Febrifuge.—A medicine which lessens bodily temperature, as Quinine, Acetanilid, Aconite, etc.

Fumigation.—Is a process of disinfection by exposure to the fumes of a vaporizing disinfectant, as Formaldehyde.

Galactagogue.—A medicine or substance which stimulates the secretions of the mammary glands, thereby increasing the flow of milk, as Senegaroot, Pilocarpine, etc.

Germicide.—A medicine which destroys germs of any kind whether bacilli, spirilli or micrococci, as Bichloride Mercury, Carbolic Acid, etc.

Hematinic.—A medicine that increases the proportion of hematin or coloring matter in the blood, as Iron, Arsenic, etc.

Hemolytic.—A medicine which causes the breaking down of the blood corpuscles, as Mineral Acids.

Hemostatic.—A medicine which stops bleeding, as Tincture Chloride of Iron, Ergot, etc.

Hepatic Depressant or Sedative.—A medicine that decreases the function of the liver, as Plumbi Acetate, Morphine, etc.

Hepatic Stimulant.—A medicine which increases the functions of the liver, as Calomel, Podophyllin, etc.

Hidrotic or Hydrotic.—A medicine that stimulates perspiration (sweat), as Pilocarpine, Spirits Ether Nit., etc.

Hydragogue.—A medicine which causes full watery evacuations from the bowels, as Arecoline, Gamboge, etc.

Hypnotic.—A medicine which produces sleep, as Chloral Hydrate, Morphine, Potassium Bromide, etc.

Hyposthenic.—A medicine which causes weakness, debility, as Lobelia.

Idiosyncrasy.—A peculiarity of constitution that makes one person or animal react differently to medicines or other influences from most persons or animals.

Insecticide.—A substance used to destroy insects, as unrefined carbolic acid, benzine, etc.

Intoxicant.—A drug which excites or stupifies, as alcohol, etc.

Irritant.—A medicine or agent causing heat, pain and tension due to the increased flow of blood to the part, as heat, mustard, etc.

Lactagogue.—A medicine which increases the flow of milk, as extract of malt, jaborandi, etc.

Laxative.—A medicine that loosens the bowels; a mild cathartic or purgative, as potassium nitrate, sulphur, etc.

Lenitive.—A substance having the quality to relieve pain or protecting tissues from the actions of irritants, as fats, oils, etc.

Liquefacient.—A medicine which promotes the liquefying processes of the system, as potassium iodide, etc.

Lithagogue.—A medicine which expels calculi (or stones) from the kidneys or bladder, as benzoic acid, etc.

Litholytic or Lithontriptic.—A medicine to dissolve calculi (or stones) as benzoate of ammonia, carbonate of potassium, etc.

Lubricant.—A substance which soothes irritated surfaces of the throat and their fauces, as honey, olive oil, etc.

Medicament.—Any medicine used in the treatment of diseases or wounds.

Medicine.—Any substance for the cure of disease.

Mydriatic.—An agent which dilates or enlarges the pupil of the eye, whether used internally or externally, as atrophine.

Myotic.—Any agent that contracts the pupil of the eye, whether applied to the eye or taken by the mouth, as eserine, arecoline, etc.

Narcotic.—A medicine which produces sleep and relieves pain, but first cause cerebral excitement, as chloroform, ether, belladonna and alcohol, etc.

Nephritic.—A medicine used in diseases of the kidneys, as buchu, uva ursi, etc.

Nervine.—A medicine that calms nervous excitement or acts favorably in nervous diseases, as potassium bromide, chloral hydrate, etc.

Nutrient.—A medicine which builds up the waste tissues of the system, as cod liver oil, general tonics, etc.

Obtundent.—Any agent which relieves irritation or reduces sensibility, as opium, poultices, etc.

Odontalgic.—Any substance for the relief of toothache, as oil of cloves, morphine, etc.

Odorant.—Any substance with a pronounced odor, as naphthaline, asafoetida, etc.

Opiate.—A drug which causes sleep, as chloral hydrate, opium, etc.

Oxytocic.—Any agent that produces parturition, as cotton root, ergot, etc.

Panacea.—A medicine curing all diseases; a cure all, as some patent medicines.

Parasiticide.—A substance that destroys various animal and vegetable organisms or parasites which live upon the surface of the body, as mercurial and sulphur ointment, etc.

Parturient or Parturifacient.—Any agent assisting in the birth of the young, as ergot.

Peristaltic.—A medicine which increases the movements of the longitudinal and transverse muscular fibers of the intestines and assists them in expelling their contents as nux vomica, arecoline, etc.

Placebo.—Any medicine or inert substance given for the purpose of satisfying the patient, rather than for its medical effects, as sugar, fenugreek, anise, etc.

Poison.—An agent that when introduced into the body either destroys life or impairs seriously the functions of one or more of its organs, as potassium cyanide, hydrocyanic acid, etc.

Potential.—A medicine which possesses restorative effects, but is delayed in its effects, as potassium iodide, arsenic, etc.

Preservative.—A substance which prevents decomposition of another substance, as acetanilid, boric acid, etc.

Preventive or Prophylactic.—A medicine or method that tends to prevent disease, as quinine for the prevention of malaria, vaccine, hygienics, etc.

Protective.—A substance used for protecting the parts to which it is applied, as collodion, etc.

Pungent.—Any substance producing a sharp, pinching, penetrating effect, as ammonia.

Purgative.—A medicine causing copious evacuations of the bowels. (See Cathartics.)

Pustulant.—A medicine which irritates and gives rise to the formation of pustules, as cantharides, croton oil, etc.

Recuperative.—A medicine which restores health and energy, as extract of malt, cod liver oil, etc.

Refrigerant.—A medicine or agent having cooling properties or the power of lowering internal or external temperature, as potassium nitrate, aconite, cold water, etc.

Relaxant.—A substance which causes relaxation of muscular tissues, as chloroform, chloral, etc.

Reparative.—A substance used to restore debilitated tissues of the body, as general tonics, nitrogenous foods, etc.

Resolvent.—A substance indicated in the treatment or absorption of hard, callous tissue, as iodine and its preparations.

Restorative.—A medicine that aids in restoring the health, as nux vomica, arsenic, etc.

Revulsant or Revulsive.—An agent which produces irritation and draws fluids from other parts diseased, as poultices, cantharides, etc.

Rubefacient.—A medicine or agent causing irritation and redness of the skin, as turpentine, mustard, etc.

Sedative.—A medicine which diminishes functional activity, as potassium or ammonium bromide, etc.

Septic.—An agent causing poisoning resulting from the absorption of products of putrefaction, as bacteria.

Sialogogue.—A medicine stimulating the flow of saliva, as pilocarpine, arecoline, ginger, capsicum, etc.

Somnifacient or Soporific.—A medicine which produces drowsiness and sleep, as morphine, chloral hydrate, potassium, bromide, etc.

Sorbefacient.—A medicine used to produce abortion, as ergot.

Specific.—A medicine or agent which has a distinct curative influence on an individual disease, as potassium iodide in actinomycosis (Lumpy Jaw) or oxygen in milk fever, etc.

Stimulant.—A medicine which quickens or increases functional activity, as strychnine, ammonium carbonate, alcohol, etc.

Stomachic.—A medicine which increases functional activity of the stomach, as quassia gentian, etc.

Stomatic.—A medicine used in diseases of the mouth, as boric acid, potassium chlorate, alum, etc.

Superfacient.—A medicine causing unconsciousness from which the patient can be roused, as opium, bromide of potassium, etc.

Styptic.—An agent that checks bleeding by causing contraction of the blood vessels, as tincture chloride of iron, ergot, etc.

Succedaneum.—A medicine which may be substituted for another possessing similar properties, as chloral hydrate for potassium bromide, or aloes for linseed oil, etc.

Sudorific.—A medicine or agent which produces an increased quantity of perspiration (sweat) as ginger, pilocarpine, Dover’s powders, etc.

Suppurant.—A medicine or agent promoting pus formation, as poultices, cantharides, croton oil, etc.

Synergist.—A medicine which co-operates or assists the action of another, as chloroform with ether, cantharides with red iodide of mercury, etc.

Taenicide.—A medicine which destroys tape worms, as extract of male fern.

Taenifuge.—A medicine which expels tape worms, as areca nut, pumpkin seed, oil of turpentine, etc.

Tetanic.—A medicine or agent which increases the irritation of the spinal cord or muscles producing spasms, as strychnine, etc.

Tonic.—A medicine promoting nutrition and giving strength to the body, as arsenic, cod liver oil, etc.

Topic or Topical.—A substance or agent for external use, applied locally, as a liniment.

Toxic.—A condition produced by a poison, as a result of an over-dose of medicine or the absorption of bacterial products.

Tricophyed.—A medicine promoting the growth of hair, as pilocarpine, cantharides, capsicum, etc.

Uterine.—A medicine acting upon the uterus, as ergot.

Vehicle.—A medicine or agent used as a medium or base for the administration of medicines, as syrups, oils, water, etc.

Vermicide.—A medicine which destroys parasitic worms, as turpentine, iron sulphate, tobacco, creosote, etc.

Vermifuge.—A medicine which expels parasitic worms, as arecoline, aloes, etc.

Vesicant.—A medicine which forms pustules containing white serum, as cantharides.

Virus.—A poison of an infectious disease, especially one found in the system of an animal suffering from an infectious disease, as hog cholera, cowpox or rabies virus, etc.

Vulnerary.—Any medicine or compound used in the treatment of wounds, as ointments, liniments, etc.