Cornu Cervinae Ustum.—Burned Deer's Horn.
Preparation.—Take the horns of the deer (Cervus virginianus) any time from the month of August to December, or from the time they are in velvet (until just before they fall off), and when dry rasp them to a coarse powder. Place this in an iron vessel, cover it tightly, and put it in an oven, or other situation, where a strong heat can be gradually and increasingly applied. When the whole becomes of a light-brown color, like roasted coffee, and is readily pulverizable, cool, pulverize it, and keep it in well-stoppered bottles. During the application of the heat, which should be gradual, the powder should be occasionally agitated. The powder, thus prepared, is of a light chocolate, or brown color, of a peculiar, slightly aromatic, animal charcoal odor, and a very faintly astringent taste. During the operation disagreeable fumes are evolved.
Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage.—A powerful styptic. Especially an American remedy, of much value in uterine hemorrhage and menorrhagia. Has also been found beneficial in dysentery, hemoptysis, and other hemorrhages. Dose of the powder, 1 drachm, every ½ hour, until the hemorrhage ceases permanently, which is usually from the first to the third or fourth dose; or 1 drachm of the powder may be placed in a gill of hot water, and a tablespoonful of the infusion be given every 5 or 10 minutes. It is often given combined with the compound powder of ipecacuanha and opium, or with other agents, as capsicum and opium, etc.
