Glasgow

University Library

1

T H E

Gentleman’s Stable Dire&ory^W~--

O R,

'.A- if-

modern system

O F

FARRIERY.

COMPREHENDING

All the mod valuable prescriptions and approved remedies,
^”‘5 proportioned and properly, adapted to every known
disease to which the horse is incident; interfperfed with

nL REFE*ENCES t0 the dangerous and almoft obfolete
Piadtuie of Gibson, Bracken, Bartlet, O.smer, and others ;
alio parncular mREC-noNs for buying, selling, feeding,
elding, purging, and getting into condition for the
- r e ’ Wlt 1 exPerllTientaI remarks upon the management
draft horses, their blemishes and defects.

To which is now added.

SUPPLEMENT.

containing

practical observations upon thorn wounds, PUNCTURED

TENDONS, AND LIGAMENTARY LAMENESS, i

WITH AMPLE INSTRUCTIONS TOR THEIR TREATMENT AND CURE;

IUuftrated by a Recital of Cafes, including a Variety of Ufcful Remarks ;

MITH A SUCCESSFUL METHOD OF TREATING THE CANINE sPE-
CIES, IN THAT DESTRUCTIVE DISEASE CALLED

the distemper.

By WILLIAM TAPLIN, Surgeon,
the twelfth edition.

LONDON:

TED FOR G. G. J. & J. ROBINSON, PATERNOSTER-ROW,
AND C. & G. KEARSLEY, FLEET-STREET.

MDCCXCUI,

»

\ '

*

. ✓

\

y

T O

Sir JOHN LADE, Bart.

TH E very diftinguifhed chara'&er and
eminent Situation you fupport in the
J 'porting world , to the great pleafure and
admiration of thofe who furround you in the
field and accompany you in the chafe , will, in
the opinion of every experienced sportsman,
fufficiently juftify the confiftency and propriety
of infcribing to you this earned: endeavour
to refcue from the frequent and dreadful
effects of stabularian ignorance , and
empirical confidence , the future cafe, fafety ,
and prefervation , of an animal that not only
, A 2 conftitues

I

( ’» )

\

conftitutes to every sportsman one of the
nobleft bleffings in life, but, in the fplendour
of your find , [tables, and equipage, affords
ample difplay of your taste, judgment,
and liberality. Itisa gratification highly
flattering, that I have the prefent opportunity
to fubfcribe myfelf.

With refpedt and admiration*

*

Sir John,

Your moft obedient*

‘ / ,

And very humble fervant.

The Aujhor,

TO , T H S

reader.

on THE PUBLICATION OF THE

ELEVENTH EDITION.

Y T would be a tacit acknowledgment of the au-
A thor’s total infenfibility to every gratification of
ambition, was he to omit the communication of ac-
knowledgments, that, in their general diffufion, con-
tribute fo very much to his own honour. And he
muft everconfider it no fmall compliment to his en-
deavours, that the work is univerfally known to have
been crowned with the mod perfedt fuccefs. The very,
great and almoft unlimited portion of fupport that
has fo fingularly fandtioned its birth, fufficiently de-
riiondrates the abfolute want of fuch publication.

This plealing incenfe to literary vanity could be
increafed only by the condantly accumulating enco-
miums, and mojt Jubftantial proofs of private appro-
bation, from fome of the firft charadters within the
circle of ' The Royal Hunt and Favour. Sportfmen,
the propitious omen of whofe patronage not only

A 3 refiedts

( vi )

reflects lays of additional honour, but whole judg-
ment, equeftrian knowledge, and practical experi-
ence, jointly eftablifh a criterion of equity that will
<?vei render the author invulnerable to the barbed and
envenomed arrows of menjlrual criticijm.

The rapid circulation of T E N large imprefilons
has forcibly influenced the author to make fuch addi-
tions and improvements as will, he has every reafon
to believe, render it of {till greater utility , by the in-
troduction of many ufeful obfervations for the prefer-
vation of health and promotion of conditiony as well as
the treatment and cure of difeafe.

The proper management of draft horfes is more
particularly attended to ; their blemifhes and defeCts
' are in many inftances evidently accounted for , and
the modes of prevention, in general, clearly pointed
out. Several efficacious preferiptions are like wife
added, and a Variety of ufeful inftructions introduced,
for the diftinCt and feparate information of metropo-
litan jockiesy juvenile pur chafer sy and inexperienced fportf-
meny with very interefting hints for the purpofes of
buying and fellingy including (among many other
itriking and advantageous particulars) a fuperficial
furvey of that immaculate mart of integrity — A Mo-
dem Rcpofitory.

PREFACE.

PREFACE.

T T is a truth, generally acknowledged and univer-
A Tally lamented, that amidft all the improvements
of the prefent age, none has received To little advan-
tage from the rays of refinement as the Art of Far-
riery., And it muft be likewife confeffed, it is an ill
compliment to a country abounding with fportfmen,
and thofe remarkable for their extreme liberality,
that the intelledtual faculties of many diftinguifhed
members of the different learned focieties fhould be
abforbed in abftrufe contemplations and intenfe lu-
cubrations upon the antiquity of a coin , the probofcis
of an elephant , the genus of an exotic, or the beautiful
•variegations of a butterfly whilft a branch of fcience
and ftudy, involving the health, fafcty, and preferva-
tion, of the moft beautiful and efteemed animal this
kingdom has to boaft, is negledted, as derogatory to
the dignity of a man of letters : and, from this mif-
taken idea of degradation, a fubjedt of fo much con-
fequence has been for many years fubmitted to the
arbitrary dictation of the moft illiterate part of the
community, without a Tingle effort of weight or in-
fluence to abolifh the ancient and almoft obfolete
mode of pradtice ; or a Tingle attempt made, from
proper authority , to introduce die modern improve-
ments and difeoveries in every branch of medicine.
It is moft certain there is no one period of hiftory
where die horfe has been ranked fo high in general

A 4 eftimation.

Vlll

preface.

eftimation, or rendered of fuch intrinfic worth, by a
difplay of his various powers, as in the prefent age of
experiment;- and refinement.

' ’ . • i-- ; - • i V, I

T o this caufe may undoubtedly be attributed the
very great attention paid for fome years paft to the
breed of the diflindt and feparate clafles for the turf)
field, road, or draft ; and as their value has, in a very
fhort fpace of time, abfolutely doubled their former
worth, furely we ought to be proportionally anxious
for their preferv'ation, whether for /port , convenience ,
or emolument. The almofu incredible number of
this truly valuable part of the creation, that annually
fall victims to the invincible confidence of thofe ruflic
fons of Vulcan, felf-denominated farriers , (with the
thunder of whofe ignorance aim off every village re-
founds), has for years feemed to implore the aflift-
ance of fome intelligent member of fociety to come
forward; and, by blending the adminiflration of
medicines with a practical knowledge of their prol
perties and effects, refcue the poor differing animals
from the conflant, invariable, and unrelenting depre-
dations of illiterate practitioners and experimental per-
fecutors.

Well aware of the arduous talk of attempting to
eradicate vulgar and habitual prejudices in favour of
ancient practice, or the improbability of reconciling
attachments of- long (landing to the rational fyftem
of modern compofition ; and the little chance of ex-
ploding

PREFACE.

IX

ploding entirely the heterogeneous and inconfiftent
farrago fo long in ufe, univerfal fatisfaftion is not to
be expected, or approbation obtained. But when a
clear, open, and candid companion is drawn by the
more enlightened, between the accumulation of con-
trarieties in the laboured prefcriptions “ of Gibson
and Bracken,” with the indigefted. cbfervations of
the more intelligent, though lefs prolix and digref-
live, “ Bartlet,” the leaft doubt is not entertained
but every degree of favour will be fhewn to a fyftem
of practice founded on reqfon, fupported by experi-
ence, and ju (lifted by a general knowledge of medi-
cines, their principles, properties, preparations, and
effects.

To difpel the gloom of ignorance from the brow
of obllinacy would be a talk of Herculean labour;
I therefore wave every idea of animadvemon upon
the intuitive knowledge of thole, who, wrapt up in
the warm and., happy confolation of their own wif-
dom, never fuller their folid judgments to be warped
by the intrulion of new'- opinions ; and proceed to
make the neceflary remarks upon the qualifications
of thofe country practitioners who rank very high in
SELF-ESTIMATiON.

And fuch obfervations as are rendered unavoida-
ble (hall occilionally appear with all pofiible delicacv,
wilhing to irritate, as little as may be, the feelings of
any individual, whofe want of cultivation and im-
provement

PREFACE.

*

provement mult be confidered a misfortune, not a
crime ; but in whofe deficiency of profeffional know-
ledge confifts the danger which fo often occurs, and
expofes him to that labyrinth of perplexity, that di-
lemma of diftrefs, from which no brilliant fertility of
genius, no idea of the ftrufhire of parts, no corre-
iponding knowledge of medicines, or their effedts, can
poffibly arife to extricate him, whilft the fuffering
animal (in perhaps the moft excruciating agonies)
expires at the feet of this “ learned judge” jury , and
executioner.

Experience juftifies the affertion, that nine times
out of ten the complaint (if internal) remains a mat-
ter of hypothefis and conjedture, without one expla-
natory note, fentence, jhrug, or ejaculation , by which
we may be led to underftand or difcover the caufe :
but, as profeffional ftupidity muft be defended, we
are at laft told (with afyftematic fimplicity and vacu-
ity of countenance) “ the horje is in a great deal of
fain”

This firft point being (not without fome difficulty
and feeming depth of thought) at length difcovered,
the remedy is then to be obtained ; and as, in gene-
ral, cowards once puffied on become bold in propor-
tion to the danger, fo, according to the exigency,
fome powerfull <c Mandr agora ” of the (i Materia
« Medica ” is inftantly procured j and, as reputation
muft be fupported, fo cc kill or cure (time out of
n . mind

PREFACE.

xi

mind the ancient and modern medical motto) is com-
pulfively adopted, and the whole arcana of equeftrian
knowledge is let loofe, from the very Ample prepara-
tion of “ Jugar fops” to the more remote, adive, and
dangerous mercury , till relief is fortunately obtained,
or the falling favourite expires, in tortures, a martyr
to the ignorance of the practitioner and the credulity of
its owner !

To corroborate this fad, one felf-evident obferva-
tion only is neceffary to give it due weight, in oppo-
fition to a mind even prejudiced againft the innova-
tions of improvement in pradice or redification in
judgment. For inftance — Is.it pofiible — can it (after
a moment’s refledion) be fuppofed — that thefe men,
totally uncultivated in underftanding and the moll
common occurrences in life, whofe minds are as rude
and uncivilized as their manners, can be at all con-
verfant or acquainted with the different proper ties ,
qualities , operations, or effects, of a long lift of medi-
cines, to all of which they are ftrangers even in ap-
pearance, poffefling no other knowledge of the very
articles lpecified but what they have acquired from
books and prefcriptions, long fince become obfolete
and ufelefs from their inefficacy ? Can they be ex-
peded to underftand the chemical proceffes of mer-
cury, antimony , and other dangerous medicines they
conftantly put into ufe, without knowing their ori-
gins, preparations, combination of principles, or the
> - ‘ - ' ' exad

PREFACE.

xii

exad line of diftindion that renders them falutary
remedies or ■powerful poifons ?

It is alio highly neceffary to introduce a matter
perfedly applicable to the fubjed of investigation, as
an impofition very little known (except to the fa-
culty); and is a palpable difgrace to that body, of
which every profeffor of medicine constitutes a mem-
ber. It is the common and fcandalous adulteration
.of drugs, a pradice too prevalent amongfl: the dru^-
gifts in the metropolis , as well as the country ; who,
from the predominant paiTion of gain, fo curioufly
adulterate, as to deceive even thofe who confider
themfelves adepts in deception. And this, to be the
better enabled, to underfell their competitors, con-
vinced, by experience, the majority of farriers ad-
mit the medicines that can be purchafed cheapest
to be much the best.

Thefe circumftances are not introduced or ha-
zarded as matters of opinion, but as palpable fids
that fpeak home to every reader of judgment or ex-
perience ; and fufficiently indicate the neceflity of
circulating, from medical authority, the prefent im-
proved fydem of modern compofition, univerfally
adopted and generally approved, to the approaching
extermination of empirical practice and dangerous ex-
periment. This publication being undertaken to ren-
der as plain and familiar as poSfible a fubjed that has,
through almoSt every dilfertation, been obfeured by

the

I

PREFACE. xiii

the mifl cf ignorance and majk of myjlery ; it is anxi-
oufly to be defired in future, that every gentleman
who has occahon to elucidate or illuftrate his own
underftanding, by calling to his affiftance any of the
learned tribe before defcribed, fo remarkable for their
extent of communication, will (previous to their acl-
miniftration of medicine) require an explanatory pre-
lude, with fatisfadtory information upon what opera-
tions they frame their expectations of relief and fuc-
cefs ; — with the very necelTary and additional re-
commendation, to be particularly careful to obtain
their medicines from D'fpenfaries of repute, where the
proprietor is reported or fuppofed to have formed a
fair , honourable , and equitable contradt with emolument
and reputation.

And this caution is rendered more immediately
worthy confideration, by the multiplicity of fpecious
advert ifements fo conftantlyheld forth to promote the
lucrative fale ofinnumerable balls, powders , and pafies ,
individually infallible for every diforder to which the
horfe is incident. But what renders the circumftance
Hill more extraordinary, is their being prefcribed and
prepared, by thofe, very metropolitan praftioners in me-
dicine, whofe equeftrian pofleflions never amounted
to a fingle feed ; whofe journeys or unexperimental
practice never exceeded the diurnal progreffions of a
hackney-coach ; and vyhofe great anxiety for the Gene-
ral good never furpafled the idea of cent, per cent, in
the circulation. This obfervation comes with a much

6 better

XIV

PREFACE.

better grace, when I can allure the public, one of the
very ftrft advertifers in this way was a medical ad-
venturer, who having failed as a pharmacopolifi, at the
weft end of the town (as did his fucceflor alfo), they,
in rotation, adopted the alternative of neceflity, in
pompoufly advertifmg (< Horfe medicines for the ufe
« of the nobility and gentry.” How well they fuc-
ceeded, the creditors of both can mojl feelingly teftify j
and of their compofitions the reader will be beft en-
abled to • form a competent opinion, when, in the
courfe of the work, noflrums and quack medicines be-
come the neceftary fubiedts of anim advert ion.

CONTENTS.

CONTENTS

O

Bfervations,

Feeding,

Condition,

Bleeding,

Purging,

Splents,

Spavins,

Windgalls,

Lamenefs,

Strains,

*»■

Cnpks, &c.
Thrulh, •
Greafe,

Hidebound,

Surfeit,

Mange,

Farcy,

Wounds,

Ulcers,

Fiftula,

Poll Evil,

Tumours,

Warbles,

Navel Galls,
Sitfait,

Colds,

Coughs, .
Pleurify, &c.
Broken Wind,
Consumption,

CLASS I.

CLASS II,

CLASS III.

CLASS IV.

CLASS V.

CLASS VI.

Page

i

29

- — 3*

34

- 36

49

- SS

61

- 68

76

94

96

— 1/4
118

— 125
131

146

16*

168

J73

~ 180

187

— 189
192

195

1 99
211

2i9

227

CLASS

CONTENT
CLASS VII.

CLASS VIII.

xvi

Fevers,

Worms,

Jaundice,

Strangles,

Glanders',

Staggers, and Convulfidns,

CLASS IX.
Flatulent Cholic,

Inflammatory Cholic,

Scouring or Loofenei’s,

Molten Greafe,

S.

h 3

Strangury, &c. &c.

CLASS X.

CLASS XI.

■a a o

Difeafes of the Eyes, . ....

CLASS XIL
Mallenders,

Sallenders, — — ,

Lampas, > ■■

Quittor,

Curbs,

Ringbones, ■ .

SUPPLEMENT.

Pun&ured Tendon, —

Farcy,

Ligamentary Lamenefs,

Punftured or lacerated Tendon,

Thorn Wounds, .

Diitemper in Canine Species,

L C* J

Page
2 30

235

266

276

287

308

328

335

342

353

359

373

388

39°

ibid.

392

394

395

431

437

444

449

464

481

■i / c

n ' A 'O:

THE

* • -

THE

MODERN SYSTEM

/ ' # ■ , ' <

O F

FARRIERY.

THE very great difcoveries made in the
prefent century have certainly extended
to every art and fcience that could be mate-
rially improved by intenfe Study alld applica-
tion ; and to none more than the administra-
tion of medicine, and its effedts upon the
human body, by fome of the rnoft learned
men in every part of Europe : and, from the
rapid and univerfally acknowledged improve-
ments in this fyStem, the mod: admirable ad-
vantages have been obtained, and incredible
cures performed. In fuch general refinement,
the ancient mode of practice is not only ex-
ploded, but its origin and advocates nearly
buried in oblivion. Thofe Stupendous folios,

B the '

& OBSERVATIONS.

the voluminous herbals in the libraries of the
botanical votaries, have reluctantly given place
to various difiertations on the diftinguilhed
efficacy ofthofe grand fpecifics, mercury , opium *
antimony , bark , &c. of which fo many expe-
rimental and efficacious preparations have been
difcovered by chemical procefs, as to render
of little ufe or refpeCt any prefcription of
antient date, when put in competition with
the rational and approved fyftem of modern
improvements. The obftinate and invincible
advocates for the ancient mode of practice,
whether in phyfic or farriery, are at length
obliged to acquiefce in the change ; for, what
they by inclination were not willing to acknow-
ledge, time, truth, and experience, have
fully confirmed. But, ftrange as it may ap^
pear, (yet fhamefully true it is!) notwith-
itanding this rectification of judgment, very
little has yet been done to improve, or pro-
duce a change in, the long handing, abfurd,
and ridiculous SYSTEM of FARRIERY *
a change as equally necejfary , juft , laudable ,
equitable , and uj'eful , as any that can be adopted
for the general fafety and advantage of our
own fpecies. And this becomes more necefi-
farily and immediately the objeCt of ferious

eonfideration.

/

OBSERVATIONS. 3

confideration, when circumflances daily evince
to the medical practitioner (or compounder of
prefcriptions) the very great danger to which
fome of the finest horses in the world are
conflantly expofed* by the ignorance and obfti-
nacy of the parties to whofe care they are tod
generally entrufted ; every stable-boy, aping
the groom his fuperior, and the groom the
f elf -inftr utted farrier, all have their heads
and 'pockets fluffed with the quinteffence of
flupidity, collected from the various produc-
tions of antiquity, whofe very prescriptions
are in themfelves fo obfolete, that many of
the articles included have been long fince re-
jected as of no utility. But as variety muft
be obtained to effeCt the neceffary purpofe, the
invention is inflantly fet at work to fubflitute
new ingredients* for thofe long fince aban- .
doned as fuperfluous and unneceffary, in me-
dicinal compofition. Thefe alterations and
fubflitutes frequently form a mofl curious .col-
lection of contrarieties — purgatives and rcfirin -
gents, cordials and coolers , mercurials , antimo -
nials and diuretics , ate indifcriminately blended ,
in one mafs, as a fpecimen of thefe wonderful
improvements in the ART of FARRIERY !
And thofe who are mofl acquainted with this

B 2 practice

4

OBSERVATIONS.

practice wonder leaft how the dog-kennels,;
in every part of the kingdom, are fo amply
furnifhed with horse-flesh.-

AS 'an elucidation of this circumftarice, and
to corroborate the conlifiency of thefe obfer-
vations, we need only advert to the treatment
of the human fpecies in the time of that lumi-
nary, the famous Sydenham, who was fo

%

.much the celebrated favourite of his- day, it was
almoft fuppofed he could do no wrong. It
being then a common practice of his — to order
boldly THIRTY ounces of blood to be taken
from the arm of a man, without fear of murder
or danger of punifhment . And this is not alto-
gether likely to create wonder, when we recoi-
led! there is no law exifting to hang a phyfieian
for error in judgment: Time and experience

have fixed the fla-ndard, according to cafes,
cireumftances, and exigencies, from six ounces
to sixteen, which is nearly one half the ori-
ginal evacuation i fo that we find by this change
of quantity, the modern human body is fuppofed
to contain no more than one half the propor-
tion of blood that ran in the veins of the
heroes of antiquity, unlefs the whole
fyflem is entirely changed, as obferved by
2 Gregory ,

OBSERVATIONS.

5

Gregory , in the Mock Doctor, who fays
The heart was formerly on the left fide, but
« the COLLEGE have altered all that, and
placed it pn the right.”

To produce a cafe exactly fimilar in the
World of Farriery, let us take a furvey
of the medical abilities of Gibson, who cer-
tainly wrote much better on the fubjedt than
Bracken ; where we fhall find ordered, in a
fingle prefcription for a purging ball, two ounces
of aloes , with the addition of the other ufual
purging articles, though modern practice and
experience fix the eftablifhed proportion at
exadtly half or at mod: five eighths , to the
dronged horfes, with the cathartic aids before
mentioned. He alfo mod courageoufly re-
commends half an ounce of calomel \ or fublimed.
mercury , in a fingle ball ; and fpeaks of the
internal adminidration of mod: powerful poi-
fons, corroftve fublimate 9 or red precipitate , as
a matter of courfe : the proportion for a dofe
being curioufy afcertained by the fublime
menfuration of a <f filver two-pence,” as if a
premium had been abfolutelv provided by an
att oj parliament for the general extirpation ot
fchp breed of HORSES, as dejlrudiive to the

B g inter ejl§

6 OBSERVATIONS,

Piter efts of fociety . Though, after prefcribing
thefe dreadful remedies, he modejily confeffes
“ in the adminiflration. there is great danger ;
“ and, unlefs a horfe is very ftrong, he may not
“ be able to recover from the experiment.”

This is do Brine (and doBrine) with a wit-
pefs ! Thefe are the kinds of experiments , and
this the kind of language that has for two
centuries been held forth in almoft every trad:
upon the fubjed : and, under thefe abfurd,
ridiculous, dangerous, and contemptible bur-
lefques upon the application of medicine, will
any man, who wifhes well to the caufe of
humanity , fay fome rational fyftem of redid-
cation and improvement is not neceffary, to,
refcue from the danger of perpetual experi-
ments the nobled and mod: valuable quadruped
in the creation !

The palpable neceffity for fuch improve-
ment having been univerfally admitted previous
to the drft edition of this work, it is Jince ren-
dered more abjolutely needful by the recent re-
furredion of ancient praBice , modernifed in a
differentform and periodical appearance *. It has
* A Syftem of Farriery, in weekly numbers.

8 - evidently

OBSERVATIONS,

7

evidently undergone a kind of regeneration by
jts new birth , and is now become the child of
adoption • fanCtioned with the authority of a
nominal voucher for the conjijiency of its imper-
fections, and the propriety of introducing the
molt incredible accumulation of preferiptive
abfurdities that ever difgraced a medical work
offered to public infpedtion for the purpofe of
information. And what renders the impofi-
tion of hill greater magnitude, is the very con-,
fidential manner of proclaiming to the world
what every profeffor of medicine will inhanta-
neoufly refufe his affent to the belief of, viz.
that it is the joint production of an operative
farrier, phyficians, anatomihs, and profeffors of
furgery.

The talk of criticifm muft at all times be an
unpleafant performance, but much more par-
ticularly upon the prefent occafion, where it
will be abfblutely impoffible for me to difeharge
my obligation to an indulgent public (with
the neceffary precifion and impartiality) with-
out encountering, by this decifion, the pique or
refentment of all parties interefled in the fate
of fuch publication, or its effeCts upon the mul-,
titude. However, the predicament I now

B 4 * hand

s

OBSERVATIONS.

fland in compels me to proceed to a thorough
explanation, feeling myfelf pledged by a pub-
lic promife not only to invefligate , make clear ,
and endeavour to explode , the cruelties of an-
cient pradice, but to point out the equal dan-
ger of modern compojition even in its infancy ;
more particularly when ufhered into the
world by fuch high founding authority as
may give it temporary weight with unthink-
ing injudicious readers, or experimental ad-
venturers.

\ jr ■ «•

Previous to farther animadverfion upon the
elaborate periodical work in queftion, I (hall,
without the leaft intentional gratification of my
own vanity, offer to the prefent reader one
congratulatory fad: beyond the power of
fophijlry to confute, or criticifm to condemn.
Amidfl the paltry produdions that have been
obtruded upon the public under various titles,
(thofe fervile imitations or wretched lhutila-
tions of what had gone before) it is a moft
flattering circumfiance to the author, and no
indifferent confolation to the publiflier, that
this work will ever fupport itfelf upon the bafis
of its own origin. The great fuccefs and rapid
circulation of the former editions have totally

t . - - / » *• 4 1

exculpated

9

OBSERVATIONS.

exculpated every page from the leaf! accufation
of plagiarifm, as it will be found to differ very
materially from other publications upon the
fame fubjeCt, and the exa£t reverfe of thole in
circulation. The ftudious enquirer will be mod;
ferioully difappointed if he experts to find in
ihefe pages a literal imitation and repetition of
Gibson’s anatomical ftrudture, with the iden-
tical plates and correfponding references, or a
dangerous combination of deftrudtive articles
heterogeneoufy blended and cruelly applied.

Saying thus much to corroborate the intent
and meaning of our own work, it becomes
immediately applicable to repeat our aflertions
refpeCting the danger of others ; particularly in
thofe truly wonderful preferiptive parts, fo ?no~
defly affirmed to be the conjunctive efforts of
learned phyfi clans, fudious anatomifs , and pro-
ficients in Jurgery. That the practical know-
ledge of thefe nominal phyficians *< in buckram”
has far exceeded every thing preferibed before
their time, the magnitude and almolC unli-
mited number of dangerous articles, introduced
in their recipes, will lufficiently demonfirate to
thofe who are fo truly unfortunate as to have
pemfal fall to their lot; but more particu-
larly

io

OBSERVATIONS.

Iarly thofe who hill more unfortunately fall into
the practice.

It is impoffible (without taking too much
time from the reader, or too much room in
the work) to indulge a mod; predominant with
of enlarging upon the unaccountable abfurdi-
ties and aftonifhing proofs of ignorance in the
properties, power, and ufe of medicine, that
might be juilly quoted from this monjlrous
prodigy of modern inftrudtion, to refcue from
the rapacity of literary impofition that clafs of
mankind who fo frequently become the dupes
of fpecious plaufibility. As it would afford
but little information or amufement to enu^
merate the follies or copy the illiterate pre-
fcriptions to juftify my own obfervations, or
court a coincidence from others, I fhall content
myfelf with one affurance to the public, that
having taken the opinions of fome of the fa-
culty, (upon the recipes already promulgated
in the trifling part of the production hitherto,
gone forth) they perfectly agree with me —
there are a variety introduced that would in a
very few hours inevitably relieve the fubjedt
from every poffibility of future pain, Jiifferingy
or difquietude.

I fhall

OBSERVATIONS

ii

I fhall only convey an oblique hint at thofe
catchpenny fhifts or abridgments, from the
authors before fpoken of, publifhed under the
titles of “Ten Minutes Advice •” “ The
Pocket Farrier,” &c. &c. and proceed to a
few obfervations upon the wonderful difcove-
ries, prolix def crip tions, tedious digrejjiom , and
ajlonijhing tales, of Henry Bracken (medi-
cine doftor), who, to his diploma, which he
boafts of in his Preface, adds the ftrangeft com-
plication of language, for a medical author
and phyftcian, that ever difgraced a candidate
for critical diftedtion. However bad the com-
pliment may be to my own underftanding, or
largely it may tend to difplay my want of
tafte, I can neither condefcend to imitate him
in the fublimity of his ftyle or the fertility of
his medical invention: nor fhall I prefume
to copy fo great an original, by introducing
“ A Tale of a Tub” in every page, foreign to
the matter in queftion, merely for the purpofe
of fwelling this work to a fize that may con-
tribute to its difgrace; referving to myfelf one
confolation — if it does not become entitled to.
approbation for its utility, neither pique or pre-
judice fhall have juft caufe to condemn it for
its prolixity.

It

12 OBSERVATIONS.

It has been hitherto cuftomary, in the in-
troductory part of tradts upon this fubjedty to
enlarge upon the fhape, make, figure, and
qualifications, of a horfe for the turf, field,
road, <5cc. And all this might be very appli-
cable and proper, even ?tow3 could we for a mo-
ment fuppofe that a fportfman does not know
a horse from an ass, or that a gentleman
attends a repofitory, fair, market, or fale, with
a book in his hand or his pocket, by way of
remembrancer. Exclulive of this confideration,
in the prefent fiage of refinement, we are
become fo truly enlightened, that every juve-
nile devotee to Diana , who has juft efcaped
from the tender anxiety of his mamma and the
fuccefsful attention of his tutor, talks loudly
and confidently of the “ full eye ct fmall ear,"
deep chefi “ clofe fillet ,” “ Jhort back,'*

ftrong pafiern,” “ found hoof,” &c. Infhort,
all thofe qualifications that are at prefent uni-
verfally underftood, and in conftant requelt,
by the belt judges, are very hard to obtains
and it is by no means an uncommon thing to
obferve a horfe with' a very few good points,
in the pofifefiion of thofe we are apt to believe
/from a combination of circumftances) have

OBSERVATIONS.

*3

it in their power to be much better accommo-
dated.

Since the original publication of this work,
obje<ftions having been fiarted to the above
mode of explanation, as not only too concife
for the magnitude of the fubjeCt, but equally
inadequate to the expectation of the young and
inexperienced, who became inquirers more
from the motive of information than amufe-
ment ; I fhall endeavour to obviate that difap-
pointment, by entering more minutely into the
defcriptive qualifications, and clearly point out
the advantages arifing from circumfpeCtion to
juvenile adventurers in the equeftrian field of
fortune. Exclufive of the before-mentioned
clafs of enlightened pupils, who have improved
their theoretic knowledge by practical expe-
rience and difpofition upon the well-worn
hacks of Eton, Oxford, and Cambridge , (en-
abling themfelves to animadvert upon fplents,
fpavins, windgalls, and ftrains), it mult be
confeffed there are innumerable inferiors who
having unluckily no experimental knowledge
to improve upon, no advantage to avail them-
felves of but literary inftruftion, or dear-bought
experience, it is undoubtedly j u ft fuch advice

fhould

4 OBSERVATIONS.

Should be inculcated as may tend to prevent:
their becoming dupes to the various traps of
impofition eternally open to plunder the un-
wary.

In refpedt then to the abfolute Jhape, make ,
and figure of a horfe, fuch rules Shall be laid
down for the feledtion, or choice in purchafe,
as it will be indifpenfibly necelfary to adhere
to, if fipeed ', firength , or beauty, (commonly
termed faihion ) are the objedts of conlideration «
though it maybe juftly believed an almolt en-
tire impoihbility to procure a horfe with all
thofe points and advantages the eye of caution
and experience conltantly has in view. In fuch
furvey, the primary and predominant confi-
deration (if found) is the date of age, but much
more particularly if required for immediate
life, at lead that kind of ufe termed cOnftant
Work 5 as no horfe whatever can be fuppofed
adequate to fuch talk at an earlier age than
rifing lix years.

To the very necelfary conviction of age mould
follow a moffc minute and attentive infpedtion,*
or rather ftridt examination, of thofe points
constituting the diftindtion between imperfec-
tionsi

OBSERVATIONS. i5

tions, blemijhes , and defeats-, in general doubt-
fully implied, and not always perfectly under-
stood, by the common affurance of “ Sound
« wind and limb.” To afcertain the veracity
of which technical phrafeology much nicety of
difcrimination appertains*

Amongft fportfmen (who are juftly entitled
to the appellation of gentlemen, and poffefs a
high and proper fenfe of honour and the prin-
ciples of equity) the general acceptation of the
word “found” has ever been , and fill is, in-
tended to convey an honourable , unequivocal
affurance of the perfedt ftate of both the frame
and bodily health of the fubjedt, without ex-
ception or ambiguity. It is meant to imply the
total abfence of blemifhes as well as defedts,
(unlefs particularly pointed out and explained) j
and is really intended to confirm a bona fde de-‘
claration of the horfe’s being (at the time)
free from every imp erfe Elion, labouring under
no impediment to fght or a Elion. This is the
eftablifhed intent and meaning of the word
“found” amongft gentlemen and Jportfnen-, its
explication and various ufes, for the convenient
purpofes and impofitions of grooms , dealer Sj
black-legs, and jobbing itinerants, are too perfedliy

understood

16 OBSERVATIONS;

/

underiTood (by thofe who have run the gaunf«
]et of experience and deception) to require
further animadveriion.

However, as you can but very feldom pof-
fefs the good fortune to purchafe of a gejitleman,
it will prove no contemptible practice to adopt
the fage old maxim, and “deal with 2&honeJl
“ man as you would with a rogue:” this pre-
caution may prevent a probable repentance,
and palpably urges the necefiity of putting
your own judgment and circumfpeCtion in

competition with the integrity of your oppo-
nent, however he may be favoured by fortune ,
or fandtioned by fituatlon.

/

The prudent or experienced purchafer con-
fequently commences his talk of infpeCtion
with care,- caution , and circumfpeffion, fir ft ac-
curately afcertaining the floape, make , bone , and
Jlrength ; collecting fufficient information from
fuch obfervation, whether his qualifications are
properly adapted to the purpofes of acquifition.
He fees him go all his paces, and forms his
own opinion upon each; or perhaps more judi-
cioufly avoids every pofiibility of trick or decep-
tion, by riding the horfe and thoroughly invef-

tigating

OBSERVATIONS. 17

tigating his properties ; thereby efcaping bad
aCtion, lamenefs, darting, reftivenefs, and other
incidental imperfections . He then molt atten-
tively proceeds to the more minute and necef-
fary examination of the Rate of the eyes, wind,
knees, fplents,fpavins, windfalls, ringbones, quit-
tors, cracks or greafe: defcending laflly to the
feet, thereby avoiding corns, running thru/). b, can-
ker, and additional defeCts that young and in-
experienced purchafers frequently fuppofe un-
worthy conlideration or reflection, facrificing
the whole at the (brine of figure and ja/hion.

In the choice and purchafe of a horfe, feleCted
for whatever purpofe, it is an invariable and
eflabliihed cuftom with the belt judges to come
as near the following points and advantages as
circumftances will permit, thereby gaining in
each an additional ftep to the fummit of per-
fection. For the defired or intended height,
(ize, and figure, being afeertained and pro-
cured, all other neceffary points fo ftriCtly cor-
refpond (in a certain degree of uniformity) that
what gives Jpeed and Jirength to a large horfe,
will proportionably contribute (imilar advan-
tages to a fmaller.

C

To

18 OBSERVATIONS.

To contribute that uniformity, the head and
ears fhould both be fmall and fhort, with a
■large full eye and open extended noftril; a
long well proportioned neck, riling gradually
upon the withers, forming what is generally
termed 4 4 a fine forehand,” having great depth
from thence to the point of the bread:, which
being wide, affords ample proof of ftrength , as
does the necefiary declination of the Ihoulder
(or blade-bone) to the point of the withers
another of fpeed. This combination forms a
well made horfe before, which is continued to
the remaining parts of the frame, by the back’s
being fhort and even, not Jinking at all in the
loins, or rijing higher behind , upon what is
termed “ the crupper-bone j the carcafe fhould
be round, and well ribbed up to the hip-bones,
(forming as trifling a hollownefs or concavity
in the flank as pofiible) thefe being by no
means pointedly prominent. The legs fhould
not be too long for the height of the horfe, but
fhort in the joints, and particularly fo upon
the patterns.

✓

Thefe inttrudtions refpekiingjhape, make , and
figure , will (with very few exceptions) prove
leading traits to the necefiary and defirable qua-
lifications.

OBSERVATIONS. i9

locations. To afcertain the whole of which,
no invariable rules can be laid down as an in-
fallible guide to certain perfection ; for there are
many inftances of very well Shaped horfes hav-
ing proved indifferent goers, and others fo en-
tirely crofs made as to poflefs hardly a good
point, being equal in aCtion to fome of the
fin eft figures in the kingdom. Rules or inftruc-
tions thus liable to exception, (though they
are eftablifhed by cuftom, and in a great degree
juftified by experience, have yet fome claim
to contribution from the perforlal obfervntion
and deliberate judgment of the pur chafer; for
furely it can require no extraordinary portion
of genius , or extent of penetration, to aiftin-
guifh between “ a good goer ” and a bad one : if
fo, the adventurers may as probably ftand in
need of an inftruCtor to point out the differ-
ence between a horj'e and a mare.

Notwithstanding thefe inftruCtions may con-
tribute to form the judgment of a juvenile
and inexperienced purchafer, yet he Should
never attempt to obtain a high priced horfe
from the hammer of a modern repofitory,
without the advantage of an affiftant perfectly
adequate to the arduous talk of discrimination.

C 2 L*t

20

O B S E RVAT I O N S.

Let it be remembered, at fuch mart of inte-
grity, a horfe is feldom, if ever, difplayed in a
Rate of nature ; he is thrown into a variety of
alluring attitudes, and a profufion of falfe-fire,
by the powerful intermediation of art — that
predominant incentive the whip before, and
the aggravating Rimulus of the ginger behind,
(better underftood by the application of “ jig -
ging") giving to the horfe all the appearance of
fpirit, [in faff fear) that the injudicious fpec-
tator is too often imprudently induced to be-
lieve the fpontaneous effort of nature.

During the fuperficial furvey, in thofe few
minutes allowed for infpeCtion and purchafe,
much fatisfaCtory inveftigation cannot be ob-
tained; for, in the general hurry and con-
fufion of “ fhewing out,” the fhort turns and
irrugular action of the horfe, the political and
occafional fmacks of the whip, the effeCt of
emulation in the bidders, the loquacity of the
orator, and the fafcinating flourifh of the ham-
mer, the qualifications of the objeCt is fre-
quently forgotten, and every idea of perfection
buried in the fpirit of perfonal oppofition.

Such

21

O B SERVAT IONS.

Such a combination of circumftances, tend-
ing fo much to perplex and confufe, urges the
neceffity of care, caution, and circumfpedtion.
The eyes of Argus would hardly prove too nu-
merous upon the occafion, a bridle being as
necelTary upon the tongue as a padlock upon
the pocket ; for, amidft the great variety of
profeffional manoeuvres in the art of horfe- deal-
ing, a purchafe.r muft be in poffeffion of a great
fhare of good fortune or found judgment to elude
the ill effects of deception and impofition; a
circumftance fo univerfally admitted that go-
vernment confidered a fubflantial tax no im-
proper compliment to their iniquities.

The inffitution was undoubtedly originally
good, and for forne years proved of the greateff
public utility : whether, like many other of the
moft valuable inffitutions, it has been proffi-
tuted to the worf of purpofes, remains with the
opinion of every reader to decide. For my
own part, however highly they may be ex-
tolled, or extensively puffed, by the parties in-
terefled in their fuccefs, I muff confefs, I am
never included within their walls but I con-
ceive myfelf in the very centre of Cheflerfield’s
“fink of iniquity ,” and coniider a found horfe

C 3 ffonj

22

O B S E RVAT IONS.

from a repofitory equally rare with a capital
prize in the lottery.

In the midft of thefe very necelfary confi-
derations, it mull be remembered, fuch heb-
dominal files are not without their acknow-
ledged conveniences ; for although they are
by no means calculated to buy at, they are moil
admirably adapted for felling. Here you may,
in compliance with cujiom and the full force of
fafiion, get rid of the blind, lame , rejlive , broken -
winded, fplented, fpavined , or glandered horfes,
without remorfe or fear of punifhment. The
feller, whether a nominal gentleman without
honour, or the dealer without principle, is enti-
tled to every degree of duplicity he can bring
into practice ; they lay equal claim to the privi-
lege of obliquely puffing their own horfes (as
ftanders-by praffing their unequalled qualifica-
tions, and bidding for them) with an affedled
enthufiafm, thereby inducing the unwary to
proceed in the purchafe very much beyond the
intrinfic value. The credulous dupe becomes in
a fhort time convinced of the bubble, and is in
poffieffion of no confoiation but the law of re-
taliation, by a repetition of transfer; neceffity
pompels him to fell at the fame or a fimilar

market

O B S E RVAT IONS.

23

market with an equal degree of deception, in
which he now becomes initiated; and the per-
petual routine of crippled hofpital horfes is thus
iupported by the very predominant plea of
felf-prefervation .

Thefe fadts being well eilabliihed, and
amongft the experienced univerfally known,
it is generally admitted that the moil; probable
method of acquiring a young , found ', perfedl
horfe, mult be by purchafing in the country,
before they have made a “ trading voyage” to
the metropolis ; where, with the joint effedts of
indifferent riders, indolent grooms or oflers, hot
/tables, irregidar feeds, and the plentiful hay and
water fyftem that frequently conflitutes livery
fubflilence, we foon perceive fluctuating hu-
mours, depraved appetite, inflamed eyes, fwell-
ed legs, cracked heels, tender feet, and a mul-
tiplicity of thofe fable comforts that inilantly
ilrike the eye of an experimental obferver,
when taking an occaflonal furvey of the public
ftables in London ; where they conceive they
execute every degree of equeilrian duty in the
higheft perfection, though a lad, of even the
fecond clafs , from a common hunting- liable in

C 4 the

24 OBSERVATIONS.

the country would inftantly demonftrate the
contrary.

• * . J f

My very worthy and learned predeceflor
Bracken, in his digrehions for the public
good, has introduced Rories and fimiles of
, all difcriptions and denominations, from the
funeral of his “ favourite mare with ale and
“ rofemary,” to the “ comparifon between a
“rider of fixteen Jlone and a Scotchman's
“pack'd' Rriftly enjoining every man (who
had not a rational idea of his own corpulence
or circumference) to be careful in adapting
the Rrength of his horfe to his own weight \
with many other obfervations of equal faga-
city and penetration. But, as I indulge a
much highier opinion of the underftandings
of thofe to whofe ferious infpedtion this trea-
tife will become fubjeft, I fhall not irritate
the feelings of any fportfman, who unluckily
rides a great weight, by reminding him what
kind of horfe is moft likely to reconcile the
inconvenience, but naturally conclude every
reader will exert his judgment for the pro-
curation of fuch purchafe as will prove molt
likely to become adequate to the purpofes for
which he is intended.

He

25

/

« « '

O B S E RVAT I O N S.

He alfo (from an univerfality of genius, no
doubt,) animadverts upon the art of riding and
qualifications of horfemen, their tempers, dif-
pofitions, agility, alacrity, fear, fortitude, “wry '
faces, and lofing of leather-, ” defcants largely
upon the apparatus of bits, bridles, faddles,
&c. entering into the very minutiae of the
riding-fchool, which now would be not only
degradingthe experimental knowledge of every
fportfman in the kingdom, but abfolutely f nug-
gling a fubjedt the acknowledged property of
Angelo, AJiley, Hughes , and Jones .

' 'I

In refpcdt to the anatomical ftrudture of a
horfe, nothing can be added upon that fubjedt
to excite attention it has been already fo mi-
nutely inveftigated and accurately explained
by Gibson and Snape, that the leail room for
addition or enlargement is not left for any
fucceeding writer who does not (as before
obferved) admit the capacities of the folids to
be more enlarged, the fluids encreafed, or the
heart changed from one fide to the other, fince
the days of thole authors, who fo well ful-
filled to the public the talks they had under-
taken . And as the operative part of f a r r i e r y
is not intended to come within the purpofe of

our

26

OBSERVATIONS.

our prefent plan, but is entirely fubmitted to
thofe whole immediate profeffion it is to be
moil clearly informed of; to the excellent
anatomical works of the above writers I refer
them for a completion of their Rudies, and
come to fuch a fyRem as it is abfolutely necef-
faiy for every fportfman to underRand, that
he may be not only enabled to prefcribe for his
own horfes upon emergencies, but to judge of
the propriety of their treatment when, by the
feverity of circumRances, fubmitted to the
fuperintendence of others.

Much multifarious matter has conRantly
been intorduced relative to the age of a horfe
by his mouth ; where (after all the obfervations
upon the fubjefl) it becomes an acknowledged
£a<R by every writer, each Rgn is doubtful, and
liable to deception in the various arts and
dengns of the dealers, who, by engraving and
burning artificial marks in fome teeth, and
totally extracting (or beating out) others, ren-
der the horfe of any feeming age moR applicable
to their purpofe. And thefe faults cannot be
eafily difcovered but by grooms or judges who
are in the conRant habit and practice of making
fuch remarks and obfervations.

Nor

O BSERVATIONS.

27

Nor is there any matter in a horfe requiring
a nicer difcrimination in judgment, than to
afcertain to a certainty the age of a horfe by his
teeth only, having absolutely feen two men of
abilities and experience on the oppofite (ides
of a horfe’s mouth, at the fame time declare
him of different ages 3 when, by exchanging
fides, each changed his opinion, and the horfe
proved, by the common rule, to be coming a
year older on one fide than the other. Thefe
doubts in refpeCt to the certainty of age being
admitted, one fixed rule is incontrovertible — ■
that, after the mark (which is the general
guide) is obliterated, the longer the teeth are,
and the narrower the under jaw is towards its
extremity, the more the horfe is advanced in
years.

But, as the age of the horfe is fo diftin&ly
abftraCted from, and unconnected with, the
difcription of difeafe which becomes more
immediately the fubjcft of difcuffion, I fhall
leave the former to the fubtle decifion of the
liable difputants, to whofe province it may be
faid to belong, and whom it more materially
concerns.

There

28

OBSERVATIONS.

There can be but little doubt that whoever
becomes a purchafer, at the prefent high price
of found , frejh , and fashionable horfes, will
proportion the price to fuch deficiences as
times and circumitances render unavoidable ;
and make pecuniary allowances for advanced
age, broken wind, bad eyes, fpavin, fplents, and
a long detail of incidental imperfections. But
as fuch necefiary circumfpedtion does not
always take place with the young and inexpe-
rienced purchafer, a concife hint not to acquire
too many infirmities at a high price, merely
to gratify a. little perfonal ofientation in an ex-
ternal difplay of blood and fashion, cannot
be amifs. More particularly when we fo fre-
quently fee an accidental fall, and confequent
laceration upon the knees, prove the tranfient
value of what was (a few minutes before) the
objedt of admiration and poflefiion with every
beholder, now become blown upon, and of no
greater eftimation than to be unrelentingly
torn to pieces, by that molt merciful and
humane invention,

/

A MAIL COACH OF P ALMERI AN MEMORY.

Previous to the treatment of' difeafes, it
cannot be inapplicable to point out fuch things

ft

feeding.

29

as are ffridtly neceffaty, and abfolutely con-
ducive to the prefervation of health, though
perhaps not at all times properly attended to.
For inftance, no fubjedt is more highly entitled
to a diftindt and leparate inveftigation than the
article of

FEEDIN G,

as a peculiar attention to the qualities and
quantities of aliment is particularly necellary
to fecure the horfe in a Fate of health and con-
dition, fit for the immediate purpofe to which
he may be deflined. To produce him at all
times ready for the turf, field, or road , be-
comes neceffarily the complete fly le of clean -
Ymefs, drefiing, exercifie, and various minutiae,
that conftitute the prefent perfedt hate of liable
difcipline ; which never arofe to fo high a
pitch of excellence, and can have originated
only in a laudable emulation, that feems (by a
kind of fympathetic infpiration or enthufiafm)
to have taken poffeffion of every groom in
flables of repute, and renders unneceffary the
moft trifling obfervations upon this ceremony,

6 where

3°

FEEDING.

where the horfes are thought worthy the
attention of master or man.

And it is equally fo in refped to the articles
o ifood. Horfes are as often out of condition
(in inferior ftables) from the effect of improper
food as from natural difeafes. Refpe&ing the
moft proper food to a horfe in health, no
diverfity of opinions can be fupported unlefs by
FOOLS or MADMEN.

Experience, that inevitable touchftone of
truth , demonflrates, to an indifputable cer-
tainty, the acknowledged preference of fpring-
grajs in the held; or fuseet oats , found beans,
and fragrant hay , in the liable, to every other
article that imagination can invent or novelty
fupply.

And here it becomes unavoidably neceffary
to introduce a circumftance that conflantly
occurs in the courie of obfervation ; at lead to
thofe who, entering a multiplicity of ftables,
wifh to enlarge their information or exercife
their judgment. How very common is it to
find a confutation held upon the appearance
of a favourite horfe, who, to the fupprife of

the

FEEDING. 31

the parties, lofes flefh, becomes dull and heavy
in the liable, languid in adion, fickly in coat,
and foul in excrement, doomed to a courfe of
■purgatives, then diuretics ; and, lallly, a tedious
adminidration of alteratives , as fickly and
unfound! And all for what? — becaufe the poor
emaciated animal, being deditute of the powers
of fpeech, could not better inform his perfe-
cutors, than by his empbatical and milinter-
prcted looks, that his hay was mujly , and con-
lequently laying the foundation of many dis-
orders . For, being thus deprived of more than
half his fupport, the trifling quantity he did
take (being againd the difpodtion of nature
and appetite ) afforded little nutriment ; nor of
courfe could, when fourteen pounds of hay
only had perhaps palfed the intedinal canal in
four days, indead of fifty- fix ; the accudomed
and proper proportion being rated at fourteen
pounds for twenty-four hours, where horfes are
regularly corn-fed. T o bring this defect in the

quality and quantity of this part of the aliment
home to every comprehenlion, let any reader
conceive the idea (or try the experiment) of
fitting down with an excellent appetite (after a
mod excellent chafe) to a beef deak nearly
approaching putrefaElion , with no fauce but
7 hunger ,

32 CONDITION.

hunger , no alternative but necejjity , and I be-
lieve I may venture to aftert — the feelings of
the man and the beast will not be diffimilar
on the occalion.

4

Thefe circumftances attending both hay and
corn I have repeatedly been witnefs to; and
do affirm, in oppolition to any opinion that
may be formed againft me, moil horfes will
fhew, in lefs than a fortnight, both in their
fiejh, coat , and fpirits , when hay or corn do
not yield or convey their proper nutriment , if
given in fair and juft proportions. I confe-
quently avail myfelf of this fadt, to urge the
neceffity of found corn, fweet hay , foft water,
regular feeds, and as regular exercife , if a horfe
is deftred or expedted to appear in good

CONDITION.

The word condition, in the phrafeology
of the turf, is fuppofed to imply a horfe ’s
being in fuch a ftate of perfection, and in
ftrength and power fo much above the pur-
pofe he is deft in ed to, that he difplays it

in figure and appearance. Fine in coat , firm

in

CONDITION. 33

mjlefh, high in fpirits, and frejh upon his legsi
To be in this definable ftate, if a young horfe,
and llranger to hard work, may be readily ex-
pected, and naturally concluded 5 but, on the
contrary, where a horfe has been fubjeCt to a
proportion of duty, either on the turf, field*
or road, a great degree of good fortune mufc
have attended him through all his journies,
not to have fuffered from fome one of the
many dangers to which he has been fo repeat-
edly expofed. By way therefore of introdu-
cing directions for getting a horfe into condition,
it will be moft proper to fix the criterion of
commencement at that feafon when a hunter,
having had what is called a fummer’s run, is
taken up with an intent to get him into pro-
per condition for the field. The horfe being
taken up, if he is free from lamenefs, and
there is no blemifh, infirmity, or any other
obftacle, to forbid fuch proceedings, put him
firfl upon a very moderate proportion of hay
and corn, and increafe it gradually, according
to the fize and conftitution. At the expiration
of three or four days, when the hard food
may naturally be fuppofed to have dillodged
the grafs, and fupplied its place, a proportion
of blood may be taken away, according to the

D fize.

34

BLEEDIN G.

fize, hate, (Length, and temperament of the
horfe, with due attention to the flelh he may
have gained, or the impurities he may have
imbibed with his p afture.

And here let me particularly caution the
operator and the owner againfl that Jlovenly ,
infernal, and contemptible (not to add danger-
ous) practice of fuffering the blood to fall
indifcrimina;ely, in refpedt to quantity and
quality, upon the ground or dunghill . This
felf-fufficient manner of

BLEEDING

the farrier always conliders a linking proof
of his confequence, and a never failing mark
of his infallibility ; hut it never can be too
much difcouraged, and in faft ought by no
means to be countenanced, or indeed, per-
mitted. If no particular plethora or fulnefs
appears, to render large evacuations necelfary,
three pints will prove fufficient for a (lender or
delicate fubjeft ; two quarts for the more ad-
vanced in llrength or lize ; but from the very
large and Erong, or remarkably foul horfes,-

may

I

BLEEDING. 35

hiay be fafely drawn full five pints. However,
thel'e directions fhould be carefully made by
meafure, to avoid the inconvenience and dan-
ger of too much relaxing the whole fy item ;
an impropriety in conduct that may not be io
eafily remedied as imagined. After this eva-
cuation, let the fame regular fy item of food,
and gentle exercife, be continued for three clear
days ; and on the fourth prepare his body for
the phyfic intended to be taken on the follow-
ing morning, by giving him in the courfe of
the day three mafhes of equal parts of bran and
oats, fcalded with boiling water, and given
at a proper degree of warmth* morning, noon,
and night j putting on the neceffary body-
clothes, at the time of giving the firft rnafh,
to prevent the lead; hazard of cold from the
relaxation of either body or pores. In the
morning give one of the following purging
balls, q£ which four different proportions are
fpecmed, and calculated for the horfes before
mentioned, in refpeCt to Strength, fize, and
conftitutiom But as we fhall, in the courfe
of the work, have occafion to introduce refe-
rences to thefe cathartic balls,' under
the heads of various difeafes, it will be more
convenient to diflinguifh them by numbers',

D 2 and.

36 P H Y S I C, &c.

and, beginning with the weakeft, the refe-
rence need only be made to the number in
future, without a repetition of the ingre-
dients, '

PURGING BALL.

f

( No. i. )

Take of fuccotrine aloes one ounce ;

India rhubarb two drachms ;

Jalap and cream of tartar each one drachm j
Ginger (in powder) two fcruples ;

EfTential oil of cloves and anifeed each twenty
drops ^

Syrup of buckthorn a fufficient quantity to for®
the ball.

( No. 2. )

Take of fuccotrlne aloes ten drachms ;

Of rhubarb, jalap, and ginger, each a drachm and
a h?lf, and fyrup of buckthorn to make the ball.

(No,

PHYSIC, &c.

37

( No. 3. )

Take Barbadoes aloes ten drachms ;

Jalap, and Caftile foap, of each a drachm and a halt ;
Diagrydium and ginger (in powder) each a drachm ;
Syrup of buckthorn fufEcient to make the ball.

( No. 4. )

Take Barbadoes aloes an ounce and a half;

Caftile foap and jalap (in powder) of each two
drachms ; ginger two fcruples;

Oil of anifeed forty drops ; of cloves twenty drops :
which form into a ball with fyrup of rofes or buck-
thorn.

, 1

It is almoh unneceffary to obferve thefe
balls are gradually increafed in their purga-
tive qualities, fo as to be feledted by the judg-
ment of the reader, according to the hate of
hrength and foulnefs the fubjedt may be in;
and are fo carefully guarded with warm aro-
matics, that the operation will (by a hrict ad-

D 3 here nee

33 P H Y S I C, &c,

herence to the following RULES) in genera^
proceed without the lead: alarm or danger. The
ball being given early in the morning, let it
be waRied down with a quart of water {lightly
warm, to take off the naufea as much as pof-
fible : leave in his rack a little fweet hay ;
and, in about three hours after, give a warm
ma£h of fcalded bran , containing one fourth
of oats ; upon which let the water be poured
boiling hot, and Rand a proper time to cool
before it is put into the manger y as, by placing
it there too hot, the fumes produce an anti-
pathy which the horfe does not eafily get
over ; on the contrary, by touching the majh,
and being burnt, will not be prevailed upon
to attempts it in future. In cafe of a fixed
averfion to majbes , a feed of bran may be
given at the Rated periods, in which may be
mixed one quart of ground oatmeal.
Water proportionally warm may be given him
to the quantity of half a pail thrice in the day
and let his majh be repeated twice that day
alfo, and early on the following morning,
about which time the phyfic may be expe&ed
to begin its operation ; but if the mafh fhould
be refufed, a pail of warm water may be fub-
Rituted i and in two hours after the horfe

(well

PHYSIC, &c. 39

4 /

(well clothed) walked out for half an hour at

leaft. Frequent fupplies of warm water muft
be given, and two other mafhes at their pro-
per times ; by no means omitting to take him
out, and walk him gently twice or thrice in
the courfe of the day. But, as purgatives
adminiftered to quadrupeds of this defcription.
cannot, from the great continuation of the
inteftinal canal, be expected to commence
their operation in lefs than. twenty-four hours,
no hurrying or forcing methods muft be taken
to agitate the animal, or produce preternatural
effects. So loon as the medicine begins to
operate kindly and patiently, aflift the work
by the means before mentioned, at ftated
periods, or at fuch times as the appetite will
permit them to be taken ; continuing the
mafhes no longer than the phyfic is faid to be
fet, or (in other words) the excrements become
firm, and refume their original form.

Indeed the management of horfes, during a
courfe of phyfic, is at prefeint fo well under-
ftood, that little more need be added upon
that fubjed ; excepting the very necefiary pre-
caution to avoid cold during thefe operations,
by a proper attention to the variations of the

D 4 weather.

4& PHYSIC, &c.

weather, and proportional clothing to the
horfe : for a cold caught at the leafon we fpeak
of, and particularly during a courfe of phyfic,
by fixing on the eyes or lungs, becomes an
inveterate enemy to fport, and fometimes for
the whole winter.

Six clear days fhould be allowed between
the firfl and fecond dofe, and the fame fpace
between the fecond and third. The entire
courfe being regularly gone through, it will
undoubtedly remove every degree of foulnefs
refulting from full feeding at grafs : and un-
lefs fome palpable defeCt or latent obflacle
indicates the contrary, he will (in little more
than a fortnight) by his jlejh, ccai , and j pints,
prove his ability to undertake any moderate
chace in which his rider may be inclined to
engage.

Though in the attainment of this fbate of
perfection much depends upon the care and
punctuality of the groom or fuperintendent ;
the increafe in food, and length (as well as
ftrength) of exercife , fhould be very gradual
from the fetting of the laft dofe of phyfic ; as
for inflance, the horfe fhould be regularly

taken

41

P II Y S I C, &c.

taken out (if the weather permit) morning
and evening, walking him half an hour before
his water, and the fame after 3 which fhould
be taken at a pond of foft water, in pre-
ference to a fpring or running dream, if pof-
fible. His drefiings fhould be as condant and
regular as his exercife, which having been
gradually lengthened for the firft five or fix
days, he may then, after walking his ufual
time, have a moderate gallop (increafing it
daily in length and fpeed, according to date
and drength), before he is taken to water,
walking him a proper time both before and
after 3 by no means adopting that mod ridicu-
lous, contemptible , and pernicious practice of
galloping your horfe immediately after , in fern
yile fubjedtion to the illiterate opinion of warm-
ing the water in the horfe’s belly 3 a cudom
that has, through the ignorance or folly of
fervants, proved the abfolute ruin of many hun-
dreds, as will be clearly explained in the courfe
of our future remarks, when we come to {peak
of broken-winded horfes.

This mode of exercife mud be condantly per-
fevered in without relaxation^ his gallops night
and morning diould be increafed, as well as his

walking

42

P II Y S I C, &c.

* \

walking exercife, which fhould by, this time
be lengthened to a full hour in the morning,
and the fame in the evening : not only during
the time of promoting condition , but regularly
continued to preferve him fo ; if the owner is
prompted by the leafl fpark of emulation to
appear in the field with a portion of that eclat ,
fo very much the ton in every fporting county
in the kingdom.

A proper refpedt to the abilities ofBARTLET
(who has very confiderably improved and mo-
dern ifed the fyftem of Gibson and Bracken)
induces me to give a literal copy of his prepar-
ation for “ a cooling purging drink f ’ which,
as he obferves, “ is cooling, eafy, and quick in
“ its operation, and greatly preferable, in all
“ inflammatory cafes, to any other purge, as
“ it paffes into the blood, and operates alfo by
“ urine.”

*

u Take fenna two ounces ; infufe in a pint of boil-
“ ing water two hours, with three drachms of fait
« of tartar ; pour otf and diffolve in it four ounces of
“ Glauber falts, and two or three drachms of cream
“ of tartar.”

In

PHYSIC, &c. 43

In inflammatory cafes, where a cathartic is
required to operate expeditioufly ; or where a
horfe, by his rejecting powers, compels a ball
to regurgitate, and it cannot be eafily 01 pro-
perly palTed, this drink may be admitted with
propriety. But where a dofe of phyfic is given
merely as a purgative, without any indication
of infliantaneous neceflity, I mult, in juftice,
certainly recommend a ball in preference ; and
for this reafon, which I doubt not will prove
perfectly confident and fatisfadtory to every
mind prepared for information. — The ball
being given, is twenty-four hours in its gra-
dual dilTolution in the ftomach and fubfe-
quent palfage through the inteftinal canal ;
this, by his gentle and regular folution of the
excrements, and lubrication of the parts, ac-
counts moll readily for the great eafe any of
the preceding balls work off with in general,
without the lead: neceflity for all that alarm and
apprehenfion betrayed by fo many, who prefer
the chance of fpoiling, or at lead; injuring, a
capital horfe, to feeing him under the tempo-
rary difquietude of a falutary courfe of phy-
flc.

«

The fame eafe is not to be expedted in the
operation of cathartic medicine conveyed in a

liquid

44

P H Y S I C, &c.

f

liquid form ; for the joint qualities and force
of the different ingredients being let loofe at
tile fame moment upon the internal coat of
the Somach, without their Simulative powers
being covered by aromatic or carminative in-
gredients, may (exclufive of the difagreeable
fenfation excited by their adtion upon the irri-
tability of the fcomach) be productive of
fpafms, or very fevere griping pains, previous
to the laxation of the hardened fasces in the
intefiines.

And where fuch pains are evidently predo-
minant, (the proper time being more than ex-
pired), and there is no palpable fign of the
phylic’s beginning to operate kindly, (which
for the confolation of thofe unacquainted with
the ceremony, is very feldom the cafe, parti-
cularly if the medicines are carefully and ac-
curately prepared) fo far from applauding the
raihly recommended fyftem of oiling “ a final!

handf and extracting the excrement from
the fundament, I relinquifn every expectation
of hnding “ a very f mall hand ” among farriers
cr grooms, and confequently difclaim the idea
of encouraging any fuch practice, unlefs the
rettum ill on Id be abl'olutely plugged up, fo as

to

45

P H Y S I C, &c.

to prevent the paffing of the pipe for the in-
jection of a glyfter, which fhould be given im-
mediately with a large bag and pipe procured
for the purpofe, and repeated if neceffary j.
making not the lead; doubt but this lubrication
and Jlimulus will remove all obftrudtions, and
afford every advantage that can be obtained
from the favourite and long-ftanding practice
of RAKING.

To prepare the GLYSTER.

Take of camomile flowers, fweet fennel, and cori-
ander feeds bruifed, of each one ounce : carra-
way feeds half an ounce ; boil in two quarts of water
till reduced to three pints ; then {train and add
for folution, while hot, of Epfom falts two
ounces ; and when nearly cool enough to adminif-
ter, add of olive oil, and tincture of fenna, com-
monly called Daffy’s elixir, of each a quarter of
a pint.

On the contrary, where the conffitutional
ffamina does not prove fo ftrong as imagined,
the bowels in a weaker date than expected, or
the medicines are found to irritate or purge
more than is requifite or defired ; and the
phyfic does not let at the ufual time, (the horfe
2 being

46 PHYSIC, k.

being confequently low, and off his appetite)
let the following cordial restringent
ball be prepared and given immediately,
repeating it in fix or eight hours if neceffary :

Take mithridate one ounce, Armenian bole, gum
arabic, and prepared chalk (in fine powder), each
half an ounce ; ginger (in powder) two drachms;
fyrup of diacodium quantity fufficient to make a
ball.

In three hours after let the following re-
stringent mash be given, properly pre-
pared, and kept occafionally ffirring when
over the fire, to prevent its burning : or this
may be given, if neceffary, without the ball,
where the operation has not been fo violent as
to require both.

RESTPvINGENT MASH.'

/

Take two pounds of rice, and half an ounce of cin-
namon, bruifed to a grofs powder, and tied up
loofe in a piece of linen, (fine enough to prevent
its palling through) ; boil in five quarts of water
till reduced to the confiftence of a math : take oilt
the cinnamon, and fiir in a quart of ground oat-
meal, and let it be placed in the manger when
of a proper warmth < This may be repeated if
necefiary.

It

47

PHYSIC, &c.

It cannot be inapplicable, after thefe pre-
fcriptions, to make a remark upon one obfer-
vation of Bartlet, who feemed to think it
unavoidably neceffary to omit a defigned part
of his prefcription at fome times on account
of the expence ; but I muft confefs, in all my
experience, I have obferved, and happy I
am to acknowledge it to the honour of the
fporting world at large, I never remember to
have feen an inftance of penury , or even hefi-
tation in the article of expence, where a horse
has been in pain or danger.

Having gone through the procefs univerfally
eftablifhed for getting horfes into proper con-
dition, it becomes neceffary to proceed to the
long lift of accidents and difeafes to which
they are fubjedt : and to introduce fuch medi-
cal fyftem as (after a gradual fuccefhon from
generation to generation, and from grand-fire to
grandfon, in the old ftyle) has at length acquired
a degree of reformation and approbation, by
the experimental rejection of the ancient bota-
nical practice, believed infallible ; and the in-
numerable difcoveries made in the world of me-
dicine, by fome of the mod learned, judicious
and enlightened characters in every part of the

i globe.

P H Y S I C, &c.

globe. And where the applications of modem
invention are introduced, as much more ade-
quate and applicable to the caufe of complaint
than the practice of former writers, the reafon
dial! be constantly adduced, and fupported by
incontrovertible proof, why the prefent mode
of treatment is entitled to every degree of pre-
ference and refpefL

Without becoming a convert to the ufual
Style of dividing and fubdividing chapters, cafes-,
and remedies, as has in general been the cuSlom,
introducing a large proportion of extraneous
matter, merely by way of Swelling the Work
(as a compliment to the pecuniary fenfations of
the publisher) I Shall proceed, as in many other
refpedls, the direft contrary way, and contract
the plan as much as the confiitency of circum-
stances will permit, by bringing into claSTes
fuch accidents or difeafes as bear a degree of
affinity to each other, or come under a Similar
mode of treatment ; and Shall likewise (as
much as poffible) diveSt each cafe and expla-
nation of technical terms , that every part may
be the more univerSally comprehended.

CLASS

( 49 )

CLASS I.

SPLENTS, SPAVINS, WINDGALLS,
LAMENESS, and STRAINS.

S P L E N T Sj

Of which various accounts have been given
without any thing fatisfaCtory as to their ori-
gin or cure, except that “ they are hard ex-
“ crefcences of different fhapes and fizes on
** the fhank bone, which often difappear of
“ themfelves ; that “ they are not dangerous
** but when fituated near the joints, or appear
“ very large upon the back part of the bone,
“ and prcfs againft the back linew.” All this
is moft certainly true, and generally believed
to be fo. Now let us remark what follows
as directions for cure : “ That the hair is to
“ be Ihaved, the part to be rubbed with a

E “ round

5°

SPLENTS.

v •

round flick till it is almojl raw, and then
“ touched with oil of origanum fublimate ,
“ arfenic, ox oil of vitriol" You are then told
thefe may produce an ulcer , a rottennefs of
“ the bone, and, when cured, an ugly fear l"
Another fays “ it is to be foundly rubbed
“ with the handle of a hammer, till it is fo
“ niuch bruifed as to bring on an impoflhume,
“ and confequent fuppuration or difeharge of
“matter!” And there can be no doubt but
this is rubbing it foundly with the impoflhume
for a witnefs !

Another tells you “ they are to be deflroyed
“ with adlual cauteries, or flat inflruments of
“ iron, made red hot, and applied to the
“ fplents, placing a piece of the rind of bacon
“ between, . with the fat fide outwards ; and,
“ having a fecond iron heating alternately with
“ the firfl, the operation is to be repeated till
“ the fplent is diffolved.” To thefe, in cafe
of failure, they acknowledge the neceffary aid
of “ blifering, firing," &c. &c. Now, upon
a candid invefligation of this accumulated

t

variety of opinions, we fliall find them amount
to a verification of an obfervation not long
fince made ; a paltry practice of fwelling their
c) writings

s P L E N T S. 51

writings at the expence of a reader’s under-
standing as well as his purse. From cir-
cumftances the moft predominant it abfolutely
appears that neither of the authors here quoted
(notwithftanding the degree of eftimation they
may be held in) gave himfelf time, even for
a moment, to confider the nature of the
“ excrefcence” he means or withes to defcribe,
or the method of cure he may be naturally
anxious to recommend.

And this the more powerfully appears, by
the ridiculous attempt to deftroy what they
acknowledge an apparent oflification, or bony
fubftance, leated upon a folid body, under the
integuments, without a deftrudion of the
integuments themfelves, or a palpable injury
to the component parts. But to bring this
matter as near the truth as conjecture can juf-
tify, we will (by allowing an alternative,) take
one or other for the fad, and draw what muff
appear a very natural and juft conclufion ; that
is, whether the protuberance upon any part of
the fhank-bone, called a Splent, is an enlarge-
ment of til t periojieum (or membrane cover-
ing the bone,) by an original rupture of the
fma)l veflels, and the extravafated fluid col-

E 2 leded

l

52 S P L E N T S.

levied and become indurated by time ? or, a
callojity originally formed upon the bone (as
hinted by Gibson) and becoming offified,
conflitutes a bony fubftance, Teeming a deform-
ed part of the bone itfelf ? In either cafe the
only expectation of cure without anxiety and
difficulty, is to be careful in oblerving fuch
appearances, in their earliejl Jiate •, and then
feeing that frequent friction is ufed for a confi-
derable time, twice every day, with the utmoffc
force of the operator’s hands, letting the part
be well moiftened, after each time of rubbing,
with a proportion of the following liniment ,
leaving a pledget of tow wet with the fame,
bound on pretty firm with two yards of wide
tape as a roller :

Take camphorated fpirits of wine, and Spirits of tur*
pentine, of each four ounces, (a quarter of a pint.)
Mix together.

Oil of origanum and fpirits of turpentine, each half
an ounce-, camphorated fpirits of wine, two ounces.
— Mix.

When this plan has been perfevered in for

ten days or a fortnight, you will then be able

to

S p L E N T S. 53

to judge whether any perceptible advantage has
been obtained from the force of thefe power-
ful repellents : if not, procure two ounces of
the ftrongeft mercurial ointment, and let the
fize of a hazle nut be well rubbed in upon the
part affeCted, every night and morning, till the
whole is confumed, ufing the roller each night,
and taking it off in the morning. If this does
not fucceed, the bed; and moft fpeedy method
will be the immediate extirpation, by making
a longitudinal incifion (“ without bruijing,
hammering” &c.) through the integuments,
dilfeCting and extracting the fubftance, com-
pleting the cure by taking up a couple of
hitches, and treating it as a fuperficial wound ;
for which directions will be found under that
head.

Notwithflanding the variety of opinions in-
culcated, and inftruCtions laid down, to ob-
tain a radical cure, it becomes a matter of
doubt whether a little deliberation, previous
to a rafh execution, may not prove the moft
ufeful monitor of the two; that is, if the
fplent is not productive of lamenefs or dif-
quietude, forming no inconvenience blit an
external appearance, whether it may not be

E 3 moft

54

S P L E N T S.

moil advifable (at any rate moft prudent') to
let it remain in its pacific ftate of inactivity,
rather than provoke it to a certain degree of
aCtive virulence, by the premature application
of blifters or burning cauftics. This reflection
renders a former obfervation of greater weight,
by adverting to the neceflity of attacking them
in their firft ftate of appearance; when there
is not the leaft doubt but the beforementioned
early courfe of friction, with the mild dif-
folvents and repellents, will, if applied with
care and punctuality, eftedt their total obliter-
ation, without any perceptible efchary or even
the leaft lofs of hair.

In refpedt to the auxiliaries of purging balls
and diuretic drinks, flightly recommended by
Bartlet, they form no part of my opinion ;
nor can I fee the leaft reafon for encountering
that expence and trouble, as they cannot con-*
tribute in any degree to the removal of fuch
fubftances, fo remote from the centre of
aCtion, without injuring the general fyftem to a
greater degree than adequate to any propor-
tional local relief that can be obtained. But
to reduce this myfterious and technical ex-
planation to a more Ample and lefs complex

SPAVINS. 55

idea, Bart let’s fyftem may be adopted by
thofe whofe credulity can conceive that a courfe
of purgatives and diuretics will contribute to
the removal of corns or warts from the feet
or hands of the human fpecies.

SPAVINS.

Of thefe there are two kinds, very diftindtly
explained by moil authors on the fubjedt,
and juftly denominated a blood and Bone
spavin. They both take their feats in nearly
the fame fituation, and proceed from the fol-
lowing caufes: — a blood spavin is a.preter-
natural enlargement of the vein running on
the infide the hough, and by the accumulated
fluid forms a fwelling that is pliant to the
touch, fubmitting to preffure, becoming, in
the courfe of time, productive of lamenefs.
Thefe appearances, were they attended to in
their infancy, would (as obferyed in the pre-
ceding article) immediately fubmit to a fre-
quent application of the following embroca-
tion; rubbing in about two table fpbonfuls
twice every day, and keeping on (when in the

E 4, liable)

SPAVINS.

56

liable) a pledget of tow, wet with the fame,
and confined with an elbow bandage ; that is,
the elbow part of an old waiftcoat fleeve,
opened and furnifiied with tape firings, at
equal diftances, to confine it upon the part
affedted. *

Take of ilrong white wine vinegar four ounces;
Camphorated fpirits of wine three ounces ; Ex-
trail of faturn, commonly called Goulard’s extrait,
one ounce.

• 0

Shake well together at every time of ufing.

In almoft all cafes of fhort fianding the
caufe of complaint will fubmit to the power
of thefe confiant applications, that, by their
adlion upon the folids fo reftore their elafticity
and contract their circumference, as to repel
the internal expanding fluid, and reduce the
vein to its natural and original fize. But
where the defedt is of long fianding, and will
not fubmit to this mode of treatment (the at-
tempt having been fufficiently perfevered in to
enfure a fair probability of fuccefs,) the fol-
lowing had better be adopted.

k.

Take of cantharides (in powder) one drachm ;
of olive oil two ounces. -Mix together.

7

And

SPAVINS.

57

And let this be gradually nibbed upon the
part till abforbed by the feat of difeafe; then
place over it a piece of flannel, and fallen on
with the elbow-bandage as before defcribed.
In every eight-and-forty hours repeat this
operation for a week (with the fame pro-
portion,) which has been attended with cer-
tain fuccefs in a multiplicity of cafes, par-
ticularly in the metropolis of Ireland, where
the moft eminent praftitioners (and very able
there are) prefer it to our general method,
which will be hereafter defcribed- The great
advantage refulting from this kind of blifter
is its immediate Jtimulus upon the parts, from
which it derived a very fpeedy and plentiful
difcharge. The hair is raifed up, and be-
comes what is termed pen-feathered, during the
efflux of ferum, in large proportion; which,
fubfiding, forms a kind of fcurf, and may be
all brought away in a few days by waffling
two or three times with foap and water;
leaving no fear or trace of external applica-
tion behind. And furely this method, jufti-
fied by fuccefs and experience, mull be pre-
ferable to the long-ftanding opinion of in-
flrumental extirpation. As for inftance, an
incifion is to be made through the Ikin, of

fufficient

SPAVINS.

• 5*

fufficient length to admit of the vein’s being
taken up, above and below the enlargement,
by paffing a crooked needle, furnifhed with
a wax thread, underneath the vein, and mak-
ing the ligatures at the parts moft applicable
to the extirpation intended. Should any in-
flammation or extreme fwelling attend the
parts after operation, warm fomentations and
mild poultices mull be made ufe of till they
iubfide ; after which the wound muff be treat-
ed with digeftives till the exuberance is
floughed off with the dreflings, and the cica-
trization, or fkinning over, is accomplifhed,
as in the cafe of abfcefles and wounds, which
will be treated of hereafter, when we come to
that clafs. ^

# /

Every degree of information, obfervation,
and experimental invefliigation, defines a bone
spavin to be exactly in a greater degree be-
hind what a splent is acknowledged to be
before y formed nearly by the fame means,
fed nearly in the fame manner, differing only
in its critical fituation; which from a con-
tiguity to the joints, and ligamentary appen-
dages, becomes fo much the more an objedt
o-f concern and attention, to avoid the certain

impediment

SPAVINS.

59

impedinent of lamenefs, which will in time
inevitably enfue, if not prevented by reduction
or extirpation. Much advice, and many
directions, might here be obtruded of blifiering ,
firing, &c. but they all come fo immediately
within the department of the operative
farrier, that further animadverfion upon
the fubjeCt will be totally foreign to the pre-
fent in tendon — one obfervation and recom-
mendation only excepted, viz. the neceffity,
in operations, of applying to practitioners of
eminence, whofe judgment and execution
will require no greater pecuniary compenfation
than thofe whofe comparitive abilities entitle
them to no more than a mere manual afi fiance
in furnifhing the apparatus.

Previous to the difmifiion of this article,
I (hall, for the accomodation of thofe who
have never feen the publication, introduce
the directions given by Qsmer for the cure,
as they literally appear in a traCt of his com-
mitted to public infpeCtion about five and
twenty years .ago; but, I believe I may ven-
ture to affirm, the elaborate operation procured
Very few converts to the practice.

“ Firft

6o

SPAVINS.

“ Firft dip the hair from the difeafed part;
“ make feveral pun&ures on the fame, through
“the fkin, with a /harp-pointed inftrument :
“ make a longitudinal incifion through the
“fkin, above the deceafed part, about the
“ middle thereof: there introduce a cornet,
“ and dilate the fkin with it as far as the
“ fwelling reaches. Make another fmaller
“ longitudinal incifion, through the fkin, be-
“low the fwelled part, diredtly oppofite to
‘‘the wound above; in doing which, your
“probe introduced at top will diredt you. —
“ At the fuperior wound a cauftic wrapped
“ up in a piece of lint is to be introduced,
“and there left. The cauftic diffolved is
“ carried off by . the inferior wound, the
“ whole is direbtly to be covered with a warm
“ adhelive charge, and this is the whole of the
“operation. — The cauftic thus introduced
“ under the fkin adts both ways, namely, on
“ the membrane underneath it, and the outer
“tegument upon it. Thus the membrane,
“ outer tegument, and the charge, throw
* themfelves oft together, and the difeafed or
“ fvvelled part becomes fair and lmooth. The
“ horfe fhould be turned out, or kept in a
“loofe /table; and if the charge comes off

“ before

WINDGALLS.

6 1

“ before the wound is well, another fhould
“ be immediately applied. But in fpite of
“this, and all other methods ufed for this
“ diforder, the horfe will very frequently re-
“ main full as lame as he was before, al-
“ though the appearance of the difeafe is
“removed: the reafon of which is, that the
“periofteum only is fometimes difeafed; at
“other times the bone itlelf, and its cellular
“part. Yet I dare fay there is not one far-
“ rier in this kingdom but has an infallible
“and certain cure for thefe diforders.”

WINDGALLS

Are thofe prominences fituate on both
fides the tendons (commonly called the back
finews) above the fetlock joints on the fore-
legs, and not unfrequently upon the hind-legs
likewife. They are much larger on fome
horfes than others ; and as they never appear
but upon thofe that have been constantly work-
ed too young, or proportionally overworked
when older, the caufe will be the more readily
explained, b or the tendons, by their per-
petual

62

WINDFALLS.

petual adion in conflant labour, are fo prc-
ternaturally extended, that fome of the fine
and delicate fibres of which the aggregate is
compofed, are, by fuch extenfion, actually
ruptured or broken; from the mouths of
which (minute as they are) ooze a very trifling
portion of ferum, or fluid, which, when ex-
travafated, forms a gelatinous fubftance; and,
combining itfelf with the included air, be-
comes, to external appearance, a kind of blad-
der between the tendon and integuments.

This being the exad fyfiem of principle
and adion that conftitutes the caufe, we pro-
ceed to the received notion (and our own
opinion) of cure. Perhaps it may not be
thought intrufive or inapplicable firfl to in-
troduce a few words upon the fubjed oi pre-
vention, which will convey a much fironger
proof of judgment in the rider than any fub-
fequent advice that can poflibly be offered on
the part of the farrier; that is, no more
than to recommend it to every man in the
poffeffion of a good horfe to refled a little
upon the nature of his own fuperiority, that it
is but teinporary , and fleeting duration ; to
ruminate upon this circumftance in the career

' of

WINDGALLS.

63

of his journey, and, feeling proportionally for
the animal who bears his burthen, take no
more of his ftrength in the field, or upon die
road, than Nature intended or prudence may
didate.

For fo beautiful a bead:, conftituting almofi:
the centrical point of every good, (whether in
pleafure or profit,) is certainly entitled to the
utmoffc exertion of tendernefs and humanity.
And I will venture to affirm that no man,
whofe line of condud is regulated by the prin-
ciples of unfullied reditude (or whofe heart
is open to thofe finer feelings that are even in
enjoyment or ptffejjion a gratification,) ever did
or ever will, after a chafe ox journey, indulge
the calls of appetite till the partner of his
pleafure, or the companion of his labour, has
had every attention paid to his wants; which
Nature has formed equally numerous and
neceflary with thofe of his (often unnatural)

RIDER. a

The frequent boafting of every unfeeling
puppy who has rode thirty or forty miles in
“ fo many hours and fo many minutes, with-
“ out baiting,” and other equeftrian exploits,

equally

64 WINDGALLS.

. t

equally wonderful, leaving the jaded objedt of
his perfecution to the affedted diligence of idle
grooms or drunken oftlers, not only accounts*
in a variety of cafes, for the appearance of
windgalls , but for very many of the long lift
of difeafes upon which we proceed to ex-
patiate.

' ✓

But from this digreftion we return to the
cure, refpedting which various opinions have
been promulgated : “ vinegar, or verjuice, and
“ bandage; red wine lees; curriers’ fhavings
“ wetted with vinegar; bliftering;” and, laftly,
“ opened with a knife, a fleam, or a cobler’s
“ awl, and applying to the orifice a plafter of
“ rofin, pitch, maftic, oil of bays* and white
“of egg.” I fhall not add a Angle obfervation
upon this moft curious plafter, or wonderful
arcanum of variety, but declare I have feen
but very few inftances of a perfedt cure by any
means. For whether a temporary completion
has been obtained by repellents , bliftering , per-
foration, or reft , a repetition of the ordinary
work has foon produced a repetition of the
defedt. It is a confolation, however, to be
informed that, in moft horfes, no lamenefs is
produced by this appearance ; and the only

inconvenience

WINDFALLS. -65

inconvenience it conflitutes, is the difagreeable
effedt upon the eye (and indeed no inconfider -
able one upon the pocket) when the horfe
comes to be fold. Windgalls are always very
much enlarged after fevere work, and again
reduced by exercife and conflant fridtion, or
fubflantial rubbing down in the liable. And
this circumilance is mentioned only to corro-
borate the thefis advanced to eilablifh their
origin.

Although a total eradication is but feldom
Experienced, it will be neceffary to introduce
the moil approved and rational methods now
in pradtice to obtain the defirable objedt of re-
lief j and this can be effedled only by rarefac -
tion, repuljion and bandage : to promote the
intentional operations of which.

Take oil of origanum and fpirits of turpentine each
half an ounce ;

Camphorated fpirits of wine one ounce.— Mix well to-
gether :

And with a fmall portion of tow fufficiently
moiflen the tumours twice every day, leaving
a pledget wet upon each ; and immediately
upon the centre fix a circular piece of lead

F about

66

WINDGALLS.

about the thicknefs and circumference of a
half- crown-piece, binding it down with a roller
oG wide tape or linen, nearly or quite three
yards long, and continue this method for a
fortnight at leaf! without omiffion ; to which
treatment (if not of too long Handing) they
may perhaps luckily fubmit : but fhould that
not happen, and it is determined to attempt a
cure by perforation, which operation is Ample,
and may be eafily performed, the incifion
fhould be made with a ftrong abfcefs lancet,
er biiiory, and be performed in a fingle mo-
tion, by elevating or railing the inftrument
from the moment of penetration at the lower
part of the fwelling. The confined gelatinous
matter, ancfcyll or bag, being perfectly ex-
tracted, prevent its becoming a wound by
bringing the edges in contact and drefs with
a pledget of lint or tow plentifully impreg-
nated with Traumatic > (or Friar’s Bafam ), and
bandage as before. In moll cafes the cicatrix
will form, and the part heal without farther
trouble : on the contrary, fhould any difcharge
of matter come on, or temporary inflamma-
tion enfue, drefs as directed when we come to

the treatment of wounds.

• /

i

In

WINDFALLS; 67

In this cafe it will be but candid to point out
the probable difficulties that may occur in fitch
earned: attempt to obtain a radical extirpation ;
for, notwithftanding the theoretical plaufibi-
lity of this fyftem, fome inconveniences may
poffibly occur, and a fatisfadtory cure not en-
due; in fuch inftance the remedy will mod:
affuredly prove worfe than the difeafe, and there
can be no doubt but a prudent or compaf-
fionate man will much rather fubmit to a flight
and almoft inlignificant inconvenience, than
encounter by the attempt an evil of much
greater magnitude.

Should, by any mifinanagement in the ope-
ration or want of dexterity in the operator,
the tendon be at all injured, lamenefs may be
the inevitable confequence ; fhould the edges
of the feparated parts not difplay a tendency
to union, but, on the contrary, become difpofed
to foulnefs, engendering fungus, it may dege-
nerate to a jijlulous wound , and be ultimately
productive of infinite tiouble and confider-
able expence. Thefe attendant evils upon the
experiment thus pointed out and taken into
confideration, it will then becotne worthy the
attention of the owner, whether the gentler

F 2 methods

63

LAMENESS.

methods of cure before prefcribed, with every
poffible portion of reft, (and when ufed, that
ufe exceedingly moderate) will not prove the
moft advantageous and leaft dangerous fyftem
that can be purfued to effed the defired pur-
pofe.

i

LAMENESS

Is a fubjed of fo much univerfality, in fad
an event ariling from fuch a variety of caufes,
that it can never be thought inapplicable to
enumerate the moft probable from which fuch
defed may be occafioned ; thereby exciting a
proper degree of inveftigatiort, afcertaining to
a certainty^ by thefe means what very fre-
quently, from want of care, accuracy, and
attention, in the examination, is fixed errone-
oufly on an improper part, or attributed to a
wrong caufe, as a mere matter of opinion, and
confequently liable to the full force of inju-
dicious or inconliftent treatment, with its long
train of inconveniences.

Exclufive of the diftind kind of lamenefs
proceeding from strains, very different de-
grees may be occafioned by blows or bruises

upon

i

LAMENESS. 6 9

upon particular parts ; fplents, fpavins, wind-
falls, thruffi, ringbone, quittor, and a variety
of additional caufes that have already , or will
be hereafter fufficiently explained under their
different heads, and the moft expeditious and
efficacious method of cure pointed out. Lame-
nefs from 'wounds or injuries fuftained by Jfooe -
ing, come fo immediately and properly under
the infpedtion of the operative farrier,
that the lead: enlargement upon thofe fubjedts
here might be very juffly confidered a matter
of fuperfiuity.

I fhall therefore advert to that peculiar kind
of lamenefs, produced in general by the inat-
tention or inhumanity of the owner ; which,
unattended to in its firft ftate, (and the original
caufe continued) enfures to a certainty the an-
nual deftrudtion of many of the mod: ferviceable
horfes in the kingdom. I allude, in this de-
fcription, to fuch lamenefs, or rather univerfal
debilitation of the legs and feet, as is the pal-
pable effect of too conftant labour without the
lead: red: or intermiffion,

i

By inceffant labour, I mean to be under-
ftood that diurnal routine of davery through

F 3 the

LAMENESS.

jo

the Severities of every feafon, whether the bad
roads, frof and fnpw of winter, or the Jultry
heat, burning fan ds, and flinty roads in fummer ,
without a literal or relative condderation to*
the neceffary, and indeed indifpenfable article
of rest.

. This perpetual drudgery a horfe of fpirit
and bottom will (from the indindtive power
of emulation) bear up againd with almod in-
credible. fortitude, particularly, if well fup-
plied with a -Sufficiency of hay and corn ; but
the repeated druggies and efforts of Nature
being at length totally fubdued by the extre-
mity of fatigue, the is compelled to fink un-
der the burthen, of inhuman perfecution , and a
general, inability or univerfal lameriefs becomes
the inevitable confequence. The caufe re-
quires but very little animadverfion for the
purpofe of either explanation or comprehen-
sion, as it may be with trifling attention and
reflection unherjally underflood ; for the ten-
dons, by their almofl perpetual extenfion and
contraction (without the lead portion of red
or inaftion to redore their tone and eladicity)
become fp extremely relaxed, as to be ren-
dered not only totally inadequate to the pur-

LAMENESS. 71

pofes of motion and flexibility for which they
were formed, but to produce a general ten-
don upon all the furrounding parts. The
legs become full, round, inflamed, and ex-
ceedingly painful ; the horfe alternately eaf-
ing one leg or the other, when handing ;
which he is obferved to do as little as poflible,
except when up for the purpofe of feeding.
This kind of lamenefs remains in general little
attended to, till by a too conftant repetition
©f the caufe, the horfe is fo far difabled, that
his daily labour becomes a work of mifery ;
inadequate to the rapidity of motion or adtion
required, he is rode or driven, till (fluking
under the burthen), with repeated falls, broken
knees , and a perfeverance in perpetual drudgery r
he is literally brought to ee a hand ftill,” and
rendered unfit for every purpofe but the' cart ;
where they are too frequently obferved dying
wretched martyrs to the horrid combination,
or rather joint effedl, of HARD WORK,
WHIPCORD, and POVERTY,

To avert this calamity from fo defervedly
great and univerfal a favourite of mankind, is
a duty incumbent upon every individual, who
(prompted by his reflections, becomes con-

F 4 feious

7 % LAMENESS.

icious of the uncertainty of his own hate, and
the admirable fervices of this dependant,)
wifhes by a contribution of his endeavours,
however dif proportionate, to render himfelf of
fome utility to that fociety of which he con-
stitutes a member. This consideration, blend-
ed with a perfect knowledge of the various,
not to add almott inexpreffible, Sufferings of
an animal fo truly valuable, firSt routed me
from the lethargy of oblivion, and prompted
me to undertake a talk of reformation, which
(divefled of every perfonal paltry idea of am-
bition) I Should have been far happier to have
feen from an abler hand, and more extenlive
abilities. Whatever might have been my ori-
ginal fufpenfe, I am now justified in making
confefiion, fuch portion of diffidence is in a
great degree obliterated ; the foftering hand
of public favour having removed every doubt,
rendered every confolation, and I muSt ever
confider it one of the mojl fortunate occur-
rences of my life, that I have been enabled to,
mitigate the inconveniences of fo general a
want by the prefent publication.

From this fentimental digreffion, it will be

thought prudent to advert to the cafe in ques-
tion*

LAMENESS.

73

tion. It is therefore (even in the firft in-
ftance) mod earneftly recommended to let
every horfe have fuch proportion of reft from
his daily employment or purpofes as nature
evidently ftands in need of. That invariable
rule will prove a practice highly advantageous
to the proprietor, for he may be then experi-
mentally convinced prevention is ever prefer-
able to a cure , by precluding its neceflity. But
when fuch failure is perceived, every kind of
work Ihould be inftantly let alide, if the lead;
defire is indulged to reftore the horfe to his
former ftate of purity or perfection. Such
defeat being attended to in proper time, mo-
derate reftringent applications, with a loofe
liable, if in winter , or a fimilar method, with
turning out in fummer , will, in a Ihort time,
generally reftore the tone of the whole fyftem
affedled by thefe means. In this clafs of me-
dicine the following is entitled to the prefer-
ence :

T ake rectified fpirits of wine one pint ;

Camphor two ounces ;

Belt vinegar half a pint.

Let the camphor be totally diftolved in the
fpirits before the vinegar is added, which

being

74

LAME N ESS.

being fhakeri. well together, the parts affeded
mull be properly and patiently bathed with a
iufficient quantity every night and morning,
till the whole is confumed, leaving that grand
fpecific, rest, to crown this prelude with
fuccefs.

This treatment may fuflice when taken in
its early date ; but where the evil has been
differed to increafe, and accumulate to a cer-
tain degree of lamenefs, attended with vilible
tenfion, inflammation, and extreme pain, as
before defcribed, let the above embrocation be
ufed as there direded, it being a proper prepar-
ative to the following flimulative application,
which wilEmoft certainly and infallibly effed
the cure, if the inftrudions here laid down
arc Acridly adliered to.

'Take cantharides (in powder) three drachms j
Oil of olives fix ounces ;

Spirits of turpentine two ounces.

Mix the Spanifli flies with the clive oil, then add
the turpentine,

. Ilalfr of this compofition to be well- rubbed
into the fore-legs, and the other half in four-

and-

V

s

LAMENESS. 7 5

and-twenty hours after, taking care to employ
proper time in each operation ; rubbing in a
fmall quantity at once, and continuing fo to
do by moderate fridtion, till the portion pre-
fcribed is abforbed by the feat of difeafe. Af-
ter which procefs the halter mud; be Shortened,
or the parts covered, fo as to prevent a proba-
bility of the effedts being deftroyed by the
natural exertions of the horfe, when finding
himfelf difagreeably affedted by the fiimulus
of the application. In three or four days after
which, he fhould be turned out and left to
enjoy the advantage of gentle motion- for a
length of time, adapted to the original caufe
and prefent feverity of complaint. If a radical
cure is anxioully defired or meant to be pro-
moted, prudence will readily point out the con-
fiftency of a three months run, when a horfe
may be expedted to come into hand perfedtly
found, and as fuch (no fymptoms appearing to
indicate the contrary) may be got into proper
condition, as diredted under that head.

There are undoubtedly fome, who, from
different motives of interejl or impatience , will
not permit fo long a refpite from bufinels or
pleafure, let what may prove the confequence,;

not with-

76 STRAINS.

notwithftanding which I fhall prefume to in-
troduce my farther advice, and recommend it
moil ftrenuouily to fuch owners as have horfes
in this predicament, to extend their lenity for
lix weeks at leaft in the former cafe, and two
months in the latter, left, by an almoft imme-
diate relapfe, they may have reafon to repent
their folly or impatience .

i

STRAINS

Are a part of this treatife to which fuch
frequent application will be made for inform-
ation, that they cannot be too accurately ex-
plained for the purpofe of being well under-
flood. And as I would much rather appeal
to the tafte and critical inquiries of the intel-
ligent and enlightened reader than the caprice
of the prejudiced vulgar, I fhall be more
anxious to obtain the approbation of the ju-
* dicious, by a minute and explanatory invefti-
gation, than the fandtion of the multitude by
fuch a fuperficial account as would belt come
into compadt with the flandard of their com-
prehenfion.

Previous

STRAINS. 77

Previous to farther aniinadverfion, it becomes
unavoidably neceflary to combat the promul-
gated opinion of Osmer, who; in his remarks,
ventures an alfertion that {< tendons are un-
« elaftic bodies,” though in the very fame page
(and frequently after), he fays, “ the tendon is
“ often elongated and brained. ” — How this
writer, or his readers, could reconcile fuch pal-
pable abfurdity and contradiction, I am at a lofs
to conceive ; or how a tendon can be elongated ,
that has no elajlicity , I am yet to learn. Nor does
the introduction of this obfervation prove of
greater utility than to corroborate the propriety
of my former remarks upon the Angularity of
ancient prattle e and modern publications.

To underhand this fubjeCt clearly, it is un-
avoidably neceffary to be informed not only of
the caufes from which fuch complaints pro-
ceed, but the parts that conftitute the feat
of difeafe itfelf. To acquire which let it be
obferved strains are of two forts, the one
originating in the ligamentary parts, by which
the different joints are prefer ved in contaCt ;
the other by a relaxation of the mufcles , or
tendons , whofe purpofes are the direCt office
of motion . Hence it is that the farrier and

STRAINS.

78

groom are fo frequently at a lofs for their de-
finition or explanation of any particular lame-
nefs, fixing it by conje&ure upon any part (at-
tributing it to any caufe) but the right ; and
to this they are feldom directed by any mental
information, poffeffing a very barren concep-
tion of the ftruCture of parts, their purpofes,
or appropriations. The mij'cles or tendons (by
farriers generally termed finews) are ftrong
elaftic fubflances, compofed of innumerable
threads or fibres, poffeffing the properties of
extenfion and contraction to a certain degree,
beyond which their flexibility or elafticity can-
not be extended without palpable injury, and
certain lamenefs ; for, by overtraining, their
elaftic quality (or affinity to catgut) is in a
great meafure deftroyed in proportion to the
injury fuftained. To render this idea fo clear
that it cannot be mifunder flood, let us fuppofe
that a horfe is going at his rate, and in fo do-
ing his toe covers a prominence, or the edge
of one, where the heel has no fupport, it con-
fequently extends the tendons beyond the dif-
tance afforded by nature, and inflantly con-
flitutes what is called a letting down of the
back finews 3 a cireumftance that conflantly
happens upon the turf in running for a heat.

STRAINS. 79

and the horfe is then faid to have been “ broken
“ down.”

i

This being fuppofed to have happened, the
principal indication of cure will immediately
ftrike every reader, fo far as the gradual con-
traction and tone of the tendon is concerned ;
but the previous and instantaneous confeder-
ation will be to prevent, as much as pofllble,
any confequent inflammation that may fall
upon the part. To which end take away, fo
foon as convenient after the injury is fuftained,
a proportion of blood adequate to the Rate and
fcrength of the fubjeCt, from a vein as contigu-

* * V

ous to the part affected as may be confiflent ;
and as your fuccefs will in a great degree de-
pend upon the earliefl applications, procure a
quart of the belt while wine vinegar, or very
ftrong verjuice ; and, after making it hot over
the fire, add two Ounces of the extraCt of Sa-
turn ; and with this foment the leg every night
and morning, bandaging the part with a broad
roller of a fufficient length, {training it pretty
firm. After ufing this fomentation for two
nights and mornings, begin with the following-
embrocation ; and let two or three table fpoqn-
fuls be gently and gradually rubbed into the*

affeCted

8o

STRAINS.

affefted part every night and morning, never
omitting the ufe of the bandage tolerably firm.

Take cf Barbadoes tar and fpirits of turpentine each
two ounces :

Opodeldoc four ounces.— Mix well together and keep
flopped.

Previous to the ufe of this, fhould any de-
gree of inflammation have been produ&ive of
dwelling, a poultice may be applied twice a day,
prepared with a proper quantity of oatmeal,
rendered of a neceflary confifience, with a
flxong decodtion of wormwood and camomile
(boiling a large handful of each in three pints
of water and draining off ;) this, by its emol-
lient tendency, will contribute to the early
reduction of the inflammation, without a far-
ther relaxation of the tendinous parts : but the
poultice mult be immediately difcontinued fo
foon as the fwelling fubfides, and the embro-
cation taken into ufe, as above directed. To
this very conflant application muff be added

reft : too much ftrefs cannot be laid upon this

*

mofl predominant and neceflary article ; from
which the greater good muff certainly refult.
To the want of patience and mercy only it is
to be attributed that fuch an infinite number
9 of

8i

STRAINS.

of fine horfes have been flaked to the burn-
ing cautery that, with proper time in the field,
would have been as certainly faved from the
heat of the iron. And it is no lefs aflonifhing
that, in the prefent age of equeflrian fagacity
and penetration, few can be found whofe rea-
fon will fufficiently demonflrate the abfolute
necefiity of time and reft to reflore the tone
of a relaxed mufcle or tendon ; a fyflem of
knowledge as clear as any mechanical principle
that can be produced. When the horfe has
continued in the liable, under the treatment
here mentioned, for a fortnight, he fhould, if
in the winter, have his liberty in a large liable
or barn where he will, by a natural attention
to his own eafe and fafety, (unlefs hurried,
driven, or difturbed, which fhould be pre-
vented) fufficiently guard the injured part.
On the contrary, if in the fummer he fhould
be turned into a pafture alone, and at a diftance
from other horfes where he cannot, by their
neighings, be excited to any exertion of fpirit
or extravagance that may occafion a relapfe.
But, in either cafe, if the enlargement of the
part (that generally attends) does not fubfide,
and the lamenefs bear vifible marks of amend-
ment, fo foon as may reafonably be expedted,

G take

82

STRAINS.

take the horfe up and immediately apply the
following liquid blifler .

Take Spanifh flies (in powder) two drachms ; euphorbi-
um and oil of origanum, each one drachm; corrofiva
fublimate (in powder) half a drachrp ; olive oil,
four ounces. — Mix well together.

I

This muft be deliberately and gradually
rubbed over the whole part for at lead half an
hour, letting it be entirely abforded by the
feat of pain if poffible ; then cover it with a
woollen bandage, and fhorten the halter to
prevent its being forced off: the ceremony and
effedt of this kind of application is before de-
fcribed under the article of blood fpcivin. At
the expiration of three or four days he fhould
be turned out, and not have even a halter
Upon him for fix weeks, or two months, at
lead; and, however found he may feem to be,
his exercife, or work, fhould be very gentle;
fird boiling half a point of common fea-falt in
a quart of the bed and dronged vinegar that
can be procured; this keep in a bottle in the
dable, and let the neceffary part, or parts, be

well bathed with this rejiringent (and a very

ufeful

9

STRAINS. 83

ufcfol one it will be found) for a quarter of
an hour every night and morning, till double
the quantity has been ufed. Under this prac-
tice I h^ive feen the complete cure of many,
without inflantly recurring to a perpetual ble-
mifh by the prefent rage of FIRING, which
is in general by much too frequently adopted;
and no doubt upon mod; occafions hurried
on by the pecuniary propeniity and didtation
of the interefted operator, anxious to difplay his
dexterity, or (as Scrub fays) “his neweft
“flourilh,” in the operation; which, when
performed, and the horfe is turned out (as
mull be,) if taken up found, I fhall ever attri-
bute much more of the cure to that grand

\

fpecific , rest, than to the effedt of his fire . No-
thing can be more truly contemptible than the
ridiculous and abfurd adoption of the ancient
pradtice of cold charges ; compounded of arti-
cles calculated in fome degree to what they
call brace the parts , it is true, but tending
much more to form a kind of bandage by its
firmnefs of adhelion, than medical relief by
its power of penetration. And this will be
more readily credited when a moment’s con-
fideration is afforded to the fadt : for what in-
herent reflringent virtues -can be poffeffed by

G 2 “doe's

#4 s T R A I N Si

“ doe* hair, Armenian bole , rye flour ox oatmeal,”
more than the properties of forming a cement
(equal to a bandage) for keeping the parts in a
firm and certain pofition, confiituting a pom-
pous prelude to the general idea of rest.

No one advocate for cold charges, or firength-
ening poultices, will be confident enough to
declare they retain a fufficient portion of
Jlimulus to penetrate the integuments ; and,
by their reftringent or contracting powers, affeCt
the tone or elaflicity of the relaxed tendon .
If fo I will venture to hazard an opinion
that what efficacy they may hold individually
is intirely locked up in the mafs of compo-
fition, and forms no other merit as a corro-
borant than a medical fubflitute for a band-
age of rollers, &c. with this exception only,
that it bears the appearance of bufinefs, or
fagacity extraordinary, in the farrier and
groom employed in the elaborate preparation;
who may prevent their lofs of time, and prof-
titution of judgment, by methods much more
eminently entitled to approbation, as founded
upon principles of reafon , and fan&ioned by
fuccefs. The fame obfervations hold good
in relpeCt to poultices; they never fliould be

STRAINS.

' 85 .

applied to drains but in cafes of dwelling and
inflammation ; as they can only contribute to
the very reverfe of the general intention, by
relaxing the fyftem they are employed to
contract,

I can have no doubt (notwithftanding the
didtatorial manner in which inftrudtions were
formerly conveyed, amounting almofl; to a
degree of infallibility,) but the majority of
readers who condefcend to ruminate at all
upon the fubjedt, will inftantly admit the
great probability of receiving a greater portion
of relief from adtive liquids, that, by their
volatile and penetrative power, (affifted by fre-
quent and induflirious application) rufh imme-
diately into contadl with the feat of pain, than
from a compound of mere fimples formed into
elaborate poultices or cataplafms, that are pre-
vented by the nature of the parts, (as the hair,
and thicknefs of the fkin,) from bringing fa
inadtive a mafs. into effedl, with parts requiring
reftringents of much greater power and pene-v
tration.

1 # ,

Strains in the ligamentary parts are in ge-
neral occafioned by fudden jerks, fhort turns*

G 3 Qt

1

«

86 STRAINS.

or finking in deep ground, and forcible exer-v
tions to get extricated. Thefe being fituated
at the junction of the bones, and in mod; cafes
fo covered with the mufcles and foft parts,
that no great expectation of relief can be
formed upon the efficacy of external applica-
tion, when the feat of pain is unluckily fo re-
mote from the furface. But as thefe cafes are
very frequently productive of internal heat, ex-
citing fymptomatic inflammation, wafh well
with the following Lotion three or four times
every day, adhering hill clofely to the article of
reft, already repeatedly mentioned, and never
can be fufficiently attended to; remembering
alfo the great utility of bandage, where it can
be conveniently applied:

Take feeft white wine vinegar one pint:

Extradf of Saturn two ounces j
Camphorated fpirits of wine four ounces ;

And rain or pond water one pint.

Mix the extra£t with the camphorated fpirits •, then add
the vinegar, Shaking well together ; and, laftly, add
the water for frequent ufe.

To enumerate the variety of frrains, and
particularife the different fymptoms conftitut-

S T R A I N S.

87

ing each, would be an endlefs undertaking ;
fuch information or knowledge muft always
defend upon the judgment and attention of
the operator; for the diredtions front books
are always doubtful, and feldom decilive'. Nor
can it be believed that different horfes lamed
in this part, or Jlrained in that, will all Jlef>,
halt , or retreat in the fame manner; if fo, I
may venture to affirm the idea will be fre-
quently as lame as the horfe !

To afeertain the feat of difeafe to a certainty,
the judicious inveftigator will depend much on
the eye, more on the touch; and, if affifted
by obfervation and experience, he will very
rarely err in the effedt of his judgment: for, his
minute examination being made with a necef-
fary attention to concurring circumftances, he
will feldom fail to convey a true flate of the
cafe upon almoft every invefligation.

Previous to the final difmiffion of this arti-
cle, it may not be inapplicable to introduce
the compojition of a blister in great eftima-
tion, and of a different form, calculated for
thofe who may be in fome degree attached to
the former mode of practice, and indulge their

G 4 doubts

88

STRAINS.

doubts of the efficacy of the liquid blifler before
defcribed.

Take of Venice turpentine and quickfilver each one
ounce; rub together in a mortar till the quickfilver
is no longer vifible: then add

Of the ointment of marftimallows and yellow diges-
tive, commonly called bafilicon, each two ounces;
and Iaftly,

Of cantharides. (or Spanifh flies,) three drachms;

Of corrofive mercury one drachm ; both in fine pow-
der, mixing the whole well together.

A portion of this to be carefully rubbed into
every part upon which the blifter is required
to take effedt, and the remainder to be laid on
as thick as judgment may dictate or the cafe
require, covering the whole with a piece of
fheep or lamb-fkin leather, having a margin
fpread with flicking diachylon ; over this may
be placed any other convenient bandage, mak-
ing it firm, and ufing every precaution to
prevent its being dripped off by the horfe, fo
foon as its ftimulating powder makes him fenfi-
ble of his fituatiom

i *..» ■ * • «

The operation of firing is fo much the rage

a relative confideration to

his

» i . J

at prefent (without

f

STRAINS. 89

his becoming disfigured,) that a fingle obfer.
vation on the fubjeft is rendered unneceffary,
one offer of advice only accepted, viz. Never
to adopt an alternative fo truly dij agree able and
dijlrefmg till all the more gentle applications
have repeatedly failed in effect ; amongft which
do not let the following be omitted .

Take oil of wormwood one ounce ;

Amber and origanum of each half an ounce ;
Camphorated fpirits of wine and opodeldoc of each
four ounces; and let a proportion (according to
the injury fuftained) be gently rubbed into the
part twice every day.

Or,

Take extra# of Saturn and camphorated fpirits each
two ounces ;

Opodeldoc four ounces.— Mix the extra# and cam-
phorated fpirits together; then add the opo-
deldoc, and ufe as above, never omitting the ufe
of proper bandage.

In corroboration of my own remarks upon
the inconfiftency of rafhly bringing into ufe the
. burning cautery , I muff beg to introduce the ju-
dicious opinion of Osmer upon the operation
of firing , which I fl iall quote exactly in his
own words, from a treatife of his that never

fell

9®

STRAINS.

fell into my hands till a few weeks after the
original publication of this work .

<c Between the tendon and the Ikin of the leg,
“ as nothing intervenes but a thin membrane,
“ what hand can determine betwixt the boun-
“ daries of thofe bodies, whofe appearance, by
“ the heat of the iron, is made undiftinguifh-
“ able to the eye. Now mark the event of
“ firing. — If the fire reaches no further than
“ the Ikin, little advantage can accrue to the
“ tendon, but the fibres of theikin will become
“ contracted and lefs pliant; if the fire reaches
“ the membrane or fheath of the tendon, fome
“ of its glands are deftroyed, and the tendon
“ becomes more or lefs frigid. If the ten-
“ don be burnt the confequence will be fiill

worfe, and in either cafe the velocity of
(t motion will be impeded ; on all thefe occa-
“ fions the horfe fiiould be turned to grafs and
“ indulged with proper reft, that the difeafed
« parts may recover their former firmnefs,-
“ tone and ftrength.”

CLASS

CLASS II.

CRACKS, SCRATCHES, THRUSH,
and GREASE.

CRACKS and SCRATCHES

In the heels are fo evidently children of the
fame family, that, not being able to reap any
advantage from their feparation, it would be
very unfair to part them. Every reader well
knows, without information from me, that, in
the general fearch for cures in the books gone
before upon this fubjed, they have been mod
plentifully furnhhed with remedies, and thofe
very concife too. The whole clafs of corro -
fives , detergents y repellent j, and ref r ingents, have
been let loofe, affording ample food to indulge
the mod: extend ve appetite for experiment . But
modern and experimental pradlice abandons this

beaten

92 CRACKS AND SCRATCHES.

beaten barren trad of alum, lead , vitriol, mer-
cury, and a long lift of inveterate poifons, com-
ing immediately to a rational fyttem founded
on common obfervation and long experience.

Cracks and Scratches, in?nne cafes out
of every ten , are undoubtedly produced by
negligence and a want of care in the superin-
tendent; and not, as is too frequently fup-

pofed, from a bad habit, or an acrimonious..

%

Hate of the blood.

In many ttables, (particularly where the
matter feldom pays a vittt,) fo as the carcafe is
fleek, the feet and heels are left to take care of
themfelves. From this circumttance in fevere
weather (when the parts below the fetlock are
left in a wet, dirty, and flovenly condition,)
do thefe complaints originate, evidently re fult-
ing more from bad grooms than bad habit.
It is likewife remarkable that the mode of treat-
ment for a century patt has been in diredl oppo-
fition to the efforts of nature, without
the introduction of a lingle attempt to co-ope-
rate in her endeavours. Inttead of corrofve
wattles, detergent lotions, repelling liniments, or
rejiringent embrocations, calculated to form

CRACKS and SCRATCHES. 93

rigid cfchars , or painful callofities , I fhall com-
municate, and earneftly recommend, a fafe ,
fimple and effectual method of cure, which
I have never yet feen once fail in an experi-
ence of twenty years.

In every twenty-four hours, but more par-
ticularly at each time of the horfe’s returning
from the road or exercife, let the cracks or
scratches be wafhed for a conliderable time
with foap and warm water , making a lather,
and continuing to rub them tenderly with the
fudsi till they become pliable, and perfeCtfy
clear from every degree of fcurf, or hardnefs
at the edges, and the ftiffened mucus, or ooz-
ing, is entirely wafhed away ; then wipe very
dry with a linen cloth, and when perfectly fo,
rub in a fufficient quantity of camphorated
fpermaceti ointment : there is no doubt but they
will foon fubmit to this limple treatment, if
regularly perfevered in. On the contrary, if
in fome days after this method has been
adopted, you perceive the cracks to be deep,
the difcharge copious, and the fmell fcetid or
Rinking, you may naturally conclude there is
a foulnefs in the habit, or an acrimony in the
blood, requiring rectification ; in that cafe con-
tinue

94

THRUSH.

tinue your wajhings with foap and warm water
every night and morning; take away a propor-
tion of blood, according to the directions be-
fore given under that head, rubbing in a
fmall quantity of the itrong mercurial ointment
(inftead of the camphorated fpermaceti,) ad-
miniftering two purging balls : and if neceffary
afterwards a diuretic ball, every other morning
for a fortnight, as will be hereafter defcribed,
under the article Greafe, when we come to
that fubjeCt.

THRUSH,

Commonly called “th z Running T hr ujh,” is
a varicous Rate of the frog, which, becoming
perforated in different parts, bears the appear-
ance of rapid decay and rottennefs ; occafioned
by ail ichorous corrofive difcharge, frequently
the evident effects of negleCt in differing the
horfe to go badly fhod, till the frog, by re-
peated bruifes, lofes its original property, and
becomes difeafed. To inattention the complaint
is generally owing, and by early care is as ge-
nerally cured. Though there are undoubtedly

inflances

'THRUSH. 95

inftances of ftich defedls being what are termed
natural blemifhes ; but the mode of treatment
will be fimilar and effedtive. The putrid,
ragged, or rotten part of the frog fhould be
conftantly pared away, as fhould alfo the hoof
that bears upon the defedtive parts. The bot-
tom of the foot fhould be frequently waflied
with warm water, particularly after coming
into the liable ; and, when dry, the whole
frog moiftened flightly with tindture of myrrh.
The feet fhould be conftantly flopped with a
compofition of the following proportion :

Cow dung, feven pounds ;

Vinegar and chamber-lye, of each one pint. — Mix’.

If the complaint difplays (by its depth or
fcetidity) a degree of inveteracy, affift with the
following diuretic balls:

Take white foap, eight ounces ;

Nitre and rofm (in powder) of each three ounces ;
Camphor and oil of juniper, of each three drachms;
form the mafs into half a dozen balls, and let one be
given every, or every other, morning, as the ftate
of the cafe requires.

But

96

GREASE.

But fhould the horfe be vifibly foul, and, by
bis whole appearance, indicate a tendency to
fluctuating humours, from an impurity in the
blood, a courfe of pbyflc is firfl: to be adopted,
preceded by a proportional bleeding, regulating
both by the directions given under thofe dif-
tinCt heads. Thefe inftruCtions properly at-
tended to, no doubt need be entertained of a
perfeCt cure ; yet it had in rnoft cafes (parti-
cularly where the defeCt has been fevere, or the
frog very much impaired) much better be fully
confirmed by turning out to grafs for an ade-
quate length of time, where the foftnefs of the
pafture may aCt as a natural cataplafm, pro-
moting the growth of the frog to its original
Rate of flrength and perfection.

GREASE.

f

We are told by an author of the latefl date,
what is almofl: univerfally underftood by thofe
at all acquainted with the animal ceconomy,
that “ the blood is conveyed from the heart
“ to the extremities by the arteries, and re-
“ turned by the veins; in which latter the

“ blood

GREASE.

97

** blood is to rife in perpendicular columns,
« to return the circulating fluids from the ex-
“ tremities. Hence fwellings in the legs of
“horfes may be eafily accounted for, from a
partial ftagnation of the blood and juices in.
“the finer veffels, where the circulation is
“moft languid ; and efpecially where there is
“ a want of due exercife, and a proper mufcu-
“ lar compreffion upon the veffels to pufli for-
“ward the returning blood, and propel the
“ inert or half-ftagnating fluid through their
“veffels.” This is one reafon (where a rea fon
is wanting and muff be obtained), and is quoted
ontirely for the fervice of thofe who require
no other. But, asv many may wifh to receive
more fatisfadfory information upon the fubjeft,
it will be neceffary to afford it a nicer elucida-
tion.

Indeed it cannot be fuppofed that any reader
poffefling the fmallefl degree of rational con-
ception will fall into this ridiculous idea, and
imphcity believe nature has prevented her
own laws, by appropriating to certain offices
veffels inadequate to the purpofes for which
they were formed. That the veffels are fmall
in the extremities mufl be acknowledged j

H that

*

GREASE.

that the contents are proportional, cannot be
denied: thefe pofitions being admitted, it cer-
tainly fhall follow, the lefs the weight or fub-
rtance, the lefs muft be the force required
to give it motion: this force is retained in the
contracting power of the veffiels aCting upon
their own contents, exclufive of the affifting
mufcular compreffion mentioned by the author
above quoted, which (in the fyftem of circu-
lation) can only prove the fecondary conlider-
ation. I do not mean to enter into tedious and
unentertaining difquifitions upon the laws of
nature and motion , but hope (and natural ly
conclude) every reader will coincide with me
in one opinion — that thefe veffiels are as fully
adequate to the offices affigned them in the
extremities, as thofe whofe capacities have fix-
ed them in the more noble parts.

/

This truth being allowed (as by every
intelligent reader it mud; be), I conlider
nature totally exculpated from the accufation
of infufficiency in the execution of her own
laws; and doubt not, in the inveffiigation of
the fubjeCl, we fhall be able to produce more
fatisfaClory reafons for the appearance and

progrefs

\

GREASE.

99

progrefs of this difeafe, than any we have yet
feen offered to public conlideration,

•

That “ a partial flagnation of the blood and
“ juices in the finer veffels, where the circula-
“ tionis moft languid,” may and does happen,,

I readily admit, but by no means fo often as
to conftitute' the difeafe we now treat of; if fo
(the extremities in mofthorfes being the fame,
as well as the circumference or capacity of the
veffels and force of circulation), there can be
no doubt but nineteen out of every twenty
would be afflicted with this malady, from an
** error in nature,” that no human fore-
fight can prevent, or judgment remove.

9

Bart let (who is the author before alluded
to) fays, in the .paflage there quoted, “ the
“horfes moft fubjedt to it are thofe where
“there is a due want of exercife.” In compli-
ment to an author of merit and repute, we
will admit this for a moment ; but, the better
to eftablifh my own point, I fliall claim the
privilege of making one obfervation , in diredf
oppofition to an afiertion that has required fiome
authority by remaining fo long uncontradidfed.
And as I, from the firft moment of my

Hz embarkation

»

100 GREASE.

embarkation in this treatife, have totally dif-
claimed the very idea of implicit obedience to
the dictation of thofe who have preceded me
on the fubjedt, I now come to the declaration
of an opinion diretfily oppofite to what we have
juft quoted, and (as no bad prelude to what,
is to follow) wreft the attention of the reader
to the following circumdance, well worthy of
note. — That the horfes having the mod: re-
gular and temperate exercife, food, air, and
water, are the very fubj efts that are in gene-
ral more feverely afflicted with this difeafe than
any other, no one will attempt to difprove.
For indance, thofe palling under the denomi-
nation of “ cart horfes,” employed in teamsy
agriculture, road waggons, &c. and this cir-
cumdance alone, if unaffided with other tedi-
mony, would very much warp the opinion
before-mentioned; and prove both the vedels
and circulation to be lefs culpable in this buli-
nefs than that writer feemed to imagine.

It is a circumdance known to the mod fuper-
ficial obferver, that enormous quantities of hair
are permitted to remain upon the heels of
draft horfes of the above difeription, without
exception ; and it is in vain to expodulate upon

the

6

GREASE. ioi

the abfurdity, by enlarging upon the heat it
occafions in fummer, or the dirt and filth it
harbours in winter. You are told, in return,
•“ of its utility in preventing injuries from
fe flints, bruifes from ftones,” &c. this is the
evident efredt of inftindtive obftinacy and ig-
norance, tranfmitted from fire to fon ; and is
one of the moft palpable reafons that can be
produced for the frequent appearance and pro-
grefs of this complaint, whether proceeding
originally from a hidden accumulation of exter-
nal nafhnefs or internal impurity.

• rj V .

As I mean however to give the explanation
of this difeafe the face of novelty, I fhall hint
only at the impoffibility of removing, from
under the loads of hair juft defcribed, the quan-
tity of dirt and extraneous matter that muft
inevitably lodge there, and continue to accu-
mulate, without even a probability of extirpa-
tion; and proceed to hazard an opinion, or
perhaps afadt, that the proportion of fecreted
perfpirable matter, making its efforts here (as
elfewhere) for a natural difcharge, is obftrudted
by the mafs or filth caked upon the furface, as
before explained ; and becomes, in the courfe
of time, too vifcid and fub/iantial to be again

I I 3 abforded

102

grease.

ab forded and carried into the circulation. This
is palpably the Rate of the cafe ; and Nat u re,
faid by Bartlet to be deficient in her own
v °®ce> is not fo but upon compulfion ; the con-
Rant flow of perfpirable matter to the parts fo
evidently obRrufted, totally overpower every
effort of Nature ; and, from the accumulation
of matter, the veffels certainly become inade-
quate to the talk of conveying treble the
proportion for which they were intended: the
extremities being by thefe means overloaded
and diRended, the contents not only become,
from their Ragnation, putrid and corrojive, but
at length, by their acrimonious quality, per-
forate the integuments in a .foetid ichor ; and, by
a particular fharpnefs in its cutaneous oozing,
gives a callofity or hardnefs to the edges of the
apertures, fmall as they are, conRituting, in
this difeafe, a greater or lefs degree of invete-
racy, according to the Rate and temperament
of the blood at the time of attack.

The diforder having once made its appear-
ance, will, in its progrefs, beyond every ad-
million of doubt, be almoR entirely regulated
by the favourable or unfavourable Rate of the
habit, which muR now be more minutely

inquired

GREASE. 103

inquired into. But as it appears very little
amonglt horfes of the firft or lecond clafs,
appropriated to either turf or field, and is con-
fined chiefly to thofe before defcribed, or fuch
as are unluckily deflined to a hard road, and a
harder mailer, fall in for a much greater pro-
portion of work than care; I avail myfelf
of this additional obfervation to corroborate any
former affertion, or opinion, — that this com-
plaint frequently originates much more in the
ill humours of the groom than the horse; to
which the careleffnefs and inattention of the
mailer does not fometimesa little contribute.

But as an ancient adage inflrudls us to be-
lieve “ There is no rule without exception/’
fo I am willing to admit the exception, and
allow that a vifcidity or tenacity in the blood
may engender foulnefs ; and impurities may be
produced by omitting to correct and purify
acrimony on the one part, or a Jluggijh cohefion
on the other. Collections of matter may be
formed, and are undoubtedly the efforts of
nature to difburden herfejf of the morbid
ajf'ebhon-, and the moil wifely makes thofe
efforts as remote as poffible from the vital
principle of aCtion, and in the parts bell quali-
fied to bear the operation,

H4

Thus

104

GREASE.

Thus much produced to inculcate the doc-
trine of the difeafe, let us endeavour to eftabliih

\

(contrary to the cuftom of a century part) the
mod; rational and lefs objectionable mode of
obtaining relief in cafes of fo much pain and
trouble. So foon as the attack is difcovered,
or the arpearance of difeafe is afcertained,
let blood be taken away, with a proper re-
ference to die directions given under that
head 3 letting your quantity be proportioned to
the uze, ftate, and ftrength of your horfe ; and
fo foon as the blood is cold, let an examination
be made of its ftate, and proceed accordingly.
If you find the blood is firmly coagulated
with a fmall proportion of ferum or liquid,
that the craflamentum, or mafs, is livid, with
a coat of fize or gelatinifed matter upon the
furface, you may immediately conclude there
is too great a tenacity and adhefion in the
blood for the office of circulation through the
fmaller vefiels ; and that fuch quality has con-
tributed to the caufe of obfiru&ion under
which the fubjeCt is difcovered to labour. If
the difeafe is in its earlieft fiate, and does not
feem to indicate rapid fgns of inveteracy, and
the horfe is not remarkably foul or out of con~
ft ion, it may probably fubmit to the mildefi:

method

GREASE. 105

t \

method of treatment : as for instance, let the
parts a he died be well wajhed twice every day
with foft water made warm, and plentifully
impregnated with foap, fo as to form a fub-
ftantial lather; with which every defective or
offenhve fpot fhould be moft patiently rubbed,
fo as to clear the furface of all fcruf, fcabs, or
indurated matter; then wipe the parts gently
dry with a linen cloth ; and fo foon as well
dried, wafh where necelfary with as much as
is requihte of the following lotion :

* •

Take tin&ure of myrrh and camphorated fpirits of
wine each one ounce ;

Of beft white wine vinegar and fpring water, each
two ounces. — Mix together :

And when well dried in, flightly rub over with
a fmall quantity of the following ointment:

Take of white diachylon plafter three ounces, olive
oil four ounces ; melt together over the fire ; then
keep ftirring till cold, and mix upon a ftone with

three drachms of the fugar of lead, firfl powdered
very fine in a mortar.

And let one of the following diuretic
balls be given every other morning for a

cpurfe

GREASE.

ic6

eourfe of one dozen : but if the horfe is evi-
dently grofs in habit, and foul in excrement,
this courfe mult be preceded by two dofes of
phyfic, prepared according to his flrength and
condition, from fome of thofe prefcribed under
the directions for purging, See page 36,

DIURETIC BALLS.

Take of Caflile, or belt Briftol foap, twelve ounces ;

Yellow rofin and nitre (in powder) each eight
ounces ;

Camphire (in powder) one ounce;

Oil of juniper fix drachms ;

Mix with as much fyrup or honey as required, and
divide into a dozen balls, and roll up in liquorice
anifeed powder,

If the difeafe is farther advanced, and dif-
plays a palpable inveteracy, the parts confider-
ably enlarged, and the difcharge both fcetid
in itfelf and copious in quantity (the blood
being as before defcribed), bleed again in four
or five days ; giving in two days, or three at
mod, one of the purging balls, adding of
I mur curias

\

GREASE. 107

mercurius dulcts (commonly called calomel)
two drachms; working it off as before de-
ferred, and ufing every precaution to avoid
cold: at the expiration of four or five clear
days, repeat the purging ball , adding or dimi-
nifhing (that is changing the number), fo
as to render it effectual in refpedt to ftrength.
In three days after the fetting of which fecond
dofe, begin a courfe of the above diuretic
balls, and let one be given every morning
for a fortnight, three weeks, or a month, as
may be found neceffary. The wafhing with
the folution of foap in warm water to be regu-
larly and fubftantially repeated twice every day;
the parts to be fomented after each wafhing
with flannels dipped in a hot decodtion of
camomile , wormwood, mar Jim allows, and rofe-
?nary, for a quarter of an hour or more ; and
this to be followed, if neceffary, by the ap-
plication of a poultice prepared with equal
parts of ryemeal and oatmeal ; with garlic and
white lily root , of each two ounces ; both beat
to a pafte, and all mixed together to a proper
confidence, with a part of the decodtion pre-
pared for the fomentation ; and then ffir in
a quarter of a pound of lard, and apply as
warm as may be with fafety.

On

GREASE.

V

ioB

On the contrary, if circumftances fhould not
he fo fevere as to require the poultice , the fol-
lowing ointment maybe plentifully applied
after the fomentation (when rubbed dry); or,
in worfe. cafes, when the poultice is left off:

i i • • , - * #

Take ointment of elder four ounces;

Camphire, powdered and molified with a little olive
oil, fix drachms ;

Ofliquid laudanum and extra&of Saturn, each two
drachms ;

Mix well together, and keep clofe flopped for ufe.

*.

But when the cafe is fo obftinate as to bear
no figns of fubmiffion either in a reduction of
the difeharge, or a decreafe of the fwelling,
let longitudinal and tranfverfe fcarijications be
made fupefficially with a fleam, in number and
diftance proportioned to the diflenfion of the
parts, (or inveteracy of appearance), fo as to
enfure a plentiful dijcharge of blood and Janies .
Immediately after the difeharge, apply a poul-
tice very warm, and fufficiently large to cover
all the parts, compounded of the following
' ingredients :

Take

GREASE,

109

Take of coarfe brown bread and boiled turnips
equal parts, and mafh well over the fire : adding
a fufficient quantity of ftale ftrong beer to give
it a proper confiftence : and ftir in of beft flour
of mufiard one ounce, turpentine two ounces, lin-
feed powder three ounces, and lard fix ounces,
or fufficient to keep it from getting too fluff.

This miift be continued night and morning
till a change in appearance renders a variation
or treatment neceffary, regulating the ufe of
purgatives or diuretics by the face of the difeafe,
and the difcretion of the prefcriber, farrier, or
groom y adopting l'uch choice of the various
methods pointed out as may rationally appear
moft applicable to the Rate and changes of the
fubjeft. During the whole progrefs of cure,
fuch proportion of gentle motion or exercife
fhould be adopted as the nature and circum-
flances of the difeafe will bear; and the horfe,
if at a proper feafon of the year, be turned out
to enjoy the advantages of gradual and volun-
tary motion, fo foon as his Rate will admit,
firft obferving however mild or fevere this
difeafe may have been. So foon as the' dis-
charge has declined its foetidity (or offenlive

fmcll )

I

no GREASE.

fmell is fubdued, and the fwelling totally fub-
fided, the cure may be compleated by well
•wajhing the parts with equal proportions of
foap lees and good vinegar , once every day,
occafionally moiftening, with a fmall quantity
of the ointment before-mentioned, compound-
ed of diachylon plajler, olive oil , and fugar of
lead, page 105.

Having treated largely upon that degree of
foulnefs termed grease, originating in a pal-
pable combination of negledt and naftinefs,
flrengthened by internal groffnefs and vifcidity
of blood, with the various methods of treat-
ment adapted to each diftindt ftage of difeafe,
let as revert to the fame difeafe, formed by a
very diftin<ft and feparate caufe, where, from
the kind of horfe and the care conftantly taken,
we are inflantly convinced it muft arife from
an acrimonious ftate of the blood and juices,
or an hereditary retention or taint from sire

V

or DAM.

In this cafe the firffc ftep to cure mud; be
the fame as with the other; that is, bleed to a
proper quantity, accordingto the ftate of your

lubje&r

GREASE.

1 1 1

fubjedti if he is full of flefh, high in condi-
tion, and has had no forced evacuations for
a length of time, take fufficient in proportion
to ftrength: if the fymptoms are powerful
and threaten obftinacy, give him a couple of die
following purging balls fix days apart;
the management being ftridtly regulated by
the directions given under the article of purging,
Page 35-

Take fuccotrine aloes nine drachms;

iTthiop’s mineral half an ounce ;

Caftile foap and jalap of each two drachms ;

Ginger one drachm ;

Oil of juniper forty drops ;

Syrup of buckthorn fufficient to make the ball.

If this proportion does not purge quite fo
much as de fired, add another drachm of aloes-,
if on the contrary it is thought to relax too
much, take off a drachm of the jalap. In four
days after the laft dofe, begin with one of the
following balls, and repeat it every morn-
ing for fifteen days, three weeks, or a month,
as the urgency or mildnefs of the cafe may
require.

4

Take

1 12

GREASE.

Take of antimony finely levigated, fulphur,
nitre, and Tthiop’s mineral, each three ounces ;
Caftile foap ten ounces ;

Oil of juniper three drachms;

Syrup of honey fufficient to make the mafs, which
divide into a dozen balls, rolling them in liquo-
rice or aniieed powder.

This difeafe has been fo fully explained,
and every method of cure fo minutely entered
into, that the reader can be at no lofs for far-
ther inftrudtions under this head, having fucb
a variety of prefcriptions to affift his endea-
vours, if he will but induftrioufly exert his
judgment on the occalion.

And this in fadt becomes neceffiary even in
its earliefl hate; for, by remaining long un-
corredted, it foon affumes a degree of virulence*
particularly in fubjedts remarkably foul and out
of condition; occasioning a greater portion of
trouble and inconvenience than can poffibly
happen in almoft any other difeafe. To ob-
viate this difficulty, and counteract the ten-
dency as much as poffible, fuch hints will be
found in the Appendix refpedting the manage-
ment

GREASE. 1 13

ment of draft horfe, as take into confider-
ation and properly attended to, may, in a great
meafure, reduce the number conftantly labour-
ing under this diftemper; many of whom, by
negledt and injudicious treatment, are doomed
to perpetual punifhment, and relinquished as
incurable.

( ”4 )

CLASS III.

I •

HIDEBOUND, SURFEIT, MANGE,
and FARCY.

HIDEBOUND

IS a fubjedt that has hitherto been very little
treated of, and by no means at all fatisfac-
torily. It has been attributed to many caufesj
but from every obfervation I have been able
to make, I muft confine it to few. The figns
are, a want of flexibility in the ikin, which
is pervaded by a general ftiffnefs that feems
to form an entire adhefion to the flefh, with-
out the leaf! partial feparation or diftindlion.
There is a kind of dufty fcurf, plainly per-
ceived underneath the hair, that raifes it up
in different parts ; and, giving it another hue,
the coat in many places forms an appearance
of two or three colours ; conveying, even in

this

HIDEBOUND, &c. 1 1 5

this trifling circumflance, a wry forcible idea
of poverty in both food and raiment . The
horfe is generally languid, dull, heavy, and
weak; his excrement is dark, foul, and offen-
five ; he fweats much upon very moderate
exertions; then his coat flares, the hair turns
different ways, (which in its effluvia is difagree-
able,) and affords evident proof of weaknefs
and debilitation. The caufe requires very little
animadverfion, and it bears the face of poverty
(in food and attention) upon every trait of its
countenance.

Bad food and want of fable care are, in
general, the only probable reafons that can be

affigned for this complaint, or defed. Long
lank grafs in low fwampy land in autumn,

and mufly hay or bad oats at any feafon, may
in fome degree allay the hunger, but not gra-
tify the appetite ; for, being in itfelf deflitute
of the effed and quality of fuperior food, no
nutritive contribution can be conveyed for the
generation of blood or formation of flefh.
The fources for the fupply of chyle being thus
obflruded, the lymphatics are deprived of
their due proportion of nutrivite fluid that
fflould pafs through thefe fmaller veffels, and

I 2 they

n6 HIDEBOUND, &c.

they become not only in fome meafure con-
tracted, .but in a great degree inactive, which,
with the want of proper external care and
drefring, contribute to an almoft univerfal ob-
frruCtion of the cutaneous pores. Thefe, from
the preternatural debilitation of the general
iyfrem, are compulfively thrown open upon
the moft moderate exercife, when a horfe that
is (from excellent food, care, and attention)
in what is termed good condition will not
difplay the lead: moiHure upon his ikin, even
in undergoing a much greater proportion of
fatigue.

Thus much is introduced to prove its ex-
igence as an original complaint, probably
cauled by thefe means, when abfrra&ed from
its connderation as a fymptomatic attendant
upon any other. And when that is really the
cafe, by effectually removing the caufe, the
effecfr will ceafej or, in other words, cure the
difeafe on which it is attendant, and you
will of courfe get rid of its concomitant like-
wife. In refpeCt to its cure , very little inftruc-
tion will be necefrary, for (under judicious
management) it is hardly entitled to the ap-
pellation of difeafe , being in faCt no more than

7 ‘ a tern-

HIDEBOUND, &c.

1 1 7

a temporary inconvenience. Therefore, by
way of affording fome little change to the cir-
culation of the blood, take away a fmail
quantity, and in three or four hours after,
increafe its impetus by a mafh of malt, oats,
and bran, equal parts ; continuing it every
night for a fortnight, ftirring in two ounces of
flour of brimftone every other night ; giving
his other feeds (morning and noon) equal
parts of oats and bran, with half a pint of old
beans in each, to prevent relaxing the body too
much by the mafhes. To give this method of
cure fome certainty of fuccefs, regular and
fubftantial dreffing, air, exercife, found oats,
fweet hay, and good loft water, will greatly
contribute. And when by thefe means he has
vifibly improved in hide, coat, and condition,
let him have twice in the week a brufhing
gallop, to produce a tolerable fweat and en-
liven the circulation ; taking great care not to
let him (land ftill till he is perfectly cool;
when his drefling fhould be thoroughly gone
through with attention, care, and perfeverance,
eveiy night and morning. If this method
fhould be unattended with fuccefs, there muft
be fome unknown caufe lurking behind ; in
which cafe go through a mild courfe of phyfic,

I 3 feeding

u8 SURFEIT.

feeding well between the dofes, or a regular
adminiftration of diuretics, as defcribed in the
laft clafs.

SURFEIT.

This word has been the conftant friend and
frequent refource of all country farriers, and
may, with great truth, be termed “ The
“ Farrier’s Vade Me cum” abridged to a word
of two fyllables, for the convenience of tech-
nical explanation and vulgar comprehenfion.
For certainly fo foon as a cutaneous eruption
appears, indicating an acrimonious hate of the
blood, or a degeneracy of habit, it is (with a
wonderful degree of fagacity, and almofl in-
credible penetration,) confidently pronounced
“ A SURFEIT ■” but what a forfeit is, un-
lefs, as Captain le Brufo , in the Re gift cr Office 9
defines chaos to be “ a fort of — , a kind of
“ a — chaos ft they filently acknowledge they
cannot tell. And what makes it the more un-
fortunate for them is, that Bartlet, the
great “ god of their idolatry,” to whom they
look for every information, omitted to give
them the leaf! clue by which they might glofs

their

SURFEIT.

1 19

their ignorance. “ For,” fays he, in toto ,
** furfeits arife from various caufes: but are
“ commonly the effects of J'o7ne difeafes not
“ attended to, or that have been ill cured.”
Whether this can be called an elucidation, or
is entitled to the compliment of “ ?jui!tum in
“ parvo ,” I leave to the difcerning reader,
anxious for inftrudtion ; and gladly fubmit to
his impartial decilion alone, whether we are
not likely to derive greater gratification to our
inquiries from a more minute inveftigation..

As the above mentioned writer has been
indulgingly concife , another has been moft
tcdioujly prolix, who, after taking a trip through
almoft every known difeafe, feeling for the
caufe, plainly tells you, “ it may originate in

all or any ; but it moft commonly pro-
4< ceeds from a horfe’s conflantly feeding till
“ he can feed no longer.” We thank him
heartily for fuch very useful information ,
and proceed to our own part of the talk, but
not without the neceflary compliment of mak-
ing one obfervation upon bis — That it is very
natural to fuppofe a horfe conflantly fupplied
with food, even to fatiety, mu ft be fat , ^at
leaft in tolerable condition,) whereas on the

I 4 Contrary,

I 20

SURFEIT.

contrary, it is univerfally feen, that horfes
•labouring under the difeafe known by the
appellation of surfeit, are generally poor.

There is no rational unprejudiced man liv-
ing who will not moft cheerfully fubfcribe his
opinion to a fair inveftigation and demonftra-
tion of truth, rather than every fallacious
conjecture that may be forcibly feizod upon by
a post-haste author , impatient to arrive at
the goal of his undertaking.

' V - . ‘ ' T 1 v

r ' " * _ 5 .

Of surfeits then there are two kinds,
originating from different caufes, one being
n,o more than a very advanced flage of the cafe
laft defcribed ; which being long negleded,
continues to encreafe, with all its fymptoms
before mentioned, till the entire mafs of blood
being at lafl affeCted, difplays itfelf upon the
furface of the body with a degree of virulence
that forcibly appeals to the Jenfations of the
owner ; and necejjity , by the plea of self-
interest, prompts him to yield, in his own
defence, what the didates of humanity had in
vain endeavoured to obtain. This I confider
one embelUjlment to the Farrier’s abflrufe
abridgment: to which I fnall add an additional

definition

121

SURFEIT,

definition of this difeafe, that has for ages cc-
cafioned infinite looks of furprife, and exertions
of wifdom, when invoking the interpofition of
Minerva or Sommts, to elucidate a matter that
even their immaculate Bartlet did not
condefcend to explain. And as his great pre-
deceffor (who he has moft inceffantly and im-
plicitly copied,) after ringing the changes upon
almoft every difeafe, fixed his opinion of the
caufe upon “ immoderate feeding;” I fhall
avail myfelf of the privilege afforded me in the
ancient adage of “ DoBors differ ,” and declare
I attribute the caufe to hard drinking.
And although he declined faying much in
favour of his opinion, I fhall not omit to
advance a thefis is confirmation of m i n e .

The kind of furfeit differing from the for-
mer in caufe , but very little in effeB, is that
kind where, from ignorance , intoxication, or
mattention, a horfe is fuffered to drink immo-
derately of cold water, when in a violent per-
fpiration , and the blood confequently in the
higheft degree of circulation.

1 he ffock nature fuffains by this revulfon
will be inflantly conceived, even by a mind

not

122

SURFEIT.

not at all accuftomed to fearch into the ab-
ftrufe recedes of Nature. The blood, in its
greateft velocity, is fo inftantaneoufly checked
by the flyptic influence of the frigid element,
and the fudden contraction of the folids, that
the crass amentum, or balfamic part of the
blood, becomes immediately thickened and
inflamed, fepara,ting itfelf from the ferum or
watery part, which (being, from the inflam-
matory particles, impregnated with its pro-
portion of acrimony) extravafates itfelf; and,
by an effort of Nature, is propelled to the fkin
for tranfpiration, where the pores (having been
inflantly collapfed at the time of the water’s
taking effedt) are fo clofely obflru&ed that its
paffage to the furface is abfolutely prevented
and rendered impracticable. Thus fixed, it
becomes united with the perfpirable matter
already confined there (forming a morbid com-
bination), and is, in the courfe of time,
compelled by the progrefs of internal inflam-
mation to make its way through the fkin;
upon which it at lafl appears in a variety of
forms and different symptoms, affuming
diftinCt degrees of malignancy, according to
the flatc , habit , and conftitution of the fubjeCt
pLthe time of attack.

This

SURFEIT.

123.

This being the exadt physical demonftra-
tion and regular procefs of the difeafe , the in-
dications of cure aptly arife from our invefti-
gation. For inftance, to refolve the inflamma-
tory crudities, remove cutaneous obftrudtions,
corredtthe acrimonious hate of the blood, and
gently quicken the circulation. The better
to effedt thefe, take away a moderate portion of
blood, that the impetus may be encouraged ;
open the body with a few warm mafhes and,
according to the mildnels or inveteracy of its
appearance, give (as the cafe requires) either
two or three of the following purging balls,
allowing fufficient time between each dofe,
and exerting more than ufual precaution to
avoid cold, on account of the mercurial pre-
paration contained in its compofltion ; though
it is not only remarkably gentle in the opera-
tion, but fmall in quantity, and may be admi-
niftered with the great elf fafety and effedt :

‘1

f »

Take Barbadoes aloes one ounce;

Jalap (in powder) two; and

Mercurius dulcis, alias calomel, each two drachms;

Caftile foap, and ginger (in powder) of each one
drachm ;

Syrup of buckthorn fufficient to make the ball.

After

124

SURFEIT.

After the courfe of phyfic is regularly gone
through, and properly conducted, let dried
attention be paid to the very neceffary direc-
tions of f,ood, dreffings, water, &c. given un-
der the lafl article of “ hidebound f’ and in
three days after the lafc dofe of phyfic begin
the following courfe of alternatives, per-
fevering for a month with unremitting punc-
tuality, if you wifh to fucceed in the acqui-
sition of events fully enumerated in the indi-
cations ol cure :

Take of antimony levigated and fulphur, each half a
pound ;

iEtbiop’s mineral and cream of tartar, each four
ounces.

Mix well together, and divide into twelve equal parts
of two ounces each, giving one every night with
the feed of corn ; which being firll fprinklcd
■with water, will retain the powders and enfure their
corifumption. 7 wo ounces of nitre mult be given
every morning in a pail of Joft water, and continued
during the whole time of giving the powders'. Should
2ny trifling efehars, fcabs, or excoriations, prove ob-
ftinatc upon any part of the body, they may be
wafbed with equal parts of lye (procured from
the foap-boilers) and lime water. After a re-
gular continuation of the above proportions, Ihould
no confidcrable advantages appear, the dofes *

mull

HANG E.

I2S

muft be gradually increafed of each, from two
ounces to two and an half ; and in another week
to three ounces for each dofe, of both the coax-
pofition ?.n4 the nitre.

M A N G E.

This diftemper is fo univerfally known,
that a general defcription of its moft predomi-
nant features would be a very indifferent com-
pliment both to the time and underftanding
of the reader; fuffice it therefore to fay, a mere
fuperficial view of it inftantly conveys to the
fpedtator a very ftrong idea of general wretch-
cdnefs. For furely nothing can convey it
flronger than exhausted nature finking
under a complication of difeafe and poverty .
And in this cafe fo true it is “ one misfortune
feldom comes alone ” that the latter feems in
combination to go hand in hand with this
diftemper where ever it makes an appearance.
And as a proof of the truth in this obferva-
tion, it is very little feen amongft horses of
any estimation : on the contrary, is almoll
entirely confined to the lower clafs of ftables
and proprietors.

It

126

M A N G E.

It Is obferved to fall chiefly upon thofe that
have been almoft flr angers to the taste of
cats, and are kept entirely on the reflufe of pro-
vender, barren p allure, mujly hay, fleparated
haybands, Jhvampy molly ground, or rufljy
moors ; from all which nature may receive
a wretched existence, but cannot be fur-
nilhed with flupport ; at leaf: the fupport -ne-
cefary to contribute nutritive juices for the
conhant healthy fubfifence of fo large a frame.
From this mode of living (or rather harving)
originates fo fevere and inveterate a difeafe;*
the economy and law of nature demonflrates
it to a certainty, and renders farther ani-
madversion upon the fubjedt tedious and un-
necejflary. For the blood being by this barren
contribution robbed of what it was by nature
intended to receive, becomes imporoerijhed even
to a degree of incredibility (by thofe who
are unacquainted with the fyftem of repletion
and circulation) ; it lofes its tenacity and bal-
Jamic adhefive quality, degenerating to an acrid
ferous vapour that acquires malignity by its
preternatural reparation from its original cor-
re id or. Thus extravalated and unreflrained,
its morbid effects and virulence foon difplay
themfelves upon the furface, with a fevere

and

MANGE.

127

and conftant irritation or itching; to
allay which the poor beajl is eternally exert-
ing himfelf in perpetual rubbings , till with
thofe, and the lols of hair from the different
parts, he bears the univerfal appearance of ap-
proaching excoriation. In this predica-
ment it has been the conftant practice to get
rid of one devil by the application of many;
for inftance, quickfdver , aquafortis , oil of vi-
triol, corrof ve mercury , fpirit of turpentine ,
fulphur of vivum, fal armoniac , tar , train oil \
and all the combuflibles that could well be in-
vented for the fupport of an everlafling con-
f agration in the lower regions.

Without enlarging upon this defperate mode
of practice, I fhall only acknowledge it
brings to my memory a paffage from that julfly
celebrated writer, who fays

<c Where the greater malady is, the letter is not felt.”

And I naturally conclude from the purport
of this fentence, their mode of practice was
adopted to extirpate an itching by a courfe of
cauterization ; and there is no doubt but a
poor devil would feel very little uneafnefs from
a cutaneous irritation when burning alive with
3 a com-

128

M A N G t.

a combination of the mofl powerful c Alls tics „
That these PRESCRIPTIONS were in full
practice upon the principle of “ kill or cure,”
no one will deny; for, as Gibson fays, when
he fpeaks of the internal adminiftration of
corrofive mercury, or other poisons, “the
<f horfe mult have a very ftrong conilitution
“ to recover it:’" and I will, in opposition to
the confidence and fielfi-fufficiency of any far-
rier in the kingdom, declare the above courfe
of un£tion (and extreme undiion it certainly
is) hath fent more HORSEFLESH to the dif-
ferent dog-kennels than the difeafe itfelf. That
the poor diltrelfed and emaciated fubje&s may
in future be in fome degree rescued from
fuch a dreadfiul feene of unmerited misery
and persecution, fuch methods are pointed
cut as will certainly eradicate the difeafe, with
proper attention and punctuality, unlefs it
has been fuffered by a long and neglected con-
tinuance to alTume a degree of inveteracy ; if
fo, and the horfe is not of great value, I will
venture to hazard an Iricism, and allure the
owner that the mod; merciful, certain, and
lead; expenfive CURE, will be by inftantly
cutting his throat , or fhooting him through the
head .

The

MANGE.

129

The firft ftep to be taken is a conflant fup-
ply of warm majhes, prepared with half malt
and half bran ; or equal parts of oats and
bran , with four ounces of honey diflblved in
each : let thefe be given night and morning,
with a feed of dry corn every day at noon.
During this treatment (which mull: be conti-
nued a week, to flieath the acrimony and
foften the rigidity of the fkin) give one ounce
of fulphur in each mafh, and one ounce of
nitre in water every night and morning. In
a week or ten days, when the frame becomes
more invigorated, difcontiriue the mafhes, and
let the diet be changed tc> good oats and fweet
hay ; giving, in the morning and evening
feeds, one of the following powders inter-
mixed with the corn, firft fprinkled with
water :

Take fulphur and prepared antimony, of each a pound ;
rub well together in a mortar, and divide in
twenty-four equal parts :

Or,

Antimony levigated, and fulphur^ of each twelve
ounces ;

Liver of antimony and Cream of tartar each half a
pound. — Mix well together and divide into twenty-
four equal parts, and let them be given as above
directed.

K

Upon

MANGE.

*3°

Upon firft taking the fubjedt in hand, and
previous to the commencement of the malhes,
procure a pail of warm water, and a quarter
of a pound of foft foap (tied up in a linen
rag) ; and with this let every infedted part be
thoroughly walked and cleanfed, by forming
a fubftantial lather, fo that no fcurf or filth
remains upon the furface ; then rub tenderly
dry with a coarfe cloth or feparated haybands ;
and on the following morning begin to rub in
a necefiary portion of this ointment, and
repeat it for feven, ten days, or a fortnight,
(as the urgency of fymptoms may require)
upon every part affected.

Take of the weak mercurial ointment half a pound;

Sulphur vivum four ounces ;

White hellebore (in powder) three ounces ; •

Black pepper (in powder) and oil of tartar, each
one ounce ;

.

Olive oil as much as is neceffary to make it fuffici-
ently foft.

Continue the ufe of the powders before
mentioned, with the nitre alfo, for three
weeks or a month ; and fo foon as it is con-
ceived by the horfe’s condition he is in a Hate
to bear it, take away a moderate portion of

blood.

FARCY.

I3I

blood, and give him afterwards two very mild
dofes of phyjic , feleded from the prefer ip t ions
under the article of purging, , and this will be
the more neceffary, for reafons that cannot
require the lead: explanation.

FARCY.

I must confefs I have heard, feen, and
read lefs, to prove fatisfadory, upon this dis-
temper than any other to which the horfe is
fubjed. Every writer has deferibed the fymp-
toms, but no author, farrier, or groom, has
afeertained the caufe. Their opinions upon
the fubjed forming a very great limilitude to
Scrub’s allulion in the comedy, where he
fays “ Some fay one thing, and fome fay
<c another ; but, for my part, I believe he’s
“ a Jefuit.” This is ftridly the Rate of the
cafe with the farcy; fome attribute it to
one caufe, fome to another ; mod; declare it a
bad caufe, and all acknowledge the “ f.^ult,”
(as u full) to be in the blood.

K 2

That

F A R C Y.

That they are right muft be admitted ; and
that they are fo is the lefs extraordinary, when
a very fuperficial iurvey of the cafe will evi-
dently prove it would be a difficult talk to
be wrong. One author gives us many pages
replete with figurative defcriptions, and runs
through the whole animal mechanifm to de-
monffrate the caufe very clearly, but unluckily
never draws nearer the point than to prove
what a writer of more modern authority
learnedly tells us in two lines, that “ the
“ true FARCY is properly a diftemper of the
“ blood veffels, which generally follows the
“ track of the veins.” What infinite fatisfac-
tion muft it afford every reader, to be in-
formed from the fountain head of inftruCtion,
that “ the blood veffels generally follow the
4 4 track of the veins !” A?ixious for inform-
ation, and open to conviction, I receive the
intelligence with gratitude ; and, although my
retentive faculties are deceptive and imper-
fect, I fhall exert their utmoff influence
to preferve, in high efteem, fo excellent a
tnonitor ; making no doubt but it will prove
highly fatisfaCtory to the curious to be in-
formed they need not look for a diftemper of
the blood veffels in the <c TRACK” of the

mteftines.

F A R C Y.

*33

intedines. But to ' puffue this vein of irony
no farther, and come to the fubjedt in difcuf-
fion, let it be obferved that, from the begin-
ing of this elafs, we have had occafion to
ENLARGE fo much upon the acrimony , roif-
cidity , putridity and tenacity of the blood, un-
der the feparate articles of hidebound, sur-
feit, and mange, it is but natural to con-
clude the intelligent reader is by this time
enabled to form a competent judgment of
its circulation, qualities, difpofitions, and
effedts : from rules fo clear and explanatory,
the fydem is abfolutely reduced to the mod:
minute demondration, and cannot poflibly be
mifunderdood.

Every reader being by thefe means put into
poffeffion of fuch reafons as may tend to form
his own opinion, perhaps it may be the mod
prudent to fay nothing peremptorily decilive
upon the matter, but introduce my opinion,
leaving each obferver open to an exertion of
his own jndgment, to which of the three
preceding didempers this is allied ; or whether
it bears the lead fimilitude to the feverity of
the whole. It would be a very indifferent
pompliment to the patience of the enlightened

K 3 Reader

*34

FARCY.

reader to repeat the techical jargon that was
unavoidably neceffary to explain the original
caufes of greaj'e , hidebound , forfeit, or mange .
An hypothetical explanation of the nature and
origin of this complaint would be to go over
the fame ground, introducing the fame law of
nature in the fydem of circulation : the con-
veyance of chyle by the lymphatics or fmall
veffels, for the generating of blood, the par-
tial coagulation of the craifamentum, and its
confequent effects ; as obdrudtion, putrefac-
tion, and the appearances that follow upon
different parts of the body, or in general over

the whole. That this disease has its dif-

r .... *

ferent dages or degrees of malignity, accord-
ing to the fate, habit , blood, age, keep , and con-
dition of the horfe, is certain ; but generally
that circumdance is mifunderdood, and the
different degrees, of the didemper are fup-
pofed to conditute didinct kinds of the fame
difeafe .

i i'

That the diflemper originates in an inflam-
matory date of blood in the fird indance, gra-
dually increadng to the greated pitch of acri-
mony, and affecting the lydem by degrees, till
the whole mafs is corrupted, is too evidently

clear

FARCY.

J35

clear to admit of a doubt. The gradual and
general affedtion of the frame may be eafily
reconciled to any comprehenfion, by the idea
of a fingle fpark of fire giving life to a com-
bination of combuftibles that foon conftitute
a general flame. To fay the farcy is or can
be long partial to any particular fpot is a very
ridiculous fuppofltion ; for although the attack
may be local (the caufe being inflammatory),
it muft foon be unvoerfal from the very nature
of the circulation. Certain folid parts of the
body may be individually affedted by inflam-
mation, but we naturally infer, from a know-
ledge of the circulation, one part of the blood
cannot imbibe a temporary affedtion without
a fpeedy communication to the whole.

I

If, as it has been before obferved, “ the
“ Farcy is a diftemper of the blood veffels,”
I cannot indulge a momentary doubt but fuch
diftemper in the veffels muft have received the
full force of difeafe from the acrimonious Rate
of the blood itfelf which, by its accumulating
force and morbid pungency, foon exceeds the
bounds prefcribed by nature, making its way
to the furface, by a corrofion of the veffels in
which it was contained. The coat is railed in

K, 4 different

FARCY.

*36

different parts (as they become affe&ed) with
various fmall prominences, bearing the ap-
pearance of bunches of berries, branching off
in direct uniformity with the veins. Soon
after their appearance they are generally co-
vered with a fmall fcab or efchar, which, as
they advance to maturation, peel off, and the
puflules difcharge a {harp ferous ichor, or a
gelatinous, adhelive, putrid matter, forming
ulcers of a more or lefs inveterate appearance,

according to the degree of difeafe.

✓

Previous to the prefent improved and ra-
tional fyftem of cure, it may be applicable to
introduce one of the promifed observations
upon the dangerous and almoft obfolete prac-
tice of others, or rather the mold cruel experi-
ments and infernal perfections that were ever
invented, or could be fuppofed to enter into
the mind of man, for the prevention or cure
of difeafe. In the laft article treated on we
produced a tolerable fyftem of cruelty ; but in
the farcy (as a more perplexing difeafe and
greater excitement to judgment or madnefs)
we have FIRE UPON FIRE, or effectual
cauterization treble refined.

As

FARCY.

*37

As they advanced in danger they increafed
in courage ; and adhering invariably to the
general intention of, “ kill or cure," they dealt
about them with the fire of Mars and the
flrength of Hercules. Began with oil of
vitriol and oil of turpentine ; then euphor-
bium, hellebore, quickfilver, oil of origanum,
double aquafortis, and, to fum up the whole
fcene of confijlency, made open palfages with
fmall hot irons, and touched with oil of vitriol
or aquafortis ; or opening the buds, put in a
fmall quantity of corrofive mercury, arfenic,
or Roman vitriol and fublimate, equal quanti-
ties. “ But,” fays the writer, “ let it be remem-
“ bered that many a horfe has been poijoned
“ by thefe medicines , ignorantly ufed, and in
“ too large quantities.” This very acknow-
ledgment (for which I confefs I am under in-
finite obligations) will ferve to corroborate my
former aflertion — that fome system has long
been neceflary to ref cue this moft ufefial and
fuffering animal

FROM STABULARIAN IGNORANCE
AND EMPIRICAL CONFIDENCE.

Can it be fuppofed, will reafon or reflection
for a moment fupport the idea, that the moft

fevere

FARCY.

338

fevere and burning cau flics, very little fliort of
actual fire, were ever calculated, when laid on
by loads, to rectify the blood, or to promote an
incarnation of the flefh ? It mufl create allo-
nifhment in every mind made calm by time,
or cool by experience, that men have lived,
who, from a want of knowledge in the pro-
perties of medicines, could fo proflitute their
ufes 3 or ethers prove fo weak as to tranfmit
that proflitution to posterity ! But fo deeply
has the injurious and dangerous fyflem taken
root among the illiterate, who flick to a ruflic
maxim never to be obliterated, that “ old laws,
ie old times, old fongs, and old books, are
“ befl,” and confequently fly to the latter
upon every occafion ; in whofe inflruflions
they have fo much faith, and to whofe con-
tents they pay fuch implicit obedience, that
the very devil, however great his influence
be in other refpeds, will never prevail upon
that clafs to change their fyflem.

That mercurials and antimonials in-
icrmlly , with neceflary and occafional cauflics
externally , will ( dictated by judgment, and
proportioned with diferetion), work wonders,
experience and indefatigable attention from
men of the mofl extenfive abilities have fuffi-

ciently

FARCY.

*39

ciently proved. But the abundant, unlimited,
and injudicious application of fuch deflrudtive
poifrns , either externally or internally, no rea-
son can juftify, or prudence direft. And what
confirms it a danger of ftill greater magnitude
is, the predominant defire to increafe the dofes
and applications, upon a mod contemptible but
very common fuppofition “ if a fmall or even
“ a moderate dofe does much, a large one
“ will certainly do a great deal more.”

The very frequent application of cauhics
and repellents is a cuflom evidently too ablurd
to require animadverfion. Every common
obferver mull inftantly perceive the folly of
repelling a morbid -and malignant putrid mat-
ter to be again abforbed into the circulation,
at the very time Nature has arrived at the criti-
cal effort of relieving herfelf from the mor-
bid affedlion or preternatural load with which
flie is oppreffed. To prevent therefore a mif-
conception, let it be once for all underftood^
that in difeafes of the blood or juices, however
externals may occafionally alleviate as auxilia-
ries, the very fountain of relief muff take its
courfe from the effedt of medicines internally
adminiftered. But forry I am to believe, and

have

ipo

FARC Y.

have every reafon to declare, penury on the one
fide, and a want of common humanity on the
other, has in general countenanced and pro-
moted the burning practice formerly adopted ;
a few ounces of oil of vitriol, turpentine, aqua-
fortis, or a red hot iron, being, in the dif-
ference of expence, much more applicable to
the conftitution of the POCKET than a
regular courfe of alteratives.

Thefe obfervations being made to point out
the danger and deter the practice, more than to
condemn the authors, who, to their exculpa-
tion be it remembered, wrote in times of lefs
refinement ; I fhall conclude them for this clafs
with one REMARK — That where the cure
is not to be effected by the courfe of bleeding,
purging, mercurials, antimonials, and altera-
tives, hereafter defcribed, I perfectly coincide
in opinion with a writer before quoted, who
fays, “ When the difeale is fo inveterate as to
“ refill every application, that the fymptoms
** not only continue predominant, but evi-
dently increafe, it is incurable.” And to this
information I fufpedt he meant (but omitted
to recommend what I now lr.oft heartily do,)
the putting a period to a fcene of pain and
y mi fiery.

FARCY.

141

mifery, by taking away a life that every degree
of affiduity and effort of art cannot render
worthy prefervation.

In refped: to cure, upon the very earlieff
appearance take away blood in quantity as
before defcribed, and after fo doing attend
minutely to the quality, which circumftance
will enable you to form a very decilive judg-
ment how foon, and to what proportion, the
fubjeft will bear this evacuation, fhould it again
be neceffary ; for according to the extra pro-
portion of the era [[amentum (or coagulant) , and
the fize (or gelatinized lubffance upon the
furface), with the difproportion of the ferum,
or watery part, it may be very readily afeer-
. tained how much the blood is certainly above
or below the ftandard of mediocrity neceffary
for the ablolute preservation of health. If
the horfe is in a high Rate of condition, and
full of flefh, give him maflies through the day
of bleeding, and the next ; on the following
morning let this purging ball be given :

Take fuccotrine aloes ten drachms ;

Of calomel and jalap (in powder) each two drachms ;

Ginger and oil of anifeed each a drachm ;

Syrup of buckthorn or rofes fufficient to form the
ball.

Let

142

F ARCY.

Let it be carefully attended to, and worked
oft as fpecified under the direction for purging.
If the phyfic works favourably, and fets well,
let his feed (if his appetite is keen), for four
clear days, be plentiful ; and on the fifth, or
fixth at fartheft, repeat his purging ball , con-
ducting the operation as before. If the dif-
temper has attacked him with violence, or
makes rapid progrefs, a third dofe muft be -
given in like manner ■, on the contrary, if the
difeafe is mild, and early difcovered, the two
may do. In two days after your courfe of
phyfic is completed begin upon the following
antimonial alteratives , afiifted by a regular
adminiftration of nitre ; both being continued a
month without the molt trifling intermiffion :

Take of prepared antimony one pound ;

Common fulphur twelve ounces ;

Cream of tartar eight ounces ;

Cinnabar of antimony fix ounces.

Incorporate well in a mortar, and divide into
twenty equal parts, giving one every night in
the corn, firft fprinkling with water to enfure
its adhefion ; giving two ounces of nitre in
the water every morning, at which time he
will generally drink it with the greater
9 avidity.

FARCY.

*43

avidity, as being moft thirdly. This proportion
is meant for the diftemper in its mildeft Rate ;
when the buds or dwelling, upon their firft
appearance, may be well wafhed with the
following lotion twice every day :

Take extra# of Saturn two ounces ;

Camphorated fpirits of wine eight ounces ;

Diftilled vinegar a pint ;

Mix well together and keep clofe ftopt for ufe.

Should the diftemper be in a more advanced
or inveterate ftage, bleeding ftiould be repeated,
in proper time, between the phyftc, in a mo-
derate degree ; and upon the fcabs or efchars
peeling from the buds, with a degree of inve-
terate malignity, wafti them well occaftonally
with the folic win o; :

Take corrclive mercury two drachms, diftolve in
half a pint of Britifh brandy ; then add of white
wine vinegar a pint ; half a pint of fpring water,
and two ounces of tindlure of myrrh ; fhakLng
well together :

Or,

Take fugar of lead and white vitriol each an ounce :
Diftilled vinegar and fpring water each one pint \
Styptic tincture three ounces. — Mix together.

Should

I

FARCY.

H4

Should the ulcers continue foul, and their
edges become callous, very fmall quantities of
the drong mercurial ointment mud; be gently
rubbed into the centre of the mod; inveterate,
once in three or four days, cleandng them
occadonally with one of the wafhes before
mentioned. In this cafe one of the following
mercurial alterative balls mud; be given
regularly every morning for a month, or longer
if neceffary ; altering your proportion of nitre
to three ounces, which mud;, in the arrange-
ment of this courfe, be given in the water every
evening, upon the vifible neceflity of intro-
ducing your ball in the morning :

Take /Ethiop’s mineral four ouners ;

Of milk of brimftone, prepared antimony, cream
of tartar, and cinnabar of antimony, each five
ounces ;

Honey fufficient to make a mafs ; divide into a
dozen equal balls, and roll up in liquorice or
anifeed powder.

Thefe remedies are founded upon a fyftem
of certainty to effed all that alteratives can do;
and are direded in fuch proportions as may be
given with the greated; fafety, and calculated
to bear fome additions to their more adive in-
gredients, at the diferetion of the preferiber,

fhould

FARCY.

M-5

fhould an unexpected refinance render it
necefiary. And upon the introduction of fuch
additions, and a perfeverance in the alteration
for a proper length of time, fhould the whole
mafs prove fo virulently corrupted as to difplay
no fign of fubmiffion to fuch treatment, there
can be no doubt but death would put a very
delirable period to the bufinefs, and had much
better be folicited than rejected.

*** For a lingular cafe and cure, fee Supplement,

( 146 )

CLASS IV.

. I *

WOUNDS, ULCERS, FISTULA,
and POLL EVIL.

WOUNDS

Are a fpecies of injury to which horfes are
not only perpetually liable, but of fo many
different kinds, and requiring fuch various
modes of treatment, (according to the caufe,
appearance, fituation, depth, and date of the
wound, or habit of the fubjedt) that, to enu-
merate the whole, with all poffible or probable
circumdances, would be to write a volume on
the article alone ; which is certainly entitled
to every degree of attention and injlruftion ,
from the fimple and complex cafes that fo
frequently occur. And though it may natu-
rally be fuppofed that wounds of fize, depth,
or danger, mud confequently come under the

imme-

WOUNDS.

147

immediate care and infpedtion of the operative
farrier, whofe judgment or experience
fhould diredt him upon all cafes of emergency,
as time will not admit of reference to books; and
even with fuch afliftance, much more will de-
pend upon his experune?ital dexterity, or ex-
pertnefs in manual operation, than any infor-
mation he may derive from literary inftrudtion,
when a fudden exertion of j udgment or forti-
tude is immediately necelfary.

Wounds may be divided into fuch a variety,
that to enumerate the lift of probabilities would
be to encounter the work of an age, and ferve
more to perplex than enlighten thofe not alto-
gether adequate to the tafk of defining technical
terms or profeflional defcriptions. To enlarge
upon every probable means by which a wound
may be received, and from the variety of
weapons, or ftable inftruments, is an abfolute
impradticability ; we will therefore “ take up
“ the mangled matter at the beft,” and en-
deavour, by a very fair and extenfive explana-
tion, to give fuch directions as fhall enable
the projejjional fuperintendent , or occafional
ajjijlant , to form a proper idea of the buii-
nefs, and make fuch effedtual applications

L 2 as

WOUNDS.

*4$

as may prevent the neceffity of calling in extra-
affiftance, or running into any extremes of
practice not warranted by reason or jujiijied
by NECESSITY.

Finding how very difficult it is to defcribe
the multiplicity of wounds that may probably
occur, and the many changes to which they
are liable, I fhall be ftudioully attentive to
inculcate fuch information and directions as
will, I am induced to believe, exculpate me
from the accufation of treating the fubjeCt
worfe than it defer ves.-

In all wounds the danger is greateft, or the
cure moft difficult, where large blood vejfels
are feparated, the tendons injured, or the vital
farts affedted. The regular procefs of nature
confiituting the cure of wounds, is the fup-
f ref] ion of blood, the fubfequent digcltion, or
difcharge of matter, the incarnation or ffilino;
Up with fleffi, and the cicatrization or fkin-
ning over. To effeCt the firji, if the injury
fultained has feparated any blood veffel of
iufficient magnitude to produce a haemorrhage
■or bleeding of confequence, let the mouth be
taken up, by palling a proper needle under-
neath,

WOUNDS.

H9

neath, furnifhed with a waxed thread, and
made fail according to art or profeffional
knowledge. The perfon, whofe immediate
province it is to execute this talk, fhould, no
doubt, be amply furnifhed with the necefiary
apparatus, (as a variety of needles both crooked
and flraight) ready provided for the faculty by
every instrument-maker in London. This
operation depends fo much upon profejfional fill
and experimental practice , that it is in vain to
enlarge upon a fubjedt, to comprehend which
would require an entire knowledge of the blood
veilels, an acquisition only to be obtained
by theoretical fludy and practical experience.

When the mouths of the bleeding vefiels
are obfeured, or fo furrounded with foft parts
that it is impoffible to fecure the orifice by the
afliilance of the needle, (which muft be abfo-
lutely accomplifhed if an artery is feparated) ap-
ply immediately a pledget of lint or tow , plenti-
fully impregnated with thicker e of myrrh, fri-
ar' sbalfam, or camphorated J'pirits ; relying in
this inflance upon the advantage and fafety of
a bandage (judicioufly adapted, and properly
applied), as much as the medical efficacy of
styptic applications. NATURE in this

' L 3 bufinefs

150

V/ 0 U N D S.

bufinefs (as in moil others) is, in a great degree,
adequate to her own work ; and will, by the
very balfamic property of the blood, do more
in nine fuperficial cafes out of ten than a long
lift of ill -finned unguents, reported to have
effeded the moft miraculous cures. In addi-
tion to this circumftance it muft be remem-
bered, that a fpeedy cure depends upon bring-
ing the edges of the wound into early contad,
which flhould (particularly if the cafe is alarm-
ing) be immediately performed, by taking up
the neceflary ftitches at proper diftances (ac-
cording to circumftances and difcretion) with
fuch needle as the cafe may require ; an opera-
tion fo very trifling, that it may be moft readily
executed by any perfon not at all proficient
in the pradice, ftiould an emergency render
fuch exertion unavoidably neceflary. Taking-
great care, in large wounds , not to draw the
edges too clofe to each other, and hazard the
breaking out of the flitches, or bringing on an
inflammation by an accumulation of confined
matter, in not leaving fufficient room for a
proper digeftion. But in general, where the
edges are expeditioufly flecured and brought
into tolerable contad, the wound is very little
trouble; the foft parts unite favourably by the

adhefive

WOUNDS.

151

adheflve quality of the blood, and the cicatrix
is fpeedily formed, without application to the
elaborate preparations of art. In cafes of this
kind the dreffings fhould not be taken off in
lefs than eight -and-forty hours ; and, if a large
wound, (where the bleeding was difficult to
fupprefs) not lefs than three days, unlefs the
part has begun .to digeft, and a perceptible
difcharge is come on ; or the parts furround-
ing the wound are very much inflamed; in
which cafe the following mild POULTICE
jnay be appled:

Take of bread and barley-meal equal parts ;

Goulard’s vegeto mineral water fufficient to
make it of a proper confiftence ; and add
Lard four or fix ounces, at leaft enough to keep
it fufficiently moift.

Let this be renewed twice every day till
the fwelling or inflammation fubfides, and the
wound begins to digeft or difcharge favour-

l4

152

WOUNDS.

*To make the Vegeto-Mineral Water.

Take extraft of Saturn one ounce;

Camphorated fpirits of wine two onnces.

M ix together, and add of rain or river water one
quart.

So foon as the fwelling fubhdes, and the
.wound begins to difplay favourable figns of
digeftion, drefs with the following, which may,
without more mention, be always underftood
as the general Jiable digejiive ointment , and is
thus prepared:

T ake olive oil one pint ;

Yellow wax and black rofin each four ounces;

Burgundy pitch and turpentine each two ounces.

Melt the wax, rofin, and Burpundy pitch, in the oil,
over a flow fire ; when taken off, ftir in the turpen-
tine. For large wounds, v/here a plentiful dis-
charge is required, ffir into this quantity three
ounces of the fpirit of turpentine, that it may in-
corporate in getting cool.

It is here neceffary to obferve, nothing can be
more truly ridiculous than the idea of apply-
ing greajy or undiuous fubdances to recent
wounds merely fuperficial, and by which none

of

WOUNDS.

T53

of the large veffels are affedted. For moft
fuperficial wounds, or fimple lacerations, pro-
ceeding from what caufe foever, may in gene-
ral be very foon made perfectly found, by a
jingle application of the tincture or half am be-
fore mentioned) or equal parts of camphorated
Jpirits and vinegar, bandaging up properly,
and not opening for fome days, that the mouths
of the veffels may be fufficiently conftringed
and hardened before they are expofed to the
air; ufing every precaution to prevent a relax-
ation of the parts, by the admiffion of water
or applications of ointment. On the contrary,
fhould a flight difcharge come on, keep the
wound clean, and drefs with the digestive
in very fmall quantities till the cure is com-
plete.

'The fpirituous or reffringent applica-
tions, by their Jlypticity, lb conffringe the
mouths of the fmaller veffels near the ffirface,
(abting in concert with the natural cement of
the blood), as to render, in many inffances,
the officious intrujions of art totally unnecef-
fary : but this method of cure is frequently
rejected as too ealy, and the falutary courfe of
Nature is often obflruded and perverted by
the self-sufficient fagacity of those pro-
ficients

W O U N D S.

*54,

ficients in CfUACKERY, who, piquing
themfelves upon a family receipt or noftrum of
antiquity f had rather prolong the complaint
for weeks or months, merely to obtain the re-
putation of curing what, intrufled to nature,
would have abfolutely cured itfelf.

Should wounds happen from complicated
caufcs, where the adjacent or furrounding
parts have received additional injury (from a
fall of bruife), an inflammation and larger
difcharge of matter may confequently enfue,
than from a fimple wound where no fudden
or violent impreffion upon the veffels or foft
parts has taken place : large wounds proceed-
ing from any caufe, where an evident deftruc-
tion and lofs of parts has been occafioned, can
only receive fubflantial cure from the regene-
ration and incarnation: being a work of Na^-
ture, and to be effected only by the co-opera-
tion of time, it muft be waited for with care
and patience ; as it can originate in no other
feature than granulations of new flefh, which,
with proper application, will daily continue
to increafe till the wound or cavity is en-
tirely filled up ; when the cicatrix is foon
formed, and the cure complete. In wounds
of this clafs, the firfl ©bjeft is to ex-

6 trad

WOUNDS.

*55

tracft any foreign or extraneous fubftance, and
promote a good digeftion ; by which not only
every degree of foulnefs is carried oh, but the
ragged and injured parts themfelves putrefy and
Dough off, being brought away with the dref-
Dngs fo foon as the wound is in a healthy pro-
mifing ftate. Here the granulations begin to
form and fprout out ; and a proportion of judg-
ment is required, but little poffeffed or exerted
upon thefe occalions ; for inftead of nouriDi-
ing an appearance fo much to be folicited (and
without which you can obtain no cure) it is
often moft injudiciouDy miftaken for fungus,
and fcouted accordingly : inffead of a bed of
dry lint to footh and encourage this effort of
nature, cauDics and efcharotics are loudly called
for, and plentifully bellowed; the very bafis
of cure is thus deDroyed ; the mouths of the
veffels are imprudently clofed by the word:
means ; the difeharge contributing to the con-
flant improvement is moll unnaturally fuppreff-
ed; and calloDties or efehars follow of courfe.

Ignorance now becomes foiled with its own
weapons, the operator Handing bewildered in
a labyrinth, from which he is in poffeflion of
no clue to efcape. No day produces a change

but

W OUNDS.

*5&

but for the worfe; the wound is drefied,
drefied, and DRESSED AGAIN ! ftill no fign
of relief, no favouring power prefides, nor any
prevailing genius appears, but the predomi-
nant GENIUS of DULNESS, who, anxious
to increafe the “ mifchief fhe has made,”
prompts him to finilli with fortitude what he
had commenced in limpidity ! To confefs the
lead; degree of inability would be a degrada-
tion of dignity; therefore, on lie goes ( Ranger
like) “ neck or nothing!” ftrong digeftives
(and thole fcalding too) follow, but follow in
vain. No improvement, no enlivening ray,
longer to keep up the farce of profelfional in-
fallibility: no lucky alternative but mercury >
'vitriol, and all the family of fire renewed, till
the lerioiis ceremony terminates in an invete-
rate ulcer, or confirmed fiftula, as will be
leparately treated on under thole heads.

There are certain wounds that occur much
more frequently than any other ; and though
in themlelves not at all dangerous, yet fome-
thing may be expected upon a treatment proper
to be adopted in cafes that fo conftantly happen.
Among thefe are broken knees, over-reaches, and
lacerations between hair and hoof. In refpedt

to

1

WOUNDS. 157

to the firlh, it is a misfortune whenever it hap-
pens, that not only reduces the horfe very much
in his value, but is confidered an indelible
ftigma of imperfection, that (with connoif-
feurs) renders him at firft fight unworthy a
iecond confide ration. This being a circum-
ftance univerfally underftood and admitted,
there is no doubt but every prudent man will
think a certain preventative preferable to
a doubtful cure, and admit the propriety of a
fhort obfervation, without any unfair digreffion
from the fubjeCt before us. Not indulging
the ffiadow of fear, by offending the (hallow
EQUESTRIAN HEROES of ROTTEN-
ROW, or the more expert and courageous,
who (for once in their lives) have joined the
royal chafe; including that set who reach
London in an hour and fifteen minutes, “ All
“ Lombard- fir eet to an egg -/hell!” I will ven-
ture to affirm, that nineteen of every twenty
are brought to the ground by unfair and mod
unmerciful ufage.

I* or thofe doubtful compofitions, whofe heads
are as light as the heels of their horfes, and
whofeform, by the hurry of conception and am-
biguity of generation, are deditute of the more

noble

WOUNDS.

l5%

noble parts neceftary to the power of refledU
ing, can form no idea of the ftrength of the
animal they beftride but each concluding his
fteed a Pegafus, formed of a fubftantial material
called labour ever lofting , and gifted with perpe-
tual motion, they continue to ride or drive the
opprefledobjedt, till Nature being (after a thou-
sand fpirited exertions) at length quite exhauft-
ed, can move no farther. And I am convinced
it requires no uncommon Jloare of penetration,
at leaft no magical afliftance from Breslaw,
or his cotemporaries, to difcover fo great a
palpability as that all things certainly fall when,
being deprived of fupport, they can ftand no
longer. From this trifling digreflion I infer
(and enforce my opinion) that more horfes are
thrown down and irremediably injured by the
careleflhefs and fhameful inattention of bad
riders on bad roads, and over rolling ftones, or
when they are more cruelly exhaufted with
labour and fatigue, than by any other means
in the whole lift of accidents.

From what caufe foever this misfortune may
arife, the firft ftep to relief will be ftill
the fame. Wafh the parts well with a fponge
and warm water, thoroughly cleanflng the

wounds

WOUNDS.

*59

wounds or lacerations from every retention of
gravel or land ; for thefe will evidently irritate
and inflame the tender parts, and be productive
of a difcharge which may often be entirely pre-
vented by gently wiping dry after the ufe of
the fponge, and plentifully embrocating the
parts with either of the liquids before men-
tioned, bandaging over a pledget of tow wet
with the fame, repeating it once or twice, if
circumftances fhould render it neceffary. This
fhould be continued, that an efchar or cicatrix
may be formed to render unCtuous or greafy
applications unneceflary ; but fhould the wound
or laceration be fo violent as to produce great
inflammation, fnppiiratio?i muff enfue, and
ought to be encouraged: to this end apply a
poultice of the ingredients before mentioned,
and let the cure be afterwards performed by
regular applications of the ft able digeftive oint-
ment.

Over-reaches are the injuries fuftained
by the throwing in of the hind-toe upon the
back part or heel of the fore-foot, in the hol-
low below the fetlock joint, and above the
hoof. They are fometimes very violent, and
fubject to great difcharges from the bruifes and

laceration

i6o

W O U N D S.

laceration in conjundion; at others they are
merely fuperiicial ; and the treatment mud be
exadly the lame as laid down for other wounds,
making fuch allowances and alterations as
circumdances may require, or emergencies
didate.

The fame fyftem mud: be adopted in all in-
juries fudained between hair and hoof, except
where a horfe has been dubbed in hunting, as
fometimes happens in a leap or in covert ; when
a dump coming in immediate contrad with
the upper edge of the hoof, a laceration or pe-
netration is effeded, in which cafe the mem-
brane is almod indantly protruded ; and unlefs
fpeedily prevented, foon conditutes the origin of
what is afterwards denominated a QUITTOR.
To effed this, diffolve a drachm of corrofive
fublimate in one ounce of champhorated fpirits ;
and, after touching the prominence well with
the folution, bind up firm, (covering the pro-
truded part with a finall piece of card or thin
Iheetlead), and repeat it once a day for three
or four days, not negleding the bandage, and
taking care the foot be not immerfed in water.
As this fubjed will come under farther dif-
cufiion in the article of tumours or impost-

HUMES,

ULCERS, 1 6 i

humes, we proceed now to treat of both,
when, by improper treatment, or bad habit,
they are degenerated into ulcers.

i ,

ULCERS

Are wounds or abfcejfes become inflexible
either by an imprudent courfe of management,
an indifferent habit, or an acrimonious dif-
pofition of the juices; but in general much

more the effeCt of the former than either of

%

the other two. It has been a practice with
farriers of almofl every denomination, upon a
wound’s not inclining to heal fo foon as ex-
pected, to increafe the ftrength of the diges-
tive application, as if the very tendons were to
be extracted. This effort of art not Succeed-
ing, is followed by a corrofive , that, increafing
the evil, a caujiic in general crowns the whole
of country practice. The wound (that per-
haps at firft required only the neceffary time
for incarnation, and the moft fimple treat-
ment) not having kept pace in its cure with
the imagination or impatience of the DoctoE,
(for fo we ail are from the prefident in Warwick -

M lane

ULCERS.

102

lane to the thill horfe of the worft team in the
pari£h), is deftined to undergo the changes in
treatment juft deferibed.

\ ^ . i

Thus the wound \ that would in all proba-
bility have fubmitted to a degree of regular
Sind confiftent treatment, is retarded, or rather
cbftru&ed, in its natural progrefs and proper
difcliarge, by means diredtly oppofite to the
di&ates of reafon and diferetion. The appli-
cation of a corrofive (that is generally made
with a heavy hand of iron) inftantly collapfes
the mouths of the finer veftels, and deftroys
the fprouting granulations of new flefh ; Na-
ture being thus checked, difplays an evident
fchaneefor the worfe, and the doctor is now
(to make ufe of his own expreflive language)
** out of the frying pa?i into the fired' By
this new difappointment liis indignation is
excited againft both difeafe and the difeafed ;
in the fervour of his wrath he determines, as
it won't fubmit to <f fair means it fhall to
«« foul.” The whole body of caufiics before
mentioned become fubfervient to his purpofe;
and are fo liberally poured in as to conftitute
fo great a degree of callofity upon the furface,
that a confiderable length of time and portion

of

I

ULCERS,

163

of judgment are abfolutely neceflary to remove
what ignorance and objiinacy have fo firmly
eftablifhed.

To extirpate the callofity , and procure a pro-
per difcharge, are the leading indications, and
muft be obtained before the cure can proceed
to your with, To effedt this, foment with a
decodtion of camomile and mallows, as hot
as can be conveniently applied; then fearify
fuperficially the whole part, both longitudi-
nally and tranlverfely, with a fleam or abfceis
lancet, fo as to entirely penetrate the callous
fubftance upon the lurface : after which it muft
be drefled with the following ointment twice
every day; the fomentation and fuperficial in-
ciflons to be repeated occaflonally, if neceflary,
till the callofity is quite floughed off, and
comes away with the dreflings:

Take of yellow bafilicon two ounces ;

Turpentine and black bafilicon of each one ounce ;

Red precipitate (powdered very fine) half an ounce.

The two bafllicons to be melted together
over the fire; when taken oft' ftir in the tur-
pentine ; and, laftly, when cool, add the pre-

M 2 Cipitae

ULCERS.

16 4

cipitate (very finely powdered), and let them
be minutely incorporated upon a done or
marble flab.

* '•*■• » *

So foon as this obftacle is perfectly removed ,
and the difcharge comes to its proper confidence ,
drefs in general with a fmall portion of lint,
thinly covered with either of the bafilicons,
placed under a pledget of tow, fpread with the
Jiable digejiive mentioned in the laft article.
Should the wound incarnate too faff, and fill
with fungus (commonly called proud fiejh) ,
llightly touch luch parts with a piece of
un/lacked lime , regulating the mode and appli-
cation by the neceffity, repeating it as occafion
may require. When the cicatrix, or fkinning
over, is nearly accomplifhed, the cure may
be completed by hardening the furface with a
little tintiure of myrrh.

This is the dired and rational mode of
cure eftablifhed in every kind of ulcer, as
well as thofe originating in the caufe already
enlarged on ; but where the obflacle to cure
arifes from fome defed in the conflitution, or
acrimony in the fluids, the afliflance of mer-
curial phyfic and fubfequent courfe of mild

, alteratives

ULCERS. 165

alteratives muft be called in, to enfure effect
from the whole. Without descending to a
particular formula for this purpofe alone, I
refer the reader to a variety (prefcribed under
the diftincft heads of GREASE, SURFEIT,
and FARCY), for Such fele&ion as may beft
coincide with his opinion upon the conftitution
and bodily ft ate of the Subject difeafed.

It is a rule eftablifhed in furgery, and fhould
be in farriery, where there is a Jimts or cavity
leading to a remote or hidden caufe of com-
plaint, and from whence a palpable difcharge
iffues, the courfe and depth fhould be accu-
rately afcertained by the probe ; and, if no
tendinous parts prefent to forbid the operation,
the firms , cavity , ox vacuum, fhould be inftantly
laid open (with a biftory) to its utmcft ex-
tent, and properly filled with a pledget of lint,
well impregnated with warm digeftive, and
plentifully covered with tow Spread with the
fame. After a Jecond or third dreffmg, fhould
the infde of fuch cavity prove callous, or hard
in fubftance, it muft be taken away by the
‘knife, or deftroyed by the means before
defcribed. If it be fo' Situated that the parts
forbid an entire Separation, found with the

M 3 probe.

r

1 66

ULCERS.

probe, and at its extremity make a counter
* incifion through the integuments to meet the
probe, till by parting through, it removes any
lodgment that may have been left for the matter
to corrode, which it will very foon do, fo as
in many cafes to affedt the bone itfelf.

As a very good detergent wash for the
cleanhng inveterate ulcers, or injecting into
fuch palfages as from the difpolition of the
parts cannot be laid open, I have reafon to
recommend the following, it retaining every
advantage without one of the prejudicial qua-
lities fo predominant in the mercurial and vitri-
olic compofitions ;

T A ice honey and vinegar each two ounces $

Liquefy over the fire ; and when cool add tin&ure
of myrrh and tindture of cantharides each one
ounce. — Mix.

When the ulcer is by thefe means diverted
of its virulence and cadaverous fmell, the cal’-
lofity is Houghed off or extracted, and a favour-
able appearance pf incarnation come on, the
dreffings may be changed from the precipitate
digejiive, before prefcribed, to pledgets fpread

with

/

ULCERS. 167

with Locatelluss balfam , or the following
epulotic cerate:

Take of white diachylon plafter and olive oil, each
two ounces ;

Lotatellus’s balfam, and balfam of capivi, each on*
ounce ;

Melt the piafter and Locatellus in the oil over the
fire ; take off, and when nearly cool ftir in the
papivi, a little at a time, till it is all incorporated.

In fhort, cafes of this kind come fo fre-
quently under the hands of the farrier, that
little might have been thought neceffary upon
the fubje6t: but I have been thus explicit, for
the information and advantage of thofe who
are strangers to both THEORY and
PRACTICE; that being forewarned
they may be forearmed,” and not fuffer a
hmple accident to be gradually ripened to a fe-
rious misfortune ; but, availing thernielves of
this requifite inftruftion, fo dejiroy the preva-
lence of mystery and power of prejudice,
as to enfure a cure under their own fuperinten?-
dence upon a bads rational, clear, and com-
prehenfive, divefted of the folly of experi.
fnents and cruelty of ancient practice.

M4

FIS.

( J68 )

FISTULA.

A fistula is the palpable confequence of
general neglect in more inftances than one ;
firft, in not perceiving the faddle’s being too
wide in the tree, and differing the infide of the
pummel to prefs fo much as not only to pinch,
but, by its conftant friction, to bruife the parts,
and render an impofthumation or formation of
matter inevitable. I am very forry to obferve,
this is feldorn taken notice of in time, till the
evil has been repeated, and conilitutes bruife
upon bruife, when an inflammation and
fwelling enfue, threatening an unavoidable
fuppuration. To this a hill greater error fuc-
ceeds ; for, during the time the proceis of Na^
ture is going on, and the matter contained in the
tumour is undergoing concodlion, or change
from inflammatory or grumous blood, and
extravafated lymph, to its date of fyflematic
perfection for difcharge, (in general termed a
proper degree of jripenefs) ftrong repellents or
powerful fpirituoiis compofitions are brought
into conflant ufe ; and, by their peculiar pro-
perties, from one univerfal obstacle to the

great

i

«

FISTULA, 169

great effort of nature for relief. Here be-
gins a terrible flruggle between the contending
powers of NATURE and ART; for thoje ap-
plications failing in their intentional effedt of
repulhon upon the contents, diftnbute tneir
properties upon the integuments, where, by
their repeated application, an induration is
effected very unfavourable to the abfcefs in its
more advanced ftate. Nature at laid effects
her purpofe , the tumour is at length brought to
fuppurate, and a difcharge comes on ; but
without one of thofe advantages that would
have been acquired, had the efforts of Nature
been attended to and properly encouraged,
inftead of oppofed.

From this inconsistent mode of treat-
ment the edges of the wound, when enlarged,
become unkind, the feat of a foul or callous
.complexion; and, inflead of a fubftantial, fa-
vourable, healthy matter, the difcharge is a
complication of blood, fanies, and a kind of in-
durated half concodted matter, intermixed
with an acrid or corrofive ichor.

This is in general the origin and progrefs of
what (with additional bad treatment) confti-

tutes

I70 FISTULA.

tutes a confirmed fijlula , and comes directly
under the very method of cure defcribed in
the lad; article; with renewed inftruCtion, and
remembrance to lay open all finufes or cavi-
ties into which the probe^ can be pafied, tak-
ing care to make no tranfverfe opening acrofs
the withers to divide the ligament, but mak-
ing the incifions longitudinal on either fide
or both, as occafion may require. Should the
difcharge continue fluggifh or incomplete, en-
large the proportion of turpentine or precipi-
tate in the ointment, adding an ounce of the
fpirit of turpentine , if the matter is very offen-
five ; make alio a confiderable addition in the
tinBure of myrrh and cantharides to the de-
tergent lotion before prefcribed. When
the applications are required to exert their di-
geflive powers more effectually, in confequence
of any particular languor upon the part, or
deficiency in the difcharge, let the ointment
be applied with a degree of warmth fufficient
to infinuate itfelf into the interftices or open-
ings, but not fo hot as to fcald or harden the
furface.

Incifions, or fear ideations, mull be made
whenever neceffary, and the callofities extir-

FISTULA.

171

: pated exactly as before defcribed; ufing neither

i corrofives or cauftics, but adhering to the me-
thod of keeping down fungus, or excrefcences,
by the application of unflacked lime in the
lump, (for a few minutevs) or previoufly
powdered, where the wound will not admit
of its ufe in the other form. This method
fhould have the preference on all occaiions ;
for which a very predominant reafon may be
urged, that, receiving its power only from the
moifture it imbibes from the part, it immedi-
ately performs the purpofe it is intended to
execute, and becomes diredlly inactive : where-
as the favourite articles of aquafortis , oil of vi-
triol, and mercury, not only abfolutely cau-
terize or burn all the part, but raife a great
degree of inflammation upon the furrounding
veflels, and evidently increafe the mifchief they
were intended to prevent. The detergent
wash before mentioned, cannot be too fre-
quently ufed till the wound bears marks of
amendment ; and care muft be taken in the fe-
paration of all fiftulous flnufes to leave the ori-
fice or opening as much declining as poflible,
that the matter may naturally pafs downwards,
without being fubjedt to a probability of re-
tention.

Thus

172

FISTULA.

Thus much by way of INSTRUCTION
Ibr CURING, what may moftly be prevented
by a very moderate fhare of care and attention,
or, more properly fpeaking, an exertion of that
reafon, generally diftinguifhed by the appella-
tion of common fenfe. Let it be remarked,
the frequent application of repellents is a pal-
pable abfurdity, unlefs in an early date of the
fwelling, before the veffels are fufficiently
bruifed and inflamed to ejedl the fluids that,
becoming extra vafated and ftagnant, form the
tumour; which being once accumulated, is
too vifcid in fubftance, and large in quantity,
to'be again rarefied and ab forded into the cir-
culation. The fwelling being too fir advanced
to admit a hope of repulfion, fhould be- pro-
moted by foftening poultices (as will be parT
ticularized in the next clafs, under the dif-
cuffion of tumours); the courfe of fuppu-
ration will then go on in a natural way, the
concodtion will be perfedt, and the difcharge
confequently effedtual. Upon its firfl rupture
or breaking, the orifice from which the matter
oozes will be but trifling : this fhould be im-
mediately enlarged, as much as is neceffary,
for the difcharge and admiflion of applications.
If in the ufual method of infinuation a tent is

found

POLL EVIL. 173

found at all neceffary, never let it by any
means be too long continued, left the parts,
by a tedious reparation, become diverted of
their difpofition to unite, and the edges grow
callous from their conftant depreftion. The
judgment may be much cifjifted upon this fub-
jed by frequent references to the two preced-
ing articles of wounds and ulcers; remem-
bering in all, after the neceffary and proper
difcharges, to condud the cure according to
the variety of circumftances clearly pointed
out in this and the fubjeds laft treated on.

POLL EVIL.

Although this comes moft probably under
the unavoidable infpedion, occaftonal draftings,
and intentional cure, of the operative farrier ,
and confequently rather out of the line firft
drawn for the plan of this work; yet as the
fubjed has been fo infamouhy treated by an
author before quoted, that indignation becomes
too juftly excited to pafs it over without fuch
animadversion as may tend to enlighten the
mind , and rectify the jndgjnent of fuch as (from
abfolute wan t of comprehenfion or refledion)

7 Pay

i74

POLL EVIL.

Pay an implicit obedience to every abfurdity K folly ,
^ fciljehoody fandioned with the authority
of the prefs'y and conceive a certain degree of
infallibility appertains to whatever makes its
appearance in print. That thefe are the fenti-
ments of the lower clafs, is too well known to
require corroboration; and I am induced to
introduce a few REMARKS upon this fubjed
by the inconlident and unmerciful (not to add
infernal ) advice held forth to pradice, in a
publication that would alone entitle it to the
flames and perpetual oblivion.

We are there told “ the poll evil is an abfcefs
“ near the poll of a horfe, formed in the linews
“ between the noli bone and the uppermod
“ vertebras of the neck.” You are then in-
druded to fcald with a compound of ct oil of
c< turpentine, corrofive mercury, verdigreafe,
“ Roman vitriol, green copperas,- and train
“ oil:” thefe are to be poured “ SCALDING
“ HOT into the wound, and Hitched up for
“ feveral days; and if matter [flows in great
“ abundance, and of a thin confidence, it mud
“ be fcalded again f &c. &c. This igno-
rant unfeeling attempt to arred the judgment,
and impose upon the underdanding, is almod

too

i75

POLL EVIL.

too ridiculous to excite contempt ; but, in
compliment to the lefs informed reader , it is
impoffible to pafs it over without branding
the very thought with the epithet it is fo juldly
entitled to.

What are we to think of th tprofejjlonal know -
ledge or abilities of an author, who could fanc-
tion with his NAME the recommendation of
a practice fo infamous and detejlable , that no one
rational or confident idea can be produced or
pleaded to prove its propriety ! Will any advo-
cate for fuch infernal practice, (and in-
fernal it certainly is in every meaning of the
word) venture to affirm the writer conceived or
poirelfed a competent, or even a tolerable know-
ledge of the IdruCdure of parts or property of
medicine; that when the membranous fyldem
is locally injured, and the lacerated velfels
rendered highly irritable, could venture to pro-
mulgate the conlildency of glutting them with
the mold powerful poisons, as if he feltfome
invincible antipathy to the fpecies, and had at-
tentively Idudied the mold likely means of ef-
fecting their total extirpation ! For the com-
pletion of this bufinefs, left the mold deldruc-
tive poifons Ihould prove ineffectual, you are

in-

176 POLL EVIL.

inftruCted to add fuel to their natural fire, by
combining their whole force, and pouring them
^ fc aiding loot," neareft to one of the moll vital
parts, (nay nearefl: the original nervous feat of
pain), even the brain itfelf.' Sorry I am to ac-
knowledge this genuine and unadulterated fpe-
cimen of the immaculate perfection of the
“ PRACTICAL TREATISE" has been re- ?
peatedly put in practice by fools or knaves,
whom ignorance has milled or confidence be-
trayed ; to the evident deftruCtion of numbers
that have died in the molt excruciating agonies,
finking under the load of accumulated mifery
and perfecution, devoted victims to a fyfiem
replete with the mot unparalleled cruelty that

the heart could diffiate, or the hand dir eft.

/ •

Need I, pan it be poffibly necefiary for me,
to point t out for the information of even the molt
fuperficial or leaf! confiderate obferver , the de-
ItruCtion cf parts that mult inevitably enfue ; no
combination of nature can fiand againft this
accumulation of cruelty and infliction of pu-
nifhment. The finer veffels, the veins, arte-
ries, mufcles, nay the oflified firuCture or bony
parts themfelves, mult; nearly fubmit to this
elaborate and fludied work of devaflation. The

humane

POLL EVIL.

1 77

humane reader ^ who fe judgment is not biaffed,
by prejudice, or his reafon blinded by an
adherence to cuflom, and whofe feelings move
in concert with my own, will jhudder at the
reflection; and to every fportfman looking with
the eye of extreme plealure upon the excellen-
cies of the animal (whofe fufferings I lament,) •
do I appeal for a j unification of the warmth I
have been naturally prompted to difplay on the
occafion. And in PITY to a J'pecies fo eminently
entitled to every degree of mercy, care,
and attention, let us hope (as we are now
become more reformed in our minds, and recti-
fied in our judgments) that this DAMNABLE
doCtrine may be univerfally exploded and buried
into eternal oblivion.

Let it then be underflood the poll evil origi-
nates in a tumour fituate as before defcribed ;
and generally proceeds from injuries fuflained
on that part by blows, bruifes, or fuch frequent
and exceflive friction from large or heavy
harnefs as may fufficiently irritate the part to
provoke a formation of matter, as has been
explained in the preceding article. If it is early
obferved, let the feat of pain be very frequently
fomented with vinegar made warm, for at

N leaft

i/8

POLL EVIL.

lead a quarter of an hour, rubbing upon the
part immediately after about an ounce of cam-
phorated fpirits of wine, and then bandaging
over the part a double flannel dipped in the
vinegar, warm as before.

Should the fwelling refufe submission to
this treatment, after a regular perfeverance for
eight-and-forty hours, continuing to enlarge
itfelf, and difplay invincible fymptoms of ma-
turation, make no farther attempt by repel-
lents to oppofe the progrefs of nature ;
fuch obfldiiacy will never prevail ; therefore
contribute your early and cheerful afli fiance to
promote a lpeedy fuppuration. For this pur-
pole let the following poultice be immediately
applied and repeated twice every day, till an
aperture onopening is effected in the abfeefs.

T AkE of camomile flowers, turnips, and coarfe bread,
about equal quantities; boil the camomile and
turnips in a fulFicient quantity of water, till the
latter are foft enough to bruife altogether; then
ftir in four ounces of white lily root, (beat to a
pafle in the mortar ;) and, laftly, add, while hot,
three or four ounces of lard, and two of common
turpentine.

This

POLL EVIL

*79

This application fhould be made as warm as
the nature of the cafe will admit, that it may
the better fulfil the intent of relaxing the vef-
fels, increaling their circumference, and pro-
moting the fpeedy flux of matter to this par-
ticular part. So foon as opening appears,
let it be enlarged fufficiently to enfure a dis-
charge, and prevent the retention of any im-
proper portion of matter ; and continue to pro-
ceed with the cure according to the ftate of the
cafe, collecting your informations from the
variety of directions extenfively given under the
different head of wounds, ulcers, fjlula, and
tumours 5 to the lafl of which we now proceed.

N 2

CLASS

[ i8o ]

CLASS V

TUMOURS, WARBLES, NAVEL-
GALLS, and SITFASTS,

TUMOURS

Are of many and various kinds, according
to their different caufes and fituations ; as the
cedematous, fteatomous, encyfted, and fcrofu-
lous ; but as the feparate and diftind explana-
tions of thefe would lead the reader into ana-
tomical difquifitions foreign to, and very far
beyond, the limits prefcribed for the comple-
tion of this work (which is intended for
general comprehenfion), I fliall make a curfory
remark upon each, and proceed to a minute
invefligation of the simple tumour coming
fo conftantly under common obfervation and

manage-

TUMOURS.

1 8 1

management. The cedematou s and encyfted
tumours are nearly fynonymous, originating in

a cyft or bag, containing a kind of ichorous
bloody fanies, or galatinous fluid ; which being
evacuated, the cyft does not always fubmit to
digeftives or elcharotics, but muft be extir-
pated with the knife, and cured as a common
wound; for the completion of which, ample
directions may be found in the preceding
clafs under that head.

The steatomous are thofe tumors that
form on different parts, and pafs in general
under the denomination of wens, containing
when opened or extracted, a fubftance not un- '
like fuet in its earlieft Rate, when hardly cold :
neither of the above are expected to fubmit to
any topical application, unlefs upon the very
firfl: obfervation; when an attempt may be made
by the molt powerful repellents , fpecified in
many of the preceding pages, ^and a fmall por-
tion of the ftrongeft mercurial ointment rubbed
in every night, for a confiderable length of
V time ; but even to this there is no hope of fub-
mijjion, unlefs in the firfl: Rage of its infancy ;
nor can any radical cure be in general ob-

N 3 tained

T U M O U R S.

182

tained but by mftrumentai extirpation. As this
mud be unavoidably attended with lofs of
time, and a proportional {bare of danger, if
feated upon or interfered by the mufcular
parts, perhaps it may be mod prudent to omit
the experiment and fubmitit to chance.

Scrofulous Tumours are fuch as; origi-
nate in fcorbutic or hereditary taints, and in-
creafe or diminilh according to the date or
acrimony of the blood ; they are therefore more
than any of the others dependent upon exter-
nal application, and particularly the mercurial
unguent juft before defcribed, abided by a
courfe of mercurial or antimonial altera-
tives, as may be difcretionally feledled from
the chapters on thofe fubjedts. As the mercu-
rial ointment has been repeatedly recommend-
ed, it may not be inapplicable to introduce the
mode of preparation; . .

Take quickfilver two ounces j
Lard fix ounces ;

Balfam of fulphur half an ounce.

Jtubthe quickfiiver with the balfam in a metal mortar
till the globules difappear ; then add the lard by de-
grees, firft made wanu> and keep in a pot for ufe.

I tlQW

TUMOUR S.

i83

I now proceed to the explanation of a sim-
ple tumour, or abscess, taken in its Angle
view, as one effort of nature to relieve itfelf
from the weight of an extravafated fluid col-
lected, and (the caufe being inflammatory) be-
come too tenacious for tranfpiration through
the cutaneous paflages or pores of the fkin, and
too vifcid to be again abforbed or taken into
the circulation. This is the principle of aCtion,
whether proceeding from the grumous Hate of
the blood obflrudting the finer paflages, accu-
mulating and adting by its Jlimulus upon the
irritable parts, or from an extravafation of fluid
ejeCted from the veins or lymphatics, in con-
fequence of laceration from bruifes, or ruptures
from ftrains. It has been a predominant and
eftablifhed praCti.ce to attempt repulfion, even
after the decifive formation of matter, by the
fnoft powerful fpirituous applications, thereby
inflaming the integuments and indurating the
contents ; not without a very great probability
of producing an inveterate ulcer, or long-Jland -
ing fiftula.

In all applications, whether external or in-
ternal, REASON will prove a very ufeful
afliftant pay due refpedl to the indications

N 4 cf

TUMOURS.

184

of NATURE, folicit the interposition of
REASON, and in conjunction they will be
found mod: admirable auxiliaries to the judi-
cious exertions of ART. All tumours (pro-
ceeding from what caufe foever) tending to
certain maturation fhould be expeditioufly
aflifted with very warm fomentations , compofed
of camomile , marjhmallows , rofemary , lavender ,
wormwood , elder flowers , or any two or three
of the whole, the properties oiflimulus and
heat being dull the fame, and to be effected by
a part as well as the entire.

After each time of ufing the fomentation,
apply 1 poultice of the fuppurating kind ; feleCt-
ing from the following articles fuch ingre-
dients as may prove mod: applicable to the
purpofe :

Coarfe bread, boiled turnips, pollard, or bran, camo-
mile flowers, flour of muftard, white lily root,
(beat to a pafte) with an addition of turpentine,
yellow bafllicon, and lard fufEcient to keep it moift.

Thefe applications mud: be regularly con-
tinued till the pliability of the tumour, and
the fluctuation of matter, prove it in a proper

Rate

/

TUMOURS. 185

ftate for perforation. Let it then be carefully
opened by a fuperficial inci/ion fufficiently large
to admit of fuch difcharge as the fize of the ab-
fcefs may require ; dreffing with the necelfary
introduction of dojjils of lint , well impregnated
with the following digestive, and covered
with a poultice of mild ingredients for a few
days, to encourage the difcharge and form a
convenient bed or covering for the wound.

STRONG DIGESTIVE.

Take bees wax three ounces ; turpentine, Burgundy
pitch, and fpirits of turpentine, each two ounces ;
olive oil fix ounces ; melt the wax and Burgundy
pitch in the oil over a flow fire ; then take off and
ftir in the turpentine ; and, when nearly cool, add
thefpirit by degrees, and incorporate well.

The tents to be inlinuated, furnifhed with a
portion of this unguent moderately warm,
and introduced no larger than will leave fuffi-
cient room to be placed in and extracted ealily,
thereby not impeding the incarnation. Should
any fungus or proud flefh, render it neceffary,
drefs occafionally with the precipitate
ointment (under the article of wounds), and
cover with a pledget of this stable diges-
tive,

1 86

T U M O U R S.

tive, keeping your bandage always neat and
firm, that the Tides or edges may be encouraged
in their difpofition to unite or come into con-
tact. So Toon as the Taft ftage or cure, the
Thinning over, is complete, immediately throw
afide all greaTy applications, and harden the
furface firft with equal parts of tinBnre of
myrrh and vinegar s afterwards with tinBnre of
myrrh alone. Should any efchar of confe-
quence remain, and the hair not follow kindly,
rub the part gently every night with a Tmali
quantity of camphorated fpermaceti ointment ,
the beft article known to promote the return
of the hair upon the knees or any other part.

So much has been Taid, and To many inftruc-
tions advanced, for the various dreflings that
may be found neceftary, under the article of

WOUNDS, ULCERS, FISTULA, FOLL-EVIL, and

tumours, immediately fucceeding each other,
there cannot be (omitted) any thing more to
add upon the fubjed ; naturally concluding
every practitioner or superintendent
will regulate his applications and vary his
dreflings according to the lbate or difpofitiou
of the cafe before him.

WARBLES

2

L >s7 ]

W A R B L E S

Are thofe fmall fwellings or tumours form-
ed on the Tides, or fome part of the back of a
Jiorfe, either by the excenive heat and fridtion
in a long chafe, the extreme prefibre of fome
hard or protuberant part in the fluffing of the
faddle, cr the edge of a narrow faddle-clotb
coming directly under the feat of tiae rider ;
and very frequently by the cent per cert, care
and caution of the faddler, in the economical
length of his girths; for, being fometimes by
much too fhort, the buckles at either one fide
cr the other fit below the pad ; or what is ftill
worfe, half on and half off; by which means
the lower corners of the buckles conflitute this
inconvenience to a certainty, as I have repeat-,
edly experienced. But let them proceed from
which of thefe caufes they may, I fhall in the
cure pafs over the sublimity of Cart.
Burdon’s fertile invention of the “ hot greafy
difhclout.” as unneceflary; alfo Bartlet’s
Jervility and Jicrility in echoing fo greasy
an idea; but as every extenfive reader upon,

this

i88

WARBLE S.

this fubjed muff have obferved “ A Practical
Treatife” may be compiled from Gibson,
Burdon, Bracken, and others, without
coining a NEW THOUGHT, I Shall for-
bear to animadvert upon the advantages of
plagiarism, and come to the proper treat-
ment of the fubjed now before us ; not omit-
ting to obferve how very difficult it may be to
make it convenient in some countries (and
to SOME POCKETS) to boil a rump of beef
or gammon of bacon, merely for the procur-
ation of “a hot greafy difhclout” to effed
the purpofe : upon the force of this natural
refledion, I relinquish the idea of enforcing fo
difficult a procejs , and Shall endeavour to furniSh
fuch SUBSTITUTES as will certainly prove
more efficacious and fatisfadory.

So foon as the laddie is taken off, after a
fevere chafe, or hard journey, a good groom
or hoftler will be very minute in his examina-
tions to difcover whether an injury has been
fuftained in this part or any other. He will
inflantly perceive, by the horfe’s wincing,
whether there is any defed from which a
warble may fpeedily enfue if fo, upon the
firff appearance, or earlieSl discovery, bathe
i three

NAVEL CALLS. 189

three or four times a-day with the following

REPELLENT :

T ake extra# of Saturn half an ounce ;

Camphorated fpirits of wine two ounces ;

Soft water a quarter of a pint.

Mix the extra# with the fpirits, by fhaking well to-
gether, and then add the water ; or if thefe cannot
be eafily procured juft at the time, ftibftitute, for
the moment, of vinegar and brandy equal parts ; but
the ftronger muft be obtained fo foon as poffible, and
perfevered in till the tumour is difpelled.

The original caufe of the warble mull be
likewife difcovered and removed, to prevent a
repetition upon the fame part, from which, or
the continuation, a sit fast will inevitably
enfue.

NAVEL GALLS

/

Are, in the firfl inflance, tumours formed
upon the vertebra or fpine , and caufed by a
deficiency (or fcarcity of fluffing on each fide
the pad) at the back part of the faddle : which,
letting the tree come into clofe contact with the
back-bone, the parts become bruifed by the
fevere preffure and conflant fridtion; an in-
flammation

190

NAVEL GALLS.

animation fucceeds, and produces a fwelling of
eucyfted kind, containing' a gelatinous
fluid, winch, if not treated with frequent re-
petitions of the following repellent lotions,
upon the earlieft difcovery, will not fubmit to
this mode of application.

Take Mindererus’s fpirit.

Camphorated fpirits,

Common brandy,

And verjuice or belt vinegar, of each equal parts.

Or,

Take fal armoniac three drachms ;

Diddled vinegar four ounces ;

Britifh brandy half a gill. — Mix.

# • ■ f J

Should thefe fail of fuccefs, the evacuation
muil be iolicited by gentle emollients, as warm
fomentations (before deferibed) and foftening
poultices. Upon its arriving at a proper degree
of maturity, let the neceflary incihon be made
fuperficially (not in the flyle recommended by
Gibson, of “ cutting down to the quick”),
and the cyfl or bag, extracted with its contents,
if easily practicable : if not, the prefen t ex-
traction (mentioned by fome as necefiary) is in
fact fuperfiuous and nugatory j as it becomes

immediately

NAVEL GALLS.

191

immediately extraneous, and of courfe nutri-
fies and Houghs off with the dreffings. After
all the various infractions, laid down for the
different applications, under a multiplicity of
preceding articles, forming a regular chain of
connexion, any farther addition muff be un-
necessary, one hint only excepted, viz. in the
treatment of any, or all, where the vacuums
are large, and the difcharge ffuggilh, from the
mouths of the veffels being plugged by a vif-
cidity of the matter ; or thin and ichorous,
from a languor and coldnefs of the parts, a
frequent ufe of the following detergent
will both cleanfe and ffimulate, fo as to re-
move the obffrudfion in the firft inftance, and
promote a proper difcharge in the other :

Take of white vitriol and fugar of lead each three
drachms ;

Spring water half a pint;

Tin£ture of myrrh one ounce. — Mix.

And in all cafes, where the fungus or proud
fielh does not fubmit to the precipitate ointment ,
pledgets of dry lint under the digeftives, or ap-
plications of the above lotion, a fmall portion
of the red precipitate, white or blue vitriol

(very

192 S I T F A S T. ,

(very finely powdered), mufl be occafionally
fprinkled over the excrefcence, but not with
the ufual hand of indifcretion, otherwife your
corrofive in that cafe becomes a caujiic ; acal-
lolity is confequently occafioned, and your im-
prudent and mifapplied remedy becomes worfe
than the difeafe.

A S I T F A ST

Is the integument or hide of a horfe be-
come entirely callous or infenfible, after the
tumour called a warble is repelled and
taken up into the circulation, or has tran-
fpired in a natural evacuation or circular ooz-
ing, furrounding the callofity termed a sit-
fast. In fome little time the hair comes off,
and it bears the appearance of a foreign folid
fubftance, fixed in the centre of what feems to
be a fuperficial wound. For this fimple and
very trifling complaint there is but one cer-
tain and expeditious cure. All applications to
foften the efchar will prove of no utility ;
fcarifications will be tedious, and often inef-
fectual ;

S I T F A s T. .1 9:3

fedtual ; to prevent therefore a lofs of time by
fuch fruitlefs attempts, let it be clearly and
finally underftood it can be effe&ed only by
EXTIRPATION; an operation fo very
trifling it will not admit of a moment’s hefi-
tation, and may be taken off* with a common
penknife, and healed as a fuperficial wound.
But the moll ready and leaft painful method
of taking it off is by juft raifing either edge
till it can be taken hold of with a pair of
common pincers ; when, by leaning them to
any fide, you have an immediate fulcrum, or
lever, and feparate it inftantaneoufly without
pain or inconvenience. After the extirpation
it may be treated as a Ample fuperficial lacer-
ation, and may in general be healed by a
frequent application of Friar s half am, t injure
of myrrh, or, in very trifling cafes, with a little
common brandy.

But after, the cure, care fhould always be
taken to guard the cicatrix in its infancy, and
prevent the buckle of the girth from coming-
in to direcft contact with the injured part, not
only till the furface is fufficiently hardened to
reader a repetition unlikely, but upon all

O future

S I T F A S T.

194

future occafions. And here it cannot prove
inapplicable to remind every horfeman , the
buckle of the girth ihould never be permitted
below the pad of the faddle on either fide ; a
circumftance that never occurs with expe-
rienced fportfmen , who well know, from the
extreme preffure, and conflant fridtion of fo
fharp a body upon the integuments in hard
chafes, or long journies, warbles otjitfajls mull
inevitably enfue.

CLASS

( 195 )

. ■ -V- . ■ ’ ■ - ’ '■ ff 'f V

CLASS VL

COLDS, COUGHS, PLEURISY,
INFLAMMATION of the L.UNGS;
BROKEN WIND, and CON-
SUMPTION.

COLDS

Are a fpecies of difeafe not only acquired
by different means, but likewife very different
in their effedts ; both which we fh all endeavour
to elucidate in a manner much more extenfive
and fatisfadlory than any that have gone before
us. Colds are in general more frequently
the effedt of neglect than chance, and are
moftly acquired by the Jlupdity or inattention
of thofe to whofe care the horfe is unavoidably
intrufted. The various means by which colds
are caught, in either man or beaft, we natu-
rally fuppofe to be fo well understood, that a

O 2 minute

igS C O L D S, &c.

- minute invedigator of the operations of nature
would conclude any explanation upon this
fuhjedt entirely fuperfluous. But as there
doubtlefs are many juvenile fportfmen, who,
in the very zenith of fublunary enjoyment and
condant purfuit of pleafure, never afforded the
fubjed: a moment’s confideration, I fhall point
out fuch CAUSES as are mod likely to pro-
duce the variety of effects we diall afterwards
proceed to explain.

When a horse, after being rode hard, and
in a high date of perfpiration, is differed to
dand dill, (particularly in the winter feafon, or
in bad weather) to drink cold water in this
date 3 placed in an open dable in fuch dtua-
tion ; left after a wet and dirty journey to dry
in that condition -y or his clothing left off at
an improper feafon ; it is very natural to con-
clude the groom is a KNAVE, the heftier a
FOOL, or the mafter a MADMAN. And
although thefe circumdances feem little likely
to occur by the frailty of one, or the folly of
the other, yet the experienced fportfman and
traveller, who feldom move without the eye
of obfervation, will convince you they (among
7 a variety

COLDS, &c.

u)7

a variety of additional impofitipns) happen
every day. Having here obliquely remarked
what I naturally conclude is almoft univerfally
known, I fhall be ftudioufly anxious to explain
the nature of colds, and their different effects,
fo as to urge the neceffity of their being per-
fectly underilood, that prevention in future
may become an objedt of attention.

The procefs of Nature we allude to, in the
appellation of cold, is a general obftrudtion
of the cutaneous paffages or pores of the fkin,
formed for the tranfpiration of perfpirable
matter, proportionally emitted from every
part of the frame, and intended to expel that
fuperfluous moifture by an almoft infenfible
evacuation. But this exertion of Nature be-
ing totally fuppreffed, by a fudden collapfion,
or doling of the pores, from one of the caufes
before defcribed, the perfpirable matter is pre-
vented in its natural courfe, and returned upon
the body in a preternatural and morbid ffate.

We now come to the mifchievous effeCt,
according to the degree of inveteracy or infec-
tion of the attack. The molt penetrating and
acrimonious particles immediately make their

O 3 paffage

i$f& COLDS, &c.

paflage to the blood veffels ; and, intermixing
with the mafs, produce different degrees of
difeafe, acting differently upon different fub-
jedts; the injury fuftained being in fome ref-
pedts regulated by the degree of heat or per-
foration the horfe was in at the time of being
cxpofed to the original caufe. This circum-
ftance, once colledted, upon the foundation of
fuch inquiries, fome idea may be formed of its
probable duration and feverity. The effedts of
cold are not only foon difcovered where there
is a conftant attention and care, but an obfer-
vation may be very early made to what part it
more immediately diredts its attack. For in-
ftance, if the nervous fyflem is the moil irrita-
ble, you fpeedily perceive it in the eyes ; if
the glandular, upon the neck, throat, under
the ears, or in the head ; if more particu-
larly upon the blood (in which both the veffels
and their contents are concerned), the whole
fyftem of circulation being affedted, you foon
difcover its feat to be taken upon the lungs ;
and will perceive it difplayed more or lefs in a
COUGH, or difficulty of breathing, according
to the feverity of attack, from the proportion of
perfpirable matter repelled (become morbid),
and compulfively abforbed into the circulation.

So

i99

COLDS, &c.

So foon as the horfe is in this ftate a fympto-
matic fever attends, which is to be underftood
no more than a degree of febrile heat, or irri-
tability dependent on the original caufe, which
gradually ceafes as the primary difeafe is found
to decline.

The blood in all thefe inflances becomes
languid and enfeebled by its increafe and in-
cumbrance, whilfl its velocity is preternatu-
rally compelled in the ftridture of the veffels,
upon their over-accumulated contents, which
palpably conflitute the obflrudtion and pro-
duce the fever. Having traced the very prin-
ciple of colds to their original caufe, and
pointed out their different effedts upon the
eyes, glands , lungs , and circulation , I fliall pro-
ceed firft to that kind of cold fixed on the
lungs, diflinguifhed by COUGH, and its con-
fequences, enlarging upon the other two, when
we come to treat on their feparate claffes,
under the diforders of the eyes and ftrangles,
or tumours upon the glands. I fliall therefore
take this complaint in its firft ftage, when it
is early difcovered by an induftrious fervant or
attentive mafic r, and generally fubmits to

O 4 immediate

200

COLDS, &c.

immediate cire and fimple remedies ; particu-
larly if proper refpedt is paid to the excellent
maxim of “ never letting alone till to-mor-
“ row what may be done to-day for blood
Ihould be inflantly taken away according to
fymptoms, fize, llate, and condition. Be
accurate in quantity , and preferve it a few
hours to afcertain its date; if lived, or black,
with a coat of fize upon its furface, you have
evident demonftration of its viscidity and
obbructed circulation through the finer veffels
of the LUNGS. In three or four hours after
bleeding, give a mafh of bran and oats equal
parts, upon which pour boiling water fuffi-
clent; then ftir in unadulterated anifeed and
liquorice powders each one ounce, and of
honey four* In two hours after the mafh, give
a gallon or fix quarts of foft water moderately
warm, in which have been diffolved two ounces
of nitre.. Let the mafhes be continued
every night and morning, giving a moderate
feed of dry oats in the middle of the day,
good fweet hay in fmall quantities, and the
fame proportion of nitre to be repeated in die
water after each mafh. To thefe muff be added
the neceffary regulations of good dreffing

and

201

COLDS, &c.

and gentle exercife, which in general foon
effed the cure of fuch COLDS as are counter-
ailed upon the firlf attack.

On the contrary, fliould time or circum-
ftances have prevented thofe early advantages,
the attack has been negle&ed, and the diforder
made a rapid progrels ; fhould the cough be
violent and conftant, the horfe very dull and
heavy, declining his food, and the fympto-
matic fever run high, the blood will confe-
quently prove as before defcribed. In fuch
cafe the fymptoms will perhaps not immedi-
ately fubmit to the above plan fo foon as may
be wiihed or expected, therefore repeat your
bleeding in two or three days at fartheft, accord-
ing to the Hate and neceffity, altering the
mafhes to equal parts of malt and bran, fcalded
with boiling water ; when nearly cool enough
for the manger, flir in of elecampane, anjfeed ,
and liquorice powders, each one ounce let this
be reapeated every night and morning, continu-
ing the noon-feed dry, and the nitre two
ounces in the water, as before directed.

Let it be remembered, for confolation, that
colds or coughs thus treated, before they

have

202

COLDS, &c.

have been fuffered by negleCt or penury to be-
come obdurate by long handing, generally
fubrnit to a very fh'ort courfe of trouble or
expence; whilft tardinefs in procuring expe-
ditious relief is often productive of events that
no future affiduity can relieve. By immediate
bleeding the obftruCtion is consequently re-
duced, and the circulation promoted ; rarefac-
tion is effected, and the rtriCture upon the
veifels removed by the warm mafhes and cor-
dials; the irritating mucus engendered by the
inflamed glands is likewife diverted of its
acrimony, and the prerture upon the lungs re-
duced by relaxing and leffening the contents
of the body. Under thefe advantages you are
eafed of the complaint almort immediately, or
a critical qlifcharge comes on at the noftrils,
and terminates in a few days, what negleCted
foon conftitutesa confirmed cough, asthma,

BROKEN WIND, Or CONSUMPTION,

In reipeCi to thefe difoders, their defcrip-
tions (or rather the different conjectures) have
been fo extended, turned, twilled, and muti-
lated, in their tranfmifiions from one author to
another , that it is natural to fuppofe no true
rtate of either could be afeertained, or any
thing fatisfaClory advanced upon the fubjeCt,

We

COLDS, &c.

203

We have the authority of a century part to
prove they are caufed by “ the impetuofity of
« the blood’s rufhing into the lungs,” or , “ in
« the air veffels,” or, “ in blood veffels,” or,

“ in tubercles or in ulcers,” or, “ in too
“ full feeding,” &c. Bartlet quotes from
Gibson, who refers you to Markham, or
Solleysell, and Bracken to Burdon, and
fo on ad infinitum. We are likewife told
“ the three laft diftempers are in general in-
“ curable:” you are then inftrufted to proceed
with mercurial phylic, giving, in the interme-
diate days, the “ cinnaber balls ; if they fail
“ try alterative purges to thefe follow cor-
“ dial balls, with baliams of Peru and ful-
lt phur, flowers of Benjamin, fquills, tar, &c.
“ one to be continued a week or ten days,
“ another a fortnight, and a third for two
“ months or longer When having made this
hopeful and expenfive tour through almoft all
“ the materia medica to cure what is in
“ general incurable,” you may enjoy the pleaf-
ing fenfation of knocking your horfe on the
head, and moft feelingly acknowledge “ the
“ remedy worfe than the difeafe.”

I fhall endeavour to avoid this beaten track
of duplicity, and not amufe my readers in

every

204 COLDS, 8&c.

every page with “ Gibson direds this,” or
4e Bartlet the other,” but communicate
fome inftrudions from the didates of NA-
TURE and REASON, who have been hi-
therto moil infamoufly treated, and moil
fhamefully abandoned through every fyilem of
equeilrian medical pradice. In conjundion
with this, it may not be inapplicable to intro-
duce a few obfervations refpeding the mode
of adminiilration I have long fmce adopted, and
endeavoured to {Lengthen upon every oppor-
tunity. Forinilance, to condemn and explode
upon every polfible occafion the old and ilo-
venly method of giving medicines of almoif
every kind in DRINKS, and the equally fa-
vourite adminiilration of GLYSTERS, where
they can , by any means be avoided, (which
forty-nine times out of fifty they very well
may) ; always preferring their incorporation
with a majh , or the contents in a ball, where
circumflances will permit,

But this plan generally meets oppofition
from the VULCANIAN ADVOCATES for
ancient pradice, who would as loon relinquiih
their leathern aprons as their opinions. The
prodigious and confequential ceremony of pro-
viding

COLDS, &c. 205

viding the ale, powders, twitch, horn, and ap-
paratus, with the additional pleafure of waft-
ing or fpilling half the contents, are profefTional
dignities not to be readily given up; more
particularly the operator s privilege of drinking
a part of theWe? or Jlrong beer , to be perfectly
convinced it is not TOO STALE for the pur-
pofe. To bring this digreffion to a fpeedy
crifis, I fhall only beg leave to add, that twenty
years fince, obferving the general plague in
giving drinks, the conftant and unavoidable
wafte in the operation, added to the palpable
abfurdity of giving he moft naufeous medi-
cines in a liquid form, to conibitute an unne-
celfary ficknefs to the animal, made me reject
the practice, determining to adopt a method
more rational, neat, and confident, fo far as
my own advice or influence extended. To
this circumftance may be attributed the very
few drinks preferibed or recommended in the
courfe of this work : the aukward adminiftra-
tion of glyfbers is likewife rejected, but where
they are palpably necelfary, and even then the
bag and pipe fhould be the vehicle for injec-
tion ; the fyringe being an inversion of abfo-
iute abfurdity, and fit only for fuch practi-
tioners

206

COLDS, &c.

tioners as are profefled advocates for FUNDA-
MENTAL ELECTRICITY.

We come immediately from this digreflion
to the treatment of obftinate coughs, of which
there are two diftindt kinds in ^Fedt, though
proceeding from the very fame caufe ; whether
the refult of negledt at the original attack, or
inflexibility and non-fubmiflion to the mode
of pradtice before recommended, and regularly
perfevered in. The one may be confidered a
loofe and almofl: continual cough, increaflng
to violence upon the leait motion, whilfl; the
diftindtion is eaflly made by attending to
fymptoms : the other is a fhort dry cough,
preceded by a hufky hollow kind of wheezing,
as if refpiration was Shortened or obflrudted
by fragments of hay or corn retained in the
paflage. This is the kind of cough called
ajthma by thole writers who have preceded us,
and for which mercurial purges have been re-
commended, and may perhaps come forward
with more propriety after the admini fixation
of a courfe of the following balls, Ihould they
fail in the defired effedt. BLEEDING mull;
be Arif performed, and cccaflonaliy repeated
in fmall quantities, till the glandular inflam-
mation

COLDS, &c. ' 207

mation and irritability is reduced, and the
blood is fo attenuated or diverted of its vifci-
dity, by the conftant and invariable repetition
of the nitre, that the circulation may be more
freely promoted through the finer veflels of
the lungs j as from the obftruftions in thofe
finer paflages all the difficulties proceed.
Bleeding having been performed with the ne-
ceflary circumfpe&ion as to quantity, let your
two ounces of nitre be given without the mort
trifling remiffion, every night and morning in
the water, as particularifed in the firft rtage
of the diforder, continuing one of the follow-
ing balls every morning for a fortnight or
three weeks, that a fair and decifive trial may
be obtained.

DETERGENT PECTORAL BALL.

Take of Caftile foap, anifeed, and liquorice powders,
each five ounces;

Barbadoes tar fix ounces :

Gum ammoniacum three ounces ;

Balfam of Tolu one ounce;

Honey (if required) to make a mafs ; which divide
into a dozen balls. ^

If the complaint fhould continue predomi-
nant in all its fymptoms, notwithftanding thefe
1 efforts

208

COLDS, &c.

efforts to relieve, bleeding muft be repeated;
two dofes of i?iercurial phyfic may be given
eight days apart, and prepared by the addition
of a drachm and a half of calomel to either of
the balls (under the articles of purging) beffc
calculated for the horfe’s ftrength and condi-
tion. After which repeat the above pedtoral
balls, with the addition of gum myrrh, Ben-
jamin, and Venice turpentine, each two
ounces; dividing the mafs into balls of two
ounces each, repeating them every morning
till the above proportion (with thefe addi-
tions) are totally confumed.

The long loud hollow cough thatisalmoft
inceffant, and continually increafing upon mo-
tion or the lead; hurry in exercife, proceeds
equally from irritability and the adtion of the
flimy mucus upon the glands in refpiration, as
well as the vifcidity and cohefion of the blood
through the finer paffages. This kind of cough
I have ever obferved to fubmit with much lefs
difficulty than the asthmatic, requiring only
fteady and regular perfeverance in the plan now
laid down to obtain a certain, and, in all
probability, a fpeedy cure. The improvement
upon the cordial ball of Bracken, (fo rigidly

. adhered

COLDS, Sec. log

adhered to by all thofe advocates incapable of
leaving the beaten track, or judging for them-
felves) will be cheerfully acknowledged by
every judicious and impartial obferver, who
will readily coincide with me in rejecting
the brimjione , turmeric , and fugar candy , as
articles very little adequate to the talk they
were affigned. In this cafe, as in the other,
bleeding mud; take the lead, followed by a malh
compounded of equal parts of bran and oats>
into which mud; be ftirred and didfolved, while
hot, honey four ounces ; and this repeated
every night, with the two ounces of nitre in the
water, (as repeatedly directed) without inter-
million, every night and morning.

PECTORAL CORDIAL BALL.

Take Turkey figs, Spanifli liquorice, anifeed, and
liquorice powders, each four ounces ;

Carraway feeds, elecampane, and anifated balfam,
each two ounces ;

Saffron, ginger (in powder), and oil of anifeed, each
fix drachms ;

Honey fufficient to form the mafs; and divide into
twelve balls ; of which let one be given every
morning.

The figs and faffron are to be beat to a pafte in
the mortar, previous to their incorporation with

P the

%

2io COLDS, See.

the other articles ; the SpaniSh liquorice is to be
foftened over the fire, by boiling in a fmall
quantity of fpring water, and the whole of the
ingredients mixed in a manner well understood
by thole generally concerned in fuch prepara-
tions. Thefe balls are powerfully cordial and
reflorative y they promote glandular excretion,
warm and Stimulate the ftomach to the expul -
sion of wind, enliven the circulation, and in-
vigorate the whole frame, as has been fuffi-
ciently afeertained by their inStantaneous effedt
in the chafe, where their excellence has been
repeatedly eftablifhed ; but more particularly
in deep l'wampy countries, when, after a fever e
barf, or a repetition of jlrong leaps , the horfe
has been fo off his wind, or, in fadt, Nature fo
exhausted, as not to be able to proceed a Stroke
farther; the immediate administration of a
single ball has not only afforded inStant
relief, but the horfe gone through the day with
his ufual alacrity. To fay precifely in what
time the cure will be complete, is abfolutely
impoflible ; the treatment here laid down, and
the clafs of medicines preferibed, will, with
care and proper attention, perform all that can
be expedted from warm cordial pedtorals.

PLEURISY.

( 211 )

PLEURISY and INFLAMMATION

OF THE LUNGS.

To avoid thofe unneceffary diiHndlions ge-
nerally made to fwell the work, as well as the
tedious repetitions introduced to form a plau-
fible but fallacious difference between dif-
eafes bearing the ftriiteft affinity, (not only
originating in the fame caufe, but depending
on the very fame treatment for cure) I fhall,
in this clafs, proceed to the neceffary obferva-
tions upon what is termed pleurisy, inflam-
mation of the lungs, broken wind, and,
laftly, consumption. The gradations or
circumffimces of connexion are fo regular'
from a Jimple cold , in the firft inflance, to the
difagreeable effects of the latter, as to form a
fufficient reafon for bringing the whole into
rational inveftigation.

To fleer clear of the trammels of ^nitationy
I mult avoid the beaten track of Bartlet,
who tells you, “ Gibson fays the pleurify

P 2 “ is

212 PLEURISY, &c.

s‘ is an inflammation of the pleura-” but,-
as “ no ghoft need come from the grave
“ to tell us that,” we will -go a little farther,
and, inflead of diverfifying and mutilating the
fymptoms to form a deceptive appearance of
two difKnft dlfeafes, I fhall clearly prove them
to be not only of the fame family, but very
nearly related ; for, as the pleura is in the me-
dical world univerfaliy known to be the mem-
brane immediately covering the lungs, every
reader may inftantly form his own judgment
whether the latter can become the principal
feat of inflammation without the pleura s being
proportionally affedled by the diffenfion. I
have not the lead: doubt but this thefis will
fufficiently eftablifh its own weight, to prevent
a diverfity of opinions.

To exclude occafion for more medical or
anatomical definitions than are abfoluteiy un-
avoidable, it mull: fuffice to fay, the diftinc-
tion between the dlfeafes are too nice (in this
animal) for certain difcrimmations eithey dif—
plays fymptoms common to both and, as the
treatment is exactly fimilar in each , no incon-
venience can anfe from not decif vely fixing it
upon one or the other, as in general they are

F

PLEURISY, &c. 213

both affected. I fhall, in treating of both, enu-
merate the certain prognoflics ; but cannot fo
far attempt an impofition upon the judgment
as to form a firing of imaginary fymptoms,
and fay (as fome have done) that “ he looks
“ to the right with the pleurify , and to the
“ left with the peripnewnony that he tries to
lay down, then h q Jl arts up;” and a multi-
plicity of certainties equally curious . But as
MEN or WOMEN, labouring under the
mofl acute difeafes, do not difplay the fame
attitudes, or indulge in the fame portions, no
more do the different animals of which we
now treat ; but there are other predominant
fymptoms, and certain prognoflics, that fufffi-
ciently enable us to afcertain the feat of a if-
eafe, particularly in the inflammatory diforders
before us.

For inflance-— the horfe is exceedingly dull,
heavy in the eyes, drops his head, is refllefs,
perpetually fhifting his legs alternately; the
fever comes on fuddenly, and increafes rapidly ;
his breathing is extremely difficult, t^e cough
ihort and laboured, exciting great pain.
The mouth at firfl is parched and dry; but
when a critical difcharge jiffies from the

P 3 noflriis.

2i4 PLEURISY, &c.

noftrils, in confequence of a reduction of the
fymptomatic inflammation upon the glands
ot the head and throat, a flimy moifture
appears in the mouth likewife; his whole frame
bearing evident proofs of univerfal oppreflion,
that ferioufly indicate the neceflity of expe-
ditious relief.

Having taken a concife but accurate view
of the diftemper in its external appearance, it
becomes immediately neceflary to go out of
the ufual track, and explain the caufe as well
as the fymptoms of difeafe. As the lungs are
known to emit in health a greater proportion
of perfpirable matter for tranfpiration than
any other part, it confequently follows that,
upon either a partial or univerfal obflrudtion
or fupprefiion, they become (by the compul-
five abl'orption of that very proportion J the im-
mediate feat of difeafe; and, where the blood

•

is previoufly vifcid, or in an indifferent Rate,
its tendency to inflammation is injiantly pro-
moted by the morbidity of the obftrufted per-
fpirable matter, which being thrown back upon
the lungs, they are fo overloaded as to be ren-
dered incapable of performing their functions,
£nd pafling it into the circulation : inflamma-
tion

215

PLEURISY, &c.

tion is then produced •, which, according to the
nature of the cafe and certainty of circum-
Aances, muft terminate in fuffocation, if fuf-
fered long to continue its progrefs, without
effectual attempts to relieve Nature from the
burthen fhe has accumulated. This difeafe may
alfo be produced by violent exercife upon the
turfy or exertion in the field, when the increafed
rapidity of circulation (by the adtion of the
folids upon their contents), propels the blood
to the fmaller paflages with fo great a degree
of velocity as not only to produce immediate
inflammation, but fometimes to rupture fome
of the finer veflels, from which, broken wind
or consumption frequently proceeds,

A fuflicient quantity of blood muft be
infiantly taken away, to unload the veflels as
much as the ftrength will bear. After this
operation, have ready fome bran and very
fweet hay cut fmall, and fcalded together,
which place A?/ in die manger, that the fumes
may be imbibed as an internal fomentation,
to relax the rigidity of the glands, |jid excite
a difcharge from the noftrils fo foon as pof-
fible. The very nature of this cafe, and
the dapger to which the horfe is expofed, fuf-

P 4 ficiently

2l6

PLEURISY, &c,

ficiently point out the propriety and confiftency
of exerting all poffible alacrity to obtain relief,
or counteract the difeafe in its Jirfi flage\ there-
fore let the fumigation of fcalded bran and
hay be repeated every four or five hours, and
the following decodtion prepared without
delay :

Take pearl barley, rafins fplit, and Turkey figs diced,
each fix ounces ;

Stick liquorice bruifed, two ounces ;

Boil in a gallon of water till reduced to three quarts;
Brain off; and, while hot, ftir in one pound of
honey, and, when cold, a pint of diftilled vinegar;
giving an ounce of nitre in a pint of this deco£tion
every four, five, or fix hours, according to the
Bate and inveteracy of difeafe,

*

If reliefls not obtained fo foon as expected,
and the horfe is coffive, give a glyfler, with

Two quarts of common gruel ;

Coarfe fugar fix ounces ;

Glauber falts four ounces;

Tindture of jalap two ounces;

And a quarter of a pint of olive oil.

This mufi be repeated in twenty-four hours, or oftner
if neceffary.

Should

PLEURISY, &c. 21 7

Should (notwithdanding thefe efforts to
relieve) the fymptoms continue equally predo-
minant and alarming, not difplaying the lead;
tendency to fubmiffion, after waiting a proper
time for the defirable effedt of previous admi-
niftrations, let the bleeding be repeated, and
that in quantity proportioned to the neceffity
or fe verity of fymptoms, continuing the de-
coffion and nitre every three or four hours,
repeating the glyjler , if plentiful evacuations
have not been obtained by the former in-
jedtion.

The diluting drink , before prefcribed, is in-
troduced here in preference to a ball, that its
medicinal efficacy may be expeditiouily con-
veyed to the feat of difeafe. So loon as the
wifhed-for advantages are obferved, and the
predominant and dangerous fymptoms begin
to fubfide, when he labours lefs in refpiration ,
is brijker in appearance , heaves lefs in the flank,
dungs frequently , fales freely , runs at the nofe,
eats his warm maffies of fcalded bran, with
four ounces of honey to each, and will drink
thin gruel for his common drink (in each
draught of which fhould be diffolved two
ounqes of cream of tartar ) ; in fhort, fo foon

as

2I8 PLEURISY, &c.

as every appearance of DANGER is difpelled,
the management may be regulated in every
particular by the inftrudions given under the
article of COLD, in its earlielf fcage ; giving
one of the following balls every morning for a
fortnight, leaving of} the mafhes and diluting
drink by degrees; varying the mode of treat-
ment as circumftances may didate, or occafion
may require.

Take Caftile foap fix ounces;

Gum ammoniacum two ounces ;

Annife and cummin feeds (in powder) each four
ounces ;

Honey fufficient to form the mafs, which divide into

a dozen balls,

\

To prevent 'any ill effeds that may arife
from the vifcidity cf matter that has fo long
overloaded the veffels of the lungs, or its acri-
mony, that may, by its retention there, fo cor-
rode or lacerate as to form an nicer , or pro-
mote the growth of knots or tubercles , the befl
method will be, fo foon as the horfe (with
great care, gentle exercife, moderate and re-
gular feeding) has acquired a tolerable propor-
tion of his natural ftrength, to put him upon
the following gentle courfe of pbyfec. And it

Will

BROKEN WIND.

219

will become more immediately neceflary,
where the horfe bears about him remnants of
the diftemper, either in a gleet from the nofe ,
rattling in his throat , difficulty of breathing , or
heaving in the flanks.

Take fuccotrine aloes nine drachms ;

Rhubarb and jalap each a drachm and a half ;

Gum ammoniacum, calomel, and ginger, each 2
drachm ;

Oil of juniper fixty drops;

Syrup of buckthorn fufficient to make a ball.

Six clear days or more, if the horfe is weak,
ffiould be allowed between each dofe, and the
mode of management regulated by the inftruc-
tions given under the article purging.

BROKEN WIND,

Is a defeat in the part of which we laft
treated, fo that the tranfition from one to the
other is both quick and natural; and forry I
am to acknowledge, that, amidft all the dif-
fe&ions and minute inveiligations that have
7 taken

220 B Pv O K E N WIND.

taken place, no IMPROVEMENTS or DIS-
COVERIES have been made that can at all
elucidate to a certainty the opinions long fince
gone forth and communicated upon this fub-
jed. The molt eminent writers, as if deter-
mined in this particular to let us remain in
“ darknefs vifible,” tell no more than that
all their ftritt inquiries , all their attentive ajji-
duity and infpeftion, will furnifh them with no
better information than “ they BELIEVE or
“ SUSPECT the lungs, by fome means, are
“ too large for the cavity of the cheft, or the
“ cheft too narrow for the lungs” . If this
curious hypothesis can be once admitted, the
preternatural enlargement of the lungs is, by
inch reafoning, confirmed a paradoxical natural
deformity. An attempt to eftablifh fo frail an
idea would be ridiculous in the extreme; for
horfes are in general fo little feen with external
deformities, that it would be a palpable proof
of ' Jlerility in intellect to fuppofe a conftant and
invariable deformity upon any part of the
vifcera ; particularly upon the fame in every
horfe labouring under this defed, and the
very part fo immediately neceflary to all the
offices in life. It is an opinion I fhall never
accede to, but am inclined to believe, by

examining

225

BROKEN WIND.

J examining the matter a little more attentively ,
f two very probable reafons may be adduced,
tendino- to lead us to a much more RA- . ,
TIONAL opinion of the caufe.

For inflance, whether horfes who have been
in the habit of full or foul feeding, with a very
trifling portion of exercife, and without any
internal cleanfing from evacuations, compul-
sively obtained by purgatives or diuretics , may
not conftantly engender a quantity of vifcid,
tough, phlegmatic matter ; which accumulating
by flow degrees may fo clog and fill up fome
of that infinity of minute paflages with which
the lungs are known to abound, as probably to
obftrudt the air veflels in their neceflary ex-
pansion for the office of refpiration. And whe-
ther this very probable obftrudtion, or partial
fuppreffion, may not in fudden, hafty, and
long continued exertions, rupture others, and
by fuch local deficiency affeft the elafticity
of the whole ? The probability, and indeed
great appearance of this progrels, has ever in-
fluenced me moft forcibly to believe that fuch
obstructions once formed, the evil accumulates,
till a multiplicity of the veflels become im-
pervious, and render the lungs, by their con-
stant

222 BROKEN WIND.

ft ant accumulation and diftinction, too rigid
for the great and neceffary purpofe of refpira-
tion.

How far this probable fydem of obdrudion
may come into immediate contad with the
judgment of others, I am yet to learn; the
conjedure naturally arifing from a ferious and
attentive invedigation of the cafe, is fubmitted
to public opinion, as a far more rational mode
of explanation than to trumpet or re-echo
an abfurdity, that “ the lungs are too large for

the ched,” or a dill greater, that “ foul feed-
“ has made the lungs fat ,” when a furvey
of the fubjed fhall indantly demondrate the
carcafe to be evidently poor.

Whichfoever conjedure may be right re-
fpeding the caufe , one opinion is univerfal upon
the cure^ if it originates in a natural deformity ;
for, diould (according to the credulity of for-
mer writers) “ the lungs be too large for the
“ ched,” or, “ the ched too narrow for the
<f lungs,” the eded being diredly the fame, it
is not in the power of art to furnifh a cure;
the expence to obtain it being therefore fuper-
fluous, it had better be avoided. That fuch a

defed

BROKEN WIND. 223

defect may Jbmetimes occur, as a cheft too nar-
row for lungs of an uncommon extenlion, that
conftitute naturally what are called thick—
winded horfes, cannot be denied ; and in thofe
cafes very little is to be expected from a hope
of mitigation or cure.

/

It cannot but be obferved what an anxious
delire a broken-winded horfe always dis-
plays to obtain water — a felf-evident convic-
tion he is rendered uneafy by fome glutinous
adhelive internal fubftance, that inftind: alone
prompts the animal to expebt drinking may
walla away: on the contrary, if, as Bartlet
and Gibson fuppofe, “ the lungs are too large
“ for the cheft,” every thing that increafes
the bulk of the abdomen or vifcera (and conse-
quently the prefture upon the diaphragm ) muft
increafe the difquietude, which is natural to
believe, from the fagacity of animals in other
inftances, they would in this moft carefully
avoid.

If my HYPOTHESIS is founded in fadt,
(which circumftances will not allow me the
leaft reafon to doubt) a cure may certainly be
expebied, provided the attempt is made upon

the

I

224 broken wind.

the dawn of the difeafe ; but I will by no
means admit the probability where the original
caufe has been of long (landing, and no at-
tempts made to relieve. A little deliberation
will convince every reader, that a cure can ori-
ginate only in fuch adminiftrations or clafs of
medicines as are evidently calculated in their
operations or efieds to reach, cleanfe, and re-
move, obdrudions in the very remote feat of
difeafe.

Bleeding naturally arifes out of this ob-
fervation, and mud be repeated at proper inter-
vals, in moderate quantities, till diveded of the
coat of (ize and livid appearance, that are cer-
tain prognodics. when the lungs are obdruded
either by vifcidity or inflammation. To pro-
mote the neceffary evacuations in the fird
indance, to attenuate the vifcidity of the glu-
tinous obdruded matter, and to deterge the
padages by a dimulation of the folids, are the
only foundations upon which the hope or pro-
bability of a cure may be formed ; therefore
after bleeding, go through a regular courfe of
the mild purging balls (prefcribed after the
horfe’s recovery from the article lad treated
on) 5 they are (lightly impregnated with mer-
curial '

2

BROKEN WIND. 225

furial particles, and blended with the gums,
form a moft excellent medicine for the pur-
pofe. In three days after the operation of the
third dofe, begin upon the following detergent
balfamics, and continue to give one ball every
morning, fo long as may be thought neceflary,
to form a fair opinion whether the advantage
is gained or relief likely to be obtained.

Take of the belt white foap eight ounces ;

Gums guaiacum and ammoniacum each three
ounces ;

Myrrh and Benjamin, anifeed and liquorice, each
two ounces ;

Balfam of Peru, Tolu, and oil of anifeed, each half
an ounce ;

Barbadoes tar fufficient to make a mafs, which di-
vide into twenty balls.

It is neceffary to be ftridtly obferved, that
during this courfe, hay and water are to be dif-
penfed with a very fparing hand, fo as to pre-
vent too great an accumulation in the Jiomach
or intejiines, that an obfervation may be made
with the greateft certainty, whether any hopes
of fuccefs from medicine may be juftly en-
tertained; if not, farther expence will be
unadvifable, as it will appear, after fuch

trial,

226 BROKEN WIND.

trial, an incurable malady at all events. The

better to reconcile us to which, fuch pal-
liatives maybe occalionally put into ufe
as will naturally be fuggefted by an attentive
perufal of this clafs, in which the difeafes of
the lungs are the principal objects of invefti-
gation.

At all events, when a cough is become of
long landing, or the horfe perceived to labour
under any of thofe wheezings in exercife, or
violent heaving in the flanks, that indicate an
oppreffed ftate of the lungs or difficulty of re-
fpiration, the mode of feeding fhould be re-
gulated accordingly upon a proper attention
to which circumftance, many cf the confe-
quences evidently depend. For, whether as a
preventive or cure, mafhes. fhould be occa-
sionally given, and gradually declined, till the
food becomes regularly dry : hay fhould be
diflributed in fmall quantities, that the con-
tents of the flomach may not be too much
increafed for gradual digeflion. To horfes of
this defcription food fhould be given that will
afford the greatefl nutriment with the fmalleff
quantity : on the contrary, fo foon as the pro-
bability of fuch defeat is perceived, the horfe

is

I I ' .

CONSUMPTION. 227

1 is too generally concluded of the leaf! value, and
.■ treated accordingly. Inftead of mitigating the
i fymptoms, they are conftantly increafed by
; the very means that fhould be avoided ; the
! fouleft and mod injurious food is liberally fup-
1 plied — grofs clover hay — mixed chaff — and as
much water as the animal choofes to carry,

; are too often permitted, even without reftraint,

I and the defeat abfolutely encouraged to become
| habitual, inftead of being alleviated, by the
1 very means that reafon dictates and difcretion
, dire&s. — Upon this fubjedt fee farther obfer-
vations, p. 400.

CONSUMPTION

Is a difeafe or complication upon which,
very little need be introduced, but to keep up
the appearance of form, and pay the neceftary
and expedted compliment to cuftom. No
appellation, no defcription of difeafe, has been
mor zhacknied, more profti tilted anti, perverted,
than the very name of consumption; it has
for ages been an excellent mafk of myftery for
the doubts of the faculty, and no bad
explanatory fubftitute for the meaning of the

0^2 vulgar ,

I

228

CONSUMPTION.

vulgar, in all thofe internal decays of the human
fpecies, where the chafm in the countenance
of the doctor, and the ambiguous lhake of
the hand, (including the alternate condrudion
of hope and fear,) is intended to convince the
anxious attendant that fymptoms are obfcured
by circumjlances, and certainty not to be
afcert ained.

A confumption may proceed from a non-
performance of the functions to which many
parts of the animal drudure may be defined,
not only from ruptures of the blood, or air
veffels in the lungs, (originating in caufes
repeatedly defcribed), terminating in ulcers ,
tubercles , and callojities ‘ but in a fchirrojity of
the liver, and induration of fome of the glandular
parts, and many other internal complaints or
injuries to which the references, by lymptoms
remote from the feat of pain or difeafe, mud;
be often deceptive, fo as in fome cafes to per-
plex more than dired. This being a very fair
and candid date of the cafe before us, the reader
will do well to colled: what information he
can from his attentive obfervations ; then com-
pare them with the mod predominant lymp-
toms defcribed under the heads of different

difeafes.

CONSUMPTION.

229

difeafes, and fo adjufl his decifion as to bring
it into that clafs to which it bears the greateft
fimilitude, and adopt a mode of treatment
accordingly. To take this fubjeft in as concife
a view as poffible, (let it proceed from whatever
caufe) ; the courfe of balfamtc reftoratives and
detergent pc Florals, found under the heads of
colds, coughs, and fucceeding articles, with
the aids of bleeding , majhes, and fuch other
affiftances as may be feledted from the variety
of prefcriptions and inftrudtions fo often repeat-
ed, render unneceffary any farther obfervation
or. animadverfion upon this head.

Q 3

• I

CLASS

V 23° )

CLASS VII.

FEVERS, WORMS, and JAUNDICE.

% »

FEVERS.

The obfervations and reflections that firfl:
induced me to perceive the abfolute neceflity
of fome reformation in the practice of FAR-
RIERY, never influenced me more in a con-
viction of that want, than did a thorough
inveftigation of the fubjeCt before us. For
Bart let, in his ufuali/W zn&eajy way, fays
t( he purpofely avoids giving defcriptions ofdif-
“ eafes, or fo much as guejjing at the caufes
(t within which bring them about.” What
could have been his motive for “ purpofely”
concealing what in “ A Practical Treatife” had
every right to be revealed, I know not; and
what his reafons could be, I leave entirely to
the private opinions of others, making public

/

fevers.

231

(upon that circumstance) only ONE of my
own ; that whoever is a Rranger to the origin
of difeafe, muft be confequently fo to every
method and rational fyRem of cure.

This being evidently clear to the meaneR
and moft uncultivated comprehenfion, I muR
beg leave to obterve how much on the contrary
Gibson has fuperlatively obliged us in the very
quinteffence of prolixity and complication;
for, with the reverfe of Bartlet’s reafon and
want of patience, he has moR elaborately gone
through what may be termed a complete fyRem
of imaginary fevers ; and regularly transferred
the obfervation and language of ancient authors
upon the difeafes of the human fpecies to the
conRitution of quadrupeds. He not only te-
dioufly defcribes the Jimpls and continued feve. r;
the hedtic, putrid, 2xApejlilential ; but, to prove
his attachment to the fubjecR, animadverts
upon quotidians, tertians , and quartans , en-
larging feparately upon each; and concludes
in an inexplicable jargon upon the whole.

As indeed does Osmer, (who, as before
obferved, wrote in later times) in what he calls

Q. 4 “A Treatife

232 FEVERS*

“ A Treatife on the Difeafes and Lamenefs of

Hoifesj though an attentive infpeCtion and
perufg.1, prove it decidedly a treatife upon the
feet and fhoejng; nothing being introduced
cither full or explanatory upon the origin or
cure of any difeafe to which the horfe is fub-
jedt, or any precife or regular method of treat-
ment pointed out, the very few remedies (light-
ly recommended, being left (in refpedt to
quantity and proportion) entirely at the dif-
cretion of the reader.

In refpeft to fevers, he includes all under
the denomination of a dijiemper , and then gives
you a defcription of what he calls “ live

different dalles or degrees of this difeafe/’
but, after minutely inveftigating his explana-
tions, I muff confefs them fo replete with
fuppoftitious alternatives, and theoretical un-
certainties, that they feem much more evi-
dently calculated to perplex than enlighten a
fubjeCt, that has hitherto been too much ob-
fcured by the illiteracy of fome, and die af-
fected or political abftrulity of others. In
fad, the purport of the inquiry is fo entirely
loft in a variety of inapplicable digreftions
and incoherent ftories, that not a fingle clue

is

FEVERS.

233

is left by which the lead rational and authentic
information is to be acquired, except “ plen-
“ tiful bleedings , the unlimited ufe of falt-
« petre, and the infertion of rowels,” even
to the number of fix or eight upon the fame
fubjed.

Every intelligent obferver muft be well con-
vinced of the abfurdity of fuch accumulation
as Gibson deferibes, and the improbability
(not to fay, what might be very well juftified,
the impojjibility ) of difeovering, by no other
means than filent fymptoms and ocular inflec-
tion (amounting to no kind of demonftration)
the origin, caufe, or indeed diftemper itfelf,
to which there is no certain diftindion, or
palpable proof of exiftence. And when it is
remembered there is no agency in the animal
by which the particulars of his pain or dif-
trefs can be communicated, every judicious
and candid reader will admit the impradicabi-
lity of diferiminating between the variety of
fymptoms, by which alone all this FAMILY
OF FEVERS are to be afeertained. It may
alfo be taken into confideration, that animals
of this clafs, from their fimple diet and regu-
lar

234

FEVERS.

lar mode of living, cannot be fubjedt to fuch
complicated diforders, moft of which, in the
human fpecies, evidently refult from irregu-
larity and indifcretion. Bringing this com-
bination of circumftances into one point of
view, I fhall avail myfelf of the advantages
naturally ariling from obfervations upon the
political abftrufity of one, and the paradoxical
brightnefs of technical obfcurity of the other;
reducing the whole clafs of febrile difquietudes
limply to two kinds, the fymptomatic and in-
flammatory only.

A fymptomatic fever is a degree of inflam-
mation and increafed circulation, occafloned by
fome diftindt or local pain, and is not a dis-
order [aj> origins ) within itfelf, but palpably
the eflfedt of, and dependent upon, fome other
for its production. This fever is fo influenced
by the caufe, and fo entirely regulated by its
changes, either for better or worfe, as to be
conftantly reduced by an alleviation of the ori-
ginal complaint, and totally difpelled by a re-
moval of the difeafe, to which it is a conco-
mitant. This fever being only a Symptom of
fome other, (the mere effeCt of preternatural

heat

FEVERS.

235

heat excited by extreme pain) and not a diflind
difeafe, Hands in need of no elucidation ; let
the original caufe be removed, and the effed
will ceafe of courfe.

It has been repeatedly urged by authors of
repute, that every fever is one and the fame
diforder, appearing differently according to the
various circumftancea it meets with in differ-
ent confhitutions. Much may be advanced in
favour of this affertion ; but, it not being our
prefent purpofe to enter upon the difcuffion of
fo extenfive a fubjed, we will contrad it as
much as the nature of the difeafe will admit,
and venture to affirm the fever to which horfes
are molt fubjed is that diftind kind called in-
flammatory. To produce that preternatural
heat or increafed circulation, conftituting what
is termed fever, there muft be fome pre-exifl-
ing caufe, to difcover the true feat of which
great nicety of dilcrimination is unavoidably
neceflary here is no information to be col-
leded, but by the hand and the eye ; the firft
fhould be fandioned by JUDGMENT and
EXPERIENCE, the latter regulated by
REASON and OBSERVATION.

\

8

For

FEVERS.

%

For want of due attention to thefe falutary
Considerations, many fine and valuable horfes
have been haftily and didatorially fentenced
to pafs that 44 bourn from whence no traveller
44 returns !” And here it can neither be thought
inapplicable or intrufive to remind every per-
fon employed in the pradice, under the deno-
mination of f ARii ier, that frequently upon
his learned decifion alone depends the LIFE or
DEiVTH of this mpll valuable animal. He
Ihould not only be accurately nice in the dif-
crimination of difeafe ; but, by attending mi-
nutely to. circumftances, endeavour to deve-
lope the myfterious indications of Nature, cover
all her wants, and ftrerigthen every effort ; for
fhe is tenacious of her many powerful privi-
leges, and will not bear too 44 infolqnt amoni-
44 tor.” T o become the more adequate to this
talk of integrity, he fhould be anxioufiy careful
to improve his judgment, and adopt the known
qualities of medicines to the expedition of
their effeds ; to have in view, upon every
emergency, the operations from which certain
or probable relief is to be obtained ; and to
promote thofe ends by every fair and gentle
means that may be juftified by circumflances
or didated by diferetion.

To

/

FEVERS. 237

To enter into a tedious medical difquifition
upon the origin of fevers, their different de-
grees and effects, would exhauft the patience
of the moft patient inquirer; I fhall con fre-
quently avoid fo unentertaining a detail, ajid ad-
here to fuch explanatory parts as become more
immediately the objects of information. To
enumerate the pofiible caufes in which a fever
may originate, would be, in this work, equally
impracticable ; they are fo much more fympto-
matic than felf-exiiling, that circumftances and
careful attention only muff lead to the difcovery.

There is not the lead doubt but a general
cutaneous obftruCtion, or fudden conftriCtion
upon the perfpirable pores, (proceeding from
what caufe foever,) will conftitute the founda-
tion of every fever to which the animal can pof-
fibly be fubjedt: the matter deftined for per-
fpiration, being forcibly returned upon the
veffels, is abforded into the circulation; the
blood being thus corrupted becomes vifcid, the
pafiagesare evidently overloaded, and Nature,
by an increafe of circulation in the velocity of
the blood, endeavours to relieve herfelf from
the opprefiion, which in this difeafe fhe fo
evidently labours under.

In

FEVERS.

238

In refpect to fymptoms, the infpection ffiould
be made with care and attention; the general
modes of enquiry are SUPERFICIAL, and
the decifion often FALLACIOUS. The pa-
thognomonic, or certain figns, are an univer-
fal heat and difordered pulfe, a palpable difqui-
etude and uneafinefs, fhifting from place to
place ; the horfe labours under difficult refpi-
ration, his mouth is very dry, his tongue parch-
ed and hot, he declines food but receives water;
fometimes feizes his hay with feeming eager-
nefs, then drops it in difappointment ; the body
is generally coftive, and in the early hate of
difeafe, there is a proportional obhruction of
urine. Let a fever proceed from whatever
caufe, the indications of cure are hill the fame;

A

. diminifh the preternatural heat to the degree
that conhitutes its healthy hate, remove all in-
ternal obhructions, and, by a proper and judi-
cious adminihration of medicines (calculated
to fubdue the original caufe), all dependent
fymptoms will certainly fubhde.

The firh neceffiary hep to ‘a rectification of
fuch inflammatory or difeafed hate of the blood
is a reduction in quantity, therefore inhantly
bleed , according to hrength and circumhances.

If

FEVERS.

239

If the horfe is c&Jiive in body, the excrements

hard, dark in colour, and foul in frtjell, the

*

fymptoms of difeafe powerful, with ftrong
heaving in the flanks, do not delay the affiif-
ance of the following emollient glyfler, which,
being compofed of ingredients entirely do-
mestic, may be molt expeditioufly provided.

Take water gruel two quarts j
Coarfe fugar half a pound :

Common fait four ounces (or fingle handful :)

Olive oil a quarter of a pint. — Mix together, and
injedt moderately warm.

This, by its gentle relaxing property, will
probably promote defirable evacuations in both
flool and urine : being equal to any other that
can be prefcribed for the purpofe, however pre-
pared with articles remote from prefent prac-
tice or difficult to be obtained. If obflructions
fhould not be removed, or the neceffary evacu-
ations enfue, repeat the operation in four hours
after; flrengthening your injection with two
ounces of lenitive eleffiuary, and three ounces of
Glauber falts, both being diffiolvcd in the gruel. ,
This will produce certain evacuations, as the

firft

240 ' FEVERS.

firft by its retention will have relaxed the in-
durated contents of the inteflines, and rendered
them ready for immediate expulfion, by the
aftive power of the additional ftimulants here
prefcribed. In two or three hours after fuch
evacuations (or fooner if feemingly requifite)
let a mafia of J'caldcd bran be placed in the man-
ger, to which, if he refufes, a handful of oats
may be added by way of inducement ; if flill
declined, let them be removed, and a fmall
quantity of very fweet hay left in the rack. Let
him be gently rubbed over, moderately clothed,
and well littered up with clean dry flraw, after
giving him one ounce of nitre diffolved in a ,
fmall draught of warm water, flightly impreg-
nated with a proportion of thin gruel.

Previous to farther directions for the
treatment of fevers, or instructions for the
preparation of medicine, it becomes unavoida-
bly neceffary to fay fomething upon the quality
and indifcriminate ufe of that excellent article
nitre , the purpofes of which are fo frequently
proff ituted in its general application by allc laffes
and in all cafes, in compliment to Bartlet s

unlimited eulogiums j who has not only, in a
; 7 variety

FEVERS.

241

variety of inftances, blended it in compofition
with its oppofites in effect, but ftamped it with
his opinion fo great a fpecific, that a few
obfervations on its virtues and real ujes
become immediately necelfary to the propriety
of its future adminiftration being better under-
ftood.

Osmer was likewife fo infatuated with its
reported perfections, that he became an advo-
cate for 'its unlimited utility, and, like his pre-
deceftors, pronounced it an infallible fpecific
for all thofe dilorders he condelcended to take
a fuperficial furvey of 3 urging the adminiftra-
tion of it to almoft any proportion upon every
occafion, though, in the very fame page, he
confdfes fome horfes “ lliall not be able to take
“ the fmalleft quantity without being afteCted
“ with gripes , or cholic , therefore it is always
“ beft to begin with a fmall quantity.”

That it is cooling , allays thirft , promotes the
fecretions, and is an ufual aftiftant likewife in a
courfe of alteratives , is admitted 3 but how far
it is eligible to give it in fevers , in the very large
proportions recommended by Bartlet and
Osmer, will be beft decided by giving the

R matter

242

FEVERS.'

matter a farther inveftigation. For inftance, he
urges the adminiftration of it to attenuate and
thin the denfe lizy blood, during the effect of
inflammatory fevers 3 this property of attenua-
tion being allowed, what mull be the natural
concluflon or confequence of giving fuch large
quail tites “ as three or four ounces three times a
“ day?” Why, every prof effional man , knowing
the mode by which it muft inevitably afFedt the
fyffcem of circulation, would naturally expect
it to diflblve the very craffamentum of the
blood, and reduce it to an abfolute ferum or
aqueous vapour.

That nitre has its peculiar good qualities and
falutary effects, when prudently adminiftered,
no rational practitioner will ever deny; but
the variety of experiments repeatedly made
upon its efficacy, by the molt eminent profelfors
fince the practice of Gibson, Bracken, and
Bartlet, has undoubtedly deprived it of a
confiderable portion of its former eftimation, and
it is now reduced to that rank of merit only
experimentally found to fall to itsfhare. Tak-
ing it therefore with the properties it is pof-
fefled of and entitled to, not looking up to it
as the grand arcanum of infallibility or medical

idolization, ' ■;

FEVERS.

2 43

idolization , I venture to pronounce, its good
effects can only be obtained by judicious admi-
niflrations of fuch proportions as are properly
calculated to promote the purpofes for which
they are defigned. Its properties and effeCts
being now more generally afcertained than
formerly, the inconfiftency of blending it
(in large quantities) with medicines intended
to promote perfpiration is palpably ftriking ; as
it is well known to every medical practitioner
its intermediation would rather tend to deftroy
the earned: intent of the whole.

On the contrary, given in fmall quantities of
half an ounce , or ounce, once or twice a day in
the beginning of fevers, with good nurjing , mo-
derate clothing , warm mafhes, and diluting drinks
of thin gruel, it may frequently have a very
good effedt ■, but fhould the predominant fymp-
toms not fubmit to that treatment, no larger
dofes of nitre fhould be ventured upon to
hazard a too great and fudden diffolution of the
blood, or an obftruCtion to the critical perfpi-
ration, upon which a fpeedy cure very much
depends.

Upon the non-fubmiffion of fymptortis to
thefe means, the following gentle fyftem muff

R 2 be

FEVERS.

244

be adopted and regularly continued, to relax
the rigidity of the pores, and produce a plia-
bility of the furface, preparatory to the perfpir-
able crilis, which is now become necelfary to
folicit, by every proper medicine that can be
offered for that purpofe. To promote this,
give one of the following balls, and let it be
repeated every fix or eight hours as may be
found necelfary :

Take mithridate fix drachms ;

Anifeed and compound contrayerva powders each
half an ounce ;

Snake root (in powder) two drachms;

Salt of hartfhorn one drachm;

Syrup of faffron fufficient to make a ball.

I

But where the admmiftration of medicine
in this form may be objected to, or a drink
thought more convenient, the following may
be fubRituted in its Read :

Take of the flrong infufion of camomile (commonly
called camomile tea) half a pint;

Mindererus’s fpirit a quarter of a pint;

Saffron wine two ounces;

Antimonial wine one ounce. — Mix together.

This

FEVERS.

245

This drink, or one of the above balls, may
be continued every fix or eight hours, according
to the emergency, till relief is obtained, or cir-
cumftances urge an alteration in the mode of
treatment. Small quantites of drink (about
two quarts) fhould be given once in three or
four hours, prepared in the proportion of a
quart of thick gruel to a gallon of water ; in
each draught of which may be given half an
ounce of nitre , or an ounce of cream of tartar ,
with the farther addition of a quarter of a pint
of the following acidulated liquid, feparately
prepared for the purpofe.

'

Take of good honey one pound ;

Beft vinegar a pint and a half; boil over the fire a
few minutes, taking off the fcum, and fet by
for ufe.

Should any fwellings appear upon the glands
of the head or neck, a cough come on, or a
critical difcharge be perceived at the noftrils,
keep the head warm that the flux may be
promoted to that part.

If the predominant fymptoms fhould not
fubmit in four-and-twenty or fix-and-thirty

R 3 hours.

\

/

246 FEVER S.

hours, attend to thofe moil alarming, and
proceed to their mitigation accordingly ; if
hill cohive, repeat the laxative glyfter , or the
following drink :

Take Epfom falts and cream of tartar, each three
ounces ;

Soluble tartar one ounce ; diffolve in three quarters
of a pint of thin gruel ; then add tin&ure of
jalap half an ounce, and tin&ure of fenna two
ounces. — Mix.

1

Should the cough increafe bleed, in propor-
tion : if the urine is fmall in quantity, high in
colour, or depofits a turbid fediment upon being
faved, give nitre frequently, and in fmall pro-
portions, as before directed, During all the
tedious cepemony of indifpolition wait with
patience, and attend to the indications of
Nature more than the bewildered doubts and
prognoftics of the farrier, who, knowing little
of the anatomical Jlruclurc, lefs of the animal
economy , and totally incapable of forming any
confijlent idea of the properties of medicine,
hands a perplexed feranger to both caufes and
events , profefiionaliy infenfible to the founda-
tion of either hope or fear.

In

FEVERS.

247

In difficult and alarming cafes, recourfe mull
always be had to the different prefcriptions
introduced under their proper c!affe&, varying,
increafmg , and diminiping, die articles or pro-
portions, according to the Rate of fymptoms or
difeafe for which they are prefcribed. Upon a
horfe’s improvement, every fign in food, water,
eafe, and reft, is fo evidently calculated to give
ample proof of fpeedy recovery, that any recital
of circumRances fo readily diftinguffhed would
be entirely fuperfluous. Therefore naturally
concluding every intelligent obferver will
plainly perceive, when his horfe is getting out
of danger, how foon medicine is unneceffary,
and when perfectly recovered, I conlider it only
neceffary to obferve, where the diRemper has
been violent, and the inflammatory fymptoms
ran high, fo as to leave any perceptible taint
upon either eyes or lungs, in a heavinefs upon
the firft, or an oppreffion upon the latter , a
courfe of mild purgatives felecfced from the
purging balls, (No. 1, or 2,) p. 36, will be very
neceffary and advantageous ; letting it be clearly
underRood that no Rich plan is to be adopted
if the termination of the diforder fhould happen
in the fevere part of the winter, when a courfe
of mild diuretics is to be preferred, as particu-

R 4 larifed

FEVERS.

larifed in p. 75; remembering that neither can
be proceeded upon till the horfe is fo much
recovered in ftrength and appearance as to
render unneceffary any fear of local or conlli-
tutional weaknefs. The mode of treatment
here laid down, and ftrenuoufly recommended,
is a fyftem eftablifhed upon the principles of
reafon and reformation ; not the effulion of
wild chimerical experiments, engendered by
folly and promoted by ignorance , but a courfe
of practice (expofed to no lottery of chance or
certainty of danger), the refult of attentive
ftudy , accurate OBSERVATION, and long
EXPERIENCE.

Having thus unavoidably enlarged upon the
nature and treatment of fuch febrile complaints
as frequently come under common obfervation,
I fhall advert to the neceffary confideration of
thofe dileafes called epidemic or malignant and
are fo termed from their being in general con-
tagious or infectious, and at certain times local
or fixed to particular parts of the kingdom ; at
other leafons almoft univerfal, bearing in either
cafe the common term of “ a diftemper among
“ the horfes.” As epidemic difeafes appear dif-
ferently at different feafons, varying in fymp-

toms.

FEVERS.

2 49

toms, for which no exadt caufe can be afcer-
tained or reafon fupported, but the exceffive
drought of one feafon, or denfe atmofphere of
another, it muft evidently appear that, under
fuch circumftances, no accurate defcription of
correfponding fymptoms can be collected from
books without a very minute and proper atten-
tion to the nature of attack.

To thefe leading traits all the judgment and
penetration of the farrier, or Juperintendant,
muft be directed ; for, as fuch diforders are in
general complicated, and not diftinguifhable
under any particular head, but partaking of
many, every ftriking fymptom fhould be well
obferved and diftinguilhed from its oppofite, or
claffed with its concomitant, till a parallel
being drawn between its moft predominant fea-
tures, fome degree of certainty is afcertained, to
which clafs it bears the greatejl affinity; or to
what head it properly belongs. And as this
work abounds with medicinal aids, carefully
adapted to every purpofe, the reader cannot pof-
fibly be fo deftitute of comprehenfion, as not to
be enabled (upon particular occafions,) to make
fome neceftary alterations, as the intent and

, effecft

250

FEVERS.

effed of the medicines prefcribed are in general
pointed out and explained.

We will, therefore, in confequence of the
great fatality attending EPIDEMIC disorders,
conclude they are more entitled to confideration
as peftilential difeafe than any other : admitting
this conception to be clear, it becomes neceffary
to fay enough to make the fubjed fufficiently
underdood, without protrading it to an extreme
of medical minutiae that cannot tend to render
die matter more profitable or entertaining.
In thofe difeafes where the origin cannot be
afcertained the cure becomes a matter of greater
obfcurity ; but, in general, proceeding from
whatever caufe, the blood is in an impoverifhed
date, and the crajf amentum found upon eva-
cuation to be diflolved (or liquefied) very much
below the dandard of health ; for, being de-
prived of the due proportion of its dimulative
property, it becomes confequently inadequate
to its peculiar purpofe of circulation. The
whole art trial fydem being thus deprived of
proportional didributions to every part of the
frame, becomes too feeble to diftain the dock ;

i and.

FEVERS.

251

and, linking under the putrid or malignant mi -
afma, difplays the degree of oppreffion nature
labours under in fymptoms fo very uncertain,
that no literary defeription can accurately cor-
refpond with.

It will therefore (as repeatedly recommended)
prove highly necelfary to attend particularly to
fymptoms, and proceed accordingly. At any
rate blood fbould be immediately drawn upon
the very firft appearance of difeafe (in quan-
tity correfponding with condition), that
its quality may be the better afeertained. Should
obftrudtions be obferved in the body, they mult
be directly removed by gently ftimulating or
emollient glyjlers-, the appetite lhould be at-
tended to, and'gratified in mafhes of malt and
bran , bran and oats , or plain bran , ftirring into
either of the laft, while hot, four ounces of
honey. Common drink of gruel water, impreg-
nated with nitre or cream of tartar , as before
directed, may be given as occafion requires.
.Every live, lix, eight, or ten hours, (accord-
ing to the ftate and danger of the difeafe), let
one of the following alexipharmic balls
be adminiftered, firlt removing any inteftinal

obftrudtion

^$2 FEVERS.

obftrudtion of ftool or urine , fhould fuch be
prefent :

i

Take of Venice treacle fix drachms ;

Compound powder of contrayerva, fnake root,
faffron, and London philonium, each two
drachms ;

Syrup (if neceflary) to make the ball.

f

i

Or where, in compliment to ancient prac-
tice, a drink may be preferred as more appli-
cable or convenient, the following may be
prepared :

t

Take of genuine Peruvian bark (in powder) fix
drachms ;

Compound contrayerva and fnake-root (in powder)
each to drachms ;

Saffron and ginger each a drachm ;

Beft brandy a quarter of a pint ;

Boiling water half a pint.

X ,

Let the faffron be cut very fmall, and infufed in the
boiling water, covered clofe, for a quarter of an
hour ; then, having the other ingredients ready in
a mortar, add the brandy firft; and laftly, mix
with the infufion of faffron, and give without wafte
if poflible.

In an hour after either the ball or hquidy two
or three quarts of the gruel drink may be given

warm.

fevers.

2S3

warm, and future proceedings regulated by
fymptoms and circumftances : increafing ap-
pearances of DANGER muff juftify exertions
of alacrity and fortitude. Enlarge your
quantities and multiply your dofes, aiding your
judgment by frequent references to the diffe-
rent prefcriptions under fimilar fymptoms :
proportion your medicines by the dictates of
reafon and the degree of hazard to which the
patient is cxpofed.

Should any critical dwellings or formations of
matter appear at the decline of fever or epidemic
difeafe, their fuppuration and difcharge muft be
promoted by the rules laid down under thofe
heads ; obferving if a horfe difplays in his gene-
ral habit as (eyes, heels , &c.) a great degree of
foulnefs, to embrace the firfl opportunity of
carrying it off by the infertion of a rowel, and
regular courfe of either antmojiial or mercurial
alteratives, whichever upon inquiry may appear
mod applicable to the cafe.

On the contrary, diould the original com-
plaint fo relax the ftomach, impair the digeffive
powers, or debilitate the iyftem, as to produce

an

FEVERS.

254

an irregularity in habit, bearing alternate ap-
pearance of health and sickness, corref-
ponding in fome degrees with the intermittent s
or agues of our own fpecies, cordial (lomqchic
reftoratives are the medicines upon which the
expectation of cure may be with moil certainty
formed ; therefore prepare the following
balls :

Take of Peruvian bark (in powder) four ounces ;

Mithridate (or diacordium) two ounces ;

Winter’s bark, fnake-root,and camomile (in powder)
each one ounce;

Honey fufftcient to make a mafs, which divide into
fix balls.

Of thefe let one be given every night and
morning, when the horfe is in a hate of temper-
ance, perceptibly free from every appearance
of extreme heat or cold, continuing them till
double the above are taken, fhould the cafe
require it. Where a drink is preferred, one
of the balls may be gradually diffolved in three
quarters cf a pint of thin gruel, to which may
be added a common glafs of good brandy. As
there are no more cafes coming into an exadt
line of limilitu.de with thofe we have now

treated

t

WOR M S.

255

treated on, we of courfe come to fuch as (from
their frequent occurrence) rank in equal efti-
mation.

WORMS.

What inveterate obftacles thefe infedts are
to a horfe’s improvement, where they have un-
luckily gained poffeflion, time and experience
have fufficiently demonitrated. They are of
fo pernicious and deflrudtive a tendency, that,
having once fecured a fettlement in either fto-
mach or inteftines, the horfe becomes a prey
to perpetual depredation, till effectual methods
are taken for their total expiration. The
worms with which horfes are fo frequently
perfecuted, are to appearance of many differ-
ent forts and fhapesj but the kinds moil ge-
nerally known and obferved, are the two dif-
tindt kind of bots and the ascarides or
fmall fhort worm.

i

The different bots are remarkable for taking
their feats as oppofite to each other in the ani-
mal as they are in their own formation ; for

the

\

256 WORMS.

the bot, whofe refidence feems fixed in the
Jtomach , and in the interftices or folds, of which
the eggs are faid to have been difcovered, upon
diifedtion, is not at all unlike (in fhape and
make) the earth grub worm, fo Angularly
remarkable for its deftrudtive havock upon the
roots of the flrawberries, in large plantations,
in the early part of the feafon, particularly in
dry fprings. They are furnifhed not only with
a complete pair of prominent tufks, that grow
horizontally from the head, having great power
of compreflion, and exceedingly fharp at the
point, but an infinity of legs fo minutely fine,
that even a momentary infpedtion will inftantly
remove every degree of furprife at their caufing
fuch excruciating pain upon a part fo exqui-
fitely irritable as the nervous coat with which
the internal membrane of the fiomach is moft
delicately covered.

The fecond fort are feen frequently adhering
to the reftum, or internal part of the fundament,
in the a&ion of voiding the excrements ; and
are often forced away with the contents. To
give the reader a conception of thefe perfectly
clear, it is impoffible to communicate or re-
ceive a flronger idea than a formation diredlly

o midway

WORMS.

257

midway between a very fmall earth worm and
a millepedes, or woodloufe, partaking of the
length of the former, and the feet of the
latter, extremely (harp, and exceedingly nu-
merous. Immediately after their ejection they
continue to writhe and twirl molt rapidly upon
the furface of the dung, bearing great affinity
to the adtion of an eel when taken from its
natural element and placed upon land.

There is alfo fometimes feen adhering clofely
to the fame parts, and difcharged in the fame
manner, an indolent kind of bot, appearing
almoft inanimate, that keeps its hold only by a
point like the leech, and is, inform, exactly like
the grub , or worm, that may be fo plentifully
extracted (by preffure only) from thofe promi-
nences perceptible upon the backs of horned
cattle during the hot months in the fummer
feafen.

Thus much is introduced to prove the variety
of thofe infedts, in general fo prejudicial to the
frame when once they have gained admiffion,
or fecured their feats : refpedting which fuch
a divedity of opinions have been broached, and
nothing finally fatisfadtory afcertained of their
origin, either in the human fpecies or brute

S creation.

WORM 3.

258

creation. Some avow their animalcule , or
eSSs> t0 ta^e place hi the impurities of Slimy
mucus, accumulated in the Stomach, and there
brought to perfection ; others affert their form-
ation and confequent progrefs to be carried on
in the inteStines ; and many are not without
belief that the ammalcula , or eggs, are conveyed
into the body with a part of the vegetable
world upon which they fubfift, and there
brought to their Rate of perfection.

I fhall barely venture to hint at th.t poffibility
of their undergoing (in Shape or appearance)
in the different parts of the body, as the ftomacb ,
intej tines, or return, thofe changes that we
well know take place in the j ilk-worm , cater-
pillar, &c. feeming to constitute a different
l'pecies, though the contrary is univerlally proved
by even ocular demonstration of the very aCt
of mutation. As enlarging upon the great
confiftency and probability of this circumffance
can only extend the held for' imagination, with-
out adding at all to the utility or elucidation
of the fubjeCt, that indeterminate point Shall
remain undisturbed, while we proceed to the
more material investigation of conlequences
and cure.

/

Whatever

;

WOR MS. 259

Whatever doubts or opinions may have been
held, or gone forth, refpedting their origin of
different kinds, one opinion has been long uni-
verfal upon their effects 3 that is, where they
have taken poffeffion for any length of time,
or in any great degree as to number, no care,
art , or attention , can give your horle the
appearance of hilarity, health, and con-
dition. He is in perpetual anxiety for a con-
flant lupply of either food or water, and in
return but poorly repays the gratification 3 for,
in the midft of all, he feldom, or indeed never,
looks well 3 after having been fometime a prey
to them he gets low in flefh, hard in his hide,
his coat flares, he always feems dejedted, fweats
upon trifling exercife, and that fweat percepti-
bly unhealthy, and remarkably foul in effluvia.

The fmaller kind of bots, and the asca-
rides, or fmall round worms, are attended in
general with no other fymptoms or inconveni-
ences than the laft aefcribed 3 on the contrary
the bots, whofe ffcation is fuppofed (hitherto,
to be confined to the ftomacb, when ftrong in
number and come to maturity, are fo fevere
in their operations that the great irritability of
the part occafions the mod excruciating pain

S 2 and

W O R M S.

2(3 o

and predominant appearance of diftrefs. The
horie is not only diftreffed with all the before -
, mentioned proofs of bad ftate of body and in-
ternal decay, but likewife to violent periodical
pains, approaching to convulfions or feeming
madnefs ; he difplays all the external fymptoms
of gripes, fpafms in the Jtomach , ftrangury, nay
even of a complication of dr [orders ; but where
the evacuations of ftool and urine are not fup-
prelied, the original complaint may be attri-
buted to this caufe.

Of all the various methods that have been
adopted in rational and regular practice (or the
experiments under adventurous function), none
can lay fuch claim to approbation as that certain
and indubitable cure — a courfe of mercurial
phytic. Antimonials and preparations of tin
have had each their advocates, as well as thofe
botanical deceptives, rue, garlic, tanfey, favin,
and box ; all calculated to amufe, but none to
convince. Experience has determined the fpe-
cific effedts of mercurials in this cafe abfolutely
infallible ; before the power of which every
fpecies of worms, and their oviparous remains,
indifcrirninately fall, and are totally extirpated
without admitting the fhadow of doubt.

o .. So

WORMS.

261

So foon therefore as they are fufpedted, or at
leaft fo foon as they are afcertained, to have
taken pofleffion, it will be prudent to prevent
a horfe being hurt in appetite, reduced in flefh,
or altered in condition (by their conftantly
preying upon the internal coat of the ilomach,
and injuring thofe minute paiTages through
which the chyle or nutritive parts of the ali-
ment is conveyed into the circulation, for the
general fupport of the frame), to proceed upon
fome one of the following courfes without,
delay.

Prepare your horfe for the courfe of phylic
by the inftruftions giving under that head,
page 3 5 and let your dofe be adapted to the
ftrength, fize, and condition of your fubje6t,
by thefe rules : if the horfe is thorough bred,
and delicate in ihape and make.

To the purging ball, No. 1, add calomel one drachm
and a half.

If the horfe is beyond this pitch of delicacy,
ftronger in make, and more' entitled to the
appellation of hunter, Ihewing fome propor-
tion of BLOOD,'

s 3

Take

262

WORM S.

»

Take the purging ball, No. 2, to which add calomel
two drachms,

Should the fubjed be of a dill Wronger make ,
condituting what we term a stout road

JIORSE,

To the purging ball. No. 3, add calomel two drachms
and a half,

l

If on the contrary very large, drong, foul
WAGGON HORSES, or powerful COACH HORSES,
iliould become the fubjeds, they will very well
bear the following, to produce the proper and
defired effeds :

Take the purging ball, No. 4, to which add calomel
three drachms.

By the operation of the firfl : aofe upon either
fubjed, obfervation may be made whether
diminution in the purgative articles is required,
-x>r any addition found neceffary, Proper care
mud be ufed to avoid every probability of
taking cold, and the regular courfe of three
$ofes gone through, at the didance of fix or

eight

WORMS.

263

eight clear days between each. But, as the
prevalent love of novelty may with fome pro-
duce the expectation of an alternative, the
following purging ball will be as certainly
efficacious ; obferving to add of jalap two drachms
to the prefent prefcription, if the horfe fhould
be either of the two laft daffies defcribed.

Take of Barbadoes aloes ten drachms;

yEthiop’s mineral half an ounce ;

Soap, India rhubarb, and ginger (in powder) each
one drachm ;

Oil of anifeed and favin each thirty drops ;

Syrup of buckthorn or rofes to make the ball.

I

*

The courfe of operation to be managed
with the fame care and precaution as thofe
before defcribed ; the leaft doubt of their
efficacy need not be indulged, as a courfe of
either will certainly obliterate them from every
part of the inteffiinal canal, and the fubjedt will,
in a very few days, with proper care, attention,
food, and exercife, evidently demonffirate his
advantage in being perfectly relieved from fuch
difagreeable company. But as there wilj molt
undoubtedly be horfes troubled with worms

S 4 in

264 WORMS.

„ »

in the pofiefiion of thofe, who, from the nature
of their avocations, cannot fubmit them to fo
long a refpite from bufinefs as is neceffary for
a regular courfe of purgijig medicines, it will
naturally be expected an effectual fubftitute
fhould be held forth for the gratification of all
parties.

To thofe therefore who cannot render the
adminiftration of mercurial purgatives a
matter of perfect convenience, the following
courfe may be adopted with the greatefi: cer-
tainty of equal effect :

Take of iEthiop’s mineral fix ounces;

Levigated antimony four ounces ;

Sulphur, prepared fteel, and anifeed powder, each
three ounces ;

Honey fufEcient to make a mafs, which divide into
nine balls.

Of thefe let one be given every morning for
three in fucceflion ; then omit three , and repeat
for three more in fuccefiion ; then omit for three
mornings, a fecond time, and repeat your re-
maining balls on the three fucceflive mornings,

when

. i

WORMS. 265

l

when the whole nine will be confumed, and
certainly productive of the purpofe for which
they are intended. The great advantage attend-
ing this method of deftroying worms, is the
horfe’s being enabled to purfue his constant
work, but care fhould be taken he is not too
much expofed to fevere cold or rainy weather
during the time of taking the balls.

For the accommodation of thofe to whom
the bufinefs of giving a ball may be a work of
trouble or difficulty, the honey may be omttted ;
and the other ingredients, being well incorpo-
rated in a mortar, muft be divided into nine
equal parts, and mixed with the night or
morning feeds of corn, (it being firft fprinkled
with water in the manger, to enfure adhefion
and prevent wafte) being given with the fame
diftindtions and variations in refpedt to time, as
fpecified in the above inftructions, when given
in the form of balls.

JAUNDICE,

t 266 J

» _ *

J A U N D I C E,

COMMONLY CALLED

THE YELLOWS.

This is a diforaer common to horfes of
every defcription, to which they are fubjedt
from various caufes ; the mod material of thefe
we Ihall accurately explain. The more fimple
and leafl dangerous complaint, paffing under
tlais denomination, arifes folely from an ob-
flrudlion in the biliary dudts, or in the gall-
bladder, fituated between the two lobes of the
liver ; whofc immediate purpofe it is to afaft
in fecreting the bile from the blood, and pro-
mote its conveyance to the intefnnes, where
(by its acrid and Simulating property) it is
deftined to excite the perifcaltic motion, by
which they expel their contents,

In the jaundice ariling from this caufe, the
dudts or pipes for the paffage of bile are ob-
ftrudted by Jlime, mucus , or v 'jcid coaguium ;

the

JAUNDICE. 267

the fluid, thus impeded in its ufual progrefs,
regurgitates, becomes immediately incorpo-
rated with the blood, and, through the fyidemof
circulation, diffufes itfelf to every part of the
frame, denoting its prefence by an early appear-
ance of yellownefs in the eyes, mouth , tongue ,
and JliUva. To thefe pathognomonic or inva-
riable fymptoms may be added thole not alto-
gether fo certain in its earlieft ftate ; the horfe
generally feems heavy, dull, and dejedted, with
lofs of appetite and confequent rejection of
food, more than will barely fubfift nature ; a
flight fymptomatic fever foon comes on, and
keeps pace with the difeafe ; a fluggifhnefs or
averfion to motion is plainly perceptible; a foul,
faint fweat appears upon the leaf! exercife ; and
the urine is of a dark faffron tinge, refembling
an infufion of that article ; the dung varies
much in different fubjedts, but is in all many
degrees paler, and more indigefled, than the
fxcrements of horfes in high condition.

The indications of cure naturally arife out
of the very defcription of the difeafe ; to effedt
which there will be but little difficulty, pro-
vided it is taken upon its firfl appearance, when
it may mold probably be totally removed by

the

26$

JAUNDICE.,

the following interpofition oFimilddeobstru-
ents, without recurring to a courfe or purga-
tives, which may not at all times be perfectly
convenient. If, on the contrary, the diforder
fhould have been obferved l'ome time, a courfe
cf pbyfic muft precede other intentions of cure,
as will be hereafter explained. If difcovered
in its earliefl flate, let two or three majhes of
fcalded malt be given at proper periods, to
relax the indurated contents of the inteflines ;
thefe being affifted, if neceffary, with an
emollient, or the domeftic laxative glyfter , as
mentioned page 239. The body being fuffi-
ciently relaxed to remove every probability of
obdxudiion, let the following plan be adopted
and regularly perfevered in :

Take of Caftile foap eight ounces ;

Turmeric (in powder) fix ounces;

Soluble tartar three ounces ;

India rhubarb two ounces ;

Long pepper (in powder) one ounce ;

Saffron half an ounce ;

Syrup or honey fufiicient to make the mafs ;

Which divide into ten balls, and give one every
morning.

During

JAUNDICE. 269

During this courfe, every requifite attention
muft be paid to appetite, food, and gentle exer-
cife ; mafhes of malt and bran may be given
every, or every other night, to keep the body
properly lax, and regular in evacuation; to
alii ft which two ounces of cream of tartar may
be added once a day, in the morning or even-
ing water, being previoufly diffolved in a pint
over the fire, and added to the remainder.

The difeafe, if arifingfrom the caufe before-
mentioned, and attacked in its infancy, will
generally fubmit to the above courfe and treat-
ment only ; but in more advanced cafes double
the quantity may be found neceffary, with the
addition of mild phyjic or- moderate bleeding.
This is certain, where the complaint has not
been attended to in its early ftate, and fymptoms
are fo high as to fubftantiate a degree of viru-
lence, the phyfic , and a repetition of the above
proportion, had better be adopted. Although
there is no very predominant reafon to be urged
in favour of bleeding , yet a fmall quantity may
be loft, not only to afeertain itsprefent ft ate, but
to promote a flight change in the circulation.
T wo or three majhes muft be given on the two
fucceflive days after bleeding : on the third

morning

270 JAUNDICE.

morning give the firft of the following purg-
ing balls, repeating it at the difiance of fix
or eight days between each dofe, till three are
taken, regulating the whole courfe by the treat-
ment fo often repeated, and the precaution
neceffarily urged to avoid cold ; more particu-
larly where the cathartics are impregnated
with mercury , as in the prefent instance:

Take fuccotrine aloes one ounce j

India rhubarb, jalap, and faffron, each two drachms;
Calomel and ginger each a drachm ;

Syrup of faffron fuflkient to form the ball for one
dofe.

This ball is fo accurately proportioned as to
be nearly applicable in ftrength to any fubjedt
for this diftemper, where no violent effedts are
to be required; but fhould any alteration in
force be defired for a horfe remarkably ftrong,
or delicate in conftitutiori, increafe or diminifh
its ftrfength, by an addition to, 01 diminution of,
the jalap ; the other mgi edients remaining in
their prefent proportions.

In three days after the laft dofe is completely

fet, and the horfe recovered his appetite, begin

upon

JAUNDICE. 271

upon the following courfe of warm deobfiruent
relloratives, giving one every morning with-
out remiffion till the whole are taken.

Take Caftile foap eight ounces;

Turmeric and filings of iron each four ounces;

Anileed and elecampane each two ounces ;

Vitriolated tartar one ounce and a half ;

Oil of anifeed three drachms. — Honey fufficient to
make the mafs ; and divide into. a dozen balls.

During the time of taking thefe, let the
former inftrudtions relative to food, exercife,
dreffing, &c. be ffcridtly adhered to, with fuch
other little attentions as circumftances require ;
remembering to relinquish the medicines by
gradations, as every other morning, or once in
three , but not to difeontinue them entirely, till
all fymptoms totally difappear.

The dillinft kind of this difeafe, arifing from
a remote and very difeouraging caufe, is that
lpecies originating in an induration of (or Jcbir-
rojities upon) the liver. I fay difeouraging,
becaufe little or no hope of permanent
relief can be entertained, as may very naturally
be concluded from even a Superficial confidera-
tion of the cafe, not only by its, remote fituation,
7 lb

27 2

JAUNDICE.

fo diftant from the power of the moil aCtive
medicine * the great certainty of no advantage
being obtained but by the circuitous communi-
cation through the medium of the blood, and
the additional reflection, palpably clear to the
judgment of every reader, that no folvent can
probably be conveyed through the circulation
only , fufflciently powerful to refolve or extirpate
either fwelliftg, fchirrojity , or tubercle , upon a
part fo diftant from the feat of aCtion as that
we now treat of.

As the neceflary fteps for palliation of
jfymptoms, or hope of cure, will confequently
be expected, bleeding is of courfe premifed, to
reduce the contents and take oft' fome degree of
ftriCture from the veflels remove obftruCtions
in the body by majhes of malt and bran , for
two or three days, as before directed, then pro-
ceed to the courfe of mercurial purging balls
here recommended, attending to the mode of
treatment fo often repeated:

Take Barbadoes aloes one ounce ;

Caftile foap half an ounce ;

Jalap and calomel each two drachms ;

Ginger one dr?chm ;

Oils of juniper and anifeed each twenty drops ;

Syrup fufficient to form the ball for one dofe.

This

JAUNDICE. '273

This courfe (of three dofes) and their opera-
tions being minutely attended to, let no car£
or attention be omitted to bring him as near
his former pitch of Jlrength , appetite , and
appearance , as poffible fo foon as he has
refumed which, a beginning may be made
upon the lajl refource, and from thefe only
can the moft diftant hope of mitigation or
cure be formed.

' • • : ■ J

Take of Caftile foap ten ounces ;

Gum ammoniacum and turmeric each four ounces ;

Salt of tartar three ounces ;

Extradl of black hellebore and oil of favineach fix
drachms ;

Syrup or honey fufficient to make twelve balls.

Of thefe let one be given regularly every
other morning j on the intermediate days give
one of the following mercurial alterative pow-
ders, calculated to give joint affi fiance without
delay, and promote every advantage that can
be expected by all poffible means, adapted to
this diftant caufe of complaint :

T

Take

JAUNDICE.

-74

Take iEthiop’s mineral, prepared antimony, fulphur,
and cream of tartar, of each three ounces. — Mix
together in the mortar, and divide into twelve pa-
pers, giving one, with the feed of corn, every other
morning, fprinkling the com with water to prevent
its wafte in the manger.

1 he above balls are calculated (by their
peculiar efficacy) to Strike at the very root of
difeafe; the reputation of each article having-
been long eStabliShed either as a folvent or de-
objlruent , and evidently adapted to adt in con-
cert for the general purpofe ; no farther expe-
riments or changes need be attempted or under-
taken, as this courfe will abfolutely affecT all
that is in the power of medicine to perform.
And Should they fail (after fair trial) in the
intent for which they may be given, a rupture
of the tumour , and its becoming ulcerated, or a
fchirrojity of the liver constantly increasing, will
(in opposition to all art and every human en-
deavour,) uffier in death to clofe the fcene,
and demonstrate the fallibility, of all our
boafted fpecifcs .

Horfes are faid alfo to be fubjedt to a regur-
gitation of bile, from an inflammatory affe&ion

of

t

JAUNDICE. 275

of the liver, when occasioned by the bite of
any venemous infedt or animal, as the viper,
flow- worm, land-eft, &c. whether fuch inflam-
mation or bilious appearance is produced by
the bite or not, if there are other local Symp-
toms, as Swelling, pain, and inflammation,
bleeding becomes immediately proper; then
let the part be well wafhed with Soap and
warm water. So as to raife a Substantial lather;
wipe dry with a cloth, and bathe the Surround-
ing parts for Some minutes with equal portions
of fine olive oil and white wine vinegar;
afterwards apply a poultice of emollient ingre-
dients, as may be Selected by referring to the
index, and let it be repeated twice a day till
the Swelling or Symptoms fubfide. Should the
horfe be attacked with a violent Symptomatic
fever to a great degree, adopt the methods
recommended in that clafs; at any rate give
one ounce of nitre twice a day in his water,
and afiifl: in cooling the body by maJJoes to
relax, prepared with malt and bran equal parts,
or oats, bran , and a few ounces of honey.

T 2

CLASS

( a?6 )

CLASS VIII.

\

THE STRANGLES, GLANDERS,
STAGGERS, and CONVULSIONS.

STRANGLES.

Not one feafible reafon has ever been ad-
duce^ why this difeafe is fo general that any
horfe is hardly ever known to efcape ; they are
even fubjedt to it at all times of life; but the
periods of attack are moftly when riling three ,
four, mfeye years old. Soleysell and Gibson
vainly conceived they threw great light upon
the fubjedt, by comparing it to the fmall-pox,
*c becaufe,” fay they, “ young horfes are gene-
“ rally its fubjedts.” ££ For, fays Gibson,
“ the blood of young horfes may reafonably
££ enough be fuppofcd unequally fluid, having

STRANGLES.

277

(( 110 1 as yet been fufficiently comminuted by
“ frequent circulations .” His meaning may be
poffibly right, but moil unhappily expreifedtQ
make clear his intention : to demonftrate this,
let us difledt the phrafeology, not alfuming the
unpleafing talk of criticifm, but as a prelude to
the eftablilhment.of our own fyilem hereafter
explained. He lays “ the blood having not
“ as yet been fufficiently comminuted,” that
is, in plain terms, or found Englilh, not properly
pulverifed or reduced to powder : however, I
am willing to give him credit for a meaning he
did not think fit to explain, and acknowledge,
he intended to have laid (had it not fmelt too
ftrong of vulgarity) “ fufficiently mixed.”. To
this remark, notwithstanding its fublimiiy, I
enter my PROTEST ; and cannot avoid ex-
preffing furprife, that any profeffional, confide-
rate author, could fuppofe the blood ffiould in-
ceffantly flow for three, four, or five years,
without the crajfamenium and Jerum being fuf-
ficiently incorporated or “ comminuted .”

I will, upon the occafion, fo far fupprefs my
refentment at this feeble attack upon the fyltem
of circulation, as to forego the great inclination
I feel to enlarge much more upon fo prepofie-

T 3 rous

278 STRANGLES.

rous a pofition, and acknowledge, as no one
found reafon has ever been given for the caufe
in queffion, I fhall not prefume to introduce
any thing didfatorially decifiveupon the fubjedf,
but fubmit to the confideration of others, what
appears to me to contain every juft reafon that
can be affigned for the appearance of a diffem-
per attacking each fubjedt to a certainty, at
different periods, without contagion, or any
caufe hitherto effablifhed, but that it is fo. For
my own part, after affording it every degree of
confideration, there is abfolutely but one
rational caufe to be offered why horfes, at the
periods before mentioned, become then fubjedt
to this diffemper, in a greater or lefs degree,
according to circumff ances 3 as for inffance,

Thofe horfes (or colts) that have been con-
ffantly well fed without reffraint for three, four,
or five years, muff, with their food, have im-
bibed an accumulation of impurities 3 thefe
having never been once agitated by evacuations,
excited by art, or perfpiration promoted by
exercife, muff confequently remain ff agnant in
the blood, till the horfe being brought into
ufe for the purpofe he is intended, when the
groffnefs and vifeidity that has fo long lain dor-!

mant

STRANGLES. 279

mant foon becomes perceptible; the fluids are
too thick, fluggifh, and heavy, for their dirtindt
appropriations; the lungs are firft overloaded,
a languor follows, to that a difficulty of
breathing or fliort cough fucceeds ; and, laftly,
the grand effort of nature difplays itfelf in
the difeafe before us: and that is mort.judi-
cioufly made in the glandular parts, where fhe
is nearly adequate to her own work.

This rational progress of the morbid matter
has ever affedted me fo forcibly with the idea
of convidtion, that nothing but a judicious,
clear, and comprehensive elucidation, (diverted
of furmifes and conjectures), demonftrating an
oppoflte caufe, can ever reconcile me to another
opinion. I appeal, without fubterfuge or am-
biguity, to the profeffional and enlightened
reader, whether this is not the regular procefs;
if this lurking vifcidity, this glutinous impu-
rity, is not roufed from its latent communi-
cation with the juices, and called into adtion,
by bringing the frame into fudden exertions
and conftant exercife, loaded (in circulation)
with the weight that has been fo long accu-
mulating without interruption, from either
purgatives, diuretics, or even perfpiration ? If

T 4 this

280

STRANGLES.

this is not the true caufe, why does it not
appear before they come within the tree of the
faddle, or the trammels of harnefs? for, ex-
perience demonftrates the truth of this obfer-
vation, that twenty horfes for either faddle or
cart have this diftemper after being taken into
work, to every one attacked with it previous to
their being broke and brought into ufe.

Having introduced thus much to gratify the
expectation of every reader anxious for the
elucidation of the caufe, it becomes neceffary
to advert to the difeafe itfelf; the firft attack
of which is perceived in a dull, fluggifh hea-
vinefs and inactivity ; the horfe becomes dis-
pirited, lofes his appetite, is feized with a
hollow hpfky cough, occafioned by the irrita-
bility of the inflamed glandular parts in the
throat and about the root of the tongue ; to
excite a degree of moifture in the mouth that
may allay this difagreeable fenlation, he is
often picking his hay, but eats little or none ;
a degree of fymptomatic heat comes on, and a
confequent clamminefs and thirft is percepti-
ble. As the diflemper advances, he becomes
proportionally languid and inattentive ; a levell-
ing (fometimes two or three linaller furround-

28l

STRANGLES,
in a) is now difcovered to have formed itfelf

O /

underneath the jaw, and in general midway,
between the bones, which is at firft very hard,
exceeding painful, and vifibly increaflng; he
now l'wallows with difficulty, heaves in the
flanks, and his whole appearance evidently
urges the neceffity of an immediate attempt
to relieve Nature from the oppreffion of her
own weight.

The firft objedt for confideration is the ftate
of the fubjedt: if the evacuations are regular
(as they generally are) and the feveriffi fymp-
toms moderate, (not approaching to violence)
let the fwelling be examined, and its fuppu-
ration promoted. Firft clip away all tire long
or fuperfluous hairs that cover or furround the
part, then foment with fmall double flannels,
dipt in a ftrong decodtion of camomile, marfh-
mallows, or rofemary, for ten minutes, as hot
as can be conveniently fubmitted to, and pre-
pare the following poultices : , ,

- i

Take of coarfe bread, barley meal, and camomile
or elder flowers, each a handful ; boil over the fire
in a fufficient quantity of milk, or the deco&ion
for the fomentation ; into which ftir about a third
(of the whole quantity) of white lily root, wafhed

clean

282

STRANGLES.

clean and pounded to a pafte ; adding thereto of lin-
feed and feenugreek (in powder) of each an ounce,
ftirring in, while hot, of turpentine two ounces,
and of lard, four, laying it on moderately warm,
and bandaging firm.

This proportion is meant for two poultices,
as the fomentation fhould be repeated , and the
application ot poultice renewed) every night
and morning, till an opening in the fwellingis
effected ; upon which appearance of difeharge
let the aperture be a little enlarged with a
bijiory , or the point of any fharp inllrument
adequate to the purpofe; afterwards dre fling
with tow, fpread with the liable digellive
ointment, or common yellow bafilicon, firE
made warm, and fome of the unguent, (in
preference to a tent) plentifully inlinuated
within the orifice, to facilitate its effect. Over
this digellive, for the firll two or three dref-
fings, continue the poultice; by which treat-
ment, though attended with a little more
trouble, you may moll afluredly Ihorten the
difeafe : by this method your difeharge will be
copious, every fymptom will gradually decline,
and the cure, under the following aids and
regulations, become lpeedily complete.

Though

STRANGLES. 283

Though bleeding is in general a very indif-
ferent practice, where a flux of matter is foli-
cited to any particular part for fuppuration,
yet circumftances of danger (fometimes) not
only juftify but powerfully diredt a deviation
from the path of cuftom. For inftance,
ihould the fever run high, and all other fymp-
toms equally violent, either in the beginning,
or during a more advanced Rate, bleeding mull
be certainly fubmitted to, but not in too
large quantity. Maflies muft be the conftant
food, in fmall proportions, to prevent wafte;
in each of which put of liquorice and anifeed
powders half an ounce, and about two ounces
of honey, unlefs a quart of malt is introduced,
when the honey may be omitted. The drink
fhould be given little and often, impregnating
the warm water with a portion of fcalded bran
or water- gruel ; the head to be kept well co-
vered with a hood, or other temporary fub-
ftitute, as the warmth will greatly tend to afflft
in promoting the neceflary difcharge. When
circumftances and weather will permit, the
horfe fhould have the advantage of air and
fhort gentle exercife, regular drefling, and the
accuftomed courfe of liable difcipline, only in
a lefs degree than ufual.

It

I

2S4 STRANGLES.

. It is a confolation in this didemper, that a
fymptom of danger feldom occurs, urilefs from
negledt or abfolute cruelty in ufing or driving
a horfe to extremity in the height of dileafe,
fo as to produce great fever and inflammation.
The diforder generally terminates with a run-
ning at the nofe, in a greater or lefs degree,
which fhould be frequently cleanfed from the
inlide of the nodrds, by means of a fponge
fufficiently moidened in warm water to pre-
vent its acquiring an adheiion to thofe parts,
or a foulnels and foetidity that would fhortly
become acrimonious and corrofive. When

• * l - _ . ;

the wound is entirely healed, the horfe has
regained his appetite, and may be confidered
perfectly recovered from the languor and de-
bilitation which this complaint condantly pro-
duces, he fhould be put upon a gentle courfe
of mild mercurial phyfic , if there are no cir-
cumdances to forbid it: this fhould be pre-
pared with due attention to his date and con-
dition, feledting it from the variety of purging
prescriptions afforded by the index under that
head. And this becomes the more immedi-
ately neceffary, fhould a copious and offen-
sive difcharge continue from the nodr i Is after
healing the abfcefs, and leave room to fufpedt

the

STRANGLES.

285

the caufe is Seated upon thofe internal parts
hereafter defcribed in the next article of
Glanders .

The diforder nearly related to this, and
palling under the denomination of Vives,
is no other than the fame fpecies of difeafe,
only attacking the fubjed in an infinite lefs
degree; the juices being lefs corrupted, in-
flammation is not fo readily excited, nor does
it arrive at the pitch neceffary to produce fup-
puration. The fwellings thus fixed, continue
fome time in a dormant ftate, the fymptoms
often light, and indicating no certainty of con-
clufion by maturation or abforption. If thefe
fwellings evidently increafe (however flowly)
and feem to threaten a difcharge, it is a critical
effort of Nature, and muff be promoted by
the methods already pointed out. On the
contrary, fhould they recede and begin to dis-
appear, embrace the firfl opportunity to carry
off any ill effeds that may arife, by a dofe or
two of phyfic-, avoiding, by all means, the ill -
advifed method of driving them into the cir-
culation by an external application of mer-
curials. But fhould fuch a ridiculous., cuftom
be adopted, in compliance with old books or

ancient

286

STRANGLES,

ancient practice, palliate the impropriety by
phyfic , or a courfe of alteratives .

Where the glandular parts are afiedled from
the palpable effedts of cold, and a flight ob-
hrudtion of the pores by a hidden check in
perfpiration (as in removing from a warm lia-
ble to a cold one on a journey, or fome fuch
circumhance that is not always difcoverable,)
conftituting fmall tumours (called kernels J un-
der the ears or throat, bleed in proper quantity,
clothe moderately, give warm comfortable
??iafhes for a few nights, and an ounce of nitre
every night and morning in the water.

It is neceflary to be remarked and well re-
membered, that the difeafe we now treat of,
by negledt and inattention, fometimes degene-
rates to a confirmed glanders; a dihemper
well known to be attended with the incon-
veniences of difficulty, certain expence, and
inevitable danger; and where the circumhance
does really occur from the above caufe, if the
fufferings of the animal were not involved in
the event, the lofs of the horfe would be a very
applicable punishment to the inhumanity of
the maher.

GLANDERS.

( 287 )

GLANDERS.

This difeafe has ever been to the fraternity
of Farriers what the gout, jlone, and confump-
tion, have proved to the faculty, a never-
failing fource for conflant attendance, long
bills, and large fums total. And though, like
all other diftempers, confidered incurable,
“ tooferious to make ajoke of,” I muff be in-
dulged in the effufions of fancy naturally
arifmgfrom a very minute invefligation of the
caufe and its confequences. We are told by
thofe who have preceded us, that “ the caufe
“ and feat of the glanders have been till lately
“ fo imperfectly handled, and fo little under-
“ flood by the writers of this diftemper, that
“ it is no wonder it fhould be ranked among;
“ the incurables: but a new light having been
“ thrown upon the whole affair by the fludy of
“ M. La Fosse, the King of France’s farrier,
“ who has been at the pains to trace out and
“ difcover, by dissections, the fource and
“ caufe of this diforder, we hope the method
“ he has prbpofed, with fome farther experi-
5 11 ments

283 GLANDERS.

“ ments and improvements, will foon bring to
“ a certainty of cure (in mod; cafes at lead:) a
“ didiemper fo dangerous to our horfes, and
<c that hitherto has eluded the force of art.”

We are then informed M. La Foffe’s work
“ has the approbation of the Royal Academy
“ of Sciences;-” that “ he has diftinguifhed
“ feven different kinds of glanders, four of
“ which are incurable much more is intro-
duced to corroborate his opinions, and give
weight to the very nice didinCtions that con-
flitute this great variety of glanders. He then
introduces a mod: elaborate defcription of the
necejfary operation of trepanning, with an ex-
planatory plate fo invitingly finifhed, that the
appearance' of the apparatus is almoft fuf-
ficient to induce any man to have his horfe’s
head perforated (or laid open ), merely to in-
dulge in the happinefs of becoming a volun-
tary dupe to M. La Fosse’s experiments.

Flis cures, abnojl incredible , are then enu-
merated; you are told of three horfes he tre-
panned, each in two places : the internal parts
were condantly fyringed, and they were per-
fectly recovered; £t the wound and perfora-

“ tion

I

GLANDERS* 289

“ tion filling up in twenty-fix days, the
“ horfes buffering no inconvenience from the
« operation, though after this experiment
“ they were PUT TO DEATH.” Many
quotations might be introduced upon which I
could much enlarge, but, in fo doing, fuch
obfervations would unavoidably extend to too
great a length; and, as fome juft fatire upon
fuch unaccountable abfurdities muft appear,

I fhall endeavour to render it perfectly appli-
cable to the fubjed before us.

In the firft inftance, it may not be amifs to
make proper acknowledgments to the French
king’s farrier, and his trumpeter , Mr. Bartlet*
for dividing and fubdividing one into /even
diftind (or imaginary') difeafes : in ftiort,-
upon accurate inveftigation, we find the fertile:
M. La Fosse (and his echo) have defined fix
different difcharges from the noftrils to confti-
tute fo many [nominal) glanders, and then de-
fcribe a feventh, and tell us that is the “ real
“ glanders.” It is impoffible to pafs over the
finejfe of the Frenchman* or the kindnefs and
credulity of his copift, without faying fome-
thing in animadverfion upon this attempt to
impofe upon the world in general, without

U

even

290 GLANDERS.

even the balls of confiftency for a founda-
tion.

To take this bulinefs a little methodically,
it may not be inapplicable (without any offence
to M. La Fosse or the Royal Academy
of Sciences, who fo generoujly patronifed his
great difcoveries) to introduce a Ihort flory,
many years in circulation, of the celebrated
witty dean of St. Patrick, who, holding in
great contempt the learned acquilition of
F. R. S. addrelfed a letter to the president,
“ requeuing him to take the fenfe of the body
“ upon the 'peculiar properties of hemp , that it
“ fhould, upon application, immediately cure a
*' fraCtured leg !” This letter (from fo great
a man) being communicated to the “ fel-
“ lows,” in full alfembly, was productive of
fequeftered ftudies, noCturnal lucubrations,
and various experiments to almolt every indi-
vidual ; numerous meetings were held ; but
confultation and emulation producing no dis-
covery, at the end of three weeks a fecond
letter arrived from the dean, “ foliciting par-
« don for an omiffion in his laft, which was
f< to inform the fociety that the leg was of
« wood.” I introduce this circumftance not

as

GLANDERS.

291

as a burlefque upon fo great and learned a
body, but to prove that fuch, as well as
individuals, are liable to error and mifcon-
flru&ion.

My predeceffor (as I have before remarked)
then fays, “ with fome farther experiments
“ and improvements he hopes this diftemper
“ will be brought to a certainty of cure.”
Now what he can wilh or defire by “ farther
“ experiments and improvements,” is beyond
my abilities to difcover: he defcends moll
minutely to the operation of trepanning ; or,
in plainer terms, taking two pieces of bone out
of different parts of the fcull by perforation,
then plentifully Joaking with detergent lotions ,
adding a variety of inftruftions for mjediions,
drejjings , &c. to complete a cure of what, till
then, had been confidered incurable. To keep
up the farce of inconfiftency, we are at lall
confidently affured that fuch operations being
performed, “ after opening the cavities, fhould
“ it by probing be difcovered that the bones
“ are carious, (or, in other words, rotten ) the
“ bell way then will be to difpatch the horfe,
“ to fave unneceffary trouble and expence.”
I cannot refill the temptation I feel to tranf-

U 2 pofe

292

GLANDERS.

pofe this language, and difplay it in plain
Englifb thus. In fad, deprive the horfe of
half his head, in compliment to the pecuniary
feelings of the farrier, and if you find the
remaining half will not anfwer the purpofe of
the whole, cut his throat, or fhoot him through
the head, to fave the operator s credit. Pre-
vious to the ferious invefligation of this cafe,
I mufl beg permiflion (in imitation of my
learned predeceffor H. Bracken, M. D). to
introduce a fecond ftory not altogether inap-
plicable to this complicated chapter upon
heads.

A certain chemifl having dedicated much
time , trouble , and expence, to the preparation
of a balfamjc elixir, brought it at laji to fo great
a degree of perfection that it would, upon
the firft application, inftantaneoufly incarnate,
cicatrize and cure a wound of the moft dread-
ful appearance. Having confirmed the difco-
very by a number of inferior inflances, he ap-
plied to his friend and fervant John to fit
down and have his head taken off and re-
placed with the elixir, to demonftrate its effi-
cacy. But John, knowing his duty better,

declined in compliment to his matter, who, he

infijied

GLANDERS.

293

infifted upon it, was entitled to the prefer-
ence, as the original inventor, and confe-
quently to all the credit and emolument ; the
mailer, (but not without fome reluctance) fub-
mitted to the equity of John’s decifion, who
fepurated his mailer’s head from the body mofl
cbirurgically - when, having plentifully bajlcd
both head and trunk, with the elixir of all
elixirs , he inilantly replaced it ; when, to the
happy admiration of both mailer and man, the
former (after a temporary torpitude) recover-
ing, walked towards the looking-glafs, where,
finding his face turned towards the fhoulders,
accufed his confidant of having put his head
on the wrong way ; who mofl prudently
and judicioufly replied, he had fo placed it to
enfure his mailer’s credit 5 for he was very
certain if he had not, the world would never
have believed it had been off,

I am induced once more to folicit pardon
of the Academy of Sciences, M. La Fosse,
and the admirers of Bartlet’s theory, fqr
the introduction of this “ experiment and im-
“ provement,” fubmitting the inference en-
tirely to thofe gentlemen who have (unluckily
at this moment) glandered horfes in their pof-
fefiions.

u 3

It

GLANDERS.

* 94

It would be rather inattentive and remits in
me to pafs over the uncharitablenefs, or rather
cruelty, of dooming to death the three horfes
fo trepanned fy ringed , and completely cured by
M. La Fosse <c in twenty-fix days;” unlefswe
are to conceive the pojjibility of putting “ them

to death” on the twenty-fixth day, to avoid
their natural diffolution on the twenty- feventh,
the better to enfure the honour of the boafted
difeovery, and the additional “ approbation
“ of the Royal Academy of Sciences.”

This pojjibility may be very probable, and in-
deed is no unjudifiable or unfashionable policy
in phylician, farrier, or quack, as every newf-
paper amply teftifies ; they daily abound with
lingular, miraculous, incredible ( imaginary )
cures, conftantly effected by mercurial or an-
timonial noftfums, but not a Jingle word of
the HUNDREDS that annually fall victims
to the neceffitics of medical adventurers, who,
with fortune fufficient to pay for an advertife-
ment, half a fcore phials, a foliation of mercury ,
or a quart of J'oap lees , boldy commence their
depredations upon the public ; and this they
are now the more entitled to do by their
extenlive contribution to the exigencies of

9 government.

GLANDERS.

295

government, whofe STAMP of approbation
they are in poffeflion of ; and a report is in cir-
culation, that one is at prefent preparing at the
office for their foie difpenfation, with the very
emphatical infcription of “ Kill or cure by adt
“ of Parliament.”

A long experience, and a want of falhionable
flexibility, have eftablifhed in me fo great a
degree of incredulity, that I am totally infen-
fible to the novelty of a man in a quart bottle ,
a ghoji in Cock-lane , the taking off one half of
a horfe’s head to relieve the other , or curing
every ( incurable ) difeafe to which human
nature is liable, by a mercurial drop, an anti-
mo ni a l pill, a vegetable fyrup, or an cethereal
Jpirit : I ffiall defcend therefore from the fub-
limity of fo much eminence, and, gently gliding
into the vale of reafon, refume the original
path from which it will be undoubtedly

thought by some I have digreffed much too
long.

It confequently becomes neceffary to obferve
that upon whatever part this difeafe has taken
its feat, it has been confldered by alrnofl: all
parties, and through almoft all experiments*

' D 4 absolutely

296 GLANDERS.

absolutely incurable. To corroborate an opi-
nion fo universally received and admitted, it
does not appear to me that a tedious technical
defcription of its true Seat, ascertaining it to be
in “ the pituitary membrane, the maxillary
“ hnuSes, the frontal SinuSes, or cavities
“ above the orbits of the eyes,” can give addi-
tional weight, or enlighten the understanding
of the reader. The dull difcouraging descrip-
tion of a misfortune, to evade the ultimate
force of which there is no probable (or indeed
poffible) appearance, can prove but a very
{lender confolation ; I therefore difclaim the
idea of attempting impofition upon any appli-
cation that may be made to this work for in-,
formation, and heartily condemn the ridiculous
belief of seven diStind kinds of glanders, and
the Still more ridiculous difcrimination by
which they are pretended to be brought about.
They are fo truly puerile and nugatory that a
medical man may (with as much appearance
of truth and reafori) madly attempt to juStify
the abSolute existence of Seven kinds of j, mall-
pox or mcajles , according to their different ftages
or gradations. The true flate of his represen-
tation (divefced of its necejj'ary ambiguity) is
plainly this ; he has mutilated, feparated, and

com-

GLANDERS.

297

complicated, a variety of fymptoms, endeavour-
ing to form diftindtions that may keep up the
farce, and fupport the opinion he advances,
which neither the cafe or circumftances will
admit ; for the obtruding penetration of any
profeflionift inftantly plucks off the mafk cf
lpeculation, and the intentional deception re-
coils upon the author with additional difgrace.

To demonftrate the cafe more comprehen-
fively or clearly, the fadt appears, that any
corroiive matter difcharged from the noftrils,
and fuffered to continue for a length of time,
fo as to conftitute ulcerations and corrode the
bones, will inevitably degenerate into, and
conftitute, the difeafe generally underftood by
the appellation of glanders ; every ftagnant,
acrimonious, or putrid matter, is poftefted of
this property, and more particularly when
lodged (or by finufes confined) upon any par-
ticular part. Diverted of profeftional trick,
chicanery, and deception, this is the in-
controvertible explanation, whether proceeding
from an ulceration of the lungs, or the inve-
terate glandular difeharges from the head
(where the cafe is of long-ftanding, and the
bone carious) they are equally incurable . Per-

fevering

O

298 GLANDERS.

fevering in my opinion, long fince quoted, that
prevention is preferable to cure, I ffiall point
out fuch methods as are the mod: eligible to
adopt, upon the bare apprehenfion of fuch
complaint, or any diforder that may be likely
to terminate in a difeafe of fo much difficulty,
expence, and danger.

In refpedt to the medical and domeflic ma-
nagement ; where the lungs are the feat of
difeafe, as in the £rd attack of coughs, &c.
directions fo clear and explanatory are laid
down through the whole of the lixth clafs,
that there is not the lead room to add a fingle
addition upon the fubjeCt ; to that clafs, under
its different heads, I refer the reader for any
indruCtions that a variety of fymptoms may
render neceffary. But where a dwelling or tu-
mour gives ocular proof that matter is form-
ing under the ears, jaws, or between the bones
l^about the root of the tongue), take every
poffible method to produce a fuppuration and
difcharge of matter ; for, in moff cafes, an
external evacuation becomes the crifis, and
greatly preferable to the chance of mifchiefs
that may be the refult of repulfion, particularly
\yhere the matter is in an unhealthy date, and

calculated

GLANDERS.

299

calculated to communicate its morbid effects
with virulence wherever it takes its feat ; which,
upon being repelled and compuliively abforbed
into the circulation, it will of courfe be em-
powered to do, if not fpeedily carried off, by
mercurial or antimonal preparations.

Should cough or difficulty of breathing at-
tend, draw blood from a remote vein in mode-
rate quantity, to mitigate either of thofe fymp-
toms; but neither being prefent, let the ope-
ration be omitted, unlefs particularly urged or
indicated by a great degree of inflammatory
heat. So foon as the fwellings about the neck,
head, or throat, have acquired a palpable pro-
minence, foment twice a day with the follow-
ing decodtion :

Take camomile, wormwood, marlhmallows, and
elder flowers, of eacfi a large handful ; boil in
three quarts of water for a quarter of an hour ; then
ftrain off, and foment the fwelling well with flannels
dipped in the hot liquid, and apply the herbs warm
by way of poultice to the parts, confining them on,
and repeating the ceremony for two or three days.

By this time fome degree of obfervation
may be made whether the tumours tend to

fuppu.-

300

GLANDERS.

fuppuration, if fo, they will increafe in fize,
becoming pliable or foft to preffure in the
middle ; in which cafe apply the poultice, and
proceed as directed in the Strangles, p. 281.
On the contrary, fhould the fwellings con-
tinue hard and immoveable, a running coming
on at the nofe, let notice be taken whether the
matter is of a kind, white, healthy appearance,
without fmell, and dilcoloured ; or bearing
different tinges, and ftreaked with blood; if
the former, it is favourable, and the complaint
may be firft treated as directed under rhe
articles of cold and cough, p. 200 ; but fhould
it prove of the lafl defcription, care fhould be
taken to afcertain the fadl, that every precau-
tion may be ufed in its infancy, to prevent
what may Toon become a cafe of trouble and
difquietude, At any rate the following plan
fhould be adopted without delay :

Take rofcmary, lavender flowers, fouthernwood and
marjoram, of each a handful ; boil in two or three
quarts of water ; and, putting into a pail, let the
horfe’s head be fixed oyer it as near as poflible,
fo long as the fumes palling up the noftrils
can be luppofed to take effedt as an internal fomen-
tation.

By

30i

GLANDERS.

By this method the vifcid and glutinous
matter may be foftened in the palTages, and the
inflammatory ftridture taken off the tumefied
glands. This operation fhould be repeated
twice every day : all the practice and prepara-
tions recommended under the heads of coughs
and ftrangles, with glandular dilcharges from
the nofirils, may be referred to, and fuch me-
thods perfevered in as are there pointed out,
moft applicable to prevalent fymptoms and
concurring circumftances.

Should the difcharge continue to increafe
in quantity and virulence, becoming very
offenfive both in colour and fmell, not only
continue the before-mentioned fumigation, but
throw up either noftril, (or both, if the matter
fhould be fo difcharged) with a ftrong forcible
fvringe, half a gill of the following injection
three or four times a day, firfi: made milk
warm, and then thrown up with the full power
of the inftrument :

Take of linfeed one ounce;

Camomile and elder flowers each half an ounce :
boil in three pints of water for fome minutes,
then ft rain off and add tnel JRgypt'iacum (or
Egyptian honey), four ounces, mixing well
together at each time of uflng.

7

If

302 GLANDERS.

If the matter bears all thofe appearances of
malignancy that threaten a corrofion and rot-
tennefs of the bones, continue inceffant in the
ufe of both fumigation and injedtion, putting
the horfe immediately upon a mild courfe of
undtion in the following way : Let two, or at

molt three , drachms of the ftrong mercurial
ointment be very well rubbed into the glandular
tumours, under the throat or ears, eveiy
night for a fortnight; fir If taking away with
the fcifiars all fuperfluous or long hairs, that the
mercurial particles may be with more certainty
abforbed by the vefiels, and taken into the cir-
culation. If the owner of a horfe labouring
under this difficulty wiffies, like a drowning
man, to avail himfelf of another twig, he
may call in the aid of mercurial phyfic, or al-
terative medicines ; from a variety of which,
choice may be made by referring to the index,
and making examination under thofe heads;
an exadt repetition of the numerous prefcrip-
tions being evidently unnecefiary where fo
little can be expedted from their effedts.

Opinions have ever been different refpedting
this difeafe being communicated by infedtion ;
and though fome have affetted to oppofe

the

GLANDERS.

303

the idea, they obliquely coincide in opinion,
by acknowledging it is much the fafeh way to
“ feparate the found from the unfound, and
“ not run any hazard with a good horfe when
“ it may be fo eafily avoided.” Whether we
conhder this as a necehary caution, or a proof
of conviction, the maxim is equally refpeft-
able, and Ihould be conftantly retained in the
memory. Where there is the leah reafon to
fufpeft even a probability of danger from the
very chance of contagion ; and more particu-
larly hnce the prevalence of opinion has re-
duced the belief of infection to almoh a cer-
tainty, no perfon can hardly be found fuffi-
ciently fool-hardy to place a found horfe in a
liable where one hands, or is faid to have
lately hood, with this dihemper upon him.

It again bocomes unavoidably necehary to
make a few additional remarks upon the
boahed operation and difeovery of M. La
Fosse, from which fuch great and extenhve
advantages would have probably been obtained,
had the ungenerous aft been prevented of
taking away the lives of his three patients, after
they had withhood the glanders , a double per-
foration

3°4

GLANDERS.

foration in (or drilling of) the fcull , repeated
wafiings of the brains with detergent injec-
tions, and a fubfequent regeneration of parts,
that the operations may have been performed
as defcribed, and the horfe (or three horfes)
may have lived twenty-fix days, I do not at-
tempt to deny, nor is it in my power to dis-
prove ; but this I will boldly venture to affirm,
that the certain expence and hazard can be but
a very {lender lottery chance for any proprietor
who may unluckily have a horfe labour-
ing under the extremity of this dreadful
difeafe.

I cannot believe, nor indeed do I expedt,
difmtereftednefs can ever become fo truly
triumphant, as to permit any farrier to be fo
great an enemy to his own interefl as to re-
commend death, or difcourage the expec-
tation of cure, fo long as circumftances and
the perfuafive power of his rhetoric can juftify
the idea of hope ; but how far it may be worth
while to encounter the difficulties of anxiety,
tedious expence, long ficknefs, attendance,
perpetual nuriing, and the danger of infedting
whatever horfes remain in, or may come to

the

GLANDERS. 305

the Stable, is more the duty of others to con-
sider than me to point out.

«

Contracting therefore all the attending con-
siderations into one point of view, I Shall
openly and fairly enter my opinion againft
the operation of trepanning , fo plaufibly held
forth with all its fpecious advantages. For
what does the whole amount to more than
this ? — If the horfe Should absolutely recover,
and (what is Still more unlikely) become ade-
quate to the very purpofes he was deftined to
before the attack; when the long illnefs, fup -
porty attendance, and farrier s billy are balanced
againSt his value, he muft be a moSt excellent
horfe, and very much above the line of me-
diocrity, to have the credit accompt in his
favour. In fad, the mod: probable conjecture
is, his inevitable dissolution; but. Should he
miraculoufly efcape from both the diStemper
and operator, ranking under the denomination
of a cured horfe , he may, perhaps, be then qua-
lified to linger out a wretched existence in fome
park or pafture, but never enabled to encounter
labour or fatigue.

X

The

I

306 GLANDERS.

The “ talk of judice thus performed,57 I
take leave of this fubjedt, with an earned: re-
commendation to all clafles never to negledt
horfes, in the flighted degree, when attacked
with colds, coughs, drangles, a running at the
nofe, or indeed any other complaint that may,
either by a rapid or gradual progreflion, dege-
nerate to a difeafe of fo much trouble, diffi-
culty, and danger. The rational fydem of prac-
tice in this diforder may be forcibly repeated,
and inculcated in a very few words. So long
as the attack continues in its early and Ample
date, be ipdudrioufly attentive to the execution
of fuch inflrudtions as are given under the dif-
ferent heads of thofe fymptoms that are then
mod predominant ; but, fliould patience and
fair trial demondrate the non-fubmiffion of
difeafe and inefficacy of medicine, the glands
or kernels under the jaw-bone continuing
during the whole courfe inflexible, the matter
fird tinged with blood, then becoming deep in
colour and mod oflenlive in fmell, the carcafe
emaciated, aud the whole frame linking under
univerfal depreffion, the firjl lofs will be ulti-
mately bed, in a resignation of his hide to the.
collar-maker, and his remains to the hounds.

Before

GLANDERS. 307

Before I clofe my obfervations upon this
difeafe, let it be well underflood, that during
the whole courfe of management* the head of
tire horfe is to be kept as warm as poflible, and
in proportion much more fo than the body,
either in a double kerfey hood, or a fingle
external, and a flannel (or feat cotton) one
underneath* for, it may readily be conceived
(without much information) nothing can con-
tribute money to a folution of the humours and
promotion of their difcharge, than a critical
relaxation of the pores, particularly upon the
very feat of difeafe: from this confideration
arifes conviction, that aflifting circumftances
co-operate with and are as neceflary as the ex-
ternal or internal adminiflration of medicine ;
experience having afforded ample proof that
a combinaiion may effeCt what is not in the
power of individuals to perform.

The fltong mercurial ointment directed for
the repulfion of Glandular tumours under this
head, as alfo in the Farcy (p. 143) may be
procured at any medical difpenfary by that
name, or thus prepared :

X 2

Take

308 STAGGERS, &c.

Take quickfilver four ounces;

Hog’s lard half a pound ;

Balfam of fulphur (or turpentine) half an ounce.

Rub the quickfilver well in a mortar, with the bal-
fam of fulphur or turpentine, till they are fo well
incorporated that the globules difappear, then add
the lard (juft warm and liquified) by fmall quan-
tities, that may be fufficiently fmooth, and let
it be kept clofe covered for ufe.

STAGGERS and CONVULSIONS.

A multiplicity of long (landing diftinc-
tions, conflituting a variety of different difeafes
in former practice, have, by nice attention, in
modern improvement, been nearly reduced to
the two heads under which we now write ;
that is, luch diforders as principally affedt the
head, having their feat in the brain or veffels
leading thereto. In this defcription are in-
cluded thofe that have been formerly diftin-
guifhed under feparate heads, as Apoplexy,
Convulfions, Epileply, Stag-Evil, Palfy, See.
but as fuch inveftigations (founded as they muff
be moftly upon conjecture) will evidently
extend the thread of information to an indeter-
minate

STAGGERS, &c.

3°9

minate degree of refinement, I fhall decline
entering into the explanatory parts, fo minutely
and tedioufly defined upon former occafions,
reciting only the general fyflem upon which
the caufe is founded, and then proceed to quote
from others circumftances that may juftify the
bringing fuch a variety of diforders into a fingle
point of view.

How far the pretended accuracy of former-
ly diftinguifhing one of thefe difeafes from
another, may be reconciled to modem com- *
prehenfion, or generally credited, I know not ;
but confefs, where the whole formation of
judgment and decifion is to reft upon the
penetration of the obferver only, and no in-
formation come from the patient, circum-
ftances could or can but very feldom combine
to form fo fingular a diftindtion. Experience
and obfervation may undoubtedly do much in
a colledtion of fimilitudes and probabilities,
but never enough to afcertain the diflindt in-
variable caufes and effedts of difeafes, where
the moft trifling difference is hardly acknow-
ledged ; more particularly when it is recon-
iidered that the cauie of nearly all th^fe dif-
orders is in the original feat of nervous irri-

X 3 tability.

310 STAGGERS, &c.

tability, the brain ; or in tbofe parts connected
with, or dependant upon, its ftrudure and
purpofes ; except when they are underflood to
be Symptomatic, or depending upon fome ori-
ginal remote caufe ; as the effed of bots prey-
ing upon the Stomach or inteftines j internal
ulcerations, or complaints not immediately
discoverable ; thefe may Sometimes happen,
but very rarely to affed the frame with Symp-
toms fo truly alarming.

To avoid entering into new defcriptions and
unentertaining definitions, that muft be tech-
nical to be accurate, and confequently extend-
ed to a length that can neither gratify the
expedation or improve the judgment of the
general reader, I Shall, in as concife a way as
the fubjedwill permit, introduce an abridgment
from the opinions of Gibson, which is in fad
furnifhing the whole advanced by his fuc-
geiTors ; who, without exception, generoufiy
tranfmitted his ideas, and informations, for-
getting (or omitting) to elucidate the fubjed
with any brilliant observations of their own.
f‘ APOPLEXY (Says he) is ufually defined
ff a privation of fenfe and motion, excepting
ft only a languid one in the heart and bread: ;

(t and

STAGGERS, &c. 31 1

“ and this either proceeds from a caufe with-
“ out the veifels, viz. when the blood or any
“ other fluid happens to break out of fome
“ veffel within the brain, or when there hap-
“ pens to be preternatural bones or tumours
“ bred and contained within the fkull, or
“ any other extraneous matter that may, in
“ any fort, prefs upon the foft fubftance of the
“ brain, cauflng thofe deadly diforders. But
“ this is a fpecies that is incurable, and, for
“ the moft part, feizes fuddenly, without any
“ foregoing tokens or warnings. Thus in an
“ apoplexy fenfe and motion are in a manner
“ quite loft, becaufe of the preffure that is
“ made upon the origin of all the nerves that
“ arife from the head: but, in a vertigo,
“ objeds that are at reft appear as if they
“ were turning round, and by that means
“ occafion any creature to reel and ftagger ;
“ and this proceeds from the vibrations and
“ tremors of the optic nerve, whereby the
“ images falling not diredly but fucceflively
“ upon the different parts of the retina , an
“ objed that is at reft will therefore appear
“ as if turning round ; and this may be occa-
floned either when an animal is fearful of
“ falling, or from a repletion or overfulnefs

X 4 “ of

312 STAGGERS, &c.

<f of thofe arteries which are fituated near the
“ optic nerve, which, by preffing upon the
“ brain, will caufe a Shaking in that nerve.

Now (fays he) if we examine a little care-
“ fully into all the different appearances of
4 4 that diflemper which farriers call the 'Jl aggers,
“ we fhall find them reducible to one of
“ thefe maladies above defcribed.” He then
proceeds to prove that the daggers may be
the effeCt of either j then mentions an attack
when the horfe is firft turned to grafs, after
a day or two’s full feeding, and defines that
apople&ic ■; and a fourth, that is, “ either
“ a true apoplexy, or a vertigo, or perhaps
“ both.” I omit enlarging here upon thefe
palpable abfurdities and dire ft contradictions,
quoting them to demonftrate the inconfiflency
of following him through all thefe turnings
and windings , to eftablifh a profeflional my fiery
in deceptively attempting to afcertain aiflinc-
tions where none can with truth or certainty
be formed.

The following evil, or convulsions, (he
fays) is that which, in the phyfician’s terms,
comes under the denomination of an

“ Epi’epjy ,

STAGGERS, &c.

3i3

«• EpUepfy , and feems to be no other than an
“ apoplexy or vertigo, accompanied with
“ convulsions, either as the caufe or efTed:.”
This being a kind of fynonymous ambiguity,
I Shall fo confider it, and revert to his defini-
tion of convuljions at large ; where he fays,
“ The caufe of convulfidns is, firfi, whatever
“ wafles and exhaufts the body, or any of
“ its parts as the taking away too much
*f blood, violent purging, hard labour, or long
“ ficknefs. Secondly, whatever fills the body
“ too much, and gives origin to obftru diops
“ in the blood veflels or nerves, or brings
“ a debility and weaknefs into the ftomach •,
“ and, laflly, wounds, or whatever elfe caufe s
“ pain and inflammation : as to the cure it is
" the fame with that of apoplexy and ver-
“ tigo.” He has thus technically and ab-
ftrufely laboured through a multiplicity of clofe
written pages to perplex the mind and con-
found the judgment, misleading his readers by
repeated attempts to prove the diStind exigence
of all thefe fepa'rate difeafesj though at the
concluflon of each defcription, he acknow-
ledges they are nearly fynonymous, and come
diredly under the fame methods of cure.

1

This

STAGGERS, &c.

3H

This is abfolutely the fadt brought into the
compafs of truth, and will exculpate me from
the accUfation of negleCt or deception in not
treating feparately upon fuch difeafes ; and,
by introducing a train of imaginary fymptoms,
endeavour to give the appearance of weight
to what muft be termed a mere matter of
conjecture. As they are diforders that luckily
happen but feldom, I fhall confine mylelf to
their defcription and treatment as the flaggers
and convulfions only ; the inftrudtions neceffary
for the management of thofe being univerfally
admitted adequate to the intentional cure of
the long lift of et cceteras .

Horfes, upon the approach of any of thofe
diforders, whofe feat is diredtly in the brain,
or nervous fyftem, difplay a previous weak-
nefs and inactivity, feeming to move reluc-
tantly, reeling or daggering in their walk,
frequently blinking their eyes, as feeling fome
aukward deprefiion or uneafmefs from the ef-
fect of light ; they are averfe to handling, and
brought out of the liable with difficulty : in
time, a vifible tremor comes on, and after
reeling (or frequently turning round, if loofe)

they

STAGGERS, &c. 315

they fall almoft lifelefs to the ground, having
the perceptible power of breathing only, but
that in a degree of violence and agitation :
this is termed the apoplexy, or staggers,
admitted fynonymous and limilar in caufe,
fymptoms, and effedts.

The great variety of fymptoms that have
been hitherto worked up to a pitch of extra-?
vagance, excited a degree of credulity to the
difcrimination of thefe difeafes, would ren-
der it a palpable burlefque upon the fubjedt
to go over a fimilar ground ; they having in-
cluded and enumerated every poffible fymp-
tom (common to all diflempers) in the de-
fcription of this clafs, determined to include
the whole, that no one circumflance might be
wanting to juflify their affertions, or confirm
their judgment. Whether it is Epilepfy,
Palfy, Convulfions, or Stag-evil, fymptoms are
amply furnifhed : we are repeatedly told “ The
f‘ horfe reels and flaggers ; his eyes are fixed
“ in his head ; he has no fenfe of what he is
“ doing ; he flales and dungs infenfibly he
fi runs round and falls fuddenly ; fometimes
ff he is immoveable, with his legs flretched out

3*6 STAGGERS, &c.

“ as if he was dead, except only a quick motion
“ of his heart and lungs, which caufes a violent
working of his flanks ; fometimes he has in-
“ voluntary motions and fhaking of his limbs
ce fo flrong, that he has not only beat and
“ fpumed his litter, but the pavement with it.”
H ere is ample proof how much I might in-
dulge myfelf in playing upon the alternatives
they admit, fo cauiioujly guarded with their
adverb of poflibility ; I could introduce a very
long chain of quotations in the fame ftyle of
ambiguity or duplicity, plentifully interfperled
with their favourtite fafeguard “fometimes he is
“ up, and fometimes he is down ; 2&A fometimes he
“ is hot, and fometimes he is cold ; fometimes they
“ recover, and fometimes they prove mortal.”
&c. but it has ever been the intent of this work
to make the cause, symptoms, and cure of
even/ difeafe, as clear as the nature of each cafe
yvill admit ; being unavoidably interfperfed with
medical remarks and occafional explanations,
where technical terms could not be evaded ; I
(hall therefore revert no more to a fucceffion or
repetition of fymptoms, where enough has been
already pointed out to explain to any rational
obferver a cafe originating in the caufes we

now

/ s

STAGGERS, &e.

3*7

now treat of ; and which ever it is, or to what
denomination it is moft properly entitled, the
feat of dileafe being the fame, the cure mull
be correfponding : but in thefe, and in all other
diforders, a little judgment mull be exerted
to regulate the treatment by circumftances, as
fymptoms cannot on every occalion be col-
lected from books, or be found in one diftempcr
always the fame.

Difeafes originating in the moft abitrufe re-
cedes of nature, and that will admit fuch a com-
plication of conftruCtions, may proceed from a
variety of caufes clearly comprehended; as, in
all probability, they may like wife from many
that we are entirely unacquainted with. Among
the former is that caufe originating in the pre-
ternatural increase of the velocity of the blood,
inftantaneoufly affedting the brain ; as is annually
confirmed by the lofs of hundreds, in madly
exceeding the bounds of humanity, and ex-
haufting the flrength and power of an animal
made by Nature fufficiently ftrong to bear
almoft every talk the degeneracy or avarice of
man could be fuppofed to invent. In corro-
boration of this circumftance, of the premature
deaths occafioned by increafing the velocity of

the

3iS STAGGERS, &c.

\

the blood beyond the limits prefcribed by
Nature, I prefent to the reader’s imagination
that infinity of mod beautiful horfes that upon
every principal road in England condantly fall
victims to the rapidity of MAIL COACHES,
FLYING MACHINES, DILLIES, and
POST TRAVELLERS; more particularly
in the extreme heat of fummer, when they
are feen daily dying martyrs to the eagernefs
of impatient travellers, or the innate cruelty of
inhuman drivers. To thefe fome (but a very
few) of private property may be added, hard
drove upon long and fpeedy journies, and
others imprudently rode, and improperly
managed, during chafes of great length, in
drong deep countries, with fleet hounds.

Others become the fubjefls of thefe dif-
orders from great irritation (with fevere and
excruciating pains) in thedomach and bowels;
the powerful effects of worms or hots in the
intedinal canal ; fharp acrid medicines ; a re~
puldon of any morbid matter from the furface,
without its being carried off by proper evacu-
ations; or wounds, diflocations, Sec. They are
frequently known to attack very fuddenly, and
terminate in death very fpeedily; at others the

approach

STAGGERS, &c. 319

approach is indicated by the fymptoms beforO
recited. The moft rational methods of cure
will be to correct or difcharge the primary
caufe, to allay the fpafms, and to reduce the
extreme degree of irritability, by ftrengthening
the nervous fyftem ; the caufes of irritation are
not only remote but various, and relief mull
confequently be occalionally obtained by dif-
ferent means.

The firft Hep to cure will be, at all events,
to draw blood, and that in quantity according
to exigencies and the Hate of your fubjedt.
In cafes of real alarm and danger bleed in two
veins remote from each other, to caufe the
greater revullion. Although it becomes abfo-
lutely necelfary to flimulate and roufe the ani-
mal powers after the paroxyfm, little can be
done during the lit ; however, a glyfter may
be prepared, according to the following direc-
tions, and given as foon as poflible.

If the caufe is afcertained (or fuppofed) to
proceed from an increafed velocity of the blood,
and confequcnt inflammation upon the brain,
give the glyfter prefcribed in p. 45 : if from
extreme irritation in the ftomach and bowels,
6 give

320 STAGGERS, &c.

\ ,

give the domeftic glyfter, p. 239, with the acU
dition of liquid laudanum half an ounce. If
the continual preying and depredations of bots,
or worms, are the caufe, give for the prefent,
the following glyfter ; and fo foon as the horfe.
is fufficiently recovered to go through the courfe,
proceed as directed under that head :

Take of rue, favin, and wormwood, each a hand-
ful ; boil a quarter of an hour in two quarts of
water, with four ounces of common fait; then ftrain
and add tincture of afafoetida two ounces, olive oil a
quarter of a pint, and let it be thrown up moderately
warm.

If the complaint proceeds from a too free
ufe of fharp or acid medicines, make an addi-
tion of two ounces of Venice treacle, and three
drachms of liquid laudanum to the common
domejiic glyfter before fpecified. For fimilar
complaints, proceeding from indeterminate
caufes, the glyfter , p. 45, will be undoubtedly
applicable.

Should fpafms or convulfions prove fo violent
that, by a contraction of the- mufcles, the
jaws are locked, or fixed, for any confiderable
length of time (the fit being of long duration),

recourfe

STAGGERS, kc. 321

recourfe muft be had to nutritive glyfters, that
the frame may be fupported, notwithstanding
its inability to receive aliment by other means.
Thefe may be prepared of different kinds, as
broths, gruel, milk pottage, calf’s feet jelly,
thin ; or a decoction of ground rice mixed
with Starch. So foon as the fit is fufficiently
off, to admit the advantage of medicine, give
the following ball, if it can be conveniently
adminiflered :

Take myrrh, ammoniacum and afafcetida, of each
three drachms ;

Ruffia caftor, and camphire, each a drachm j
Syrup fufficient to make the ball.

This fliould be repeated every ten or twelve
hours, for two or three days, or till the
abfence of the fit leaves no apprehenfion of
return. Where circumstances or fymptoms
may render a drink more convenient, the
following may be prepared and given at the
above hated intervals :

^ Taki2

/

322 STAGGERS, See.

/ ' , r , ? •

Take of valerian root and horferadifli root (feraped
or diced) each two ounces;

Virginian fnake root and muftard feed (bruifed)
each one ounce ; upon thefe pour three pints of
boiling water ; let them be covered clofe ; and
when nearly cold enough for ufe, ftrain through
a cloth, ufing preftiire to the ingredients, that
the whole may be extracted. Half of this to be
given for one dofe, and repeated in fix, eight, or
ten hours, as circumftances may require.

In cafes of danger, and at a great diftance
from towns where the above articles cannot
be immediately obtained, fubftitute a ftrong
infuflon of rue, camomile, horferadifli, muf-
tard, or pennyroyal ; taking two ounces of each
of the three that can be moll expeditioufly
procured, and pour upon them three pints of
boiling water; let them ftand till nearly cool,
ftrain off, and give the proportion above diredt-
ed, repeating it as there fpecified ; remem-
bering this is preferibed only as a temporary
fubftitute till more powerful reliefs can be
obtained ; and not by any means to be put in
competition with the efficacious ftimulants
before recommended.

3

When

STAGGERS, &c. 323

When the fit is gone off, fhould the fubjed:
be left in a kind of ftupor or nervous debilita-
tion, with fpafms or twitchings in the ftomach
and bowels that occafion great pain, it will be
readily perceived, and more particularly afcer-
tained by his frequent looking back to one fide
or the other, with his nofe towards the feat of
pain, and his uneafy fhifting from place to
place. In fufch cafe anodynes will afford the
greatefl certainty of relief ; therefore give either
the following ball or drink fo foon as con-
venient :

Take galbanum, afafcetida, and ftorax pill, each half
an ounce ;

Syrup of diacodium fufficient to make the ball.

Or,

Take of valerian root one ounce and a half, fnake root
half an ounce ; let both be bruifed to a grofs
powder, and infufe in boiling water a pint and a
quarter, with faffron two drachms ; when fuffici-
ently cool, ftrain off, and add tindfure of afafcetida
one ounce, liquid laudanum two drachms, giv-
ing the whole a little warm.

If the fpafms or twitchings are frequent and
violent, the drink will be preferable to the ball,

Y 2

as

324 STAGGERS, &c.

as coming by much the readied: into aCtion and
effeCt. Where this medicine cannot be given
as a drink, it may as a glyfter, either with or
without the faffron, repeating it at any diftance
of time that occahon or circumflances may
require. '

Should any local paralytic affeCtion, or con-
traction of the mufcle, produce a ftiffnefs or
inactivity upon any particular part, friCtion,
with ftrong penetrating embrocations, muft be
immediately brought into ufe and perfevered
in of that clafs are the following :

Take oil of Barbadoes tar eight ounces }

./Ethereal oil of turpentine and camphorated fpirits
of wine, each four ounces. — Mix together, and
let the affected parts be fubftantiajly bathed with
fuch proportion as may be adequate to the cafe,
every night and morning.

Or,

Take opodeldoc fix ounces;

Oils of origanum, amber, and wormwood, of each
half an ounce.—- -Mix well together, and ufe as
above.

Which-

STAGGERS, &c. 325

Whichever is adopted (though the former
is certainly the fird in power and highed in
edimation) muft be rubbed into whatever part
may be affedted, with great patience and afli-
duity, as nothing but length of time and per-
feverance in the operation can effedt a fuffi-
cient penetration to the remote feat of com-
plaint. Horfes that are of a full plethoric
habit, when attacked with this difeafe, diould,
fo foon after recovery as they are able to bear
it, be brought under a courfe of regular eva-
cuations, fuch as are mod: applicable to their
fize, date, conditution, and condition. If
they are inclined to fluctuating acrimonious
humours, or vifcid heavy foulnefs, let purges
be foon brought into ufe ; and introduce a
rowel, if the cafe indicates the propriety,
taking off fomewhat of their former high feed-
ing. If the domach and bowels have been the
feat of difeafe from irritability, either by inter-
nal weaknefs or improper treatment, aflid the
general fydem with a dozen of the rejiorative
cordial balls (p. 209.) after a proper conti-
nuance of the nervous medicines, letting one
be given every morning. If from worms, fo
foon as he is fufliciently recovered from the

Y 3 alarming

326 STAGGER S, &c.

alarming fcate of difeafe, give one of the mer-
curial purging balls , according to his Rate and
temperament, regulating the courfe as parti-
cularly explained in p. 261 and 262.

The general and proper mode of treatment
in every if age of thefe complaints having
been explicitly introduced, I fhall beg leave,
to obferve, prefcriptions and compofitions in-
numerable might be added, in compliance with
cuftom, to give the lubjedt an appearance of
greater weight, by prolonging, extending, and
varying, the methods of cure. But the fad:
is, fuch clafs of medicines are at once brought
forward for every difeafe, as are well eftablifhed
and high in eftimation for their different
effects, that paltry, extraneous, deceptive aids,
maybe totally rejected, to prevent unneceffary
trouble, expence, and difappointment. In the
prefent we have nearly abandoned the ancient
practice; we applaud no “ burning fetons with
“ red hot irons,” recommend no “ chewing
“ balls to champ upon,” compofed of afafcetida,
favin , and a combination of articles to create
a naulea, and render the ftomach eternally

unealy : nor do we adopt the fyftem of

“ hitching

STAGGERS, &c.

327

“ Hitching up in the ears garlic , rue , aqua
“ vitae, cloves , ginger , and fait," either as

remedies or provocatives to madnefs ; but fub-
mit to public confideration and practice fuch
methods of treatment and cure as are founded
on the bails of fafety, reafon, and experience.

/

y4

CLASS

( 3*8 )

CLASS IX.

CHOLIC, SCOURING, and MOLTEN

GREASE.

r

CHOLIC,

i

It has been a profeffional cuftom, time im«?
jmemorial, to diftinguifh every diforder of the
ftomach and bowels producing extreme pain,
by the denomination of gripes, or the
fret 3 though little has been produced by the
beft writers to explain the different caufes, and
flill lefs to eftablifh a confident method of
cure. This deficiency, it mud: be acknow-
ledged, has not arifen from a want of pre-
fcriptions 3 on the contrary, they have been
mod; liberally difpenfed 3 but when the great
variety of recipes that have been offered to
public experiment become fubjedt to the ac-
curate

CHOLIC, &c. 329

\ „

curate infpeCtion of the enlightened practitioner,
they may perhaps appear to be more the col-
lected effuflions of fancy than the effeCt oi judg-
ment. As it is not, however, the prefent in-
tention to divert the mind to former modes of
practice, let us endeavour to make the diltinCt
caufes of complaint properly underftood, pre-
vious to the introduction of fuch courfe of
medicines as experience has clearly demonftrated
molt lafe and applicable to the relief of difeafes,
upon which we proceed to treat.

The diforders to which horfes are moll
fubjeCt in the llomach and bowels (exclulive
of thofe occafioned by worms and bots, already
feparately treated on) are thofe kinds of Cholic
which it will be neceflary to diltinguilh as the
flatulent and mflammatory . The Flatulent
Cholic is that fpecies of inteltinal pain, occa-
fioned by an accumulation and retention of
wind, which, by its expanding force, in a
conltant fluctuation and effort for difeharge,
extends the llomach and intellines to a certain
degree (or perhaps their utmoll elallicity);
when coming into direCt oppofition with the
contracting power of the abdominal mufcles,
pertain pain is excited in a greater or lefs

degree.

CHOLIC, &c.

degree, according to the circumference and ex-
tenfion of the parts, the collection of confined
air, and the proportional fpafm produced by
its effeCts.

This kind of Cholic comes on fuddenly, and
may, in general, be readily diflinguifhed by the
rumbling of the imprifoned air through the in-
teflines for vent or difcharge. It is occafioned
by hafty and full feeding after long failing ;
drinking cold water when hot, or in too large
quantity; or when the obftruCted perfpirable
matter is thrown immediately upon the bowels
by a powerful revuliion, effected in a change
from heat to extreme cold, &c. There is no
gradual progreffion in this complaint from flight
fymptoms ;^its appearance is moftly fudden,
and attack violent ; the fubjeCt becomes in a
'^rcater meafure outrageous ; he ftrikes his belly
with his feet, looks wildly on either fide to-
wards his hind parts, lies down unexpectedly,
and rifes as fuddenly. When the pain is ex-
cruciating, vibrations of the whole frame arc
perceptible; to thefe a palpable moifture or
fiwcat fucceed, but not of long duration ; a
rigor- or fhivering frequently follows the per-
fpiration; he repeatedly lies down, rolls him-

CHOLIC, &c.

331

felf upon his litter ; and, feeming. exhaufted
with pain, ftretches himfelf out as in a dying
ftate. The firlt ftep to relief muft be regu-
lated, in fome meafure, by the eafe or difficulty
of obtaining thofe articles that are rendered by
circumftances mod; adequate to the purpofe.
If in or near a town where the medicines can
be readily procured, let the following ball
be prepared and given fo foon as poffible :

T ake anifeed powder one ounce ;

Mithridate half an ounce;

Grain of Paradife and ginger, (both in powder) of
each two drachms ;

Oils of juniper and anifeed each a drachm j

Syrup fufficient to make the ball.

%

This ball to be repeated in two hours, if the
urgency of the cafe ffiould render it neceffiary;
on the contrary, if the fymptoms are much
alleviated by the firft, repeat it in four or fix
hours, as circumfrances may require. Where a
drink is thought preferable, or the adminiftra-
tion more convenient, and the ingredients can
be eafily obtained, prepare the following :

T AKE

332

CHOLIC, &c.

Take coriander, fwcet fennel, anifeeds, and Jamai-
ca pepper, bruifed, each an ounce and half ;
grains of Paradife half an ounce; ginger two
drachms. Bruife feparately in a mortar; then
boil in three pints of thin gruel for ten minutes;
ftrain, and add of compound anifeed water, or, in
want of that, Geneva or brandy, half a pint:
of this compofition let half be given fo foon as
pofiible, and the remainder in two, four, or fix
hours, as the mitigation or feverity of fymp-
toms may didlate.

<

If the diftance from a town, or difficulty of
obtaining the above preparations, fhould render
a fubllitute unavoidable, the following attempt
to relieve fhould be inftantly adopted ;

Take of ginger, caraways, nutmegs, Jamaica pep-
per ; "ox in fail of any two fpices (the houfe af-
fords in the emergency), each an ounce ; bruife
together in a mortar, and boil a few minutes in
three quarters of a pint of gruel or ale, with
two or three ounces of fugar ; then ftrain and add
a gill of Geneva or brandy, giving the drink mo-
derately warm.

This, in country places, and remote farm-
houfes, may be found an ufeful and convenient
fubflitute during the time unavoidably neceffiary
/ tQ

CHOLIC, &c. 33 j

y ^ %

to procure more powerful and efficacious
remedies;

After a repetition of either of the two former
compofitions, fhould the horfe not be relieved
either by evacuations of ftool, urine, or expul-
fion of wind, let the body undergo a gentle
motion, by leading about for a quarter of an
hour (or longer), if it can be juftified by cir-
cumftances.

Should this combination of endeavours to
relieve fail in effe£t, the thoughts muft be im-
mediately diverted from a continuation of warm
cordial ftimulants to a relaxation of the intef-
tines ; to promote which the following glyjier
fhould be prepared and adminiftered with the
greateft expedition.

Take camomile, marlhmallows, wormwood, elder
flowers, or rofemary, of any two moft conve-
nient, each a large handful ; Jamaica pepper,
and fenna, of each one ounce j ginger (bruifed
with the pepper) half an ounce : boil in two
quarts of water for a quarter of an hour, ftrain off,
preffing the ingredient ; then add of olive oil and
Geneva, or brandy, each a quarter of a pint, and
let the whole be thrown moderately warm into
the pafl'age by gradual and gentle preffure.

This

334 CHOLIC, &c.

Tins is to be repeated in three or four hours*
if by the evacuation of foul indurated excre-
ments and expullion of wind a proportion of
relief is obtained, but the fubjedt not perfedly
at eafe ; on the contrary, fhotild no relief be
obtained, and the horfe continue in extreme
pain, recourfe muff be inftantly had to the
following laxative drink , which, if circum-
ftances- require, muft be occaiionally repeated
till relief is obtained, by great expuliions of
wind or plentiful evacuations.

Take fenna two ounces ; boil a few minutes in
three quarters of a pint of water, with three
drachms of ginger bruifed ; then {train and dif-
folve in the liquid four ounces of lenitive elec-
tuary, and fix drachms of foluble tartar ; adding
three' ounces of tin&ure of fenna, and one of the
tindlure of jalap.

So foon, after this as the horfe is inclined,
fupply him frequently with fmall quantities of
fabfiantial gruel moderately warm ; and when
he is fo much relieved that the pains have evi-
dently fubhded, in confequence of either of the
above modes of treatment, let him be fupplied
with comfortable maflies, and warm water
({lightly impregnated with gruel) at proper

intervals.

CHOLIC, &c.

3^ r

6d

intervals, for a few days ; confirming the cure
and {Lengthening the flomach and bowels,
by giving, for a few mornings, one of the
refiorative cordial balls , prefcribed in p. 209.
The judicious inquirer will obferve, the former
fiery pradtice (of pepper, gin, turpentine, brine,
and a long lift of et cat eras ), is rejected, as
founded upon the bafis of uncertainty and dan-
ger ; confequently not entitled to a place in the
Modern Syftem of Farriery. The wonder-
ful variety of prefcriptions commonly obtruded
for the particular purpofes of appearance, are
here intentionally avoided to prevent deception:
the above method of treatment, with the pro-
greflional alternatives, being abfolutely adequate
to every poffibility of relief, where the col-
lection and retention of wind are fuppofed to
con flit ute the diforder palling under the general
denomination of fret, or cholic.

THE DISTINCT KIND OF CHOLIC

I now proceed to explain, is diftinguifhed, in
common pradtice, by the appellation of Gripes ■,
but, for the better comprehenfion of all parties,
I fhall confider it an Inflammatory Cholic,

without

336 CHOU C, &c.

, I

without reverting to the language of others,
terming that “ bilious,” to which, in my
humble opinion, there can in this indance
be no bilious explanation appertaining. In the
predominant fymptoms of thefe kinds of Cholic
there is but little difference ; in the inflamma-
tory, of which we now treat, they however run
higher, or, in other terms, more violent ; the
pain is evidently excruciating, and proceeds
from codivenefs, with great accumulation of
indurated faeces, or hardened excrements. The
re&um feems loaded, and vifibly preffed to the
fundament, which appears prominent ; a con-
ftant draining and endeavour to expel dung,
with no other difcharge than a difcoloured
hot, fharp, liquid ; a frequent pofition is formed
for dialing without fuccefs ; and the extreme
pain foon produces fymptomatic fever, with
fhort breathing, heaving in the danks, extra-
vagant addons, and general exertions, that very
much alarm with the apprehendon of imme-
diate danger. To allay which, it will be ad-
vifeable to take off the fpafm or dridure from
the intedines, by an expeditious folution and
difcharge of their contents, thereby preventing
inflammation and its certain, if not immediate,
confequences. This defirable event mud be

8 folicited

\

CHOLIC, See. 33/

folklited by a combination of efforts > without
inconliderately waiting hour after hour for the
refult of a fnlgle adminiftration ; a junction of
aid muff therefore be formed for the occafion,
and the following glyjler prepared and inje&ed
without delay ;

Take of common gruel three pints $

Epfom falts four ounces ;

Tin£!ure of fenna and olive oil each a quarter of a
pint.

This being adminiflered, let a laxative drink
be prepared with the following ingredients,
and given fo foon as circumftances will permit ;

Take fenna ofie ounce J

Caraway feeds bruifed, and cream of tartar, each
half an ounce. — Boil for ten minutes in three
quarters of a pint of water, in which diflolve
four ounces of Glauber falts, then ftrain and add
tin&ure of jalap one ounce.

If relief and plentiful evacuations are not
obtained by thefe means fo foon as may rea-
fonably be expected, prevent (if poflible) the
increafe of inflammatory fymptoms, by taking

333 CHOLI C, &c.

away a moderate proportion of blood from
the neck; for, in the advanced ftage of the
diforder, appearances of danger can only be
fubdued by a removal of obftrudtions. It may
therefore be naturally inferred (without intro-
ducing, in compliance with cuflom, a multi-
plicity of prefcriptions to embarrafs the mind
and perplex the judgment) that thefe effects
can only be produced by perfeverance in a
repetition of either or both the above, as exi-
gencies may diredf or didtate, till the necefiary
difcharges are obtained ; 'without which, in-
flammation and mortification will inevitably
enfue. Glyfters mufi confequently follow
each other, without much intermiflion, till
the point is carried ; to promote which, let
fmall quantities of warm thin gruel be fre-
quently offered, with one ounce of nitre in
each : warm mafhes may alfo be given, if the
horfe fliould be inclined or enabled to receive
them.

• *

Immediate eafe generally fucceeds the necef-
fary evacuations, the fubjedt then only labour-
ing under the laflitude that is fo conflantly the
concomitant of extreme pain. All obftruc-
tions therefore being removed, and plentiful
0 difcharges

I

CHOLIC, See. 339

Hifeharges obtained, contribute the fupport
that nature will fo evidently Hand in need of,
by preparing a comfortable warm mafli of
oats and bran equal parts ; into which ftir of
anifeed, liquorice* and elecampane powders,'
each one ounce. In two or three hours after
this math is confumed give the following cor-
dial flomachic ball , or drink, as may be mod
applicable to the intent or opinion of the
operator or fuperintendent ; wafhing down
either with two or three quarts of very thin
gruel, if the horfe be inclined to take it:

Take mithridate and anifeed (in powder) of each
half an ounce j

Saffron and London philonium each two drachms £
Oil of anifeed one drachm ; Syrup (if necelfary) to
make the ball.

<

k

THE CORDIAL CARMINATIVE DRINK.

Take anife, coriander, and fweet fennel feeds, of
each one ounce ; caraway feed and ginger each'
half an ounce. Let them all be reduced to a
grofs powder, and boiled in a pint and half of
gruel till reduced to a pint ; then ftrain, preffing
the ingredients, and let it be given of a proper
warmth;

Z 2

This

34° CHOLI C, &c.

1 his will prove, upon mofl occasions, all
the medical afii fiance the fubjedt will require ;
hut after recovery his flate and condition
fhould be attended to; no flrong exercife or
cold water can be proper for the hrfl two or
three days; his feeds fhould like wife be regu-
lated by appetite or inclination ; rather feeding
often, and in fmall quantities, than to hazard
a relaxation of the tone of the flomach, and
a debilitation of the digeflive powers, by
large feeds at diflant periods. If there are
any indications of weaknefs, languor, inac-
tivity, lofs of appetite, heavinefs and averfion
to motion, or flight fymptoms of pain, pro-
ceed to a courfe of the cordial balls , p. 209,
giving one every morning, or every night and
morning, fhould any of the above recited cir-
cumflances render it neceffary. Previous to
the final difmiflion of this article, it cannot
he inapplicable to enforce an exertion of the
attention abfolutely requifite in the manage-
ment of horfes, where cafes of imminent
danger (as in the prefent inflance) may almofl
inflantly arife from what at firfl may appear
trifling and fuperficial.

Invariable

CHOLIC, &c. 341

Invariable refolutions fhould therefore be
formed and adhered to, flridtly avoiding what-
ever may conflitute the foundation of either
trouble or danger. A horfe fliould never be
buffered to ftand long in a wet and dirty con-
dition after chafe or journey; to drink cold
water when hot, or l'pring water from well or
pump, when pond or river can be obtained :
his feeds fhould be likewife regularly difpenfed,
with proper refpedt to equation in time and
proportion in quantity. The quality as well
as quantity of both hay and corn mull; ever
be held in conflant remembrance; thel'e being
jointly and individually neceffary to a perma-
nent effablifhment of health, llrength, and
condition. To ppfTefs all which in a high
degree, and to proceed for ftrong and power-
ful exertions in the field or on the road, his
regular confumption fhould be two bufhels of
oats and two truffes of hay per week.

The flate of the body refpefting evacua-
tions fhould not be negledted; regularity in
thefe will be equally neceffary with punctuality
in food ; the flate of a horfe’s body , may be
mofl accurately afcertained by the appearance
of his dung; if it is ejected of a fine bright

Z 3 colour

342 S C O U R I N G, &c.

1

colour (inclining to that of a new guinea,)
moderate in confidence, regular and adhefive
in form, coming away without great efforts
and amextenfion of the fundament, approach-
ing to pain, the body may then be confidered
in a proper and healthy date ; but when the
dung comes away • with feeming labour, is
remarkably hard in fubdance, very dark in
colour upon falling, and drong or foetid in
fmell, it may be fairly concluded, the contents
of the intedines are indurated, and nearly ap-
proaching a date ofdifeafe. When they are
pbferved to be in this condition, a gentle pro-
motion of evacuations or courfe of purgatives
may be premifed, as very falutary preventives
to danger, expence, and trouble .

SCOURING, OR LOOSENESS,

An aphorifm of the judly celebrated Boer-

Jjaave, that “ Nature never purges herfelf but

<f when fhe wants purging,” is fo firmly fixed

upon the bafis of truth, that is has been very

feldom fubjedt to exception. But there are, in
' ' • " faff.

SCOURING, &c. 343

f-idt, rules fo few, (either phyfical or moral)
that will not admit of fome, it can create no
furprife that the maxims of fo great a man
fhould be entitled to their trifling proportion.
To elucidate a text from the authority fo truly
refpedtable, and bring the matter into a fair dif-
cuflion for every comprehenfion, it will be
unavoidably neceflary to enlarge a little upon
the fubjedt we with clearly to explain.

»

The fad is, when a quantity of grofs food
and colledled impurities are accumulated and
pent up within the confined limits of the in-
teftinal canal, whether . obflrudted in the firfl:
or lafi: paflages, the inconvenience (though dif-
ferent in fymptoms) may be ultimately the
fame in effedt. For the aliment, by the ob~
Arudtion in its natural progrefs through the
flomach or inteftines, and preternatural reten-
tion there, acquires a degree of acrimonious
malignity, that, at a certain period, (depend-
ing upon the habit and confHtution), ftimulates
and begins to adt upon the internal coat of the-
interlines, till, by the flimulus of one, and the
irritability of the other, a folution of the ex-
crements enfuesj and Nature is enabled to re-
lieve herfeif, by throwing off that load which

Z 4 the

344 SCOURING, &c.

the attention of the mailer, and the interpo-
lition of art, would fometimes do well to re-
move. And this is the more necefiary to be
ietained in memory, when it is recoileCted
that where Nature fails in, or is inadequate
to, the production and completion of this
effort, in her own defence, die becomes gra-
dually overpowered ; the inteflines are enor-
moudy loaded, and the over-repletion at length
inevitably conditutes the Gripes or Inflam-
matory Cholic, on which we lad treated.
But where Nature is fortunately adequate to
her own work, and the accumulation is fpon-
taneoufly, carried off, Boerbaavc1' s maxim is
driCtly verified ; and it becomes palpably clear
to every oblerver, Nature does not purge her-
felf till die wants purging.

This kind of Lax or Loofenefs, is mod rea-
dily didinguidied from fuch as arife from other
caufes ; the horfe is previcufly dull, heavy, and
inactive, feemingly opprelfed, and vifibly over-
loaded, though without anv appearance of
extreme pain, but fubjeCt to a general difqui-
etude ; the dung fird comes away with a de-
gree of foiidity; the evacuations then become
more frequent, and at lad lopfe j the difeharges

ate

SCOURING, &c. 345

/ •

are at length rapid in fucceflion, large in quan-
tity, dark in colour, fcetid in fmell ; bearing
the appearance of impregnation with greafe,
as if with l'ome foul oily fublfance in the intef-
tines, limilar to the laffc difcharge after the
injection of a glyfter. Nature, in the prefent
inftance, generally performs her own work
with fo much eafe, that the leaf! appearance of
pain is hardly perceptible. In preference to
the cuftom of waiting day after day for its ter-
mination, thereby giving it an opportunity,
by its acrimonious quality, (which may irri-
tate and affeft more or lefs, according to cir-
cumilances and the Rate of the fubjetff aUed
upon) to debilitate the frame, it will be moll
prudent to give the following laxative drink ,
and aflift Nature in carrying off what it would
be highly improper to retain -

‘ -',V

T ake fennq and creqm pf tartar each two ounces j
Epfom falts three ounces ;

Ginger bruited half an ounce. — Boil in a pint of
thin gruel for ten minutes; then {train and let it
be given a little warm, and the gentle operation
encouraged by frequent fmall quantities of gruel
Water,

On the contrary, fhouldthis plan be rejected
as unneceffary, and the loofenefs or fcourin0-

O

continue

346 S C O U R I N G,

continue for any length of time, fo as not only
to expel the accumulated contents, but, by its
fharp and acid quality, to ftimulate the intef-
tines and caufe an expullion of the mucus,
(with which they are internally guarded) -with
ineffectual {trainings and painful fenfations,
warm cordial reftringents will be highly necef-
fary, and may be adminiftered in the follow-
ing forms :

t

A CORDIAL RESTRINGENT BALL,

Take diafcordium fix drachms, gum arabic, prepared
chalk, and armenian bole, each half an ounce ;
ginger (in powder) one drachm ; oil of anifeed
forty drops ; fyrup, a fmall quantity, to com-
plete the ball.

This may be repeated in fix, eight, or twelve
hours, as the fe verity of the caufe may require ;
the rejlringcnt mafi (p. 46.) may be occasi-
onally brought into ufe. If folid food is
refufed, a gruel fhould be given for drink, made
fo thick as to be but barely liquid. If the
expeCted relief be not foon obtained, and the
fubjeCt is affeCted with fpafms or twitchings

ill the intelfines, add to the above hall two

>

drachms

1

J

347

drachms of liquid laudanum, or ten grains of
opium. If the horfe is inclined to drink fre-
quently, (as in all probability he will be)
give one ounce of gum arabic diffolved in a
fmall quantity of water, and a.dded to his gruel
once in every five or lix hours.

Where a ball is found inconvenient, or a
.drink preferred, let the following be prepared ;

Take calcined (commonly called burnt) hartfhorxj
three ounces ;

Gum arabic one ounce ;

Cinnamon half an ounce j

.Ginger two drachms.— Boil in a quart of water
till it will produce a pint clear of the ingredi-
ents ; then ftrain and add timSture of Japan earth
one ounce and a half ; liquid laudanum two
drachms.

\

The above ball and drink are powerfully
reftringent ; and, with the cordial aromatic
affiftance, are admirably calculated to reftore
the tone of the inteftines, and reduce their
irritability. No larger field for relief need be
explored increafe or diminish any of the dif-
ferent ingredients, as circumflances may re-
quire or judgment diredt; and bring the dofes

of

f

348 SCOURI'N G, &c.

of either nearer to each other, if appearances
of danger juilify the necefllty.

Should the predominant fymptoms refute
fubmiflion to a repetition of the medicines
here prefcribed, prepare the following anodyne
glyjlery and repeat it once in eight or twelve
hours, till fuccefs attends the joint adminiftra-
tion :

THE ANODYNE GLYSTER.

%

Take linfeed two ounces ; gum arabic one ounce.
Boil in two quarts of gruel for foaie time ; then
ftrain and add of diafcordium one ounce and a
half; liquid laudanum half an ounce, and cold
drawn linfeed oil four ounces. Let it be thrown
into the body with a proper bag and pipe, ufing
gentle prdfure.

So foon as the inteftinal acrimony is ob-
tunded by thefe means, and the excrements
relume their original form, let the return of
natural ftrength be folicited by every care and

attention ; give occafionally warm comfortable
malhes, as mod; applicable to the date of ap-
petite, and let no water entirely cold be drank

for fome days; introduce your dry feeds by

* degrees,

o J

SCOURING, See. 349

i

deo-rces. and let half a dozen of the cordial

O ’

balls, (p.209.) be brought into ufe ; giving
one every morning or evening to prevent flatu-
lence, and a<ft as a warm reftorative flimulant
to the ftomach and ihteftines.

Having fo much enlarged upon this diftinft
kind of Lax or Scouring, proceeding from
repletion, it becomes neceflary to animadvert
upon the fame diforder, when originating in a
different caufe. A fevere laxation, or loofenefs,
then is known frequently to arife from a de-
praved State of the ftomach, and a debility or
we-aknefs of the powers neceflary to the pur-
pofes of digeftion. The lofs of appetite is
occasioned by a relaxation of the elafticity or
natural tone of the ftomach; the blood is im-
poverished by a deficiency in its nutritious Sup-
port of chyle through the ladteals ; and the bile
becomes equally defective, in being deprived of
its due proportion of ftimulus, confequently
inadequate to the talk it is deftined to perform.

t

The chain of operation being thus obftrudt-
ed, the whole fyftem is in a great meafure
deranged, and the half-digefted aliment foon
engenders fermentation by its acidity; and, in
2 an

1

I

350 SCOURING, ScCo

an effort of Nature, prepares itfelf for ap-
proaching exptilfion. The inteftines, from
the crude indigefted aliment, and inert hate of
the bile, foon become relaxed, and the con-
tents run off almoft fpontaneoully, the horfe
feeming little prepared for or concerned in the
event. The difcharges continuing, become in
a few days almoft inceffant, and constitute fre-
quent irritations, and fevere trainings to dung,
with no other effect than an ichorous fcalding
liquid, or trifling evacuations or fumy mucus,
from the internal coat (or lining of the
inteftines.)

In this particular cafe there requires a gene-
ral relief to the univerfal debility of the intef-
tinal track f the firfl Step to which muff be to
fheath the acrimony, and reduce the irritability
in both the firft and lafb paffages ; then gradu-
ally reftore the powers of digef ion, and invi-
gorate the whole fy Stem by a courfe of ftoma-
chic reftoratives.

THE ANODYNE RESTRINGENT BALL.

Take of India rhubarb, and compound powder of
gum dragon, each half an ounce ; columbo
root (in powder) two drachms y ginger (in

powder)

SCOURING, &c. 35s

powder) one drachm; opium fifteen grains;
conferve of orange-peel fix drachms ; fyrup of
diafcordium fufficient to form a ball.

•%

This is to be repeated in. twelve, eighteen, or
twenty-four hours, as exigencies may require.
For a fubftitute the following drink will prove
equally applicable and efficacious.

THE ANODYNE DRINK,

Take linfeed, burnt hartfhorn, and gum arabic, of
each one ounce ; boil in a pint and half of
water to a pint ; then ftrain and add tincture of
cinnamon two ounces; liquid laudanum two
drachms.

Let this be given every morning for three in
fucceffion; the rejlringent majh (p. 46.) may
be occahonally offered, or, in refufal of that
and dry corn, give a warm maffi at proper
peripds, compounded of bran and ground oat-
meal equal parts : if the flimulus and irritation
continue, without any perceptible remiffion or
fubmiffion of fymptoms, let the following
glyjler be given once in every twenty-four
hours.

the

252 SCO U R I N G, &c*
the anodyne starch clyster.

Take boiled flarch, of moderate confidence, three
pints; gum arabic (in powder) two ounces;
liquid laudanum half an ounce; cold drawn
linfeed oil four ounces.

So Coon as the purging (or rather irritation
and fhaining) is lubdued, the appetite will
confequently increafe, and become in fome
meafure reflored : attend to that circumftance,
and promote it by every poffible means, affix-
ing for three or lix mornings with one of the
following rejiorative Jiomachic balls .

THE RESTORATIVE BALL.

Take Venice treacle half an ounce; Peruvian bark
fix drachms, columbo root and camomile flowers
(in powder) of each two drachms; oil of cara-
ways five-and-twenty drops; honey fufHcient to
make the ball.

If the horfe ffiould be very much reduced
in flefh, continue weak in body and appetite,
forming the appearance of general debilitation,
let the frame be univerfally affifted, and the
cure completed by a dozen of the balls pre-
lcribed (p. 209;) giving one every morning,

either in the ftatethere directed, or diffiolved in
a fufficient portion of gritel.

MOLTEN

( 353 )

molten grease

Is a diforder produced in general by too
great, hidden* or powerful exertions, when a
horfe is notin proper condition: as fcrong and
fevere hunting, long and fpeedy journies, or
hard driving in carriages, when firh taken
from grafs loaded with impurities: juft out of
a dealer’s poffeilion, full of light flatulent food;
or when too full of flefh for violent exercife.
In fuch cafea, from the internal heat, increafed
circulation, and temporary inflammation, the
fat feated upon the membranes in various
parts of the body undergoes rarefaction and
rapid folution, making diftindt efforts for dif-
charge by the different emunCtories. The
proportion neareft the veffels becomes abforbed
by the blood (retarding circulation,) thereby
producing fome degree of fever; another part
makes its appearance with the excrements ; a
third portion fixes upon the lungs, and ob-
ftrudts refpiration; to thefe a laxation of the
inteflinal contents fucceeds ; and, laftly, a loofe-
nefs, or fcouring, of which we laft treated

A a fo

354 MOLTEN GREASE.

fo that in the prefent inftances we plainly per-
ceive the poflibility of almoft a complication
of diforders, originating in a fingle caufe, and
the foundation of that cause indifcretion.

* i * ■ * '

A little reflection upon the incontrovertible
truth of this obfervation will furely point out
to eveiy humane matter and faithful fervant
the great danger of over-riding, driving, or
fatiguing, any horfe whatever beyond the line
of prudence and confiftency, when not in
high condition for the fervice he may be en-
gaged in, whether turf, field, or road. Let
it be conftantly held in remembrance, more
horfes are ruined and deftroyed by cruelty and
negleCt than by chance or accident. The fub-
jedt we now treat on proves (more than any
other) the abfolute necefiity of infuring con-
dition previous to a courfe of conftant bufi-
nefs ; this muff be obtained by a proper re-
moval of thofe impurities or vifcidities that lay
• the foundation of what the lineal descendants
from Vulcan have, time out of mind, denomi-
nated humours .

That procefs, when firfi: taken up from
grafs, or too full of flefh, is particularly

explained

MOLTEN GREASE. 355

explained under the heads of feeding , bleeding ,
and purging, in the early part of this work ;
including inftrudtions that cannot be too much
refpedted or perfevered in, by thofe who wiffi
to produce their horfes at all times, in fuch
ftyle (for fervices of difficulty or danger) as has
long been the fource of equeftrian emulation
in the fporting world, from the lucky poffeffior
of a numerous ftud to the more humble
dependant whom fortune perfuades to be c.om-
pul/ively content with one.

The fymptoms are in different fubjedts
more or lefs violent, according to the hate
and condition at the time of attack ; varying
in all, either in a greater or leffer degree, in
proportion to the parts moil affected by the
fudden revullion and original caufe. Where-
ever the folution has proved moil partial, the
effedt will become moil predominant; as for
inftance, upon the bowels, lungs, or circu-
lation of the blood by abforption ; in the firft,
great pain attends the laxation or loofenefs; in
the fecond, great difficulty of breathing from
the expanfion of the lungs, may produce fymp-
toms of inflammation there, as explained in
p, 214. And when the mafs of blood i$

A a 2 generally

356 MOLTEN GREASE.

generally affe&ed, and preternatu rally loaded,
fever muft confequently enfue. Thefe fymp-
toms, as before obferved, all vary in different
fubjedts; but one is pathognomonic or invariable
in all, which is the general incorporation of a
greafy fubflance with the excrements, nearly
fimilar to the feparated particles of congealed
oil in frofty weather j previous to the entire
folution of the inteftinal contents, and fo long
as the dung retains its ufual form, the greafy
hue appears only upon the furface, but as it
advances in difeafe it becomes more intimately
united.

So foon as ever the indications are per-
ceived, proper methods fhould be inftantly
taken to relieve Nature from the threatened
oppreffion, by fuch evacuations as predominant
fymptoms direct; at any rate let plentiful
bleeding be the firft Hep to reduce prefent, or
prevent approaching, inflammation. If fever
has not come on too rapidly, give, fo foon as
circumftances will permit, the mild laxative
drink preferibed under the head of flatuhnt
thcl’icy p. 334; but, fhould the horfe be ftrong
and powerful, (the dileafe being in its infancy)
give without delay the purging drink , p. 42,

repeating

o

I

' MOLTEN GREASE. 357

repeating it in three or four days, if prefent ap-
pearances juftify the propriety of the practice.

If the fubjefl; is greatly dcprefled with pal-
pable fever, difquietude, lofs of appetite, and
internal painful fenfations, glyflers mull be fub-
ftituted ; but as thefe need not be compofed of
variety, make ufe of the p. 239, which

may be moft eafily prepared. To attenuate
the blood, relieve the lungs and take off the
heterogeneous load from the circulation, as well
as to mitigate all fymptoms of fever (if fuch
there are) adopt the mode of treatment par-
ticularly defcribed, p. 245, taking in the aflift-
ance of the pefforal decotlmi, p. 216, if the
. lungs are very much opprefled, and fymptoms
of approaching inflammation are at all appre-
hended. The appetite muft be attended to
and folicited in every flage of the difeafe, by
comfortable mafhes, and the trifling minutiae
fo often repeated in the preceding part of the
work.

So foon as alarming or predominant fyrnp-
toms fubfide, proceed to a courfe of the mild
purging balls , p. 219, going regularly through
three dofes, at fuch periods as are befl adapted

A a 3 to

35^ MOLTEN GREASE.

to the ftrength ot the horfe. In a few days,
after working off the laft dofe, begin upon the
following warm diuretics , (well guarded with
aromatics) giving one every morning till the
whole are taken.

THE CORDIAL DIURETIC BALLS.

Take Caftile or pure white foap ten ounces ;

Nitre and rofin each fix ounces ;

Anifeed (in powder,) four ounces;

Camphor and ginger (in powder,) each one ounce;

Oil of juniper fix drachms. Honey fufficient to
form the mafs j which divide into balls of two
ounces each.

The above medicines and treatment are fin-

• .

gularly adapted to every purpofe in the cure
of this difeafe ; the purging balls before men-
tioned will prove much more adequate to this
cafe than any that can be feledted. The work
begun by the alterative purges will be com-
pleted by the gradual effects of the diuretics ;
and, with proper attention to the rules laid
down in the fir ft pages of this work, the horfe
may be foon produced in good Rate and con-
dition.

¥

C LASS

( 359 )

CLASS X,

STRANGURY, AND OTHER DISORDERS OF
THE PARTS NECESSARY TO THE SECRETION
AND EVACUATION OF URINE.

* r * i . , • ' / •

STRANGURY.

The parts that by fome defeat or injury
ponftitute the caufe of thefe complaints, are fo
nicely conftrudted, and fo remotely fituated,
from every poflible means of infpedtion, that a
great degree of judgment and delicate djfcrimi-
nation mud: be exerted before a diftindtion can
be made, or a juft and decifive opinion obtain-
ed. The ftrangury is an obftrudtion or tempo-
rary fuppreffion of urine, and may arife from
different c.aufes ; for, as before obferved, the va-. **•

A a 4 riety*

360 STRANGUR Y.

riety of parts appropriated to the fecretion ana
excretion are fo numerous as to render the
exaCt caufe of difeafe a matter of ambiguity
and uncertainty, with even thofe who ought
to be the belt enabled to form a decifive
opinion (or rather a certain conjecture) from
their courfe of extenfive practice. The
strangury is fome times a concomitant to
the inflammatory cholic, and is then the effeCt
of preffure from the indurated faeces or har-
dened dung retained in the reCtum, or ftraight
gut. When it arifes not from this caufe, it
may proceed from inflammation in the kidnies,
ulcerations there, fpafms upon any particular
part, or inflammation of the neck, or the
bladder itfelf. When it is the confequence
of Cholic, and proceeds only from that origi-
nal caufe, t may be confidered merely fymp-
tomatic, and will be entirely fubdued with
the firlb complaint, to which the faline medi-
cines and ftimulus of glyfters there prefcribed
will very much contribute.

The figns of this fuppreflion are too pal-
pable to be miftakenj the fubjeCt is (after a
long retention of urine) in an almoft perpetual
* pofition to ftale without effeCt, indicating by

aCtion

STRANGURY. 361

a&ion and attitude the expectation of an unu-
fual difcharge ; when, after frequent draining,
the effort terminates in a groan of feeming dif-
appointment. The horfe in general is not
in a great degree of acute pain, appears full
in the flank, fomewhat dejeCted, and, to a
minute obferver, feems not only confcious of
his inability, but to fupplicate affiftance and
relief. The ancient practice of inflaming the
parts by an immediate ufe of violent fiimulants,
as cantharides, turpentine, and large quanti-
ties of camphire, is with the ftriCteft juftice
exploded; having been experimentally found,
upon moft occafions, to increafe, by their
powerful ftimulus and irritation, what they
were intended to remove; by fuch ill-advifed
and mistaken application of medicine, fre-
quent inflammation has been produced and
much mifchief enfued.

The moft rational and certain means of
obtaining fpeedy relief will be to leflen the
fjxiCture upon the parts, by a moderate lofs
of blood; then reduce inflammation by emol-
lient internals, promoting the Accretion and
evacuation of urine by very gentle ftimulants
and mild diuretics-. This fyflematic method

of

362 STRANGURY.

of obtaining a cure will not be fo fatisfa&ory
to many of the ruftic learned practitioners, who,
clofely adhering to old cuftoms, old rules, and
old books, would rather attempt to force the
very blood unfecreted through the urinary
paflages, by a courfe of Spanijh files , or oil of
turpentine, than adopt any method, however
improved, in the formation of which their
extenfive abilities have not been confulted.

By this abominable and infamous practice
the lives of many valuable horfes have been
taken away, the proprietor attributing to
difeafe what nine times out of ten is the effeCt
of ignorance. From an obfervation fo juft,
or, in faCt, a reflection fo alarming, arifes the
palpable neceflity of this work, and the pro-
bable utility of its publication, to the very
great number of gentlemen and fportfmen,
who, rending in remote loots, or diftant parts
of the kingdom, cannot have conftant recourfe
of farriers of judgment, extenfive practice,
and nice diferimination. To prevent therefore
the frequent dreadful effeCts of confidence and
ignorance on one hand, or an injudicious ufe
of powerful and dangerous medicines on the
other, every man will do well to interpole

his

STRANGURY. 363

liis authority, and be well and clearly informed
of the caufe and intended method of cure,
previous to the adminiftration of a Angle
medicine for any complaint whatever.

On the contrary, in the more populous and
enlightened parts of the kingdom, farriers are
known, whofe abilities and practice rank them
high in eftimation; but as thefe are certainly
not the growth of every foil, or produce of
every parifh, moft owners of horfes conftaritly
in their poffeffion will not find either their
time or attention entirely wafted, by endea-
vouring occajionally to form a tolerable ac-
quaintance with the fubjed matter of the
work before us. In a convenient or proper
time, after bleeding, throw up the following
emollient glyjler :

T ake of thin gruel three pints ;

Nitre two ounces ;

Gum arabic one ounce and an half ;

Olive oil four ounces ;

Let it be injected moderately warm, and retained
in the body aS long as poffible.

So

364 STRANGURY.

So foon after this, glyffier as the horfe is
inclined by appetite to receive it, give a mafh
of two parts malt and one bran, they having
been fcaided together and ftirred till of a mo-
derate warmth; after this, if the fubjed has
not flaled in confequence of bleeding, glyfter,
and mafh, have the following balls expedite
pufly prepared to forward the evacuation :

T ake Caftile foap ten drachms 5

Sal prunella one ounce ;

Camphire two drachms ;

Anifeed powder fix drachms ;

Oil of juniper one drachm and a half ;

Syrup of marfhmallows fufficient to make the mafs,
which divide into two equal parts, giving one in
fix hours after the other, if the former is not
fuccefsful.

Thefe are very fife, mild, and efficacious,
in general producing the defired effect with-
out any uneafy fenfations. Where a drink is
preferred, as coming into a more applicable
mode of adminiftration, the following will
prove equally ferviceable :

Take

STRANGURY. 365

Take juniper berries (bruifed) two ounces ; boil
in a pint and a half of water for fome time,
then {train, (to produce by fqueezing the berries
three quarters of a pint;) to this add of nitre and
gum arabic (in powder) each an ounce.

This drink, or the above ball, to be re-
peated at di-ftinct periods of four hours each
(if a repetition of the fl-rfl: at the end of lix
hours does not effedt the delired purpofe) till
relief is obtained by plentiful evacuations.

Thus much by way of infrrudtion where
Jlrangury is occasioned by fpafm, or inflam-
mation of the bladder or neck ; but as it may
alfo proceed from an inflammation or ulcera-
tion of the kidnies, and a paralytic affedtion
or palfy of the fame parts : in either of which
fymptoms are frequently doubtful, and fel-
dom certain ; circumftances may confequently
vary in different fubjedts, fo as to render
the true feat of difeafe a matter of conjedture
f-ily.

The

366 STRANGURY.

The only fymptoms to which fome certainty
may be attributed are the following : if pro-
ceeding from fpafm on either part, there may
be frequent periodical relaxations that will
permit the urine to flow in fmall quantities for
a very fhort time, when it may as fuddenly
flop ; in this cafe the urine will be of its ufual
colour, or at times rather deeper, as if not
perfectly complete in its fecretion from the
blood. In fuch cafe the treatment is exactly
as already pointed out ; but with the addi-
tional directions to repeat the glyfter and
bleeding occafionally, till the point is carried.
The gentle diuretic medicines mull be likewile
continued at lefs diftant periods ; that is, their
diftinCt dofes mufl be brought an hour nearer
to each other, till the purpofe is effected ;
this method being found greatly preferable
to the “kill or cure” practice, frequently
producing inflammation, convulfions, and all
their dreadful confequences.

But where the caufe originates in a palfy of,
or ulceration upon, any parts neceffary to the
offices of evacuation, no great expectation of
cure can be indulged ; but more particularly

STRANGURY. 367

m the former with which approaches certain
death. When the kidnies become totally
inadequate to their general purpofe, a flip-
predion and general ftagnation confequently
enfue, the lofs of the animal becoming inevi-
table ; and although relief is Ibmetimes mod;
expeditioufly obtained, in an inflammation of
the parts, by a gentle method above directed,
yet in an ulceration much is not left to hope.
In this cafe there is vifible pain and difquiet-
ude, the evacuation is not totally lupprefled,
being only at times temporarily ob ftrudted ;
it frequently alters its appearance, being fome-
times thick, depofiting a turbid fediment, as
if impregnated with membranous matter; at
other times tinged with blood, the evident
eifedt of a corroded folution of the difeafed
part. In this indance the following balls or
drink only can be relied on, for any specula-
tion of permanent relief or probable miti-
gation ;

Take

363 STRANGURY.

Take of myrrh one ounce, Caftile foap and Loca-
telli’s balfam each three ounces ; nitre and ani-
feed (in powder) each two ounces; balfam of Peru
fix drachms — Mix together with foap of marfhmal-
lows, and divide into fix balls, giving one every
morning.

The diet fhould be both nutritive and bal-
fam ic, confiding of warm mafhes impregnated
with honey or malt ; both or either of which
will greatly contribute to the general purpofe.
If fymptoms are mitigated, and relief obtained,
by thefe means, furely farther indruftions
mud be unneceffary to recommend a perfe-
verance till the cure is completed ; to which
red, gentle exercife, and dable care, will prove
very ufeful aids. When an obdrudtion, or
partial fuppreffion of urine, arifes from fpalm,
convulsion, or dridture, upon any of the parts
necellary to be concerned in fecretion or eva-
cuation, they can only be allayed or removed
by time and opiates, to relax the feat of
difeafe, and reduce the irritability. The fol-
lowing ball will be applicable to that intention,
repeating it at fuch times as the circumdances

of

STRANGURY. 369

cf the cafe may render neceffary and unavoid-
able :

Take of Caftiie foap half art oiince ; nitre, rofin, and
compound powder of gum tragacanth, each two
drachms : opium (in powder) ten grains ; oil
of juniper thirty drops.— Mi*.

The following drink may be fubftituted,
if a liquid is required, as it will prove equally
efficacious :

Take thin gruel three quarters of a pint; gum arabic,
and nitre (in powder) each one ounce ; liquid
laudanum three drachms. — Mix.

This (as the ball above) may be occafionally re*
peated.

Horfes are likewife liable to, and often fuff
tain, injuries upon the parts we now treat of*
by being overloaded with folid heavy fub-
ftanees upon the loins, ftrains in drawing
great weights, and many other incidental cir-
cumftances, to which they are conffantly fub-
jedt in their different employments. The de-
feats ariling from fuch caufes originate in a
relaxation or rupture of fome one or more of

B b that

37© STRANGURY.

that infinity of membranous fibres, that in
fuch cafe conftitute the feat of difeafe.
Thefe injuries difplay themfelves by an evident
wincing and local debility, perceptible upon
the leaf! motion to the molt common obferver ;
they are alfo attended with great variations in
the evacuation of urine, either by temporary
fupprefiion or partial obfirudion, according
to the original feat of pain and its effed upon
the neighbouring parts. In thefe diforders
the urine is feldom copious, its difcharge fre-
quent, but in final 1 quantities ; generally of a
very high colour, and in many cafes tinged
with blood.

Arifing from whichever of the before-men-
tioned caufes, a revulfion may be made by
drawing blood from the neck; not more to
prevent ftagnation and confequent inflamma-
tion, (if from a bruife) than to conftringe the
mouths of the finer veflels, if lacerated or
ruptured. «

The following balfamic rejloratives , blended
with gentle diuretics , may be then proceeded
upon, with the afiifiance of fiimulative corro-
borants ;

S T R A N G U R Y, 371

borants; as an external application, if the
mufcular parts are fufpe&ed to have differed
fome degree of relaxation, by any of the means
before defcribed, an embrocation follows :

Take Locatelli’s balfam ten drachms; myrrh (in
powder) three drachms 5 balfam of Tolu a drachm
and a half; oil of juniper a drachm; liquorice
powder to make a ball.

This to be given every other morning for a
fortnight or three weeks, aflifted with an
ounce of gum arabic, diffolved and given in
the water a little warm, and well impregnated
with gruel, twice every day. If the cafe is fo
fevere as to require (by its vifible debility)
external aid, let a portion of the following
embrocation be gently and patiently bathed
upon the part affefted, twice or thrice every
day*

Take opodeldoc and camphorated fpirits, of each
three ounces ; oil of origanum two drachms ; ex-
trad* of Saturn one ounce ; mix the extrad* with
the fpirits, then add the opodeldoc; and, laftly,
the origanum, fhaking well together every time
•f u>fing.

B b 2

The

372 STRANGURY.

The medicines in this clafs are particularly
efficacious, and will (by bringing the dofes
nearer to each other in refpeft to time as occa-
lion or exigencies may require) be found
greatly preferable to the dangerous fyftem of
powerful ftimulants, fo forcibly recommended
in former practice, when the admin iftration

of medicine was deftitute of the numerous

\ .

advantages refulting from the indefatigable
inveftigations of modern improvement.

: ... •

CLASS

i

\ 373 )

" 1 ’ i. . ' ... . I

CLASS XL

DISORDERS of the EYES.

There is no one part of this tradt more
entitled to ferious investigation than the fub-
jedt now before us ; for as no blemiShor defedt
can take fo much from the original value of a
horfe as the lofs of his eyes, fo it unluckily
happens there are few cafes lefs understood
or more improperly treated. The rays of
information can be but trifling to the general
reader, from a dull anatomical defcription of
the globe, tunica cornea ; the aqueous , cryftal-
hne, and vitreous humours ; the diftindt ante-
rior or pofterior chambers ; the adtion of the
mufcles or the optic nerve. The elaborate •
Study of fo complicate and delicate a Slrudture
(in the formation of which fuch an infinity of

B b 3 parts

374

DISORDERS

parts and technical terms are included) can
afford but very {lender intelligence to the lite-
rary enquirer ; as fuch a wonderful variety of
minute diftin&ions cannot be comprehended
by defcription, a juft and accurate difcrimina-
tion of parts being only to be acquired by
attentive and repeated diffe&ions.

We fhall, therefore, for the advantage of
general comprehenfion, confider the eye in its
external appearance only, with the difeafes
and injuries to which it is liable, reverting
occafionally to the great delicacy of its rtrudture,
and the exquifite fenfibility of the parts that
conrtitute the whole. This fuperficial defcrip-
tion, taken into confideration, becomes diverted
of technical jargon, and dirtin&ly compre-
hended by every individual in poffertion of
the blefii ng of light ; upon which balls may
be formed a very fair idea, blending an occa-
fional reference to their own fenfations ; with
fuch explanations as will be introduced to make
the different degrees of difeafe fufficiently un-
derrtood.

Previous to every additional obfervation, it
becomes indifpenfably necelfary to introduce

fome

8

OF THE EYES.

375

fome few remarks upon the cruelty and incon-
liftency of ancient pradice ; fubmitting fuch
conclufions and inferences as will naturally
arife to thofe readers who recur to this work
for information, amufement, or to fink a
tedious hour in the ferious talk of criticifm.
It has been before mentioned how exquifitely
fenfible this organ is of irritation ; and it muft
be admitted, no argument whatever can un-
dergo a more candid difcuffion than in an
application to our own feelings, inconve-
niencies, and difquietudes. To the fenfations
therefore of every individual I fubmit the
refledion, and venture to believe there are
none who may honour me with a perufal of
thefe pages but will, by a momentary retro-
fpedion, communicate to memory the recol-
ledion of fome acute pain, or excruciating
anguifh, he mull, in all probability, have
experienced from either the obtrulion of an
almoft impalpable particle of duft, or the at-,
tack of an invifible infed.

Revolving fuch circumftances for a few mo-
ments in remembrance, I claim his attention
to the following corroboration of that infa-
mous pradice I have, in the courfe of this

B b 4 work.

DISORDERS

'376

work, fo repeatedly, and (I flatter myfelf)
juftly, condemned. For inftance, Gibson
directs an infuflon of unflacked lime powerfully
impregnated with fal armoniac ; and tells you
at the lame time “ it is an excellent wafh for
“ all old obftinate ulcers.” Let any patient
reader draw an imaginary parallel between the
almoft inexprefiible irritability of this delicate
ftrudture and the callous furface of an “obftinate
“ ulcer he will then, no doubt, form a
proper judgment to decide upon the conflftency
of the practice. With a wonderful variety of
alternatives, prefcribed in all poftible forms,
we are directed by Bart let “ to take off the
“ film, by blowing into the eye equal parts of
“ white vitriol and fugarcandy finely pow-
“ dered.” ' And Bracken moft judicioujly
recommends 1 “ glafs finely powdered, mixed
“ up with honey and a little frejh butter:”

A number of fimilar inftances might be in-
troduced, from different authors, to juftify the
obfervations already made upon a pradtice fo
ftrange in its original adoption, and fo infa-
mous in its eftedt : I fliall however draw the
attention only to a few remarks, firft upon the
prefcription of Gibson, whole compolition

OF THE EYES.

377

muff poflefs incredible virtue to prove equally
applicable to an organ of fuch exquidte fend-
bility, and the foul furface of an inveterate
ulcer. Bartlet’s wonderful noftrum of white
vitriol and j'ugarcandy is alfo mod: Angularly
entitled to admiration ; for the corrofive qua-
lity of its ingredients, and the mode of appli-
cation taken into the condderation, will ren-
der it unneceffary for me to obtrude a dngle
thought of my own upon the occafion. But
the infallible fpecifc of Bracken cannot be
Buffered to pafs without proper refpcEl , as it
mud: afford matter of fpeculation to the curi-
ous, to inquire by what means an eftabliflied
compofition, for even the definition of rats,
diall be fo magically diveded of its pernicious
effects, as to be admitted a falutary application
to that part of the frame endowed with the
greated: portion of fendbility.

Thefe remarks fubmitted to public confidc-
ration, we proceed to expatiate upon the dif-
ferent difeafes of the eyes, whether as natural
blem idles, hereditary defeats, or proceeding
from external injuries. Such lift might be
very much extended by enlarging dillin&ly
upon the remote and feparate diforders j as the
7 gatta

378 DISORDERS

gutta ferena, cataract, film, &c. but as relief
is rarely obtained in thefe cafes, a very mi-
nute and extenfive defcription of the com-
ponent parts that conftitute the caufe, can
add but little, if any, to the general informa-
tion.

The gutta ferena is a partial or univerfal lofs
of fight, where no palpable defeCt or fault ap-
pears in the eye, except that the pupil is a
little more enlarged or contracted. The ap-
pearances of this blemifh are various, as well
as the caufes and effects, fome of its fubjeCts
being totally blind, and others barely enabled
to diftinguifh between light and darknefs.
The figns are a blacknefs of the pupil of the
eye, its lize being larger or lefs than ufual, ac-
cording to the caufe, and its not contracting
or dilating upon a fudden expofure to any de-
gree of light. In order to the cure, attend to
the caufe as the fxrlt ftep to an adminiftration
of medicine, from which, in truth, no great
expectation can be formed either internally
or externally -, more particularly from the
former, as the feat of difeafe is fo very remote
from the centre of medicinal aCtion. If the
defeCt fhould originate in a contraction of or

com-

OFTHEEYES._ 379

compreffion upon the optic nerve, very little
can* be done with an expectation of luccefs ;
and much lefs if it arifes from a palfy of that
or any neighbouring part.

A catarafii, like many other difeafes, is
attributed by different practitioners to dif-
ferent caufes, though the greater part coin-
cide in opinion that the defeCt is in the cryf-
talline humour of the eye, which, becoming
opaque, prevents the admiffion of thofe rays
upon the retina that conftitute vifion. To
enter at large into the profeffional definition
of thefe diftinCt difeafes, and moft minutely
into the probable or poflible means of relief^
would be to extend this fubjeCt beyond the
limits or compafs of the work itfelf. I fhall
therefore reconcile to myfelf the communi-
cation of a faCt almoft univerfally acknow-
ledged— that little, even in the human fpecies,
is now expeCled from the famous operation
of couching ; an experiment that is, taking
it “ all in all,” productive of advantages fo
very trifling, the recommendation of it here
can avail but little, particularly as the expences
^dded to the hazard and uncertainty of cure

could

380 DISORDERS

could gain but few profelytes to the prac-
tice.

In all blemilhes or defeats where a thicken-
ing of fome one of the coats, membranes, or
humours of the eye, has formed an appearance
of cataratt or film, it has been an eftablilhed.
and mold contemptible cuftom to bellow a
plentiful application of cbrrojive powders, un-
guents, and folutions, for the purpofes of obli-
teration ; without a fingle reflection upon the
abfurdity of endeavouring to deflroy by cor-
rollon, what is abfolutely feparated from the fur-
,face by a variety of membranous coverings,
according to the diftindt feat of difeafe ; with
which it is impoffible to bring the intended
remedy into contaCt, without firlt deflroying
the intervening or furrounding parts by which
the inner delicate ftruCture is fo numeroufly
guarded. It may not be inapplicable to
ftrengthen this remark, by reverting to the
great difficulty of folving a Hone in the human
body, to effeCt which fo many unfuccefsful at-
tempts have been made ; the mere folution of
the calculus out of the body is a matter univer-
sally known to the Faculty ; but the great and

difficult

OF THE EYES. 381

difficult object of cure is, to difcover a fofoent
that will ad upon the hone in the bladder of
the patient without injury to the parts in its
paffiage, or where it is contained.

This is a bleffing too great, I fear, ever to
be obtained by even the nobleft exertions of
human lfudy and application. Seeing there-
fore the caufe juft treated on in nearly a
fimilar point of view, with the almoft palpable
impoffibility of removing fuch obftacles,
without increafing the malady, I am confe-
quently prevented from introducing a chain
of prefcriptions that can pofitively only amufe
or deceive, as the methods hereafter pointed
out for the relief of different caufes or external
injuries may be in the above cafes adopted as
palliatives, according to circumffances ; but
lorry I am to acknowledge, that in fuch
inflances Nature will, in all probability,
prove the leall dangerous and expenfive
FARRIER.

The cafes that mofr frequently occur, re-
quiring medical aid or topical application, are
generally the effeds of cold, blows, bites , or
other external injuries. In thofe proceeding

imme-T

382 DISORDERS

immediately from cold, you perceive a vifible
inflammation upon the globe of the eye, and
internal furrounding parts, as the edges of the
eye-lids, &c. The eye feems diverted of its
former tranfparency, bearing a thick cloudy
appearance upon its outer covering, and is con-
rtantly difcharging an acid ferum or fliarp
water that in a fhort time almort excoriates
- the parts in its paflage. The horfe drops his
ears, becomes dull and fluggirti, frequently
fliaking his head, as if to rtiake off the ears,
becomes low and deprefled, difplaying, in every
action, pain and difquietude.

Here a revulflon of the perfpirable matter
has by fome obrtrudtion (either partial or uni-
verfal) been thrown upon thefe parts, to the
effects of which they become more liable from
their extreme delicacy and confequent irrita-
bility. To remove which, bleeding (in proper
proportion) murt precede every other confide-
ration ; to this fuc-ceeds a fpeedy adoption of,
and perfeverance in, the methods directed,
p. 198, with occaflonal references to p. 243,
and the following pages for inrtrudtions, fhould
fymptomatic fever attend. To cool the

parts

OF THE EYES. 383

parts and allay the irritability occafioned by
the fcalding ferum, prepare the following
lotion :

Take fugar of lead one drachm ;

White Vitriol two fcruples ;

Spring water half a pint ;

Brandy or camphorated fpirits one ounce or two
table fpoonfuls.

Let the eyes and furrounding parts be gently wafhed
with a fponge, or tow, impregnated with the
above folution, twice or thrice every day.

Should the inflammation not feem likely to
fubfide, but continue fixed on the part threat-
ening violence, have recourfe to a dozen of
diuretic balls, p. 106, ufing gentle work or
moderate exercife.

The effedts arifing from blows or bites may
be difplayed by different appearances, accord-
ing to the feverity of the injury fuftained.
Should inflammation and fwelling proceed
from either caufe, bleeding will be a prepara-
tory ftep to an early reduction of both ; a re-
petition of which, at proper diflances of time,

may

384 DISORDERS

may always be juflified by a non-fubmiffton of
fymptoms. The following preparation from
Goulard’s Extract, for the purpofe of external
application, becomes immediately necelfary,
and is accurately proportioned for this parti-
cular occafion :

Take extra&of Saturn (commonly called Goulard’s)
three drachms;

River, or pond water, one pint ;

Camphorated fpirits one ounce ;

Mix the extradl: with the fpirits, then add the water,
and let the parts afre&ed be plentifully embro-
cated three or four times a day, according to the
emergency.

If a large fwelling, laceration, or wound,
attends, after walking with the above, apply a
warm poultice of bread, milk, and a little of
the lotion, foftened with a fmall portion of
lard or olive oil, bandaging on, and covering
with a hood, to fecure its pofition. In cafes
of lefs danger, and in remote fituations, diftant
from towns, and the eafy procuration of medi-
cines, the following may be fubftituted, and
plentifully ufed ;

Take

'O f T H E EYES. 38 5

Take beft white wine vinegar half a pint ;

Spring water a quarter of a pint;

Eeft br?ndy a. wine glafs or half a gill. — Mix.

A wound upon any of the external parts*
occalioned by an inftrument or fevere bite,
muft be treated as directed under that head.
The above compofltions are properly adapted
to every purpofe for which they are prefcribed ;
nor can more powerful or efficacious repellents
or aftringents be applied to thofe parts, urtlefs
by the rude hands and ruder heads of unculti-
vated adventurers and defperate practitioners.

The former elaborate and deflrucftive com-
pofitions of corrohve powders, blended with
greafy fubftances, in the form of unguents, as
well as the poifonous lotions, are long flnce
exploded, as totally inadequate to the purpofes
for which they were fo learnedly difplayed ;
even that infallible of all infallibles, the great
fecret of Sir Hans Sloane, is at length
buried in oblivion, and has given place to more
modern improvements. In all cafes where the
globe and pupil of the eye retain their trans-
parency, fubjedt only to furrounding inflam-
mation, that, not feeming inclined to fubmit,

C c occa-

3S6 DISORDERS

occafional bleedings, a courfe of diuretics, as
before prefcribed, or three doles of mild phyfic ,
may be adopted ; affifting the whole with a
frequent ufe of either lotion > as moll applicable
to reigning fymptoms.

The haws are a preternatural enlargement
of the corners of the eyes, become horny, and,
being overgrown, approach the pupil, giving
the eye the external appearance of bad forma-
tion. The inftrumental extirpation of thefe
fubftances has been a favourite practice of long
handing ; and, like all others, has had its alter-
nate proportion of failure and fuccefs. After
reparation has been effected by the hand, needle,
and inftrument of the operative farrier,
any f mple -ftyptic or aftringent is generally
applied, and it is then juft an even bet, or
chance, whether you lucceed in the intentional
effect of your operation; for, having feen it
repeatedly productive of inflammation, and,
laftly, total blindnels, I cannot confcientioufly
recommend the practice ; on the contrary, to
eftablifh my own want of tafte, confefs I
would encounter tli2 lefter evil of the two, and
rather (for my own riding) prefer a horfe with
large hawj to one without eyes. 'This opinion

may

OF THE EYES. 387

may appear lingular to the profejfors of farriery ,
to whom I have fo particularly addrelfed a
variety of paffages in the early part of this
work, and indeed to whofe approbation it can-
not lay claim, being in diredt contradiction to
the pecuniary preponderation of their profef-
fional judgment and execution.

Cca CLASS

CLASS XII.

MALLENDERS, SALLENDERS, LAMPAS,
CURBS, QUITTORS, and RINGBONES.

MALLENDERS

Are cracks, or oozings, fituate directly upon
the back part of the knee joint, occafioned, in
general, more by negled than any cafual or
conftitutional defed in the fubjed. The mat-
ter they difcharge is, in fome, thin and acrimo-
nious, in others it forms a glutinous accumu-
lation in its oozing, and bears the appearance
of fmall fcabs or fcurfy efchars upon the fur-
face, conftituting a want of flexibility, or feem-
ing lamenefs in the joint. The firft Rep to
cure is, to have the parts well wafhed with
foap and warm water (forming a fubftantial
lather), repeating the operation night and

morning till the efchars relax from their

rigidity.

MALLENDERS. 389

rigidity, and feparate of themfelves. And this
will be more readily promoted by rubbing
in a proper proportion of the following oint-
ment, in an hour after the wafhing, when, by
time and wiping, they are tolerably dry.

t

Take camphorated fpermacceti ointment two ounces;

Cinnabar of antimony, and oil of tartar, per deli-
quium, each half an ounce ; — Mix, and ufe
plentifully twice a day.

So foon as the cracks are perfectly free from
fcabs orfcurf, a cure may reafonably be expect-
ed, by wafhing with equal parts of vinegar and
tincture of myrrh, moiftening the furface occa-
fionally with the unguent before-mentioned.
But where, from long neglect, or an acrimony
of the juices, they have acquired a degree of
virulence, not fubmitting to the above treat-
ment, let them be dreffed twice a day with the
ftrong mercurial ointment , previoufly wafhing
them well with a compound of vinegar, water,
and foap lees, equal parts. Should a percepti-
ble foulnefs in the fubject juftify the meafure,
take away a proper quantity of blood, and give
an ounce of nitre diffolved in water twice a day
for a fortnight, or a fhort courfe of the diuretic

C c 3 balls.

39° SAL, LENDERS, &c.

balls, p. 106. Where humours are attendant
upon other parts likewife, a gentle courfe of
mercurial pbyfic , lucceeded by antimonial alte-
ratives, may be preferred 3 feledting both from
the variety of prefcriptions under thofe heads,
taking care to proportion your quantities to
the ftrength of the fubjedt.

SALLENDERS

Are upon the inlide of the hough, or hock,
what the mal lenders are upon the backhde
of the knee; they originate in the fame caufe,
and are cured by the fame means, rendering
unnecellary and fuperfluous any farther obfer-
vations under this head.

L A M P A S

Is an enlargement of the roof of the mouth,
particularly in young horfes 3 and fometimes
becomes fo prominent as to projedt below the
teeth of the upper jaw, preventing the teeth
of the lower from coming into contadl for
the purpofe of maftication. The horfe is by
thefe means not only deprived of a great pro-
portion

N

L A M P A S.

39*

portion of the nutriment neceflary to his fup-
port, but becomes poor, weak, dejected, and out
of condition. Cuftom has eftablifhed an ufeful
and expeditous extirpation, by the actual
cautery or RED HOT IRON and, though I
am no advocate for fuch fiery remedies, where
they can be avoided, yet this is a cure fo
fpeedily effected by an expert operator, and the
horfe’s Suffering is fo very trifling, that when
a companion is drawn between the temporary
inconvenience, and the immediate advantage,
no hefitation can be made refpedting the
operation.

It is admitted, againft the operation, that the
lamp as appearing in young horfes, the roof
constantly continues to flatten and the teeth to
rife, confequently time alone may and confe-
quently would Surmount the obstruction ; but
where they are very prominent, the poor
animal muft patiently wait many months for a
good meed and will foon prove, by his emaci-
ated appearance, the applicable tranfpofltion
of the ancient adage, that “ while the teeth
“ grow the steed Starves.”

C c 4

When

- 392 QJJ I T T O R.

When the operation is performed, wafh the
part twice or thrice with the following :

Take honey of rofes and tinfture of myrrh, each one
ounce. — Mix.

U I T T O R.

A quit tor may originate in a blow, bruife,
laceration, or what is called a Jiub between
hair and hoof. An injury fuftained, likely to
conftitute this blemilh or defeat, cannot be top
foon fubmitted to the infpedtion of a FARRIER
of extenfive practice, whole conduct will be
ponfequently regulated by a proper refpedl to
his own reputation. I mean fuch application
fhould be early made where the case is
alarming; or, in more fuperlicial concerns,
when by circumflances or negledt it becomes
the immediate bufinefs of the operative

farrier

• /

' I

As injuries of the kin4 open a large field
for inftrudtions, many of which mull; confe-
quently depend upon the appearances of the
parts when injured, I can impart fuch direc-
tions only as correfpond with the defedt in

its

QJJ I T T O R. 393

its Rate of infancy:— So foon as the accident
is difcovered, (which it ought loon to be, in
the general examination of a borje’s feet, that
fhould always take place upon his return from
chaje or jourmy), walh well with a fponge and
warm water, to enfure a thorough cleanfing ;
then apply a pledget of tow, moiflened with
friar’s balfam, tindture of myrrh, or campho-
rated fpirits, repeating it once in twenty-four
hours, covering the exadt fpot with a portion
of fheet tea-lead, inclofed in a fmall piece of
linen, bandaging firm. All unctuous or grcafy
applications fhould be avoided, and great care
taken not to immerfe the foot in dirt or water
till the part is perfedtly united, and the furface
fufficiently hardened not to admit particles of
fand, gravel, or any other extraneous matter.
And this caution becomes the more neceffary,
when it is remembered that real QUITTORS
have originated from this very want of attem
tion more than in any other circumftance ;
many having been formed and confirmed in
what, properly managed, would have been
merely a fuperficial and temporary inconveni-
ence. See p. 160.

CURB S,

( 394 )

CURBS.

I

/

A curb is too univerfally known to require
a minute defcription ; it is a confiderable fwell-
ing below the hough, rather on the infide and
back part of the hind leg, and feems to have
been formed by an accumulation of extrava-
fated fluids that, in their ftagnation, have
acquired a callofity. It is productive of per-
ceptible pain in action, and foon edablifhes dif-
ferent degrees of lamenefs in different fubjects.
In its early ffate attempts may be made with
fome of the powerful repellents, p. 80 or 89 ;
but, upon- non-fubmiflion, after fair trial,
recourfe muff be had to one of the following
bliffers, care being taken to fecure the appli-
cation by bandage, the better to enfure a pro-
bability of fuccefs.

Take mercurial ointment, fix drachms ;

Cantharides and euphorbium [in powder) each two
drachms ;

Oil of origanum a drachm and a half j

Corrofive mercury one drachm ;

Mix the ointment with the powders, and add the oil.

9

/

Or,

RINGBONES. 395

Or,

Take fpirit of turpentine and olive oil each one
ounce;

Euphorbium and cantharides each two drachms }

Oil of origanum three drachms* — Mix.

Where thefe applications are unattended
with the defired fuccefs, the ceremony of firing
by an expert and judicious operator, with the
additional aid of long reft, are the only alterna-
tives that can be adopted.

RINGBONES.

The extirpation and cure of thefe come lb
immediately into the line of defcription and
mode of treatment with the laft article, as to
render animadverfion entirely unnecefiary :
they conftitute an inconvenience veiy rarely to
be furmounted in private practice, conle-
quently fall to the infpedtion and management
of the OPERATIVE FARRIER.

Docking,

RINGBONES.

396

Docking, cropping, nicking, and Shoeing,
are fo immediately the concerns of the Jmitb
and farrier , that they claim no part of our
attention in this publication, being totally
unconnected with the inveftigation of difeafe
or method of cure. It has been the intention,
through the courfe of this work, to render
both the original caufe of complaint, and ne-
ceffary administration of medicine, as clear as
the nature of each cafe would admit ; Such ex-
planatory paffages having been blended with
the different parts as muft perfectly reconcile
the whole to every comprehenfion. Enough
has been faid under the diftinCt heads of
GREASE, HIDE-BOUND, SURFEIT,
MANGE, and FARCY, to inculcate not
only a juft idea of the blood’s circulation, its
changes and effeCts, but to eftablifh a clear
and perfect conception of all thofe caufes that
conftitute the foundation of difeafes fo long
fagacioi/fly diftinguifhed by the denomination
of “ HUMOURS,” in a failure of a more
Scientific or fatisfaCtory explanation.

Influenced originally in the plan and form-
ation of this work by no other motive than the

ringbones.

397

general good ; and after twenty years expe-
rience and obfervation, being more perfectly-
convinced of the growing neceility for fuch
publication, it is now fubmitted to public in-
ipeCtion, as a prelude to future improvement ;
with an anxious with that it may prove an ex-
citement to fome more powerful agent, whole
fuperior abilities may do the fubjeCt greater
JUSTICE.

ADDITIONAL

( 398 )

ADDITIONAL REMARKS.

HE author having found it moft appli-

cable to the intentional utility of the
preceding work, to form the different difeafes,
confequent effects, and refulting obfervations,
into diftindt claffes, rendering the whole a
chain of unprecedented convenience to the
inquirer anxious for information ; yet there
remaining a variety of very ufeful obfervations
and inftrudtions that cannot with propriety be
blended with either, it becomes abfolutely ne~
ceflary io elucidate the whole by fuch additional
remarks as mufl render the work of much
greater and more general utility.

A cir

REMARKS.

399

A circumftance no lefs worthy obfervation,
than any of thofe already enlarged on, is
the very little refped paid to neatnefs and
confiftency in the management of draft horfes,
who, beyond every poflibility of contradiction,
not only earn their living more laborioufly,
but contribute more to the opulence and fup-
port of the natives than any other breed of
horfes in the kingdom. When I advert to
the management of draft horfes, I wifh not
to be underdood the pampered carriage
horfes of the great, fupported in the dyle of
hunters, for the various purpofes of public
parade and perfonal odentation; but that in-
finity of ufeful animals univerfally employed
in agriculture, road waggons, the barge and
coal trade, as well as many other purpofes
equally laborious and equally advantageous
to commerce and the community. Thefe
horfes have undoubtedly the greated portion
of labour, and mod; probably the lead of care
and attention ; from the extenfive concerns
of the proprietors, they are more generally
intruded to the very indifferent management
of fervants ; to whofe accounts maybejudlv
placed a majority of thofe defeCts or misfor-
tunes that fo frequently occur from blows,

bruifes,

4oo ADDITIONAL

bruifes, and a long train of probable indifcre-
tionsi From fuch variety of careleffnefs, in-
attention, and improper management, proceed
bad eyes , broken wind, grcafe , cholic , and many
other incidental difquietudes : but what renders
it a matter of hill greater regret is, their falling
under the unavoidable medical fuperintendance
of thofe very village farriers whofe brilliancy
of imagination and fertility of invention are
fo particulary difplayed in different parts of the
work.

Difeafes fo evidently refulting from neglect
and bad management, may be as certainly pre-
vented by proper care and attention; taking
them therefore in rotation, we , may venture
to affirm — -that by far the greater part of thofe
defeats in the eyes, frequently terminating in
a lofs of fight, are more the effect of external
injuries than internal deficiencies. The multi-
plicity of horfes, particularly of the cart kind \
whofe refpiration is attended with fo much
difficulty upon all occafions, (but Angularly
fo upon increafed exertion) as to be termed
* ‘ broken winded,” may be mofl readily and clear-
ly accounted for in the following manner. Ex-
clufive of what has been already faid upon this

fubjed

6

REMARKS. 401

lubjed under its diftind head (and to which
the reader is referred), a few additional obfer-
vations become immediately applicable upon
a fubjed of fo much confequence, which can-
not be too clearly explained* or too perfectly
underftood. For timei obfervationy and expert -
ence j having fuffieiently demonllrated how very
much the vifcidity of the blood is increafed by
coarfe, fully and foul feeding, there need be no
hefitation in affirming the frate of the lungs ,
(or, in a more familiar phrafe, the ftate of the
•windy) to be more or lefs affeded by the large
or fmall quantities of chaffy or grofs latter crop
of clover hay, confumed by this breed of horfes
during their conftant work ; particularly in
farmers' fablesy where a great part of their
aliment confifts of thofe articles with a fmall
' proportion of corn. Of chaff thus ufed and
intermixed with the corn, let it be underftood
there are different kinds, as the chaff of wheat,
oats, and a compound of hay and wheat ftraw
cut together j of all which it is hardly poffible
to afcertain the moft prejudicial: To thefe

the winter confumption of peas-haum and
barley-ftraw may be reckoned no inconfider-
able additions, the great quantity mafticated to
gratify the appetite affording fo little nutri-

D d

ment

402

ADDITIONAL

ment in proportion to the accumulation, that
the ftomach is perpetually overloaded with
grofs and heavy impurities, which, by its evi-
dent prefTure upon the diaphragm , not only
affedts the elafticity of the lungs (fee p. 221.)
but engenders a large portion of vifcid gluti-
nous matter, with which the finer veffels of
the lungs, in broken- winded horfes, are found
to abound, upon infpedtion, after death.

To fuch flrange and inconfiflent manner of
feeding may be added an abfurdity of equal
magnitude, in conflant practice with the ruftic
world in general, but farmers’ fervants in par-
ticular, of permitting their horfes to drink an
immoderate and unreftrained quantity of water
after full feeding, and the ufuajl rotational
abftinence of twelve hours ; by which mode of
practice the tendency to this defedt is very
much increafed.

In refpedt to the fimilar failure in horfes of
a fuperior clafs, I will, without the leaft caufe
for hefitation, venture to pronounce more have
been injured in this refpedt by the careleffnefs
of hoys , or inadvertency of Jervants (in that in-
fernal fyftem of hard galloping immediately

AFTER

5

REMARKS. 403

after water), than by any other means
whatever ; in fad:, it is a plan fo palpably con-
tradidory and deftrudive, that it fhould never
be permitted by the mafer, or adopted by the
groom. And there can remain no fhadow of
doubt but this complaint in every clatfs of
horfes may be rrioftly prevented by proper care
and attention in the fuperintendants ; the irre-
gularities in foody watery and the inconfiften-
cies already pointed out, contributing much
more to the original caufe of fuch defed than
the erroneous formation of parts fo hypothetically
afierted by thofe who have wrote before upon
this fubjed.

Another circumftance requiring the minute
infpedion and attentive obfervation of every
proprietor of draft horfes is, that injurious prac-
tice of country fervants (called carters) in giv-
ing large quantities of anifeed, diapente, fcenu-
greCy elecampane y and other powders, intermixed
with their foody upon a weak and ill-founded
opinion that thofe articles make their teams
appear fine in coat and full in flefli : indeed fo
ftrongly are they bigoted to the opinion in
many (but particularly the wefiern) parts of
England, that they expend, (unknown to their

E d 2 employers)

I

404 ADDITIONAL

employers) a very confiderable portion of their
earnings to gratify this ftrange infatuation. But
the evil does not reft here •, mifchievous inven-
tion has gone ftill further, and they frequently
apply oil of vitriol, and even aquafortis, upon the
tongue of the horfe, to prevent, as they fay, “ his
u taking cold by the ufe of the before-mentioned
“ ingredients A However abfurd, inconfiftent,
cruel, or unnatural, this practice may appear,
to fuch as are unacquainted with the low cun-
ning or ruftic ftnefte of thofe employed in the
management of what are called “cart ftables,”

I aver the fadt, as repeatedly brought home to .
perfonal knowledge and experience ; averting
likewife its having occasionally coft me much
trouble in endeavouring to deter the parties
from fo injurious and deftrudtive a practice, by
which alone many fine and valuable horfes
have been doomed to difquietude, difeafe, and
Sometimes death, the caufe remaining a matter
of rnyftery to all but the inhuman perpetrators.

So palpable a fadt Stands in need of no farther
animadverfion, being introduced merely to
prove that “ fuch things are,” and how evi-
dently neceftary the eye of circumfpedtion
becomes in the matter, to counteradt the mif-
chievous imprudence of the Servant.

1

We

REMARKS.

405

We now come to a caufe of difeafe very fully
treated upon and clearly explained in the
fecond clafs ; and as there are few difeafes
productive of more trouble, expence, and dis-
appointment (or fo frequently relinquished as
incurable), the necdfary advice by way of pre-
vention cannot be confidered obtrufive. For
minute observations upon the grsafe in cart
horfes y the reader is referred to, page 1 00 of the
work ; in continuation of which it is absolutely
necefiary to recommend a total reduction of
the enormous quantities of hair that is (in
compliment to ancient cuftom) permitted to
remain upon the legs and heels of horfes of this
defcription, that does, beyond every degree of
doubt, contribute greatly to the original caufe
of this difeafe. For Such predominant reafon
it is earneftly recommended to the proprietors
of all draft horfes whatever, to keep their heels
as clofely trimmed as poffible ; the advantages
are numerous and ftriking ; the harbour for dirt
and filth in winter, and the formation of Sweat
and dufi: in Summer, will be equally avoided •
to which considerations may be added the legs
being more readily and perfectly cleaned at
f,lj feafons of the year, and the indolence or

P h 3 negleCl

49 6 ADDITIONAL

negle<3 of fervants will, by thefe means, be
more particularly epunteradted.

No juft caufe can be afligned by the moft
obftinate why the heels ftiould not be kept
equally clean with the carcafs ; it is a mode of
condudt univerfally adopted with horfes of a
fuperior clafs, andreafon juftifies the affertion-^
that it is as abfolutelv proper and conducive to
health with the one as the other. In addition to

l ■».».*• • * * ; • 1

this precaution, there is another equally necef-
fary upon the leaft appearance of crack K [cratch >
or eruption j the parts ftiould be immediately
waftied well with a fubftantial lather of foap
and foft water, then wiped dry, and managed
as directed, p. 93, afiifting with a courfe of
diuretic balls, feledted from the index \
for which purpofe no medicine can be more
admirably adapted, as they generally ftimulate and
gradually promote the fecretions, carrying oft,
by the mildnefs of their operation, thofe flug-
gifh vifeidities that found the origin of difeafe.
It is alfo a circumftance of material confolation
to the owner, that, during this courfe, the
horfe is perfectly adequate to his ordinary
employment, free from the reftraint he muft

REMARKS. 407

be confequently laid under by the ufual purg-
ing medicines ; and the lead; doubt need not
be entertained but fuch feafonable adminidra-
tion will obliterate the foundation of much
difquietude and trouble.

The lad; fubjedt we fhall enlarge upon of
this kind is very frequently both dangerous and
alarming, being in general caufed more by the
inexperience or indifcretion of boys, negledt of
ftmants, or want of knowledge in the majier ,
than any other complaint in the long lid of dif-
eafes to which the horfe is incident. Experience
and accurate obfervation fully judify the declar-
ation that nineteen out of every twenty, attacked
with the flatulent cholic, or fret , become fo
from the previous and uncertain quantity of
water inconflderately given, or permitted to be
taken, either when they are exceedingly hot
and the blood in the date of increafed circula-
tion, or after being kept a conflderable time
in extreme third ; when, in either cafe, it- is
generally known they will fwaflow very large
quantities with the greated avidity. And it
may not be conlidered inapplicable to obferve,
that, fince the former editions of this work
appeared in public, I have been twice requeded

D d 4 to

4c8 ADDITIONAL

to give my opinion and advice in different cafes
t>f the flatulent cholic , occajfioned by the inad-
vertency of fervant boys, who had unluckily
brought on the complaint in its utmoft feverity
by the very means before-mentioned, as well
as a lingular cafe of the flrangury , by the
horfe’s being continued his round in a mill,
without permiffion to ffale, notwithftanding
his indications and frequent attempts for that
purpofe. Thefe illuhons are introduced merely
to prove the indubitable faCt, that fuch inftances
occur much more from inattention and negleCt
than the effeCt of chance.

Having communicated fuch information
upon the caufe of thefe difeafes as may proba-
bly contribute, in fome degree, to their preven-
tion, it becomes equally neceffary to introduce
a few additional remarks upon cafual inconveni-
• encies that very frequently occur, and yet could
not poffibly be ranked in any of the particular
claffes that confiitute the body of the v/ork.
The difigreeable confequences that fometimes
happen from the common operation of bleed-
ing (by an injudicious or inexperienced practi-
tioner) feem firfr entitled to obiervation 3 more
particularly as inftances are not wanting of very

alarming

REMARKS.

409

alarming fwellings forming immediately on
the part of incifion, fome of which terminate
very unfavourably, either in an indurated
tumour, a painful inflammation, tedious fup-
puration, and confequent difcharge of matter j
a lofs of the vein 3 or (by imprudent and inju-
dicious treatment) more diftrefling events than
either. Such cafes fhould always be particu-
larly attended to upon their earlieft appear-
ance, when there is little doubt but they will
foon fubmit to the following mode of manage-
ment, which I have never yet known once to
fail in a great variety of cafes.

Take extra# of Saturn, commonly called Goulard,
one ounce ;

Pond, or river water, half a pint}

Camphorated 1’pjrits two ounces.

The extract: and camphorated fpirits to be
Aril well lhaken together, then add the water,
letting the tumour and furrounding parts be
moll; plentifully bathed with the compofition
three times a day, bandaging on a flannel or
fubftantial pledget of tow wet with the fame,
till the fwelling fubfldes and is nearly ob,
literated.

The

410 ADDITIONAL

The oppofite opinions that have been, con-,
ndently promulgated, upon the properties of
Goulard’s extra# of Saturn, afford applicable
opportunity to venture a few words upon its
qualities, and the edimation it is held in, and
entitled to, among thofe whofe extenfive
practice muff have enabled- them to decide
upon the certainty of its effects. Every valu-
able difcovery unavoidably meets its opponents
from either pique, prejudice, obdinacy, or
ignorance ; the virtues of this medicine as an
external may therefore not be univerfally ac-
knowledged ; but, fo far as a long and attentive
experience will permit me to decide, I feel
myfelf fully judified in contributing my mite
of approbation to the extent of its efficacy
upon numerous occafons. Particularly as a
very powerful corroborant in deep feated
drains ; a repellent in the early date of in-
flammatory and painful fwellings, as well as ,
a general fpecific in mod injuries to the eye,
by blows, bruifes, or external accidents : its
peculiar property of preventing gangrene or
mortification, by plentiful incorporation with
poultices, or other topical applications, will
be fully proved by thofe who have occafion
to make the experiment.

By'

REMARKS.

AI I

'4

By this fmall and disinterested tribute to its
excellencies, I mean not to be considered its
immaculate panegyrist, extolling its efficacy to
a degree of unlimited infallability, ranking it
with the nojlrams pf the day, and publishing a
fafhionable certificate pf its poffemng the pro-
perty of banifhing every poffible ill ; but to
bring its properties fairly into the fcale of
public investigation, upon the foundation of
my own recommendation, justified by accurate
obfervation, affording me every reafon to believe
that, where it has been brought into ufe with-
out any good effeffs being produced by the
application, it has failed more from the inju-
dicious dilution of the prefcriber, or inferior
quality of the preparation, than any want of
efficacy in the medicine alone and this I am
the more readily induced to believe, by the
repeated difcoveries of erroneous proportions
in compofition, even upon the confeffions of
thofe whofe want of practice had left them
totally inadequate to the talk of forming a
competent opinion upon the different cafes
they had undertaken.

From this medical animadverfion we return
to the consideration of tumours before defcribed,

which.

412 ADDITIONAL

which, having taken a view of in their early
ftate, we proceed to confider in the more
advanced and dangerous ftages. Upon their
non-fubmiflion to the treatment already ex-
plained, a tendency to induration or fuppura-
tion may naturally be expedled, and in fa dt
difcovered upon clofe examination ; this being
perceived, the latter had better be folicited by
every poffble means, beginning with the
poultices and fomentations feledled from the
Index ; where a variety may be found under
their different heads. If appearances are
favourable, promiiing fpeedy maturation, let
the treatment be regulated by the directions,
p. 1 15, the progrefs and cure being promoted
by the very means fo minutely defcribed. But,
fhould thefe endeavours be produdlive of dis-
appointment, and no ftep gained towards a
difcharge of matter, the fwelling retaining its
original firmnefs, without the leaf! indication
of fluctuation, an induration of the tumour
may be apprehended ; to prevent which,
flimulating fpirituous applications become im-
mediately neceflary, and fhould be plentifully
bellowed ;

'*2

Tak-U

REMARKS.

4i3

Take (pints of wine half a pint •,

Camphire fix drachms ;

Oil of origanum two drachms ;

Diflolve the camphire in the fpirits of wine (by
frequent (halting), then add the oil of ori-
ganum.

The part tumefied to be well bathed with a
fufficient proportion of this liniment twice or
thrice a day, leaving a flannel or pledget of tow
upon the part wet with the fame, bandaging
up warm ; this, by its penetrative property, will
fo refolve and rarefy the contents of the tu-
mour, and Simulate the veflels, 'as to leave but
little doubt of a gradual repulfion. Should
that however not take place fo foon as expedit-
ed, two drachms of the ftrong mercurial
ointment had better be well rubbed upon the
part every morning, about two hours preced-
ing the ufe of the fpirituous application before
prefcribed. If the (welling has been permit-
ted to remain fo long unattended to, that this
mode of treatment becomes ineffectual, there
is very little hopes of removing the blemifh by
any other means, and, in all probability, they
had better never be attempted.

There

I

414 ADDITIONAL

/

There are other inflrudtions neceffary td
introduce upon certain complaints, that, like
thofe before-mentioned, have not been definable
under any of the diflindt claffes that form the
body of the Work. Of thefe a canker in the foot
feems entitled to preference, as.a defedt or mif-
fortune attended with great pain and difquietude
to the horfe, as Well as con flan t anxiety and
lofs of labour to the mailer, This complaint
is in general occafioned by negledl, in fuffering
the thrujh (by its unchecked continuance) to
a flume a degree of inveteracy, corroding the
furrounding parts and confuming the frog by
its acrimonious and penetrative property ;
promoting the growth of fungus in proportion
to the deflrudtion of parts originally found*
The fafefl and moil expeditious method of
reducing, which will be by occafional appli-
cations of lint well impregnated with the
following lotion, and properly fecured upon
the part, till, being entirely fubdued, the cure
may be effected with dreffings of the preci-
pitate digeflive (p. 163), and the furface after-
wards hardened by walking with tindlure oi
myrrh :

Take

REMARKS. 415

Take of corrofive fublimate and Roman vitriol, of
each one drachm ;

Spirits of wine one ounce ;

Spring water half a gill.

Let the fublimate and vitriol be reduced to a
very fine powder in a mortar ; then add the
fpirits by fmall proportions ; and, laftly, the
water, keeping the whole clofely flopped for
ufe.

To prevent defeats in the feet, good liable
management is at all times neceffary, but more'
particularly that kind of management diftindtly
adapted to the foot of the horle ; for every ex-
perienced fportfman or judicious obferver mull
have perceived how very much the Hate of the
feet vary in different fubjedts ; the hoofs of fame
horles being exceedingly hard and brittle,-
others equally foft and lpongy. It is worthy
obfervation that the feet of all horles are gene-
rally managed in the fame way, without revert-
ing to this material confideration ; that is, by
Hopping the bottom and oiling the hoof ; a
mode of treatment exceedingly proper with the
hard-footed horfe, but by no means with the
other. Horfes whofe hoofs are loft and lpongy,

or.

ADDITIONAL

416

or the frog impaired, fhould have their feet
flopped, as directed in p. 95, and the hoof fre-
quently hardened with vinegar, chamber-lye,
or fait and water.

A canker in the mouth is frequently very
troublefome from its fituation, and fometimes
productive of great difquietude by the length
of its continuance ; it originates in any excori-
ation or wound in the mouth, becoming foul*
and containing a corroding dough (in the ria-
ture of a fitfaji ) that mull be brought away or
deflroyed before a cicatrix can be formed to
pcrfeCt a cure. Various ancient rules and
prefcriptions have been tranfmitted from ge-
neration to generation for the performance of
this elaborate bufinefs ; fome totally inadequate
to the intent, and others fo cjficacioiilly power-
ful as to render the remedy worfe than the
difeafe. To remove every degree of fufpence,
as well as prevent trouble and diiappointment
in the purfuits of noflrums and far-fetched
remedies, the following method of cure may
be relied upon :

\

Take

t

REMARKS.

4'7

Take borax and burnt alum, of each half an ounce ;
let them be reduced to a very fine powder and
diflolved in a quarter of a pint of boiling water ;
when cold, add one ounce of ftyptic ti nature, and let
the parts be plentifully touched with the folution
twice every day, till the flough comes away; when
the cure may be completed, by touching occafion-
ally with tinfture of myrrh and white-wine vinegar
equal parts.

Sandcracks are cavities or cracks in fome
part of the hoof that are in general longitudi-
nal, and the effedt of a fpontaneous feparation,
occalioned by the hardnefs of the hoof, or fome
external injury upon the part. Such defedt,
whether from chance or accident, fhould be
well examined fo foon as perceived, and the
mode of management regulated by appearances ,
The leading points are to prevent the admifiion
of dirt or gravel, and to harden the furface
with frequent applications of tindlure of
myrrh ; avoiding all undluous and greafy ap-
plications till the cure i£ completed.. On the
contrary, fhould the cafe prove internal and '
deep feated, the affiftance of an operative far-
rier of extenfive practice cannot be too foon
obtained, to prevent, if poflible, thofe ble^.

\

418 R E M A R K S.

mifhes and defeats of the feet that inevitably
reduce a horfe to little or no value whenever
they happen.

The neceffary and unavoidable remarks upon
the management of draft horfes in the Appen-
dix, and the additional obfervations interfperfed
with the work, render unneceflary every apo-
logy for their introduction ; particularly when
it is known to have originated in an anxious
delire of the author to render the whole as
perfeCt as poilible, in gratitude for its very
flattering reception though feveral large edi-
tions.

SUPPLY

( 4T9 )

✓

SUPPLEMENT

T0 THE

GENTLEMAN’S STABLE DIRECTORY*

6 R

/

MODERN SYSTEM OF FARRIERY,

THE unlimited approbation of an indul-
gent public having ranked the Directory
very high in general eftimation, it would dif-
play an evident want of gratitude in the author
not to render the work as perfect as a conftant
accumulation of experimental remarks will per-
mit, and to further increale its acknowledged
utility, by the addition of every profeffional
improvement that can in the leaf! tend to
enlighten a fubje£t fo eagerly inveffcigated even

E e 2 by

420 SUPPLEMENT.

• /

by thofe who formerly affefted to negled: the
fuperintendence of both finds and /tables, as
matters too trifling for perfonal confideration.

Such indifference is no longer to be obferved,
or complained of, among the moft opulent or
fafhionable; for the wonderful avidity with
which the numerous editions of the Stable
Directory have been purchafed in this, and
rapeatedly printed in a neighbouring king-
dom, are demonftrative proofs that the fubjedt
has acquired new life from fuch publication,
and that the medical and cbirurgical parts of
Farriery are emerging very rapidly from the
rude and illiterate hands in which they were
originally placed.

Upon this flattering improvement the au-
thor has to gratulate' the public, as well as his
own fenfations, upon a ieries of fuch uninter-
rupted fucccfs; for the great purport of his
publication may be confxdered in a certain de-
cree gratified, when thefirft fortunes and’ abi-
lities no longer filently and implicitly fubmit
the noble ft and moft valuable animal on earth
to the ignorance and obftinacy of every unen-
lightened adventurer, but with a generous
, emulation

SUPPLEMENT. 421

emulation condefcend to inveftigate the origin
of difeafe, and comprehend the rational method
of cure. This palpable conviction has arifen
from the very great number of noblemen and
gentlemen of the firft eminence, who have not
only honoured the author with their confidence
and correfpondence, upon the utility of his
Directory, and the great efficacy of his Me-
dicines, but called in his afiiftance upon cafes
of the greateft difficulty and danger , where a
ftriCt attention to his inftruCtions has been
attended with the mojl perfect J'uccefs.

In a work of fo much extent, involving fuch '
variety, and aiming fo much at general reform-
ation, perfection at fir ft was not, could nott
be expeCted ; constantly increafing practice and
experience, with incefiant application and at-
tention, muft perpetually, throw new lights
upon many parts of the whole, and render per-
fectly applicable the communication of fuch
remarks as may tend to make complete ag
poffible, a traCt, in which the public at large
have proved themfelves fo immediately inte-
rested,

E e 3

Thus

422 SUPPLEMENT.

Thus far by way of apology for introducing,
under the appendage of a Supplement, what
became in fadt a matter indifpenfable ; for to
its neceflity fuch a combination of circumstances
bear powerful evidence, that it was no longer
to be avoided : the literary complaints of j'ome ,
and anonymous expostulations of others , upon
the fubjedts we proceed to treat, as well as the
perfonal Superintendence and affiStance the
author has been required to give, in thefe very
cafes ,fingular, alarming, and even fatal, where
nature has been ridiculouSly checked, or obsti-
nately oppofed, render fuperfluous any farther
defence for its introduction.

■ - \ •_ . ,K . .

Although the fubjedt matter of this addition
is fuppofed to conftitute a mere animadverfion
upon lamenefs ‘preceding from thorn wounds,
and pundtured or lacerated tendons, yet there
are variety of experimental oblervations (how-
ever inferior, individually contidered) that
become equally neceflary to out prefent deiign
pf rendering the work as nearly applicable as
poftihle to the wants or withes of So very
numerous a body of readers.

1 . * v # ‘ ‘

To

SUPPLEMENT. 42^

To juftify, in a great meafure, the mode of
practice to be inculcated, and hereafter laid
down] to counteradt the malicious or pre-
judiced remarks of the interefted or diffatisfied,
as well as to eftablifh, upon an incontrovertible
bafts, the rational, proper, and fuccefsful me-
thods of treatment, recent cafes in point will be
quoted and however improper it may be to
introduce the names of characters too eminent
for fuch publication, yet no kind of fecrecy
will be at all neceffary refpedting the parties,
whenever thofe fubjedts become the profeflional
topics of converfation between the author and
his friends.

Such cafes will be likewife illuftrated to de-
monftrate the confiftency, propriety, and fuc-
cefs of modern ■ practice, in oppolition to the
ancient fyftem, fo repeatedly enlarged upon in
the courfe of the work. A very great number
of literary applications having been addreifed
to the author, from different parts of the king-
dom, requiring a further explanation upon
many fubjedts, and a continuation of others, it
is his earned defire to elucidate every pa f age,
fo as to render it perfedtly clear, and to de-
fcend to fuch minutiae, for the gratification' of

E 2 4 inquirers.

424 SUPPLEMENT.

inquirers, as did not appear fo immediately
necefiary in the firft formation of the Directory.

* ' /

But the doubts of fome, and the timidity
(added to the inexperience) of others , having
thrown difficulties in the way of the mod:
fimple operations, it becomes a duty incum-
bent to obviate thofe complaints, and leave in
future (if poffible) little room for oppofition
from the interefted or diffatisfied.

Thefe obfervations are only made to prevent
furprife at the occafional introduction of fome
remarks in the courfe of this addition, that
may, to the more experienced and enlightened
reader, feem very much inferior to the magni-
tude of the fubjeCt, not confidering how many
there are whofe infantile judgment mud: re-
ceive every injtrufiion from the pages before
them.

Under the influence of this condderation it
becomes (particularly after the frequent oppo-
jfition from fervants or grooms) perfectly appli-
cable to introduce a few inftruCtions upon the
very fimple aCtof neatly delivering a ball to the

horfe,

SUPPLEMENT. 425

, • \

horfe, without a fear of regurgitation ; a cir-
cumftance that very frequently happens to
thofe who are little acquainted with the proper
mode of operation : and thefe directions will
not (to many) appear fo immediately neceffary,
unlefs I communicate what will hardly be
thought pojjible, but by thofe who know the
circumdances to be well authenticated, in my
own neighbourhood, where it very lately
occurred.

A valuable horfe, the property of Capt.

W , having been under a courfe of the

PeCtoral Cordial Balls for a fevere cold, eleven
had been given without the lead; difficulty ;
but in giving the twelfth and lad of the courfe,
the fervant not perceiving the ball pafs the gul-
let, erroneoufly conceived the ball was lodged
in the throat, and (ridiculous as it may feem)
abfolutely fet mod manfully to work with half
a broom handle to diflodge the ball, till he had
fo bruifed and lacerated the furrounding parts,
that a violent inflammation enfued, and it was
not till after the indudrious efforts of a fort-
night, that the poor animal could be pro-
nounced out of danger from this new and very
extraordinary mode of operation.

To

426 SUPPLEMENT.

To obviate fuch trouble, and to render un-
ne ceffar y the ufe of the farrier’s favourite inflru-
ment, “ a balling iron,” (only calculated to
increafe the difficulty), I prefume to introduce
fuch inftruCtions for the adminiftration of a ball
as will enable the operator to deliver it with
die greated eafe to himfelf and fafety to his
patient. Firft holding the ball in the right
handy longitudinally and equally furrounded by
the fingers and thumb, let the left be infinuated
on the off fide of the mouth, when, taking
gently hold of the tongue, draw it fteadily out
between the tu{k and the grinders, then grafp-
ing it with great firmnefs, introduce the right
hand with the ball, and palling it up with a
proper degree of refolution, to the higheftpof-
fible point, lodge it upon the root of the
tongue, infiantly pufhing it forward with your
fingers, and withdrawing your hand, place it
under his jaw, let loofe the tongue, and raife
his head, where, holding it far a very fhort
fpace, the ball is perceived to pafs without the
lead difficulty: while, on the contrary, ahorfe,
either timid or refractory, is made much more
fo by the painful uie of an iron that, from
its very fhape, appearance, and method of
introduction, is evidently calculated to pro-
mote

■

SUPPLEMENT. 427

mote or increafe the difficulty it was intenae,d
to prevent.

Thefe particulars, trifling as they may ap^
pear to thole expert in the practice, are never-
thelefs more particularly neceffary in the pre-
fent improving hate of medicine, where re-
formation is making fuch rapid ftrides, that
the adventurous opinions of ruftic farriers, and
the dangerous compolitions they provide, bid
exceedingly fair to encounter a partial oblivion :
and as numbers of the firfh fpor ting eminence
have publicly declared their unalterable deter-
mination to commence and continue their own
farriers , fuch directions cannot be too clearly
explained or univerfally known.

It will, previous to a continuation upon the
fubjedt, be perfectly in point to obferve, it was
not till after a very rapid fale of the third
edition of the Stable Directory, that I en-
tertained the lealt idea of preparing my molt;
efficacious medicines for the accommodation of
the public in general; and even then the
thought occurred not more from the frequent
fupplies required by noblemen and gentlemen
at remote diftances, than an obfervation of great

weight

428 SUPPLEMENT.

weight, made by one of the moft opulent
lporting characters in the kingdom.

* That having repeatedly purchafed his
4 Purging Balls ready prepared, he was eter-
4 nally perplexed and difappointed in their
4 efteCts i lorne being exceedingly violent and
4 dangerous , while others under the fame name,
4 price , and description, were fcarcely per-
4 ceptible in the operation, and this frequently
4 happened in the fame fubjeCt; a contraft fo
4 oppofite, he could no way reconcile but by
4 a fuppofition that fo large a quantity might
4 be made together, as to render impracticable
4 a regular incorporation of the ingredients,’

A remark fo perfectly appofite and appa-
rently juft, immediately determined me upon
the perfonal preparation of my moft powerful
prefcriptions, under the feal and fignature of

» . i

44 Taplin’s genuine Horse Medicines,”

0

as a counteraction to the adulteration fo fully
explained in the preface \ and it is no fmall
recommendation to the undertaking, or gratis
fication to the proprietor, that, from the flrft

hour

SUPPLEMENT. 429

hour of embarkation, arnidft the incredible
confumption in the metropolis, and almoft
every part of England, to the amount of many
hundred dozens , not a fingle complaint of the
inefficacy of purgatives , pe florals, diuretics, or
any of the whole lift of his advertifed medi-
cines, has ever reached the author. On the
contrary, innumerable congratulations upon
their various good effedts are conftant in arrival ;
but as declarations bearing fo much the appear-
ance of fafhionable attachment to fef-interefi ,
will not be univerfally believed palpable proofs
of their genuine utility, the applicable intro-
duction of a few concife inftances of their
acknowledged efficacy, cannot be conftdered
obtrulive, when evidently and equally adapted
to the promotion of public good.

Before I proceed to the inveftigation and
proper treatment of thorn wounds, punctured
or lacerated tendons, and their dreadful effedts,
it becomes abfolutely neceffary, I refer the read-
er to my conclulive remarks upon Wind-
galls, in the clafs under that head, in the early
part of the Stable Directory, where it will
be found how very emphatically I have repre-
sented the hazard, the danger (not to add the

fiUy)

43$ SUPPLEMENT,

jolly ) of attempting their cure by perforatiotfy
and endeavoured to inculcate, mojl forcibly , the
only probability of fucceedmgin the effort, by
‘ performing the operation witn a bijlory , and
‘ the motion of elevation f

After fuch cautions, fo earnestly urged, it is
ftrange to relate that within the circle of my
own practice, I have been required to give my
affiftance in two cafes, where very fine and va-
luable horfes have been irretrievably loft, and
doomed to the hounds they had fo nobly fol-
lowed, by the rafh and imprudent officioufnefs
of two of the faculty, who, prefuming moft
certainly more on their confidence than their
judgment, facrificed to lelf-confequence and
the deftrudfve lancet, hunters of figure, fajhion>
Jpeed , and value , not to be exceeded in the
kingdom ; ftrengthening by their imprudence,
the obfervation of a celebrated writer, ‘ that
« more have died by the improper ufe of the
« lancet than the point of the fword..’

To prevent in future (if pofiible) fuch con-
temptible efforts of profeliional fterility, to
guard the unwary from becoming dupes td
their own credulity, 'and the dangerous efforts

of

SUPPLEMENT. 431 •

of hazardous experiments, is much more the
motive of inducement to recite fuch cafes, than
any promifed expedition of permanent relief
from the .mode of treatment moft applicable
to the predominant fymptoms of either, which
will neverthelefs be accurately explained.

CASE

O F A

PUNCTURED TENDON.

In the month of Auguft, 1788, I was ap-
plied to by a character of the firft eminence, to
give my opinion upon one of the firffc hunters
in England, for which he had been repeatedly
offered a hundred and twenty guineas. Upon
my arrival I found the horfe labouring under
the moft excruciating and indefcribable agony,
totally unable to let his off hind foot to the
ground, and, from the higheft poffible condi-
tion, very much emaciated in a few days with

the extremity of pain. Inveftigating by in-

*

7 quiry

432 SUPPLEMENT.

quiry the caufe of complaint, I was informed
that a ftudent in furgery, from one of the
hofpitals, had lately been upon a vifit to the
family ; he was frequently in the ftables, and
perceiving an enlargement juft above the
footlock joint, which denominating a windgall>
he difplayed a great defire to obliterate by per-
foration. This being too kindly (too inadver-
tently) permitted by the owner, he attempted
the operation with a common lancet , but with
fo little fortitude and fuccefs, that in making
his incifton, the natural motion and rejecting
effort of the animal, falcinated the inexperi-
enced operator in his firft attempt, and de-
prived him of his inftrument (which was the
next day found in the litter), but not till he had
given a deftrudive proof of his inability, and
afforded a moft ftriking corroboration of the
remarks before alluded to in “ The Directory,”
upon this unlucky mode of extirpation.

Proceeding to minute infpedion, I found
the whole joint and furrounding parts in the
hi°heft ftateof tenfion and inflammation; the

kD

orifice of the injury fo very trifling as barely to
admit the end of a probe, and fo exceeding
painful as not to bear the leaft prefture, but by

much

SUPPLEMENT. 433

N

much difficulty and perfeverance 3 from every
predominant fymptom (and they were all equal-
ly violent), I could not entertain a momentary
doubt, but the extenfor tendon was as much
punctured, lacerated, or divided, as the diminu-
tive fize of the inffrument ufed, and the ob-
fixudtive motion of the horfe would admit.
This apparent fadtl was induced to believe (by
the feverity of pain, and almoft. uncommon vio-
lence of fymptoms,) that the point of the
lancet was broken off in the attempt, and retained
in the wound: upon premhing this fear to the
groom, he affured. me that was not the cafe ;
for the inftrument was perfect when found.
How that could be, after remaining under a
horfe in his litter for twenty-four hours (as the
lancet was not produced) will never be clearly
reconciled to my own opinion , who have fo
. conftantly fuch an inftrument in my hand.

To return: finding the orifice (fmallasit
Was) difcharge, upon prejffure , a bloody ichor,
or indigefted fanies, and the edges to have
acquired a very rigid callofity, I determined
(that the digeftion might not be a moment
retarded, when fufficiently fuppurated for fe-
paration) to enlarge the orifice, by dividing the

Ff

integument

434 SUPPLEMENT.

integument fuperfic tally with the biftory, to the
length of an inch in the whole.

I then proceeded to the immediate ufe of a
fomentation, prepared exceedingly ftrong from
the various aromatic herbs, as rofemary and
lavender blended tvith wormwood and camo-
mile, continuing to foment the whole limb,
from above the hough downwards, with a
large fponge, conftantly impregnated with the
decodtion, hot as it could be applied, without
injury, for at lead; a quarter of an hour, then
dreffing with a pledget of very warm yellow
digeftive, covered the whole offered part with
a powerful fuppurative poultice, and repeated
the fomentation, dreffing, and poultice, twice
every day, 'till a tolerable difcharge was pro-
moted, which was not for fome confiderable
time ; and even then effected by increafing the
heat of the fomentation and the drength of
the poultice, as much as circumffimces would
bear.

The general intent of the treatment was in

O

fome degree anfwered •> for the pain was greatly
mitigated ( except tn motion ) and the difcharge

moderate, but fo very feet id 3 and of fo cor-

rofive

SUPPLEMENT. 435

rofive a tendency, that it formed finufes in every
direction downwards, furrounding the bones
to the different depths of two, three, or four
inches. A feparation of parts in the prefent
complication was abfolutely impracticable,
without rendering to a certainty the remedy
worfe than the difeafe. Thus fituated, no
hope of cure could be entertained but by a
reunion of the divided parts; to promote which,
a conftant fyringing with detergents was
adopted at every drefling, the wound was
covered with lint, plentifully impregnated with
the liable digeftive, as warm as could be
applied with fafety, fir ft infinuating as much
as poflible within the orifice (in the manner of
a tent), and covering all with a common
poultice of bread, milk, and oil, as the beft bed
for fo tender a part*

By a perfeverdnee in this mode of treatment
the finufes were perfectly united from the bot-
tom, and the wound completely healed (or
cicatrized) in little more than a month from
the time of my being called in, with no other

S external inconvenience than a trifling enlarge-
ment of the joint, and an apparent callofity of
the integument* But, as I had every reafon to

F f 2 ; believe,.

9

\

436 SUPPLEMENT. '

believe, from the firft moment of inspection,
fo it terminated, in oppofition to every humane
endeavour of the owner ; for, after a run of
near twelve months, with no other perceptible
advantage than a feeming relief from violent
pain, and without the power of walking or
uling even gentle motion with the foot affected,
an end was unavoidably put to his exigence,
amply demonftrating the danger of experi-
• ments, and the prudence of fometimes

“ Bearing thofe ills we have,

“ Rather than fly to others we know not of.”

A cafe of the fame complexion, and produced
by the very fame means , will hereafter come
under recital ; but, as its termination has been
very different from the former, I {hall intro-
duce others in the way they occured.

After all that has been theoretically and
practically advanced by different writers (in-
cluding what has been faid upon the fame
fubjeCt in the The Stable Directory) it will, no
doubt, afford the mod lingular fatisfaCton to
many, that an opportunity has offered to intro-
duce a fuccefsful and well authenticated cafe
of the Farcy, where a complete cure has been

effected

SUPPLEMENT. 437

effected by the rational fyftem already laid
down, with no other variations but fuch as
temporary appearances rendered unavoidably
neceffary.

A SUCCESSFUL CASE

o F

THE FARCY.

In the month of September, 1788, I was
called to one of the molt opulent characters in
Windfor-Forelt (redding in the neighbourhood
of the cafe before-mentioned), who, having a
blood mare labouring under a very fevere and
uncommon eruption, was told by his groom
and liable attendants, that the difeafe in quef-
tion was the Farcy, for which no cure could
be expedted.

Flaving confulted every author in his library
(and they were all there) who had written

F f 3 upon

A

438 SUPPLEMENT.

upon the difeafes of horfes, he was pleafed to
fay, 4 he could difcover no fatisfaCtory invefti-
c gation or explanation of the origin, no fyjfte-

* matic mode of treatment, or probability of

* cure, but in the Stable Directory ; which had
4 given him fo perfect a reprefentation of far-
4 riers’ practice in general, that he was deter-
4 mined to ejitruft no cafe of confequence to
4 their management, and enjoined me to un-
4 dertake the fuperintendance.’ I found, upon
inquiry, the mare had been bled in an early
ftage of the appearance 5 but, the owner being
a long iime abfent from home, the mare had
been continued at full feed, and no medicinal
hep taken to reftrain or counteract the progress
of difeafe,

That I might the better afcertain the prefen t
hate of the blood, I ordered three pints to be
taken away, which, almoft immediately after
its extravafation, formed a rigid coagulum,
producing upon the furface a coat of fize more
than two inches thick, fo very vij'cid that a
pen-knife, exceedingly fharp, barely effected
its feparation, the craffamentum uncommonly
livid and adhefive, denoting a gre^t degree of
Inflammation .

This

SUPPLEMENT. 439

This was the exadt ftate I had reafon to be-
lieve I fliould find it in, from every external
appearance and examination ; for, upon taking
off the pellicle from any particular puftule, I
obferved the difcharge to be of glutinous con-
iiftence, putrid, and offenfive, very different
from what we fometimes find an acrimonious
ichor . As a preparatory ftep to the introduc-
tion of medicine, I inftantly altered the regimen
to warm mafiies three times a day, with hay in
fmall quantities, and one ounce of nitre dif-
folved in both the morning and evening por-
tions of water, making two ounces for every
twenty-four hours : during this mode of com-
mencement, I perceived the oft' leg behind to
fwell fo rapidly, from the footlock joint to the
ftifle, and throw out fuch a general fulnefs,
particularly on the infide the thigh, that I could
not entertain a momentary doubt but a critical
formation of matter would inevitably take
place. To promote which, with all pofiible
expediton, I encreafed the fupport, by fub-
ftituting plenty of corn for the mafhes, and
called in the additional aid of ftrong and fre-
quent fomentations, hot as could be ufed with-
out injury (with two large pieces of lponge

F f 4 alternately)

440 SUPPLEMENT.

alternately) for the threatened fuppuration was
too extenfive to admit the application of poul-
tices by any bandage that could be invented.
This crifis was evidently an effort of Nature in
our favour, and a few days afforded great pro-
bability of fuccefs ; for two fmall apertures
appearing on the infide of the thigh, at about
three inches diflance (from which flowed
matter of the confiflency before defcribed),
and the probe paffing diredtly through both,
forming a complete finus, I made an entire
feparation with a biflory, and obtained a dif-
charge almofl idcredible. I perfevered in my
fomentation, and dreffed with warm digeflive ;
but at the fecond drefiing I difcovered deep
feated finufes forming in different directions,,
and furrounding the hough joints, where no
fharp pointed inflruments could be infinuated
without danger. In the next four- and- twenty
hours another wound appeared on rather the
fore part of the infide of the joint, diredtly
upon the flexor tendon, bearing all the marks
of virulence and inveteracy, continuing to
throw out fuch fucceflions of fungus as not
to be conceived by thofe unacquainted with
the practice,

Jn

SUPPLEMENT. 441

In this predicament followed a fecond ftrug-
gle for fuperiority between the natural anxiety
and impatience of the employer, and the judg-
ment and reputation of the employed; the
former repeatedly dooming the patient to the
king’s kennel at Afcot, the latter as conftantly
imploring her rej'pite ; which having with much
difficulty finally obtained, I immediately form-
ed, my medical arrangement, and proceeded
without variation or interruption in the fol-
lowing way. — Having two days before begun,
a courle of my (advertifed) alterative powders,
in the morning and evening feeds of corn,
(firft fprinkled with water to infure their ad-
hefion and confumption), I now added an
ounce of Peruvian bark in powder to be given
twice every day, in three quarters cf a pint
of thin gruel, repeating the ounce of nitre
in the water, night and morning, without
intermiffion.

I adopted this plan, upon a perfect confi-
dence that fuch fyftem would effed all that
could be expedited from medicines internally ;
then directing my attention to the complicated
wounds and finufes (that in fad bore a defpe-
fate afped), my great hope and expedation

confided

442 SUPPLEMENT.

confided in correcting the morbid matter, and
fupporting nature ; as neither drength or ap-
petite feemed yet to fail, nor had condant pain
vifibly didrefled the patient, or reduced the
frame.

•

The almod unprecedented growth of fun-
gus bidding defiance to every confident cor-
rofree caujiic , or ej char otic, I had no alterna-
tive to effect my purpofe but the edge of the
knife; to this never failing refource I daily
applied for extirpation, repeating the fuperfici-
a! fcarifications longitudinally and tranfverfely,
fo as not only to excite plentiful difeharges of
grumous inflammatory blood, but to difunite
and dedroy the very foundation of this obdruc-
tion to cure". After thefe fcarifications the
wounds were drefled with the precipitate oint-
ment, and covered with warm digedive, a
mode of treatment that foon gave the tvhole
a very healthy appearance, and promfed gra^.
dual improvement.

As I have before obferved, the finufes were
fo fituated amidft the mufcular and ligamen-
tary parts, that indrumental feparation was
not only dangerous but impoflible ; a cure

could

SUPPLEMENT. 443

could therefore only be obtained by a perfe-
verance in the mode of treatment belt adapted
to the exigency of difeafe. Availing myfelf
of experimental obfervation, I continued to
cleanle them thoroughly at every dreffing with
the injection of tindture of myrrh (by means
of a long-necked ivory fyringe), the beft bal-
famic detergent for foul wounds, inveterate ul-
cers, or deep feated finufes, I have been able
to difcover in the whole clafs of externals,
during a long and attentive practice.

Proceeding regularly in this track, with a
punctual adminiftration of the internal medi-
cines before recited, and the external applica-
tions fo minutely defcribed, the mare, in little
more than fix weeks, was completely cured,
perfectly free from every appearance of eruption ,
lamenefs, or difeafe, and is now in foal by a
celebrated Arabian of the Royal ftud.

To thofe who may with to have farther ani-
madverfion upon the diftindt and adting pro-
perties of the medicines internally applied, I
can only obferve, fuch explanation would very
far exceed the limits originally prefcribed for
the extent of this addition ; it muffc therefore

fuffice

444 SUPPLEMENT.

fuffice to fay, if I had formed a hope of reduc-
ing inflammation , correcting acrimony, and refcu-
ing the whole mafs of olood from an inveterate
and dangerous hate of morbidity , by the ufe of
the alterative powders , ba?~ky and nitre , I muffc
confider myfelf exceedingly fortunate, that
they completed, in conjunction , what, perhaps,
might have been effected by any part of
the whole.

A SUCCESSFUL CASE

O F

LIGAMENTARY ‘LAMENESS,

The former cafe was fucceeded by a fevere
ligamentary lamenefs in the carriage -horfe of
a gentleman, within three miles of my own
refidence, that had fuftained confiderable in-
jury in the articulation of the hip joint , by a
violent fall, in fuddenly flipping up when wan-
tonly exerting himfelf (at liberty) with his

companion

SUPPLEMENT. 445

companion returning from pafture ; the lame-
nefs was fo very fevere that it was with the
greateft difficulty he could draw the near hind
leg after him, and felt great perceptible pain
in being obliged to move it forward, which he
did with palpable rellidtance, not bearing the
lead; weight upon it, or hardly permitting it to
touch the ground. 1

* In four days after the accident, I was re-
quired to give my affiftance, and found, by
the external appearance, that the article called'
opodeldoc had been very plentifully ufed, till
the foap it contained had fo caked and accu-
mulated upon the furface, (cementing the hair
into fuch a folid mafs) as to render the pene-
tration of any fpirituous application abfolutely
impoffible. This fadt I clearly demonftrated
to the owner, and was not at all furprifed to
hear he had reaped no advantage from his in-
dustrious application.

It was unavoidably neceffiiry to adopt a very
different mode of proceeding ; I therefore re-
commended the immediate and frequent ufe •
(three times a day) of a Strong and hot fomen- -
tation with a fponge, as before directed, not

o only *

446 SUPPLEMENT.

only to thoroughly cleanfe the furrounding
parts from the J’aponaceous obJiruSiion of corro-
borants, but to take off the ftribture from the
part, and relax the porous fyftem, preparatory
to the rubbing in of the following ftimulants,
that their penetrative properties might obtain
the readier powers of a&ion upon the internal
parts affedled.

\

After the ufe of the fomentation for full
ten minutes, I ordered half a gill (two ounces)
of camphorated Jpirits to be gradually rubbed
over the whole, immediately following it up
with the fame quantity of my advertifed “ em-
brocation for lamenefs or Jiramsy rubbing it
in with fuch degree of perfeverance, as to -leave
no doubt of 'its penetration, and to let thefe be
repeated after each time of ufing the fomen-
tation.

Having fuperintended this ceremony at the
fir ft operation, I was requeued to give my
opinion, “ how long I imagined it might be
before the horfe would be able to bear his
(poft chaife) part of a journey to Southamp-
ton, which the family was under promife to
make?” To which I undoubtedly replied.

SUPPLEMENT. 44 7

the talk of decifion was too arduous to under-
take, but in lefs than a month or fix weeks
was not to be expedted. — On the fourth day,
however, the fervant was difpatched for a fop-
ply of camphorated fpirits, and another bottle
of the embrocation, with information from his
mailer, that “ the horle was mending for-
prilingly.” In a few days after, having a pro-
feffional journey to the fame neighbourhood,
I made inquiry a matter of convenience, and
found at the houfe that the horfe had fet out
upon his journey, with the family, in about ten
days after my being called in, from whence he
returned as perfectly found as before the acci-
dent.

From the circumflances of this cafe (amidlb
many others), I am induced to bring forward
an obfervation I have repeatedly made upon
the ufe of opodeldoc in animals, where its moll
ellential parts cannot come into immediate
contadl with the fkin, as is evidently the flate
of the cafe with horles, cattle, dogs, &c. where
the hair, in greater or lefs quantities, upon the
integument, fo entirely abforb the foap in the
firfl operation of rubbing, as to form an adhe-
five obdrudtion to porous admiffion, and a
7 confcquent

448 SUPPLEMENT.

confequent rejection of the more penetrative
ingredients in every future application. And I
cannot indulge the fhadow of doubt, but thofe
who have tried the experiment, or made the
obfervation, will eafily recoiled the faponaceous
maj's a?id objirucUon upon the furface I have
endeavoured to explain. Under this convic-
tion (and the bed: of convidion, incontroverti-
ble experience) I will venture to affirm, how-
ever applicable and ufeful it may be univer-
fally acknowledged for various complaints of
the human frame, I fhall never fubfcribe to
any pre-eminence of efficacy in its application
to quadrupeds.

( 449 )

CASE

OF A

PUNCTURED OR LACERATED TENDON.

In the month of November 1789, I re-
ceived a letter of folicitation from a gentle-
man very high in a certain royal eftablilh-
ment, requefting my immediate attendance in
London to give my opinion upon a horfe that,
from a mere fuperficial defedt, and co?nplicated
experiments , was rendered a perfedt cripple,
without hope or expectation of cure. In fuch
predicament, it became a determined decifion
with the proprietor, that my perfonal invefti-
gation fhould conclude the fcene of anxiety,
by dooming the lubjedt to immediate death , or
producing a plaulible ray of hope for his re-
covery.

Upon my arrival in town, and introdudlion
to the owner, I received informatton, that
about three months before, a kind of flatulent

G g or

450 SUPPLEMENT.

or fluctuating tumour appeared upon the infide
of the near hough, difplaying great tendernefs
upon preffure, and confiderable pain in adion ;
notwithstanding which, it was obferved to
vary fo much in effed, as to be produdive of
lamenefs at one time and not at another.
Thefe circum fiances were communicated by
the groom to his mater, and by him in cafual
conversation to one of the faculty, a furgeon
of no fmall eminence, who kindly offering his
atitance, a chirurgical infpedion took place,
which terminated in the daily application of
different poultices to promote Suppuration ;
thefe were continued till the joint opinion of
furgeon and groom pronounced the matter
“ perfedly ripe” for expulfion. Under fuch
confutation, in the abfence of the owner, the
inciiion was unluckily made, and till more
unluckily , immediately upon the flexor tendon ,
and diredly upon the part where it lay neareft
the Surface. To the disappointment in this
operation, Succeeded diftrufts, difcontent, and
cavillings, between the projedors; for no mat-
ter, no janieSy digefted or indigefted, following
the inftrument of Separation, mutual confler-
ftation enfued, and language little fhort of
reproach prevailed with either party. This.

o . con-

SUPPLEMENT. 451

Contrariety of opinion ( fome thing fimilar to. the
frequent oppofition between doCtor and nurfe)
foon effected the entire abdication of the fupe-
rior, and left the groom to an uninterrupted
exertion of his own judgment and medical abi-
lities. To prove the extent of which, he pre-
pared an artificial probe, and continued its con-
ffant introduction i for two inches or more,
direCtly upon the tendon , thereby abraiding and
rendering more irritable a part already injured,
and confequently fufceptible of additional pain
upon every erroneous application. His matter
was ftill abfent (in a diffant part of the king-
dom) and the cafe became every day more
alarming, not only in its conftantly increafing
enlargement of the joint, but perpetual and
inceffant pain, from which he had no relief.
Nature had, in oppofition to the interpositions
of art, clofed the orifice and healed the wound ;
notwithstanding which, the lamenefs was
greater than before. This was matter of ad-
ditional perplexity to the fcientific Superinten-
dent, who was now convinced nothing but a
practice entirely new could Succeed.

The better to eftabliSh which (upon a vulgar
and generally received opinion, that mercury is a
G g 2 Specific

452 SUPPLEMEN T.

fpecific for every ill) he procured a pot of
Jtrong mercurial ointment , and perfevered in its
conftant ufe by friction, till finding every
effort to fucceed abortive, he obliquely courted
the examination and advice of a popular farrier,
branding very high in public eftimation, whofe
fublimity of explanation certainly entitles him
to general confidence.

He molt fagacioufly difcovered and obferved ,

‘ a vein was lofty which could only be reco-
‘ vered by the application of a firong b lifter.'
However ftrange or ridiculous a propofed
remedy, fo violent and extraordinary, may
appear to the judicious or experienced reader,
it met no opposition from the party concerned ;
for, coming -from the high founding authority
of fo much eminence, it was haftily procured,
and as raftAy applied. I doubt not its effects
may be much better conceived than defcribed ;
external fire upon internal contraction could
but add to the excruciating pain, or rather
wanton perfecution, of a fubjeCt fufiering under
fuch a fuccefiion ot cruel and inconfiderate
experiments.

This

SUPPLEMENT. 453

This account having been given me in
recital, as well as the prefent flate of the horfe,

I could not entertain a doubt of the flexor ten-
don’s being pundured by the original operator,
or lacerated by his fucceffor, in the daily prob-
ings that were to effed fo expeditious a cure.
Proceeding, however, to the ilables, I found
the patient upon three legs, in a flail barely five
feet wide, in a flate of the greatefl agony ; his
leg in an almofl conflant contradive motion,
abfolutely groaning with the extremity of pain,
the whole limb perceptibly wailed, the frame
emaciated, the joint much enlarged, the cica-
trix exceedingly tender, bearing no preffure
upon the tendon, and an uncommon flridure
upon the furrounding parts, wherever the
blifler had taken effed; and, to render the
bufinefs of inquiry complete, I found cir-
cumflances had varied very little for near two
months, but that fymptoms had continued
nearly in the fame. flate.

Every adion, every predominant trait tend-
ing to corroborate my firfl opinion upon the
cafe, I could not hefitate a moment to pro-
nounce, that whatever had been the origin of
the fimple tumour ( perhaps a blow that had,

G g 3 however.

454 SUPPLEMENT.

however, never been afcertained), the eaufe of
the prefent diftreffing fcene was abfolutely and
beyond all poffibility of doubt or contradiction,
a punCture or laceration of the tendon.

» .

Obfcured as the cafe was, by what is too
much the practice, complicated opinions and
various experiments , in addition to the length
of time lince the injury had been fuftained,

• 4 * • \ ' • » _ ? • j

great or fanguine hope of fuccefs was not to be
entertained. I never thelefs obferved, if the
owner wifhed to adopt fuch fyftem as alone
feemed calculated to alleviate fymptoms and
afford relief, giving the whole a fair and per-
fevering trial of three weeks or a month, with-
out any perceptible advantage. I lliould then
(however difagreeable the office muft be) cer-
tainly not helitate to advife the propriety of
paffing the only fentence that could extricate
the fubjeCt from a life of extreme pain and
perpetual mifery.

r

My propofal having been inftantly and moft
cheerfully acquiefced in by the great humanity
and anxious wifh for prefervation in the owner,
I ordered, 'without delay , & coach-houfe, or
open jlable to be procured (which was very

luckily

SUPPLEMENT. 455

luckily obtained in the lame yard) and covered
with litter, for his immediate reception, a par-
cel of hay being fufpended at each end, to
excite his alternate motion from one end to the

other, when either bundle was confumed.

• • ...

Ingredients were dire&ly procured for the
following decodtion:

Take rofemary leaves, Roman wormwood, lavender
flowers, marfhmallow leaves, and camomile flowers,
of each four ounces ; boil in ten quarts of water till
reduced to eight, then ftrain.

The whole limb was then fomented (with
two large pieces of fponge alternately, as hot as
the decodtion could be brought into ufe with-
out danger) from the very ftifle to the footlock
joint, continuing it for a quarter of an hour at
leajl , each time of ufing the fomentation, and
repeating it three times a day at equal diftances
of time, rubbing in after every operation, upon
the hough joint and neighbouring parts, a two
ounce phial full of the following anodyne
folution ;

G g 4

Ta

KE

456 SUPPLEMENT.

Take fpirits of wine - one pint,

camphire - an ounce and a half,
opium - - two drachms.

The camphire and opium were reduced to
fmall pieces, then frequently fhaken in the
fpirits till diffolved, and clofe flopped for ufe.

That no part of my plan might be omitted,
tending in the lead to promote a poffibility of
fuccefs, I continued in town a day extraordi-
nary, to fuperintend the commencement and
regulate the proceeding ; was prefent during
the firfl operation, leaving him at full liberty
in the loofe liable I had recommended (as the
firfl probable flep to improvement), not with-
out fome degree of hope, upon feeing him en-
joy a feeming temporary fufpenlion from pain,
during the warmth of the fomentation, which
he abfolutely leaned to, and courted the appli-
cation of, in a very particular manner.

*

From thefe applications (however well
adapted to predominant fymptoms and the exi-
gency of the cafe) infallible expectations could
not be formed ; neverthelefs, I had experimental
reafon and conviction to believe, the properly

regulated

SUPPLEMENT. 457

V

regulated heat, and frequency of the fomen-
tation, might not only gradually reduce the
rigid callofity of the integument and ftrifture
upon the part where the blifter had been ap-
plied, but alfo relax the porous fyilem, giving
admiffion to the anodyne for the reduction of
irritability, and the corroborants to excite a
degree of warmth and ffiimulus upon the inter-
nal parts.

However well founded any doubts of cure
might have been, from the combined feveri-
ties of the cafe, I was moft agreeably deceived
in the fufpicious opinion I had formed ; for
little more than a fortnight brought me a letter
of information, that every diftreffing fymptom
was alleviated j the horfe fed well, and feemed
almoffi free from pain ; the ftridture upon the
joint was greatly fubdued, and the local en-
largement promifed gradual reduction. A
Jccond account followed the JirJi in a few days,
from which it appeared, the horfe lay down
and got up with little difficulty, put his foot to
the ground, bore a great part of the propor-
tional weight upon it in motion, and even
walked feveral fteps in fucceffion without halt-
ing. Thefe encouraging appearances power-

. fully

458 SUPPLE M ENT.

\

fully (Mated an unremitting perfeverance in
the mode of treatment already defcribed, with-
out the moil trifling variation, which has fuc-
ceeded fo well, that a letter now lies before
me from the owner, wherein he fays, 4 The
‘ horfe has been walked out twice, when he
4 did not appear the leajl lame ,f and I hope he
4 will be loon enabled to take his journey to
4 Wokingham, there to profit by the winter’s
4 run you have kindly provided for him. I
4 am very glad to hear of the Supplement you
4 mention, and hope foon to fee it publifhed.
4 I think the care of my own horfe an uncom-
4 man one /

As the mtrodu&ipn and illuftration of cafes

_ / X

may not be perfectly applicable to the expec-
• tation of thofe who with to meet little more
than a diCtatorical arrangement of prefcriptive
matter, it will be perfectly in point, not only
to explain their utility, but the caufe of com-
munication for general infpeCtion.

. * C • '

\ i

The public having/ fo extenfively honoured
the Stable Directory with fuch decided appro-
bation, even in the infancy of its appearance,
and before its theory could have been univerfally
. reduced

SUPPLEMENT. 4#

reduced to prafiice, it muft afford the higheft
Gratification in return, to receive corroborating

fc> o

and well authenticated proofs of the confiftency
of its reformation, and that the confidence fo
generoufly placed in the medical inftruftions,
has Suffered no prostitution or difgrace, amidfl
their numerous trials and critical investigations.
However liberal the candid and impartial part
of the world may have been in their encomi-
ums upon the original work (or congratu-
lations to the author), its contents could only
appear to the public as mere matter of conjec-
ture, (upon the propriety of which every
reader had a fubflantial reafon to entertain
doubts), till fuch doubts were removed by a
repetition of fuccefs, and a palpable confirma-
tion of the acknowledged utility of improve-
ment in practice.

Naturally reverting to one or another of the
cafes already recited, it muft be perfectly appo-
lite to repeat the abfurdity, the wonderful in-
confiftency, of fubmitting the management of
valuable (or indeed any) horfes, to the Strange
and inconfiderate experiments of thofe who
have no one qualification but their unbounded

confidence

46° SUPPLEMENT.

\

confidence (or rather impudence) to recom-
mend them, or jultify the dreadful havock
they conflantly make among this moll ufeful
part of the creation, if we may be fairly allowed
to decide, by the great numbers annually
doomed to death, in the penury and credulity
of one clafs, or the invincible obftinacy and
ignorance of the other.

The penury and credulity I allude to (and
which cannot be too often or emphatically re-
peated), is that kind of laving knowledge in
the employer, inevitably productive of a double
deception ; for (without bellowing even a remote
thought upon the defective abilities of the em-
ployed) his imagination outstripping reflection,
rapidly reaches an ideal cure at the leajl expence ,
totally forgetting that felf-prefervation is a
concomitant to low cunning, and consequently
more is lavilhed upon the ignorant, obflinate,
confident, or neceflitous, for the promotion of
mifchief and danger, than would amply com-
penfate the enlightened practitioner for his
afliltance in all cafes of emergency. Nume-
rous faCts might be adduced to demonltrate
the truth of thefe aflertions (notwithstanding
i the

the cautions fo repeatedly advanced in differ-
ent parts of the Directory,) fome of which may
perhaps appear hereafter.

It becomes, however, immediately applica-
ble to obferve f even here ) how very much
depends, in all cafes of difficulty and danger,
upon drawing that nice and critical line of dif-
tindtion in the mode of treatment conflituting
right or wrong, confequently, dellrudfion or
cure. Notwithftanding the palpable neceffity
for fuch accurate inveftigation, time and obfer-
vation daily demonftrate, in a variety of cafes,
the number of deaths that frequently happen,-
where it is abfolutely natural to fuppofe the
parties called in to relieve , had come with a
fixed determination to dejiroy, juftifying this
idea by the many, who, not paying the leaft
attention to Nature, or her indications, the
origin, caufe, or lymptoms of difeafe, proceed
to their predetermined applications (whether
internals or externals) with no emulation to
injp're , no reputation to lofe , no refined fen-

fations to /often, confequently no anxious de/ire
to prompt a fpeedy alleviation of pain, or mi-
tigation of fufferings in the animal, unluckily

deffined

46* SUPPLEMENT.

d'eftined to undergo a repetition of rafh, cruel,
and inconfi derate experiments.

To corroborate the juftice of this remark, is
it at all necelfary to go farther in retrofpeCtion
than the lalt cafe recited? — Can any rational
practitioner, whofe conduCt is regulated by
integrity, and a proper attention to the indi-
cations of Nature, come forward and explain,
what could be expeCted from the repeated ap-
plication of Jirong mercurial ointment by one
operator, or the meaning of ‘ a loft vein, and

* its intentional recovery by the ufe of a ftrong

* blifter,’ in the other ?

* *■

Whatever may have been the intent or ex-
pectation of either, the event has fully proved
the faCts fo repeatedly urged beyond the power
of contradiction ; fuch unmeaning efforts of
fterility can only be the combined effeCts of
vanity and prefumptuous impudence in the
firft ; profeffional ignorance, or the moft un-
limited confidence and deception, in the latter*

>

Out of thefe confiderations will arife convic-
tion to fuch as do me the honour of attentive

SUPPLEMENT. 463

perufal, that the major part of fuch pretenders
to patronage merely po fiefs abilities fufficient
to proceed in their invariable fyftem of impo-
fition, with views very little beyond a conftant
and fuccefsful depredation upon the property
of thofe who unfortunately require their afiift-
ance.

During the fuperintendanee of the cafes be-
fore recited, many of inferior confequence, but
equally fuccefsful, intervened. — A gentleman
of the firfi; popular eminence in Surry, commu-
nicated a complete cure of the greafe in one of
his carriage horfes by the ftrong diuretic balls,
and a fubfequent courfe of alteratives, after pay-
ing a tedious and implicit obedience to the dic-
tates of a neighbouring farrier, without the
leajl profpecl of fuccefs. — Five inftances have
occurred in my own neighbourhood (exclufive
of diftant communications) where horfes have
been almofi: inftantaneoufly relieved from the
excruciating pain of cholic and fret, by the
prefcribed balls, after failure of the different
farriers’ potations, moft. powerfully impregnated
with their favourite fpecific, gin and pepper ; to
which miftaken remedy, and obftinate attach-
ment, I have known many fall victims, where

the

464 SUPPLEMENT.

the inflammation has been by thefe means pro-
moted, and Nature too much exhauded to
admit the lead: relief.

THORN WOUNDS.

Notwithstanding the general explana-
tion of the different kinds of wounds, and their
didindt modes of treatment, fo fully enlarged
on, under proper heads in the Stable Direc-
tory, there -is a certain clafs not particularly
noticed, that from their feverity, bear fo great
an affinity to cafes of pundlured tendons, as to
become (at the requed of many refpedtable
correfpondents) the immediate fubjedt of ani-
madverfion.

The inflammation, tendon, pain, fuppu-
ration, and wounds, frequently arifing from
injuries fudained by thorns, nails, dubs, or
other pointed fubdances equally prejudicial,
are univerfally known to become not only

exceed-

SUPPLEMENT.

465

exceedingly troublefome, but often productive
of great danger. The penetration of fuch can

very feldom take place without the probability
of difagreeable or alarming confequences ; if in
the fore part of either leg, the periofteum, liga-
mentary parts, or articulation of the knee and
footlock joints, may be feverely affeCted ; if
the back part of either , the tendon, by being
punCtured or lacerated, may receive irreparable
injury. From thele various chances, it is not
at all furprifing that lamenefs, originating in
caufes fo trifling, in their early appearance,
fhould frequently prove fo truly diftrefling in
the event ; for it is well known but few of
thefe accidents occur without terminatins; in
fuppuration and its tedious effeCts : and there
can be no doubt but very many of thofe hap-
pen, from want of proper attention to circum-
ftances, immediately after dilcovery of the
injury fufiained.

PunClures from thorns, in general, are con-
fidered merely as a temporary or fuperficial
inconvenience, upon fuppofition that the inte-
gument is alone atfeCted, without the leaft refe-
rence to parts more immediately and materially
concerned. From fuch mifconception and

H 1) error

466 SUPPLEMENT.

I

error in judgment arife the difappointments
that fo frequently enfue in unexpected form-
ations of matter , ligament ary lamenefs, or ten-
dinous contractions.

Although the general mode of treatment has
been in a great degree particularly explained
in different parts of the original work, and will
be ffill more enlarged on, it is abfolutely im-
poflible to delcend to every minutiae, without
becoming too tedious and defultory ; fome un-
ferefeen fymptoms will occur in all cafes (after
every poflible defeription) to juflify difcretional
variations, and render filch alterations unavoid-
able, as the predominant appearances may
require.

Few perforations are made by fubftances of
the above defeription but what conffitute
lamenefs in a greater or lefs degree, either of
long or fort duration : the examination cannot
be made too foon, or the caufe (if retained)
too cxpeditioufly extracted.

. I ..

If the injury fuflained be merely fuperficial,
not penetrating enough to indicate conl'equenccs
of the kinds before mentioned, the readielf

mild

1

%

SUPPLEMENT. 467

mild aftringents become immediately appli-
cable, to dole the mouths of the lacerated
veflels, and harden the furface. Of this clafs
none can be better adapted than two tea-fpocn-
fuls of Goulard’s Extract of Saturn, with a
large table fpoonful of brandy ; or, in want of
the former, equal parts of vinegar and brandy
will become an ufeful fubftitute. Two or three
gentle bathings with either compofition will in
all flight cafes generally effect the purpofe, and
prevent farther inconvenience.

On the contrary, Ihould appearances not
fubmit to thefe applications, but by fwelling,
conftantly increafing pain, tenflon, and inflam-
mation, threaten maturation, it will not ad-
mit of a doubt but the tendon has been in
fome degree punctured or lacerated ; the liga-
mentary parts forming the union at the articu-
lation of the joints injured, or a retention of
extraneous matter has taken place from the
orifice of the original wound.

In all, or either of thefe, the great hope of
expeditious relief muft depend lolely upon the
proper and confijient mode of treatment that is
immediately adopted to promote fuppuration ;

H h 2 the

468 SUPPLEMENT.

the general error has been productive of in-
conceivable mifchief. It has been the efta-
blifhed cuftom to form a combination of the
ftrongefl flimulants human invention could
devife, without a tingle reflection upon (or one
moment reverting to) the time inevitably ne-
ceflary for the extravafated contents to become
mature for their difcharge by a critical effort
of nature.

It has been the univerlal and long Handing
praCtice, in all tumours or inflammatory fwell-
ings threatening a formation of matter, to rely
entirely upon the effeCt of poultices (compofed
of the molt powerful ingredients), calculated to
itimulate the parts and excite early digeftion.
However judicious and approved this praCtice
may have been, it will admit of fome improve-
ment, and even that juftified by reafon and ex-
perience ; conftantly obferving (from the quan-
tity of hair upon many horles, in addition to
the thicknefs of the fkin) how difficult it muff
be for the penetrative power of the poultice to
come into immediate contaCt with the offending
and indigefted matter, as w'ell as the long time
necefl'ary to obtain a difcharge by fuch means
alone, I, in almofl: every cafe of tumours, or
, 9 inflammatory

SUPPLEMENT. 469

. . » \ i . V A. —

Inflammatory fwellings, adopt the ufe of very
warm fomentations for a conflderable length
of time preceding, the application of each poul-
tice (which fhould be renewed night and morn-
ing), and am perfectly convinced of the advan-
tages gained by the practice. No profeflional
animadverfion is required to elucidate or juftify
this aflertion ; the defcribed ftate of the parts,
and correfponding property of the application,
fufficiently demonftrate the certainty of fuccefs
dependent upon the execution.; for the good
effedt of fuch mode of treatment is not only
evident in an early relaxation of the integu-
ment and porous fyftem, but in a gradual com-
munication to the feat of inflammation, being
indubitably calculated to promote, moji power-
fully, a fpeedy and plentiful evacuation.

During a perfeverance in this practice, it
will be found no uncommon circumlfance in
fuch formations (more particularly in large in-
flammatory tumours), for Nature to make her
efforts in two or three diftindt places at the
fame timd, -where oozings may be perceived
from the different apertures ; it will now be
proper that every attention is paid to the nature

H h 3 of

■

K ' 1

1

470 SUPPLEMENT.

of the difcharge, to afcertain the ftate of ma-
turation, whether it is partial or univcrfal: if
the fuppuration is perfeCt, and evidently ready
for evacuation, let a fuperficial incifion be
made in length, adapted to the fize of the tu-
mour, and that at the lowed: or moil depend-
ing orifice (or fituationofthepart) that the dif-
charge may become the more fpontaneous, and
impeded by no obftruCtion. But filch operation
fhould by no means (as is very frequently the
cafe') be attempted till the part is properly pre-
pared, and in need of afiifiance : over officiouf-
nefs and eager impatience in counteracting or
anticipating the indications of Nature, are
often productive of thofe very difquietudes it
is our intereft to prevent.

Should the difcharge confifi: - of a bloody
ichor, or a kind of watery indigefieu fanies, the
maturation may be deemed partial , and ex-
ceedingly unfavourable. The dwelling in fuch
cafe is generally hard in one place and pliable
in another, the wound (or different apertures,
as it may be) difplaying a filtulous appearance
that threatens more conlequence and inconve-
nience than a cafe of iiniverfal fuppuration.

Turn

SUPPLEMENT.

47 1

Thefe appearances will require an increafed
perfeverance in the repeated ufe of fomentation
and poultice, adding more heat to the former,
and emollients to the latter, continuing each
twice a dav without remifiion. Increale the
circulation and invigorate the fyftem by an
ounce of bark in powder (given in gruel), or a
pectoral cordial ball every morning, and correct
the acrimony in the blood and juices by one ol
the alterative powders in the feed of corn every
evening : thefe attentions will generally effect
a falutary change in the conftitution, and pro-
duce a promiling difcharge of healthy matter.

Too much caution cannot be introduced to
prevent the opening of tumours or fwellings of
any kind, before the contents are futhciently
foftened (or ripe) for difcharge. Such prema-
ture operation never fails to give a rigid callolity
to the edges of the wound ; and they cannot
unite lb favourably as when the cafe is more
judicioufly conducted.

Where finufes are fuperficial (as for inffance,
from one aperture to another of thofe before
deferibed), and the integument is becoming
putrid by the corrolive quality of the matter,

H h 4 an

47 2

SUPPLE M E N T.

an immediate reparation with the biftory, or
diffeBing knife and director , is the bed; prac-
tice, as the divided parts foon dough off with
the dreftings, and make way for fucceeding
incarnation.

Should fnufes lead to remote parts, or fo
furround the joints as to forbid (or render
dangerous) the ufe of an inftrument, let them
be daily fy ringed with tindture,of myrrh, fo
long as the wound continues foul and unfavour-
able ; when it is thoroughly clean led, and
affumes a promifing afpedt, let the injedtion
be altered to half tindture and half warm
water, continuing its ufe at each drefting, which
ihould be • regularly perfevered in night and
morning.

-f '• • • B • \ » .

In wounds of this defcription, the rapid
growth of fungus (commonly called proud
flefh) is almoft incredible : this fhould be care-
fully attended to in the infancy of its appear-
ance, and, if at all luxuriant, muft be repeatedly
touched m 'various dir eB ions, with tne edge of
a lancet, bifrory, pen-knife, or any other ap-
plicable inftrument exceedingly Iharp ; then

drefted with a fubftantial pledget of the follow-
ing

S U P P L E ]yr E N T. 473

ing precipitate ointment, covered with the
warm dable digedive, and a bandage bed
adapted to the part affedted :

Take red precipitate, finely powdered, half an
ounce ; yellow balilicon two ounces ; and let
them be well incorporated upon a marble flab
for ufe.

• %

When the fungus is entirely fubdued, and
the cure nearly completed, this ointment may
be omitted : but I believe it can he very rarely
laid afide with propriety; for I find in my ge-
neral practice, it is almod impofiible to relin-
quifli it totally , the excrefcence continuing to
fhoot, in many cafes, till the wound is perfedlly
healed .

This mode of treatment will alfo be found
mod drictly applicable to broken knees of any
confiderable confequence, without didindiion,
fome very remarkable cafes of which have fallen
under my Lnfpedtion, that have had their different
terminations : of the mod lingular was the very
horfe whofe “ ligamentary lamenefs ” in the hip
joint is defcribed in the third cafe , that has a
very lliort time fince lod his life, after being

totally

474 SUPPLEMENT.

totally ruined by a broken knee, received upon
a projecting flint in the road between Henley
and Wargrave, that, feparating the ligamen-
tary union of articulation at the joint, not only
produced an immediate hourly increafing in-
flammatory and incredible enlargement of the
whole limb> but a fixed contraction (without
the power of even re fling the foot on the
ground), in opposition to every attempt to
relieve, by three of the moft eminent prac-
titioners in the centre ot the royal fluds, when,
after the faireft exertions for fome weeks, he
was unavoidably doomed to the death it was
impofiible to prevent.

A fecond, much more fevere in external ap-
pearance than the foregoing, was a bred mare (got
by an Arabian, late in poffefiion of Sir T. Rum-
bold, now of his Royal Highnefs the Prince of
Wales), the property of the owner of the farcy
mare (deferibed in cafe the fecond), and was at-
tended with equal fuccefs ; for although the inte-
gument and foft parts of the knee were entirely
deflroyed, as if taken off with an inffrument
(by a violent fall on a very hard gravel road
in Windfor Forefl) foasalmoftto deftroy every
expectation of cure-; yet by a daily reduction of

SUPPLEMENT.

475

the fungus , and ftridl attention to the con-
formation of the edges of the wounds, a cicatrix
was formed, and cure completed, bidding defi-
ance to the eye or touch of the mod judicious
invefligator 3 which is the more extraordinary,
as the colour of the mare is a delicate grey.
This cafe is only quoted to prove the pofiibility
of preventing thefe accidents from becoming fo
perpetually prejudicial, when properly attended
to 3 while on the contrary, they become
irreparable injuries, in being left to the courfe
of nature 3 for, fuffered to cicatrize with a pro-
minence conftituting an efehar , they prove an
irretrievable blemifh, that a very few days
proper attention (in molt cafes) would probably
prevent.

Having gone through every neceffary in-
ltrudtion that can be podibly advanced for the
treatment and cure of the different kinds of
lamenefs proceeding from various caules, one
additional remark cannot be too forcibly incul-
cated, nor too ltridtly obferved. It is the great
advantage to be gained in the progrefs and con-
firmation of every cure, from the ufe of an
open fable, bay of a barn , or fuch other proper
receptacle, in preference to a very ablurd cuf-

tom.

-

476 SUPPLEMENT.

tom, exceedingly common (but more particu-
larly in the metropolis, perhaps from the ge-
neral want of room) of confining a horfe by
the head, labouring under a fevere and tedious
lamenefs, in a flail fo very narrow, that it is
abfolutely impojjible for him to enjoy one fingle
extended motion in a Hate of nature ; his
fituation is in fadt fo contracted that he is
rendered incapable of exerting his powers, or
knowing his own ftrength. Pie has no room
for the moft trifling adtion but in a compulfive
pofition, and can move from fide to Jide only,
under every reftraint and difadvantage.

^ • .* > . n i. *

To eftablifhand render complete the cure of
infirmities proceeding from relaxed, pundtured,
or lacerated tendons, ligamentary lamenefs,
thorn wounds, or indeed almofl: any . other
caufe, liberty, under certain limits, (as before
defcribed) fhould have equal weight with every
other confideration ; and this can be efledted
in no one way fo well as the line of mediocrity
already pointed out > for in luch moderate re-
ceptacle they not only acquire a pertedt know-
ledge of their own ftate and ability, but by
gentle efforts, voluntary motion, and gradual

ufc, the relaxed or defective parts recover their

former

SUPPLEMENT.

477

former tone and elafticity ; while, on the con-
trary, by turning invalids out too foon to open
pafture (or with other horfes), after fevere in-
juries of this kind, they often, forgetting (or
not confcious of) their late deficiencies, become
full of adfion and play, upon obtaining their
liberty, and are not unfrequently returned to
the fiable in a worfe Jlate than at the origin of
complaint.

Previous to the conclufion of fuch compli-
cated remarks as have been introduced for the
purport of general information (calculated in
refpect to minute particulars, much more for
the totally uninformed than the very many
fportfmen who, poflefiing a portion of experi-
ence, hand in need of no infir udlion), it be-
comes a matter of indifpenfible necefiity to add '
a few words upon the great danger (in fadt
cruelty) of adhering clofely to fome parts of
ancient practice, that have no one plea but
their antiquity, and the invincible obfiinacy of
their advocates, to recommend them.

Of this clafs none ftand in a more confpicu-
ous or ridiculous point of view than thofe who,

I have

478 SUPPLEMEN T.

v ' A

I have obferved in the body of the work, per-
fid ‘ in a maxim, never to be obliterated, that
‘ old laws, old times, and old books , are bed/
Among thefe, none are more dedruCtive in
their perfeverance than thofe who, in oppo-
fition to every judicious opinion, every en-
lightened refinement, and experimental con-
viction of the certain danger (and often fatal
confequence), continue to give cold water,
during the procefs of purging medicines,
under the contemptible ajj'ertion and pretended
belief, that it adds to the cafe and certainty of
the operation.

That this is a deceptive cuftom, {hamefully
perfevered in by numbers of the illiterate and
confident, without the knowledge, and againd
the decided opinion, of their employers, is a
faCt too notorious with me to admit of contra-
diction ; and one of thofe, upon the ill edeCts
of which has been foundedobjeCtions to phyjict
though in many indances the danger has been
attributed to more remote caufes, and the truth
(from fatal confequences) has never been
afcertained.

Cafes

SUPPLEMENT. 479

Cafes of this kind have occurred, within my
own knowledge, where the cauj e has been
confelfed, when the effedt was unerringly per-
ceptible ; both the pores and the inteftine.9
(already preternaturally relaxed by the admini-
flration of medicine, additional cloathing, and
furrounding warmth) fuffer fudden collapiion,
by the Jlyptic power of the frigid element pro-
ducing an almoit initantaneous obstruction to
every fecretion ; the perfpirative matter thus
obstructed, is directly fixed in the extremities,
constituting rheumatic pains , that frequently
terminate in palfy ; or its effects upon the Sto-
mach and inteflines, then in the highefl State
of irritability, are found to produce the moil
excruciating cholic , Jpafms, convul/ions, inflam-
mation or mortification , that in either cafe
generally ends in death ; though lingering in-
stances are frequently leen, where eight, ten,
or twelve days of dreadful anxiety precede the
termination.

Thefe remarks upon fo critical a fubjeCt are
introduced to point out the certain danger, and
to fupprefs, if poSTible, fo abfurd, fo incon-
siderate, and contemptible a practice, that, it is

natural

480 SUPPLEMjEJN T.

v

I \

natural to conclude, can be continued but from
a motive of inherent obftinacy, determined not
to be convinced , amidil all its dreadful confe-
quence. I am, however, mod: earneftly in-
duced to hope, from an anxious and unalter-
able delire to improve the fubjeCt and reform
the pradcice, that the ancient adage of ‘ Better
* late than never,’ and due reflection, will be
productive of a gradual reformation, .parti-
cularly when it is now univerfally known,
and acknowledged by every impartial obferver,
that the inltruCtions in the former part of the
Directory, for management in Physic, have
undergone the ordeal of public inveltigation,
and been honoured with general approbation.

( 4«i )

THE

DISEASE IN THE CANINE SPECIES,

CALLED

* /

THE DISTEMPER.

There can be no doubt but the inferio-
rity of this fubjedt, to the magnitude of the
former, will prove matter of obfervation to
thofe whofe principal inquiries are directed
more to the difcovery of defeats; than the
applaufe of perfections. Thefe few will, how-
ever, bear no proportion to the large body of
liberal minded fportfmen to whom it is princi-
pally addreffed, and for whofe ufe it is almoft
folely communicated. . Nor would it even now
have been obtruded, upon public opinion, but
at the particular requeft of gentlemen who,
having profited by the inftrudtions, were
anxious for the promotion of general utility.

I i

It

482 SUPPLEMENT,

It may, with the flriCteft juftice, be per-
mitted to boaft fome degree of affinity to the
fubjedt fo largely treated on, when it is con-
lidered how very common an appendage one
animal is to the other ; fo much fo, that in field
fports their fafety and perfections feem not
only to go hand in hand , but it is difficult (out
of the metropolis) to find the profeflor of a
horfe, or horfes, that thinks himfelf at all
equipped without hounds, greyhounds, point-
ers, fpaniels, or terriers, in his train alfo.

Under the influence of this obfervation, I
can poflefs no fear of its favourable reception
among thofe who fairly invefligate the ra,-
tionality of medical innovation, or condefcend
to court and patronife experimental improve-
ment ; prefuming upon the numerous and
flattering plaudits bellowed upon my former
publications, I can hefitate but little in fub-
mitting to infpedion the . obfervations I have
made upon a difeafe, whofe annual definition
is generally known, in every part of the king-
dom, with no other description or definition
in origin, caufe, or effieCl, than “ the dis-
temper of which having endeavoured for
fome years to form an opinion with fuch
1 .. accuracy.

SUPPLEMENT. 483

4

accuracy as predominant fymptoms and appear-
ances would permit, I fhall tranfmit them,
with the mode of treatment that has hitherto
(particularly under my own execution) proved
fuccefsful, without a Jingle lofs , to juftify a
doubt of the practice, when properly per-
fevered in.

It is now near twenty years fince I com-
menced my obfervations upon the nature and
indications of the dileafe in queftion, and
found, by my inquiries from others, and my
own occalional remarks, the remedies gene-
rally adopted and efteemed infallible fpecifics,
were calculated fo little to counteract or re-
move the predominant fymptoms of diflrefs
in the animal, that it produced no furprife,
not more, than one in twenty fhould recover
when attacked with the ufual feverity.

In my endeavours to form fome rational
idea of the origin or caufe of complaint, I
could furnifh from others not the leaft affift-
ance ; from all the information I could colledt,
(even from the moft confident and felf-fuf-
ficient) was, that * the diforder was in the
* head , and a green (or fetcn) in the poll, in

I i 2 * the ■

484 SUPPLEMENT'.

‘ tile manner of an iffue, was the only remedy
‘ to be relied on.’ — Of this general concife ex-
planation and cure I fo far availed myfelf, as not
to omit the infpedion of a tingle fubjed in
my own neighbourhood, where the received
opinion might be juftifred or difproved by the
event. And I mull candidly declare, after
months of the ft ride ft attention, I never could
perceive a greater proportion than one in ten
recover from the fuppofed effed of this
infallible green or Jet on , and therefore we may
very fairly infer, thofe that recover under this
pradice, derive their cure much more from
the afliftance and efforts of Nature, than the
effed of fo uncertain and inapplicable a
remedy.

Finding fo little fatisfadron or truth in this
part of the general opinion, I became more
anxious to difcover how far * the head ,’ as
before mentioned, was the feat of difeafe ;
but, after every minute attention, and inceffant
tfbfervation (even with my own pointers and
fpaniels in fucceftion), I could difcover no
one trait of confequence, to juftify the idea,
nearer than a tumefaction of the glandular
parts on each fide the throat, which, in a

greater

SUPPLEMENT. 485

greater or lefs degree, affeded the different
fubjeds, according to the mildnefs or malignity
of difeafe.

Previous to the more particular defeription
of prevalent fymptoms in the animals labour-
ing under the complaint, a few general obfer-
vations may be introduced without the lead:
digreffion. I plainly perceived the difeafe to
be much more epidemic than infeBiom, and
that the time of attack varied in the different
kinds ; but that the ratios of nineteen in
twenty were affeded before they were twelve-
months old. I obferved hounds, greyhounds,
pointers, and the larger dogs, were ufually at-
tacked between eight months old and twelve ;
while fpaniels, terriers, and the fmaller kinds,
differed between four months and nine. I
alfo remarked the females were in general
much lefs afflided than the males, many
efcaping entirely, and thofe that did not, were
neither fo feverely affeded, nor for fo great a
duration.

. Having, about the exad time of forming
my predetermined chain of obfervations, young
pointers and fpaniels in my poffeffion, upon

I i 3 whole

,

4B6 supplement.

whofe breed I had every reafon to fix eonfider-
able efiimation, they not only foon gave me
opportunity to become exceedingly accurate in
my remarks, but to adopt fuch remedies as I
fhould find moft applicable (in my opinion) to
the fymptoms of difeafe.

Of thefe, a pointer, of nearly eight months
old, was the firft attacked. The earliell fymp-
toms of difeafe were dullnefs, loathing of food,
frequent ficknefs, and conllant vomiting : thefe
producing in a few days great deprefiion and
laffitude, were foon followed by perpetual
hulkinefs in the throat, and difficulty of refpi-
ration ; the nofe remarkably dry, and mouth
exceedingly hot, with occafional trainings to
evacuate by ftool without discharge.

f

Not having been able to reconcile to myfelf
the lead profpedt of fuccefs from the ulual
operation of ‘ burning a green in the poll
* with a red hot iron, under an idea of the
complaints being in the head, and having
from hourly attention, as well as the moll
accurate obfervation, every reafon to believe
the difeafe particularly aftedled the throat ,
ficrnach , and intejUnes , it was natural I lhould

< advert

SUPPLEMENT. 487

advert to fuch remedies as were more im-
mediately adapted to thofe parts. My fird
intent was to promote evacuation, under a
perfect conviction there mult be a very violent
pbdrudtion in the domach or fome part of the
intedines : to remove which, I prepared a
frnall ball with a fcruple of jalap , four grains
of calomel , and two of gingers forming it into
a proper confidence with conferve of hips , then
covering it with a frnall portion of freflo butter
to facilitate its paffage, gave it in that form ;
where it remained no longer than during its
folution in the domach, almod indantly return-
ing in a date of liquefaction, entirely unac-
companied by any other fubdance whatever :
this I repeated five or fix times in lefs than
three days, with no better fuccefs.

As the difeafe advanced in refpeCt to timey
the general fymptoms became more violent s 1
the animal, from the fird attack, having never
taken any food but warm milk (and that in
the mod trifling quantities), was incredibly
emaciated : there was a very great contrac-
tion and hollownefs of the flank, occafioned j
by a perceptible dricdure of the mufcles, that,
producing an hourly increafing weaknefs of

J i 4 the

488 SUPPLEMENT.

the loins, feemed to indicate the approach of
inevitable diffolution ; the binde r parts had
abfolutely declined, and could no longer per-
form their office ; when lifted up he could not
hand without fupport, his hind legs finking
under him ; and, by the frequent twitchings
gnd convullive fpafms, he feemed encountering
the agonies of immediate death.

No refinement of thought, no fublimity of
expreffion,is neceffiary to convey a defcription of
the prefent dilemma. Every fportfman, whofe
mind is embellished by the nicer fenfations, and
whofe heart is inhinStively open to alleviate
the fufferings of thefe partners of, and con-
tributors to, our pleafures, thefe nocturnal pro-
testors of our property, as well as the many
( though no fportfmeti) who have their favour-
ites of the different fpecies, and are no
Grangers to their attachments x fidelity , and gra-
titude, hive, no doubt, feme time or other, hood
in a fimilar predicament.

Convinced, by the hate of the extended
fubjeSt, nothing could be expeSted but death,
any rational experiment, that could be put
into immediate practice, was perfectly juhi-

fiable, '
* ?

I

SUPPLEMENT. 4S9

liable, to promote a further inveftigation of the
caufe, or very (lender and improbable chance
of the mitigation or cure of difeafe. Almoft
hopelefs of even time fufhcient to adminifter
the medicine; I prepared a ball, containing
, three grains of emetic tartar, and ten of jalap,
forming the mafs, and paffing it as before. I
,alfo incorporated one ounce of the fpirit of
hartfhorn (by frequent (baking) with a quar-
ter of a pint of olive oil, and bathed all the
affedted parts of the throat, fo as to leave the
hair underneath the neck plentifully charged
with the compofition.

For rather more than half an hour, during
the folution of the ball, and its confequent
effedt upon the ftomach, the fubjedt feemed
to undergo the moft painful fenfations ; agitat-
ing vibrations (or tremblings) of the whole
frame were very frequent ; his eyes, nearly
clofed , feemed totally fixed, and the foam
ifiuing from both fides of his mouth (as he lay
extended at his utmofi: length), left not the
leaft expectation of ever feeing him even once \
more upon his legs ; when fuddenly rifing
(after repeated efforts) a perfedt frame or
ikeleton, and reeling three or four feet from

the

49° SUPPLEMENT.

the carpet he was laid on, threw up (with
very little exertion or draining) near half a
pint of vifcid limpid coaguium, fo tenacious
and adhefive that there was not the lead pof-
fibility of partial feparation. After this emo-
tion, he could not return to the fpot he had
arifen from without adidance ; to which, being
carried and laid down, he appeared fomewhat
more at eafe.

Still convinced no fatisfattory termination
could be obtained, or even expecded, without
farther exertions ; and not entertaining the
lead doubt, by fymptoms before defcribed,
but the intedines were equally the feat of
difeafe, and principally concerned in the
origin of complaint, without the power of
reaching that caufe by any other means, I
was determined to perfevere in my experi-
ments, and proceeded accordingly in the
following preparation :

Strong decoftion of rue, half a pint;

Lenitive eleftuary, and common fait, of each a quarter
of an ounce ;

Olive oil, two table-fpoonfu'ls.

Thele

SUPPLEMENT. 49*

Thefe being properly mixed were adrni*
niftered as a glyfter, of warmth fufficient to
ftimulate the internal parts to adion.

\

This was however expelled almoft inftantly
upon its injedion, with great rapidity, as hav-
ing met fome obftacle in its courfe through
the inteftine, which ferved only to excite an
unremitting perfeverance to obtain relief ; par-
ticularly as I had fufficient reafon to believe,
by every look and endeavouring action of the
animal, that he had already found fome de-
gree of mitigation by the evacuation from his
ftomach and the relaxation of the inteftine.
The glyfter was repeated in two hours, with
an almoft immediate ejection, producing no
other advantage than additional alleviation of
predominant fymptoms ; the fubjed became
evidently more at eafe, difplaying in his looks
certain marks of relief ; the ftridure upon the
abdominal mufcles was conftderably reduced,
and I had little doubt but the ftate of the
ftomach and inteftines was in fome degree
altered by the falutary difeharge from the
former, as well as the good effed and warmth
ef the internal fomentation upon the other.

I

Appear-

49* SUPPLEMENT.

Appearances fo highly gratifying (and thofe
produced in a few hours by experiments new
and uncertain) afforded me the bed: encou-
ragement to exert every endeavour that could
tend to crown the event with fuceefs. In
about an hour after the lafl operation, a plate
of bread and milk was offered, boiled well
together ; fupporting the head and fore parts
from the ground as he lay, in hopes he might
be able to take a fmall portion of nutriment,
that would affilf exhaufted Nature and fupport 1 :
the frame he however, after giving proof of
his inclination fo to do, failed in the attempt
from abfolute ojopaknef,- and was cQmpelled to
decline it.

Notwithflanding this failure, every oth er
circumfbance tended to convince me the dog
was in fome degree mending: confirmed, beyond
a doubt, where the oblfacle lay, and firmly
perfuaded the foundation of reliej was already
communicated, I, for the firft time, became
enlivened with a ray of expectation it might
be totally removed. To accomplifh this very
defirable point, I was determined no time, no
trouble, on my part, fhould be omitted, and
therefore dedicated the following night to a

' verification

SUPPLEMEN T. 493

Verification of that excellent motto and excite-
ment to indudry, “ Perfevere and conquer .”
The fubjedt continued to become much lefs dif-
quiet, not a fymptom but appeared lefs violent,
and he even dofed without extreme pain. In
the middle of the night I repeated the glyder,
which was then retained a confiderable time,
and again difcharged, as thrown up widaout
the lead: appearance of, or admixture with,
excrement.

After this retention and evacuation of the
injection, he tottered, unfupported, to his bed,
and lay down evidently better. In lefs than
an hour after this effort and emotion, he took,
with fome degree of eagernefs, the bread and
milk that had been prepared (previoufly
warmed) ; about eight in the morning I
renewed my injection, which, after being
retained for at lead: ten minutes, came away
with a large portion of difcoloured crudities, as
if brought from the interdices of the intedines
by the repeated walhings of the injedtion. —
This produced additional and very dxiking
advantages : he was feemingly relieved in: all
refpedts, the dridture of the mufcles upon the
intedines, and the contraction of the loins.

were

494 SUPPLEMENT.

were both evidently better, and the violence
of every former fymptom promifed gradually
to fubfide ; he foon took, and continued to
take, occafional fupplies of the bread and milk
well boiled, of thin confidence, for the
purpole.

The glvflers were repeated every four or
five hours, without remifiion, with little vari-
ation in advantage and appearance, till ten
or eleven had been given, their good effects
being plainly perceptible in every repetition ;
when, after a fuccefiion of feve*e trials and
repeated drainings for many minutes, one en-
tire mafs was voided, cornpofed of every kind
of extraneous fubdance fuch animal could
have been fuppofed to fwallow vith food
during its puppyifm. It clearly confided of
grafs or hay, wonderfully matted or inter-
woven with hair, and particles of land or
gravel cemented together fo exceedingly hardy
that it might be fairly fuppofed to have been
prepared by art, and paficd through a mould
by fome indrument or powerful prefiure.

This extraordinary expirlfion cccafioned no
furprife ; on the contrary, it removed every

fufpenfe —

SUPPLEMENT.

495

fufpenfe — confirmed every fufpicion — and left
no one doubt of the caufe of complaint or cer-
tainty of care. The animal, almofi; from this
moment, became a new fubjed, demonftrating
in every addon, his change of fituation > not-
withftanding which, the operation, in a few
hours, was once more repeated, and in its effed
brought away fome loofe remains exadly cor-
refponding with the fubftances before de-
fcribed. From this time he fuffered no farther
incovenience but what was the refult of
previous pain, want of nutriment, and bodily
debilitation : he continued daily to improve
not only in his renewed eftablifhments of
health, but, the enfuing feafon, in his expeded
qualifications ; after which I parted with him,
for a very valuable confideration, to a gentle-
man going to Scotland, who purchafed him
with an avowed intent to improve the breed,
he being perhaps as fine a figure, with f ize ,
bone , J'peed, and perfection, as ever entered the
field. J

To this fucceeded, in a very fhort fpace of
time, the cafe of a young lpaniel, in every
refpeEl the fame, but with much lei's feverity ;
the fymptoms, in fad, were not violent to

alarm.

496 SUPPLEMENT.

alarm, and being exceedingly flight, were im-
mediately counteracted by the fame means, with
a very flender portion of perfeverance.

Perfectly fuccefsful in thefe attempts, and
gratified in the effeCt of experiments planned
only upon my own private opinion and obfer-
vations, with an intent to enfure (if pofiible)
the certainty of caufe and probability of cure,
it will not be thought extraordinary, I wifhed
for, and even courted, opportunities to juftify,-
or render nugatory, the difcovery I was fo
anxious to afcertain.

I foon found it impofTible to fucceed in my
inveftigation and purfuit with fubjeCts the pro-
perty of others ; there I could only advife or
recommend (without the power of abfolute
dictation), where, probably, various circum-
flances — the pride, indolence, or peculiarities,
of the parties might prevent the performance
of either one or the other.

During my increafed defire to proceed in
fuch fpeculative inquiry, a brace of pointer
i puppies were brought me by a gentleman from
Banbury in Oxfordfhire, of fo good a breed,

o anl

SUPPLEMENT. 497

and To high in eftimation, that the fire was
fent for from Newport Pagnel in Buckingham-
Jhire , to the dam at Banbury, merely for this
Angle adt of procreation. Thefe were both
attacked in their feventh month , and within a
few days of each other; one being in figure
• — fhape — marks, and promifing appearance—-
very much like the dog before defcribed, had
already (and perhaps from that very reafon),
become a great favourite ; and to this every at-
tention, every ceremony and operation hitherto
explained was rigidly performed (as no two
cafes could be ever more ftriCtly alike), with
no alteration in form, no variation in effeCt,
but exactly correfponding in every particular
with the cafe firfl: recited : the fymptoms were
all equally violent, the danger as great, the
cure as improbable, and the recovery as per-
fectly complete.

This cafe occurred in the fummer of 1781,
and the dog is now in poflefiion of a gentle-
man at Binfield in Windlor Foreft, who has
repeatedly declared he Ihould never change his
majier : and it may not be inapplicable to add,
he even now pofiefies all the perfections of a
young dog: and when he was my property,

K k a neigh-

49 s SUPPLEMENT-

a neighbouring friend repeatedly offered to
hunt him in the field, and oppofe his good
qualities againfl any Jingle pointer in the
county for a hundred guineas. Thus were
two of the fineft dogs in the kingdom pre-
ferved by the effed of experiments, that had
they not been brought into trial could never
have proved fuccefsful.

Whatever might have been my predomi-
nant wifh refpeding the other fubjed of dif-
eafe, profeffional engagements totally pre-
cluded every poffibility of bellowing the fame
perfonal attendance upon both, had they been
equally high in my eflimation : this very want
of opportunity had neverthelefs its convenience,
fo far as it contributed to eflablifh the pradice
I had adopted with fo much promifed fuccefs.
The ufual fymptoms continued to increafe
with the violence fo particularly defcribed in
the firfl cafe, till the fourteenth day, when
the flight fpafms and twitchings produced
convulfions of fome duration ; from thefe he
fometimes continued perfedly free for four or
five hours, when they returned with increaf-
ing fe verity, but frequent intermiflion ; on the
eighteenth day they became incelfant, render-
2 hig

\

SUPPLEMENT. 499

log the fight truly diftrefling, and clofing
the fcene, after a convulfive fit of near four
hours, without the leaf; deviation or relief.

From the event of this unajjijfed cafe, (as
well as many others among my fporting
friends), in diredt contrail: to thofe already
recited, I had a very fair and undoubted plea
to gratulate myfelf upon a difcovery that had
hitherto promifed every hope of fuccefs upon
repetition, and juilly laid claim to the teil of
farther trial , when time iliould afford oppor-
tunity fpr additional demonilration.

Such proofs have fince occurred as leave no
room to doubt the propriety of the practice,
firit in a pointer, fon of the dog whofe recovery
is before-mentioned, and now in a gentleman’s
poffeffion at Binfield, who was attacked when
about nine months old ; and, though not af-
fedted with the feverity of the two pointers
whofe cafes have gone before, (perhaps in
confequence of the remedies being brought
'very early into ufe), yet he buffered fo much
from the difeafe, as to render his recovery for
fome days a matter of great uncertainty. The
mpde of treatment fo particularly explained

K k 2 was

5oo SUPPLEMENT-

i .

was puudtually adhered to, in both the emetic
ball and repetition of the glyfiers ; the effecfi
proved equally favourable ; and although the
evacuations were not critically the fame, they
were nearly fimiiar to thofe in the cafes of
recovery before defcribed. This dog proved
equally valuable in field qualifications with his
fire ; and was difpofed of at the requeft of a
gentleman of fortune in the neighbourhood,
to whole generoiity I flood indebted for innu-
merable in fiances of his partiality.

If I had the leafi reafon to entertain doubts
of the fuccefs of my endeavours, and earnefily
wilhed another cafe to efiablifh the point
beyond all caufe of controverfy, fuch addi-
tional proof foon occurred, leaving every
infiance in favour of the attempt and practice,
without a fingle counteraction to jufiify a

doubt of its confiftency,

/

The conftantly increafing claims upon pro-
feiTional attention to objects of greater impor-
tance, having induced a J'ujpenfion of the gun ,
with the difpofal of my pointers, an inviolable
(or rather invinciblt) attachment to the fpecies
foon procured me an epitome of the fiifhion, in

a brace

«

SUPPLEMENT. 501

a brace of terriers ; and fuch being obtained in
preference from a palace (rather than the cot-
tage), were equally remarkable for their breed
and beauty, foon becoming, as pointers bad
been, objects of adequate attention. Of thefe
the male was attacked under fix months old,
in every refpeCt as all the others that had been
fubje&s of my obfervation, and with fo much
continued feverity, and increafing violence of
fymptoms, that I did not entertain either ex-
pectation or idea of its recovery. The lame
plan of operation was purfued as with all the
reft, varying the proportions only to age, fize,
and ftrength (by reducing the compolition of
the ball to two grains of emetic tartar, and
eight of jalap, and the glyfters to half the
quantity given to larger dogs), till his recovery
was afcertained to a certainty, and he is now
in my poftefliion, with the female, that has
never been at all attacked, at leaft to become
perceptible. This was the Jifth fuccefsful trial
upon animals under my own infpedlion, and
not to be controverted by the pique or preju-
dice of thofe who may conceive the matter too
trifling for the prefs, or the fpecies too inligni-
ficant for the procefs.

Having*

5o2 , SUPPLEMENT.

Having, however (fpeaking from experi-
mental fenfations), every reafon to believe there
are of all daffies great numbers who would moft
readily encounter not only fatigue, but diffi-
culty and expence, to extricate from difeafe
and threatening death favourites of this fpecies,
it is from the flattering hope of their plaudits,
that I have gone entirely out of the line of
literary ambition , and defcended to the defcrip-
tive minutiae of a fubjedt that may, from the
more sublime and dignified practitioner,
undergo every poffible accufation of profef-
fional degradation, from which I court no ex-
culpation, folicit no acquittal, make no appeal,
but to the more decifive and honourable opi-
nion of the fp or ting world in general, to whole
encouraging partiality it is folely addrelfed, and
to whofe confideration and particular ufe it is
moft refpdtfully fubmitted.

THE END,

GENUINE AND UNIVERSALLY APPROVED

IIORSE MEDICINES,

PREPARED AT

THE MEDICAL DISPENSARY

O F

THE AUTHOR;

AND SOLD BY

C. & G. KEARSLEY, No. 46, FLEET-STREET, LONDON.

They may alj'o he had of

Mr. Swlnney, In Birmingham; Mr. Raikes , Gloucefter ; Mr.
Baddifon, Newmarket ; Mr. Hodfon, Cambridge ; Mr. Browne,
Hull; Mr. Blanchard, York; MelTrs. Tarington and Bacon,
Norwich ; Mr. Byrne, Grafton- ftreet, Dublin ; Mr. Trewman ,
Exeter; Mr. Binns, Leeds; Mr. Hcmftcd, Surgeon, Market
Ililey; Mr. Collins, Salilbury; Mr. Browne, Briftol; Mr.
Newcomb, Stamford ; Mr. Brlftow, Canterbury ; Mr. Shave,
Ipfwich ; Mr. Gedge, Bury ; Mi*. Drury, Lincoln ; MefFrs.
Goadby and Co. Sherborne; Mrs. Smart and Co. Reading;
Mr. Blakcncy, Windfor ; Mr. Adams, Loughborough ; Mr,
Gumm, Guildford ; Mr. Burnham, Northampton; Mr. Thomas ,
Reading; Mr. Herr op, Manchefter ; Mr. Marjhall, Lynn;
Mr. Payne, Saffron Walden ; Mr. Wood, Shrewfbury ; Mr .Holl,
Worcefter; Mr. Newbury, Benfon ; Mr. King, Wiuflow ; Mr.
Clachar, Chelmsford; Mr. Nicholfon, Wifbeach; Mr. Bi llinge
and Co. Liverpool ; Mr. Beath, Monmouth; Mils CrcfweU,
Wolverhampton ; Mr. Smith, Newcaflle; and one Agent in
molt Cities and Towns, fo foon as an Arrangement of fuch
Extent can be properly formed.

Mild.

t 5®4 1

J s. 6d. each.

2S»

2S.

2S.

6d.

8 s.

8s.

Mild Purging Balls,

Stronger ditto,

Mild Mercurial Purging Balls,

Stronger ditto,

Cordial Rhubarb Purging Balls,

Purging Balls for Worms,

Mild Diuretic Balls for Cracks, Scratches, 7

Surfeit, Hidebound, or fluctuating { 6s, per dozen
Humours, - - y

Stronger ditto, for perceptible Foulnefs,

Defeats of the Eyes, Swelled Legs,
and Greafe,

Pcftoral Cordi.tl Balls, for recent Colds or
Coughs, and to be given after fe-
vere Chafes and long journeys,

PeCtornl Detergent Balls, for Ohflinate ]

Coughs, or Afthmatic and Thick i os.

Winded Horfes, - - 1

Fever Balls, -

Balls for Loofenefs or Scouring,

Balls for the Flatulent Cholic, or Fret,

Ditto for the I ndammatory Cholic, dr Gripes, zs.

Ditto for the Strangury, or Suppreffion of ) ,,

Urine, ‘ } IS* 6d*

Biiftering Ointment for Lamenefs, Spavins, 7

Splents, or. Curbs, $ ^S'

Embrocation for Lamenefs or Strains, 2s. 6d. per bottle.

Alterative Powders for Cracks, Scratches,

Surfeit, Hidebound, Mange, or £ 4s. per. dozen.
Greafe- j

is. 6d. each,
is. 6d.

2S.

N. B. The above Medicines are fo particularly prepared,
and carefully enclofed, that they retain their properties
for any length of time; and the Cordial Pectoral, Fever ,
and Palls for Scouring , Gripes, or Fret , may be diflolved in
Ale or Gruel, and given as a drink, if thought more appli-
cable or convenient, ' .

I

N

D

E

X.

A.

Editions to this edition, Introduftion, &c.

— page 6 to ii.

12 to 24.

~ 4° to 42.

52> 53> 54> 59, 60, 61, 67.

68 to 76, 77, 89, 90, 95, 96.

”V-9V*’ 23 '» 232, 241.

Additional Remarks, from page 39S to
Argus, eyes of, 2I. 4>o, both mclufive.

Angeloj ««■ «S 6.

Age, certain figns of, 2 7.

— ■ proper for work, 14.

» V, °f « 4=..
Althma, 204. 4 9 4~J I44, 2'4*

Appetite, 31, 269.

Air, 283. Apoplexy, 3 r 3.

E.

' reltrfngfntf^e!’^^,1^1;.1’3, I4I’2,9> 261, 270,272,

diuretic, ,06, 368, 369.

alterative, u2, 14,

detergent pectoral, 205, 2lS, *

— ss? “mprov'mci- «*

*” ' flomach reftorative, ^ , , 2

■ mercurial alterative, 264 J~5‘

for the jaundice, 268, 271, 277

* nervous caftor 7 » 73-

cordial carminative, 3,,, ,.Q

* ■ cordial diuretic, 338

Bleeding, directions for, 3 a.'3 j’jj em,n r
Eartlet, remarks upon, 42 ^ from> 4oS.

«■> «■» '*?■ -4.

L 1

Bracken,

\

INDEX.

Bracken, remarks upon, 5, 11, 24, 206, 242, 292,
Bag and pipe, for glyfter," 45, 205.

Bandage, 52, 5 c, 65, 84.

Bliilering, liquid, 56, 74, 82.

, ointment, 88, 394, 395.

Balfam, traumatic, the ufe of, 66, 193.

Bites, poifonous, 274.

Breflaw, 158.

Boerhaave, aphorifm of, 342.

Burdon, mentioned, 203.

C.

Cambridge, pupils of, p. 13.

Compofidon, modern, 8, lo.

Comparifon of Bracken, 24.

«•-- in aliment, 3 i .

Condition, what, 32.

Cold charges, remarks upon, 83'

Cracks, what and how cured, 91.

Cauilics, how mifapplied, 127, 137, 162, 171,
Cerate, healing, 167.

Colds, principal caufes of, 196.

. cffefts explained, 198.

• how cured, 200

Coughs, different kinds, 206,

• — p— — confequence of, 202.

Circulation confidered, 277.

Chymift, ftory off 292. t

Convulfions, 308.

— ■ , fymptoms of, 378.

Cholic, or fret, 328. How occafioned, 407.

— fymptoms, 330.

treatment and cure, 331 to 335.

or gripes, 335.

Cataraft, 379,.

Curbs, 39 +.

Canker in the mouth, 416

. < in the foot, 414.

Criticifm, talk of, 7.

Cold water, effett of, 121, 196, 330.

Dog-kennels, how fupplied, p. 4, 128,
Drink, purging, 42. „

laxative, 334, 337, 343.

fevers, 244, acidulated, 245.

2

Drink,

I N D E

X.

Drink, anti-putrefcent, 252.

• nervous (Emulative, 322.

— nervous anodyne, 323.

cordial carminative, 332, 339.

■ diuretic, 365.

■ anodyne, 351, 369.

Dreffings, proper, requiiite, 29, 117, 200, 283.
Di(hclout, greafy, ufe of, burlefqued, 187.
Deccftion, perioral, 216.

Doriors, how numerous, 16.

Doririne (and doftoring), 6.

Dillies mentioned, 3 1 8.

Draft horfes, management of, 399.

Digeftive, 152, 185.

E.

Eton, pupils of, p. 13.

Exercife, 32, 117, 200, 269, 283.
Expence, remarks upon, 47, 140.
Embrocation, ftrengthening, 73, 80, 89.

(Emulative, 324.

Economy, fadler’s, 187.

Eleriricity, fundamental, 204.

Empirical confidence, 137, 174.

Eyes, a wound upon, 385.

F.

Farrier’s infallibility, p. 34.

■ operative, 25, 59.

■ — judgment, 120, 249.

. dilemma, 155, 162, 246.

privilege, 205.

of eminence and abilities, 59, 363.

Feeding, 29. Figging, 20.

Fomentations, 163, 184, 299.

Fumigation, 300.

Firing, remarks upon, 83, 89.

Farcy, 13 1. Cafe of Supplement.

Former prariice, cruelty of, 136.

Fiftula, 168. Fungus, 190.

Fevers, 230.

• explained, 237.

epidemic, 230. Treatment, 252.

Fallibility of fpecitics, 274.

FolTe, M. La, remarks upon, 287, 290, 293, 303,

L 1..2

Farmer’s

index.

Farmers’ ftables, remarks upon, 400.

• fervants, conduft upon, 403.

Flatulent cholic, or fret, 329.

■ how occafioned, 407.

G.

Goulard’s extraft of Saturn, p, 56, 86, 8g, 108, 143,

189, 384, i) 09.

* its properties explained, <no.

Gibfon, remark upon, 5, 9, 25, 52, I37, 204, 2U 231,
276, 310,

Glanders, 287. ,

infedlious, 302.

— — incurable, 304.

Greafe, 96, 403.

* caufe of, 10 1, 1 10.

Grooms indolent, 23, 92.

ill humours of, 103.

•— — duty, j 88, 192, 403, 407,

Genius of dulnefs, 136,

Glands, induration of, 228,

Gutta ferena, 378.

Glyfters, laxative, 45, 216, 337.

* domeftic, 239.

againft worms, 320,

* anodyne, 320, 348, 352,

* carminative, 333.

emollient diuretic, 363.

H,

Hughes, mentioned, p. 25.

Health, remark on, 29,

Hay, mufiy, 3 1 .

• fparing in, 225.

proper quantity, 341.

Heroes, equeltrian, 63, 157,
Hidebound, 82,

Horfes expofed to danger, 3, 318*
Humanity enjoined, 63.

Horfe-dealers, a tax upon, 21.
Hercules, ftrength of, 137.

Humours, 1 1 8, 334, 396.

Horfcmen, a caution to, 194.

Haws, what, and how extirpated, 386,

Inje&ion,

Index,

i.

Xnje&ian, detergent, p. 301
Ignorance, ftabularian, 137, 174,

Jones mentioned, 25.

Jaundice, 266.

Inftru&ions, various, 17, 19, 63, 341, 3^

K.

Knees, broken, p. 28, 156.

treatment of, 139, and Supplement,

•Kill or cure, fyflem of, 137.

L.

Lamenefs, p. 6 S.

— ligamentary. Supplement,

Liniment, repellent, 56, 65, 143.

Lotion, detergent, 105, 143, 417,

* repellent, 86, 413.

* the eyes, 383, 38 y.

* * drying, 103.

— mercurial, 160,

Livery, fubfiftence, 23.

Le Erulh, Captain, quoted, 118.

Liver, the, a fchirrofity of, 128, 27;,

London ftables, comforts of, 23.

Larnpas, or Lampards, 390.

Lungs, the, inflammation of, 21 1,

M.

Mock Doftor, quoted, p. c.

Mail coaches, 28, 318. ?

Mafli, reflringent, 46.

■ balfamic, 200.

Mercury, remarks upon the ufe of
Mange, 125, Mars, fire of, „7*
Myrrh, tmfture of, 164, ,93.
Medicines, quack, remarks on, 20
Molten Greafe, 333.

' fymptoms, 333.

77 77” treatment and cure, -izn.
Machines, flying, mentioned, 318,
Mallenders, 388. 6

Mercurial foliition, 160, 413,

/

Nitre

I >N D E X.

N.

Nitre recommended, p. 124, 129, 142, 200,
246.

- - its properties explained, 241,

Nature confidered, 150, 204,

Navel Galls, 1 £9.

Noftrums, infallibility of, ridiculed, 295,
New publication diife&ed, 7.

cx

Ofmer quoted, p. 60, 90.

remarks on, 77, 2 32, 241,

Oxford, pupils of, 13.

Ointment, emollient, 105.

. for the mange, 130.

liable dige (live, 132, 183,

precipitate digeftive, 163.

• -mercurial, 182, 308.

. anodyne, 108.

— — detergent emollient,

Obfervations, various, 11, 16, 23, 30,
Over-reaches, 159.

P.

Publications, modern -periodical, p. 6, iq,
Plagiarifm, remarks on, 9, 188.

Poifons, 5, 143.

Phyfic, 36.

management of, 38.

. operation explained, 43.

Powders, alterative, 124, 129, 142, -274.

worm, 265.

Poultice, emollient, 8c, iji.

. fuppurative, 109, 178, 184, 28/,

Prevention preferable to cure, 62, 298.
Pra&ice, ancient, modernized, 7.

. remarks on, 50, 174.

Penury of fome, 140.

Poll-evil, 173.

Pra&ice, infernal, 175.

Pleurify, 211. Palfy, 323.

Puppies, remarks on, 63.

Powders, pernicious, given, 403.

Pun&ured Tendons. Supplement.

207, 217, 240,

Quackery,

I N D E

X.

CL

Quackery the danger of, p. 154.
Quack medicines, ftamp upon, 295.
Quittor, original caufe of, 160.

explained, 392.

R.

Repofitories, remarks upon, p. 19.

. — true pidture of, 20.

proper to fell at, 22.

inftitution good, 21.

Receipts, obfolete and dangerous, 3, 10.
Raking, bad practice, 44.

Riders, advice to, 62.

Reft in ftrains recommended, 81, 83, 86.
Repellents, mild, 189, 190.

Reafon to be confulted, 183, 204.

Rowel recommended, 253.

Ringbones, 395.

S.

Sydenham, remark upon, p. 4.

“ Sound wind and limb,” explained, 15.
Shape and make, neceflary, 12, 14, 16, 18.
Splents explained, 51. Cure, 53.

Spavins, blood, 55. Bone, 58.

• treatment, 56, 60.

Spirits, repellent, 65, 189.

Strains, 76. Caufes explained, 78.
Scratches, 9K Cure 9^. Stopping, 95,
Surfeit, 118. True caufe of, 122.

Stables, London, remark upon, 23.

Scrub’s allufsons, 1 3 1 .

Solley fell mentioned, 201.

Swift, Dean, ftory of, 290. •

Staggers, 308. General caufe, 317.
Scouring from repletion, 343.

from weaknefs, 349,

Sportfmen, an appeal to, 177.

Snape, mentioned, 25.

Strangles, 276. Caufe, 278. Cure, 281,
Spafms, 32;. Strangury, 359.

Saturnine folution, 190, 383.

Sallender’s

I & D E

X.

Sallenders, 390.

Sloane, Sir Hans, ointment, 383.
Sanderacks, 417. J

T

Teeth, age by, p. 76.

Thrufh, running, 94.

Tumours, 180, 28c, 307.

Traps for the unwary, 14.

1 horn Wounds, Supplement,
Tendon, pun&ured, ditto.

u.

Ulcers in farcy, p. 144.

in general, 26 1.

Vade Mecum, Farrier’s, 11$.

Vegeto mineral, 151.

— — ■ — to make, 152.

Vulcanian advocates, 204.

Vives, explained,- 285.

Vertigo, 313.

W.

Windgalls, p. 61.

— caufe explained, 62.

cure of, 64. HBy perforation, 6c.

Wafh for ulcers, j 66.

detergent, 1 9 1 .

W ater, vegeto mineral, 1 5 1 , 152.

Wounds, 246.

Warbles, 187. How repelled, 189.

Wind broker, 219.

how occafioned, 41.

Water, cold, efredl of, 121, 294, 330, 402* and Supplements

{paring in, 225.

Worms, 255. Different kinds, 256.

cure of, 261.

t

- — —

?

v

( /

4

\

*

\

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