/it-f^^^c.,^^^

rHE NINTH ED in ON,

CCN!;iDERABLY ENLARGED, AND CAREFULLY CORRECTED,

THE

Gentleman's Stable Dire6lory;

O R,

MODERN SYSTEM

O F

F A R R I E R Y. '

COMPREHENDING THE

Frefent e7itire improved Mode ofPraBice:

LIKEWISE

All the mod valuabb paEscRirxioKS and approved remedies,

accurately proportioned and properly adapted to every khowa

DISEASE to which the HORSE is inxident.
Interfperfed with occasional remarks noon the danG:erous and

almoil: obfolete practice of Gieson, Bracken, Bartlet*

OsMER, and others.

Alfo DIRECTIONS fcr FEEDING, BLEEDING, PL'RGING ar.d

getting into condition for the ckase.

To ^vhtch are no-uj added^
USEFUL INSTRUCTIONS FOR BUYING AND SELLING;

W I T H AN APPEND! X,

Contaicing experimental Obfervations up )n the Management of Dratt
HoKSES, their Blemishes and Pefects.

INSCRIBED TO

Sir JOHN LADE, Bart.
By W I L L I a M T a P L I N, Surgeon.

LONDON :
psiNTED for g. kearsley, at Johnson's head,

MO. J.6, I.N FLEET STREET. I789.

T O

Sir JOHN LADE, Bart.

^~'% "HE very diPdnguifhed cliaradef
1 and eminent fituation you fup-
port in the fporti?ig worlds to the
great pleafure and admiration of thofe
who furround you in th^Jield and ac-
company you in the chafe^ vvill^ in
the opinion of every experienced
SPORTSMAN, fufficiently juftify the
conliflency and propriety of infcribirig
to you this earnefc endeavour to refcue
from the frequent and dreadful effeds
of STABULARiAN igjiorance^ and em-
pirical- conjidence, the future eafe^
fafety^ and prejervatio?!^ of an animal
I that

( vl )

that not only conflitutes to every
SPORTSMAN one of the noblefl:
bleflings in life, but, in the fplendour
of your Jliid^ Jlahles^ and equipage^
affords ample difplay of your taste.
Judgment, and liberality. Ic is
a gratification highly flattering, that I
have the prcfent opportunity to fub-
fcribe myfclf,

With refpcdl and admiration,
Sir John,
Your mofl: obedient,

And very humble fervant,

The author.

( vii )

To THE READEIi

ON THE PVBLICATION OF THE

NINTH EDITION.

T would be a tacit acknowledgment of
the author's total inlcnfibility to every
gratification of ambition, was he to omit the
communication of acknowledgments that, in
their general difFufion, contribute fo very much
to his own honour. And he muft ever con-
fider it no fmall. compliment to his endeavours
that the work is univerfally known to have
been crowned with the moft perfedl fuccefs.
The very great and almoft unlimited porlioa
of fupport that has fo Angularly fanftioned its
birth, fuSiciently demonftrates the abfolute
want of fuch publication.

This pleafing incenfe to literary vanity
could be increafed only by the conftantly

accumulating

iriii To the R E A D E R.

accumulating encomiums, and moji fiibftantial
proofs of private approbation, from, fome of
the lirft charaders within the circle of T^he
Royal Hunt 2indi Favour, Sportfmen, the pro-
pitious omen of whofe patronage not only
refledls rays of additional honour, but whofe
judgment, equeftrian knowledge^ and prac-
tical experience, jointly eflabliila a criterion of
equity that will ever render the author invul-
nerahle to the barbed and envenomed arrowy
of meiiflrual criticifm.

The rapid circulation of EIGHT largQ
imoreffions has forcibly influenced the author
to make fuch additions and improvements
as v^^ili, he has every reafon to believe, render
it of ftill greater utility by the introdudlion or
many ufeful obfervations for the prefervation of
health and promotion of condition^ as well as the
treatment and cure of difeafe.

The proper managepient of draft horfes is
more particularly attended to, their blemiilies

and

To THE READER. ix

and defefls are in many inftances evidently
accounted for, and the modes of prevention,
in general, clearly pointed out. Several effica-
cious prefcriptions are likewife added, and a
variety of ufeful inftiudlions introduced, for
the diftindl and feparate information of metro^
poll tan jockies^ juvenile purchafers, and ineX"
perienced/portfrneuy With very interefting -hints
for the purpofes of buying 2inAfellingy including
(among many other ftriking and advantageous
particulars) a fuperficial furvey of that immacu^
late mart of integrity — A Modern Repofitory,

a PREFACE.

( xi )

PREFACE,

IT IS a truth generally acknowledged and
univerfally lamented that, amidH: all the
improvements of the prefent age, none has re-
ceived fo little advantage from the rays of re-
finement as the Art of Farriery, And, it muft
be likewife confefTcd, it is an ill compliment to
a country abounding with fportfrnen, and thofe
remarkable for their extreme liberality, that
the intelledual faculties of many diftingui/hed
members of the diiFerent learned focieties fhould
be abforbed in abftrufe contemplations and
intenfe lucubrations upon the antiquity of a coin
the probofcis of an elephant, the genus of an ex^
eticy or the beautiful variegations of a butt erf y,
whilft a branch of fcience and ftudy, involving
the health, fafety, and prefervation, of the
naoft beautiful and efteemed animal this king-
dom has to boaft, is neglected as derogatory to
A 2 the

xii PREFACE.

the dignity of a man of letters -, and, from this
miftaken idea of degradation, a fubjedt of fo
much confequence has been for many years
fubmitted to the arbitrary didation of the mofl
illiterate part of the communii;, without a
fingle effort of weight or influence to abolifli
the ancient and almoft obfoiete mode of prac-
tice; or a fingle attempt made, from proper au-
thority^ to introduce the modern improvements
and difcoveries in every branch of m.edicine.
It is mofl; certain there is no one period of hif-
tory where the horfe has been ranked fo high
in general eilimation, or rendered of fuch in-
trinfic worth, by a difplay of his various
powers, as in the prefent age of experiment
and refinement.

To this caufc may undoubtedly be attri-
buted the very great attention paid for fome
years part to the breed of the diftindt and fe-
parate claflls for the turf, field, road, or draft;
and as their value has, in a very (hort fpace of
time, abfc I'ltely doubled their former worth,
furely we ought to be proportionally anxious
for their prefervation, whether for fporty con-
'vemence or einolument. The almoft incredible
number of this truly valuable part of the crea-
tion

PREFACE. xiii

tion that annually fall viflims to the invinci-
ble confidence of thofe rufticfons of Vulcan,
felf-cienominated y^rr/Vrj, (with the thunder
of whofe ignorance almoil: every village re-
founds), has for years feemed to implore the
affiftance of fome intelligent member of fociety
to come forward; and, by blending the ad-
miniflration of medicines with a praftical
knowledge of \ht\v properties and effects, refcue
the poor fuffering animals from the conftanf,
invariable, and unrelenting, depredations of
illiterate praBitioners and experimental perfe-
cutors.

Well aware of the arduous tafk of attempt-
ing to eradicate vulgar and habitual prejudices^
in favour of ancient practice, or the improba-
bility of reconciling attachments of long land-
ing to the rational fyftem of modern compofi-
tion; and the little chance of exploding entirely
the heterogeneous and inconfiftent /^rr^^o fo
long in ufe, univerfal fatisfadtion is not to be
cxpeded, or approbation obtained. But when
a clear, open, and candid comparifon is drawn
by the more enlightened, between the accu-
mulation of contrarieties in the laboured pre-
fcriptions ^* of Gibson and Bracken/' with
A 3 the

XIV PREFACE.

the indigefted obfervatlons of the more intel-
ligent, though lefs prolix and digreflive,
" Bartlet," the leaft doubt is not enter-
tained but every degree of favour will be (hev^'n
to a fyftem of practice founded on reafon^ fup-
ported by experience, and juftified by a general
knowledge of medicines^ thtix prijicipks^ pro-
fertiesy preparations and e^eBs,

To difpel the gloom of ignorance from the
brow of obflinacy would be a tafk of Her-
culean labour; I therefore wave every idea
of animadverlion upon the intuitive knowledge
of thofe, who^ wrapt up in the warm and happy
confolation of their own wifdom, never fuffer
\\it\x [olid judgments to be warped by the in-
trufion of new opinions ; and proceed to make
the neceflary remarks upon the qualifications
of thofe country praflitioners who rank very
high in self-estimation.

And fuch obfervations as are rendered un»
avoidable fhall occafionally appear with ' all
poffible delicacy, wishing to irritate, as little as
may be, the feelings of any individual, whofe
want of cultivation and improvement muft be
confidcred a misfortune, not a crime; but, in
7 whofe

PREFACE. XV

whole deficiency of profeffional knowledge
confifts the danger which fo often occurs and
expofes him to that labyrinth of perplexity,
that dilemma of didrefs, from which no bril-
liant fertility of genius, no idea of the ftruc-
ture of parts, no correfponding knowledge of
medicines, or their efferts, can poffibly arife to
extricate him, whilft the fufFering animal (in
perhaps the mod excruciating agonies) expires
at the feet of this *' learned judge ^'' j^if^y^ and
executioner*

Experience juftifies the aflertion, that nine
times out of ten the complaint (if internal)
remains a matter of hypothefis and conjecture,
without one explanatory note^ fentence^ A'^^g»
or ejaculation^ by which we may be led to
underftand or difcovcr the caufe: but, as pro-
feffional ftupidity muft be defended, we are
at laft told (with a fyftematic fimplicity and
vacuity of countenance) " the horfe is in a
** great deal of pain J'

This firft point being (not without feme dif-
ficulty and feeming depth of thought) at length
dilcovered, the remedy is then to be obtained^
and as, in general, cowards once puflied on

become

Xvi P R E F A C P:.

become bold in proportion to the danger, fo
according to the exigency, fome powerful
*' Mandragord' of the '' Materia Medicci" is
inflantly procured i and, as reputation miift be
fupponed, fo '* kiilor cure,'' (time out of mind
the ancient and modern medical motto) is
compulfively adopted, and the whole arcana
of equeftrian knowledge is let loofe, from the
very fimple preparation of '^ fugar fopSy' to the
more remote, aftive, and dangerous mercury,
till relief is fortunately obtained, or the falling
favourite expires, in tortures, a martyr to the
ignorance of the praBitioner and the credulity
of its owner I

To corroborate this fad one felf-evldent ob*
fervation only is neceffary to give it due weight,
in oppofition to a mind even prejudiced againft
the INNOVATIONS of improvement in pradice
or reflilication in judgment. For inftance— Is
it poffibic— can it (after a moment's reflexion)
be fuppofed — that thefe men, totally unculti-
vated in underftanding and the mod common
occurrences in life,\vhofe minds are as rude and
uncivilized as their manners, can be at all con-
verfant or acquainted with, the different pro-
J^ertieSy qualities^ operations or effe^Sy of a long

iiii

PREFACE. XVII

lift of medicines, to all of which they arc
ftrangers even in appearance, poffeffing no
other knowledge of the very articles fpecified
but what they have acquired from books and
prefcriptions, Icng fince become obfolete and
ufelefs from their inefRcacy? Can they be ex-
pected to underftand the chemical pri^ceffes of
mercury^ antimony, and other dangerous medi-
cines they conftantly put into ufe, without
knowing their origins, preparations, combina-
tion of principles, or the exact line of diftinc-
tion that renders them fahtary remedies or
powerful poifons?

It is alfo highly neceflary to introduce a
matter perfedly applicable to the fubjeft of in-
veftigation, as an impofition very little known
(except to the facuhy); and is a palpable dif-
grace to that body, of which every profeflbr of
medicine conftitutes a member. It is the com-
mon and fcandalous adulteration of drugs, a
praftice too prevalent amongft the druggijis in
the metropolis y as well as the country; who,
from the predominant paffion of gain, fo curi-
ouily adulterate, as to deceive even thofe who
coniider thcmfelves adepts in deception. And
this, to be the better enabled to underfel their

competitors.

xvHi PREFACE.

competitors, convinced, by experience, the ma-
jority Of FARRIERS admit the medicines that
can be purchafed cheapest to be much the

BEST-

Thefe circumflances are not intrcdaced or
hazarded as matters of opinion, but as palpable
fads tliat fpeak home to every reader of judge-
ment or experience j and fufficiently indicate
the neceffity of circulating, from medical au-
thority, the prefent improved fyflem of modern
compofition, univerfally adopted and generally
approved, to the approaching extermination of
empirical practice and daiigerms experiment.
This publication being undertaken to render as
plain and familiar as poffible a fubjed that has,
through almoft every difiertation, been obfcur-
ed by the mijl of ignorance and majk of fjiyjlery,
it is anxiouily to be deiired in future, that every
gentleman who has occafion to elucidate or illu-
ftrate his own underftanding, by calling to his
affiflance any of the learned tribe bcibre de-
fcribed, fo remarkable for their extent of com-
munication, will (previous to their adminilira*
tion of medicine) require an explanatory pre-
lude, with fatisfaclory information upon what
operations they frame their expedations of re-
lief

PREFACE. XIX

lief and fuccefs. With the very neceflary and
additional recommendation, to be particularly
careful to obtain their m.ed'icines from Bifpen-
faries oi refute, wliere iht frcprietcr is report-
ed or fuppofed to have formed zfair^ honour-
able, and equitable contrail with emolument and
reputation.

And this caution is rendered more imme-
diately worthy confideration, by the multipli-
city of fpecious advertifements fo conftantly
held forth to promote the lucrative fale of
innumerable balls^ pewders, and pa/leSy indivi-
dually infallible for every diforder to which
tlie horfe is incident. But what renders the
circumftance ftill more extraordinary, is their
being prefcribed and prepared, by thcfe very
metropolitan praaiiicners in medicine, whofe
equeftrian pofiefiions ne-jer amounted to a
fngle Jleed'y whofe journies or experimental
pradice, never exceeded the diurnal progref-
fions of a hackney-coach':, and whofe great
anxiety for the general good ne^cer furpafled
the idea of cejit. per cent, in the circulation.
This obfervation comes with a much better
grace, when I can affure the public one of
the very firft advertifers in this way was a

niedical

XX PREFACE.

medical adventurer, who having failed as a
fharmacopoliji at the weft end of the town
(as did his fucceflbr alfo), they, In rotation^
adopted the alternative of neceffity, in pom-
poufly advertifing ** Horfe medicines for the
" ufe of the nobility and gentry;" how well
they fucceeded the creditors of both can mojl
feelingly teftify; and of their confipofitions the
reader will be beft enabled to form a compe-«
tent opinion, when, in the courfe of the work
72oJirums and quack medicines become the ne-
ceffary fubjed:s of animadverfion.

CONTENTS.

( xxi )

CONTENTS.

/^Bfervations,
V-/ Feeding,
Condition,
Bleeding, -
Purging,

Page

I

29

32

34

36

CLASS

I.

Splents,

Spavins,

Windgalls,

Lamenefs,

Strains,

- ••

r
*-<

49

55
6i

61
7-6

CLASS

II.

Cracks, &g.

Thrufh,

Greafe,

-

»

91
94
99

CLASS

III.

Hidebound,

Surfeit,

Mange,

"

114
118

125

CLASS

XxlJ C O N T E N T S.

C L A S S IV.

Page

Wounds, - - - - 146

Ulcers, - - - - 16 [

Fiftula, - - - 168

Poll Evil, - - - 173

CLASS V.

Tumours, - - 180

Warbles, - - - 187

Navel Galls, - - - 189

Sitfaft, - - . - 1^2

CLASS VL

Colds, - - - 195

Coughs, - - - 199

Pleurifyj &c. - - 211

Broken Wind, - - 219

Confumption, - - 227

CLASS VII.

Fevers, _ - . 230

Worms, - - 255

Jaundice, - - 266

CLASS VIIL

Strangles, - - - 276

Glanders, - - - 287

Staggers, &c. . - . 308

CLASS

CONTENTS. xxlii

CLASS

IX.

Page

Flatulent Cholic,

-

328

Inflammatory Cholic,

-

335

Scouring or Loofenefs,

* «

3+2

Molten Greafe,

m o

353

CLASS

X.

Strangury, &c. &c.

-

359

CLASS

XL

Difeafes of the Eyes

-

373

CLASS

XII.

Mallenders,

-

388

Sallenders,

-

390

Lannpas,

" «»

390

Quittor, - - -

m •

392

Curbs,

•

394

Ringbones,

-

395

TH£

THE

MODERN SYSTEM

O F

FARRIERY.

THE very great difcoverles made in the
prefent century have certainly extended
to every art and fcience that could be mate-
rially improved by intenfe ftudy and applica-
tion ; and to none more than the adminiftra-
tion of medicine, and its efFeds upon the
HUMAN BODY, by fomc of the mofl learned
men in every part of Europe : and, from the
rapid and univerfally acknowledged improve-
ments in this fyftem, 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 ftupendous folios,

B the

2 OBSERVATIONS.

the voluminous herbals in the libraries of the
botanical votaries, have reludlantly given place
to various differtations on the diitinguiilied
efficacy of thofe grand fpeeifics, ;;/^ra/r>', opitim^
antimony, bark, &c. of v^hich fo many expe-
rimental and efficacious preparations have been
difcovered by chymical procefs, as to render
of little ufe or refpedt any prefcription of
ancient date, when put in competition with
the rational and approved fyRem of modern
improvements. The obftinate and invincible
advocates for the ancient mode of pradlice^
whether in phyfic or farriery, are at length
obliged to acquiefce in the change ; for, what
they by inclination were not willing to ac-
knowledge, TIME, TRUTH, and EXPERIENCE^
have fully confirmed. But, ftrange as it may
appear (yet fhamefuUy true it is!) notwith-
ftanding this redification of judgment, very
little has yet been done to improve, or pro-
duce a change in the long ftanding, abfurd^
and ridiculous SYSTEM of FARRIERY;
a change as equally tiecejfaty, jiifl, laudable,
equitable, and iijeful, as any that can be adopted
for the c^eneral fafetv and advanta2[e of our
own fpecies. And this becomes more necef-
fariiy aiid immediately the objeCl of ferious
2 confideration,

OBSERVATIONS. 3

^onfideration, when circum (lances daily evince
to the medical praditioner (or compounder of
prefcriptions) the verv 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 too
generally intruded ; every stable boy, aping
the groom his fuperior, and the groom the
Jelf-injlruiled farrier, all have their heads
and pockets fluffed with the quinteffence of
ftupidity, colledled 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-
jefted as of no utility. But, as variety muft
be obtained to effedl the neceffary purpofe, the
invention is inftantly fet at work to fubftitute
new ingredients, for thofe long fince aban-
doned as fuperfluous and unneceffary, in me-
dicinal compofition. Thefe alterations and
fubftitutes frequently form a mod curious col-
ledion of contrarieties — purgatives and rejlrin-
gents, cordials and cooler s, mercurials, antijno-
nials and diuretics, are indifcriminately blended
in one mafs, as a fpecimen of thefe wonderful
improvements in the ART of FARRIERY!
And thofe who are mod acquainted with this
B 2 pradlice

4 OBSERVATIONS. '

praflice wonder leaft how the dog-kenneL§
in every part of the kingdom are fo amply fur--
niilied with horse flesh.

As an elucidation of this circumftance, and
to corroborate the confiflency 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 al-
moft 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 oipimi/Jdment, And this is not altogether
likely to create wonder, when we recolle(5l
tliere is no la%v exiiling to hang a phyfician for
error in judgment. 7ime and experience has
fixed the fiandard, according to cafes, circum-
ftances, and exigencies, from six ounces to
SIXTEEN, which is nearly one half the original
evacuation j fo that we find by this change of
quantity the modern human body is fuppofed to
contain no more than one half the proportion
of blood that ran in the veins of the heroes of
A T\ T I QU 1 T V, unlefs the whole fyftem is entirely
changed, as obferved by Gregory, in the Mock

- Doctor,

OBSERVATIONS. 5

Doctor, who fays " The heart was for-
" merly on the left fide, but the COLLEGE
" have altered all that, and placed it on the
" riglotr

To produce a cafe exadly 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 fubjedl 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 pradice and
experience fixes the eftablifhed proportion at
exactly half, or at moft Jive eighths, to the
ftrongeft hcrfes, with the cathartic aids before
mentioned. He alfo moft courageoufly re-
commends/6^/^^;2 ounce of calomel, ov jublimed
7nercury, in a fingle ball ; and fpeaks of the
internal adminiftration of moft powerful poi-
fons, corrpjive fuhlimate, o-c red precipitate, as a
matter of courfe: the proportion for a dofe
being curioufly afcertained by the fublime
menfuration of a ** filver two-pence," as if a
premium had been abfolutely provided by an
aB of parliament for the general extirpation of
the breed of HORSES, as deJiruBive to the
B 3 inter ejis

6 OBSERVATIONS.

interefts of fociety. Though, after prefcrlbing
thefe dreadful remedies, he modejiiy confeffes
** in the adminiftration there is great danger ;
** and, unlefs a horfe is very ftrong, he may
*' not be able to recover from the experi-^
*' ment."

This is dodtrine (and doBpring) Wxih a wit-
nefs ! Thefe are the kind of experiments^ and
this the kind of language that has for two
centuries b:;en held forth in almoft every tradt
upon the fubjeft : and, under thefe abfurd, ridi-
culous, dangerous, and contemptible burlef-^
ques upon the application of medicine, v^ill
any man, v^ho wiihes well to the caufe of
humanity^ fay feme rational fyftem of redifi-
cation and improvement is not neceflary, to
refcue from the danger of perpetual experi-
ments the nobkfl and mofl valuable quadruped
in the creation !

The palpable neceffity for fuch improve-
ment having been univerfally admitted previous
to the firfl: edition of this vi^ork, it hjtnce ren-
dered more abfolutely needful by the recent re-
furredion of ancient praBice^ modernized in a
different form and periodical appearance. It has

evidently

OBSERVATIONS. 7

evidently undergone a kind of regeneration by
its new birthy and is now become the child of
adoption ; fandioned with the authority of a
nominal voucher for the coi^fijlency of its imper--
fe(flions, and ih^ propriety y of introducing the
mofl: incredible accumulation of prefcripiive
abfurdities that ever difgraced a medical work
offered to public infpedtion for the purpofe of
information. And what renders the impoli-
tion of ftill greater magnitude, is the very con-
fidential manner of proclaiming to the world
what every profeffor of medicine will inftanta-
neoufly refufe his affent to the belief of, viz.
that it is the joint produdion of an operative
farrier, phyficians, anatomifts, and profeffors
of furgery.

The tafk of criticifm muft at all times be an
unpleafant performance, but much more par-
ticularly upon the prefent occafion, where it
will be abfolutely impoffible for me to difcharge
my obligation to an indulgent public (with
the necelTary precifion and impartiality) with-
out encountering, by this decifion, the pique or
refentment of all parties interefted in the fate
of fuch publication, or its efteft upon the mul-
titude. However, the predicament I now
B 4 fland

8 OBSERVATIONS.

Hand in compels me to proceed to a thorough
explanation, feeling myfelf pledged by a public
promife not only to invejligate^ make clear ^
and endeavour to expkdey the cruelties of an-
cient praftice, but to point out the equal dan-
ger of modern compojitton even in its infancy i
more particularly when uftiered Into the
world by fuch high founding authority as
may give it temporary weight with unthinkr
ing injudicious readers, or experimental ad^
ventuierSo

Previous to farther animadverfion upon the
jclaborate periodical work In queulon, I (hali^
without the leaft intentional gratification of my
own vanity, offer to the prcfent reader one
congratulatory fadl beyond the power of
.fophijlry to confute, or criticijm to condemn.
Amidfl the paltry productions that have been
obtruded upon the public under various titles
(thofe fervile imitations or wretched mutila-
tions of what have gone before) it is a mofl
flattering circumftance to the author, and no in-
different confolation to the publifher, that this
iioork will ever fupport itfelf upon the bafis of
its own origin. The great fuccefs and rapid
circulation of the former editions have totally
? *' exculpated

OBSERVATIONS. 9

.exculpated every page from the leaft accufa-
lion of plagiarifm, as it will be found to differ
very materially from oth:r publications upon the
fame fubjecli and the exa6l reverfe of thofe in
circulation. The ftudious inquirer will be mod
ferioufly difappointed if he expects to find, in
thefe pages a literal imitation and repetition of
Gibson's anatomital ftrudure, with the iden^
tical plates and coirefponding referrences, or a
dangerous combination of defiruclive articles
heterogeneoujly blended and cruelly applied.

Saying thus much to corroborate the intent
and meaning of our own work, it becomes
immediately applicable to repeat our aflertlons
refpeding thedanger of others; particularly in
thofe truly 'wonderful prefcriptive parts, fo mo-
deftly affirmed to be the conjunclive efforts of
learned phyfcianSy fludious anatomijls^ 2ind pro^
f dents in furgery. That the pradical know-
ledge of thefe nominal phyficians '* in buckram"
has far exceeded every thing prefcribed before
their time, the magnitude and almofl unlimited
number of dangerous articles introduced in
their recipes will fufficiently demonftrate to
thofe who are fo truly unfortunate as to have
the perufal fall to their lot ; but more particu-
larly

lo OBSERVATIONS.

lary thofe who dill more ufifortimately fall
into the pradice.

It is impofTible (without taking too much
time from the reader, or too much room in
the work) to indulge a moft predominant wifli
of enlarging upon the unaccountable abfurdi*
ties and aftoniihing proofs of ignorance in the
properties, power, and ufe of medicine, that
might be juilly quoted (from this mofiftrous
prodigy of modern inftrudlion) 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 enume-
rate the follies or copy the illiterate prefer ip-
tions to juftify my own obfervations, or court a
coincidence from others, I (hall content my-
felf with one affurance to the public, that, hav^
ing taken the opinions of fome of the faculty,
(upon the recipes already promulgated in the
trifling part of the produdion hitherto gone
forth) they perfedly agree with me-^there are
a variety introduced that would in a very few
hours inevitably relieie the fubjed from every
pojjibility of future pain, Juff'erifig^ or difqute^
tude.

I fhall

OBSERVATIONS. ii

I fliall only convey an oblique hint at thofe
catchpenny fliifts, 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 difcGve^
ries, prolix defcriptions^ tedious digrejjions, and
ajlmijhing tales, of Henry Bracken (medi-
cine dodor), who, to his diploma, which he
boafts of in his preface, adds the flrangeft com-
plication of language, for a medical author
and phyfician, that ever difgraced a candidate
for critical diffedion. However bad the com-
pliment may be to my own underfl;anding, or
largely it may tend to difplay my w^ant of
tafte, I can neither condefcend to imitate him
in the fublimity of his ftyle or the fertility
of his medical invention : nor {hall I prefumc
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 purpofc
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-
trodudory part of trads upon this fubjeft, to
enlpxrge upon the fhape, make, figure, and qua-
lifications, of a horfe for the turf, field, road.
Sec. x^nd all this might be very applicable
and proper, even 7iow eould we for a moment
fuppofe that a fportfman does not know a
HORSE from an ass, or that a gentleman at-
tends a re:iofitory, fair, market, or fale, with
^ book in his hand^ or his pocket, by way of
remembrancer. Exclufive of this confider-
ation, in the prefent ftage of refinement, we
are become fo truly enlightened, that every
juvenile devotee to Diana^ who has juft efcap-
ed from the tender anxiety of his mamma^ and
the fuccefsful attention of his tutor ^ talks loudly
and cox^fidently of the ^^ full eye^' '' fmall ear^*
'^ deep eke/};' '' clofe fillet:' " fi^ort hack;'
^^ firQ?2g paftern;" Joiind hoof;' &c. In (hort,
all thofe qualifications that are at prefent uni-
verfally underftood, and in conftant requeft,
by the bcft judges, are very hard to obtain;
and it is by no means an uncommon thing to
obf-rve a horfe with very few* good points, in
the poficiTion of thofe we are apt to believe
(from a combination of circumllances) have

It

OBSERVATIONS. 13

it in their power to be much better accom-
modated.

Since the original publication of this work
objed^ions having been ftarted to the above
mode of explanation, as not only too concife
for the magnitude of the fubjeft, but equally
inadequate to the expedlation of the young and
inexperienced, who become inquirers more
from the motive of information than amufe-
ment ; I (hall endeavour to obviate that difap-
pointment by entering more minutely into the
defcriptive qualifications, and clearly point out
the advantages arifing froni circumfpe6lion to
juvenile adventurers in the equeftrian field, of
fortune. Exclufive of the before-xnentioned
clafs of enlightened pupils, who have improved
their theoretic knowledge by pradical expe-
rience and difquifition upon the well-worn
hacks of Eto?!^ Oxford^ and Cambridge, (en*
abling themfelves to animadvert upon fplents,
fpavins, windgalls, and ftrains), it mull: be
confeffed there are innumerable inferiors who
having unluckily no experimental knowledge
to improve upon, no advantage to avail them-
felves of but literary inftrudion, or dear bought
experience, it is undoubtedly juft fuch advice

fhould

14 OBSERVATIONS.

fliould be inculcated as may tend to prevent
'their becoming dupes to the various traps of
impofition ete finally open to plunder the un-
wary.

In refped then to the abfolute fhape^ mah^
^ni figurcy of a horfe, fuch rules fhall be laid
down for the feledion, or choice in purchafe^
as it will be indifpenfably neceffary to adhere
to, if fpcedy firength or beauty^ (commonly
termed falliion) are the objeds of confider-
ation^ though it may be juftly believed an al-
moft entire impoiribility to procure a horfe
with all thofe points and advantages the eye of
caution and experience conftantly has in view.
In fuch furvey the primary and predominant
confideration (if found) is the flate of age, but
much more particularly if required for imme-
diate ufe, at leaft that kind of ufe termed con-
flan t work 'y as no horfe n.vhaie'vier can be fup-
pofed adequate to fach tafk at an earlier age
than rifing fix years.

To the very neceffary convidlion of age fhould
follow a moft minute and attentive infpedion,
or rather flrid examination, of thofe points
condituting the diftindion between imperfec-

tionsy

OBSERVATIONS. 15

tionSy blemiJljeSf and defers-, in general doubt-
fully implied, and not always perfectly under-
ftood, by the comrnon affurance of ** Sound
** wind and limb," To afcertain the veracity of
which technical phrafeology much nicety of dif-
crimination appertains,

Amongfl: fportfmen (who arejuftly 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'' hzs ever been, 2<i\^ fiill is^ in-
tended to convey an honourable^ unequivocal af-
furance of the perfeft ftate of both the frame
and bodily health of the fubjedl Vv'ithout excep-
tion or ambiguity. It is meant to imply the
total abfence of blemifhes as well as defeds,
(unlefs particularly pointed out and explained);
and is really intended to confirm a bo7ia fide
declaration of the horfe*s being (at the time)
free from every imperfeBlon^ labouring under
no impediment Xo fight or adiion. This is the
cftabiifhed intent and meaning of the word
*^ Jound ^' 2imong(i geKtle?nen ^nd fportf?nen ; its
explication and various tifes, for the convenient
purpofes and impofitions of groofns, dealers^
black legSj d^nd jobbing itinerants^ is too perfedly

underftood

16 OBSERVATIONS,

underftood (by thofe who have run the gaunt-^
let of experience and deception) to require fur-
ther animadverlion.

However, as you can but very feldom pof-
fes the good fortune to purchafe of a gentleman^
it will prove no contemptible pradlice to adopt
the fage old maxim, and " deal with an horiejt
" man as you would with a rogue y' this pre-
caution may prevent a probable repentance,
and palpably urges the necefllty of putting
your own judgment and circumfpedlion in
competition with the integrity of your oppo-
nent, however he may be favoured by fortune
or fan6lioned by Jttuation,

The prudent or experienced purchafer con«
fcquently commences his taflc of infpeftion
with care^ caiitiony and circiimfpeBion^ firft ac-
curately afcertaining ih^fiape, make, hone^ and
frength\ colleding fufficient information from
fueh 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 poffibility oi trick ov decep^
tiouy by riding the horfe and thoroughly invef-

tigating

OBSERVATIONS. 17

tigatlng his properties; thereby efcaping bad
action, iamenefs, ftartmg, reflivenefs, and other
incidental imperfedions. He then moil atten-
tively proceeds to the more minute and neccf-
fary cxamir;ation of the ftate of the eyes^ windy
knees, fplenCs, fpavinsy windgalhy ringbones^
quittorSy cracks or greaje-y defcending laftly to
xki^feety thereby avoiding corns^ runnmg thrnjhy
canker, and additional defeds that young and
inexperienced purchafers frequently fuppofe
unworthy confideration or refiedion, facrificing
the whole at the fhrine o'i figure 2Xi^JaJlnon.

In the choice and purchafe of a horfe, fe-
leded for whatever purpofe, it is an invariable
and eftabliflied cuftom with the beft judges to
come as near the following points and advan-
tages as circumflances will permit, thereby
gaining in each an additional ftep to the fum-
mit of perfedlion. For the defired or intended
height, lize, and figure, being afcertained and
procured, all other neceffary points fo ftridly
correfpond (in a certain degree of uniformity),
that what gives fpeed and Jirength to a large
horfe will proportionably contribute fimilar
advantages to a fmaller.

To

i8 OBSERVATIONS.

To conftitute that uniformity the head and
ears (hould both be fmall and ihort, with, a
large full eye and open extended noftril; a
long well proportioned neck, rifing gradually
upon the withers, forming what is generally
termed ^^ a fine forehand," having great depth
from thence to the point of the breaft, which
being wide affords ample proof oi firengthy as
does the neceffary declination of the flioulder
(or blade bone) to the point of the withers
another oi fpeed. This combination forms a
well made horfe before, which is continued to
the remaining parts of the frame, by the backs
being fhort and even, not Ji?2king at all in the
loins, or rijtng higher behind^ upon what is
termed " the crupper bone-,'* the carcafe fliould
be round, and well ribbed up to the hip bones,
(forming as trifling a hollownefs or concavity
in the flank as poflibje) thefe being by no
means pointedly prominent. The legs (hould
not be too long for the height of the horfe, but
fhort in the joints, and particularly fo upon
the pafterns,

Thefe inftrudionsrcfpeflingyZjj^^', make, and

figure y will (with very few exceptions) prove

leading traits to the neceffary and defirable qua-

4 lifications.

OBSERVATIONS. 19

lifications. To afcertain the whole of which,
no invariable rules can be laid down as an in-
fallible guide to certain perfedion ; for there are
many inftances of very well fhaped horfes hav-
ing proved indifferent goers, and others fo en*
tirely crofs made as to poifefs hardly a good
point, being equal in adion to fome of the
fineft figures in the kingdorh. Rules or in-
ftrudions thus liable to exception, (though they
are eftablifhed by cuftomj and in a great degree
juftified by experience), have yet fome claim
to contribution from the perfonal obfervation
and deliberate judgment of the purchafer3 for
furely it can require no extraordinary portioa
oi genius y or extent of penetration, to diftin-
guifh between *' 2l good goer' and a bad oncj if
fo, the adventurers may as probably ftand in
need of an inftrudor to point out the differ-
ence between a horfe and a mare.

Notwithftanding thefe inftrudlons may con-
tribute to form the judgment of a juvenile
and inexperienced purchafer, yet he fhould
never attempt to obtain a high priced horfe
from the hammer of a modern repontory,
without the advantage of an afTiflant, perfeftly
adequate to the arduous talk of difcrimination.
C 2 Let

26 OBSERVATIONS.

Let it be remembered, at fuch mart of trJe-'
grity^'d, horfe is feldom, if ever, difplayed in a
llatc of nature 5 he is thrown into a variety of
alluring attitudes, and a profufion oijalfe jire^
by the powerful intermediation of art — that
predominant incentive the "whip before, and
the aggravating ftimulus of the ginger behind,
(better iinderftood by the appellation of '*7%-
ging') giving to the horfe all the appearance of
fpirit, {in fa6l 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 feiy
minutes allowed for infpedion and purchafe,
much fatisfadory inveftigation cannot be ob-
tained; for, in the general hurry and con-
fufion of " fliewing out," the (liort turns and
irregular a6lion of the horfe, the political and .
occafional fmacks of the whip, the efFed: of
emulation in the bidders, the loquacity of the
orator, and the fafcinating flourifh of the ham-
mer, the qualifications of the objedt is fre-
quently forgotten, and every idea of perfedioi>
buried in the fpirit of perfonal oppofition.

uch

OBSERVATIONS. 21

Such a combination of circufnftances, tending
fo much to perplex and confufe, urges the nc-
ceflity of care, caution, and circumfpe6lion.
The eyes of Argus would hardly prove too nu-
merous upon the occafion, a bridle being as
neceffary upon the tongue as a padlock upon
the pocket ; for, amidft the great variety of
profeffional manoeuvres in the art of horje deaU
ing, 2l purchafer mufl be in poffeffion of a great
fliare of good fortune ov found judgment to elude
the ill efFedts of deception and impofition 3 a
circumftance fo univerfally admitted that go-
vernment confidered a fubftantial tax no im-
proper compliment to their iniquities.

The inftitution was undoubtedly origiiialJy
good, and for fome years proved of the greateft
public utility; whether, like many other of the
moft valuable inltitutions, it has been profti-
tuted to the "UDorft ofpurpofeSy remains with the
opinion of every reader to decide. For my
own part hqwever highly they may be ex-
tolled, or extenfively puffed, by the parties in-
terefted in their fuccefs, I mufl: confefs I am
never included within their walls but I con-
ceive myfelf in the very centre of Cheftcrfield's
^^ f.nk of iniquity y' and confider 2^ found hoxk

C 3 from

22 OBSERVATIONS.

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

In the midft of thefe very neceffary confi-
derations it muft be remembered fuch heb-
domadal fales are not without their acknow-
ledged conveniences; for although they are
by no means calculated to buy at, they are mod
admirably adapted iov felling. Here you may,
in compliance with cuJlo?n and the full force of
fajhion, get rid of the blind, lame^ reftive^ broken
winded, Jplented, fpavmed^ or glandered horfe,
without remorfe or fear of punifhment. The
feller, whether a nominal gentleman without
honour^ or the dealer wixho\M pri?tcipley is en-
titled to every degree of duplicity he can bring
into pradice 5 they lay equal claim to the privi-
lege of obliq'iely puffing their own horfes (as
ftanders-by praifing their unequalled qualifica-
tions), and bidding for them with a,i affeded
enthufiafm, thereby inducing the unwary to
proceed in the purchafe very much beyond the
intrinfic value. The credulous ^2<:/>^ becomes in
a fhort time convinced of the bubble^ and is in
pofleflion of no confolation but the law of re-
taliation, by a repetition of transfer 5 neceffity
pompels him to fell at the fame or sijimilar

market

OBSERVATIONS. 23

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

Thele fads being well eftablifhed, and
^mongft the experienced univerfally known,
it is generally admitted that the mod probable
method of acquiring a youngs found, perfect
horfe, muft be by purchafing in the country,
before they have made a '' trading voyage" to
the metropolis-, where, with the joint effefts of
indiffere?it riders, indolent grooms or ojilers, hot
Jiables, irregidar feeds, and the plentiful hay and
water fyftem that frequently conftitutes livery
fubfirtence, we foon perceive fluduating hu-
mours, depraved appetite, inflamed eyes, fwell-
ed legs, cracked heels, tender feet, and a mul-
tiplicity of thofe Jlable- comforts that inftantly
ftrike the eye of an experimental obferver,
when taking an occafional furvey of the public
ftables in London -, where they conceive they
execute every degree of equeftrian duty in the
higheft perfedion, though a lad, of even the
fecond clafsy from a common hunting ftable in

C 4 the

24 OBSERVATIONS.

the country would inftantly dccnonftrate the
contrary.

My very worthy and leamed predeceflbr
Bracken, in his digreflions for the public
GOOD, has introduced flories and fimilies of
all defcriptions and denomuiations> from the
funeral of his *' favourite mare with ale and
^Vrofemary,'* to the *' comparifon between a
^* rider of Jtxteen ftone and a Scotchman s
** pack'^' ftriftly enjoining every man (who
had not a rational idea of his own corpulence,
or circumference) to be careful in adapting
the ftrength of his horfq to his own weight ;
with many other obfervations of equal faga-p
city and penetration. But, as I indulge a
much higher opinion of the underftandings
of thofe to vvhofe ferious infpedion this trea-
tife will become iubjefl, I fhall not irritate
the feelings of any fportfman, who unluckily
rides a great weight, by reminding him what
kind of horfe is mod likely to reconcile the
inconvenience, but naturally conclude every
reader will exert his judgment for the pro-
curation of fuch purchsfe as will prove moft
likely to become adequate to the purpofes fo|r
which he is intended.

He

OBSERVATIONS. 25

He alfo (from an univerfallty of genius, no
doubt), animadverts upon the art of riding and
qualifications of norfemen, their tempers, dif-
pofitions, agility, alacrity, fear, fortitude, '^ wry
*^ faces, and lojing of leather -y' 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
degrading the experimental knowledge of every
fportfman.in the kingdom, but abfolutely/;;;^^-
gliftg a fubjed: the acknowledged property of
Angek^ Aft ley, Hughes ^ and Jojies.

In refpedl to the anatomical ftrudure of a
horfe, nothing can be added upon that fubje<ft
to excite attention ; it has been already io
minutely inveftigated and accurately explained
by Gibson and Snape, that the leaft room for
addition or enlargement is not left for any
Succeeding writer who does not (as before ob«
ferved) admit the capacities of the folids to be
more enlarged, the fluids increafed, or the
heart changed from one fide to the other, (ince
the days of thofe authors, who fo well ful-
filled to the public the talTcs they had under-
taken. And as the operative part of farrier y
is not intended to come within the purpofe of
our prefent plan, but is entirely fubmitted to

thofe

26 OBSERVATIONS.

thofc whofe immediate profeflion it is to be
mod clearly informed of; to the excellent ana-
tomical works of the above writers I refer
them for a completion of their ftudies, and
come to fach a fyftem as it is abfolutely ne-
ceflary for every fportfman to underftand, 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 circumftances, fubmitted to the
fuperiiitendence of others.

Much multifarious matter has conftantly
been introduced relative to the aee of a horfe
by his mouth -, where (after all the obferva-
tions upon the fubjedl) it becomes an acknow-
ledged fadt, by every writer, each fign is doubt-
ful, and liable to deception in the various arts
and defigns of the dealers, who, by engrav-
ing and burning artificial marks in fome teeth,
and totally extracting (or beating out) others
render the horfe of any feeming age moft ap-
plicable to their purpofe. And thefe faults
cannot be eafily difcovered but by grooms or
judges who are in the conftant habit and prac-
tice of making fuch remarks and obfervations.

Nor

OBSERVATIONS. 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 abfolutely feen two men of
abihties and experience on the oppofite fides
of a horfe's mouth, at the fame time declare
him of different ages; 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 refpecft 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 rnore the horfe is advanced in
year5.

But, as the age of the horfe is fo diftinftly
abftracted from, and unconnected with, the
defcri::^tion of difeafe wh'ch becomes more
immediately the fubje(fl of difcuffion, I (hall
leave the former to the fubtle decifion of the
ftable difputants, to whofe province it may be
faid to belong, and whom it more materially
concerns.

There

z% OBSERVATIONS.

There can be but little doubt that whoever
becomes a purchafer, at the prefent high price
of found, freJJ,\ and falliionable horfes, will
proportion the price to fuch deficiencies as
times and circunnftances render unavoidable;
and make pecuniary allowances for advanced
41 g€y broken wind^ bad eyes, fpavins^fpleiitSy and
a long detail of incidental imperfed:ions. But,
as fuch neceflary circumfpedlion does not al-
ways take place with the young and inexperi-
enced purchafer, a concife hint not to acquire
too many infirmities at a high price, merely
to gratify a little perfonal oftentation in an ex--
ternal difplay of BLOOD and fashion, cannot
be amifs. More particularly when we fo fre-
quently fee an accidental fall, and confcquent
laceration upon the knees, prove the tranfient
value of what was (a few minutes before) the
objedt of admiration and pofTeffion with every
beholder, now become blown upon, and of no
greater eftimation than to be unrelentingly
torn to pieces, by that moft merciful and
humane invention

A MAIL COACH OF PALMERIAN MEMORY.

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

as

F E E D I N a 29

as are ftriftly neceffary, and abfolutely con-
ducive to the prefervation of health, though
perhaps not at all times properly attended to.
For inftance, no fubjed is more highly entitled
to a diftincl and feparate invefiigation than the
article of

FEEDING.

as a peculiar attention to the qualities and
quantities of aliment is particularly neceffary
to fecure the horfe in a ftate of health and con-
dition, fit for the immediate purpofe to which
he may be deftined. To produce him at all
times ready for the turf^ fields or road^ be-
comes neceffary the complete flyle of clean'^
linefsj drejjingy exercife, and various minutiae,
that conftitute the prefent perfedt ftate of ftable
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 enthufiafai)
to have taken poffeflion of every groom in
ftables of repute, and renders unneceffary the
moft trifling obfervatipns upon this ceremony,

where

30 FEEDING.

where the horfes are thought worthy the at-*

tention of master or man.

And It is equally fo in refpeft to the articles
of food. Horfes are as often out of condition
(in inferior ftables) from the effecfl of improper
food as from natural difeafes. Refpeding the
moft proper food to a horfe in health, no di-
verfity of opinions can be fupported unlefs by

FOOLS or MADMEN.

Experience, that inevitable touchftone of
iruthy demonilrates, to an indifputable cer-
tainty, the acknowledged preference of y^r/;;^-
grafs in the field ; or fweet oatSy found beam,
2,i\A fragrant hay^ in the ftable ; to every other
article that imagination can invent or novelty
fupply.

And here it becomes unavoidably neceflary
to introduce a circumftance that conftantly oc-
curs in the courfe of obfervation ^ at leaft to
thofe who, entering a multiplicity of ftables,
wi(h to enlarge their information or exercife
their judgment. How very common is it to
£nd a confultation held upon the appearance
of a* favourite horfe^, who, to the furprife of

the

FEEDING. 31

the parties, lofes flefh, becomes dull and heavy
in the ftable, languid in adion, fickly in coat,
and foul in excrement, doomed to a courfe of
purgativesy then diuretics -y and, laflly, a tedi-
ous adminiftration of alteratives, as fickly and
unfound ! And all for what ? — becaufe the poor
emaciated animal, being deftitueof the powers
of fpeech, could not better inform his perfe-
cutors than by his emphatical and milinter-
preted looks, that his hay was mujly^ and con-
fequently laying the foundation of many difor-
ders. For, being thus deprived of more than
half his fupport, the trifling quantity he did
take (being againft the difpofition ^nature
and appetite) afforded little nutriment; nor of
courfe could, when fourteen pounds of hay
only had perhaps pafled the inteftinal canal in
four days, inftead of fifty-fix; the accuflomed
and proper proportion being rated at fourteen
pound for twenty-four hours, where horfes are
regularly corn fed. To bring this defed in the
quality and quantity of this part of the aliment
home to every comprehenfion, let any reader
conceive the idea (or try the experiment) of
fitting down with an excellent appetite (after a
more excellent chafe) to a beef fteak nearly
approaching putrefa^io7i^ with no fauce but

hunger^

32 CONDITION.

hunger^ no alternative but 7iecejfity, and I be-
lieve I may venture to aiTert— the feelings of
the MAM and the beast will not be difiimilar
on the occalion.

Thefe circumftances attending both hay and
corn I have repeatedly been witnefs to; and
do affirm, in oppofition to any opinion that
may be formed againft. me, moft horfes will
iliew, in lefs than a fortnight, both in their
fijhf coat and fpiriis^ when hay or corn do
not yield or convey their proper nutriment ^ if
given in fair andjuft proportions. I confe-
quently avail myfclf of this fadl, to urge the
VLtc(t^\iy oi found corny fweet ha)\ [oft water , re-
gular feedsy and as regular exercije^ if a horfe is
defired or expedled to appear in good

CONDITION.

The word condition, in the phrafeology
of the turfy is fuppofed to imply a horfe's
being in fuch a ftate of perfedion, and in
flrength and power io much above the pur-
pofe he is deftined to, that he difplays k
in figure and appearance. Fine in coat^ firm
2 in

CONDITION, 33

itiflejh^ high in fpirits, zndifreJJj upon his legu
To be in this defirable ftate, if a young horfe,
and ftranger to hard work, may be readily ex-
pedled, and naturally concluded ; but, on the
contrary, where a horfe has been fubjea to a
proportion of duty, either on the turf, field,
or road, a great degree of good fortune muft
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 introduc-
ing diredions for getting a horfe into condition,
it will be mod 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 blemi(h, infirmity, or any other
obftacle, to forbid fuch proceedings, put him
firft upon a very moderate proportion of hay
and corn, and increafe it gradually, according
to the fize and conflitution. At the expiration
of three or four days, when the hard food
may naturally be fuppofed to have diflodged
ihe grafs, and fupplied its place, a proportion
of blood may be taken away according to the

D fize.

34 BLEEDING,

fize, ftate, ftrength, and temperament of the
horfe, with due attention to the fiefli he may
have gained, or the impurities he may have
imbibed with his paflure.

And here let me particularly caution the
operator and the owner againft \\\2Ci Jlonjenly ^
infernal^ and contemptible (not to add danger-
ous) pradice of fufFering the blood to fall
indifcriminately, in refpedl to quantity and
quality, upon the ground or dungbilL This
felf-fufficient manner of

BLEEDING

the farrier always confiders a ftriking proof
of his confequence, and a never-failing mark
of his infallibility; but it never can be too
much difcouraged, and in fa6l ought by no
means to be countenanced, or indeed per-
mitted. If no particular plethora or fulnefs
appears, to render large evacuations neceflary,
three pints will prove fufficient for a flender or
delicate fubjecft; two quarts for the more ad-
vanced in ftrength or fize ; but from the ^qv^j
large and ftrong, or remarkably foul horfes,

may

B L fi E D i N G. 35

may be fafely drawn full five pints. However
thefe diftindions fliould bs carefully made by
meafarc, to avoid the inconvenience and dan-
ger of too much relaxing the whole fyftem ;
an impropriety in condud that may not be fo
eafily remedied as imagined. After this eva-
cuation let the fame regular fyftem of food,
and gentle exercife, be continued for three clear
days ; and on the fourth prepare his body for
the phylic intended to be taken on the follow-
ing morning, by giving him in the courfe of
the day three majhes of equal parts of bran and
oats, fcalded with boiling water, and given,
at a proper degree of warmth, morning, noon,
•and nights putting on the necelTary body
clothes, at the time of giving the firft mafh,
to prevent the leaft hazard of cold from the
relaxation of either body or pores. In the
morning give one of the following- />//r^/77^
balh^ of which four different proportions are
^ecifiedj and calculated for the hbrfes before
mentioned, in refpe<fl to ftrength, fize, and
conftitution. But as we (liall, in the courfe
of the work, have occafion to introduce refe-
rences to thefe CATHARTIC BALLS, undct
the heads of various difeafes, it will be more
convenient to diftinguifh them by numbers }
D 2 and.

36 P H Y S I C, &c.

and, beginning with the weakeft, the refe^^
rence need not only be made to the number in
future, without a repetition of the ingre-
dients.

PURGING BALL.

( No. I. )

Take of fuccotrine aloes one ounce;

India rhubarb two drachms;

Jalap and cream of tartar each one drachm ;

Ginger (in powder) two fcruples ;

Eifential oil of cloves and anifeed each twenty

drops ;
Syrup of buckthorn a fufHcient quantity to form;

the ball.

( No. 2. )

Take of fuccotrine aloes ten drachms ;
Of rhubarb Jalap, and ginger, each two drachms;;
Cream of tartar three drachms,, and fyrup of
buckthorn to make the ball.

( No

PHYSIC, &c. 37

( No. 3. )

Take Barbadoes aloes nine drachms;

Jalap, Caftile foap, and cream of tartar, of each

two drachms ;
Diagrydium and ginger (in powder) each a

drachm ;
Syrup of buckthorn fufficient to make the ball.

( Ko. 4. )

Take Barbadoes aloes ten drachms ;

Caflile foap and jalap (in powder) of each half

an ounce ;
Cream of tartar and ginger each tv/q drachms ;
Oil of anifeed forty drops ; of cloves twenty

drops ; which fjrm into a ball, with fyrup of

rofes or buckthorn.

It is almoft unneceffary to obferve thefe
BALLS are gradually increafed in thtir purga-
tive qualities, io as to be felefled by the judge-
ment of the reader, according to the ftate of
ftrengrh and foulnefs the fubjed may be in ;
and are fo carefully guarded with warm aro-
^atics, that the operation will (by a ftrict ad-

P 3 herence

38 PHYSIC, &c.

herence to the following rules) in general pro-,,
ceed without the leaft alarm or danger The
BALL being given early in the morning, let it
be waflied down with a quart of water fiightly
warm, to take off the naiijea as much as pof-
lible; leave in his rack a little fweet hay;
and, in about three hours after, give a warm
mafli of Jcalded bran^ containing one fourth
oi oats'^ upon which let the water be poured
boiling hot, and (land a proper time to cool,
before it is put into the manger ; as, by placing
it there too hot, the fumes produce an an-
tipathy which the horfe does not eafily get
over;- on the contrary, by touching the majhy
and being biHHi^^, will not be prevailed upon
to attempt it in future. In cafe of a fixed
averfion to 7naPoes, a feed of bran may be
given at the flated 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 expeded
to begin its operation j but if the mafh (hould
be refufed, a pail of warm water may be fub-
fliluted j, and in two hours after the horfe

(well

P H Y S I C, &c. 39

(well clothed) walked out for half an hour at
leaft. Frequent lupplies of warm water muft
be given, aiii two other mafhes at their pro-
per timer; by no means omitting to take him
out, and walk him gently twice or thrice in
the coarfe of the day. But, as purgatives
adminiftered to quadrupeds of this defcription
cannot, from the great continuation of the
inteftinal canal, be expeded 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
efFeds. So foon as the medicin.i begins to
operate, kindly J^nd patiently afTift the work
by the means before- mentioned, at ftated pe-
riods, or at fuch times as the appetite will
permit them to be taken ; continuing the
maflies 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 managment of horfes, during a,
courfe of phyfic, is at prefent fo well under-
ftood, that little more need be added upon
that fubjeftj excepting the very necefl!ary pre-
caution to avoid cold during thefe operations^^
by a proper attention to the variations of thq
D 4 weather.

40 P H Y S I C, &c.

weather, and proportional clothing to the
horle: for a cold caught at the feafon we f^^ak;,
of, and particularly during a courfe of phyfic,
by fixing on the eyes or lungs, becomes an
inveterate enemy to fport, and fpmetimes for
the whole winter,

Six clear days fhould be allowed betweea
the firft 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 defedt or latent obftacle
indicates the contrary, he will (in litde more
than a fortnight) by his flejlo, coat, ^nA fpirits,,^
prove his ability to undertake any moderate
(chafe in vyhich his rider may be incline4 to
engage.

Though in the attainment of this flate of
perfection much depends upon the care and
punduality of the groom or fuperintendent -.,
the increafe in food and length (as well as
ilrength) of exercife, fliould be very gradual
from the fetting of the lad dofe of phyfic^ as
for inft^nce^ the horfe fhould j^e regularly

taken

PHYSIC, &c. 41

taken out (if the weather permit) morning
and evening, walking him half an hour before
his water, and the lame after 5 which (hould
be taken at a pond of foft wa'er, in pre-
ference to a fpring or running ftream, if pof-
fible. His dreffings fhould be as co;iftant 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 fpced, according to ftate
and ftrength) before he is taken to water
walking him a proper time, both before and
after; by no means adopting that moHridicu^
Ions contemptible^ and pernicious pradice of
galloping your horfe immediately after, in fer-
vile fubjedion to the illiterate opinion of warm-
ing the water in the horfe's belly; a cuftom
that has, through the ignorance or folly of
fervantSj proved the abfolute ruin of many him^
dreds, as will be clearly explained in the courfc
of our future remarks, when we come to fpeak
of broken winded horfes.

This mode of exercife mud: be conftantly per-

fevered in without relaxation; his gallops night

and morning fhould be increafed as well as his

4 walking

42 P H 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 prefervc him lO; if the owner is
prompted by the leafl: fpark of emulation to
appear in the field with a portion of that cclaf^
fo very much the ton in every fporting county
in the kingdom.

A proper refpect to the abilities of Bartlet
(who has very confiderably improved and mo-
dernized the fyftem of Gibson and Bracken)
induces me to give a literal copy of his prepar-
ation fjr ** a cooling purging drlnk^" 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 pafles into the blood, and operates alio by
*' urine," ..

*' Take fcdna two ounces; infufe in a pint
" of boiling water two hours, with three
•' drachms of fait of tartar ; pour off and
*' difiblve'in i: four ounces of Glauber falts,
" and two or three drachms of cream of

la

P H Y S I C, &c. 43

In inflammatory cafes, where a cathartic is
required to operate expeditioufly ; or where a
horfe, by his rejeding powers, compels a ball
to regurgitate, and it cannot be ealily or pro-
perly paffed, this drink may be admitted with
propriety. But where a dofe of phyfic is given
merely as a purgative, without any indication
of inftantanepus neceffity, I muft, in juftice,
certainly recommend a bail in preference : and
for this reaion, which I doubt not will prove
perfedily confident and fatisfadlory to every
mind prepared for information. — The ball
being given, is twenty-four hours in its gra-
dual difTolutioa in the ftomach, and fubfe-
quent paffage through the inteflinal canal;
this, by its gentle and regular folution of the
excrements, and lubrication of the parts, ac-
counts moft readily for the great eafe any of
the preceding balls work off with in general,
without the leaft neceffity for all that alarm
and apprehenfion betrayed by fo many, who
prefer the chance of fpoiling, or at leaft in-
juring, a capital horfe, to feeing him under
the temporary dlfquietude of a falutary courfe
of phyfic.

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

liquid

44 P H Y S I C, &c.

liquid form; for, the joint qualities and force
of the different ingredients being let loofe at
the fame moment upon the internal coat of
the ftomach, without their ftimulative powers
being covered by aromatic or carminative in-
gredients, may (exclufive of the difagreeable
fenfation excited by their adion upon the irri-
tability of the ftomach) be produdtive of
fpafms, or very fevere griping pains, previous
to the laxation of the hardened foeces in the
inteftines.

And where fuch pains are evidently predo-
minant, the (proper time being more than ex-
pired,) and there is no palpable fign of the
phyfic's beginning to operate kindly, (which
for the confolation of thofe unacquainted with
the ceremony, is very feldom the cafe, par-
ticularly if the medicines are carefully and ac-
curately prepared) fo far from applauding the
rafhly recommended fyftem of oiling ^^ a/mall
^^ handy' and extrading the excrement from
the fundament, I relinqui(h every expedation
of finding ^'a vev^ [mall hand'' among farriers
or grooms, and confequently difclaim the idea
of encouraging any fuch pradlice, unlefs the
reBum fhould be abiolutely plugged up, fo as

to

PHYSIC, &c; 45

to prevent the paffing of the pipe for the In-
jedlion of a glyfter, which (hould be given im-
mediately with a large bag and pipe procured
for the purpofe, and repeated if neccflary ;
making not the leaft doubt but this lubrication
and jlimulus will remove all obftrudtions, and
afford every advantage that can be obtained
from the favourite and long-ftanding pradicc

of RAKING.

To prepare /^^ G L Y S T E R.

Take of camomile flowers, fweet fennel, and
coriander feeds bruifed, of each one ounce ;
carraway feeds half an ounce j boil in two quarts
of water till reduced to three pints; then
ilrain, and add for folution, while hot; of
Epfom falts two ounces ; and, when nearly
cool enough to adminifter, add of olive oil,
and tinfture of fenna, commonly called
Daffy's elixir, of each a quarter of a pint.

On the contrary, where the conftitutional
ftamina does not prove fo ftrong as imaguied,
the bowels in a weaker ftate than expedled, of
the medicines are found to irritate or purge
more than is requifite or defired ; and the
phyfic does not fet at the ufual time^ (the horfe

being

46 PHYSIC, &c.

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 arable, and prepared chalk (in fine pow-
der), each half an ounce ; ginger (in powder)
two drachms; fyrup of diacodium quantity
fufEcient to make a ball.

In three hours after let the following re-
stringent MASH be given, properly pre-
pared and kept occafionally ftirring 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.

RESTRINGENT MASH.

Take two pounds of rice, and half an ounce of
cinnamon, bruifed to a grols powder, and
tied up loofe in a piece of linen, (fine enough
to prevent its pafling through) ; boil in five
quarts of water till reduced to the confiilence
of a mafh ; take out the cinnamon, and ftir
in a quart of ground oatmeal, and let it be
placed in the manger when of a proper warmths
This may be repeated if necelfary.

PHYSIC, &c. 47

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 expenfe 5 but I muft confefs, in all my
experience, I have obferved, and happy I
am to acknowled.o-e it to the honour of the
fporting world at large, I never remember to
have feen an inftance oi penury, or even heiita-
tion in the article of expenfe, where a horse
has been in pain or danger.

Having gone through the procefs univerfally
eflablifhed for getting horfes into proper con-
dition, It becomes neceffary to proceed to the
long lift of accidents and difeafes to which
they are fubjedl : and to introduce fuch medi-
cal fyftem as (after a gradual fucceffion from
generation to generation, and from grandfire to
grandfon, in the old ftyle) has at length acquir-
ed a degree of reformation and approbation, by
the experimental rejedion of the ancient bota-
nical pradlice, believed infallible-^ and the in-
numerable difcoveries made in the world of me-
dicine, by fome of the moft learned, judicious,
,and enlightened characters in every part of the

globe.

48 PHASIC, &c.

globe. And where the applications of modefrl
invention are introduced, as much more ade^
quate and apph'cable to the caufe of complaint
than the pradllce of former writers, the reafon
Aall be conftantly adduced, and fupported by
incontrovertible proof, why the prefent mode
of treatment is entitled to every degree of pre-
ference and refpcdt.

Without becoming a convert to the ufual
ftyle of dividing and fubdividing chapters, cafes,
and remedies, as has in general been the cuftom^
introducing a large proportion of extraneous
matter, merely by way of fwelling the work
(as a compliment to the pecuniary fenfations of
the publiflier) I fliall proceed, as in many other
refpeds, the direft contrary way, and contradl
the plan as much as the confiftency of circum-
ftances will permit, by bringing into clafles
fuch accidents or difeafes as bear a degree of
affinity to each other, or come under a fimilar
mode of treatment ^ and fhall likevvife (as
much as poffible) diveft each cafe and explan-
ation of technical tennSy that every part may
be the more univerfally comprehended.

CLASS

(49 )

CLASS I.

SPLENTS, SPAVINS, WINDGALLS,

LAMENESS, and STRAINS.

S P L E N T S^

Of which various accounts have been given,
without any thing fatisfacftory 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 prefs againft the back finew." 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 fhaved, the part to be rubbed with a

so S P L E N T S.

** round flick till it is almofl raw, and theft
" touched with oil of origanum fublimate^
*' arjenic, or oil of'vitriolJ* You are then told
*' thefe may produce an ulcer^ a rotennefs of
*^ the boncy and, when cured, an ugly fear!'*
Another fays " It is to be foundly rubbed
*' with the handel of a hammer, till it is fo
** much bruifed as to bring on an impofthume,
*' and confequent fuppuration or difcharge of
" matter!" And there can be no doubt but
this is rubbing \i foundly with the impofthume
for a witnefs!

Another tells you *^ they are to be deftroyed
*^ with adlual cauteries, or flat inftruments 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 ahernately with
*' the firft, the operation is to be repeated till
** the fplent is diflblved." To thefe, in cafe
of failure, they acknowledge the necefl^ary aid
of '* blifleringy firing^' &c. &c. Now, upon
a candid inveftigation of this accumulated
variety of opinions, we fliall find them amount
to a verification of an obfcrvation not long
fince made ; a paltry pradlice of fwelling their

writings

S P L E N T S. 51

writings at the expenfe of a reader's under-
standing as well as his purse. From cir-
cumflances the moft predominant It abfolutely
appears that neither of the authors here quoted
(notwlthftanding the degree of eftimation they
may be held in) gave himfelf time, even for
a moment, to confider the nature of the " ex-
*^ crefcence*' he means or virifhes 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 offification, or bony
fubftance, feated upon a folid body, under the
integuments, without a deflrudion of the in-
teguments themfelves, or a palpable injury to
the component parts. But to bring this
matter as near the truth as conjedure can juf-
tify, we will (by allowing an alternative), take
one or other for the fad, and draw what muft
appear a very natural and juft concluilon ; that
is, whether the protuberance upon any part of
the fhank-bone, called a Splent, is an enlarge-
ment of the pen'ojleum (or membrane cover-
ing the bone), by an original rupture of the
fmall vefTels, and the extravafated fluid col-
E 2 lefted

52 S P L E N T S.

ledted and become indurated by time? or, a
callojity originally formed upon the bone, (as
hinted by Gibson) and becoming offified,
conftitutes a bony fubftance, feeming a deform-
ed part of the bone itfelf ? In either cafe the
only expe6lation of cure without anxiety and
difficulty, is to be careful in obferving fuch
appearances, in their earliejl ftate -, and then
feeing that frequent fridion is ufed for a confi-
derable time, twice every day, with the utmoft
force of the operator's hands, letting the part
be well moiflened, 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 fpirits
of turpentine, of each four ounces, (a quar-
ter of a pint). Mix together.

Or,

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 hazel nut be well rubbed in upon the
part afFeded, every night and morning, till the
whole is confumed, ufing the roller each night,
and taking it oiF in the morning. If this does
not fucceed, the beft and moft fpeedy method
will be the immediate extirpation, by making
a longitudinal incifion (" without bruifing^
*^ hamf?ie7'ing" &c.) through the integuments,
differing and extrafting the fubftance, com-
pleting the cure by taking pp a couple of
flitches, and treating it as a fuperficial wound ;
for which diredions will be found under that
head.

Notwithftanding the variety of opinions in-
culcated, and inftrudions 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 produdive of lamenefs or dif-.
quietude, forming no inconvenience but an
external appearance, whether it may not be
E 3 moft

54 S P L E N T S.

moft advifeable (at any rate moft prudent) to
let it remain in its pacific ftate of inactivity,
rather than provoke it to a certain degree of
adtive virulence, by the premature application
oi blijlers or burning cauftics. This reflection
renders a former obfervation of greater weight,
by adverting to the neceffity of attacking them
in their firft ftate of appearance; when there
is not the leaPc doubt but the beforementioned
e?irly courfe of fridtion, with the mild dif-
folvents and repellents, will, if applied with
care and punctuality, efted: their total oblite-
ration, without any perceptible ejchar^ or
even the lead lofs of hair.

In refped 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 expenfe and trouble, as they cannot con-
tribute in any degree to the removal of fuch
fubftances, fo remote from the centre of ac-
tion, without injuiing the general fyftem to a
greater degree than adequate to any propor-
tional local relief that can be obtained. But
to reduce this myflerious and technical ex-
planation to a more fimple and lefs complex

idea.

SPAVINS, 55

idea, Bartlet'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 twro kinds, very diftindly
explained by moft authors on the fubje(fl>
and juftly denominated a blood and bone
SPAVIN, They both take their feats in nearly
the fame fituatioh, 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 prefiure, becoming, in
the courfe of time, produ6live of lamenefs.
Thefe appearances, were they attended to in
their infancy, would (as cbferved in the pre-
ceding article) immediately fubmit to a fre-
quent application of the following embroca-
tion ; rubbing in about two table fpoonfuls
twice every day, and keeping on (when in the
E 4 ftable)

56 SPAVINS.

liable) a pledget of tow, wet with the fame,

and confined with an elbow bandage; that is^

the elbow part of an old waiflcoat ileeve,

opened and furnifhed with tape firings, at

equal diftances, to confine it upon the part

affeded.

Take of flrong white wine vinegar four ounces;
Camphorated fpirits of wine three ounces;
Extra(5l of faturn, commonly called Goulard's

extrad, one ounce.
Shake well together at every time of ufing.

In alrnoft all cafes of fliort {landing the
caufe of complaint will fubrnit to the power
of thefe conftant applications.^ that, by their
adion upon the folids, fo reflore 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 defed is of long (landing, 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.

Take of cantharides (in powder) one drachm
and a half;
Of olive oil two ounces. — Mix together.

And

SPAVINS. SI

And let this be gradually rubbed upon the
part till abforbed by the feat of difeafe j then
place over it a piece of flannel, and faflen 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 muhiplicity of cafes, par-
ticularly in the metropolis of Ireland, where
the moft eminent pracftitioners (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 \mmtd^\2X^ Jlimulm upon the parts, from
which is derived a very fpeedy and plentiful
difcharge. The hair is raifed up, and be-
comes what is termed pen-feathered^ during the
efflux of feriimy in large proportion ^ which,
fubfiding, forms a kind of fcurf, and may be
all brought away in a few days by wafhing
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, muft be pre-
ferable to the long-flanding opinion of in-
ftrumental extirpation. As for inftance, an
incifion is to be made through the Ikin, of

fufficient

58 SPAVINS,

fufficknt length to admit of the vein's being
taken up, above and belov/ the enlargement,
by paffing a crooked needle, furnifhed with
a wax thread, underneath the vein, and mak-.
ing the ligatures at the parts mod applicable
to the extirpation intended. Should any in-
flammation or extreme Iwelling attend the
parts after operation, warm fomentations and
mild poultices muft be made ufe of till they
fubfide ; after which the wound muft be treat-
ed with digeilives till the exuberance is
floughed off with the drefiings, and the cica-
trization, or fkinning over, is acccmplifhed,
as in the cafe of abfcelTes and wounds, which
will be treated of hereafter, when we come to
that clafs.

Every degree of information, obfervation,
and experimental invefligation, defines a bone
SPAVIN to be exadly in a greater degree be*
hhid what a splent is acknowledged to be
before \ 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 objed:
of concern and attention, to avoid the certain

impediment

SPAVINS. 59

impediment of lamenefs, which will In time
inevitably enfue, if not prevented by redudioa
or extirpation. Much advice, and many di-
redions, might here be obtruded of bliftering^
Jiringi &c. but they all come fo immediately
within the department of the operative
FARRIFR5 that further animadverlion upon
the fubjedl will be totally foreign to the pre-
fcnt intention — one obfervation and recom-
mendation only excepted, viz. the neceffity,
in Gperatio7JSy of applying to praditioners of
EMINENCE, whofe judgment and execution
will require no greater pecuniary com.penfation
than thofe whofe comparative abilities entitle
them to no more than a mere manual ajjiftance
in furnifliing the apparatus.

Previous to the difmiffion of this article,
I fhall, for the accommodation of thofe who
have never feen the publication, introduce
the diredtions given by Osmer for the cure,^
as they literally appear in a trad of his com-
mitted to public infpedion about five-and-
twenty years ago ; but, I believe I may ven-
ture to affirm, the elaborate operation procured
very few converts to the pradice.

«* Firft

6o SPAVINS.

** Firft clip the hair from the difeafed part;
*' make feveral punftures on the fame, through
*^ the fkin, with a fharp-pointed inftrument :
*' make a longitudinal incifion through the
** jfkin, above the difeafed 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, direiftly 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 cauflic diffolved is
** carried off by the inferior wound, the
** whole is diredly to be covered with a warm
** adhefive charge, and this is the whole of
" the operation.— -The cauftic thus introduced
*' under the fkin ads both ways, namely, on
*' the membrane underneath it, and the outer
** tegument upon it. Thus the membrane,
*' outer tegument, and the charge, throw
** themfelves off together, and the difeafed or
'^ fwelled part becomes fair and fmooth. The
'* horfe fhould be turned out, or kept in a
[^ loofe ftablej and if the charge comes off

" before

WINDGALLS. 6t

" before the wound is well, another (hould
" 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 j at
" other times the bone itfelf, 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.

WIND GALLS

Are thefe 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 conftantly work-
ed too young, or proportionally overworked
when older, the caufe will be the more readily
explained. For the tendons, by their per-
petual

62 WINDGALLS.

petual adlion in conftant labour, are fo pre-
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 exadl fydem of principle
and adion that conflitutes the caufe, we pro-
ceed to the received notion (and our own
opinion) of cure. Perhaps it may not be
thought intrufive or inapplicable firft to in-
troduce a few words upon the fubjeft of pre^
'vention^ which will convey a much ftronger
proof of judgment in the rider than any fub-
fequent advice that can poffibly be offered on
the part of the farrier; that is, no more
than to recommend it to every man in the
pofl^efTion of a good horfe to reflect a little
upon the nature of his own fuperiority, that it
is but temporary y and of fleeting duration ; to
ruminate upon this circumftance in the career
4 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 the
road, than Nature intended or prudence may
didate.

For fo beautiful a bead, conftituting aimod
the centrical point of every good, (whether in
pleafure or profit), is certainly entitled to the
utmoft 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 unfuUied redlitude (or whofe heart
is open to thofe finer feelings that are even in
enjoyment ov pojfeffion a gratification), ever did,
or ever will^ after a chafe or jour?2ey^ 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.

The frequent boafting of every unfeeling
puppy who has rode thirty or forty miles in
*^ fo many hours and fo m.any minutes, with-
" out baiting,'' and other equeftrian exploits,

equally

(^ WINDGALLS.

equally wonderful, leaving the jaded objefl of
liis perfecutlon to the afFeded diligence of idle
grooms or drunken oftlers, not only accounts,
in a variety of cafes, for the appearance of
windgaUsy but for very many of the long lift
of difeafes upon which we proceed to ex-
patiate.

But from this digreffion we return to the
cure, refpefting which various opinions have
been promulgated, '* vinegar, or verjuice, and
*' bandage; red wine lees; curriers* (havings
" wetted with vinegar; bliflering;" and, laftly,
*' opened with a knife, a fleam, or a cobbler's
'* awl, and applying to the orifice a plafler of
" rofin, pitch, maflic, oil of bays, and white
** of egg." I (luall not add a fingle obfervation
upon this mofl curious plafter, or wonderful
arcanum of variety, but declare I have i^tw
but very few inflances of a perfed: cure by any
means. For whether a temporary completion
has been obtained by repellents^ blijiering^ per^
foratioriy or rejl, a repetition of the ordinary
work has foon produced a repetition of the
defedt. It is a confolation, however, to be
informed tliat, in mofl horfes, no lamenefs is
produced by this appearance; and the only

inconvenience

W I N D G A L L S. 65

inconvenience itconftitutes, is the difagreeable
effedt upon the eye (and indeed no inconfide}'-
able one upon the pocket) when the horfc
comes to be fold. Windgalls are always very
much enlarged after fevere work, and again
reduced by exercife and conftant fridion, or
fubftantial rubbing down in the ftable. And
this circumftance is mentioned only to corro-
borate the thefis advanced to eftablifh their
origin.

Although a total eradication is but feldom
experienced, it will be necellary to introduce
the moft approved and rational methods now
in pradice to obtain the defirable objed of
relief; and this can be effecTted only by rare-
faBiony repulfon^ 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 together :

And with a fmall portion of tow fufficiently
moiften 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 WIN D G A L L S.

about the thlcknefs and circumference of a
half-crown pieced binding it down with a roller
of wide tape or ]inen, nearly or quite three
yards long, and continue this method for a
fortnight at leaft without omiffion^ to which
treatment (if not of too long ftanding) they
may perhaps luckily fubmit : but fhould that
not happen, and it is determined to attempt a
cm^hy perf or atio?2y which operation is fimple,
and may be eafily performed, the incijion
fliould be made with a ftrong abfcefs lancet,
or biftory, and be performed in a fingle mo-
tion, by elevating or raiiing the inflrument
from the moment of penetration at the lower
part of the fwelling. The confined gelati-
nous matter, and cyfl or bag, being perfedly
extrafted, prevent its becoming a wound by
bringing the edges in contadl ; and drefs with
a pledget of lint or tow plentifully impreg-
nated with Traumatic (or Friar s balfam)^ and
bandage as before. In moil cafes the cicatrix
will form, and the part heal without farther
trouble: on the contrary, fliould any difcharge
of matter come on, or temporary inflamma-
tion enfue, drefs as directed when we come
to the treatment of wounds.

In

WINDGALLS. 67

In this cafe it will be but candid to point
out the probable difficulties that may occur
in fach earneft attempt to obtain a radical ex-
tirpation ; for, notwithftanding the theoretical
plauiibiiity of this fyfteni, fome inconvenlen-
cies may poilibly occur, and a fatisfadlory cure
not enfue 5 in fuch inftance the remedy will
moft affu redly prove worfe than the difeafe,
and there can be no doubt but a prudent or
compaffionate man will much rather fubmit
to a flight and almoft infignjficant inconve-
nience, than encounter by the attempt an evil
of much greater magnitude.

Should, by any mifmanagement 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 uaion, but, on the contrary, become difpofed
to foulnefs, engendering yz/;7j?/j, it may dege-
nerate to 2ijiJluloii5 ivoujidy and be ultimaiely
produdlive of infinite trouble and confider-
able expenfe. Thefe attendant evils upon the
experiment thus pointed out and taken into
confideration, it will then become worthy the
attention of the owner, whether the gentler \^
¥ z methods

68 LAMENESS,

methods of cure before prefcribed, with every
poflible portion of refl:, (and when ufed,
that ufe exceedingly moderate) will not prove
the mofl: advantageous and leail dangerous
fyfl:em that can be purfued to etfed: the de-
fired purpofe.

LAMENESS

Is a fubjecfl of {o much univerfality, in faft
an event arifing from fuch a variety of caufes,
that it can never be thought inapplicable to
enumerate the mofl: probable from which fuch
defeft may be occafioned ; thereby exciting a
proper degree of inveftigation, afcertaining to
a certainty by thefe means what very fre-
quendy from want of care, accuracy y and at-
tention 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
Injudicious or inconfiftent treatment, with its
long train of inconveniencies.

Exclufive of the diftinfl: kind of lamenefs
proceeding from strains, very different de-

gree^

LAMENESS. 69

grees may be occaiioned by blows or bruises
upon particular parts ; fplents, fpavins, wind-
galls, thrufh, ringbone, quittor, and a variety
of additional caufes that have already ^ or will
be hereafter fufBciently explained under their
different heads, and the moft expeditious and
efficacious method of cure pointed out. La-
menefs from wounds or injuries fuflained by
fioeingy comefo immediately and properly under
the infpedion of the operative farrier,
that the leaft enlargement upon thofe fubieds
here might be very juftly confidered a matter
of fuperfluity.

I fhall therefore advert to that peculiar kind
of lamenefs, produced in general by the in-
attention or inhumanity of the owners which,
unattended to in its firfl ftate, (and the original
caufe continued) infures to a certainty^ the an-
nual deftrudion of many of the moft ferviceable
horfes in the kingdom. I allude, in this de-r
fcription, to fuch lamenefs, or rather univerfal
debilitation of the legs and feet, as is the pal-
pable efFedl of too conftaat labour without the
leaft reft or intermifiion.

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

F 3 the

70 LAMENESS.

the feverlties of every feafon, whether the bad
roads y frojl and jmw of 'winter, or the fultry
heat, burning Jan as y 2inAJlinty roads, mjianmery
without a liteial or relative confideration to
the neceffary, and indeed indifpenfable article

of REST.

This perpetual drudgery a horfe of fpirit
and bottom will (from the inftindive power
of emulation) bear up againft with almoft in-
credible fortitude, particularly, if well fup-
plied with a fufficiency of hay and corn; but
the repeated flruggles and eitorts of nature
being at length totally fubdued by the extre^
mity of fatigue, fhe is compelled to link un-
der the burthen oi inhuma?i perfecution, and a
general inability or univerlal lamenefs becomes
the inevitable confequence. The caufe re-
quires but very little animadverfion for the
purpofe of either explanation or comprehen-
.ficn, as it may be with trifling attention and
refledion univerfally underfloodj for the ten^
donsy by their almoft perpetual extenfion and
contradion (without the lead portion of reft
pr inadion to reftore their tone and elafticity)
become fo extremely relaxed, as to be ren-
dered not only totally inadequate to the pur«

pofes

LAMENESS. ' 71

pofes of motion and flexibility for which they
were formed, but to produce a general ten-
fion 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 ftanding;
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
of the caiife^ the horfe is fo far difabled, that
his daily labour becomes a work of mifery ;
inadequate to th^ rapidity of motion or acflioii
required, he is rode or driven, till (finking
under the burthen), with repeated falls, broken
kneesy and a perfeverance m perpetual drudgery^
he is literally brought to *' a ftand ftill," and
rendered unfit for every purpofe but the cart;
where they are tpo frequently obferved dying
wretched martyrs to the horrid combination,
or rather joint eflfed:, 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 reflexions, becomes con-

F 4 fcious

72 LAMENESS.

fcious of the uncertainty of his own ftate, and
the admirable fervices of this dependant),
wiflies by a contribution of his endeavours,
however dif proportionate^ to render himfelf of
fome utility to that fociety of which he con-
ftitutes a member. This confideration, blend-
ed with a perfedl knowledge of the various,
not to add almoft inexpreffible, fufferings of
an animal fo truly valuable, firft roufed me
from the lethargy of oblivion, and prompted
me to undertake a tafk of reformation, which
(divefted of every perfonal paltry idea of am-
bition) I fhould have been far happier to have
feen from an abler hand, and more extenfive
abilities. Whatever might have been my ori-
ginal fufpenfe, I am nowjuftified in making
confeffion, 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 muft ever
eonlider it ope of the mojl fortunate occur-
rences of my life, that I have \^^tx\ enabled to
mitigate the inconveniencies of fo general a
want by the prefent publication.

From this fentimental digreffion, it will be
thought prudent to advert to thq cafe in quef-

tion.

LAMENESS. 73

tion. It is therefore (even in the firft in-
ilance) moil 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 pradice 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 fhould be inftantly fet afide, if the lead
defire is indulged to reftore the horfe to his
former ftate of purity or perfeBion. Such
defe(5t being attended to in proper time, mo-
derate reftringent applications, with a loofe
ftable, if in winter, or a fimilar method, with
turning oqt mfummer^ will, in a ftiort 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:

Take redlified fpirits of wine one pint;
Camphor two ounces ;
Beit vinegar half a pint.

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

being

74 L A M E N E S S.

being fhaken well together, the parts affefted

muii be properly and patiently bathed with a

fufficient quantity every night and morning,

till the whole is confumed, leaving that grand

ipecific, rest, to crowp this prelude with

jfuccefs.

This treatnrient may fuffice when taken in
its early ftate, but where the evil has been
fuffered to increafe, and accumulate to a cer-
tain degree of lamenefs, attended with vifible
-tenfion, inflammation, and extreme pain, as
before defcribed, let the above embrocation be
ufed as there direfled, it being a proper prepar-
ative to the following ftimulative application,
which will moft certainly and infallibly efFed
the cure, if the inftrudions here laid down
are ftridlly adhered to.

Take cantharides (in powder) one ounce-.
Oil of olives fix ounces ♦,
Spirits of turpentine two ounces.
Mix the Spanifh flies with the olive oil, then
add the turpentine.

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

and-

- LAMENESS. 75

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 fubftantial friclion, till the portion pre-
fcribed is abforbed by the feat of difeafe. After
which procefs the halter mud be fhortened,
or the parts covered, fo as to prevent a proba-
bility of the effeds being deftroyed by the
natural exertions of the horfe, when finding:
himfelf difagreeably effe6led by the ftimulus
of the application. In three or four days after
which he fhouid be turned out and left to
enjoy t,be advantage of gentle jnoticn for a
length^f time, adapted to the original caufe
and prefect feverity of complaint. If a radical
cure is anxioufly defired or meant to be pro-
moted, prudence will readily point out the con-
fiftency of a three months run, when a horfc
may be expeded to come into hand perfedlly
found, and as fuch (no fymptoms appearing to
indicate the contrary) may be got into proper
condition, as direded under that head.

There are undoubtedly fome, who, from
different motives of inter ejl or impatience^ will
not permit fo long a refpite from bufinefs or
pieafure, let what may prove the confequence^

notwithilanding

76 STRAINS.

notwithftanding which I fhall prefume ta in-
troduce my farther advice, and recommend it
mofl: ftrenuoufly to iuch owners as have horfes
in this predicament, to extend their lenity for
fix 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
ih^iv folly or impatience.

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 beft come
into compatft with the ftandard of their com-
prehenfion.

Previous

STRAINS 77

Previous to farther animadverfion, it becomes
unavoidably neceffary to combat the promul-
gated opinion of Osmer, who, in his remarks,
ventures an alTertion that *' tendons are un-
•* eJaftic bodies," though, in the very fame page
(and frequently after), he fays ** the tendon is
'' often elongated and ftrained." — How this
writer, or his readers, could reconcile fuch pal-
pable abfurdity and contradidion, I am at a lofs
to conceive ; or how a tendon can be elongatedih2Lt
has no elafltcityy I am yet to learn. Nor does the
introdudion of this obfervation prove of greater
utility than to corroborate the propriety of
my former remarks upon the Angularity of
AiiciENT practice and modern pui?/icatiom.

To underftand this fubjecfl: clearly, it is un-
avoidably neceffary to be informed not only
of the caufes from which fuch complaints
proceed, but the parts that conftitute the feat
of difeafe itfclf. 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 preferved in contad;
the other by a relaxation of the miifcles, or
tendons, vi^hofe purpofes are the dired office
of motion. Hence it is that the farrier and

groom

5^8 S T R A I N S. ^

groom are fo frequently at a lofs for their de-
finition or explanation of any particular lame-
nels, fixing ic by conjeSure upon any part (at-
tributing it to any caufe but the right ; and
to this they are feldom diredled by any mental
information, pofiefling a very barren concep-
tion of the ftrucfture of parts, their purpofes,
or appropriations. The mufcles or tendons (by
farriers generally termed finews) are ftrong
elaftic fubftances, compofed of innumerable
threads or fibres, pofielfing the properties of
extenfion and contraction to a certain degree,
, beyoiid which their flexibility or e!afticity can-
not be extended without palpable injury, and
certain lamenefs 5 for, by overftraining, their
elaftic quality (or affinity to catgut) is in a
great meafure deftroyed in proportion to the
injury fuftained. To render this idea [o clear
that it cannot be mifunderflood, let us fuppofe
that a horfe is going at his rate, and in fo do-
ing his toe covers a prominence, or the tdgQ
crone, where the heel has no fupport, it ccn-
fequently extends the tendons beyond the dif-
tance afforded by nature, and infiantly con-
ftitutes what is called a letting down of the
back finews, a circumftance that conftantly
happens upoti the turf in running for a heat,
4 and

STRAINS. 79

and the horfe is then faid to have been " broken
'* down."

This being fuppofed to have happened, the
principal indication of cure will immediately
ilrike every reader, fo far as the gradual con-
tradion and tone of the tendon is concerned ;
but the previous and inftantaneous conlider-
ation will be to prevent, as much as pofiible,
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 ftate ancj
ftrength of the fubje<5l from a vein as contigu-
ous to the part afFeded as may be confiftent;
and as your iuccefs will in a great degree de-
pend upon the earlieft applications, procure a
quart of the bed v/hite wine vinegar, or very
ftrong verjuice ; and, after making it hot over
the fire, add one ounce of the extracfl of Sa-
turn; and with this foment the leg every night
and morning, bandaging the part with a broad
roller of a fufRcient length, draining it pretty
firm. After ufing this fomentation for two
nights and mornings, begin with the following
embrocation 5 and let two or three table fpoon-
fuls be gently and gradually rubbed into the

affedted

8e) STRAINS.

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

Take of Barbadoes tar and fpirits of turpentine
each two ounces ;
Opodeloc four ounces. — Mix well together and
keep Hopped.

Previous to the ufe of this, fhould any de-
gree of inflammation have been prbdudive of
fwelling, a poultice may be applied twice a day,
pt-epared with a proper quantity of oatmeal,
rendered of a necellliry confidence, with a
ftrong decodion of wormwood and camomile
(boiling a large handful of each in three pints
of water and {training off); this, by its emol-
lient tendency, will contribute to the early
redudlon of the inflammation, without a far-
ther relaxanon of the tendinous parts : but the
poultice muft be immediately difcontinued fo
foon as the fwelling fubfides, and the embro-
cation taken into ufe, as above direded. To
this very conftant application mufl: be added
refl: too much llrefs cannot be laid upon this
mofl: predominant and necefiary article; from
which the greater good mufl: certainly refult;
To the want of patience and rnei'-cy only it is
to be attributed that fuch an infinite number

of

STRAINS. 8e

of fine horfes have been flaked to the burji^
i?2g cautery that, with proper time in the field,
would Ijave been as certahily faved from the
Jieat of the iron. And it is no kfs aftonidiing
that, in the prefent age of equeftrlan fagacity
and penetration, few can be found whofe rea-
fon will fufBciently demonftrate the abfolute
neceffity of time and reft to reftore the tone
of a relaxed mufcle or tendon -, a fyftem of
knowledge as clear as any mechanical principle
that can be produced. When the horfe has
continued in the flable, under the treatment
here mentioned, for a fortnight, he fhould, if
in the winter, have his liberty in a large ftable
or barn where he will, by a natural attention
to his own eafe and fafety, (unlefs hurried,
driven, or difturbed, which (liould be pre-
vented) fufHciently guard the injured part.
On the contrary, if in the fummer he fhould
be turned into a paflure alone, and at a diftance
fiom other horfes, where he cannot, by their
neighings, be excited to any exertion of fpiric
or extravagance that may occafion a rclapfe.
But, in either cafe, if the enlargement of the
part (that generally attends) does not fubiidv^,
and the lamenefs bear vifible marks of amend-
ment, io fo;?n as may reafonably be expelled,

G • take

82 STRAINS.

take the horfe up and immediately apply the
following liquid blijler :

Take Spanifh flics (in powder) three drachms^
euphorbiuni and oil of origanum, each two
drachms ; corrofivc fublimate (in powder)
one drachm; olive oil, four ounces, — Mix well
together.

This muft be deliberately and gradually
rubbed over the whole part for at leaft half an
hour, letting it be entirely abforbed by the
feat of pain if poffible > then cover it with a
woollen bandage, and fl:iorten the halter to
prevent its being forced off: the ceremony and
effed of this kind of application is before de-
fcribed under the article of blood fpavin. 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
leaft: and, however found he may f^^em to be,
his exercife, or work, fhould be very gentle,
firfl boiling half a pint of common fea-falt in
a quart of the beft and ftrongefl: vinegar that
can be procured : this keep in a bottle in the
ftable, and let the necelfary part, or parts, be
well bathed with this 7'cjfrivgcnt (and a very
I ufefui

STRAINS. 83

ufeful 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 have feen the complete cure of many,
without inftantly recurring to a perpetual ble-
mifh by the prefent rage for FIRING, which
is in general by much too frequently adopted ;
and no doubt upon moft occafions hurried
on by the pecuniary propenfity and didation of
the intereiled operator, anxious to difplay his
dexterity, or (as Scrub fays) *' his neweft
** flourish," in the operation ; which, when
performed, and the horfe is turned out (as
mufi: be), if taken xx^ found, I fhall ever attri-
bute much more of the cui-e to that grand
Specif Cy REST, than to the effedl of his^r^. No-
thing can be more truly vcontemptible than the
ridiculous and abfurd adoption of the ancient
pradice of cold charges, compounded of ar-
ticles 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 adhefion, than medical relief by
its power of penetration. And this will be the
more readily credited when a moment's con-
fideration is afforded to the fad : for what in-
herent reftringent virtues can be polliffed by
G 2 *' doe's

84 STRAINS.

" does hairy Armenian bole^ ryejloury or oatmeal^^
more than the properties of forming a cement
(equal to a bandage) for keeping the parts in a
firm and certain pofition, conftituting'a pom-
pous prelude to the general idea of rest.

No one advocate for cold charges^ or ftrength-
cning poultices, will be confident enough to
declare they retain a fufficient portion oi fti-
muliis to penetrate the integuments; and, by
their reftringent or contracting powers, affedl
the tone or elafticity of the relaxed tendon.
If fo I will venture to hazard an opinion
that what efficacy they may hold individually
is entirely locked up in the mafs of compo-
sition, 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 -r^^i^/, and fan(ftiohed by
fuccefs. The fame obfervations hold good in
refpeft to poultices ; they never fhould be ap-
4 plied

STRAINS. 85

plied to {trains but in cafes of fwelling and
inflammation ; as they can only contribute to
the very reverfe of the general intention, by
relaxing the fyftem they are employed to
contradl,

I can have no doubt fnotwithftanding the
didlatorial manner in which inftrudtions were
formerly conveyed, amounting almofl: to a
degree of infallibility,) but the majority pf
readers who condefcend to ruminate at all
upon the fubje(5t, will inftantly admit the
great probability of receiving a greater portion
of relief from active liquids, that, by their
volatile and penetrative power, (afBfted by fre-
quent and induftrious application) rufli imme-
diately into contadt with the feat of pain, than
from a compound of mere fimples formed into
elaborate poultices or cacaplafms, that are pre-
vented by the nature of the parts, (as the hair,
and thicknefs of the ikin,) from bringing fo
inadive a mafs into effedl, with parts requiring
reftringents of much greater power and pene-
tration.

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

G 3 or

86 STRAINS.

or finking in deep ground, and forcible exer*
tions to get extricated. Thefe being fituated
at the jundion of the bones, and in moll: cafes
fo covered with the mufcles and foft parts^
that no great expedtation 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 produdive of internal heat, ex-
citing fymptomatic inflammation, wafli well
with the following Lotion three or four times
every day, adhering ftill clofely to the article of
rejly already repeatedly mentioned, and never
<an be fufficiently attended to; remembering
alfo the great utility of bandage, where it can
be conveniently applied ;

Take befl white wine vinegar one pints
Extrad of Saturn one ounce •,
Camphorated Ipirits of wine four ounces j
And rain or pond water one pint.

Mix the extrad with the camphorated fpirits;
then add the vinegar, fhaking well together j
and, laftly, add the v/^ater for frequent ufe.

To enumerate the variety of ftrains, and
particularize the different fymptoms conflitut-

ing

STRAINS. 87

Ing each, would be an endlefs undertaking;
fuch information or knowledge mud always
depend upon the judgmsnt and attention of
the operator 5 for the directions from books
are always doubtful, and feldom decifive. Nor
can it be believed that different horfes /amed
in this part, ov Jlrained in that, will zW ftepy
halt, ox retreat, in the fame manner; if fo, I
may venture to affirm the idea will be fre-
quently as lame as the horfe 1

To afcertain the feat of difeafe to a certainty,
the judicious inveftigator will depend much on
the EYE, more on the touch; and, if a (11 (led
by obfervation and experience, he w^ill very
rarely err in the effect of his judgment : for, his
minute examination beinor made with a necef-

o

fary attention to concurring circumftances, he
will feldom fail to convey a true (late of the
cafe upon almoft every inveftigation.

Previous to the final difmiflion of this ar-
ticle, it may not be inapplicable to introduce
the compofdion of a blister in great eftima-
tion, and of a different form, calculated for
thofe who may be in fome degree attached to
ikit former mode of practice, and indulge their
G 4 doubts

88 S T R A I N S.

doubts of the efficacy of the liquid blijler 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 raarfhrnallows and yellow
digeftive, commonly called bafilicon, each
two ounces; and, laiily.

Of cantharides (or Spaniih flies), three drachms;

Ofcorronve mercury one drachm-, both in fine
powder, mixing the whole well together.

A portion of this to be carefully rubbed into
every part upon which the blifter is required
to take eifedl^ and the remainder to be laid on
as thick as judgment may didtate or the cafe
require, covering the whole with a piece of
fheep or lambfKin leather, having a margin
fpread with flicking diachylon -y over this may
be placed any other convenient bandage, mak-
ing it firm, and ufing every precaution to
prevent its being ftripped off by the horfe,
ip foon as its Rimulatipg power makes him
fenfible of his fituation.

The operation of firing is {o much the rage
^t prelcnt (without a relative confideration tP

his

STRAINS. 89

his becoming disfigure'd), that a fingle obfer-
vation on the fubject is rendered unneceffary,
one offer of advice only excepted, viz, — Never
to adopt an alternative fo truly di [agreeable and
dijlrejfmg till all the more gentle applications
have repeatedly failed in efFe<ft; amongft which

do not let the following be omitted:

•

Take oil of wormwood one ounce ;

Amber and origanum of e.ich half an ounce ;

Camphorated fpirits of wine and opodeldoc of
each four ounces \ and let a proportion (ac-
cording to the injury fuftained) be gently
rubbed into the part twice every day.

% Or,

Take extra6l of Saturn and camphorated fpirits
each two ounces;
Opodeldoc four ounces. — Mix the extrad and
camphorated I'pirits together-, then add the
opodeldocj'and ufe as above, never omitting
the ufe of proper bandage.

In corroboration of my own remarks upon
the inconfiftency of railily bringing into ufe the
burning cautery^ I muft beg to introduce the ju-
dicious opinion of Osmer upon the operation
of firing, which I iliall quote exadtly in his
own words, from a treatife of his that never

fell

go STRAINS.

fell into my hands till many weeks after the
original publication of this work,

*' Between the tendon and the fkinof 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 undiftinguifli-
** able to the eye. Now mark the event of

'* firing. If the fire reaches no further than

"the flcin, little advantage can accrue to the
'' tendon, but the fibres of the ft;in will become
" contratfled andlefs pliant; if the fire reaches
'*^ the membrane or (heath of the tendon^
*' fomeof its glands are deftroyed, and the tcn-
'* don becomes more or iefs rigid. If the ten-
** den be burnt the confequence will be ftill
*' v/orfe, and in either cafe the velocity of
" motion will be impeded j on all thefe occa-
" fions thehorfe fliouldbe turned to grafs and
** indulged with proper reft, that the difeafed
'^ parts may recover their former firmnefs.

a

tone, and flrenQ:th

iD'

CLASS

[ 91 ]

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 fijbjed, they have been mod
plentifully furnifhed with remedies, and thofe
very concife too. The whole clafs of corro-
fiVe^ detergents, repellents^ and reftringents^ have
been let ioofe, affording ample food to indulge
the moft extenfive appetite for experiment. But
modern and experimental praBice abandons this

beaten

92 CRACKS AND SCRATCHES,
beaten barren tradt of ahm^ lead, vitriol^ ^ner^
cuf-y, and a long lift of inveterate polfons, com-
ing immediately to a rational fyftem founded
on common obfervation and long experience.

Cracks and Scratches, in nine cafes out
of every ten, are undoubtedly produced by
negligence and a want of care in the superin-
tendent i and not, as is too frequently fup-
pofed, from a bad habit, or an acrimonious
ftate of the blood.

In many ftables, (particularly where the
mafter feldom pays a vifit), fo as the carcafs is
ileek, the feet and heels are left to take care of
themfelves. From this circumftance in fevere
weather (when the parts below the fetlock are
left in a wet, dirty, and flovenly condition),
do thefe complaints originate, evidently refult^
ing more from bad grooms than ba^ habit.
It is likewife remarkable that the mode of treat-
ment for a century paft has been in direB oppofi-
tion to the efforts of naturi*:, without
the introdudion of a fingle attempt to co-ope-
rate in her endeavours. Inftead of corrojive
wafhcs, detcrge?2t]ox\ous, repel/ing linitnems, or
rejiringeiit embrocations, calculated to forra

rigid

CRACKS AND SCRATCHES. 93
rigid cfchars, or painful callofitiesy I fiiall com-
municate, and earneftly recommend, a fafe^
Jimpky and effeBual method of cure, which
I have never yet feen once fail in an experience
of twenty yQzvs.

In every tweiity-four hours, but more parti-
cularly at each tin^e of the horfe's returning
from the road or exercife, let the cracks or
SCRATCHES be v^'a(hed for a confiderable time-
With-foap and ivarm water ^ making a lather,
and continuing tarub them tenderly with the
fuds, till they become pliable, and perfedly
clear from every degree of fcurf, or hardnefs
at the edges, and the ftiftened 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 ca?nphorated
fpermacceti cintjnent : there is no doubt but they
will foon fubmit to this fimple treatment, if
regularly perfevered in. On the contrary, if
in fom.e days after this method has been
adopted, you perceive the cracks to be deep,
the difcharge copious, and the fmell foetid or
ftinking, you may naturally conclude there is
a foulnefs in the habit, or an acrimony in the
blood, requiring redification ; in that cafe con-
tinue

94 T H P. U S H.

tinue your wajhings with foap and ivarm wafer
every night and morning 3 take away a propor-
tion of blood, according to the diredions be-
fore given under that head, rubbing in a
fmall quantity of the ftrong mercurial ointment^
(inftead of the camphorated fpermacaeti), ad-
miniilwring two purging balls ^ and if neceiTary
afterwards a diuretic ball, every other morning
for a fortnight, as will be hereafter defcribed,
under the article Greafe, when we come to
that fubjedt.

THRUSH,

Commonly called " \ht Running 'Thni/Jjy* is
a varicous ftate of the frog, which, becoming
perforated in different parts, bears the appear-
ance of rapid decay and rottennefs ; occafioned
by an ichorous corrofive difcharge, frequently
the evident effect of negledt in fuffering the
horfe to go badly fliod, till the frog, by re-
peated bruiies, lofes its original property, and
becomes difcafed. To inattention the complaint
is generally owing, and by early care is as ge-
nerally cured. Though there are undoubtedly

inftances

THRUSH. 95

inftances of fuch defers being what are termed
natural blemiflies ; but the mode of treatment
will be fimilar and efFedlive, The putrid,
ragged, or rotten part of the frcg fhould be
conftantly pared away, as iliould alfo the hoof
that bears upon the defecftive parts. The bot-
tom of the foot fiiould be frequently waflied
with warm water, particularly after coming
into the ftable; and, when dry, the whole
frog moiftened flightly with tindure of myrrh.
The feet fhould be conftantly flopped with a
compofition of the following proportion:

Cow dung, {even 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 rofin (in powder) of each three ounces;

Camphor and oil of juniper, cf each three
drachms ; form the mafs into half a dozen
balls, and let one be given every, or every other
Hiorning, as the ftate of the cafe requires.

But

96 GREASE;

But fhould the horfe be vifibly foul, and, hy
his whole appearance, indicate a tendency to
fiudluating humours, from an impurity in the
blood, a courfe of phyfic is firil to be adopted,
preceded by a proportional bleeding, regulating
both by the diredions given under thofe dif-
tinQ heads. Thefe inftrudions properly at-
tended to, no doubt need be entertained of a
perfe6l cure , yet it had in mod cafes (particu-
larly where the defe^fl has been fevere, or the
ffogvery 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 adl as a natural cataplafm, pro-
moting the growth of the frog to its original
ftate of flrength and perfedion.

GREASE*

We are told by an author of the lateft date,
what is almoft univerfally underflood by thofe
at all acquainted with the animal economy,
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 fvvellings in the legs of
'^ horfes may be eafily accounted for, from a
*^ partial ftagnation of the blood and juices in
*^ the finer vefiels> where the circulation is
" mofl languid ; and efpecially where there is
** a want of due exercife, and a proper mufcu-
*' lar compreflion upon the veffeis to pufli for-
*^ ward the returning blood, and propel the
*' inert or half-ftagnating fluid through their
" veflels/' This is one reafon (where a rcafon
is wanting and mud be obtained), and is quoted
entirely for the fervice of thole who require
no other. But, as many may wifli to receive
more fatisfadory information upon the fubjed,
it will be neceflTary to afford it a nicer eluci-
dation.

Indeed it cannot be fuppofed that any reader
pofle fling the fmallefl: degree of rational con-
ception will fall into this ridiculous idea, and
implicitly believe nature has perverted her
own laws, by appropriating to certain offices
veflels inadequate to the purpofes for which
they were formed. That the vefl^els are fmall
in the extremities muft be acknowledged;

H that

98 GREASE.

that the contents are proportional, cannot be
denied ; thefe pofitions being admitted, it cer-
tainly fliall follow the lefs the weight or fub-
ftance the lefs muft be the force required
to give It motion : this force is retained in the
contrading power of the veflels ading upon,
their own contents, exclufive of the affifting
mufcular compreflion mentioned by the author
above quoted, which (in the fyftem of circu-
lation) can only prove the fecondary confider-
ation. I do not mean to enter into tedious and
unentertaining difquiiitions upon the Jaw^s of
nature and motion^ but hope (and naturally con-
clude) every reader will coincide with me in
one opinion — that thefe veffels are as fully ade-
qu'c^te to the offices affigned them in the ex-
tremities, as thofe whofe capacities have fixed
them in the more noble parts.

This truth being allowed (as by every
intelligent reader it muft be), I confider
NATURE totally exculpated from the accufation
of infufficiency in the execution of her own
laws i and doubt not, in the inveftigation of
the fubjedt, we fl:iall be able to produce more
fatisfaftory reafons for the appearance and
4 progrefs

GREASE. 99

progrefs of this difeafe than any we have yet
leen offered to public confideration.

That " a partial flagnatioh of the blood and
** juices in the finer vefiels, where the circula-
'' tion is 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 mod horfes being the fame,
as well as the circumference or capacity of the
veifels and force of circulation), there can be
no doubt but nineteen cut of every twenty
would be afflidled with this malady, from an
^' ERROR in NATURE," that no human fore-
fight can prevent or judgment remove.

Bartlet (who Is the author before alluded
to), fays, in the paiTage there quoted, '' the
*' horfes moft fubjecft 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 (hall claim the
privilege of making one obfer^-cation in diredl op-
pofition to an aiTertion that has acquired fome
authority by remaining fo long uncontradidted.
And as I, from the firft moment of my em-
H 2 barkation

loo GREASE.

barkation in this treatife, have totally d\(^
claimed the very idea of implicit obedience to
the didation of thole who have preceded me
on the fubjedl, I now come to the declaration
of an opinion diredly oppoiite to what we have
jufi: quoted; and (as no bad prelude to what
is to follow) wreft the attention of the reader
to the following circumft^nce wxll worthy of
note. — That the horfes having the mod re-
gular and temperate exercife, food, air, and
water, are the very fubje<cts that are in gene-
ral more feverely afHided with this difeafe than
any other, no one will attempt to difprove.
For inlT:ance, thofe paffing under the denomina-
tion of' cart horfes/' employed in teams, agri-
culture, road waggons, &c. ; and this cir-
cumftance alone, if unaffifted with other tefti-
mony, would very much v^arp the opinion
before-mentioned, and prove both the vefTels
and circulation to be lefs culpable in this bufi-
nefs than that writer feemed to imagine.

It is a circumftance known to the mofl: fuper-
ficial obferver, that enormous quantities of hair
are permitted to remain upon the heels of
draft horfes of the above defcription without
exception 5 and it is in vain to expoftulate upon

the

GREASE. loi

the abfurdity, by enlarging upon the heat it oc-
cafions in fummer, or the dirt and filth it har-
bours in winter. You are told, in return, ** of
*' its utility in preventing injuries from flints,
*' bruifes from ftones,'* &c. this is the evident
effedl of inftindlive obftinacy and ignorance,
tranfmitted from fire to Ton; and is one of the
mod: palpable reafons than can be prodaced for
the frequent appearance and progrefs of this
complaint, vt^hether proceeding originally from
a hidden accumulation of external naftinefs or
internal impurity.

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 a fadt, that the proportion of fecreted
perfpirable matter, making its efforts here (as
elfewhere) for a natural difcharge, is obfl:ru6led
by the mafs or filth caked upon the furface, as
before explained; and becomes, in the courfe
of time, too vifcld zni. fuhfiantial io b^ again
H 3 abforbed

102 GREASE.

abforbcd and carried into the circulation. This
is paipably the flate of the cafe, and nature,
faid by Bartlet to be deficient in her own
office, is not fo but upon compulfionj the con-
ftant flow of perfpirable matter to the parts fo
evidently obftruded, totally overpower every
effort of Nature; and, from the accumulation
of matter, the veffels certainly become inade-
quate to the tafk of conveying treble the
proportion for which they were intended : the
extremities being by thefe means overloaded
and diftendedj the contents not only become,
from their fl agnation, putrid and corrcfivet but
at length, by their acrimoniom quality, perfo-
rate the integuments in 2l foetid ichor y and, by
a peculiar fharpnefs in its cut:ineous oozing,
gives a caUoJity or hardnefs to the edges of the
apertures, fmall as they are, conftituting, in
this difeafe, a greater or lefs degree of invete-
racy, according to the flare 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-
mifTion of doubt, be almofi: entirely regulated
by the favourable or unfavourable ftate of the
habit, which mufl now be more minutely

inquired

GREASE. 103

inquired into. But as it appears very little
amongft horfes of the firft or fecond clafs, ap-
propriated to either turf or field, and is con-
fined chiefly to thofe before defcribed, or fuch
as are unluckily deftined to a hard road, and a
harder mafter, fall in for a much greater pro-
portion of WORK than care: I avail myfelf
of this additional obfei vation to corroborate any
former aflTertion, or opinion — that this complaint
frequently originates much more in the ill hu"
moiirs of the groom than the horse 5 to which
the careleffnefs and inattention of the mafter
does not fometimes a little contribute.

But as an ancient adage inftrudis us to be-
lieve "There is no rule without an exception,"
jTo I am willing to admit the exception, and
allow that a vifcidity or tejiacity in the blood
may ^ngt:\ditvfGulneJs', and impurities may be
produced by omitting to correcfl and purify
acrimony on the one part, or ^Jluggifh cohejion
on the other. Colledions of matter may be
formed, and are undoubtedly the efforts of
NATURE to difturthen herfelf of the morbid
affection \ and fhe, moft wifely, makes thofe
eflForts as remote as pofiible from the vital prin-
ciple of adtion, and in the parts beft qualified
to bear the operation.

H 4 Thus

104 GREASE.

Thus much produced to inculcate the doc-
trine of the difeafe, let us endeavour toeftablifli
(contrary to the cuftom of a century paft) the
mofl: rational and lefs objcdiionable mode of
obtaining rti;ef in cafes of fo much pain and
trouble. So lOon as the attack is difcovered
or the appearance of difeafe is afcertained,
let blood be taken away with a proper re-
ference to the diredions given under that
head; letting your quantity be proportioned to
the fize, ftaie, 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 iiv id, with a
coat of fize, or gelatinized master, upon the
furface, you may immediately conclude there
is too great a tenacicy and adhefion in the
BLOOD for the office of circulation through the
fmaller veflcls; and that fuch quality has con-
tributed to the cauf of obft^udion under
which the fubjedt is difcovered to labour. If
the difeafe is in its earlieft ftate, and does not
feern to indicate rdpidjig?7s of inveteracy^ and
the horfe is not remarkablyy^.^/ or out of con-
Mtion^ it may probably fubmit to tne mildeft

m£thG4

GREASE, 105

method of treatment; as for inftance, let the
parts afFv^dled bs well ivafljed twice every day
with fo/t water made warm, and plentifully
impregnated with fbnp, fo as to form a fub-
ftantial lather; with which every defedive or
offeniive fpot fhould be mod patiently rubbed,
foas to clear the fui face of all fcurf, fcabs, or
indurated matter; then wipe the parts gently
dry with a linen cloth; and fo foon as weU
dried, wadi where neceffary with as much as
is requifite of the following lotion;

Taive tin(5lure of myrrh and camphorated Ipi-

rits of wine, each one ounce ;
Of btrft white v/ine 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 plafier and olive oil
of each three ounces ; melt together over
the fire ; then keep ilirring till cold, and
mix upon a ilone with three drachms of
the fugar of lead, firft powdered very f.ne
in a mortar.

And let ONE of the following diuretic
• B^VlLS te given every other morning for a

courfe

io6 GREASE.

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

DIURETIC BALLS,

Taxe of Caftile, or bell Briilol 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 or anifeed powder.

If the difeafc is farther advanced, and dif-
plays a palpable inveteracy, the parts confider-
ably enlarged, and the difcharge both foetid
in itfelf and copious in quantity, (the blood
being as before defcribed,) bleed again in four
or five days 5 giving in two days, or three at
moft, cue of the purging balls, adding of

7nercurius

GREASE. 107

mercurius dulciSy (commonly called calomel)
two drachms ; v;orking it off as before de-
fcribed, and ufing every precaation to avoid
cold: at the expiration of four or five clear
days repeat the purging ball, adding or di-
minifliing (that is changing the number), fo
as to render it effedua! in refped; to ftrength.
In three days after the fctting of which fecond
dofe begin a ccurfe of the above diuretic
BALLS, and let ciie be given every morning
for a fortnight, three weeks, or a month, as
may be found neceffary. The wa{i:iing vvith
the folution of foap in warm water to be regu-
larly and fubftantially repeated twice every day ;
the parts to be fomented after each wafliing
with jiannels dipped in a hot decodlion. of
camoinile^ wormwood ^ marjhmallows and roje"
mary\ 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 -y with garlic and
white lily rooi^ of each two ounces ; both beat
to a pafle, and all mixed together to a proper
confiftence, with a part of the decodion pre-
pared for the fomentation \ and then ftir in a
quarter of a pound of lard^ and apply as warm
as may be with fafety.

On

io8 GREASE.

On the contrary, if circumftances (hould not
be fo fcvere as to require the poultice, the fol-
lowing OINTMENT may be plentifully applied
after the fomentation (when rubbed dry); or,
in worfe cafes, when the poultice is left off;

Take ointment of elder four ounces;
Camphire, powdered and molified with a little

olive oil, fix drachms;
Of liquid laudanum and extrad 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 fubmiiSion either in a redudion of
the difcharge, or a decreafe of the fwelling,
let longitudinal and iv^iniytrk fear ific at ions be
made fuperficially with a fleam, in number and
diftance proportioned to the diftenfion of the
parts, (or inveteracy of appearance), fo as to
enfure a plentiful difcharge oi blood znd fames.
Immediately after the difcharge apply a poul-
tice very warm, and fufficiently large to cover
all the parts, compounded of the following
ingredients :

Take

GREASE.' IC9

Take of coarfe brown bread and boiled turnips
equal parts; and mafh well over the fire;
adding a fufficient quantity of flale ftrong
beer, to give it a proper confidence -, and
ftir in of belt flour of muflard one ounce,
turpentine two ounces, linfeed powder three
ounces, and lard fix ounces, or fufiicient
to keep it from getting too fliff.

This muft be continued nio^ht and mornine
till a change in appearance renders a variation
in treatment necelTary, regulating the ufe of
purgatives or diuretics by the face of the difeafe,
and the difcretion of the prefcribery farrier^ or
groom 'y adopting fuch choice of the various
methods pointed out as may 'rationally appear
moft applicable to the ftate and changes of the
fubjed. During the whole progrefs of cure
fuch proportion of gentle inotion or exercife
fliould be adopted as the nature and circum-
llances of thedifeafe 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 ftate will admit,
firft obferving however mild or fevere this
difeafe may have been. So foon as the dif-
charge has declined, its fceddity (or offenfivc
2 fmell)

no GREASE.

fmell) IS fubdued, and the fwelling totally fub-
fided, the cure may be completed by well
iJoalJnng the parts with equal proporiions of
Joap lees and good 'vinegar^ once every day,
occafionally moiftening with a fmall quantity
of the ointment before-mentioned, compound-
ed of diachylon plajlevy olive oiU and fugar of
leady page 105.

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

or DAM.

In this cafe the firfl: flep to cure muft be
the fame as with the other; that is, bleed to a
proper quantity, according to the ftate of your

fiibjeft:

GREASE. Ill

iubjedl: if he is full of flefh, high m 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 oi the
follouang PURGING BALLS fix days apart.
The management being ftridly regulated by
the direBions given under the article of pur g--
ing, page 35.

Take fuccotrine aloes nine drachms;
iEthiop's mineral and Caftiie foap, of each half

an ounce ;
Jalap two drachms ;
Gino;er 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 defired, add another drachm cf 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.

Take

112 GREASE.

Take of antimony finely levigated, fulphuf,
nitre, and iEthiop'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 liquorice or anifeed powder.

This dlfeafe 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 inftrudiions under this head, having fuch
a variety of prefcriptions to aflift his endea-
vours if he will but induftrioufly exert his
judgment on the occafion.

And this in fad becomes neceflary even in
its earlieft ftate^ for, by remaining long un-
corrected it foon alTumes a degree of virulence,
particularly in fubjedls remarkably foul and cut
of condition^ occaficning a greater portion of
trouble and inconvenience than can poffibly
happen in almoft any other difeafe. To ob-
viate this difficulty, and counteradl the ten-
dency as much as poffible, fuch hints will be
found in the Appendix refpeding the manage-
ment

G R E A S £• 113

ment of draft horfes, as taken into confidera-
tion and properly attended to, may, in a g'eat
meafure, reduce the number conftantly labour-
ing under this diftemper ; many of whom, by
negled and injudicious treatment, are doomed
to perpetual puniihment, and reiinquifhed as
incurable.

CLASS

( iH )

CLASS IIL

HIDEBOUND, SURFEIT, MANGE,
AND FARCY.

HIDEBOUND

Is a fubjea that has hitherto been very little
treated of, and by no means at all fatisfac-
torily. It has been attributed to many caufes,
but, from every obfervation I have been able
to make, I muft confine it to few. The figns
are, a v^ant of flexibility in the fkin, w^hich
is pervaded by a general ftifFnefs that feems
to form an entire adhcfion to the flefh, w^ith-
out the leaft partial feparation or diftindion.
There is a kind of dully 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
4 this

HIDEBOUND, &c. 115

this trifling circumftance, a very 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-
abic,) and affords evident proof of weaknefs
and debilitation. The caufe requires very little
animadverfion, as it bears the face of poverty
(in food and attention) upon ev^ery trait of its
countenance.

Bad food and want oi Jlahle 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 mufty hay or bad oats at any feafon, may
in fome degree allay the hunger, but not gra-
tify the appetite ; ior^ being in itfelfdeftitute
of the effe6l and quality of fuperior food^ no
nutritive contribution can be conveyed for the
generating of blood or formation of flefh.
The fources for the fupply of chyle being thus
obftruded, the lymphatics are deprived of
their due proportion of nutritive fluid that
Ihould pafs through thefe fmaller veflTels, and

I 2 they

ii6 HIDEBOUND, &c.
they become not only in fome meafure con-
tradled, but in a great degree inadive, which,
with the want of proper external care and
dreffing, contribute to an almoft univerfal ob-
ftrudion of the cutaneous pores. Thefe, from
the preternatural debilitation of the general
fyftem, 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 moifture upon his Ikin, even
in undergoing a much greater proportion of
fatigue.

Thus much is introduced to prove its ex-
iftence as an original complaint, probably
caufed by thefe means, when abftracled from
its coniideration as a fymptomatic attendant
upon any other. And when that is really the
cafe, by efFedtually removing the caufe, the
efFedl will ceafe -, or, in other words, cure the
difeafe on which it is an attendant, and you
will of courfe get rid of its concomitant like-
wife. In refped to its cure very little inftruc-
tion will be necefiary, for (under judicious
management) it is hardly entitled to the ap-
pellation of difeafe being in faft no more than

a temporary

HIDEBOUND, &c. 117

a temporary inconvenience; Therefore, by
way of affording fome little change to the cir-
culation of the blood, take away a fmall
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, flirring 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 m-.Oies. To give this method of
cure fome certainty of fuccefs, regular and
fubftantial drefiing, air, exercife, found oats,
fweet hay, and good foft water, will greatly
contribute. And when by thefe means he has
vifibly improved in hide, coat, and condition,
let him have twice in a week a brufliing
gallop, to produce a tollerable fweat and en-
liven the circulation ; taking great care not to
let him ftand ftill till he is perfectly cool 5
when his dreffings (hould be thoroughly gone
through with attention, care, and perfeverance,
every night and morning. If this method
fliould be unattended with fuccefs, there mud
be fome unknown caufe lurking behind ; in
which cafe go through a mild courfe of phyfic,

I 3 feeding

ii8 SURFEIT.

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

SURFEIT.

This word has been the conllant friend and
frequent refource of all country farriers, and
may, with great truth, be termed *' The
*V Farrier's Fade Mecum" abridged to a word
of two fylLbles, for the convenience of tech-
nical explanation and vulgar comprehenfion.
For certainly fo foon as a cutaneous eruption
appears, indicating an acrimonious flate of the
blood, or a degeneracy of habit, it is (with a
wonderful degree of fagacity, and almoft in-
credible penetration), confidently pronounced
" A SURFEIT;" but what zfurfeit is, un-
lefs as Captain le Brujh, in the Regi/kr Office,
defines cbaos to be " a fort of — , a kind of
*' 2i— chaos-,'' 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 leaft clue by which they might glofs

their

SURFEIT. 119

their ignorance. " For,'* fays he, in toto^
*<^ furfeits arife from various caufes : but are
" commonly the effeds oi fome difeafes not
'^ attended to, or that have been ill cured."
Whether this can be called an elucidation, or
is entitled to the compliment of " multum in
" parvo^' I leave to the difcerning reader,
anxious for inftrudlion ; and gladly fubmit to
his impartial decifion alone, whether we are
not likely to derive greater gratification to our
inquiries from a more minute inveftigation.

As the before mentioned writer has been
indulgingly concife^ another has been moft
tedioujly prolix y who, after taking a trip through
almoft every known difeafe, jeeling for the
eaule, plainly tells you, '' it may originate in
*^ ALL or ANY; but it moft commonly pro-
** ceeds from a horfe's conftantly feeding till
*' he can feed no longer.'* We thank him
heartily for fuch very useful injormation -,
and proceed to our own part of the tafk, but
not without the neceffary compliment ot mak-
ing one obfervation upon his — That it is very
natural to fuppofe a horfe conftantly fupplied
with food, even to faticty, muft be fat, (at
|€afl in tolerable condition), whereas on the
,1 4 contrary

120 SURFEIT.

contrary it is univerfally feen, that horfes la*,
bouring under the difeafe known by the ap-
pellation of SURFEIT, are generally foor.

There is no rational unprejudiced man living
who will not moft cheerfully fubfcribe his
opinion to a fair inveftigatiun and demonftra-*
tion of TRUTH, rather than every fallacious
conjeBure that may be forcibly feized on by a
POST HASTE author^ impatient to arrive at the
goal of his undertaking.

Of SURFEITS then there are two kinds,
originating from different caufes, one being
no more than a very advanced ftage of the cafe
laft defcribedi which being long negleded,
continues to increafe, with all its Jymptoms
before-mentioned, till the entire mafs of blood
being at laft affcBed^ difplays itfelf upon the
furfacc of the body with a degree of virulence
that forcibly appeals to the fenfations of the
owner 'y and neceffityy by the plea of self-in-
terest, prompts him to yield, in his own
defence, what the didlates of hmnanity had in
vain endeavoured to obtain^ This I confider
one embellifJment to the Farrier's abftrufe
a,bridgment ; to which I fliall add an additional

definition

SURFEIT, 121

definition of this difeafe, that has for ages oc*
cafioned infinite looks o^ fur p rife ^ and exertions
of 'wijdomy when invoking the interpofition of
Minerva or Sorrinus, to elucidate a matter that
even their immaculate Bartlet did not
condelcend to txpiain. And as his great pre-
deceflbr (who he has moft inceffantly and im-
pHcitly copied), after ringing the changes upoa
almoft EVERY uifeafe, fixed his opinion of the
caufe upon ** immoderate feeding j" I fhall
avail myfelf of the privilege afforded me in the
ancient adage of ** Doctors differ,'' and declare
I attribute the caufe to hard drinking.
And although he declined laying much in
favour of his opinion, I fhall not omit to
advance a thefis in confirmation of mine.

The ki?id offurfeit differing from the for-
mer in caufey but very little in effedf, is that
kind where, from ignorance, intoxication, or
inattention, a horfe is fuffered to drink immo-
derately of r(?/^ water, when in a violent ^^r-
Jpiration, and the blood confequently in the
highefl: degree of circulation.

The JJ:ock nature fuftains by this revuljion
will be inilantly conceived^ even by a mind

not

122 SURFEIT,

not at all accuftomed to fearch into the ab-
ilrufe receffes of Nature, The blood, in its
greateft velocity, is fo inftantaneoufly checked
by ihQJlyptic injiuence of the j rigid element,
and the fadden contraftion of the folids, that
the CRASSAMENTUM, or balfamic part of the
tlood, becomes immediately thickened and
inflamed, feparating itfelf from the ferum or
watery part, which (being, from the inflam-
matory particles, impregnated with its pro-
portion of acrimony) extravafates itfelf 3 and,
by an effort of Nature, is propelled to the fkin
for tranfplration, where the pores (having been
inftantly collapfed at the time of the water's
taking effed) are fo clofely obftruded that its
fajfage to the furface is abfolutely prevented
and rendered impra^iicabk. This fixed, it
becomes united with the perfpirable matter
already confined there ; forming a morbid com-
bination) y and is, in the courfe of time^
compelled by the progrefs of internal inflam-
mation to make its way through the Ikin ^
upon which it at laft appears in a variety of
poRMs and diff'ercnt symptoms, afTuming
diftin^l degrees of malignancy, according to
xh^ ftatey habit y ^r\A conjlitntion of i\\Q (\ih]Q&c
at the time of attack.

This

SURFEIT. 123

This being the exadl physical demonftra-
tion and regular procefs of the difeafe, the in-
dications of cure aptly arife from our invefti-
eation. For inilance, to refolve the inflamma-
tory crudities, remove cutaneous obftrudion,
corredt the acrimonious ftate of the blood, and
gently quicken the circulation. The better
to eifed thefe, take away a moderate portion of
blood that the impetus may be encouraged;
open the body with a few warm mafies-, and,
according to the mildnefs or inveteracy of its
appearance, give (as the cafe requires) either
two or three of the following purging balls,
allowing fumcient time between each dofe,
and exerting more than ufaal precaution to
avoid coid, on account of the mercurial pre-
paration contained in its compofition; though
it is not only remarkably gentle in the opera-
tion, but fmall in quantity, and m^ay be admi-
niftered with the greateft fafety and effed :

Take Barbadoes aloes one ounce;

Jalap (in powder) three drachms ;

Mercurius dglcis, alias calomel, cream of tartar,

Caftile foap, and ginger (in powder; of each

two drachms-.
Syrup of buckthorn fufficient to make the ball.

After

124 SURFEIT.

After the courfe of pbyfic is regularly gone
through, and properly condudted, let ftrift
attention be paid to the very neceffary direc-
tions of FOOD, dreffings, water, &c. given un-
der the lad article of *' Hidebound ;" and in
three days after the laft dofe of phyfic begin
the following courfe of alternatives, per-
fevering for a month v/ith unremitting punc-
tuality, if you wi(b to fucceed in the acquifi-
tioa of events fully enumerated in the indi-
cations of cure ;

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

jEthiop's mineral and cream of tartar, each
four ounces.

Mix well together, and divide into i"joelve^'C^A
parts of two ounces each, giving one every
night with the feed of corn \ which being firft
fprinkled with water, will retain the powders
and enfure their confumption. Two ounces of
nitre muft be given every morning in a pail of
foft water, and continued during the whole
time of giving the powders. Should any trifling
efchars, fcabs or excoriations, prove obftinate
npon any part of the body, they may be
walhed with equal parts of lye (procured from
the foap boilers) and lime water. After a
regular continuation of the above proportions

fhould

M A N G E. 125

iliould no confiderable advantages appear, the
dofes mufi: 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
compofition and the nitre.

MANGE.

This dlftemper 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
fpedator a very flrong idea of general wretch-
ednefs. For furely nothing can convey it
Jlronger than exhausted nature finking
under a complication of difeafe and poverty.
And in this cafe fo true it is one misfortune
Jeldom comes alone^ that the latter feems in
combination to go hand in hand with this
diftemper wherever it makes an appearance.
And as a proof of the truth in this obferva-
tion, it is very little {tzv\ amongll: horses of
any estimation: on the contrary, is almoft
entirely confined to the lower clafs of ftables
and proprietors.

I It

126 MANGE.

It is obferved to fall chiefly upon thofe that
have been almofl: fir angers to the taste of
oats^ and are kept entirely on the rejufe of pro-*
vender, barren pafture, muHy hay, feparated
haybands, fwajnpy mofly ground, or ruJJjy
moors; from all which nature may receive
ia wretched existence, but cannot be fur-
nifhed \n\i\\ fupport-, at Jeaft the fupport ne-
cefl'ary to contribute nutritive juices for the
conftant healthy fubfiftence of fo large a frame.
From this mode of living (or rather ftarving)
orisiinates fo fevere and inveterate a difeafe:
the economy and law of nature demonjlrates
it to a certainty, and renders farther ani-
madversion upon the fubjed: tedious and un-
neCejfary. For the blood being by this barren
contribution robbed of what it was by nature
intended to receive, becomes impoveriJJjed t^tn
to a degree of incredibility (by thofe u'ho
are unacquainted with the fyflem of repletion
and circulation); it lofes its teiiacify 2inA baU
famic adhefive quality, deeenerating to an acrid
ferous vapour that -fequir^ malignity by its
preternatural feparation from its original C9r-
reBor. Thus extravafated and unreftrained,
its morbid effeds and virulence foon difplay
themfelves upon the furface, with a fevere

and

MANGE. J27

and conftant irritation or itching; to
allay which the poor heajl is eternally exert-
ing himfejf in perpetual rubbings^ till with
thofe, and the lofs of hair from the different
parts, he bears the univerfal appearance of ap-
proaching EXCORIATION. In this predica-
ment it has been the conftant pradice to get
rid of ONE devil by the application of many ;
for inftance, quic/<fiher, aquafGrtis^ oil ofvi--
trioly corrojive mercury, Jpirit of turpentine^
Julphur of vivu?n, fed armoniacy tar, train oily
and all the combiiflibles that could well be in-
vented for the fapport of an everlafting con--
fagration in the lowtr regions.

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

" Where the greater malady Is, the IcfTer is not felt."

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

a combination

128 MANGE.

^ combination of the moft powerful caustics^
That THESE PRESCRIPTIONS were in full
pradice upon the principle of '^ kill or cure"
jko one will deny; for, as Gibson fays, when
he fpeaks of the internal adminiftration of
corrofive mercury, or other poisons, '* the
*' horfe muft have a very ftrong' conflitution
*' to recover it:" and I will, in opposition to
the confidence 2indi fclf-fufficiency of any far-
rier in the kingdom, declare the above courfe
of undion (and extreme un5iion it certainly
is) has fent more HORSEFLESH to the dif-
ferent dog-kennels than the difeafe itfelf. That
the poor diftreffed and emaciated fubjeds may
in future be in fome degree rescued from
fjch a dreadful fcene of unmerited misery
and persecution, fuch methods zxq pointed
out as will certainly eradicate the difeafe, with
proper attention and punctuality, unlefs it
has been fufFered by a long and negleBed con-
tinuance to affume a degree of inveteracy \ if
fo^ and the horfe is not of great value, I will
venture to hazard an Iricism, and afilire the
owner that the moft merciful, certain, and
leaft expenfive CURE, will be by inftantly
cutting his throaty ox Jimtiizg him through the

bead.

The

M A N G E. 129

The firft ftep to be taken is a conftant fup-
ply of wARxM majl?es, prepared with half malt
and half bran-, or equal parts of cats and
bran, with four ounces of honey diffolved in
each: let thefe be given night and morning,
with a feed of dry corn every day at noon.
During this treatment (which muft be conti-
nued a week, to fheath 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, difcontiniie the mafhes, and
let the diet be changed to good oati ^ndfiveef
hay, giving, in the morning and evening
feeds, one of the following pow^ders 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 b^
given as above direded.

K Upon

13© MANGE.

Upon firft taking the fubjedt in hand, and
previous to the commencement of the ma(hes,
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 infeded part be
thoroughly waihed and cleanfed, by forming
a fubftantial lather, fo that no fcurf or filth
remains upon the furface 5 then rub tenderly
dry with a coarfe cloth or feparated haybands ;
find on the following morning begin to rub in
a neceffary portion of this ointment, and
repeat it for feven, ten days, or a fortnight,
(as the urgency of fymptoins may require)
upon every part afFeded.

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 neceflary to make it fuf-

ficiendy 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 ftate
2 ta

PARC Y. 131

to bear it, take away a moderate portion of
blood, and give him afterwards two very mild
dof^s of phyfiC^ feleded from the prefcriptiom
under the article of purgingy and this will be
the more neceflaryj for reafons that cannot
require the leaft explanation •

FARCY.

I MUST confefs I have heard> feen, and
read, lefs to prove fatisfactory upon this dif-
temper than any other to which the horfe Is
fubjedl. Every writer has defcribed the fymp-
toms, but no author, farrier, or groom, has
afcertained the caufe. Their opinions upon
the fubjedt forming a very great fimilitude to
Scrub's allufion in the comedy, where he
f-ys '' Some fay one thing, and fome fay
" another j but, for my part, I believe he's
" a Jefuit." This is ftridly the ftate of the
cafe with the farcy; fome attribute it to
one caufe, fome to another ^ moft declare it a
bad caufe, and all acknowledge the "fault"
(as ufual) to be in the bloed.

K 2 That

132 FARCY.

That they are right muft be admitted^ and
that they are fo is the Icfs extraordinary, when
a very fuperficial furvey of the cafe will evi-
dently prove it would be a difficult taflc to
be wrong. One author gives us many pages
replete wi^h figurative defcriptions, and runs
through the whole animal mechanifm to de-
nionftrate 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 t%vo lines, that " the
*''^ true FARCY is properly a diftemper of the
" blood veflels, which generally follows the
*' track of the veins.'* What infinite fatisfac-
tion mud it afford every reader, to be in-
formed from the fountain-head of inftrudion,
that *' the blood veffels generally follow the
" track of the veins !" Anxiom for inform-
ation, and open to convidion, I receive the
intelligehce with gratitude ; and, although
my retentive faculties are deceptive and im-
perfed, I (hall exert their utmoft influence
to preferve, In high efteem, fo excellent a
monitor \ making no doubt but it will prove
highly fatisfadory to the curious to be in-
formed they need not look for a diftemper of
the blood veffels in the ''TRACK" of the

inteftincSa

FARCY. 133

inteftincs. But to purfue 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 clafs, vvc have had occafion to
ENLARGE (o much upon the acrimo/iy, vif'
cidityy putridity y and tenacity oi xh^ bloody 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 ef-
feds : from rules fo clear and explanatory,
the fyftem is abfolutely reduced to the mod
minute demonftration, and cannot poffibly be
mifunderflood.

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 moft
prudent to fay nothing peremptorily decifive
upon the matter, but introduce my opinion,
leaving eacji; obferver open to an exertion of
his own judgment, to v/hich of the three
preceding diftempers this is allied; or whether
it bears the lead fimilitude to the feverity of
the whole. It would be a very indifferent
compliment to the patience of the enlightened
K 3 reader

# 4

134 FARCY.

reader to repeat the technical jargon that was
unavoidably neceffary to explain the original
caufes of gr cafe, hide bound y furfeit^ or mange.
An hypothetical explanation of the nature and
origin of tliis complaint would be to go over
the fame ground, introducing the fame law of
nature in the fyflem of circulation : the con-
veyance of chyle by the lymphatics or fmall
veffeis, for the generating of blood, the par-
tial coagulation of the craflamentum, and its
confequent efftds ; as obflradtion, 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-
ferent ftages or degrees of malignity accord-?
ing to iht flatey habit ^ bloody age, keep^ and con^
dttion of the hcrfe^ is certain; but generally
that circumftance is mifunderflood, and the
different degrees of the diftemper are fup-
pofed to conftitute diftindt kinds of the fam§
difeafe.

That the diftemper originates m an inflam-
matory ftate of blood in the firft inftance, gra-
dually increafing to the greatefl: pitch of acri-
mony, and affeding thefyftem by degrees, till
|he whole mafs is corrupted^ is tpo evidently

pleaf

t

FARCY. 135

clear to admit of a doubt. The gradual and
general affedion 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 conftltute a
general flame. To fay the ^j^arcy is or can
be long partial to any particular fpot is a very
ridiculous fappofition ; for although the attack
m&y be local (the caufe being Inflammatory),
it mufl: foon be tmiverfal from the very nature
of the circulation. Certain folid parts of the
body may be individually afl^eded by inflam-
mation, but we naturally infer, from a know-
ledge of the circulation, one part of the blood
cannot imbibe a temporary affedlion without
a fpeedy communication to the whole.

If, as it has been before obferved, " the
" Farcy is a diflemper of the blood veflTels,"
I cannot indulge a momentary doubt but fuch
diflemper in the velTels muft have received the
full force of difeafe from the acrimonious ftate
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 veflels in
which it was contained. The coat is raifed in
K 4 diiterent

136 FARC Y.

different parts (as they become affeded) with
various fmall prominences, bearing the ap-
pearance of bunches of berries, branching off
in diredl uniformity with the veins. Soon
after their appearance they are generally co<-
vered with a frn^U fcab or efchar, which, as
they advance to maturation, peel off, and the
puflules difcharge a fharp ferious ichor, or a
gelatinous, adheiive, 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 moft cruel exf>eri^
meats and infernal perfecutions 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 wc
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 effeflual
cauterization treble refined.

As

FARCY. 137

As they advanced in danger they increafed
in courage ; and adhering invariably to the
general intention of *' kill or cuf^Cy* they dealt
about them with the fire of Mars and the
ftrength 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
fccne of C07ifjlcncyy made open paffages 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 poifoned
*' 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 — th?.t fome system has lono-

o

been neceffary to refcue this mofl ufeful and
fufFering animal

FROM STABULARIAN IGNORANCE
AND EMPIRICAL CONFIDENCE,

Can It be fuppofed, will reafon or refleflion
for a moment fupport the idea, that the moft

fevers

T38 FARCY. ^

fevere and burning cauilics, very little fliort of
adlual fire, were ever calculated, when laid on
by leads, to rectify the blood, or promote an
incarnation of the fielh ? It muft create afto-
nilnment in every mind made calm by time,
or cool by experience, that men have lived,
who, from a want of knowledge in the proper-
ties of medicines, could fo proilitute their
ufes ; or others prove fo weak as to tranfmit
that proditution to pofterity ! But fo deeply
has the injurious and dangerous fyflem taken
root among the illiterate, who flick to a ruftic
maxim never to be obliterated, that '' old laws,
** old times, old fongs, and old books, are
*^ bed,'' and confequently fly to the latter
upon every occaiion 5 in whofe inftrudions
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 fyftem.

That MERCURIALS and antimonials /;2-
ter7iaUy, with necefl^ary and occafional cauftics
externaUy, will (didated by judgment, and
proportioned with difcretion), work wonders,
experience and indefatigable attention from
men of the moil extenfive abilities has fuffi-

ciently

0

FARCY. r39

cientiy proved. But the abundant, unlimited,
and injudicious application of fuch deftrudive
poifons^ either externally or internally, no rea-
fon can jnftify, or prudence diredt. 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 y " if a fmali or even
^^ 2l moderate dofe does much, a large one
^^ will CERTAINLY do a great deal more."

The very frequent application of cauftics
and repellents is a cuftom evidently too ab-
furd CO require animadverfion. Every common
obferver muft inftantly perceive the folly of
repelling a morbid and malignant putrid mat-
ter to be again abforbed into th^ circulation,
at the very time nature has arrived at the cri-
tical effort of relieving herfelf from the mor-
bid affe<flion or preternatural load with which
fhe 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 muft take its
courfe from the efFed of medicines internajly
^dminiftered. But forry I am to believe, and

have

140 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, acqua-
fortis, or a red hot ikon, being, in the dif-
ference of expenfe, much more applicable to
the conftitution of the POCKET than a re-
gular courfe of alteratives.

Thefe obfervations being made to point out
the danger and deter the pradice, more than
to condemn the authors, who, to their excul-
pation be it remembered, wrote in times of lefs
refinement, I fliall conclude them for this clafs
with one REMARK — That where the cure
is not to be effccled by the courfe of bleeding,
purging, mercurials, antimonials, and altera-
tives, hereafter defcribed, I perfedly coincide
in opinion with a writer before quoted, who
fays *' When the difeafe is fo inveterate as to
" refift every application, that the fymptoms
'^ not only continue predominant, but evi-
" dent^y increafc, it is incurable." And to this
information I fufpedt he meant (but omitted
to recommend what I now moil heartily do,
the putting a period to a fcene of pain and

mifery,

FARCY. 141

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

In refpeft to cure, upon the very earlieft
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 decifive judge-
ment how foon, and to what proportion, the
fubjcft will bear this evacuation, fhould it again
be neceflary; for, according to the extra pro-
portion of the crajfcwientum^ or coagulum^ and
the fize (or gcckthiized fubftance upon the
furface), with the difproportion of the ferum,
or watery part, it may be very readily afcer-
tained how much the blood is certainly above
or below the ftandard of mediocrity neceflary
for the abfolute preservation oi health. If
the horfe is in a high flate of condition, and
full of flefh, give him malhes through the day
of bleeding, and the next ; on the following
morning let ihXs purging ball be given :

Take fuccotrine aloes ten drachms;

Of calomel and jalap (\n powder) each two

drachms and a half;
Rhubarb and ginger ofeach a drachm and a halfj
Syrup of buckthorn or rofes fufficient to form

the ball.

Let

142 FARC Y.

Let It be carefully attended to, and worked
off as fpecified under the diredion for purging.
If the phylic v/orks favourably, and fets well,
let his feed (if his appetite is keen), fjr four
clear days, be plentiful; and on the fifth, or
fixth at fartheft, repeat his /'^^rg^/;?^ /?al/, con-
duding the operation as before. If the dis-
temper has attacked him with violence, or
makes rapid progrefs, a third dofe mu(t 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
G7itimonial alteratives , aiTifled by a regular
adminiftration of nitre ; both being continued a
month without the moft tritling intermiffion :

Take of prepared antimony one pound \
Common fulphur twelve ounces ;
Cream of tartar eight ounces •,
Cinnaber of antimony fix ounces.

Incorporate well in a mortar, and divide Into
iwent'^ 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 avi-

dity.

FARCY. 143

dity, as being moft thirfty. This proportion
is meant for the diftemper in its mildeft (late;
when the buds or fwelling, upon their firft
appearance, may be well vvaflied with the
following lotion twice every* day:

Take extradl 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 (liould be repeated,
in proper time, between the phyfic, in a mo-
derate degree; and upon the fcabs or efchars
peeling from the buds, with a degree of inve-
terate malignity, waili them well occafionally
with the following :

Take corrofive mercury two drachms, difTolve
in half a pint of Britifh brandy •, then add of
\yhite wine vinegar a pint; half a pint of
fpring water, and two ounces of tin<5lure of
myrrh; fhaking well together:
Or,

Take fugar of lead and white vitriol each an
ounce ;

Diftilled vinegar and fpring wat^^r each one pint;

Styptic tincture three ounces. — Mix together.

Should

144 FARCY.

Should the ulcers continue foul, and their
edges become callous, very fmall quantities of
the ftrong mercurial ointment muft be gently
rubbed into the centre of the moft inveterate,
once in three or four days, cleanfing them
occafionally with one of the vv^aflies before
mentioned. In this cafe one of the following
7nercurial ALT EVi AT IN E balls muft be given
regularly every morning for a month, or longer
if neceffary; altering your proportion of nitre
to three ounces ^ which muft in the arrange-
ment of this courfe, be given in the water every
evening, upon the vifible neceffity of introduc-
ing your ball in the morning :

Take ^Ethlop's mineral four ounces;;

Of milk of brimdone, prepared antimony, cream

of tartar, and cinnaber of antimony, each five

ounces ;
Honey fufficlent to make a mafs ; divide into a

dozen equal balls, and roll up in liquorice or

anileed powder. ^

Thefe remedies are founded upon a fyftem
of certainty to effe6l all that alteratives can do;
and are diredcd in fuch proportions as may be
given with the greateft fafety, and calculated
to bear feme additions to their more adivc
ingredients, at the difcretion of the prefcriber,

. fliould

FARCY. 145

{hould an unexpected refiftance render it
neceflary. And upon the introdudlion of fuch
additions, and a perfeverance in the alteration
for a proper length of time, fhould the whole
niafs 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
defirable period to the bufinefs, and had much
better be folicited than rejefted.

CLASS

[ 146 ]

CLASS IV.

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 ftate of the
wound, or habit of the fubjeft) that, to enu-
merate the whole, with all poflible or probable
circumftances, would be to write a volume on
the article alone ^ which is certainly entitled
to every degree of attentio7i and inJiruBionj,
from the fimple and complex cafes that fo
frequently occur. And though it may natu-
rally be fuppofed that wounds of fize, depth,
©r danger, muft confequently come under the

immediate

WOUNDS. 147

immediate care and infpedion of the operative
FARRIER, whofejudgment or experience (hould
diredt him upon all cafes of emergency, as time
will not admit of reference to books; and even
with fuch afliftance, much more will depend
upon his experimental dexterity, or expertnefs
in manual operation, than any information he
may derive from literary inftruftion, when a
fudden exertion of judgment or fortitude is
immediately neceffary.

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 altoge-
ther adequate to the tafk of defining technical
terms or profeffional 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
impradicability; 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 profejjional fuperintendent^ or occajional
ajjiftanty to form a proper idea of the bufi-
j)efs, and make fuch efFedtual applications
L 2 as

148 WOUNDS.

as may prevent the neceffity of calling in extra-
afTiftance, or running into any extremes of
pradice not warranted by reason ox jujlijied

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 ftudioufly attentive to
inculcate fuch information and directions as
will, I am induced to believe, exculpate me
from the accufation of treating the fubjeft
worfe than it deferves.

In all wounds the danger is greatefl, or the

cure mofl difficult, where large blood vejfeh

are feparated, the tendons injured, or the vital

parts affeded. The regular procefs of nature

conftituting the cure of wounds, is the fup^

prejjion of blood, the fubfequent digeftion, or

dilcharge of matter, the incarnation or filling

up with flefh, and the cicatrization or fkin-

ing over. To effed ih^jirjli if the injury

fuftained has ftparated any blood veffel of

fufficient magnitude to produce a hemorrhage

or bleeding of confequence, let the mouth be

taken up, by paffing a proper needle under-

Z neatb,

WOUNDS. 149

neath, furnilhed with a waxed thread, and
made faft according to art or profeffional
knowledge. The perfon, whofe immediate
province it is to execute this ta{k, fhould, no
doubt, be amply furniihed with the neceffary
apparatus, (as a variety of needles both crooked
and ftraight) ready provided for iht faculty by
every instrument maker in London. This
operation depends fo much u^on prof effiofial Jki II
and experimental pradiice J that it is in vain to
enlarge upon a fubjedt, to comprehend which
would require an entire knowledge of the blood
veffels, an acquisition only to be obtained
by theoretical iludy 2ini pra^ical experience.

When the mouths of the bleeding veflels
are obfcured, or fo furrounded with foft parts
that it is impoffible to fecure the orifice by the
affiftance of the needle, (which muft be abfo-
lutely accomplifhed if an artery is feparated) ap-
ply immediately a pledget vi Irnt or tow, plenti-
fully impregnated with tinBure of myrrh ^ friar i
balfaniy or camphorated fpirits ; relying in this
inftance upon the advantage and fafety of a
J)dndage (judicioufly adapted, and properly
applied,) as much as the medical efficacy of
STYPTIC application^. NATURE in this
L 3 bufinefs

150 WOUNDS.

bufinefs (as in moft 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 Qi ill-formed unguents, reported to have
effected 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 contacfl,
which fhould (particularly if the cafe is alarm-
ing) be immediately performed, by taking up
the neceffary ftitches at proper diftances (accord-
ing to circumftances and difcretion) with fuch
needle as the cafe may require^ an operation
fo very trifling, that it may be moft readily
executed by any perfon not at all proficient
in the pradice, fliould an emergency render
fuch exertion unavoidably neceffary. Taking
great care, in large wounds, not to draw the
edges too clofe to each other, and hazard the
breaking out of the ftitches or bringing on an
inflammation by an accumulation of confined
matter, in not leaving fufficient o'oom for a^
proper digeftion. But in general, where the
edges are expeditioufly fecured, and brought
into tolerable contacS, the wound is very little
trouble y the foft parts unite favourably by the

ndhefive

WOUNDS. 151

adhefive quality of the blood, and the cicatrix
is fpeedily formed, without application to the
elaborate preparations of art. In cafes of this
kind the dreflings (hould not be taken off in
lefs than eighUand-forty hours j 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 may
be applied :

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 inflamm.ation fubfides, and the
wound begins to digeft or difcharge favour-
ably.

L 4 To

15^ W O U N D S.

To make the Vegeto Mineral Water..

Take extrad of Saturn one ounce ;
Camphorated fpirits of wine two ounces.
Mix together, and add of rain or river water one
quart.

So foon as the fwelling fubfides, and the
wound begins to difplay favourable figns of
digefticn, drefs v^^ith the following, which may,
without more mention, be always under'ftood
as the general y?^^/i? digejlive ointment^ and is
thus prepared:

Take olive oil one pint;

Yellow wax and black rofin each four ounces;

Burgundy pitch and turpentine each two ounces.

Melt the wax, rofin, and Burgundy pitch, in the
oil, over a flow fire; when taken ofFftir in the
turpentine. For large v/ounds, where a plenti-
ful diicharge is required, flir into this quantity*
three ounces of the fpirits of turpentine, that
it m^y incorporate in getting cool.

It is here neceflary to obferve nothing can be
more truly ridiculous than the idea of apply-
ing greajy or undluous fubftanccs to recent
wounds merely fuperficial, ^nd by which none

of

VV O U N D S. 153

of the large veffels are affeded. For moft
fuperficial wounds, or fimple lacerations, pro-
ceeding from what caufe foever, may in gene-
ral be very foon made perfedly found, by a
(ingle application of the thiciure or half am be-
fore mentioned ; or equal, parts of camphorated
fpirits and vinegar ^ bandaging up properly,
and not opening for feme 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 di [charge come on, keep the
wound clean, and drefs with the digestive
in very fmall quantities till the cure is com-
plete.

The fpirituous or rcftringent applica-
tions, by their Jlypticity fo conftringe the
mouths of the fmaller veffels near the furface,
(ading in concert wnth the natural cement of
the blood), as to render, in many inftanccs,
the officious intrujiom of art totally unnecef-
fary: but thii method of cure is frequently
rejeded as too eafy, and the falutary courfe of
Nature is oftert cbftrudted and perverted by
the self-sufficient fagacity of those pro-
ficients

154 WOUNDS.

ficients in QJJ A C K E R Y, who, piquiflg
themfelves upon a family receipt^ or noflrum of
antiquity^ had rather prolong the complaint
for weeks or months, merely to obtain the re-
putation of curing what, intruAedto nature,
would have abfolutely cured itfelf.

Shduld wounds happen from complicated
caufes, where the adjacent or furrounding
parts have received additional injury (from a
fall or bruife), an inflammation and larger
difcharge of matter may confequently enfue,
than from a fimple wound where no fudden
or violent impreflion upon the veiTels 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 fubftantial cure from the regene-
ration and incarnation : being a work of Na-
ture, and to be efFedled only by the co-opera-
tion of time, it mud be waited for with care
and patience; as it can originate in no other
feature than granulations of newflefli, 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 firft objedl is to ex-

tradt

WOUNDS. 155

tradl any foreign or extraneous fubftance, and
promote a good digeftion -, by which not only
every degree of foulnefs is carried off, but the
ragged and injured parts themfelves putrefy and
flough off, being brought away with the dreff-
ings fo foon as the wound is in a healthy pro-
mifing ftate. Here the granulations begin to
form and fprout out 3 and a proportion of judge-
ment is required, but little poffeffed or exerted
upon thefe occafions ; for, inftead of nourish-
ing an appearance fo much to be folicited (and
without which you can obtain no cure) it is
often mofl: injudicioufly miftaken for fungus,
and fcouted accordingly : inftead of a bed of
dry lint to footh and encourage this effort of
nature cauftics and efcharotics are loudly called
for, and plentifully beftowed; the very bafis
of cure is thus deftroyed ; the mouths of the
veffels are imprudently clofed by the worft:
means ; the difcharge contributing to the con-
fiant improvement is mofl unnaturally fuppreff-
ed ; and callofities or efchars follow of courfe.

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

but

156 W O U N D S.

but for the worfe^ the wound is dreffed,
dreffed^andDREbSED AGAIN! Mlmjlgn
of relief, no favouring power prcfides, nor any
prevailing genius appears, but the predomi-
nant GENIUS of DULNESS, who, anxious
to increafe the " mifchief fhe has made/*
prompts him to finifh with fortitude what he
had commenced in ftupidity ! Toconfefs the
lead degree of inability would be a degrada-
tion of dignity, therefore, on he goes (Ranger
like) '' NECK OR NOTHING !'' ftrong digeflives
(and ihok fcalding too) follow, but follow in
Vain. No improvement, no enlivening ray,
longer to keep up the face of profeffional in-
ability : no lucky alternative but mercury^ vi^
trioly and all the family oijire renewed, till the
ferious ceremony terminates in an inveterate
ulcer, or confirmed fiftula, as will be feparately
treated on under thofe heads.

There are certain wounds that occur much
more frequently than any others and though
in themfelves not at all dangerous, yet fome-
th'ing may be expeded upon a treatment proper
to be adopted in cafes that fo conftantly happen.
Amon gthcfe are broken knees^ over ^reaches y and
ificerations between hair and hoof* In refpedt

to

WOUNDS. 157

to the firft, it is a misfcrtune whenever it hap-
pens that not only reduces the horfe very much
in his value, but is confidered an indelible
ftigma of imperfedion, that (with connoif-
feurs) renders him at firft fight unworthy a
fecond confideration. 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
iliort obfervation, without any unfair digrefllion
from the fubjedl before us. Not indulging
the fliadow of fear, by offending the fhallow
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 znA^fteen minutes, ^^ All
*' Lombard'Jireet to an egg-Jljell /" I will ven-
ture to affirm, that nineteen of every twenty
are brought to the ground by unfair and moft
lunmerciful ufage.

For thofe doubtful compofitions, whofe heads
are as light as the heels of their horfes, and
whofeform,bythe hurry of conception and am-
biguity of generation, are deftituteof the more

noble

158 WOUNDS.

noble parts neceffary to the power of refledt-
ing, can form no idea of the flrength of the
animal theybeftride; but each concluding his
fteed aPegafus, formed of a fubftantial material
called labour everlajling^ and gifted with perpe-
tual motion, they continue to ride or drive the
opprefled objedl till Nature being (after a thou-
fand fpirited exertions) at length quite exhauft-
ed, can move no farther. And I am convinced
it requires no imcommon /hare of penetration,
at lead no magical affiftance 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 thi^ trifling digreffion 1 infer
(and enforce my opinion) that more horfes are
thrown down and irremediably injured by the
careleffnefs 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 firji Jlep to relief will be ftill
the fame Wafli the parts well with a fponge
and warm water, thoroughly cleanfing the

wounds

WOUNDS. 159

wounds or lacerations from every retention of
gravel or fand 3 for thefe will evidently irritac
and inflame the tender parts, and be produdive
of a difcharge which ijiay often be entirely pre-
vented by gently wiping dry after the ufe of
the fponge, and plentifully embrocating ths
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 neceiTary. This
fhould be continued, that an efchar or cicatrix
may be formed to render undtuous or greafy
applications unneceflary j but fhould the wound
or laceration be fo violent as to produce great
inflammation, fuppuration muft 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 x\iQ Jlable ^ig^fti'^e 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
fybjecSl to great difcharges from the bruifes and

laceration

i6o WOUND S.

laceration in conjunction) at others they are
merely luperficial ; and the treatment mull: be
exa^ly the fame as laid down for other wounds,
making fuch allowances and alterations a$
circumftances may require, or emergencies
didate.

The fame fyftem muft be adopted in all in-
juries fuftained between hair and hoof, except
where a horfc has been ftubbed in hunting, as
fometimes happens in a leap or in covert 3 when
a flump coming in immediate conta6l with
the upper edge of the hoof, a laceration or pe-
netration is effeded, in which cafe the mem-
brane is almofl inflantly protruded; and unlefs
fpeedily prevented foon conftitutes the origin of
what is afterwards denominated a QUITTOR,
To effect this diflblve a drachm of corrofive
fublimate in one ounce of camphorated fpirits ;
and, after touching the prominence well with
the folution, bind up firm, (covering the pro-
truded part with a fmall piece of card or thin
fheet lead), and repeat it once a day for three
or four days, not neglefting the bandage, and
taking care the foot be not immerfed in watei^.
As this fubjedl will come under farther dif-
cufGonin the article of tumours or impost-

HUMES,

ULCERS. i6i

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

ULCERS

Are WGU7ids or ahjcejfes 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 effedl of the former than either of
the other two. It has been a pradice with
farriers of almoft every denomination, upon a
wound's not inclining to heal fo foon as ex-
peded, to increafe the flrength of the digef-
tive application, as if the very tendons were to
be extraded. This effort of art not fucceed-
ing is followed by a corrofive^ that, increafing
the evil, a can/lie in general crowns the whole
of country prrMice. The wound (that per-
haps at firft required only the neceffary time
for incarnation, and the mod fimple treat-
ment) not having kept pace in its cure with
the im.agination or impatience of the Doctor,
(for fo we all are from th^ prejidetit in fVarwick-

M lane

i62 ULCERS.

lane to the thill horje of the word team in the
parifli), is dcftined to undergo the changes in
treatment JLift delcribed.

Thus the wound^ that would in all proba-
bility have fubmitted to a degree of regular
and confiftent treatment, is retarded, or rather
obflruded, in its natural progrefs and proper
difcharge, by means diredly oppoHtc to the
didates of reafon and difcretion. The appli-
cation of a corrcfive (that is generally made
with a heavy hand of iron) inftantly collapfes
the mouths of the finer veflels, and deftroys
the fprouting granulations of new flefli ; na-
ture being thus checked, difplays an evident
change for the worfe, and the doctor is now
(to make ufe of his own expreffive language)
** out of the fryuig pan into the fire,'' By
this new difeppointment his indignation is
excited againft both dijeafe and the dijeajed-^
in the fervour of his wrath he determines as
it wont fubmit to *' fair means it fhall to
** foul." The whole body of caujiics before
mentioned become fubfervlent to his purpofe;
and are fo liberally poured in as to coniiitute
fo great a degree of callofity upon the farface,
that a confiderable length of time and portion
J of

ULCERS. 163

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

To extirpate the callofity, and procure a pro-
per difcharge, are the leading indications^ and
mufl be obtained before the cure can proceed
to your wifli. To efFeft this foment with a
decodlion of camomile and mallows, as hot
as can be conveniently applied; then fcarify
fuperficially the whole part, both longitudi-
nally and tranfverfely, with a fleam or abfcefs
lancet, fo as to entirely penetrate the callous
fiibftance upon the farface : after which it muft
be dreffed with the following ointment twice
every day; the fomentation and fuperficial in-
cifions to be repeated occalionally, if neceffary,
till the callofity is quite floughed off, and com.es
away with the dreffings :

Tare of yellow baHlicon two ounces;
Turpentine and black bafilicon of each one

ounce-.
Red precipitate (powdered very fine) half an

ounce.

The two bafilicons to be melted together over
the fire; when taken ofFftir in the turpentine;

M 2 and^

i64 ULCERS.

and, laftly, when cool, add the precipitate (very
finely powdered), and let them be minutely in-
corporated upon a ftone or marble flab.

So foon as this obflacle is perfectly removed,
and the difcharge come to its proper conjylencey
drefs in general with a fnmll portion of lint,
thinly covered with either of the baJiliconSy
placed under a pledget of tow, fpread with the
Jiable digejlive mentioned in the laft article.
Should the w^ound incarnate too faft, and fill
with fungus (commonly called proud fleJJj),
flightly touch fuch parts with a piece of zm-
jlacked limey regulating the mode and appli-
cation by the neceffity, repeating it as occafion
may require. When the cicatrix, or {kinning
over, is nearly accompliflied, the cure may be
completed by hardening the furface with a
little tindlure of myrrh.

This is the dire(fl 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 obftacle to cure
arifes from fome deled in the conflitution, or
acrimony in the fluids, the affiflance of mer-
curial phyfic and fubfequeni: courfe of mild

alieratives

ULCERS. 165

alteratives muft be called in, to enfare efFedl
from the whole. Without defccnding to a
particular formulae for this purpofe alone, I re-
fer the reader to a variety (prefcribed under
the diftin^fl heads of GREASE, SURFEIT,
and FARCY) for fuch feledion as may bed
coincide with his opinion upon the conftitution

and bodily ftate of the fubjedt difeafed.

.iff

It is a rule eflabliflied in furgery, and fliould
be in farriery, where there is 2.Jinus or cavity
leading to a remote or hidden caufe of com-
plaint, and from whence a palpable difcharge
iffues, the courfe and depth fliould be accu-
rately afcertained by the probe; and, if no ten-
dinous parts prefent to forbid the operation,
xhtjiniis^ cavity^ ox vacuum^ fliould be inftantly
LAID OPEN (v/ith a biftory) to its utmoft ex-
tent, and properly filled with a pledget of lint,
well impregnated with warm digeftive, and
plentifully covered with tow fpread with the
fame. After z fecond or //?/><:/ dre fling, iLould
the injide of fuch cavity prove callous, or hard
in fubftance, it mufl be taken away by the
KNIFE, or deftroyed by the means before
defcribed. If it be fo fituated that the purts
forbid an entire feparation, found with the
M 3 probe,

465 ULCERS.

probe, and at its extremity make a counter in-f
cijion through the integuments to meet the
probe, till, by paffing through, it removes any
lodgment that may have been left for the matter
to corrode, which it WAX very foon do, fo as in
many cafes to effedl the bone itfelf.

As a very good detergent wash for the
cleanfing inveterate ulcers, or injedling into
fuch paffages as from the difpolition of ti>e
parts cannot be laid open, I have reafon to re-
commend the following, it retaining every ad-
vantage without one of the prejudicial qualities
fo predominant in the mercurial and vitriolic
compofitions :

Take honey and vinegar each two ounces;

Liquefy over the fire ♦, and when cool add tinc-
ture of myrrh and tindure of cancharides each
one ounce. — Mix.

When the ulcer is by thefe means divefted
of its virulence and cadaverous fmell, the cal-
lofity is floughed ofFor extradted, and a favour^
able appearance of incarnation come on, the
dreffings may be changed from the precipitate
^ligejlive^ before prcfcribed, to pledgets fpread

with

ULCERS. .167

with laOcateUms balfam, or the following

EPULOTIC CERATE :

Take of white diachylon plafter and olive oil,
each two ounce- -,

Locatellus's balfam and balfam of capivi, each
one ounce •,

Melt the plafter and Locatellus in the oil over
the fire •, take off, and when nearly cool ftir in
the capivj, a little at a time, till it is all incor-
porated.

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 fubjed : but I have been thus explicit, for
the information and advantage of thofe who
are strangers to both THEORY and
PRACTICES that being '' forewarned they
may be forearmed,'' and not lufFer a fimple
accident to be gradually ripened to a ferious
misfortune; bat, availing themfelves of this
requifite inftrudion, fo deftroy the prevalence
of MYSTERY and power of prejudice, as to
enfure a cure under their own fuperintendence
upon a bafis rational, clear, and comprehenfive,
diverted of the foliy of experiments and cruelty
of ancient pradice.

M4 FISTULA,

[ i68 ]

FISTULA.

A FISTULA is the palpable confequence of
general neglect in more inftances than one;
firfl:, in not perceiving the faddle's being too
wide in the tree, and fuffering the infide of the
pummel to prefs fo much as not only to pinch,
but, by its conftant fridion, to bruife the parts,
and render an impofthumation or formation of
matter inevitable, I am very forry to obferve,
this is feldom taken 7iotice of in time, till the
EVIL has been repeated and conftitutes bruife
upon bruife, when an inflammation and
fwelling enfue, threatening an unavoidable
fuppuration. To this a ftill greater error fuc-
ceeds^for, during the time the procefs of Nature
is going on, and the matter contained in the
tumour is undergoing concodion, or change
from inflammatory or grumous blood, and ex-
travafated lymph, to its ftate of fyftematic per-
fedion for difcharge, (in general termed a
proper degree of ripenefs) ftrong repellents or
powerful Jpirituous compojltiom are brought
into conftant ufe ; and, by their peculiar pro-
perties, form one univerfal obstacle to the

great

FISTULA, 169

great effort of nature for relief. Here be-
gins a terrible flruggle between the contending
powers of NATCTRE and ART; for thofe ap-
plications failing in their iiUentional effedl of
repulfion upon the conterts, diftribute their
properties upon the integuments, where, by
their repeated appiica'.ion, an induration is
effeded very unfavourable to the abfcefs in its
more advanced (late. Nature at laft effects
her purpofe, the tumour is at length brought to
fuppurate, and a difcharge comes on 3 but
without one of thofe advantages that would
have been acquired, had the efforts of Nature
been attended to and properly encouraged, in-
ftead of oppoled.

From this inconsistent mode of treat-
ment the edges of t!)e wound, when enlarged,
become unkind, the feat of a foul or callous
complexion; and, in'lead of a fubftantial, fa-
vourable, healdiy matter, the difcharge is a
complication -f blood, fanies, and a kind of in-
dur^teJ haf coiv.ofled matter, intermixed^vith
an acrid or coirofjve ichor.

This is in gene'-^l the origin and progrefs of

what (^ with 'additional bad treatment) ccnfti-

-5 tutes

170 FISTULA.

tutes a confirmed fijlula^ and comes dire^^ly
under the very method of cure defcribed in
the laft article ; with renewed inftru6lion, and
remembrance to lay open all fmufes or cavi-
ties into which the probe can be paffed, stak-
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 fluggidi or incomplete, en-
large the proportion of turpentine or precipi-
tate in the ointment, adding an ounce of the
Jpirit of turpentine y if the matter is very ofFen-
five; make alfo a confiderable addition in the
iinSlures oj myrrh and cantbaridcs to the de-
tergent LOTION before prefcribed. When
the applications are required to exert their di-
geflive powers more effedually, in confe-
quence 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 interfiices or open-
ings, but not fo hot as to fcald or harden the
furface.

Incifions, or fcarifications, mufl: be made
whenever neceflTary, and the callgfities extir-
pated

FISTULA. 171

pated exadlly as before delcribed ; ufing neither
corrofives or cauftics, but adhering to the me-
thod of keeping down fungus, or excrcfcences,
by the application of unflacked lime in the
lump, (for a few minutes), or previoufly
powdered, where the wound will not admit
of its ufe in the other form. This method
fhould have the preference on all occafions;
for which a very predominant reafon may be
urged, that^ receiving its power only from the
moilf ure it imbibes from the part, it immedi-
diately performs the purpofe it is intended to
execute, and becomes diredly inadive : where-
as the favourite articles oi aqiiaf otitis , cilofii-
triol, and mercury, not only abfolutely Civu-
TERize or BURN all the part, but raife a great
degree of inflammation upon the furrounding
veffels, and evidently increafe the mifchief they
were intended to prevent. The detergent wash
before mentioned, cannot be too frequently
ufed till the wound bears marks of amend-
ment ; and care mud be taken in the fepar-
ation of all fiftulous finufes to leave the orifice
or opening as much declining as poflible, that
the matter may naturally pafs downwards,
without being fubjedl to a probability of re-
tention.

Thus

172 FISTULA.

Thus much by way of INSTRUCTION
for CURING, what may moftly be prevented
by a very moderate (liareof care and attention,
or, more properly fpeaking, an exertion of that
reaibn, generally diftinguiflied by the appella-
tion of ^d?^;;;;(?;zy^>^/^. Let it be remarked,
the frequent application of repellents is a pal-
pable abfardity, unlefs in an early ftate of the
fwelling, before the veliels are fufficiently
bruifed and inflamed to eje6l the fluids that,
becoming extravafated and flagnant, form the
tumour; which, being once accumulated, is
too vifcid in fubftance, and large in quantity,
to be again rarified and abforbed into the cir-
culation. The fwelling, being too far advanced
to admit a hope of repulfion, fhould be pro-
moted by foftening poultices (as will be par-
ticularized in the next clafs, under the dif-
culTion of tumours); the courfe 6f fuppu-
ration will then go on in a natural way, tlie
concodlion will be perfed, and the difcharge
confequently effecluai. Upon its firft rupture
or breaking, the orifice from which the matter
cozes will be but trifling: this fliould be im-
mediately enlarged, as much as is neceffary
for the difcharge and admiffion of applications.
If the ufual method of infmuating a tent is

found

P O L L E V I L. 173

found at all neceffary, never let it by any
means be too long continued, left the parts,
by a tedious feparation, become diverted of
their difpofition to unite, and the edges grow
callous from their conftant depreffion. The
judgment may be much ajjijled w^^oxx this fub-
jedt by frequent references to the two preced-
ing articles of wounds anduLCERS^ remem-
bering in all, after the neceffary and proper
difcharges, to conducl 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 properly under
the unavoidable infpedion, occafional dreffings,
and intentional cure, of the operative farrier^
and confequently rather out of the line firft
drawn for the plan of this work ; yet as th3
fubjedt has been fo infamously treated by (aa
author before quoted) that indignation becomes
too juftly excited to pafs it over without fuch
ANIMADVERSION as may tend to enlighten the
mindy and re5lify the judgment of fuch, as (from
abfolute want of comprehenfion of refledion)

pay

274 P O L L E V I L.

pay an implicit obedience to every ahfurdity^folh^
oj: faljehoody fandioned with the authority
of the frefs*, 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 fubjedt
by the inconfiilent and unmerciful (not to add
infernal) advice held forth to pracftice, 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 finews
** between the noil bone and the uppermoft
** vertebriE of the neck." You are then in-
firuded to fcald with a compound of *' oil of*
*^ turpentine, corrotive mercury, verdigreafe,
** Roman vitriol, green copperas, and ttain
'' oil -:' thefe are to be poured " SCALDING
*' HOT into the wound, and ftitchcd up for
*' feveral days 3 and if matter flows in great
*' abundance, and of a thin confidence, it muft
** be fcalded <^^^/;2 j" &c. &c. This igno-
KANT unfeeling 2iiitm^\. to arrefl the judgment,
and impose upon the underftanding, is almofl

too

POLL EVIL. 175

too ridiculous to excite contempt j but, in
compliment to the lefs informed reader^ It is
impoffible to pafs it over without branding
the very thought v^'ith the epithet it is fo juflly
entitled to.

What are we to think of ^-iQprofeJJionalknoW"
ledge or abilities of an author, who could fanc-
tion with his Nx\ME the recommendation of
a practife fo ii^famotis 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
poffeffed a competent^or even a tolerable know^
ledge of the ftrudure of parts or property of
medicine ; that when the membranous fyftem
is locally injured, and the lacerated veiTels
rendered highly irritable, could venture to pro-
mulgate the confiftency of glutting them with
the mod powerful poisons, as if he felt feme
invincible antipathy Xo the fpecies, and had at-
tentively dudied the mod likely means of ef-
feding their total extirpation ! For the com-
pletion of this bufinefs, led the m.od dedruc-
liwc poifons diould prove incffeftual, you are in-

ftrufled

J76 P O L L E V I L.

ftrudlcd to ADD fuel to their natural fire, by
combining their whole force, and pouring them
*• fcalding hot^' neareft to one of the moil vital
parts, (nay neareft 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 perfedion of the
*' PRACTICAL TREATISE" has been re-
peatedly PUT IN PRACTICE by fools orknaves,
whom ignorance has mifled or confidence be-
trayed ; to the evident deftruiflion of numbers
that have died in the moft excruciating agonies,
finking under the load of accumulated mifery
and perfecution, devoted vidims to a fyftem
replete with the mpft unparalleled cruelty that
the HEART could di^iate, or the hand direB,

Need I, can it be poflibly neceflary for me,
io point out for the information of even the moll
fuperficial or leaft confiderate cbjerver, the de-
flrudion of parts that muft inevitably enfue; no
combination of nature can ftand againft this
accumulation of cruelty and inflidion of pu-
ni(hment. The finer veffels, the veins, arte-
ries, mufties, nay the offificd ftrudureor bony
parts themfelves, muft nearly fubmit to this
elaborate and ftudied work of devaftation. The

hiunans

POLL EVIL. i-j^

humajie reader ^ whofe judgment is not biaffe*d
by prejudice, or his reafon blinded by an ad-
herence to cuflcm, and v/hofe feelings move
in concert with m.y own, '^iW Jhudder at the re^
fledlion ; and to every fportfman looking with
the eye of extreme pleafure upon the excellen-
cies of the animal (whofe fufferings I lament),
do I appeal for ajuftification of the warmth I
have been naturally prompted todifplayon the
occafion. And in PITY to 2.fpecies(o eminently
entitled to every degree of mercy, care, and
ATTENTION, let US hope (as we are now be*
come more reformed in our minds, and redli-
fied in our judgments) that this DAMNABLE
dodlrine may be univerfally exploded ^nd buried

in ETERNAL OBLIVION,

Let it then be underftood the poll evil origin
nates in a tumour fituate as before defcribed ;
and generally proceeds from injuries fuftained
on that part by blows, bruifes, or fuch frequent
and exceffive fridion from large or heavy har-
iiefs as may fufficiently irritate the part to pro-
voke a formation of matter, as has been ex-«
plained 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 lead

178 P O L L E V I L.

leaft 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 obftinacy will never prevail ; therefore
contribute your early and cheerful afliftance to
promote a fpeedy fuppuration. For this pur-
pofe let the following pouif ice be immediately
applied and repeated twice every day, till an
aperture or opening is efFefled in the abfcefs.

Take of camomile flowers, turnips, and coarfe
bread, about equal quantities ; boil the camo-
mile and turnips in a fufficicnt quantity of
water, till the latter are loft enough to bruife
all together ; then ftir in four ounces of white
Illy root, (beat to a pafte in the mortar) ; and,
laftly, add, while hot, three or four ounces
of lard, and two of common turpentine.

This

P O L L E V I L. 179

This application (hould 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, increafing their circumference, and pro-
moting the fpeedy flux of matter to this par-
ticular part. So foon as an opening appears,
let it be enlarged fufficiently to enfure a dif-
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, colleding your informations from the
variety of directions extenfively given under the
different head of wounds, ulcers, fijlula, and tu-
mours i to the laft of which we now proceed.

N 2 CLASS

( i8o )

-€

C L AS S V.

TUMOURS, WARBLES, NAVEL-
GALLS, AND SITFASTS.

TUMOURS

Are of many and various kinds, according
to their different caufes and fituations ; as the
oedematous, fteatomous, incyfted, and fcrofu-
lous 5 but as the feparate and diftind explana-
tions of thefe would lead the reader into ana-
tomical difqulfitions foreign to, and very far
b.eyond, the limits prefcribed for the comple-
tion of this vi^ork (which is intended for ge-
neral comprehenfion), I (hall make a curfory
REMARK upon each^ and proceed to a minute
inveftigation of the simple tumour coming
fo conftantJy under common obfervation and

management.

TUMOURS. i8i

management. The eedematous and encyjled tii^
mours are nearly fynonymous, originating in a
cyf!: or bag, containing a kind of ichorous
bloody fanies, or gelatinous fluid } which being
evacuated, the cyft does not always lubmlt to
digeftives or efcharotics, but muft be extir-
pated with the knife, and cured as a common
wound 3 for the completion of which ample
DIRECTIONS may be found in the preceding
clafs under that head.

The Steatomous are thofe tumours that
form on different parts, and pafs in general
under the denomination of wens^ containing,
when opened or extraded, a iubftance not un-
like fuet in its earlieft flate, when hardly cold:
neither of the above are expeded to fubmit to
any topical application, unlefs upon the very
firftobfervationi when an attempt maybe ma^e
by the mo ft 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
time J but even to this there is no hope offub^
mijjiony unlefs in the firft ftage of its infancy j
nor can any radical cure be in general ob-
tained but by irjlr u??2ental Qxt.ix^2iiion, As this
N 3 mud

i82 TUMOURS.

mud be unavoidably attended with lofs of
time, and a proportional fhare of danger, if
feated upon or interfered by the mufcular
parts, perhaps it may be mod prudent to omit
the experiment and fubmit it to chance.

Scrofulous Tumours are fuch as origi-
i^ate in fcorbucic or hereditary taints, and in-
creafe or diminifli according to the ftate 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, affifted by a
courfe of mercurial or antimonial altera-
tives, as mc.y be difcretionaily feleded from
the chapters on thofe fubjeds. As the mercu-
rial ointment has been repeatedly recommend-
ed^ it may not be inapplicable to introduce the
/TL^de of preparation :

Take quickfilver two ounces;

Lard fix ounces •,

Balfam of fulphur half an ounce.

Rub the quickfilver with the balfam in a metal
mortar till the globules difappear ; then add
the lard by degrees, firil made warm, and
keep in a pot for ufe.

'J I now

TUMOURS. 1S3

I now proceed to the explanation of a sim-
ple TUM0UR5 or ABSCESS, taken in its fingle
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 paffages or pores of the flcin, and
too vifcid to be again abforbed or taken into
the circulation. This is the principle of aftion,
whether proceeding from thegrumous ftate of
the blood obftruding the finer paiTages, accu-
mulating and ading by its ftitnukiis upon the
irritable parts, or from an extravafation of fluid
eje6led from the veins or lymphatics, in con-
fequence of laceration from bruifes, or ruptures
from ftrains. It has been a predominant and
eftablifhed pradice to attempt repulfion, even
after the decilive formation of matter, by the
moft powerful fpirituous applications, thereby
inflaming the integuments and indurating the
contents ; not without a very great probability
of producing an inveterate ulcer or long-Jiand^
ing fiftula.

In all applications, whether external or in-
ternal, REASON will prove a very ufeful af-
fiftant; pay due r^^^ to the indications
N 4 of

i84 TUMOURS,

of NATURE, fjlicit the interposition of
REASOIv^, and in conjundion they will be
found mod 2id{:dv2ih\Q auxiliaries to the judi-
cious EXERTiv.Ns of ART. AW tumours (pro-
ceedliig from uhat caufe lo&vei ) tending to
certain maiurarion fliould be txj3edit!oufly af-
fifted with very warn fomeniationsy compofed
of camomile^ marjimaliows^ rojetraryy lavender^
wormwood^ eider Jiowe^s.. or any two or three
of the whole, the vroveki \\l^ oi Jlimulus and
beat being flill the fame, and to be efFeded by
a part as well as the entire.

After each time of ufing ^ht foment ation ^^^
ply a poultice of the fuppuratlng kind ; feled-
ing from the following articles fuch ingredi-
ents as may prove mofl applicable to the
purpofe :

Coarfe bread, boiled turnips, pollard or bran,
camomile flowers, flour of muftaid, white
lily root, (beat to a pafte) with an addition of
turpentine, yellow bafllicon, arm lard fuffir
cient to keep it moifl:.

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

ftate

;r u M OURS. 185

ilate for perforation. Let it then be carefully
opened hy zfuperficialincijion fufficiently large
to admit of fuch difcharge as the fize of the ab-
fcefs may require; drelfing with the neceffary
introdudion of doffils of lint y 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, Bur-
gundy pitch, and fpirits of turpentine, each
two ounces ; olive oil fix ounces ; melt the
wax and Burgundy pitch in the oil over a
(low fire; then take off and ftir in the tur-
pentine; and, when nearly cool, add the
fpirit by degrees, and incorporate well.

The tents to be infinuated, furnillied with a
portion of this unguent moderately warm,
and introduced no larger than will leave fuffi-
cient room to be placed in and ex traded eafily,
thereby not impeding the incarnation. Should
any fungus or proud flelh render it neceiTary
drefs occafionally with the precipitate
OINTMENT (under the article of wounds), and
cover with a pledget 'of this stable diges-

TIYE,

i86 TUMOUR S.

fivE, keeping your bandage always neat and
firm, that the fides or edges may be encouraged
in their difpofition to unite or come into con-
taft. So foon as the la(l: llage of care, the
ilclnning over, is complete, immediately throw
aiide all greafy applications, and harden the
furface firft with equal parts of tinciiire of
myrrh and vinegary afterwards with titiBure
of myrrh alone. Should any efcKar of confc:-
quence remain, and the hair not follow kindly,
rub the part gently every night with a fmall
quantity of camphorated fpermaceti ointment y
the beft article known to prom.ote the return
of the hair upon the knees or any other part.

So much has been faid, and fo many indruc-
tions advanced, for the various dreflings that
may be found neceffary, under the articles of

WOUNDS, ULCERS, FISTULA, POLL-EVIL, and

TUMOURS, immediately fucceeding each other,
there cannot be (omitted) any thing more to
add upon the fabj^d; naturally concluding
every pjiactitioner or superintendent
will regulate his applications and vary his
dreffings according to the (late or difpofition
of the ca'^e before him.

WARBLES.

( i87 )

WARBLES

Are thofe fmall fwellings or tumours form-
ed on the fides, or fome part of the back of a
horfe, either by the excefiive heat and fridion
in a long chafe, the extreme preffure of fome
hard or protuberant part in the (luffing of the
faddle, or the edge of a narrow faddle cloth
coming diredly under the feat of the rider;
and very frequently by the cent, per cent, care
and caution of the fiddler, in the economical
length of his girths; for, being fometimes by
much too fhort, the buckles at either one fide
or the other fit be.'ovv the pad; or what is ftill
worfe, half on and half off; by which means
the lower corners of the buckles conftitute 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 sublimit v of Capt.
Burdon's fertile invention of the '* hot greafy
" difhclout," as unneceflary; alfoBARTLEx's
fervility and Jierility in echoing fo greasy
an- idea ; but as every extenfive reader upon
this fubjed mufl: have obferved *' A Pradical

'' Treatife"

iSS WARBLES.

*^ Treatifc" may be compiled from Gibson,
BuRDON, Bracken, and others, without
coining a NEW THOUGHT, I ihall for-
bear to animadvert upon the advantages of
PLAGIARISM, and come to the proper treat-
ment of the fubjed now before us ; not omlt-
ing 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 difiiclout" to effedl
thepurpofe: upon the force -of this natural
refledion, I relinquifh the idea of enforcing lo
difficult a procefs^ and (hall endeavour to furnifl^
fuch SUBSTITUTES as will certainly prove^
more efficacious and fatisfaClory.

•
So foon as the faddle is taken ofF, after a

fcvere chafe, or hard journey, a good groom
or hoftler will be very minute in his examina-
tions to difcGVcr whether an injury has been
fuflained in this part or any other. He will
inftantly perceive, by the horfe's wincing,
whether there is any dcffed from which a
warble may fpeedily enfue^ if fo, upon the
firil appearance, or earlieft difcovery, bathe
three or four times a day with the following

REPELLENT :

• TAK,e

NAVEL GALLS. 1S9

Take extrad of Saturn half an ounce ;

Camphorated fpirits of wine two ounces;

Soft water a quarter of a pint. •

Mix the extrad with the fpirits, by Ihaking well
together, and then add the watery or if thefe
cannot be eafily procured juft at the time,
fubftitutc, for the moment^ of vinegar and
brandy equal parts; but the flronger mud
be obtained fo foon as pofllble, and perfe-
vered in till the tumour is difpelled.

The original caufe of the warble muft be
likewife difcovered and removed, to prevent a
repetition upon the fame part, from which, or
the continuation, a sitfast v^^ill inevitably
enfue.

NAVEL GALLS

Are, in the firft inftance, tumours formed
upon the ijertebrce ox fpine^ and caufed by a
deficiency (or fcarcity of fluffing on each lide
the pad, at the back part of the faddle; which
letting the tree come into clcfe conta^fl with the
back bone the parts become bruifed by the
fevere preffure and conftant fridicn ; an in-
flammation

190 NAVEL GALLS.

flammation fucceeds, and produces a fwelling of
the encyfted kind, containing a gelatinous
fluid, which, 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 Ipirit,
Camphorated fpirits.
Common brandy.

And verjuice or beil vinegar, of each equal
parts.

Or,
Take fal armoniac three drachms-,
Diftilled vinegar four ounces •,
• ' Britiih brandy half a gill. — Mix.

Should thefe fail of fuccefs, the evacuation
muO: be folicited by gentle emollients, as warm
fomentations (before defcribed), and foftening
poultices. Upon its arriving at a proper degree
of maturity, let the neceffary inclfion be made
fuperficially (not in the ftyle recommended by
Gibson, of " cutting down to the quick,'')
and the cyft or bag, extraded with its contents
if EASILY practicable 5 if not the prefent ex-
tradlion (mentioned by fome as neceffary) is in
faft fuperfluous and nugatory j as it becomes

immediately

NAVEL GALLS. 191
immediately extraneous, and of courfe putri-
fies and floughs off with the drelTings. After
all the various inftrudions laid down for the
different applications, under a multiplicity of
preceding articles, forming a regular chain of
connexion, any farther addition muft be un~
neceffary, one hint only excepted, v'lz. In the
treatment of any, or all, where the vacuums
are large, and the difcharge fluggilL, 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 ftimulate, fo as to re-
move the obftrudion in the fufl: inflance, and
promote a proper difcharge in the other :

Take of white vitriol and fugar of lead each

three drachms ;
Spring water half a pint ;
Tindure of myrrh one ounce. — Mix.

And in all cafes where the fungus or proud
fie(h does not fiibmit io xht precipitate ointment.
pledges of dry lint under the digeftives, or ap-
plications of the above lotion, a fmall portion
of the red precipitate^ white or blue vitribl

(very

J92 S I T F A S T.

(very finely powdered), mafl: be occafionally
fprinkled over, the excrefcences, but not with
the ufual hand of indifcretion, otherwife your
eorrofive in that cafe becomes zcaujlic -y a cal-
lofity is confequently occafioned, and your im-
prudent and mifapplied remedy becomes worfe;
than the difeafe.

A S I T F A S T

Is the Integument or hide of a horfe be-
come entirely callous or infenfible, afier the
tumour called a warble is repelled and
taken up into the circulation, or has tranf-
pired 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 v.'ill be tedious, and often inef-

feduali

S I T F A S T. 193

fcdiial ', to prevent therefore a lofs of time by
fuch fruitlefs attempts, let it be clearly and
finally underftood it can be effcdted only by
EXTIRPATION; an operation fo very tri-
fling it v^ill not admit of a moment's hefi-
tation, and may be taken off w'nh a common
penknife, and healed as a fupcrficial v»'ound*
But the moft ready and lead 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 fimple fuperficial lacer-
ation, and may in general be healed by a fre-
quent application of Friars balfaniy tinSlure of
myrrhy 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
into diredl contaft with the injured part, not
only till the furface is fufficiently hardened to
render a repetition unlikely, but upon all

O future

194 S I T F A S T.

future occafions. And here it cannot prove
inapplicable to remind every horfeman th«
buckle of the girth fhould never be permitted
below the pad of the faddle on either fide 5 a
eircumftance that never occurs w^ith ex-
^^n^nctA fportfmen^ who well know, from the
extreme preffure, and conftant friftion of fo
{harp a body upon the integuments in hard
chafes, or long journies, warbles or Jitfajis
muft inevitably enfue.

CLASS

( ^9S )

CLASS VI.

COLDS, COUGHS, PLEURISY,
INFLAMiMATION of the LUNGS,
BROKEN wind/ AND CON-
SUMPTION.

COLDS

Are a fpecies of difeafe not only acquired
by different means, but likewife very different
in their effeds; both which we fhall endeavour
to elucidate in a manner much more extenfive
and fatisfadory than any that have gone before
us. Colds are in general nlore frequently
the effedt of negleft than chance, and are
moftly acquired by ihtjlupidity 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 naturally
fuppofe to be fo w^ell underftood, that a mi-
O 2 nutc

196 COLDS, &c.

nute inveftigator of the operations of nature
would conclude any explanation upon this
fubjedt entirely fuperfluous. But as there
doubtlefs are many juvenile fportfmen, who,
in the very zenith of fublunary enjoyment and
conftant purfuit of pleafure, never afforded the
fubjed a moment's confideration, I (hall point
out fuch CAUSES as are moft likely to pro-
duce the variety of effedls we fhall afterwards
proceed to explain.

When a horse, after being rode hard,- and
in a high ftate of perfpiration, is fuffered to
ftand ftill (particularly in the winter feafon, or
in bad weather) to drink cold water in this
ftate; placed in an open ftable in fuch fitua-
tion ; left after a wet and dirty journey to dry
in that condition ; or his clothing left off at
an improper feafon ; it is very natural to con-
clude the groom is a KNAVE, the hojiler a
FOOL, or the majler 2. MADMAN. And
although thefe circumftances 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

a variety

COLDS, &c. 197

a variety of additional impofitions) happen
every day. Having here obliquely remarked
what I naturally conclude is almoft univerfally
known, I (hall be ftudioufly anxious to explain
the nature of colds, and the-r different effedls,
fo as to urge the necefTity of their being per-
fedly undcrftood, that prevention in future
may become an objcd of attention.

The procefs of Nature we allude to, in the
appellation of cold, is a general obilrudlion
of the cutaneous paflages 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 fupprefled, by a fudden collapfion,
or clofing 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 ftate.

We now come to the mifchievous effedl,
according to the degree of inveteracy or infec-
tion of the attack. The moft penetrating and
acrimonious particles immediately make their
O 3 paiTage

198 COLDS, &c.

palTage to the blood vefTels; and, intermixing
with the niafs, . produce different degrees of
difeafe, afting differently upon different fub-
je6ls; the injury fuftained being in fome ref-
pecSs regulated by the degree of heat or per^
fpiration the horfe was in at the time of being
expofed to the original caufe. This circum-
ftance once colleded, upon the foundation of
fuch inquiries, fome idea may be formed of its
probable duration and feverity. The effecfts 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 direds its attack. For in-
ftance, if the nervous fyftem is the moft irrita-
ble, you fpeedily perceive it in the eyes^ if
the glandular, upon the neck, throat, un-
der the EARS, or in the head; if more parti-
cularly upon the blood (in which both the veffels
and their contents are concerned) the whole
fyftem of circulation being affeded, you foon
difcbver its feat to be taken upon the lungs j
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)
^nd compulfively abforbed into the circulation.

COLDS, &c. 199

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 dependant on the original caufe, which
gradually ceafes as the primary difeafe is found
to decline.

The blood in all thefe inftances becomes
languid and enfeebled by its increafe and in-
cumbrance, whilft its velocity is preternatu-
rally compelled in the ftridlure of the veffels,
upon their over-accumulated contents, which
palpably conftitute the obftru6lion and pro-
duce the fever. Having traced the very prin-
ciple of colds to their original caufe, and
pointed out their different effeds upon the
eyesy ghmds, lungs^ and circulation, I (hall pro-
ceed firft to that kind of cold fixed on the
lungs, diftinguiflied by COUGH, and its con-
fequences, enlarging upon the other two, when
we come to treat on their feparate clafles,
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 mafter, and generally fubmits to
O 4. immediate

2CO COLDS, &c,

immediate care and fimple remedies 5 particu-f
larly if proper refpcd is paid to the excellent
maxim of ** never letting alone till to-mor-
*^ row what may be done to-day 5" for blood
fhould be inftantly taken away according to
iymptoms, fize, (late, and condition. Be
accurate in quantity, and preferve it a few
hours to afcertain its ftate 3 if livid, or black,
with a coat of fize upon its furfacc, you have
evident demonftration of its viscidity and
obftruded circulation through the finer veffels
of the LUNGS. In three or four hours after
bleeding give a mafli of bran and oats equal
parts, upon which pour boiling water fuffi-
cient; 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 has been diflblved two ounces
of NITRE* Let the maflies 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 the
water after each mafh. To thefe muft be added
the neceffary regulations of good drefling

ap4

COLDS, &c. 201

and GENTLE exerclfe, which in general foon
cffeft the cure of fuch COLDS as are coun-
teracted upon the firft attack.

On the contrary, (liould time or circum-
ftances have prevented thofe early advantages,
the attack has been negleded, and the diC-
order made a rapid progrefs ; (hould the
COUGH be violent and con ft ant, the horfe very
dull and heavy, declining his food, and the
fymptomatic fever run high, the blood will
coniequently prove as before defcribed. la
fuch cafe the fymptoms will perhaps not im-
mediately fubm.it to the above plan fo foon as
may be wiflied or expeded, therefore repeat
your bleeding in two or three days at fartheft,
according to the (late and neceflity, altering
the mafhes t.o equal parts of malt and branj,
fcalded with boiling water; when nearly cool
enough for the manger, ftir in of elecampane^
anifeed and liquorice powders, each one ounce j
let this be repeated every night and morning,
continuing the noon-feed dry, and the 7iitre
two ounces in the water, as before direded.

Let it be remembered, for confohtion, that

CPLDS or COUGHS thus treated, before they

3 h^ve

202 COLD S, &c.

have been tlifrered by negled or penury to be-
come obdurate by long flanding, generally
fubmit to a very fhort courfe of trouble or
expenfe ; whilft tardinefs in procuring expe-
■ ditious relief is often productive of events that
no future afliduity can relieve. By immediate
bleeding the obftrudion is confequently re-
duced, and the circulation promoted ; rarefac-
tion is effeded, and the ftridure upon the
veffcls removed by the warm maflies and cor-
dials ; the irritating mucus engendered by the
inflamed glands is likewife diveftcd of its
acrimony, and the preffure upon the lungs re-
duced by relaxing and leffening the contents
of the body. Under thefe advantages you are
eafed of the complaint almofi immediately, or
a critical difcharge comes on at the noftrils,
and terminates in a few days, what neglected
foon conflitutes a confirmed cough, asthma,

BROKEN WIND, Or CONSUMPTION.

In refped to thefe diforders, their defcrip-
tions (or rather the different conjedures) have
been io extended, turned, tvvifled, and muti-
lated, in their tranfmifficns from one aiitbGr to
another^ that it is natural to fuppofe no true
fiate of either coulJ be afcertained, or any

thing

COLDS, &c. 2C3

thing fatisfaclory advanced upon the fuhjec?;:.
We have the authority of a century paft to
prove they are caufed by " the impetuofity of
*' the blood's rufhing into the lungs," or, '' in
*' the airveffels," or *' in blood veffcls," or
^' m tubercles, or in ulcers/' or " in too
** full feeding/* &c. Bartlet quotes from
Gibson, who refers you to Mark ham, or
SoLEYSELL, and Bracken to Burbon, and
fo on cid infinitum. We are likewife told
" the three lad: diftempers are in general in-
** curable :" you are then inftruded to proceed
with mercurial phyfic, giving, in the interme-
diate days, the *' cinnaber balls 5 if they fail
** try alterative purges ; to thefe follow cor-
*' dial balls, with balfams of Peru and ful-
** phur, flowers of Benjamin, fquills, tar. Sec.
*' one to be continued a week or ten days,
'' another a fortnight, and a third for two
*^ months or longer T When having made this
hopeful and expenfive tour through almoft all
" the materia medica to cure what is ''ia
*' general incurable," you may enjoy the pleaf-
ing fenlation of knocking your horfe on the
head, and mod feelingly acknowledge '^ the
** remedy worfe than the difeafe."

I fhall endeavour to avoid this beaten track

of duplicitVj and not amufe my readers in

every

204. COLDS, Sec.

every page with ^' Gibson direds this," or
*• Bartlet the other/'^ but communicate
feme inftrudions from the dictates of NA-
TURE AND REASON, who have been hi-
therto mofl: infamouily treated, and moft
fhamefuUy abandoned through every fyftem of
equeftrian medical pradice. In conjunction
with this it may not be inapplicable to intro-
duce a few obiervations rcfpedting the mode
of adminiftration I have long fince adopted, and
endeavoured to (irengthen upon every oppor-
tunity. For inflance, to condem.n and explode
upon every poffible occafion the old and flo-
venly method of giving medicines of almofl
every kind in drinks, and the equally favourite
ajminiftration of clysters, 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 ial/^ where circumftances will
permit.

But this plan generally meets oppofition
from the VULCANIAN ADVOCATES for

ancient pradlice, .who would cis foon relinquifh
iheir leathern aprons as their opinions. The
prodigious and confequential ceremony of pro-^

vidiqg

COLDS, Sec. 205

viding the ale, powders, twitch, horn, and ap^
paratuSy with the additional pleafure of waft-
ing or fpilling half the contents, are profeffional
DIGNITIES not to be readily given up; more
particularly the operators privilege of drinking
a part of the ale o^Jlrong beer, to be perfedlly
convinced it is not TOO STALE for the pur-
pofe. To bring this digredion to a fpeedy
crifis, 1 (hall only beg leave to add that twenty
years fince, obferving the general plague in
giving drinks, the conftant and unavcidable
wafte in the operation, added to the palpable
abfurdity of giving the moft naufeous medi-
cines in a liquid form, to conllitute an unne-
ceffary ficknefs to the animal, made me rejed
the practice, determining to adopt a method
more rational, neat, and confiftent, fo far as
my own advice or influence extended. To
this circumftance may be attributed the very
few drinks prefcrlbed or recommended in the
courfe of this work : the aukward adminiftra-
tion of glyfters is likewlfe rtjeded, but where
they are palpably neceffary, and even then the
bag and pipe {hould be the vehicle for iniec-
tion; the j5'^/;;^^ being an invention of abfo-=
lute abfurdity, and fit only for fuch prad:i«

ticners

2o6 COLDS, &c.

tioners as are profefled advocates for FUN-
DAMENTAL ELECTRICITY.

We come immediately from this digreffion
to the treatment of obftinate coughs, of which
there are two diftind kinds in effed:, though
proceeding from the very fame caufe^ whether
the refult of negledl at the original attack, or
inflexibility and non-fubmiffion to the mode
cf pradice before recommended, and regularly
perfevered in. The one may be coniidered a
loofe and almoft continual cough, increafing
to violence upon the leaft motion, whilfl: the
diftindlon is eafily made by attending to
fymptoms: the other is a fliort dry cough,
preceded by a huHcy hollow kind of wheezing^
as if refpiration was fhortened or obftruded
by fragments of hay or cor?i retained in the
paffage. This is the kind of cough called
ajlhma by thofe writers who have preceded us,
and for which mercurial purges have been re-
commended, and may perhaps come forward
with more propriety after the adminiftration
of a courfe of the following balls, fhould they
fail in the defired effed. BLEEDING muft
be firft performed, and occafionally repeated
in fmall quantities, till the glandular inflam-
mation

COLDS, Sec. 207

mation and irritability is reduced, and the
blood is lb attenuated or diverted of its vifci-
dit}^ by the conftant and invariable repetitioa'
of the ?2itrey that the circulation may be more
freely promoted through the finer veflels of
the lungs ^ as from the obflrudions in thofe
finer paffages all the difficulties proceed.
Bleeding having been performed with the ne-
ceffary circumfpedion as to quantity, let your
two ounces oi nitre be given without the mod
trifling remiffion, every night and morning In
the water, as particularized in the firfl flage
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. /

THE 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 itsfymptoms, notwithflanding thefe

efforts

^oS COLDS, &c.

efforts to relieve, bleeding muft be repeatedll
two dofes of mercurial 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) beft
calculated for the horfe's ftrength and condi-
tion. After which repeat the above pectoral
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 that is almofl:
inceflant, and continually increafing upon mo-
tion or the leaft hurry in exercife, proceeds
equally from irritability and the adion of the
llimy mucus upon the glaras in refpiration, as
well as the vifcldity 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 thQ cora^'al ia/l oi Bracken, ((b rigidly

adhered

COLDS, &c. 209

adhered to by all thofe advocates incapable of
leaving the beaten track, or judging for them-
selves) v^ill be cheerfully acknowledged by
every judicious and impartial obferver, who
will readily coincide with me in rejeding
the brijnjione^ turmeric^ and fugarcandy, as
articles very little adequate to the taflc they
were affigned. In this cafe, as in the other,
bleeding muft take the lead, followed by a mafli
compounded of equal parts of bran and oafs,,
into which muft be ftirred and diflblved, while
hot, ho?2ey four ouncesj and this repeated
every night with the two ounces of nitre in the
water, (as repeatedly direded) without inter-
miffion every night and morning.

THE PECTORAL CORDIAL BALL.

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

Carraway feeds, elecampane, and anifated bal-
lam, each two ounces-.

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

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

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

P tbc

216 COLDS, &c.

the other articles, the SpaniCh 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 underilood
by thofe generally concerned in fuch prepara-
tions. Thefe balls are powerfully cordial and
rejlorative\ they promote glandular excretion,
warm and ftimulate the ftomach to the expul-
fion of wind, enliven the circulation, and in-
vigorate the whole frame, as has been fuffi-
ciently afcertained by their inftantaneous effedt
in the chafe, where their excellence has been
repeatedly eftabliilied; but more particularly
in deep fwampy countries, when, after 2^fevere
hirjly or a repetition o{ ftrong leaps^ the horfe
has been fo off his wind, or, in fad:. Nature fo
cxhaufted, as not to be able to proceed a ftroke
farther J the immediate adminiftration of a
SINGLE BALL has HOt onlv afforded in ftant re-
lief, but the horfe gone through the day with
his ufual alacrity. To fay precifely \v\ what
time the cure will be complete, is abfolutely
impoffible; the treatment here laid down, and
the clafs of medicines prefcribed, will, with
care and proper attention, perform all that can
be expected from warm cordial pedorals.

PLEURISY

( 211 )

PLEURISY AND INFLAMMATION

OF THE LUNGS.

To avoid thofe unneceffary dlAinaions ge-
nerally made to fweli the work, as well as the
tedious repetitions introduced to form a plau-
fible but FALLACIOUS difference between dif-
eafes bearing the ftrifteft affinity, (not only
originating in the fame caufe, but depending
on the very fame treatment for cure) I fliall,
in this clafs, proceed to the neceffary obferva-
tions upon what is termed pleurisy, in-
flammation of the lungs, broken wind,
and, laftly, consumption. The gradations or
circumftances of connexion are fo recrular
from 2ijimple cold, in the fir/l inftance, to the
difagreeable effeds of the latter^ as to form a
fufficient reafon for bringing the whole into
rational invefligation.

To fleer clear of the trammels of imita-
tion, I muft avoid the beaten track of Bart-
let, who tells you " Gibson fays the /A'//-
P 2 ** rify

212 PLEURISY, &c.

" rify 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, inftead of diverfifying and mutilating the
fymptoms to form a deceptive appearance of'
two diftina difeafes, 1 (hall 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 univerfally 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 tht pleura's be-
ing proportionally affeded by the diftention.
I have not the lead doubt but this thefts will
fufficiently eftablifti its own weight to prevent
a diverfity of opinions.

To exclude occafion for more medical or
anatomical definitions than are abfolutely un-
avoidable, it muft fuffice to fay the d.ftinc-
tion between the difeafes are too nice (in this
animal) for certain difcrimination; either M-
plays fymptoms common to both ; and, as the
treatment is exaftly fimilar in each, no incon-
venience can arife from not decifively fixing it
upon one or the other, as in general they are
*^ both

PLEURISY, &c. 213

both affefled. I fliall, 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 fleurify^ and to the
•* left with iht peripneu7nony y that he tries to
" lay down, then h^Jtarts up;" and a multi-
plicity of certainties equally curious. But as
MEN or WOMEN, labouring under the
moft acute difeafes, do not difplay the fame
attitudes, or indulge in ihcjame pofitions, no
more do the different animals of which we
now treat ; but there are other predominant
fymptoms, and certain prognoftics, that fuffi-
ciently enable us to afcertain the feat of dif-
eafe, particularly in the inflammatory diforders
before us.

For inftance — the horfe is exxeedingly dull,
heavy in the eyes, drops his head, is reftlefs,
perpetually (hifting his legs alternately; the
fever comes on fuddenly, and increafes ra-
pidly; his breathing is extremely difficult, the
cough {hort and laboured, exciting great pain.
The mouth at firft is parched and dry; but
when a critical difcharge iffues from the nof-^

P 3 trils.

214 PLEURISY, &c.

trils, in confequence of a reduclion of the
fymptomatic inflammation upon the glands
of the head and throat, a flimy moifture ap-
pears in the mouth hkewife^ his whole frame
bearing evident proofs of univerfal oppreffion,
that ferioufly indicates the necefTity of expedi-
tious relief.

Having taken a concife but accurate viev^r
of the diftemper in its external appearance, it
becomes immediately neceffary to go out of
the ujiial tracks and explain the cauje as well
as xht fywptoms 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 univerial obftrudlion
or fuppreffion, they beeome (by the compul-
five abforption oi K\i'^\. very proportion) the im-
mediate feat of difeafe ; and, where the blood
is previoufly vifcid, or in an indifferent ftate,
its tendency to inflammation is injlantly pro-
moted by the morbidity of the obflruded per-
fpirable matter, which being thrown back upon
the lungs y they are fo overloaded as to be ren-
dered incapable of performing their fundlions,
and paffing it into the circulation 5 inflamma-
6 tion

PLEURISY, &c. 215

tion is then produced; which, according to the
nature of the cafe and certainty of circum-
ftances, muft terminate in fufrocation, if fuf-
fered long to continue its progrefs without ef-
fectual attempts to relieve A^^tov from the bur-
then (he has accumulated. Tliis difeafe may
alfo be produced by violent exercife upon the
turf, or exertion in thcJieU, when the increafed
rapidity of circulation (by the action of the
folids upon their contents), propels the blood
to the fmaller paffages with fo great a degree
of velocity as not only to produce immediate
inflammation bat fometimes to rupture fome
of the finer veffels, from which broken wind
or CONSUMPTION frequently procecds.

A fufficient quantity of blood muft be in"
Jlanfly taken away, to unload the veffels 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 hot in the manger, that the fumes
may be imbibed as an internal fomentation
to relax the rigidity of the glands, and ex-
cite a difcharge from the noftrils fo foon as
poffible. The very nature of this cafe, and
the danger to which the horfe is expofed, fuf-
P 4 ficiently

2i6 PLEURISY, &c,

ficiently point out the propriety and confiftency
of exerting all poffible alacrity to obtain relief*
or counteradl the difeafe in 'Msfir/ljiage-^ there-
fore let the fumigation of fcalded bran and
hay be repeated every four or five hours, and
the following decodion prepared without delay :

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

Stick liquorice bruifed, two ounces ;

Boil in a gallon of water till reduced to three
quarts; ftrain off; and, while hot, ftir in one
pound of honey, and, when cold, a pint of
difiilled vinegar ; giving an ounce of nitre in
a pint of this decodion every four, five, or
fix hours, according to the ftate and inveteracy
of difeafe.

If relief is not obtained fo foon as expedled,
and the horfe is coflive, give a glyfter, with

Two quarts of common gruel j
Coarfe fugar fix ounces ;
Glauber falts four ounces ;
Tincture of jalap two ounces ;
And a quarter of a pint of olive oil.
This muft be repeated in twenty-four hours, or
oftner, if neceiTary.

Should

PLEURISY, &c. 217

Should (notwlthftanding thefc efforts to re-
lieve) the fymptoms continue equally predo-
minant and alarming, not dilplaying the leaft
tendency to fubmiffion, after waiting a proper
time for the defirable effedl of previous admi-
niftrations, let the bleeding be repeated, and
that in quantity proportioned to the neceffity
or feverity of fymptoms, continuing the de-
codtion and nitre every three or four hours,
repeating the glyjier, if plentiful evacuations
have not been obtained by the former in-
jedion.

The diluting drink^ before prefcribed. Is in-
troduced here in preference to a ball, that its
medicinal efficacy may be expeditioufly con-
veyed to the feat of difeafe. So foon as the
wifhed-for advantages are obferved, and the
predominant and dangerous fymptoms begin
to fubfide, when he labours lefs in refpiraiion
is brijker in appearance^ heaves lefs In ihtflank^
dungs frequently^ Jlales freely^ runs at the nofe^
eats his warm mafhes 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
ouncQS of cream of tartar jj 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 earlieft ftage ; giving
C72e of the following l^a/ls every morning for a
fortnight, leaving off the maflies and diluting
drink by degrees, varying the mode of treat-
ment as circumftances may didate, or occa-
iion tnay require :

Take Caflile foap fix ounces;

Gum ammoniacuni two ounces ;

i\nnife and cummin feeds (in powder) eacli 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 of 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 ulcer, or pro-
mote the growth of knots or tubercles y the beft
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 oi phvfic. And it

will

BROKEN WIND. 219

will become more immediately neceffary,
where the horfe bears about him remnants of
the diftemper, either in a gleet from the nofe^
rattling in his throaty difficulty oi breath i?2g^ or
heaving in th^ flanks.

Take fuccotrine aloes nine drachms;
Rhubarb and jalap each a drachm and a half;
Gum ammoniacum, calomel, and ginger, each a

drachm;
Oil of juniper fixty drops;
Syrup of buckthorn fufficient to make a ball.

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

BROKEN WIND

Is a defc<5l 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-
fedions and minute inveftigations that have

taken

220 BROKEN 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 moft eminent writers, as if deter-
mined in this particular to let us remain in
** darknefs vifible," tell us no more than that
all their y?r/^ inquiries^ all their attejitive ajji-
duity and infpeBion^ will furnifh them with no
better information than *' they BELIEVE or
*' SU PECT, the lungs by fome means are
*' too large for the cavity of the cheft, or the
*' chefl too narrow for the hingsr If this
curious HYPOTHESIS can be once admitted, the
preternatural enlargement of the lungs is, by
iuch 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
ofjierility in intelkB to fuppofe a conftant and
invariable deformity upon any part of the
vifcera-, particularly upon the fame in every
horfe labouring under this defefl, and the
^very part fo immediately neceflary to all the
offices in life. It is an opinion I (hall never
accede to, but am inclined to believe, by

examininsr

BROKEN WIND. 221

examining the matter a little more attentively^
two very probable reafons maybe adduced tend-
ing to lead us to a much more RATIONAL
opinion of the caufe.

For Inftance, 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-
fively obtained by purgatives or diuretics, may
not conftantly engender a quantity of "ji/cid,
tough, phlegmatic matter -, which accumulating
by flow degrees may fo clog and fill up fome
of that infinity of minute paiTages with which
the lungs are known to abound, as probably to
obftru6l the air veflels in their neceffary ex-
panfion for the office of refpiration. And whe-
ther this very probable obftrudlion, or partial
fuppreflion, may not in fudden, hafly, and
long continued exertions, rupture others, and
by fuch local deficiency afi-ed: the elafticity
of the whole ? The probability, and indeed
great appearance of this progrefs, has ever in-
fluenced me mod: forcibly to believe that fuch
obftruClions once formed, the evil accumulates,
till a multiplicity of the vefl*els become im-
pervious, and render the lungs^ by their con-

ftant

522 BROKEN WIND.

ftant accumulation and diftention, too rigid
for the great and neceffary purpofe of refpir-
ation.

How far this probable fyftem of obrtruftion
may come into immediate -contadl with the
judgment of others, I am yet to learn -, the
conjedure naturally arifing from a ferious and
attentive inveftigation 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 cheft," or a ftill greater, that ''foul feed-
" ing has made the lungs faf,'' when a furvey
of tUe fubjed fhall iriftantly demonftrate the
carcafs 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, fhould (according to the credulity of for-
mer writers) ^' the lungs be too large for the
*^ cheft," or *' the cheft too narrow for the
" lungs," the efFed being diredly the fame, it
is not in the power of art to furnifh a cure ;
the ex*^enfe to obtain it being therefore fuper-
fluous, it had better be avoided. That fuch a

^ defed

BROKEN WIND. 223

defedt may fometimes occur, as a cheil: too nar^
row for lungs of an uncommon exterifion, that
conftitute naturally what are called thick-
winded horfes, cannot be denied ; and in thofc
cafes very little is to be expeded from a hope
of mitigation or cure.

It cannot but be obferved what an anxious
defire a broken-winded horfe always dif-
plays to obtain water — a felf-evident convic-
tion he is rendered uneafy by fome glutinous
adhefive internal fubftance, that inflindt alone
prompts the animal to expe(fl: drinking may
wafi^iaway: 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 confe-
quently the preffure upon the diaphragm) muft
increafe the difquietude, which is natural to
believe from the fagaclty of animals in other
inftances, they would in this mod carefully
avoid.

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

the

224 BROKEN WIND.

the dawn of the difeafe; but I will by no
means admit ih^ probability where the original
caufe has been of long (landing, and no at-
tempts made to reHeve. 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 efFedls to reach, cleanfe, and re-
move, obftrudtions in the very remote feat of
difeafe.

Bleeding naturally arifes out of this ob-
fcrvation, and muft be repeated at proper inter-
vals, in moderate quantities, till divefted of the
coat of fize and livid appearance, that are cer-
tain prognoftics when the lungs are obftrudted
either by vifcidity or inflam?nation. To pro-
mote the neceifary evacuations in the firft
inftance, to attenuate the vifcidity of the glu-
tinous obftruded matter, and to deterge the
paflages by a ftimulation 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 laft treated
on 3) they are flightly impregnated with mer»

curial

BROKEN WIND. 225

r«nW 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 beft white foap eight ounces;
Gums guaiacum and ammoniacum each three

ounces \
Myrrh and Benjamin, anifecd 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

divide into twenty balls.

It is neceflary to be ftridly obferved that,
during this courfe, hay and water are to be dif-
penied with a very fparing hand, fo as to pre-
vent too great an accumulation in i\\Q /io7nach
or i72tejli7iesy that an obfervation may be made
with the greateft certainty, whether any hopes
of fuccefs from medicine may be juftly en-
tertained 5 if not, farther expenfe will be
unadvifable, as it will appear, after fuch

Q. trial.

t26 BROKEN WIND.

trial, an incurable malady at ail events. The
better to reconcile us to which, fuch pal-
liatives may be occafionally 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 objeds 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 /hould be re-
gulated accordingly ; upon a proper attention
to which circumftance, many of the confe-
quences evidently depend. For, whether as a
preventative or cure, maflics fhould be occa-
fionally given, and gradually declined, till the
food becomes regularly dry : hay fhould be
diilributed m fmall quantities, that the con-
tents of the ftomach may not be too much in-
creafed for gradual digeftion. To horfes of
this defcription food (liould be given that will
afford the greateft nutriment with the fmallefl:
quantity : on the contrary, fo foon as the pro-
bability of fuch defedt is perceived^ the horfe
3 is

CONSUMPTION. 227

is too generally concluded of the leaft value, and
treated accordingly. Inftead of mitigating the
fymptoms, they are conftantly increafed by the
very means that (hould be avoided ; thefouleft
and moft injurious food is liberally fupplied —
grofe clover hay — mixed chafF, and as much
water as the animal chufes to carry, are too
often permitted, even v^ithout reftraint, and
the defedl abiclutely encouraged to become
habitual, inftead of being aleviated> by the
very means that reafon didatcs and diferetion
direds.

CONSUMPTION

Is a difeafe or complication upon which
Very little need be introduced, but to keep up
the appearance of form, and pay the neceflary
and expeded compliment to cuftom. No ap-
pellation, no defcription of difeafe, has been
more hackniedy more proflituted and perverted^
than the very name of consumption; it has
for ages been an excellent majk of 7ny fiery for
the doubts of the faculty, and no bad ex-*
planatory fubftitute for the meaning of the vuU
0^2 gar.

238 CONSUMPTION.
gaj'y in all thofe internal decays of the human •
fpecies, where the chafm in the countenance
of the DOCTOR, and the ambiguous fii a ke of
the head (including the alternate conftrudion
of hope and fear), is intended to convince the
anxious attendant that fymptoms are obfcured
by circumjiances, and certainly not to be afcer^
tained,

A confumption may proceed from a non-
performance of the functions to whiLh many
parts of the animal llrudure may be dcilined,
not only from ruptures of the bloud, or air vef-
fels in the lungs, (originating in caufes repeat-
edly defcribed), terminating in z^forj, tubercles^
and callofaies '^ but in 2.fcirrbcjlty of the liver ^
and induration of ibme of the glandidar parts,
and many other internal complaints or in-
juries to which the references, by fymptoms
remote from the feat of pain or difeafe, muil
be cften deceptive, fo as in feme caies to per-
plex more than diredt. Thi§ being a very fair
and candid ftate of the cafe before us, the reader
will do well to colledt what information he
can from his attentive obfervations ; then com-
pare them with the mod predominant fymp-
toms defcribed under the heads of different

difeafesy

^t^

CONSUMPTION. 229

difeafes, and fo adjuft his decifion as to bring
it into that clafs to which it bears the greateft
fimilitude, and adopt a mode of treatment ac-
cordingly. To take this fubjed; in asconcife a
view as pofiible, (let it proceed from whatever
caufe); the courfc of balfamic rejlorative^ and
detergent pedlorals^ found under the heads of
COLDS, COUGHS, and fucceeding articles, with
the aids of bleedings maJJjes, and -fuch other
affiftances as may be felected from the variety
of prefcriptions and inftrudtlons fo often repeat-
ed, render unneceffary any farther obfervatlon or
gnimadverfion upon this head.

Q 3 CLASS

( 230 )

CLASS VII.

FEVERS, WORMS, and JAUNDICE.

FEVERS.

The obfervations and reflexions that firft
induced me to perceive the abfoiute neceifity
of fome reformation in the pradice of FAR-
RIERY, never influenced me more in a con-
vidion of that want, than did a thorough in-
vefl;igation of the fubjeft before us. For
Bartlet, in his ufual ki?id and eafy way, fays
*^ he ptirpofely avoids giving defcriptions of dif-
** eafes, or fo much as guejfmg at the caufes
*' within which bring them about.'^ What
could have been his motive for ** purpofe]y"
concealing what in ** A Pradlical Treatife" had
every right to be revealed, I know no!*j and
what his reafons could he^ I leave entirely to
the private opinions of otkcrs, making public

(upon

FEVERS. 231

(upon THAT circumftance) only ONE of my
own ; that whoever is a ftranger to the origin
of difeafe muft be confequently fo to every me-
thod and rational fyftem of cure.

This being evidently clear to the meanefl
and mod uncultivated comprehenfion, I muft
beg leave to obferve hovi^ much on the contrary
Gibson \i2iS Juperlatively obliged us in the very
quinteflence of prolixity and complication;
for, with the reverfe of Bartlet's rf^/d?;? and
want of patience, he has moft elaborately gone
through what may be termed a complete fyfieni
of imagina?'y fevers ; and regularly transferred
the obfervation and language of ancient authors
upon the difeafes of the human fpecies to the
conftitution of quadrupeds. He not only te-
dioufly defcribes the fin?p!e and continued fever ;
the he^iic, putrid, and pejlilential \ bur, to prove
his attachment to the fubjed, animadverts
upon quotidians, tei'tianSy and quart ans^ en-
larging feparately upon each ; and concludes
in an inexplicable jargon upon the whole.

As inaeed does Osmer, (who, as before ob-

ferved, wrote in later times) in what he calls

0^4 '' A Treatifc

232 FEVERS.

** A Treatife on the Difeafes and Lamenefs of
** Horfes/' though an attentive infpedion and
perufal, proves it decidedly a treatife upon the
feet and ilioeing ; nothing being introduced
either full or explanatory upon the origin or
czire of SLuy difeafe to which the horfe is fub-
j^&y or any precife or regular method of treat-
ment pointed out) the very few remedies {light-
ly recommended, being left (in refpedt to quan-
tity and proportion) entirely at the difcretion of
the reader;

In refpe6l to fevers he includes all under
the denomination of a dijlemper^ and then gives
you a defcription of what he calls '^ five dif-
*' ferent clalTes or degrees of this difeafe /*
but, after minutely inveftigating his explana-
tions, I muft confefs them fo replete with
fuppofitious alternatives, and theoretical uncer-
tainties, that they feem much more evi-
dently calculated to perplex than enlighten a
fubjea, that has hitherto been too much ob-
fcured by the illiteracy of fome, and the af-
fedted or political abfirufity of others. In
fadl the purport of the inq liry is fo entirely
loft in a variety of inapplicable digreffioqs
and incoherent ftories, that not a fingle clue

FEVERS. 233

Is left by which the leaft rational and authentic
information is to be acquired, except *^ plen-
^' tifal bleedings, the unlimited ufc of fait-
*' petre, and the infertion of rowels," even to
the number of ^ivi or eight upoij the fame
fubjedt.

Ev^ry intelligent obferver mufl: be well con^
vinced of the abfurdity of fuch accumulation
as Gibson defcribes, and the improbability
(not to fay, what might be very well juftified,
the impojfilnllty) of difcovering, by no other
means xh2LnJilent fymptoms and ocular infpec-
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 exiflence. And when it is
remembered there is no agency in the ani-
mal by which the particulars of his pain or
rfiftrefs can be communicated, every judicious
§nd candid reader will admit the impradlicabi-
lity of difcriminating between the variety of
fymptoms, by which alone all this FAMILY
OF FEVERS are to be afcertained. It may
alfo be taken into confideration, that animals
pf this clafs, from their fimple diet and regu-
lar

234 FEVERS.

lar mode of living, cannot be fubjed 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 arifing from obfervations upon the
polifkal ^hdvufity of one, and ih^t paradoxical
brightnefs or technical obfcurity oi the other ^
reducing the whole clafs of febrile difquietudes
fimply to two kinds, the fymptomatic and in^
flammatory only.

A fymptomatic fever is a degree of inflam-*
mation and increafed circulation, occafioned by
fome diftincft or local pain, and is not a dif-
order (ab origine) within itfelf, but palpably
the effetl of, and dependent upon, fome other
for its produdion. This fever is fo influenced
by the caufe, and fo entirely regulated by its
changes, either for better or worje^ as to be
conflantly 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 fymptom of
fome other, (the mere efFed of preternatural

heal

FEVERS. 23^

heat excited by extreme pain) and not a diftind;
dlfeafe, flands in need of no elucidation; let
the original caufe be removed, aad the effedl
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 circum.ftances it meets with in differ-
ent conftitutions. 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 v^ill contract it as
much as the nature of the difeafe will admit,
^nd venture to affirm the fever to which horfes
are moft fubjed: is that diftinft kind called in-
flammatory. To produce that preternatural
heat or increafed circulation, conilituting what
is termed fever, there mufl be fome pre-exift-
ing caufe, to dlfcover the true feat of which
great nicety of difcrimination is unavoidably
neceffary; here is no information to be col-
lected but by the hand and the eye, the firft
fhould be fandioned by JUDGMENT and
EXPERIENCE, the latter regulated by REA-
SON and OBSERVATION.

For

236 .FEVER S.

For want of due attention to thefe falutary
confiderations, many fine and valuable horles
have been haftily and dldtatorially fentenced
to pafs that " bourn from ud"ience no traveller
** 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 farrier, that frequently upon
"his learned dectjlon alone depends the LIFE or
DEATH of this moil valuable animal. He
fliould not only be accurately nice in the dif-
crimination of difeafe; but, by attending mi-
nutely to circumftances, endeavour to develope
the myfterious indications of Nature, cover all
her wants, and flrengthen every effort ^ for
jfhe is tenacious of her many powerful privi-
leges, and will not bear too *' infolent a moni-
" tor." Tq become the more adequate to this
tafk of integrity, he fhould be anxioufly careful
to improve his judgment, and adopt the knov/n
qualities of medicines to the expectation
of their effedls ; to have in visw, upon every
emergency, the operations from which certain
or probable relief is to be obtained ; and to
promote thofe ends by tvtxy fair and gentle
means that may be juftified by circumdances
01: didated by difcretion.

To

FEVERS. 237

To enter into a tedious medical difquifition
upon the origin of fevers, their different degrees
and effedls, would exhauft the patience of the
moft patient inquirer; I fliall confcquently
avoid fo unentertaiiung a detail, and adhere to
fuch explanatory parts as become more imme-
diately the obieds of information. To enu-
inerate the pofBble caufes in which a fever may
originate would be, in this work, equally im-
practicable; they are {o m.uch m.ore fympto-
matic than felf-exifling, that circumftances and
careful attention only n:iuft lead to the dikovery.

There is not the leaft doubt but a general
cutaneous obftrudlon, or fudden conftridion
upon the perfpirable pores, (proceeding from
w^hat caufe foever,) will conftitute the founda-
tion of every fever to which the animal can pof-
fibly be fubje(fl : the matter deftined for perfpi-
ration, being forcibly returned upon the veffels,
is abforbed into the circulation; the blood being
thus corrupted becomes vifcid, the paiiagcs are
evidently overloaded, and Nature, by an increafe
of circulation in the velocity of the blood, en-
deavours to relieve herfelf from the oppreflion,
which in this difeafe fhe fo evidently labours
under.

In

238 FEVER S.

In refped to fymptoms, the infpcflion (liould
be made with care and attention; the general
modes of inquiry are SUPERFICIAL, and
the decifion often FALLACIOUS . The pathog-
nomonic, or ceitain figns, are an univerfal heat
and disordered pulfe, a palpable difquietude and
uneafinefsjihilting from place to place; the horfe
labours under difficult reipiration, his mouth
is very dry, his tonguv-^ parched and hot, he de-
clines food, but receives water; fometimcs feizes
his hay with feeming eagernefs, then drops it in
diiappointment: the body is generally ceftive,
and in the early (late of diieafe, there is a pro-
portional obftruclion of urine. Let a fever
proceed from whatever caufe, the indications
of cure are ftill the fame; diminifli the preter-
natural heat to the degree that conftitutes its
healthy ftate, remove all internal obflrudions,
and, by a proper and judicious adminiflration
of medicines (calculated to fubdue the original
caufe), all dependent fymptoms will certainly
fubfide.

The firfl: necefiary ftep to a rectification' of
fuch inflammatory or difeafed ftate of the blood
is a redudlion in quantity, therefore inftantly
^^^^^ according to ftrength and circumftances.

If

FEVERS. 239

If the horfe is cojlive in body, the excrements
hard, dark in colour, and foul in fmell ; the
fymptoms of difeafe powerful, with ftrong
heaving in the flanks, do not delay the
affiftance of the following emollient glyfter,
which, being compofed of ingredients entirely
DOMESTIC, maybe mod expeditioufly provided.

Take water gruel two quarts ;
Coarfe fugar half a pound :
Common fah 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
ftool and urine; being equal to any other that
can be prefcribed for the purpofe, however pre-
pared with articles remote from prefent praftice
or difficult to be obtained. If obftrudions
fhould not be removed, or the necefliry evacua-
tions enfue, repeat the operation in four hours
after; ftrengthening your injedion with two
ounces oi lenitive eleBuary^ and three ounces of
Glauber faltSy both being diffolved in the grueL
This will produce certain evacuations, as the

firft

^4o FEVERS.

firll: by Its retention will have rekxed the in^
durated contents of the inteitines, and rendered
them ready for immediate expulfion, by the
adlive power of the additional fiimulants here
prefcribed. In tv\'o or three hours after fuch
evacuations (or foonerif feemingly requifite) let
a mafli oifcalded bran be placed in the manger
to which, if he refufes, a handful of oats may
be added by way of inducement^ if ftill de-
clined, let them be removed and a fmall quan-
tity of very fweet hay be left in the rack. Let
him be gently rubbed over, moderately' clothed
and well littered up with clean dry ftraw, after
giving him one ounce of nitre dilTolved in a
fmall draught of warm water, {lightly iinprcg-
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 unavoidibly
neceffary to fay fomething upon the quality and
indifcriminate ufeof that excellent article nitre ^
the purpofes of which are fo frequently proPii-
tuted in its general application by.^/Zclafres, and
in all cafes, in compliment to Bartlet's uii^
limited eulogiums^ who bas not only, iii a

variety

FEVERS. 241

Variety of inftances, blended it in compofition
with its oppojites in effeB^ but flamped it with
his opinion -o great a fpecific, that a few ob-
fervations on its virtues and real ufes become
immediately neceflary to the propriety of its
future adminiftration being better underftood,

OsMER was likewife fo infatuated with its
reported perfedtions, that he became an advo-
cate for its unUmited utiHty, and, like his pre-
deceffors, pronounced it an infallible fpecific
for all thofe diforders he condefcended to take
a fuperficial furvey of; urging the adminiftra-
tion of it to almoft any proportion upon every
occafion, though, in the very fame page, he
confeffes fome horfes " fliall not be able to take
*' the fmalleft quantity without being afFefted
" W\\h gripes y or cholicy therefore it is always
** bed to begin with a fmall quantity."

That it is coolings allays thi?jl^ promotes the
fecretions, and is an ufual afliftant likewife in a
courfe oi alteratives y is admitted ; 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 adminiflration of it to attenuate and
thin the denfe fizy blood, during the effed of
inflammatory fevers ; this property of attenua-
tion being allowed, what muft be the natural
conclufion or confequence of giving fuch large
quantities *' as three or four ounces three times a
" dayV Why, tv try prof e/Jmjal majt^ knowing
the mode by which it 7nuft inevitably affed the
fyftem of circulation, would naturally expedt
it to diflblve the very cralTamentum of the blood,
and reduce it to an abfolute ferum or aqueous
vapour.

That nitre has its peculiar good qualities
and falutary effeds, when prudently adminifter-
cd, no rational praditioner will ever deny \ but
the variety of experiments repeatedly made
upon its efficacy, by the mod eminent profeffors
fince the practice of Gibson, Bracken, and
Bartlet, has undoubtedly deprived it of a
confderable portion oi lis former eflimation, and
it is now reduced to that rank of merit only
experimentally found to fall to its fhare. Tak-
ing it therefore with the properties it is pof-
feffed of and entitled to, not looking up to it
as the grand arcanum of infallibility or medical

idolization.

FEVERS. 243

idolizatioriy I venture to pronounce its good
effeds can only be obtained by judicious admi-
niftrations of fuch proportions as are properly
calculated to promote the purpofes for which
they are defigned. Its properties and efFedls
being now more generally afcertained than
FORMERLY, the inconfiltency of blending it
(in large quantities) with medicines intended
to promote perfpiration is palpably ftriking ; as
it is well known to every medical praditioner
its intermediation would rather tend to deftroy
the earneft intent of the whole.

On the contrary, given in fmall quantities cf
half an ounce or ounce ^ once or twice a day ia
the beginning of fevers, with good nurfmg, mo-
derate clothings warm7naj]jesy 2.^^ diluting drinh
of thin gruel, it may frequently have a very
good effedt ; but (hould the predominant fymp-
toms not fubmit to that treatment, no larger
dofes of nitre fhould be ventured upon to ha«>
zard a too great and fudden diffolution of the
blood, or an obftrudlon to the critical perfpi-
ration, upon which a fpeedy cure very much
depends.

Upon the non-fubmiffion of fymptoms to
thefe means, the following gentle fyftem muft

R 2 be

244 FEVERS.

be adopted and regularly continued, to relax
the rigidity of the pores, and produce a pliabi-
lity of the furface, preparatory to the perfpir-
able criiis, which is now become neceffary 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 neceflary :

Take mlthridate fix drachms;

Anifeed and compound contrayerva powders

each half an ounce ;
Snake root (in powder) two drachms y
Salt of hartfliorn one drachm -,
Syrup of faffron fufficient to make a ball.

But where the adminidration of medicine
in this form may be objeded to, or a drink
thought more convenient, the following may
be fubflituted in its flead :

Take of the ftrong infufion of camomile (com-
monly called camomile tea) Haifa pintj
Mindercrus's fpirit a quarter of a pintj
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-
cumltances urge an alteration in the mode of
treatment. Small quantities of drink (about
two quarts) (hould be given once in three or
four hours, prepared in the proportion of a
quart of thick gruel to a gallon of watery 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 minures, 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 pro-
moted to that part.

If the predominant fymptoms fliould not

fubmit in four-and-twenty, or fix-and- thirty

R 3 hours.

246 FEVERS,

hours, attend to thofe moft alarming, and
proceed to their mitigation accordingly; ifftill
coftive, repeat the laxativ.c glyjlery or the fol-
lowing drink.

Take Epibm falts and cream of tartar;, each

three ounces •,
Solubile tartar one ounce *, diflblve in three

quarters of a pint of thin gruel; then add

tindure of jalap half an ounce, and tindure

of fenna two ounces.— Mix.

Should the cough incre^ikileed in proportion:
if the urine is fmall in quantity, high in co-
lour, or depofu a turbid fediment upon beipg
fayed, give mtre frequently, and in fmall pro-
portions, as before direded. During all the te-
dious ceremony of indifpofition wait with pa-^
tience, and attend to the indications of A^^/^^/-^?
]pio;:e than th^ bewildered doubts and prognof-
tics of the FARRIER, who, knowing little of the
anatoinical jiriidliire^ lefs of thq animal economy^
and totally incapable of forming any cojufijlent
idea of the properties of medicine^ ftands a per-
plexed flranger to both caiifes and events^ pro-
feffianally infenfible of the foundation of either
hope ox fear ^

la

FEVERS, 247

In difficult and alarming cafes recourfe muft
always be had to the different prefcriptions in-
troduced under their proper claffes, ^-oarying^ in^
creafing, and diminipnngy the articles or propor-
tions, according to the ftate of fymptoms or dif-
eafe for which they are prefcribed. Upon a
horfe's improvement, every fign in foody watery
cafe, and rejl^ is fo evidently calculated to give
ample proof of fpeedy recovery, that any recital
of circumftances fo readily diilinguilhed would
be entirely fuperfluous. Therefore naturally
concluding every intelligent obferver will plain-
ly perceive, when his horfe is getting out of
danger, hovj foo7i medicine is unneceffary, and
"when perfedly recovered, I confider it only ne-
ceffary to obferve, where the diftemper 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 ihtjirjl
or an oppreffion upon the latter, a courfe of
mild purgatives feleded from ihtpurgi?2g balls^
(No. 1, or 2,) p. 36, will be very neceffary and
advantageous; letting it be clearly underftood
that no fuch plan is to be adopted if a termina-
tion of the dilorder (hould happen in the fevere
part of the winter, when a courfe of miiddiure'
tics are to be preferred, as particularized in
R 4 P-75^

248 FEVERS,

p. 75; remembering that neither can be pro-
ceeded upon till the horfc is fo much reco-
vered in ftrength and appearance as to render
unneceflary any fear of local or conftitutional
weaknefs. The mode of treatment here laid
down, and ftrenuoufly recommended, is a
fyftem eftablifhed upon the principles of
reafon and reformation -y not the efFufion of
wild chimerical experiments, engendered by
folly and promoted by ignorance^ but a courfe
of pradtice (expofed to no lottery of chance or
certainty of daiiger) the refult of attentive
fludy, accurate OBSERVATION, and long
EXPERIENCE.

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

toms,
3

FEVERS, 249

toms, for which no exadl caufe can be afcer-
tained or reafon fupportedf, but the exceflive
•drought of one leafon, or denfe atinofphere of an-
other, it muft evidently appear that, under fuch
circumftances, no accurate defcription of correC-
ponding fymptoms can be collected from books,
\vithout a very minute and proper attention to
the nature of attack.

To thefc leading traits all the judgment and
penetration of the farrier, QV.fuperinteridanf^
mud he directed -, for, as fuch diforders are in
general complicated, and not diftinguifhable
under any parti cumr head, but partaking of
fnan)\ every llriking fymptom fliould be well,
obferved and dlftinguiflied from its oppofitCj, or
clafled v^ath its concomitant, till a parallel
being drawn between its moft predominant fea-
tures, fome degree of certainty is afcertained, to
which clafs it bears i\\t great ejt affinity, or to
what head it properly b-longs. And as this
work abounds with medicinal aids, carefully
adapted to every purpofe, the reader cannot pof-
fibly be fo deilitute of comprehenfion, as not to
be enabled (upon particular occafions) to mako
fome neceffary alterations, as the intent and

offea

250 FEVER S.-

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

We will, therefore, in confequence of the
great fatality attending EPIDEMIC diforders,
conclude they are more entitled to confideration
^s pejiilential dikzfc than any other: admitting
this conception to be clear, it becomes neceflary
to fay enough to make the fabjedl fafficienily
underftood, without protrading it to an extreme
of medical miuutice that cannot tend to render
the 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 \^ in an impoveriihed
ftate, and the crajjamentiim found upon eva-
cuation to be diffolved (or liquefied) very much
helow the ftandard of health ; for, being de-
prived of the due proportion of its ftimulativc
property, it becomes confequently inadequate
to its peculiar purpofe of circulation. The
whole arterial fyftem being thus deprived of
its natural fupply that fhould be conveyed in
proportional diftributions to every part of the
frame, becomes too feeble to fuflain the (hock;
6 and.

FEVERS. 251

and, finking under xht putrid or malignant mi-
alma, difplays the degree of oppreffion nature
labours under in fymptoms fo very uncertain^
that no literary dcfcription can accurately cor-
reipond with.

It will therefore (as repeatedly recommended)
prove highly neccffary to attend particularly to
fymptoms, and proceed accordingly. At any
rate blood fliould be immediately drawn upon
the very firfl: appearance of difeafe (in quan-
TiTYCorrefponding with condition), that its
quality may be the better afcertained. Should
gbftrudions be obrerved in the body, they muft
be diredly removed by gently {Simulating or
emollient glyfters ; the appetite fliould be at-
tended to, and gratified in mafhes oi 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
direded, may be given as occafion requires.
Every five, fix, eight, or ten hours, (accord-
ing to the ft ate and danger of the difeafe), let
one of the following alexipharmic balls
te adminiftered, firft removing any intefl:inal

obftruflion

252 FEVERS.

©bftrudion of. Jiool or urines fhould fuch be
prefent:

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

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

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

Compound contrayerva and fnake-root (in pow-
der) each two drachms ;

Saffron and ginger each a drachm;

Beft brandy a quarter of a pint;

Boiling water half a pint.

Let the faffron be cut very fmall, and infufed in
the boiling water, covered clofc for a quarter
of an hour ; then, having the other ingre-
dients ready in a mortar, add the brandy f^rfl;
and, laftly, mix with the infufion ©f faffron,
and give without waf^e if poffible.

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

warm.

FEVERS. 5^3

warm, and future proceedings regulated by
fymptoms and circumftances: increafing ap-
pearances of DANGER muft juftify exertions
of ALACRITY and FORTITUDE. Enlarge youc
quantities, and multiply your dofes, aiding your
judgment by frequent references to the diffe-
rent prefcriptions under fimilar fymptoms:
proportion your medicines by the didlatcs of
reafon and the degree of hazard to which the
patient is expofed.

Should any critical fwellings or formations of
matter appear at the decline oi fever or epidemic
difeafe, their fuppuratlon 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 firft opportunity of
carrying it off by the infertion of a rowel, and
regular courfe of either ajitimonial or mercurial
aheratives, whichever upon inquiry may ap-
pear mofl: applicable to the cafe.

On the contrary, fhould the original com-
plaint fo relax the ftomach, impair the digeftive
powers, or debilitate the fyftem, as to produce

an

254 FEVERS,

an irregularity in habit, bearing alternate ap-
pearance of HEALTH and SICKNESS, corrcf-
ponding in fome degree with the intermittents
or agues of our own fpecies, cordial pmachc
rejlorathes are the medicines upon which the
expedation of cure may be with mod certainty
formed i 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 fufficient to make a mafs, which divide

into fix balls.

Ofthefe let one be given every night and
morning when the horfe is in a ftate of temper-
ance, perceptibly free from every appearance
of extreme heat or cold, continuing them till
double the above are taken, fl^ould the cafe
require it. Where a drink is preferred one
of the balls may be gradually diflblved in three
quarters of 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 exad
line of fimilitude with thofe we have now

treated

WORMS. 2SS

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

WORMS,

m

What inveterate obftacles thefe infeds are
to a horfe's improvement, where they have un-
luckily gained poffeffion, time and expermice
have fufficiently demonftrated. They are of
fo pernicious and deftrudlive a tendency that,
having once fecured a fettlement in either fto-
mach or inteftines, the horfe becomes a prey
to perpetual depredation till effedual methods
are taken for their total extirpation. The
worms with which horfes are fo frequently
perfecuted, are, to appearance, of many diffe-
rent forts and (hapes; but the kinds moft ge-
nerally known and obferved are the two dif-
tindt kind of bots and the ascarides or
fmall fhort worm.

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 fecms fixed in the
Jlomachy and in the interftices or folds, of which
the eggs arefaid to have been difcovered, upon
diffedion, is not at all unlike (in fhape and
make) the earth grub worm, fo Angularly
remarkable for its deftru6live havock upon the
roots of the ftrawberries in large plantations,
in the early part of the feafon, particularly in
dry fprings. They arc furniflied not only with
a complete pair of prominent tulks, that grow
horizontally from the head, having great power
of compreffion, and exceedingly iharp at the
point, but an infinity of legs fo minutely fine,
that even a momentary infpeftion 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 flomach is moft
delicately covered*

The fecond fort are feen frequently adhering
to the redum, or internal part of the fundament,
in the adion of voiding the excrements; and
are often forced away with the cc ntents. To
give the reader a conception of thefe perfedly
clear. It is impoffible to communicate or re-
ceive a ftronger idea than a formation diredly

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 mod rapidly upon
the furface of the dung, bearing great affinity
to the adion of an eel when taken from its
natural element and placed upon land.

There is alfofometimes 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, in form, exadly like
the gruhy or "worm, that may be fo plentifully
extrafted (by preffure only) from thofe promi-
nences perceptible upon the backs of horned
cattle during the hot months in the fummer
feafon.

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

S \ creation.

258 WORM S.

creation. Some avow their animalcula^ or
^gg^i to take place in the impurities of flimy
mucus, accumulated in the ftomach, and there
brought to perfedion ; others affert their form-
ation and confequent progrefs to be carried on
m the inteflines; and many are not without
belief that the amma/cu/a, or eggs^ are conveyed
into the body with a part of the vegetable
world upon which they fubfift, and there
brought to their (late of perfedion.

I fhall barely venture to hint at ih^pojjibiliiy
of their undergoing (in fhape or appearance)
in the different parts of the body, as iho, Jio-
mach^ inteftines, or reSlwn, thofe changes that
we well know take place in iho Jilk worm, ca^
terpillar, Src. feeming to conftitute a different;,
fpecies, though the contrary is univerfally prov-
ed by eVen_ ocular demonftration of the very
zdi of mutation » As enlarging upon the great
confiftency and probability of this circuraftance
can only extend the field for imagination, with-
out adding at all to the utility or elucidation of
the fubjedl:, that indeterminate point fliall re-
main undifturbed, v/hlle we proceed to the
more material invefiigation of confeq uences and
cure.

Whatever

WORM S. 259

Whatever doubts or opinions may have been
held, or gone forth, refpeding their origin or
different kinds, one opinion has been long uni-
verfal upon their eiFeds^ that is, where they
have taken poffeffion for any length of time,
or in any great degree as to number, no care^
cirty or attention, can give your horfe the ap-
pearance of hilarity, HEALTH, and CONDI-
TION. He is in perpetual anxiety for a con-
ftant fupply of either food or water, and in re-
turn but poorly repays the gratification 3 for, in
the midft of all, he feldom, or iiideed never^
looks well; after having been fome time a prey
to them he gets low in flefh, hard in his hide,
his coat flares, he always feems dejeded, fvveats
upon trifling exercife, and that fweat percepti-
bly unheakhy, 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 defcribed; on the contrary
the BOTS, whofe ftation is fuppofed (hitherto)
to be confined to i\\tJlo?}tacby 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

26o WORMS.

and predominant appearance of diftrefs. The
horfe 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
oi gripes yjpafms in \S\zJiomach,Jlrangiiryy nay
even of a complicatio7i o'i dif order s\ but where
the evacuations of ftool and urine are not fup-
preffed, 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 fandion), none
Can lay fuch claim to approbation as that certain
and indubitable cure — a courfe of mercurial
phyfic. Antimoniah and preparations of tin
have had each their advocates, as v^'ell as thofe
botanical deceptives, ruey garlic^ tanf)\ Javiriy
and boXy all calculated to amufe, but none to
convince. Experience has determined the fpe-
cific efFefts oi mercurials in this cafe abfolutely
infallible; before the power of which every
fpecies of worms, and their oviparous re-
mains, indifcriminately fall, and are totally ex-
tirpated without admitting the fliadowof doubt.

So

WORMS. 261

So foon therefore as they are fufpefted, or at
lead fo foon as they are afcertained, to have
taken pofTeffion, it will be prsident to prevent a
horfe being hurt in appetite, reduced in flefli
or altered in condition (by their conftantly
preying upon the internal coat of the ftomach,
and injuring thofe minute paffages through
which the chyle or nurri<ive 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 phyfic
by the inflrudions given under that heud,
page 35; and let your dofe be adapted to the
ftrength, fize, and condition of your fubject,
by thefe rules: if the horfe is thorough bred,
and delicate in fliape and make,

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

If the horfe is beyond this pitch of delicacy,
ftronger in make, and more entitled to the ap-
pellation of HONTER, fhewing fome propor-
tion of BLOOD,

S 3 Take

262 W O R M S.

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

Should the fubjedt be of a ftill ftronger make,
nftitu

HORSE,

conftituting what we term a stout road

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

If on the contrary very large, ftrong, foul

WAGGON HORSES, or powerful COACH HORSES,

fhould become the fubjedis, they will very well
bear the follov/ing, to produce the proper and
^efired efteds;

Take the purging ball, No. 4, to which adc}
calomel thiee drachms.

By the operation of the firft dofe upon either
fubjed:, obfervation may be made whether di-
minution in the purgative articles is required^
or any addition found neceffary- Proper care
muH be ufed to avoid every probability of
taking cold, and the regular courfe of three
doles gone through, at the diftance of fix or

^ight

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 zddof Ja/ap two drachms
to the prefent prefcription, if the horfe fhould

be either of the two laft clalTes defcribed :

•

Take of Barbadoes aloes ten drachms;

JEthiop's mineral fix drachms;

Cream of tartar and India rhubarb each two

drachms i
Ginger (in powder) one drachm;
Oil of anifeed and favia each thirty drops ;
Syrup of buckthorn or rofes to make the ball.

The courfc of operation to be managed
with the fame care and precaution as tiiofe
before prefcribed ; the leaft doubt of their
efficacy need not be indulged, as a courfe of
either will certainly obliterate them from every
part of the inteflmal canal, and the lubjedt will,
in a very few days, with proper care, at'sntion,
food, and exercife, evidently demonilrate his
advantage in being perfedly reheved from fuch
difagreeable company. But as there will mod
undoubtedly be horfes troubled with wokms

S 4 ia

264 WORMS.

in the pofTeflion of thofe, who, from the nature
of their avocations, cannot fubmit them to fo
long a refpite from bufinefs as is neceflaryfor
a regular courfe of purging medicines, it will
naturally be expeded an efftdual fubftitutc
(hould be held forth for the gratification of all
parties.

To thofe therefore who cannot render the
adminiftration of mercurial purgati'ves a
matter of perfe(fl convenience, the following
courfe may be adopted with the greateft cer-
tainty of equal efFe<fl:,

Take of TEthiop's mineral fix ounces;

Levigated antimony four ounces ;

Sulphur, prepared ileel, and anifeed powder,

each three ounces ;
Honey fufficient to make a mafs^ which divide

into nine balls. ^

Of thefe let one be given every morning for
three in fucceffion ; then omit three y and repeat
for three more in fucceffion; then omit iov three
mornings, z fecond time, and repeat your re-
maining halls on the ^/6r^^ fucceffive mornings,

when

WORMS. 265

when the whole nine will be con fumed, and cer-
tainly produdive ot the purpofe for which they
are intended. The great advantage attending
this method of deftroying worms, is the horfe's
being enabled to purfue his conftant work, but
care fhould be taken he is not too much ex-
pofed to fevere cold or rainy weather during
the time of taking the balls.

For the accommodation of thofe to whom
the bufmefs of giving a ball may be a work of
trouble or difficu ty, the kmey may be omitted;
and the other ingredicrts, being well incorpo-
rated in a mortar, muft be divided into nine
equal parts, and mixed with tue night or
morning feeds of corn, (it being fifft fprinkled
with water in tlje manger, to eniuro adnefion
and prevent wafte) being given with the fame
diflindtions and variations in refped: to time, as
fpecified in the above inftrudtions, when given
in the form of balk.

JAUNDICE,

( 266 )

JAUNDICE,

COM^?ONLY CALLED

THE YELLOWS.

This is a diforder common to horfes of
every defcription, to which they are fubjedt
from various caufes; the moft material of thefe
we fhall accurately explain. The more fimple
^nd leaft dangerous complaint, paffing under
this denomination, aiifes folely from an ob~
lirudion in the biliary duds, or in the gall
bladder, fituated between the two lobes of the
liver; whofe immediate purpofe it is to affift
in fecreting the bile from the blood, and pro-
mote its conveyance to the inteftines, where
(by its acrid and ftimulating property) it is
deftined to excite the periftaltic motion, by
which they expel their contents.

In the jaundice arifmg from this caufe, the
duds or pipes for the palSage of bile are ob-
itrudcd by Jlime^ mucus ^ or vijcid coagtihim ;

the

J A U N D I C £. 267

the fluid, thus impeded in its ufual progrefs
regurgiates, becomes immediately incorporat-
ed with the blood, and, through the fyftem of
circulation, difFufes itlelf to every part of the
frame, denoting its prefence by an early ap-
pearance of yellownefs in the eyeSy mouth, tongue^
^nAfaliva. To thefe pathognomonic or inva-
riable fymptoms may be added thofe not alto-
gether fo certain in its early ft ate; the horfe ge-
nerally feems heavy, dull, and dejeded, 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 diieafe; a fluggifhnefs or
averfion to motion is plainly perceptible; a foul,
faint fweat appears upon the leaft exercife ; and
the urine is of a dark faffron tinge, refembling
an infufion of that article ; the dung varies
much in different fubjedls, but is in all many
degrees paler, and more indigefted, than the
excrements of horfes in high condition.

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

268 JAUNDICE.

the following interpofition of mild deobstru-
ENTs, without recurring to a courfe oi purga-
tives, which may not at all times be perfedly
convenient. If, on the contrary, the diforder
ihould have been obferved fome time, a courfe
of phyfic muft precede other intentions of cure,
as will be hereafter explained. If difcovered
in its earlieft ftate, let two or three mafbes of
Jcalded malt be given at proper periods, to
relax the indurated contents of the inteftines ;
thefe being aflifted, if neceflary, with an
emollient, or the domeftic laxative ^Ay?^r, as
mentioned page 239. The body being fuffi-
ciently relaxed to remove every probability of
cbflrudion, let the following plan be adopted
and regularly perfevered in ;

Take of Caftile foap eight ounces^
Turmeric (in powder) fix ounces 5
Soluble tartar three ounces 5
India rhubarb two ounces ;
Long pepper (in powder) one ounce ;
Saffron half an ounce;
Syrup or honey fufHcient to make the mafs ;
Which divide into Un balls, and give one every
morning.

During

JAUNDICE. 269

During this courfe, every requlfite 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
affiil: which two ounces of cream of tartar may-
be added once a day, in the morning or even-
ing water, being previouily difiblved in a pint
over tl^e fire, and added to the remainder.

The difeafe, if arifing from 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 necelfary, with the
addition of mild phyjtc or inoderate bkeding.
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, ihz phyJiCy and a repetition of the above
proportion, had better be adopted. Although
there is no very predominant reafon to be urged
in favour of bleedings yet a fmall quantity may
be loft, not only to afcertain its prefenty?^/^, but
to promote a flight change in the circulation.
Two or three majljes muft be given on the two
fucceffive days after bleeding : on the third

morning

270 JAUNDICE.

morning give the firfl: of the following purg-
ing BALLS, repeating it at the diftance of fix
or eight days between each dofe, tiH 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 y as in the prefent inftance:

Take fuc^cotrine aloes one ounce ;
India rhubarb and jalap each three drachnns ;
Saffron two drachms ;
Calonnel and ginger each a drachm ;'
Syrup of faffron fufficient to form the ball for
one dofe.

This ball is fo accurately proportioned as to
be nearly applicable in flrength to any fubjeift
for this diftemper, where no violent effeds are
to be required; but fliould any alteration in
force be delired for a horfe remarkably ftrong,
or delicate in conftitution, increafe or diminifli
its ftrength, by an addition to, or diminution of,
ihQJa/ap; the other ingredients remaining in
their prefent proportions.

In three days after the laft dofe is completely
fet, and the horfe recovered his appetite, begin

upon

JAUNDICE. ^71

upon the following courfe of warm deobftruent
reftoratives, giving one every morning without
remiflion till the whole are taken :

Take Callile foap eight ounces;

Turmeric and filings of iron each four ounces 5

Anii'eed and elecampane each two ounces j

Vitriolated tartar one ounce and a half;

Oil of anifeed three drachms. — Honey fufUcient

to make the mafs; and divide' into a dozen

balls.

During the time of taking thefe, let the
former inftrudions relative to food, exercife,
dreffing, &c. be ftridly adhered to, with fuch
other little attentions as ci re um fiances require;
remembering to relinquifh the medicines by
gradations, as every other morning, or once in
tbre^ bat not to difcontinue them entirely till
all fymptoms totally difappear.

The dlflindl kind of this difeafe, arifing from
a remote and very difcour aging caufe, is that
fpecies originating in an induration oi {ox fcir^
rhofities upon) the liver. I fay difcouraging,
becaufe little or no hope of permanent
relief can be entertained, as may very naturally
be concluded from even a fuperficial confidera-
tion of the cafe, not only by its remote (ituation,

fo

272 JAUNDICE,

fb diftant from the power of the moft adive
medicine; the great certain^y of no advantage
being obtained but by the circuitous communi-
cation through the medium of the blood, and
the additional refledion, palpably clear to the
judgment of every reader, that no fohenf csLti
probably be conveyed through the circulation
onlyy fufficiently powerful to refolve or extirpate
cither fwelling, fcirrbo/ity, ox tubercle^ upon a
part fo diftant from the feat of adion as that
we now treat of.

As the neceflary fteps for palliation of
fymptpms, or hope of cure, will confequently
be expeded, bleeding is of courfe premiled to
reduce the contents and take off fome degree of
ftridure from the veffels \ remove obftrudions
in the body by ?najhes of malt and bran^ for
two or three days, as before direded, 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 5

Ginger one drachm ;

Oils of juniper and anifeed each twenty drops;

Sprup fufficient to form the ball for one dofe.

This

JAUNDICE. 273

This courfe (of three dofes) and their ope-
tations being minutely attended to, let no care
or attention be omitted to bring him as near
his former pitch oi firength^ appetite y and ap-
pearance^ as poffible; fo foon as he has refumed
which, a beginning may be made upon the At/?
refources, and from thefe only can the mofl
"diftant hope of mitigation or cure be
formed.

Take of Gaftiie fa5.p ten ounces;

Gum ammoniacum and turmeric each four

ounces;
Salt of tartar three ounces ;
Extra6l of black hellebore and oil of favin each

fix drachms ;
Syrup or honey fufiicient to make twelve balls.

Of thefe let one be given regularly every
other morning % on the intermediate days give
one of the foUov^ing mercurial alterative
powders, calculated to give joint affiftance
without delay, and promote every advantage
that can be expeded by all poffible means,
adapted to this diftant caufe of complaint :

Take

274 JAUNDICE.

Take yEthlop's mineral, prepared antimony,
llilpluir and cream of tartar, of each three
ounces. — Mix together in the mortar, and di-
vide into twelve papers, giving one, with the
. feed of com, every other morning, fprinkling
the corn with water to prevent its wafle in the
manger.

The above balls are calculated (by their
peculiar efficacy) to flrike at the very root of
difeafe^ the reputation of each article having
been long eftabliftied either as a folvent or de^
cbjlruent, and evidently adapted to ad in con-
cert for the general purpofe; no farther expe-
riments or changes need be attempted or under-
taken, as this courfe will abfolutely effed all
that is in the power of medicine to perform.
And fhould they fail (after fair trial) in the
intent for which they may be given, a rupture
of the tumour y and its becoming ulcerated^ or a
fcirrhofity of the liver conftantly increafing, will
(in oppofition to all &.rt and every human en-
deavour, ufher in death to clofe the fcene, and
demonilrate the fallibility of all our boafled
fpecijics,

Horfes are faid alio to be fubjecSl to a regur-
gitation of bile, from an inflammatory afFedion
of the liver, when oecafioned by the bite of any

venomous

JAUNDICE. 275

Venomous infedt or animal, as the viper, flow-
Worm, land-eft, &c. whether fuch inflamma-
tion or billions appearance is produced by the
bite or not, if there are other local fymptoms,
as fw^liing, pain, and inflammation, bleeding
becomes immediately proper; then let the part
be well waflied with foap and warm water, fo
as to raife a fubftantial lather; wipe dry with a
cloth, and bathe the furrounding parts for fome
minutes with equal portions of fine olive oil and
white wine vinegar; afterwards apply a poul-
tice of emollient ingredients, as may be feleded
by referring to the index, and let it be repeated
twice a day till the fwelling or fymptoms fub-
fide. Should the horfe be attacked with vio-
lent fymptomatic fever to a great degree, adopt
the methods recomimended in that clafs; at
any rate give one ounce of nitre twice a day in
his water, and aflifl: in cooling the body by
maJJ:es to relax, prepared with i7talt and bran
equal parts, or Gats^ bran, and a few ounces of
kone)\

T 2 CLASS

( 276 )

CLASS VIII.

THE STRANGLES, GLANDERS,
STAGGERS, and CONVULSIONS.

STRANGLES.

Not one feafible reafon has ever been ad-
duced why this difeafe is fo general that anyhorfe
is hardly ever known to efcape -, they are even
fubjecfl to it at all times of life 5 but the periods
of attack are moflly when rifing three^four, or
Jive years old. Soleysell and Gibson vainly
conceived they threw great light upon the
fubjecft, by comparing it to the fmall-pox,
" becaufe/' fay they, '' young horfes are gene-
*^' rally its fubjeds/' *' For, fays Gibson,
** the blood of young horfes may reafonably
** enough be fuppofed ui>eq,ually fluid, having

** HOC

STRANGLES. 227

« not as yet been fufficiently comminuted by
*' frequent circulations/* His 7tiea7iing may be
poffibly right, but mod unhappily expreffed to
make clear his intention : to demon flrate this,
let us diffedt the phrafeology, not affuming the
unpleafing tafk of criticifm, but as a prelude to
the eftabliiliment of our own fyftem hereafter
explained. He fays '' the blood having not
*^ as yet been fufficiently comminuted," that is,
in plain terms, or found Englifli, not properly
pulverized QV 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 faid (had it not fmelt too
flrong of vulgarity) ^* fufficiently mixed." To
this remark, notwithftanding its fublimity, I
enter my PROTEST 5 and cannot avoid exr
preffing furprife, that any profeffional confidcr
rate author could fappofe the blood fliould in-
ceifantly flow for three, four, or five years,
without the crajfamentum znAferum being fuf-
ficiently incorporated or *^ comminuted/'

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

T 3 ^•'^^^

278 STRANGLES,

reus a pofltion, and acknowledge, as no one
found reafon has ever been given for the caufe
in quedion, I fliall not prefume to introduce
any thing dictatorially decifive upon thefubjecSj>
but fubinit to the confideration of othevs what
appears to me to contain ^vtvy jujl reafon that
can be affigned for the appearance of a diftem-
per, attacking each fubjeCl to a certainty, at
different periods without contagion, or any
cau(e hitherto eftabiiflied, but that it is fo. For
my own part, after ajSfording it every degree of
confideration, there is abiolutely but one ra-
tional caufe to be offered why horfes, at the
periods before mentioned, become then fubjedl
to this dlftemper, in a greater or lefs degree
Jiccording to circumftances^ as for inftance,

Thofe horfes (or colts) that have been con-
fiantly well fed without reftraint for three, four,
or five years, mufl, with their food, have im-
bibed an accumulation of impurities 5 thefe
having never been once agitated by evacuations,
excited by art, or perfpiration promoted by ex-
ercife, mud confequently remain flagnant in
the bluod, till the horfe being brought into
ufe for the purpofe he is intended, when the
groflneis and vifcidity that has fo long lain dor-
mant

STRANGLES. 279

rnant foon becomes perceptible; the fluids are
too thick, fluggifh, and heavy, for their diftind
appropriations ; the lungs are firfl: overloaded,
a languor follov^s, to that a difficulty of
breathing or (hort cough fucceeds; and, laftly,
the grand effort of nature dilplays itfeU' ia
the difeafe before us: and that ismoftjudi-
cioufly made in the glandular parts, where (he
is nearly adequate to her own work.

This rational progrefs of the morbid matter
has ever affeded me fo forcibly with the idea
of convidion, that nothing but a judicious,
clear, and comprehenfive elucidation, (divefted
of furmifes and conjedures) demonftrating an
oppofite caufe, can never reconcile me to ajiotker
opipion. I appeal, without lubterfuge or am-
biguity, to the profeflional and enlightened
reader, whether this is not the regular procefs ;
if this lurking vifcidity, this glutinous impu-
rity, is not rouftd from its latent communi-
cation with the juices, and called into adion
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

23o STRANGLES,

this IS not the true caufe, why does it not ap-
pear 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 cne attacked with it previous to
their being broke and brought into ufe.

Having introduced thus much to gratify the
expedation of every reader anxious for the
elucidation of the caufe, it becomes necelTary
to advert to the difeafe itfelf j the firft attack
of which is perceived in a dull fluggiih hea-
vinefs and inactivity; the horfe becomes dif-
pirited, lofes his appetite, is feized v;ith a
hollow huf]<:y cough, occafioned by the irrita-
bility of the inflamed glandular parts in the
throat and about the root of the tongue 3 to
excite a deforce of moifture in the mouth that
may allay this difagrceable fenfuion he is
often picking his hay, but eats little or none ^
a degree of fyinptomatic heat comes on, and a
confcquent clamtninefs and thirft is percepti-
ble. As the diftemper advances he becomes
proportionally languid and inattentive; afvvell-
ing (fometimes tw^o or three fmaller furround-

ing)
3

STR ANGLE §• 2S1

Jng) IS now difcovered to have formed itfelf
underneath the jaw, and in general midwayj
between the bones, which is at firft very hard,
exceeding painful, and vifibly increafing; he
now fwallows with difficulty, heaves in the
flanksj and hi^ whole appearance evidently
urges the neceffity of an immediate attempt
to relieve nature from the oppreflion of he^^
own weighto

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

Take of coarfe bread, barley meal, and camo-
mile or elder flowers, each a handfulj boil over
the fire in a fufficient quantity of milk, or the
decodion for the fomentation ; into vv^hich
^ir about a third (of the whole quantity) of

white

zBz STRANGLES.

white lily root, wafhed clean and pounded to a
paltc 5 adding thereto of linfeed and foenugrec
(in powder) of each an ounce -, itirring 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
appl cation ov poultice renewed^ every night
and mornmg till an opening in the fwelling is
effecSed 5 upon w'.iich appearance of difcharge
let the: aperture be a little enlarged with a
bifiory^ or the point of any {harp inftrument
adequate to the purpofe 5 afterwards dreffing
with tow, fpread with the ftable digeftive
ointmentj or common y-liow bafilicon, firfl
made warrpj and fome of the unguent, (in
preference to a tent, plentifully infinuated
within the orifice, to facilitate its eflfcd:. Over
this digeftive, for the firft two or three dref-
fings, continue the poultice ^ by which treat-
ment, though attended with a little more
trouble, you will nicft affuredly fhorten the
difeafe : by this method your difcharge will be
copious, evtry fymp^om will gradually decline,
and the cure, under Vi foU-jwing aids and
regulations, become fpeediiy complete.

Though

STRANGLES/ 2S3

Though bleeding is in general a very indif-
ferent pradice where a flux of matter is fo-
licited to any particular part for fuppuration,
yet circumllances of danger (fometimes) not
only juftify but powerfully direct a deviation
from the path of cuftom. For inftance,
fhould the fever run high, and all other fymp-
toms equally violent, either in the beginning,
or during a more advanced ftate, bleeding muft
be constantly fubmitted to, but not in too
large quantity. Maihes muft be the conftant
food, in fmall proportions, to prevent v/afte ;
in each of which put of liquorice and anifeed
powders half an ounce, and about two ounces
o{ bone)\ uj Itfs 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 fcaided bran
or water-gruel; the head to be kept well co-
vered with a hood, or other temporary fubfti-
tute, as the warmth will greatly tend to aflift
in promoting the neceffary difcharge. V/hen
circumftarices and weather will permit, the
borfe (hould have the advantage of air and
ffcort gentle exercife, regular drefiing, and the
accuftomed courle of ftable difcipline, only in
a lefs degree than ui^aah

It

2^4 STRANGLES.

It is a ccnfclaiion in this diflempcr that a
iymptom of danger feldom occurs, unlefs frorn
negled or abfolute cruelty in ufing or driving
a horfe to extremity in the height of difeafe^
fo as to produce great fever and inflammation.
The diforder generally terminates with a run-?
ing at the nole, in a greater or lefs degree,
which fhould be frequently cleanfed from the
.infide of the noftrils, by means of a fponge
fufficiently moiftened in warm water to pre-
vent its acquiring an adhefion to thofe parts,
or a foulnefs and fcetidity that would fhortly
become acrimonious and corrofive. When
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 confl an tly pro-
duces, he (lioald be put upon a gentle courfe
of mild mercurial phyfic, if there are no cir-
cumflances to forbid it : this fhould be pre^
pared with due attention to his ftate and con-
dition, feleding it from the variety oi purging
prefcriptions afforded by the index under that
head. And this becomes the more imme-
diately neceffary (hould a copious and ofFen-
five difcharge continue from the noftrils after
healing theabfcefs, and leave room to fufpedl

thg

STRANGLES. 285

the caufe is feated upon thofe internal parts
hereafter defcribed in the next article of
Glanders,

The dlforder nearly related to this, and
pafling under the denomination of Vives,
is no other than the fame fpecies of difeafe,
only attacking the fubjedl in an infinite lefs
degree; the juices being lefs corrupted in*
flammation is not fo readily excited, nor does
it arrive at the pitch neceflary to produce fup-
puration. The fwellings thus fixed continue
iome time in a dormant ftate, the fymptoms
often light, and indicating no certainty of con-
clufion by maturation or abforption. If thefe
fwellings evidently i?icreafe (however flowly)
and feem to threaten a difchargc, it is a critical
effort of Nature, and muft be promoted by
the methods already pointed out. On the
contrary (hould they recede and begin to dif-
appear, embrace the firft opportunity^ to carry
off any ill efFefts that may arife, by a dofe or
two oi phyjic ; 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 cullom
be adopted, in compliance with old books or

ancienfi

286 STRANGLES.

ancient praSice, palliate the impropriety by

phyfic, or a eourfe of alteratives.

Where the glandular parts are afFefted from
the palpable effeds of cold, and a flight ob-
ftrudion of the pores by a fudden check in
perfpiration (as in removing from a warm fla-
hit to a cold one on a journey, or fome fuch
circumflance that is not always difcoverable)^
conftituting fmall tumours (called kernels) un-
der the ears or throat, bleed in proper quantity,;
clothe moderately, give warm comfortable majhes
for a few nights, and an ounce of nitre every
night and morning in the water.

It Is necefl^ary to be remarked and well re-
membered that the difeafe we now treat of^
by negleft and Inattention, fometimes degene-
rates to a confirmed glanders 5 a diftempef
well known to be attended with the incon-
veniences of difficulty, certain expenfe, and
inevitable danger; and where the circumflance
does really occur from the above caufe, if the
fufferings of the animal were not involved in
the event, the lofs of the horfe w^ould be a very
applicable punishment to the inhumayiiiy of
the mafter.

GLANDERS.

{ ^87 5

GLANDERS.

This difeafe has ever been to the fraternity
of Farriers what the gout, Jloney and confump-^
tion^ have proved to the faculty, a never-
failing fource for conftant attendance, long
bills, and large fums total. And though, like
all other diftempers, confidered incurable, "too
" ferious to make a joke of," I muft be in-
dulged in the efFufions of fancy naturally
arifing from a very minute inveftigation of the
cafe 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 ihould be ranked among
" the incurables: but a new light having been
" thrown upon the whole affair by the ftudy 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 propofed, with fome farther experi-
** ments and improvements, will foon bring to

i\ a certainty

2S8 G L A N D E R 1

** a certainty of cure (in mod cafes at leaft) ^
** diftemper fo dangerous to our horfes, and
*' 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 5" that *Mie has diftinguifhed
•' fevcn 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 diftinflions that con-
ftitute this great variety of glanders. He then
introduces a mofl: elaborate defcription of the
necejfary operation of trepanning, with an ex-^
planatory plate, fo invitiftgly finifhed that the
appearance of the apparatus is almoft fufficient
to induce any man to have his horfe's head
perforated (or laid open) merely to indulge in
the happinefs of becoming a voluntary dupe to
M. La Fosse's experiments.

His cures^ ah72oJi incredible, are theri enu-
merated ; you are told of three horfes he tre-
panned, each in two places: the internal parts
were conftantly fyringed, and they were per-
fectly recovered 5 ^[ the wound and perfora*

" tioti

GLANDERS. 2S9

*^ t!on filling up in twenty-fix days, the
'* horfes fuffering 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 (hall endeavour to render it perfectly appli-
cable to the fubjedt before us.

It

In the firft inftance, it may not be amifs to
make proper acknowledgments to the French
king's farrier, and \\\^ trumpeter^ Mr. Bartlet,
for dividing and fubdividing c?2e into [even
diftind (or imaginary) difeafes; in fhort,
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 copieft, without faying fome-
thing in animadverfion upon this attempt to
impofe upon the world in general, without

U even

290 G L A N D E R S.

even the bafis of confiilency for a founda-
tion.

To take this bufinefs a little methodically,
it may not be inapplicable (without any of-
fence to M. La Fosse or the Royal Academy
of Sciences, who fo generonfly patronized his
great difcoveries) to introduce a fhort ftory,
many years in circulation, of the celebrated
witty dean of St. Patrick, who, holding in
great contempt the learned acquifition of
F. R. S. addreffed a letter to the president,
" requefting him to take the fenfe of the body
** upon the peculiar properties of hemp^ that it
*' fhould, upon application, immediately cure a
** fraftured leg!" This letter (from fo great
a man), being communicated to the *' fel-
" LOWS," in full affembly, was produdive of
fequeftered ftudies, nodlurnal lucubrations,
and various experiments to almofl every indi-
vidual numerous meetings Vv^ere heldy but
confultation and emulation producing no dif-
covery, at the end of three weeks a fccond
letter arrived from the dean, ^' foliciting par-
** don for an omifTion in his laft, which was
*^ to inform the fociety that the leg ivas of
" WOOD." I introduce this circumftance not

4 33

GLANDERS. 291

as a burlefque upon fo great and learned a
body, but to prove that fach, as well as
individuals, are liable to error and mifcon-
itrudion.

My predecelTor (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 wifh or defue by " farther
" experiments and improvements," is beyond
my abilities to difcover; he defcends moft mi-
Butely to the operation of trepanning; or, in
plainer terms, taking two pieces of bone out
of different parts of the fcuU by perforation,
then plentifully ^^y^/:^^ with detergent lotiom^
adding a variety of inftrudlions for inje^ionSy
drejftngs. Sec. to complete a cure of what, till
theriy had been confidered incurable. To keep
up the farce of inconfiftency, we are at laft
confidently affured that fuch operations being
performed, '' after opening the cavities, fnould
'' it by probing be difcovered that the bones
*' are carious, (or, in other words, rotten) the
*' beft way then will be to difpatch the horfe,
'« to fave unnecePiary trouble and expenfe."
I cannot refill the temptation 1 feel to tranf-

U 2 pofe

2^2 GLANDERS.

pofe this language, and difplay it in plain Eng**
liJJj thus. In fad:, deprive the horfe of half
his head, in compliment to the pecuniary feel-
ings of the farrier, and if you find the remain-
ing half will not anfvver the purpofe of the
whole, cut his throat, or fhoot him through
the head, to fave ihe operators credit. Pre-
vious to the ferious inveftigation of this cafe,
I muft beg permiflion (in imitation of my
learned ^xtdiCCtSov H. Bracken, M. D.) to
introduce 2.fecond ftory not altogether inap-
plicable to this complicated chapter upon
heads.

A certain chymlfl: having dedicated much
time^ trouble^ and expenfr, to the preparation
of a balfamic elixir^ brought it at lajl to fo great
a degree of perfection that it would, upon
the firft application, inftantaneoufly incarnate,
cicatrize and cure a wound of the mod dread-
ful appearance. Having confirmed the difco-
very by a number of inferior inftances, he ap-
plied to his friend and fcrvant John to fit
down and have his head taken off and re-
placed with the elixir^ to demonftrate its ef-
ficacy. But John, knowing his duty better,
declined ia compliment to his mafter, who, he

injijlcd

GLANDERS. 293

infilled upon it, was entitled to the prefer-
ence, as the original inventor, and confe-
quently X.o all the credit and emolument ; the
mafter, (but not without fome relu6lance) fub-
mitted to the equity of John's decifion, who
feparated his mafter's head from the body mod
chirurgically-y when, having plentifully /^^^^/
both bead and trunk with the elixir of all
elixirs^ he inftantly replaced it; when, to the
happy admiration of both mafter and man, the
former (after a temporary torpitude) recover-
ing, walked towards the looking-glafs, where,
finding his face turned towards the fhoulderSy
accufed his confidant of having put his head
on the WRONG way; who mod prudently
and judicioufly replied, he had fo placed it to
enfure his mafler's credit-^ 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
qf the Academy of Sciences, M. La Fosse,
and the admirers of Bartlet's theory, for
the introdudlion of this " experiment and im-
" provement," fubmitting the inference en-
tirely to thofe gentlemen who have (unluckily
2X this moment) glandered horfes in their pof-
feffions.

u 3 ft

294 G L A N D E R S.

It would be rather inattentive and remifs in
me to pais over the uncharitablenefs, or rather
cruelty, of dooming to death the three horfes
fo trepanned^ fyringed^ and completely cured by
M. La Fosse ** in twenty-fix days^'' unlefs we
are to conceive the/>(?^/J/7/Vy of putting '* them
'* to death'* on the twenty-fixth day, to avoid
their natural dilTolution on the twenty-feventh,
the better to enfure the honour of the boafted
difcovery, and the additional *^ approbation
" of the Royal Academy of Sciences."

^ This pcjjibility may be very probable^ and in-
deed is no injuftifiable or unfafhionable policy
in phyfician, farrier, or quack, as every newf-
paper amply teftifies; they daily abound with
lingular, miraculous, incredible^ (imaginary)
cures, conftantly effeded by mercurial or an-
timonial noftrums, but not a fingle word of
the HUNDREDS that annually fall vidims
to the neceffities of medical adventurers, who,
w\C[i fortune fufficient to pay for an advertife^
77ienty half a icoxQ phials^ 2i Joint ion of mercury^
or a quart oifoap lees, boldly commence their
depredations upon the public j and this they
are now the more entitled to do by their ex-
tenfive contribution to the exigencies of go-
vernment,

GLANDERS. 295

vernment, whofe STAMP of approbation
they are in poffeffion of j and a report is in cir-
culation that one is at prefent preparing at the
office for theirjfeZ? difpenfation, with the very
emphatical infcription of ** Kill or cure by
^* a(fl of parliament.'*

A long experience, and want of faflilonable
fiexiJ3ility, has eftabli/lied in me fo great a
degree of incredulity, that I am totally infen-
fible to the novelty of a 7nan in a quart bottle y
a ghoft 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 na-
ture is liable, by a mercurial drop ^ an antimo^
nial pilly a vegetable fyrup, or an at her eat
fpirit: I fhall defcend therefore from the fub-
limity of io much eminence^ and, gently glid-
ing into the vale of reafon, refume the
original path from which it will be undoubt-
edly thought by some I have digreffed much
too long.

It confequcntly becomes necefiary to obferve

that, upon whatever part this difeafe has taken

its feat, it has been confidered by almoft all

parties, and through almoft all experiments,

U 4 abfolutely

296 GLANDERS.

abfolutely incurable. To corroborate an opi«
nion fo univerlally received and admitted, it
does not appear to me that a tedious technical
defcription of it? true feat, afcertaining it to be
in *^ the pituitary membrane, the maxillary
*^ finufles, the frontal fmuffes, or cavities
*' above the orbits of the eyes," can give addi-
tional weight, or enlighteii the underftanding
of the reader. The dull difcouraging defcrip-
tion of a misfortune, to evade the ultirnate
force of which there is no probable (or indeed
poffible) appearance, can prove but a very
flender 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 ridicukm
belief of SEVEN diftin(fl kinds of glanders, and
the ftill more ridiculous difcrimination by
which they are pretended to be brought about.
They are fo truly puerik and nugatory that a
medical man may (with as rnuck appearance
of truth and reafon) madly attempt to juftify
the abfolute exiftence of feven kinds o{ fmalU
pox or mea/lesy according to their different ftages
or gradations. The true ftate of his rcprefen-
tation (diverted of i-ts necejjary ambiguity) is
plainly this^ he has mutilated, feparated, and

complicated^

GLANDERS. 297

complicated; a variety of fymptoms, endeavour-
ing to form diflindions that may keep up thq
farce, and fupport the opinion he advances,
which neither the cafe or circunriftances will
admit; for the obtruding penetration of any
profeflionift inftantly plucks off the mafk of
fpeculation, and the intentional deception re-
coils upon the author v^^ith additional difgrace.

To denionftrate the cafe more comprehen-
fively or clearly, the fadl appears, that any
corrofive matter difcharged from the noflrils,
and fufFered to continue for a length of time,
fo as to conftitute ulcerations and ccrode the
bones, will inevitably degenerate into, and
conftltute, the difeafe generally underftood by
the api ellation of glanders; every ftagnant,
acrimonious, or putrid matter, is poffelTed of
this property, and more panicuiarly when
lodged (or by finufes confined) upon any par-
ticular part. Diverted of profeffional trick,
CHICANERY, and DECEPTION, this is the in-
controvertible explanation, whether proceeding
from an ulceration of the lungs, or the inve-
terate glandular difcharges from the head
(where the cafe is of long ftanding, and the
bone carious) they are equally incurable. Per-

fevering

298 GLANDERS.

fevering in my opinion, long fince quoted, that
preve7itton is preferable to cure^ I fliall point
out fuch methods as are the moft 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,
expenfe, and danger.

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

calculated

GLANDERS. 299

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

Should coughs or difficulty of breathings 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 decodion:

Take camomile, v/ormwood, marfiimallows,
and elder flowers, of each a large handful ;
boil in three quarts of water for a quarter of
an hour; then ftrain off, and foment the fwell-
ing 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

300 G L A N D E Ps S.

By this time fome degree of obfervatioii
may be made whether the tumours tend
to luppuration, if fo, they will increafe in fize,
becoming pliable or fofc to preffure in the
middle; in which cafe apply the poultice, and
proceed as direfted in the Strangles, p. 2S1,
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 difcoloured ; or bearing
different tinges, and ftreaked with blood; if
the former, it is faypurablea and the complaint
may be firft treated as directed under the
articles of cold and cough, p. 200; but fliould
it prove of the laft defcription, care {l:iould be
taken to afcertain the fad, that every precau-
tion may be ufed in its infancy to prevent
what may foon become a cafe of trouble and
difquietude. At any rate the following plar\
fhould be adopted without delay;

Take rofemary, lavender flowers, fouthernwood
and marjoram, of each a handful; boil in two
or three quarts of water ^ and, putting into a
pail, let the horfc's head be fixed over it as
near as pofTible, fo long as the fumes pafTing
up the noftrils can be luppofed to take efFe<^
as an internal fomentation.

GL ANDER S. 30I

By this method the vifcid and glutinous
matter may be foftened in the paffages^ and the
inflammatory ftiidure taken off the tumified
glands. This operation fhould be repeated
twice every day: all the pradice and prepar-
ations recommended under the heads of coughs
and ftrangles, with glandular difcharges from
the noftrils, 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 noflril, (or both, if the matter
fliould be fo difcharged) with a flrong forcible
i;/ringe, half a gill of the following injedion
three or four times a day, firft made milk
warm, and then thrown up with the full power
of the inilrument:

Take of iinfeed one ounce;

Camomile and elder flowers each half an ounce:
boil in three pints of water for feme minutes,
then ftrain off and add inel jEgyptiacum (or
Egyptian honey), four ounces, mixing well

together at each time of ufing.

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 injedion, putting
the horfe immediately upon a mild courfe of
undion in the following way : Let two, or at
moft three, drachms of the ftrong mercurial
ointjnent be very well rubbed into the glandu-
lar tumours, under the throat or ears, every
night for a fortnight ; firft taking away with
the fciffars all luperfluous or long hairs, that the
mercurial particles may be with more certainty
abforbed by the veflels, and taken into the cir-
culation. If the owner of a horfe labouring
under this difficulty wifhes, 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 indey,
and making exarnination under thcfe heads -,
an exad repetition of the numerous prefcrip-
tions being evidently unnecclTary where fo
little can be expected from their efteds.

Opinions have ever been different refpeding
this difeafe being communicated by infedion ;
and though feme have afe^ied to cppofe

the

GLANDERS. 303

the idea, they obliquely coincide ia opinion
by acknowledging it is much the fafeft way to
'' feparate the found from the unfound, and
** not run any hazard with a good horfe when
^' it may kc fo eafily avoided/' Whether we
confider this as a neceffary caution, or a proof
of conviction, the maxim is equally refpeda-
ble, and fhouid be ccnftantly retained in the
memory. Where there is the ieaft reafon to
fufpedt even a probability of danger from the
very chance of contagion 5 and more particu-
larly fince the .prevalence of opinion has re-
duced the belief of infedion to almoft a cer-
tainty, no perfon can hardly be found fuffi-
cknilyfool'baray to place a found horfe in a
ftabLe where one ftands, or is faid to have
htdy flood, with this diftcmper upon him.

It again becomes unavoidably neceffary to
make a few additional remarks upon the
boafted operation and difcovery of M. La
Fosse, from which fuch great and extenfive
advantages would h2.vt probabiy been obtained,
had the ungenerous ad been prevented of
taking away the lives of his three patients, after
they had withftcod the glanders, a double per-
foration

304 G L A N E5 E R g.

foratlon in (or drilling of) the fcidU reJDCated
wajljings of the brai?2S with detergent injec-
tions, and a fubfequent regetieratioji of parts.
That the Operations tJiay have betn performed
as defcribed, and the horfe (or three horfcs)
may have lived twenty-fix days, I do not at-
tempt to deny, nor is it in 7Jly power to dif-
prove; but this I will boldly venture to affirm,
that the certain expenje and hazard can be but
a veryflender lottery chance for any proprietor
who may unluckily have a horfe labour-
ing under the extremity cf this dreadful
difeafe*

I cannot believe, nor indeed do I expedlj
difintereftednefs can ever become fo truly
triumphant, as to permit any farrier to be fo
great an enemy to his own intereft as to re-
commend DEATH, or difcourage the expec-
tation of CURE, fo long as circumilances 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 expenfe, long ficknefs, attend-
ance, perpetual nurfing, and the danger of
infefting whatever horfes remain in. or may

come

GLANDERS. 305

tome to the ftable, is more the duty of others
to confider than me to point out.

Contrading therefore all the attending con-
fiderations into one point of view, I (hall
openly and fairly enter my opinion againft
the operation of trepmining^ fo plaufibly held
forth with all its fpecious advantages. For
what does the whole amount to more than
this ?— If the horfe fliould abfolutely recover,
and (what is ftill naore unlikely) become ade-
quate to the very purpofes he was deftined to
before the attack ^ when the long ilinefs^ /up-
prty attendance^ 2it\A farrier s bill^ are balanced
againfthis valu£, he muft be a mod excellent
horfe, and very much above the line of me-
diocrity, to have the credit accompt in his fa-
vour. In fad:, the moft probable conjedure
is, his inevitable diffolution^ but, fhould he
miraculoufly efcape from both the diftemper
and operator, ranking under the denomination
o{ a cured horfe y he may, perhaps, h^the?! qua--
lijied to linger out a wretched exiftence in fome
parkor pafture, but never enabled to encounter
labour or fatigue,

X The

3o6 G L A N D E R S.

The '' tafk of jufiice thus performed" I
take leave of this fuhjedl-, with an earned r
eonnmendation to aU dalles never to nes :
horfes, in the flighteft degree, when attacked
with colds, coughs, fbrangles, a running ar luc
nofe, or indeed any other complaint that may,
either by a rapid or gradual progreffion, dege-
nerate to a difeafe of fo much trouble, diffi-
culty, and danger. The rational fyftem of prac-
tice in this difcirder may be forcibly repeated,
and inculcated in a very few words. So long as
the attack continues in its early and firnple
flate, be induftrioufly attentive to the execution
ol fuch inftrudlions as are given under the dif-
ferent heads of thofe fvmptoms that are then
moft predominant; but, fliould patience and
fair trial demon (Irate 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
firft tinged with blood, then becoming deep m
colour and mofl offenfive in fmell, the carcafs
emaciated, and the whole frame Lnking under
univerfal depreffion, xh^firfi lofs will be ulti-
mately beft, in a refignation of his hide to the
collarmakei:, and his remains to the hounds.

Before

GLANDERS. 307

Before I clofe my obfervations upon this
difeafe, let it be well underftood that, during
£he 'vvhole courfe of management, the head of
the horfe is to be kept as warm as poiiible, and
in proportion much more fo than the body,
either in a double kerfey hood, or a (ingle ex-
ternal, and :^ iiannel (or feat cotton) one un-
derneath; for, it may readily be conceived
(without much information) nothing can con-
tribute more 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 afiifling circumftances
co-operate with and are as neceffary as the ex*-
ternal or internal adminiftration of medicine;
experience having afforded ample proof that
a combination may effed what is not in the
power of individuals to perform.

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

X 2 TaK'E

^68 STAGGERS, Lc.

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
balfam of fulphur or turpentine, till they are
fo well incorporated that the globules dilap-
pear, then add the lard (juft warm and lique-
fied) by fmall quantities, that it may be fuf-
ficiently 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 praftice, have, by nice attention, in
modern improvement, been nearly reduced to
the two heads under which we now write;
that is, fuch diforders as principally affedl the
head, having their feat in the brain or veffels
leading thereto. In this defciiption are in*
eluded thofe that have been formerly diftin-
guifhed under feparate heads, as Apoplexy^
Convulfions, Epilepfy, Stag-Evil, Palfy, &c.
but as fuch inveftigations (founded as they muft
be moftly upon conjedlure) will evidently ex-
tend the thread of information to an indeter-
minate

STAGGERS, &c. 309

niinate degree of refinement, I {hall decline
entering into the explanatory parts, fo minutely
and tedioufly defined upon former occafions,
reciting only the general fyftem upon which
the caufe is founded, and then proceed to quote
from other 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 modern com-
prehenfion, or generally credited, I know notj
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 diftindion. Experience
and obfervation may undoubtedly do much in
a colledion of fimilitudes and probabilities,
but never enough to afcertain the diftindl in-
variable caufes and effeds of difeafes, where
the moft trifling difference is hardly acknow-
ledged; more particularly when it is recon-
fidered that the caufe of nearly all thefe dif-
prders are in the original feat of nervous irri-

X 3 tability.

310 STAGGERS, &c.

lability, the brain; or in thofe partsconnedled
v/ith, or dependent upon, its ftrudure and
purpofes ; except when they are underftood to
be fymptomatic or depending upon fome ori-
ginal remote caufe 3 as the effcd: of bots prey-
ing upon the ftomach or inteflinesj internal
ulcerations, or complaints not immediately
difcoverable; thefe may fometimes happen ^^
but very rarely to effedl the frarne with fympr.
toms fo truly alarming.

To avoid entering into newdefcriptions and
unentertaining definitions, that muft be tech-
nical to be accurate, and confequently extend-
ed to a length that can neither gratify the ex-
pedation or improve the judgment of the ge-
neral reader, I fhall, in as concife a way as the
fubjedl will permit, introduce an abridgment
from the opinions of Gibson, which is in fact
furniiliing the whole advanced by his fuc-
cefTors; who, without exception, generoufly
tranfmitted his ideas and informations, for-
getting (or omitting) to elucidate the fubjedl
with any brilHant obfervations of their own.
«' APOPLEXY (%s he) is ufually defined
*^ a privation of fenfe and motion, excepting
*J only a languid one in the heart and breaft;

^' ^nd

STAGGERS, &c. 311

" and this either proceeds from a caufe with-
** oat the veflcls, viz. when the blood or any
'^ other fluid happens to break out of fome
*' veflel within the brain, or when there hap-
** pv ns to be preternatural bones or tumours
*' bred and contained within the fcull, or
" any other extraneous matter that may, ia
" any rort, prefs upon the foft fubftance of the
*' brain, caufing thofe deadly diforders* But
" this is a fpecies that is incurable, and, for
" the moft part, .feizes faddenly 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,
" objedls 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 fucceffively
upon the different parts of the retina^ an
' objedl that is at reft will therefore appear
as if turning round ; and this may be occa-
*' fioned either when an animal is fearful of
^f falling, or from a repletion or overfulnefs
X 4 '' of

312 STAGGERS, &c.

*^ of thofe arteries which are fituated near the
*' optic nerve, which, by preffing upon the
^' brain, will caufe a (baking in that nerve.

** Now (fays he) if we examine a little care-
^* fully into all the different appearances of
*^' that diftemper which farriers call the jiQg-
" gersy we fhall find them reducible to one
*' of thefe maladies above defcribed/* He
then proceeds to prove that the fkggers may
be the efted: of either i then mentions an at-
tack when the horfe is firft turned to grafs,
after a day or two's full feeding, and defines
that apopledic; and a fourth, that is, -' either
" a true apoplexy, or a vertigo, or perhaps
^' both." I omit enlarging here upon thefe
palpable abfurdities and direct contraditlions,
quoting them to demonftrate the rnconfiftency
of following him through all thefe turnings
and wi?2dings, to eftablifh a profeffional myf-
tery in deceptively attempting to afcertain dif-
tindions where none can with truth or cer-
tainty be formed,

*^ The following evil, or convulfions, (he
■ ^ fays) is that which, in the phyfician's terms,
f * comes under the denomination of an £/^

STAGGERS, Sec. 313

'^ lep/y, and feems to be no other th^n an
** APOPLEXY or VERTIGO, ac'companied with
*' convuUions, either as the caufe or effe£t."
This being a kind of fynonymous ambiguity^
I (hall fo confider it, and revert to his difini-
tion of con'vulJio?is at larger where he fays,
«' The caufe of convulfions are firft whatever
*<^ waftes and exhaufts the body, or any of
*Mts parts 5 as the taking away too much
«^ blood, violent purging, hard labour, or long
** ficknefs. Secondly, whatever fills the body
** too much, and gives origin to obftrudlions
'' in the blood veffels or nerves, or brings
'^ a debility and weaknefs into the ilomach;
^' and, laftly, wounds, or whatever elfe caufes
^* 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 clofc
written pages to perplex the mind and con-
found the judgment, milleading his readers by
repeated attempts to prove the diftind exiftence
pf all thefe feparate difeafes ; though at the
ponclufion of each defcription, he acknow-
ledges they are nearly fynonymous, and come
diredly under the fame methods of cure.

This

314 STAGGERS, &c.

This is abiblutely the fa6l brought into the
coiiipafs of truth, and will exculpate me fron>
the accufation of negledl or deception in not
treating feparately upon fuch difeafes ; and,
by introducing a train of imaginary fymptoms,
«ndeavour to give the appearance of weight
to what muft be termed a mere matter of
conjedure. As they are diforders that luckily
happen but feldom> I fliall confine myfelf to
their defcriptlon and treatment as the JIaggers
and coiivuIJiQns only; the inftrudlions neceffary
for the management of thofe being univerfally
admitted adequate to the intentional cure of
the long lift of et ceteras.

o

Horfes, upon the approach of any of thofe
diforders, whofe feat is direflly in the brain,
or nervous fyftem, difplay a previous Wieak-
ifiefs and inadtivity, feeming to move reiuc^
tantly, reeling or ftaggering in their walk,
frequently blinking their eyes, as feeling fome
aukward depreffion or uneafinefs from the ef-^
fed: of light; they are averfe to handling, and
brought out of the ftable with difficulty: in
time a vifible tremor comes on, and after
reeling (or frequently turning round, if loofe)

they

STAGGEPvS, &c. 315

they faii almoft lifeiefs 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 fimilar in caufe,
fymptoms, and efFeds.

The great variety of fymptoms that have
been hitherto worked up to a pitch of extra-
vagance, exciting a degree of credulity to the
difcrimination of thefe difeafes, would ren-
der it a palpable burlefque upon the fubje<fl
to go over a iimilar ground -, they having in-
cluded and enumerated every poffible fymp-
torn (common to all diftempers) in the de-
fcription of this clafs, determined to include
the zcboley that no or^e circumftance might be
wanting to juftify their affertions, or confirm
their judgment. Whether i4: is Epilepfy,
Palfy, Convulfioiis, or Stag-evil, fymptoms are
amply furnlflied: we are repeatedly told '* The
** horfe reels and ftaggers; his eyes are fixed
■' in his head; he has no fenfe of what he is
*' doing; he ftales and dungs infenfi-bly; he
*^ runs round and falls f uddenly ; /omefirNes
'* he is immoveable, with his legs ftretched out

*'as

3i6 STAGGERS, &c.

*' as if he was dead, except only a quick motion
*• of his heart and lungs, which caufes a violent
*^ working of his fl«nks; fometlmes he has in-
" voluntary motions and fliaking of his limbs
** fo ftrong, that he has not only beat and
** Ipurned bis litter but the pavement with it."
Here is ample proof how much I might in-
dulge myfelf in playing upon the alternatives
they admit, fo cantioujly guarded with their
^^i;^r^ of poilibility ; I could introduce a very
long chain of quotations in the fame fly le of am-
biguity or duplicity, plentifully Interfperfed with
their favourite fafeguard ^^fometimes he is up, and
*'^ jomeiimes he is down^ ^nd^foiiietimes he is hot,
*• znAfometimes he is cold-, fomettmes they reco-
^^ wcr^zud/ometimes they prove mortal," &c. but it
has ever been the intent of this work to make the
CAUSE, SYMPTOMS, and CURE of every difeafe
as clear as the nature of each cafe will admit;
being unavoidably interfperfed with medical
remarks and occafional explanations, where
technical terms could not be evaded -, I ihall
therefore revert no more to a fuccefiion or repe-
tition of fymptoms, where enough has been
already pointed out to explain to any rational
obferver a cafe originating in the caufes wc

now

STAGGERS, See. 317

now treat of^ and whichever it is, or to what
denomination it is mod properly entitled, the
feat of difeafe being the fame, the cure muft
be correfponding: but in thefe, and in all other
diforders, a little judgment muft be exerted
to regulate the treatment by circumftances, as
fymptoms cannot on every occafion be col-
lected from books, or be found in one diftem*
per always the fame.

Dlfeafes originating in the moft abftrufe re-
cefies of nature, and that will admit fuch a com-
plication of conftrudtions, may proceed from a
variety of caufes clearly comprehended; as, in
all probability, they may likewife from many
that we arc entirely unacquainted with. Among
the former is that caufe originating in the pre-
ternatural increafe of the velocity of the blood,
inftantaneouflyaffedingthe brain; as is annually
confirmed by the Icfs of hundreds, in madly
exceeding the bounds of humanity, and ex-
haufting the ftrength and powder of an animal
made by Nature fufficiently ftrong to bear
almoft every tafk 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

th@

3i8 STAGGERS, &;c.

the blood beyond the limits prefcribed by
Nature, I prefent to the reader's imagination
that infinity of moft beautifal horfes that upon
every principal road in England condantly fail
viaims 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 fpcedy journies, and
others imprudently rode, and improperly
managed, during chafes of great length, in
itrong deep countries, with fleet hounds.

Others become the fubjedls of thcfe dif-
crders from great irritation (with fevere and
excruciating pains) in the ilomach and bowels;
th« powerful effeds of worms or bots in the
inteftinal canal; fliarp acrid medicines; a re-
pulfion of any moibid matter from thefurface,
without its being carried off by proper evacu-
ations; or wounds, diflocations, &c. They arc
frequently known to attack very fuddenly, and
terminate in death very fpeedily; at others the

approach

3

STAGGERS, &c. 319

ippraach is indicated by the fymptoms before
recited. The moft rational methods of cure
will be to corredt or difcharge the primary
caufe, to allay the fpafms, and to reduce the
■extreme degree of irritability, by itrengthening
the nervous fyflem; the caufes of irritation are
not only remote but various, and relief muft
confequently be occafionally obtained by dif-
ferent means.

The firfl: ftep to cure will be, at all events,
to draw blood, and that in quantity according
to exigencies and the ftate of your fubjctiit.
In cafes of real alarm and danger bleed in two
veins remote from each other, to caufe the
greater revulfion: although it becomes abfo-
lutely neceflary to ftimulate and roufe the ani-
mal powers after the paroxyfm, little can be
done during the fit; however a glyfter may
be prepared, according to the following direc-
tions, and given as foon as pofTible.

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

give

325 STAGGERS, kcl
give the domejiic glyfier, p. 239, with did
addition of liquid laudanum half an ounce. \i
the continual preying and depredations of bots^
or worms, are the caufe, give, for the prefent^
the following ^/)'Ar 5 and fo foon as the horfe
is fufiiciently recovered to go through the
courfe, proceed as direded under that head :

Take of rue, favin, and wormwood, each a
handful ; boil a quarter of an hour in twoi
quarts of water, with four ounces of common
fait-, then ftrain and add tinfture 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 (harp or acrid medicines, make an addi-
tion of two ounces of Venice treacle, and three
drachms of liquid laudanum to the common
domepc ghjier before fpeclfied. For fimilar
complaints proceeding from indeterminate
caufes, the glyjler^ p. 45> will be undoubtedly
applicable.

Should fpafms or convulfions prove fo vio-
lent that, by a contradion of the mufcles, the
S .ws are locked, or fixed, for any confiderable
ieugth of time (the fit being of long duration),

reccuffe

STAGGERS, &c. 321

recourfe muft be had to nutritive glyfters, that
the frame may be fupported, notwithftand'ng
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 decodion of ground rice mixed
with (larch. So foon as the fit is fufficiently
off, to admit the advantage of medicine, give
the following ball, if it can be conveniently
adminiftered :

. Take myrrh, ammoniacum, and afafoetida, of
each three drachms j
Ruflia caftor and camphire each a drachm ;
Syrup fufficient to make the ball.

This (hould 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 circumftances or fymptoms
may render a drink more convenient, the
following may be prepared and given at the
above Hated intervals:

Take

322 STAGGERS, &c.

Take of valerian root and horferadifli root
(fcraped 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 flrain
through a cloth, ufmg prefTure to the ingre-
dients, that the whole may be extraded.
Half of this to be given for one dofe, and re-
peated in fix, eight, or ten hours, as circum-
ftances may require.

In cafes of danger, and at a great diftance
from towns where the above articles cannot
be immediately obtained, fubftitute a ftrong
infufion, of rue, camomile, horferadifh, muf-
tard, or pennyroyal; taking two ounces of each
of the three that can be moft expeditioully
procured, and pour upon them three pints of
boiling water; let them ftand till nearly cool,
ftralnoft, and give the proportion above direct-
ed, repeating it as there fpecified; remem-
bering this is prefcribed 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.

When

STAGGERS, Sec. 323

When the fit is gone off, fliould the fubjecfl
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 Shifting from place to
place. In fuch cafe anodynes will afford the
greatefl: certainty of relief^ therefore give either
the following ia/i or aVink fo foon as conve-
nient:

Take galbannm, afafoetida, and florax pill, each

half an ounce;
Syrup of diacodium fufficient to make the ball.

Or,

Take of valerian root one ounce and a half, Hiake
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 fufficienily cool drain off, and add tinc-
ture of afafoetida one ounce, liquid laudanum
two drachms, giving the whole a iitile warm»

If the fpafms or twitchings are frequent and

violent, the drink will be preferable to the ball,

Y 2 as

324 STAGGlgRS, &c;

as coming by much the readiefl: into aflion and

effedt. Where this medicine cannot be given

as a drink, it may as a glyder, either with or

Vr'ithout the faffron, repeating it at any diftance

of time that occafion or circumftances may

require.

Should any local paralytic affection, ort:on-
tradtion of the mufcle, produce a ftiffiiefs or
inadivity upon any particular part, fridion,
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;

i^therial oil of turpentine and camphorated
fpirits of wine, each four ounces — Mix to-
gether, and let the afFeded parts be fubftan-
tially bathed with fuch proportion as may
be adequate to the cafe every night and
morninji.

Or,

Take opodeldoc fix ounces ;

Oils of origanum, amber, and wormwood, of
each half an ounce. — Mix well together, and
ufe as above.

Whichever

STAGGERS, &c. 325

Whichever is adopted (though the former
is certainly the firft in power and higheft in
eftimation) mufl: be rubbed into whatever part
may be afFeded with great patience and affi-
duity, as nothing but length of time and per-
feverance in the operation can effe(ft a fuffi-
cient penetrnion to the remote feat of com-
plaitu. Horles that are of a full plethoric
habit, when attacked with this difeafe, fliould,
fo fuon after recovery as they are able to bear
it, be brought under a courfe of regular eva-
cuatjors, fach as are moft applicable to their
fize, ftare, conftitution, and condition. If
they are inclined to fludtuating 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 ftomach and bowels have been the
feat of difeafe from irritability, either by inter-
nal weaknefs or improper treatment, affift the
general fyftem with a dozen of the reftorative
cordial balls (p. 209), after a proper conti-
nuance of the nervous medicines, letting one
J)e given every morning. If from worms, fo
foon as he is iufficiently recovered from the
Y 3 alarming

326 STAGGERS, 5^c.

alarming ftate of difeafe, give one of the mer-^
curial purging balls^ according to his ftate and
temperament, regulating the courfe as parti-
cularly explained in p. 261 and 262.

The general and proper mode of treatment

in every ftage of thefe complaints having

been explicitly introduced, I (hall beg leave

to obferve, prefcriptions and compofitions in^

numerable might be added, in compliance with

cuftom, to give the fubjecfl an appearance of

greater wtight, by prolonging, extending, and

varying the methods of cure. But the faft

is, fuch clafs of medicines are at once brought

forward for every difeafe as are well eftablifhed

and high in eftimation, for their different ef-

fedls, that paltry, extraneous, deceptive aids,

may be totally rejedled to prevent unneceffary

trouble, expenfe, and difappointment. In the

prefent we have nearly abandoned the ancient

praftice, we applaud no '* burning fetons with

*^ red hot irons," recommend no " chewing

*' balls to champ upon," covci^oi^dioi afajceti da,

favin^ and a combination of articles to create a

naufea, and render the ftomach eternally un-

cafyj nor do we adopt the fyftem of *' flitch-

I *' ing

STAGGERS, &c. ^i^

^' ing up in the ears ^^r//V, rue, aquavitce^
'' cloves, ginger, and bay fait,'' either as re-
medies or provocatives to madnefs; but fub-
mit to public confideratlon and pradice fuch
methods of treatment and cure as are founded
on the bafis of fafety, reafon, and experience.

4 CLASS.

( 328 )

CLASS IX.

CHOLIC, SCOURING, and MOLTEN
GREASE,

C H O L I C.

It has been a profeflional cuftom, time im«
memorial, to diftinguifih every diforder of the
ftomach and b wels producing extreme pain,
by the denomination of gripes, or the
FRET; though little has been produced by the
beft writers to explain the different caufes, and
ftiil lefs to eftablifh a confif^ent method of
cure. This deficiency, it mufl be acknow-
ledged, has not arifen from a want of pre-
fcriptions; on the contrary, they have been
moft liberally difpenfed; but when the great
variety of recipes that have been offered to
public experiment become fubjedt to the ac-
curate

C H O L I C, &e. 329

curate infpedion of the enlightened praflitionci ,
the may perhaps appear to be more the col«
lefted eftafions of /i^;?ry'than the efFeft ofyV^-
77ient. As it is not, however, the prefent in-
tention to divert the mind to former modes of
pradic^, let us endeavour to mak:^ the diftindl
caufes of complaint properly underftood, pre-
vious to the introdudion of fuch courfe of
medicines as experience\\^% clearly demonftrated
moft fafe and applicable to the relief of diieafes,
upon which we proceed to treat.

The diforders to which horfes are mofl
fubjed in the ftomach and bowels (exclufive of
thofe occafioned by worms and bots, already
feparately treated on) are thofe kin^^s of Cholic
which it will be neceffary to diil:inguini as the
flatulent and irflammatory. The Flatulent
Cholic is that Ipecies of inttdinal pain, occa-
fioned by an accumulation and retention of
wind, which, by its expanding force, in a
conftant fluduation and effort for difcharo-c.
extends the ftomach and inteftines to a certain'
degree (or perhaps their utmoft elaflicity)^
when coming into dired oppofition with the
contrading power of the abdominal mufcles,
fertain pain is excited in a greater or lefs de-

oree,

:i2o C H O L I C, &c,

grce, according to the circumference and exten-
fion of the parts, the colledion of confined air,
and the proportional fpafm produced by its
ejffefls.

This kind of Cholic comes on fuddenly, and
may, in general, be readily diftinguifhed 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 farting;
drinking cold water when hot, or in too large
quantity; or when the obftruded perfpirable
matter is thrown immediately upon the bowels
by a powerful revulfion, effedled in a change
from heat to extreme cold, &c. There is no
gradual progreffion in this complaint from flight
fymptoms; its appearance is mollly fudden,
and attack violent; the fubjed bceomes in
more meafure outrageous j he fl:rikes his belly
with his feet, looks wildly on either fide to^
wards his hind parts, lies down unexpefliedly,
and rifes as fuddenly. When the pain is ex-r
cruciating, vibrations of the whole frame are
perceptible; to thefe a palpable moifiure or
fweat fucceed, but not of long duration; a
rigour or (hivering frequently follows the per-
fpiration; he repeatedly lies down, rolls him.-

fdf

CHOLIC. &c. 331

felf upon his litter 3 and, feeming exhaufted
with pain, ftretches himfelf oat as in a dying
ftate. The firft ftep to relief mud be regu-
lated, in fome meafure, by the eafe or difficulty
of obtaining thofe articles that are rendered by
circumftances moft 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:

Take anifeed powder one ounce j

Mithridate half an ounce j

Grain of Paradife and ginger (both in powder)

of each two drachms;
Oils of juniper and anifeed each a drachm;
Syrup fufficient to make the ball.

This ball to be repeated in two hours if the
urgency of the cafe {l:iould render it necellary;
OR the contrary, if the fymptoms are much
alleviated by the iirft, repeat ii in four or fix
hours as circumftances may require. Where a
drink is thought preferable, or the adminiftra-
tion more convenient, and the ingredients can
be eafily obtained, prepare the following:

Take

332 C H O L I C, &c;

Take coriander, fweet fennel, anife feeds, and
Jamaica pepper, bruifed, each an ounce and
half; grains of Paradife half an ounce •, gin-
ger two drachms. Bruife feparately in a mor-
tar; then boil in three pints of thin gruel for
ten minutes ; ftrain and add of compound ani-
feed water, or, in want of thai, Geneva or
brandy half a pint: of this compofition let half
be given fo foon as polnble, and the remain-
der in two, four, or fix hours, as the miti-
gation or feverity of fymptoms may didate.

If the diilance from a town, or difficulty of
obtaining the above preparations, fhould render
a fubftitute unavoidable, the following attempt
to relieve fhould be inftantly adopted :

Take of ginger, caraways, nutmegs, Jamaica
pepper-, or in hS: of any two fpices (the
houfe affords in the emergency), each an
ounce; bruifc together in a mortar, and boil
a few minutes in three quarters of a pint of
gruel or ale, with tv/o or three ounces of fugar;
then drain and add a gill of Geneva or brandy,
giving the drink moderately warm.

This, in country places, and remote farm-
houfes, may be found an uleful and convenient
fubftitute during the time unavoidably neceffary

tp

CHOLIC, &c. 333

Co procure more powerful and efficacious re-
medies.

After a repetition of either of the two former
compoiitions, fhould the horfe not be relieved
either by evacuations of ftcol, 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 efFedl, 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 ^Ay?t^r
fhould be prepared and adminlftered with the
greateft expedition.

Take camomile, marflimallows, wormwood,
elder flowers, or rofemary, of any two molt
convenient, each a large handful; Jamaica
pepper, and fenna, of each one ounce; gin-
ger (bruifed with the pepper) half an ounce •
boil in two quarts of water for a quarter of an
hour, (train off, prefTing the ingredients ; 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 paiTage by gradual
and gentle prefllire.

This

334 C K O L I C, Sec.

This is to be repeated in three or four hours,
if by the evacuation of foul indurated excre-
ments and expulfion of wind a proportion or
relief is obtained, but the fubjedl not perfectly
at eafe; on the contrary, (hould no reUef be
obtained, and the horfe continue in extreme
pain, recourfe muft be inftantly had to the
following laxative Jnnk, which, if circum-
fiances require, muft be occalionally repeated
till relief is obtained by great expulfions 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 ftrain and
diiTolve in the liquid four ounces of lenitive
eled:uary, and fix drachms of folubile tartar;
adding three ounces of tindure of fenna, and
one of [he tindture of jalap.

So foon after this as the horfe is inclined
fupply him frequently with fmall quantities of
lubftantial gruel moderately warm; and when
he is fo much relieved that the pains have evi-
dently fubfided, in confequence of either of .the
above modes of treatment, let him be fupplied
with comfortable maflies, and warm water
(flightly impregnated with gruel) at proper

intervals.

CHOLIC, &c. 335

Intervals, for a few days; confirming the cure
and flrengthening the ftomach and bowels,
by giving, for a few mornings, one of the
rejlorative cordial balls, prefcribed in p. 209.
The judicious inquirer will obferve, the former
fiery pracTtice (of pepper, gin, turpentine, brine,
and a long lift of et ceteras) 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-
greffional alternatives, being abfolutely adequate
to every poffibility of relief, where the col-
ledion and retention of wind are fuppofed to
conftitute the diforder paffing under the general
denomination of FRET, or cholic.

The diftina Kind of CHOLIC

I now proceed to explain is diftinguiflied, in
common pradice, by the appellation of Gripes;
but, for the better comprehenhon of all parties,
I (hall confider it an inflammiatory Cholic,

without

33^ GHOLIC, &c.

x^'ithout reverting to the language of others;
terming that '* bilious/' to which, in my
humble opinion, there can in this inftance
be no bilious explanation appertaining. In the
predominant fymptoms of thefe kinds of Cholic
there is but little difFerenccj 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 coftivenefs, with great accumulation of
indurated faeces, or hardened excrements. The
redum, fcems loaded, and vifibly preffed to the
fundament, which appears prominent; a con-
ftant ftraining and endeavour to expel dung,
with no other difcharge than a difcoloured
hot, (harp liquid; a frequent pofition is formed
for ftaling without fucccfs ; and the extreme
pain foon produces fymptomatic fever, with
fhort breathing, heaving in the flanks, extra-
vagant a6lions, and general exertions, that very
much alarm with the apprehenfion of imme-
diate danger. To allay which, it will he ad-
vifeable to take ofl:' the fpafm or flridure from
the inteftines, by an expeditious folution and
difcharge of their contents, thereby preventing
inflammation and its certain, if not immediate,
confequenccs. This defirable event muft be

folicited

C H O L I C, Sec. ^ 337

(biicited by a combination of efforts, without
inconfiderately waiting hour after hour for the
refalt of a fingle adminiftration ; a janclion of
aid.muft therefore be formed for the occafion,
and the following glyjier prepared and injeded
without delay :

Take of common gruel three pints;
Epfom faks four ounces ;

Tin(flure of fenna and olive oil each a quarter of
a pint.

This being adminiftercd let a laxative driiik
be prepared with the following ingredients,
and given fo foon as circumftances will
permit :

Take fenna one ounce ;

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
dilfolve four ounces of Glauber faks, then
flrain and add tindlure of jalap one ounce.

If relief and plentiful evacuations are not
obtained by thefe means fo foon as may rea-
fonably be expeded, prevent (if poffible) the
increafe of inflammatory fymptoms, by taking

Z awaj'

338 C H O L I C, Szc.

away a moderate proportion of blood from
the neck^ for, in this advanced ftage of the
diforder, appearances of danger can only be
fubdued by a removal of obftrudions. It may
therefore be naturally inferred (without intro-
ducing, in compliance with cuftom, a multi-
plicity of prefcriptions to embarrafs the mind
and perplex the judgment) that thefe efFeds
can only be produced by perfeverance in a
repetition of either or both the above, as exi-
gencies may dired or didate, till the neceffary
difcharges are obtained; without which, in-
flammation and mortification will inevitably
enfue. Glyfters muft confequently follow
each other, without much intermiffion, till
the point is carried ; to promote which, let
fmall quantities of v/arm thin gruel be fre-
quently offered, with one ounce of nitre in
each: warm rnaflies may alfo be given, if the
horfe fhould be inclined or enabled to receive
them.

Immediate eafe generally fucceeds the necef-
fary evacuations, the fubjed then only labour-
ing under the laffitude that is fo conftantly the
concomitant, of extreme pain. AH obftruc-
tions therefore being removed, and plentiful

difcharges

CHOLIC, &c. 339

difcharges obtained, contribute the fjpport
that Nature will fo evidently (land in need of,
by preparing a comfortable warm mafh of
oats and bran equal parts; into which flir of
anifeed, liquorice^, and elecampane powders,
each one ounce. In two or three hours after
this mafli is confumed give the following
cordial jiomachic halU 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 mitkridate and anifced Cin powder) of

each half an ounce \
Saffron and London philonium each two

drachms ;
Oil of anifeed one drachm •, Syrup (if necef-

fary) to make the ball.

THE CORDIAL CARMINATIVE DRINK.

Take anife, coriander, and Aveet fennel ^^^^^y
of each one ounce; carraway feed and gin-
ger each half an ounce. Let them all be
reduced to a grols powder, and boiled in a
pint and half of gruel till reduced to a pint -,
then drain, preffing the ingredients, and lee
it be given of a proper warmth.

Z 2 This

340 C 11 O L I C, &c.

This will prove, upon moft occafions, all
the medical affiftance the fubjedt will require;
but after recovery his flate and condition
{hould be attended to; no flrong exercife or
cold water can be proper for the firft two or
three days; his feeds (hould like wife be regu-
lated by appetite or inclination; rather feeding
often, and in fmali quantities, than to hazard
a relaxation of the tone of the ftomach, and
a debilitation of the digefiive powers, by
large feeds at diftant periods. If there arc
any indications of vveaknefs, languor, inac-
tivity, lofs of appetite, heavinefs and averfion
to motion^ or flight fymptoms of pain, pro-
ceed to a courfc of the cordial balhy p. 209,
giving one every morning, or every night and
morning, fhould any of the above recited cir-
cumftances render it neceffary. Previous*. to
the final difmilTion of this article, it cannot
be 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 inftance) may almofl
inftantly arife from what at firft may appear
trifling and fuperficial.

Invariable

C H O L I C, Sec. 341

Invariable refoluuons fhould therefore be
formed and adhered to, ftrid'tly avoiding what-
ever may conditute the foundation of either
trouble or danger. A horfe fhould never be
fjfFjred to (land long in a wet and dirty con-
dition, after chafi or journey 5 to drink cold
water when hot, or fpring water from well or
pump when pond or river can be obtained :
his feeds fhould be likewife regularly difpenfed,
with proper refpe6t to equation in time and
proportion in quantity. The quality as well
as quantity of both hay and corn muft ever
be held in conftant remembrance ; thefe being
jointly and individually neceiTary to a per-
manent eftablifhment of health, ftrength, and
condition. To poiTefs all which in a high
degree, and to be produced for flrong and
powerful exertions in the field or on the road,
his regular confumption fhould be two buduls
of oats and two truffes of hay per week.

The flate of the body refpedting evacua-
tions fhould not be negleded ; regularity in
thefe will be equally neceffary with punduality
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 SCOURING. 6cc.

colour (inclining to that of a new guinea),
moderate in confidence, regular and adhefive
in form, coming away without great efforts
and an extenfion of the fundament, approach-
ing to pain, the body may then be confidered
in a proper and healthy ftate ; but when the
dung comes away with feeming labour, is
remarkably hard in fubftance, very dark in
colour upon falling, and ilrong or fcetid in
fmell, it maybe fairly concluded, the contents
of the intefdnes are indurated, and nearly ap-
proaching a ftate of difeafe. When they are
obferved to be in this condition a gentle pro-
motion of evacuations, or courfe of purga-
tives, may be premifed, as very fUutary pre-
ventatives to danger, expenfe, and trouble,

SCOURING, or LOOSENESS.

An aphorifm of the juftly celebrated Boer*
haave, that *' Nature never purges herfelf but
" when (he wants purging," is io firmly fixed
upon the bafis of truth, that it has been very
feldom flibjedt to exception. But there are, in

faft,

SCOURING, &c. 343

fad, rules fo few, (either phyfical or moral)
that will not admit of Tome, it can create no
furprife that the maxims of fo great a man
Ihould be entitled to their trifling proportion.
To elucidate a text from authority fo truly ref-
pedtable, and bring the matter into a fair dif-
cuffion for every comprehenfion, it will be
unavoidably rheceifary to enlarge a little upon
the fubjedl: we wifh clearly to explain.

The fadl is, when a quantity of grofs food
and collecled impurities are accumulated and
pent up within the confined limits of the in-
teftinal canal, whether obftrufted in the firft
or laft pafTages, the inconvenience (though dif-
ferent in fymptoms) may be ultimately the
fame in eitedt. For the aliment, by the ob-
ftrudion in its natural progrefs, through the
ftomach or inteftines, and preternatural reten-
tion there, acquires a degree of acrimonious
malignity, that, at a certain period, (depend-
ing upon the habit and conftitution), ftimulates
and begins to ad uDon the internal coat of the
inteftines, till, by the ftimulus of one, and the
irritability of the other, a folution of the ex-
crements enfue; and Nature is enabled to re-
lieve herfelf, by throwing off that load which

Z 4 the

344 SCOURING, &c.

the attention of the maiier, and the interpo-
fition of art, would fometimes do well to re-
move. And this is the more neceflary to be
retained in memory, when it is recoliefted
that where Nature fails in, or is inadequate
to, the produdion and completion of this
effort, in her own defence, fhe becomes
gradually overpowered ; the inteftines are
enormoufly loaded, and the over-repletion at
length inevitably conftitutes the Gripes, or In-
flammatory Cholic, on which we lail: treated.
But where Nature is fortunately adequate to
her own work, and the accumulation is fpon-
taneoufly carried off, Boerhaaves maxim is
fiddly verified; and it becomes palpably clear
to every obferver Nature does not purge her-
felf till fhe wants purging.

This kind of Lax, or Loofenefs, is moft rea-
dily diftinguifhcd from fuch as arife from other
caufeSj the horfe is previoufly dull, heavy, and
inadive, feemingly oppreffed, and vifibly over-
loaded, though without any appearance of
extreme pain, but fubjed to a general difqui-
etude; the dung firft comes away with a de-
gree of folidity; the evacuations then become
more frequent, and at laiT: loofe; the difcharges

are

SCOURING, &c. 345

are at length rapid in fucceffion, large in quan-
tity, darlc in colour, foetid in fmell; bearing
the appearance of impregnation with greafe,
as if with feme foul oily lubllance in the intef-
tines, limilar to the laft difcharge after the
injr(5i:ion of a glyfler. Nature, in the prefent
iaftunce, generally performs her own work
with fo much eaie, that the leaft 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 afFedl more or lefs, according to cir-
cumftances and the ftate of the fubjed aded
upon) to debilitate the frame, it will be moft
prudent to give the following laxative drinks
and affift Nature in carrying off what it would
be highly improper to reftrain :

Take fenna and cream of tartar each two ounces;

Epforii ialts three ounces ^

Ginger bruiled half an ounce. — Boil in a pint of
thin gruel for ten minutes; then ftrain and let
it be given a little warm, and the gentle ope-
ration encouraged by frequent fmall quantities
of gruel water.

On the contrary, fhould this plan be rejedled
as unneceiTary, and the loofenefs or fcouring

continue

346 S C O U R I N G, &c.

continue for any length of time, fo as not only
to expel the accumulated contents, but, by its
{harp and acrid quality, to ftimulate the intef-
tines and caufe an expulfion of the mucus,
(with which they are internally guarded) with
ineffedual flrainings and painful fcnfations,
warm cordial reflringents will be highly necef-
fary, and may be admiuiftered in the follow-
ing forms :

A CORDIAL RESTRINGENT BALL.

Take diafcordium fix drachms, gum arable,
prepared chalk, and armenlan bole, each half
an ounce ^ ginger (in powder) one drachm ;
oil of aniieed forty drops ; fyrup, a fmall
quantity, to complete the ball.

This may be repeated (ix, eight, or tVv^elve
hours, as the feverity of the cafe may require 3
the rejlringent rnajlo (p. 46), may be occa-
fionally brought into ufe. If folid food is re-
fufed, a gruel fhould be given for drink, made
fo thick as to be but barely liquid. If \ht ex-
peded relief be not foon obtained, and the
fubje dt is affecSed with fpafms or twitchings
in the inteftines, add to the above ball two

drachms

SCOURING, &c. 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 added to his gruel
once in every five or fix hours.

Where a ball is found inconvenient, or a
drink preferred^ let the following be prepared:

Take calcined (commonly called burnt) hartf-
horn three ounces ;

Gum arabic one ounce;

Cinnamon half an ounce •,

Ginger two drachms. Boil in a quart of water
till it v/ill produce a pint clear of the ingre-
dients •, then itrain and add tindture 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
affiftants, are admirably calculated to reflore
the tone of the inteftines, and reduce their
irritability. No larger field for relief need be
explored; increafe or diminifh any of the dif-
ferent ingredients, as circumftances may re-
quire or judgment direfl; and bring the dofes

of

348 S C O U R I N G, &c.

of either nearer to each other, if appearances
of danger juftify the neceffity.

Should the predominant fymptoms refufe
fubmiffion to a repetition of the medicines
here prefcribed, prepare the following anodyne
glyjiery and repeat it once in eight or twelve
hours till fuccefs attends the joint admini-
ftration ;

THE ANODYNE CLYSTER.

Take linfeed two ounces-, gum arable one
ounce. Boil in two quarts of gruel for fome
time-, then ilrain 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 prcfilire.

So foon as the inteflinal acrimony is ob^
tunded by thefe means, and the excrements
refume their "briginal form, let the return of
natural ftrength be folicited by every care and
attention ; give cccafionally warm comfortable
maflies, as moft applicable to the ftate of ap-
petite, and let no water entirely cold be drank
for fome days 5 introduce your dry feeds by

de.^rees.

SCOURING, &c. 349

degrees, and let half a dozen of the cordial
balls, (p. 209), be brought into ufe ; giving
one every morning or evening to prevent flatu-
lence, and ad as a warm reftorative flimulant
to the ftomach and inteflines.

Having fo much enlarged upon this diftindl
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 ftate of the fiomach, and a debility or
weaknefs of the powers neceifary to the pur-
pofes of digeftion. The lofs of appetite is
occafioned by a relaxaiion of the elafticity or
natural tone of the ftomach; the blood is im-
poverilhed by a deficiency in its nutritious fup-
port of chyle through the ladeals ; and the bile
becomes equally defedive, in being deprived of
its due proportion of (limulus, confequently
inadequate to the talk it is deflined to perform.

The chain of operation being thus obfirud-
ed, the whole fyftem is in a great meafare de-
ranged, and the half digefted aliment foon
engenders fermentation by its acidity; and, in
5 an

356 S C O U R I N G, &c.

an effort of Nature, prepares itfelf for ap-
proaching expulfion. The inteftines, from
the crude indigefted aliment, and inert ftate of
the bile, foon become relaxed, and their con-
tents run off almoft fpontaneoufly, the horfe
feeming little prepared for or concerned in the
event. The difcharges continuing, become in
a few days almoft inceffint, and conftitute fre-
quent irritations, and fevcre ftrainings to dung,
with no other effed than an ichorous fcalding
liquid, or trifling evacuations of flimy mucus,
from the internal coat (or lining of the in-
teflines.

In this particular cafe there requires a ge-ie-
ral relief to the univerfal debility of the intef-
tinal trad; the firft ftep to which muft be to
flieath the acrimony, and reduce irritability in
both the firft and laft paffages ; then gradually
reftore the powers of digeftion, and invigorate
the whole fyftem by a courfe of fiomachic
reftoratives.

THE ANODYNE RESTRINGENT BALL.

Take of India rhubarb, and compound powder
of gum dragon, each half an ounce ; columbo
root (in powder) two dr^^chms ; ginger (in

powder)

S C O U R I N G, &c. 3^1

powder) one drachm ; opium fifteen grains ;
conferve of orange peel fix drachms ; fyrup of
diafcordium fufficient to form a ball.

This 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, burni: hartfhorn, and gum arabic,
of each one ounce •, boil in a pint and half of
water to a pint; then llrain and add lindture
of cinnamon two ounces^ liquid laudanum
two drachms.

Let this be given every morning for three in
fucceflion ; the i'eftririgent majh (p. 46) may
be occafionaily offered, or, in refufal of that
and dry corn, give a warm mafli at proper pe-
riods, compounded of bran and ground oat-
meal equal parts; if the ftimulus and irritation
continue, without any perceptible remiflion or
fubmiffion of fymptoms, let the following
glyfter be given once in every twenty- four
hours.

THE

352 SCOURING, Sec*

THE ANODYNE STARCPI CLYSTER.

Take boiled (larch, of moderate confiftence,
three pints-, gum arable (in powder) two
ounces; liquid laudanum half an ounce i cold
drawn linieed-oil four ounces.

' So foon as the purging (or rather irritation
and draining) is fubdued, the appetite will
confequently increaie, and become in fome
meafure reftored ; attend to that circum-
fiance, and promote it by every poffible means,
affifting for three or fix mornings with one of
the following rejtorative Jiomachic balls.

THE RESTORATIVE BALL.

Take Venice treacle half an ounce ; Peruvian
bark fix drachms , columbo root and camo-
mile flowers (in powder) of each tv/odrachmsv
oil of caraways five-and-twenty dropsj honey
fufficient to make the ball.

If the horfe (liould be very much reduced in
flefli, continue weak in body and appetite,
forming the appearance of general debilitation^
let the frame be univerfaily aflifled, and the
cure completed by a dozen of the balls pre-
fcribed (p. 209); giving one every morning
either in the (late there dired'ed or diffolved
in a fufBcient portion of grueh

MOLTEN

( 353 )

MOLTEN GREASE.

Is a dlforder produced in general by top
great, fudden, or powerful exertions, when a
horfe is not in proper condition : as firong and
fevere hunting, long and fpeedy journies, or
hard driving in carriages, when firfl: taken
from grafs loaded with impurities 3 juft out of
a dealer's poffeffion, full of light flatulent food ;
or when too full of flefh for violent exercife.
In fuch cafes, from the internal heat, increafed
circulation, and temporary inflammation, the
fat feated upon the membranes in various
parts of the body undergoes rarefadion and
rapid folution, making d'fcinct efforts for dif-
charge by the different emundories. The
proportion neareft the vefTels becomes abforbed
by the blood (retarding circulation), thereby
producing fome degree of fever ^ another part
makes its appearance with the excrem.ents ; a
third portion fixes upon the lungs, and ob-
flruds refpiration; to thefe a laxation of the
inteftinal contents fucceed j and laftly, a loofe-
nefs, or fcouring, of which we lafl treated 5

A a f©

354 MOLTEN GREASE,
fo tbat in the prefent inftances we plainly per-
ceive the poflibility of almoil a coniplication
of difordcrs, originating in a finglecaufe, and
the foundation of that cause indifcretion.

A little refiedion upon the incontrovertible
truth of this obfervation will fuiely point out
to every kumane m after and faithful fervant
the great 'danger of cver-ridingy drivings 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
negled than by chance or accident. The fub-
je(5l we now treat on proves (more than any
other) the abfolute neceffity of infuring con-
dition previous to a courfe of conilant bufi-
nefs; this muft be obtained by a proper re-
moval of thofe impurities or 'uifcidities that lay
the foundation of what the lineal defcendants
from Vulcan have, time out of mind, denomi-
nated bwnours.

That procefs, when firfl: taken up from
grafs, or too full of flefli, is particularly ex-
plained

MOLTEN GREASE. 355

plained under the heads of feedhig^ bleedings '
and purging^ in the early part of this work ;
including inftrudions that cannot be too much
refpeded or perfevered in, by thofe who wida
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 poflef-
for of a numerous dud to the more humble
dependant whom fortune perfuades to be com^
puljively content with one.

The fymptoms are in different fubjeds
more or lefs violent, according to the ftate
and condition at the time of attack; varying
in ail, either in a greater or leiTer degree, in
proportion to the parts mod affeded by the
fudden revullion and original caufe. Where-
ever the folution has proved moft partial, the
effed will become moft 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 is ge-
A a 2 nerally

356 MOLTEN GREASE,
nerally afFeded, and preternaturally loaded,
fever muft confequently enfue. Thefe fymp-
toms, as before obferved, all vary in different
fubjeds ', but one is pathog?2omo?iic or hivariahk
in ail, which is the general incorporation of a
greafy fubflance vv-ith the excrements, nearly
limilar to the feparated particles of congealed
oil in frofty weather ; 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 furfice, but as it
advances in difeafe it becomes more intimately
united.

So fcon as ever the indications are per-
ceived, proper methods fliould be inftantly
taken to relieve Nature from the threatened
oppreffion, by fuch evacuations as predominant
fymptoms dired ^ at any rate let plentiful
bleeding be the firfl: ftep 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 prefcribed under the head of fiatuleiit
cholic^ p. 334; but, fhould the horfe be ftrong
and powerful, (the difeafe being ia its Infancy)
give without delay the purging drink^ p. 42,

repeating

MOLTEN GREASE. 357

repeating it in three or four days, if prefent ap-
pearances juftify the propriety of the practice.

If the fubjedl is greatly depreffed with pal-
pable fever, dif^uietude, lofs of appetite, and
internal painful fenfations, glyfters mud be fub-
ftituted ; but as thefe need not be compofed of
variety, make ufe of (he gly^er, p. 239, which
may be mod 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 pecioral decoBion^ p. 216, if the
lungs are very much opprefTed, and fymptoms
of approaching inflammation thereat all appre-
hended. The appetite muft be attended to and
folicited in every ftage of the difeafe, by com-
fortable mafhes, and the trifling minutiae fo
often repeated in the preceding part of the
work.

So foon as alarming or predominant fymp-
toms fubflde, proceed to a courfe of the mild
f urging balky p; 219, going regularly through
three dofes, at fuch periods as are befl: adapted
A a 3 to

358 MOLTEN GREASE,
to the ftrength of the horfe. In a few days,
after working off the lafl: 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 rjfin each fix ounces ;

Anifeed (in powder) four ounces;

Camphor and ginger fin powder), each one

ounce ;
Oil of juniper fix drachms — Honey fufficient to

form the mafs ; which divide into bails of two

ounces each.

The above medicines and treatment are An-
gularly adapted to every purpofe in the cure
of this difeafe ; i\iQ pur gijig balls before men-
tioned will prove much more adequate to this
cafe than any that can be felefted. The work .
begun by the alterative purges will be com-
pleted by the gradual effeds of the diuretics ;
and, with proper attention to the rules laid
down in the firfl: pages of this work, the horfe
may t^p foon produced in good ftate and
condition.

CLASS

( 359 )

CLASS X.

STRANGURY and other disorders of

THE PARTS NECESSARY TO THE SECRE-
TION AND EVACUATION OF URINE.

STRANGURY.

The parts that by feme defedt or injury
conftitute the caufe of thefe complaints are fo
nicely conftruded and fo remotely fituatcd
from every poffible means of Inf; tftion, that a
great degree of judgment and delicate difcrimi-
nation muft be exerted before a diltindlion can
be niade,Gr a juft and decifive opinion obtained.
The Strangury is an obilrudion or temporary
fuppreffion of urine, and may arife from diffe-
rent caufes ; for, as before obferved, the variety
A a 4 of

360 STRANGURY.

of parts appropriated to the fecretlon and
excretion are fo numerous as to render the
exad caufe of difeafe a matter of ambiguity
and uncertainty, with even thofe who ought
to be the beft enabled to form a decifive
opinion (or >rather a cei'tain conjefture) from
their courfe of extenfive pradlice. The
STRANGURY is fometimcs a concomitant to the
inflammatory cholic, and is then the effedl of
preflbre from the indurated faeces or hardened
dung retained in the redum, 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, it m.ay be confidered merely fymp-
tomatic, and will be entirely fubdued with
the firft complaint, to which the faline medi-
cines and flimulus of glyfters there prefcribed
will very much contribute.

The figns of this fupprefllon are too pal-
pable to be miftaken ; the fubjed is (after a
long retention of urine) in an almoft perpetual
pofition to ftale without efFed:, indicating by

adtion

STRANGURY. 361

aflion and attitude the expedtation of an unu-
fual difcharge 5 when, after frequent ftraining,"
the effort terminates in a groan of feeming diC-
appointment. The horfe in general is not
in a great degree of acute pain, appears full
in the flank, fomewhat dejeded, and, to a
minute obferver, feems not only confcious of
his inability, but to fupplicate affillance and
relief. The ancient pradlice of inflaming the
parts by an immediate ufe of violent ftimulants,
as cantharides, turpentine, and large quanti-
ties of camphire, is with the ftrideft jufticc
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 miftaken application of medicine, fre-
quent inflammation has been produced and
much mifchief enfued.

The mcft rational and certain means of
obtaining fpeedy relief will be to leflTen the
ftridure upon the parts, by a moderate lofs
of blood ; then reduce inflammation by emol-
lient internals, promoting the fecretion and
evacuation of urine by very gentle ftimulants
and mild diuretics. This fyftematic method

of

362 STRANGURY.

of obtaining a cure will not be fo fatisfacSlory
to many of the rufticZf^r/^^^pradlitioners, 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 courfc of SpaniJJ:) flies ^ oi' oil of
turpe?2ti?ie^ than adopt any method, however
iinproved, in the formation of which their
extenfive abilities have not been confulted.

By this abominable and infamous pracflice
the lives of many valuable horfes have been
taken away, the proprietor attributing to
difeafe what nine times out of ten is the effe^fl
of ignorance. From an obfervation fo juft,
or, in fad, a refledion fo alarming, arife the
palpable neceffity of this work, and the pro-
bable utility of its publication, to the very
great number of gentlemen and fportfmen,
who, refiding in remote fpots, or diftant parts
of the kingdom, cannot have conftant recourfe
to farriers of judgment, extenfive pradice,
and nice difcrimination. To prevent therefore
the frequent dreadful effeds 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 interpofe

his

STRANGURY. 363

his authority, and be well and clearly in-
formed of the caufe and intended method of
cure, previous to the adminiflration of a fingle
medicine for any cooiplaint whatever.

On the contrary, in the more populous and
enlightened parts of th.:; kingdom farriers are
known whofe abilities and practice rank them
high in eftimation ; but as thefe are certainly
not the grov^'th of every foil, or produce of
every pari(h, moft owners of horfes conftantly
in their poffeiiion will not find either their
time or attention entirely wafted, by endea-
vouring occajionally to form a tolerable ac-
quaintance with the fubje<ft matter of the
Vv'ork before us. In a convenient or proper
time, after bleeding, throw up the following
emollient glyjler :

Take of thin gruel three pints ;
Nitre two ounces;
Gum arable one ounce and an half;
Olive oil four ounces -,

Let it be injeded moderately warm, and re-
tained in the body as long as pcffible.

So

364 STRANGURY.

So foon after this glyfter as the horfe is
inclined by appetite to receive it, give a mafh
of two parts malt and one bran, they having
been fcalded together and ftirred till of a mo-
derate warmth ; after this, if the fubjed: has
not ftaled in confequence of bleeding, glyfter,
and ma{h, have the following balls expediti-
ouily prepared to forward the evacuation:

Take Caflile foap ten drachms;

Sal prunella one ounce ;

Camphire two drachms ;

Anlfeed powder fix drachms ;

Oil of juniper one drachm and a half;

Syrup of marfhmallows fufficient to make the
mafh, which divide into two equal parts,
giving one in fix hours after the oth^r, if
the former is not fuccefsful.

Thefe are very fafe, mild, and efficacious,
in general producing the defired efFed 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

S T R A N G U R Y. 365

Take juniper berries (bruifed) tvvo ounces*, b^'\
in a pint and a, half of water for feme time,
then ftrain (to produce by fqueezmg the
berries three quarters of a pint)-, to this add
of nitre and gum arable (in powder) each
an ounce.

This drink, or the above ball, to be re-
peated at diftindl periods of four hours €ach
(if a repetition of the iirft at the end of fix
hours does not effedt the defired purpofe) till
relief is obtained by plentiful evacuations.

Thus much by way of inftrudlion where
Jlrangury is occafioned by fpafm, or infiarn-
mation of the bladder or neck j but, as it may
alfo proceed from an inflammation or ulcera-
tion of the kidnies, and a paralytic affeclion
or palfy of the fame parts ^ in either of which
fymptoms are frequently doubtful, and fel-
dom certain ; circumftances may confequent-
ly vary in different fubjefts, fo as to render
the true feat of difeafe a "matter of conjedure
only.

The

366 S T R A N G U R Y-

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 i in this cafe the urine will be of its ufual
colour, or at times rather deeper, as if not
perfedly complete in its fecretion from the
blood. In fuch cafe the treatment is exadly
as already pointed out ; but with the addi-
tional diredions to repeat the glyfter and
bleeding occafionally, till the point is carried.
The gentle diuretic medicines muft be likew^ife
continued at lefs diflant periods -, that is, their
diftincft dofes muft be brought an hour nearer
to each other, till the purpofe is efFeded;
this method being found greatly preferable
to the " kill or cure" pradice, frequently
producing inflammation, convuifions, and all
iheir dreadful conll^quences.

But where the caufe originates in a palfv of,
or ulceration upon, any parts neceflary to the
offices cf evacuation, no great expectation of
cure can be indulged 3 but more particularly

in

STRANGURY. 367

in the former, with which approaches certain
death. When the kidnies become totally
inadequate to their general purpofe, a fup-
preffion and general ftagnation confequently
enfue, the lofs of the animal becoming inevi-
table; and although relief is fometimes mofi:
expeditioufly obtained, in an inflammation of
the parts, by a gentle method above direded,
yet in an ulceration much is not left to hope.
In this cafe there is vifible pain and difquie-
tude, the evacuation is not totally fuppreffed,
being only at times temporarily obftruded ;
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
effect of a corroded folution of the difeafed
part. In this inftance the following balls or
drink only can be relied on, for any expeda-
tion of permanent relief or probable miti-

gation :

Take

368 STRANGURY.

Take of myrrh one ounce, Cafiile foap and
Locatelli's balfam each three ounces ^ nitre
and anifeed (in powder) each two ounces;
balfam of Peru fix drachms — Mix toge-
ther with fyrup of mardi mallows, and
divide into fix balls, giving one every
morning.

The diet (hould be both nutritive and bal-
famic, confifting of warm mafhes impregnated
with honey or malt ; both or either of v^hich
will greatly contribute to the general purpofe.
If fymptoms are mitigated, and relief obtained,
by thefe means, furely farther inftradions
mud be unneceffary to recommend a perfe-
verance till the cure is completed 5 to which
reft, gentle exercife, and ftable care, will prove
very ufeful aids. When an obilrudion, or
partial fuppreflion of urine, arifes from ^paim,
convulfion, or ftridure, upon any of the parts
neceflary 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 ballwWl be applicable to that intention,
repeating it at fuch times as the circumftances
6 of

STRANGURY. 369

bf the cafe may render necefTary and uii-
avoidable:

Take of Caftile foap half an ounce; nitre,
rofin, and compound powder of gum traga-
canth, each two drachms : opium (in powder)

ten grains, oil of juniper thirty drops,

Mix.

The following tirink may be fubftltuted, 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
repeated.

Horfes are llkewife liable to, and often fuf-
tain, injuries upon the parts we now treat of,
by being overloaded with folid heavy fub-
ftances upon the loins, ftrains in drawing
great weights, and many other incidental cir-
cumftances, to which they are conftantly fub-
jedt in their different employments. The de-
fefts arifing from fuch caufes originate in a
relaxation or rupture of fome one or more of
^ B b that

370 STRANGURY.

that infinity cf membranous fibres that, in
in fuch cafe, conftitute the feat of difeafe.
Thefe injuries difplay themfelves by an evident
wincing and local debility, perceptible upon
the lead: motion to the moft common obferver ;
they are alfo attended with great variations in
the evacuation of urine, either by temporary
fuppreflion or partial obftrudion, according
to the original feat of pain and its efFedl upon
the neighbouring parts. In thefe diforders
the urine is feldom copious, its difcharge fre-
quent, but in fniali quantities ; generally of a
very high colour, and in many cafes tinged
with blood.

Arifmg 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 rup-
tured.

The following balfamlc rc/ioratives, blend-
ed with gentle diuretics^ may be then pro-
ceeded upon, with the affiftance of ftimulative

corroborants ;

STRANGURY. 371

corroborants ; ' as an external application, if
the mufcular parts are fafpedled to have faf-
fered fome degree of relaxation by any of the
means before defcribed, an embrocation fol-
lows :

Take Locatelll's balfam ten drachms-, myrrh
(in powder) three drachms; 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 Vv'eek?, affiiled with an
ounce of gum arable, diiTolved 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 viiibie debility)
external aid, let a portion of the following
embrocation be gently and patiendy bathed
upon the part affedled tvv^ice or thrice every
day.

Take opodeldoc and camphorated fpirits, of
each three ounces; oil of origanum two
drachms; extrad of Saturn one ounce: mix
the extra6l with the fpirits, then add the opo-
deldoc ; and, laftly, the origanum, fhaking
well together every time of uiing.

Bb 2 The

372 STRANGURY.

The medicines in this clafs are particularly
efficacious, and will (by bringing the dofes
nearer to each other in refped to time, as oc-
cafion or exigencies may require) be found
greatly preferable to the dangerous fyftem of
powerful ftimulants, fo forcibly recommended
in former pradlice, when the adminiftration
of medicine was deftitute of the numerous ad-
vantages rcfulting from the indefatigable in-
veftigations of modern improvement.

CLASS

( 373 )

CLASS xr.

DISORDERS OF the EYES.

There is no one part of this tradt more
entitled to ferious inveftlgation than the fub-
jedl now before us ; for as no blemifh or de-
fed: can take fo much from the original value
of a horfe as the lofs of his eyes, fo it un-
luckily happens there are few cafes lefs un-
derftood or more improperly treated. The
rays of information can be but trifling to the
general reader, from a dull anatomical defcrip-
tion of the gloie, tunica coj-nea y the aqueous,
cryjlalline^ and vitreous humour s\ the diftindl
anterior or pofterior chambers ; the adlion of
the mufcles or the optic Jierve. The elaborate
fludy of fo complicate and delicate a ftrudlure
(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 flender intelligence to the lite-
rary inquirer 5 as fuch a wonderful variety of
minute diftinc^tions cannot be comprehended
by defcription, a juft and' accurate difcrimina-
tion of parts being only to be acquired by at-
tentive and repeated diiledions.

We fliall, therefore, for the advantage of
general comprehenfion, coniider the eye in its
external appearance only, with the dlfeaies
and injuries to which it is liable, reverting oc-
eafionally to the great delicacy of its flrudure,
ilrid the exquifite fenfibility of the parts that
conflitute the whole. This fuperficial defcripr
tion, taken into confideraticn, becomes diveft-
ed of technical jargon, and diftinftly compre-
hended by every individual in poffeflion of
the blefling of fight; upon wl-ich baiis 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 iufiiciently
underftood.

Previous to every additional obfervation, it
becomes indifpenfably necellary to introduce

ibme

OF THE EYES. 375

ibme few remarks upon the cruelty and incon-
iiftency of ancient pradice ; fubmitting fjch
concluiions and inferences as will naturally
arife to thofe readers who recur to this work
for information, aniufement, or to fink a te-
dious hour in the lerious talk of criticifm.
It has been before mentioned how exquiiitely
fenfible this organ is of irritation ; and it muft
be admitted, no arcrument whatever can un-
dergo a more candid difcuflion than in an ap-
plication to our own feelings, inconveniencies,
and difquietudes. To the fenfations there-
fore of every individual I fubmit the reflec-
tion, and venture to believe there are none
who may honour me with a perufal of thefe
pages but will, by a momentary retrofpedion,
communicate to memory the recollection of
fome acute pain, or excruciating an^;^ifli, he
mud, in all probability, have experinced from
either the obtrufion of an almoft impalpable
particle of duft, or the attack of an invifible
in fed..

Revolving f.ich circumftance for a few mo-
ments in remembrance, I claim his attention
to the following corroboration of that infa-
r2:iOus pradice I have, in the courfe of this
B b 4 work*

376 DISORDERS

work, fo repeatedly, and (I flatter myfelf)
juftly, condemned. For inftance Gibson di-
redls an infufion of unilacked lime powerfully
impregnated with fal armoniac; and tells you
at the fame time ** it is an excellent wafh for
" all old obflinate ulcers." Let any patient
reader draw an imaginary parallel between the
almoft inexpreffible irritability of this delicate
ftrudture and the callous furface of an " ob-
" flinate ulcer," he will then, no doubt, form
a proper judgment to decide upon the confift-
ency of the pradice. With a wonderful va-
riety of alternatives, prefcribed in all pofTible
forms, we are diredled byBARTLET *^ to take
*' of .the film, by blowing into the eye equal
'^^ parts of white vitriol and fugar candy finely
f' powdered." And Bracken mo^judicioujly
recommends '^ glafs finely powdered, mixed
*i^ up with hpney and a litde frefli butter."

A number of fimilar inflances might be in?
troduced from different authors to juftify the
obfervatlons already made upon a pradice fo
ftrange in its original adoption, and fo infa-
mous in its eflfeds: I (hall however draw the
attention only to a few remarks, firft upon the
prefcription of Gibson, whofe cpmpofition
A muft

OF THE EYES. 377

muft poflefs incredible virtue to prove equally
applicable to an organ of fuch exquifite fenfi-
bility, and the foul furface of an inveterate
ulcer. Bartlet*s wonderful noilrum of ivhite^
vitriol and fugar candy is alfo moil iingularly
entitled to admiration-, for the corrofive qua-
lity of it's ingredients, and the mode of appli-
cation taken into the confideration, vi^ill ren-
der it unneceffary for me to obtrude a fingle
thought of my own upon the occafion. But
the infallible Jpecific of Bracken cannot be
fuffered to pafs without proper refpeSi^ as it
muft afford matter of fpeculation to the curi-
ous, to inquire by what means an eftabliilied
compofition for even the deftrudlion of rats,
fliall be fo ?72agicaUy diverted of its pernicious
efFeds, as to be admitted. a falutary application
to that part of the frame endowed witli the
greateft portion of fenfibility,

Thefe remarks fubmitted to public confide-
fation, we proceed to expatiate upon the dif-
ferent difeafes of the eyes, whether as natural
blemiflies, hereditary defedls, or proceeding
from external injuries. Such lift might be
very much extended by enlarging diftindlly
upon the remote and feparate diforders^ as the

gutta^

378 DISORDERS

gutta ferena, catara^y Jilmy &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 inform-
ation.

T^he gutta ferena is a partial or univerfal lofs
of fight, where no palpable defed or fault ap-
pears in the eye, except that the pupil is a
little more enlarged or contracted. The ap-
pearances of this blemiQi are various, as v/ell
as the caufes and efFedls, fome of its fubjeds
being totally blind, and others barely enabled
to diftinguiih between light and darknefs.
The figns are a blacknefs of the pupil of the
eye, its fize being larger or lefs than ufual, ac-
cording to the caufe, and its not contrading
or dilating upon a fudden expofure to any de*
gree of light. In order to the cure attend to
the caufe as the firil ftep to an adminiftration
of medicine, from which, in truth, no great
expedation can be formed either internally
or externally ; more particularly from the for-
mer, as the feat of difcafe is fo very remote
from the centre of medicinal adtion. If the
defed fliould originate in a contradion of of

compreffion

O F T H E E Y E S. 379

comprefTun upon the optic nerve, very little
can be done with an expedation of fuccefsj
and much lefs if it arifes from a palfy of that
or any neigh bearing part.

A cataraB, like many other difeafes, is
attributed by different practitioners to dif-
frrent caufcs, though the greater part coin-
cide in opinion that the defect is in the cryf-
talline humour of the eve, which, becoming
opaque, prevents the admiiiion of thofe rays
upon the retina that conftltute vifion. To
enter at large into the profeffional definition
of thefe diftindl difeafes, and mod minutely
into the probable or poffible means of relief,
would be to extend this fubjeCt beyond the
limits or compafs of the v;ork 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 expedted 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 expenfes
added to the hazard and uncertainty of cure
7 ' could

380 DISORDERS

could gain but few profelytes to the prac-

tice.

In all blemifhes or defers where a thicken-
ing of fome one of the coats, membranes, or
humours of the eye, has formed an appearance
of catara5t ox film ^ it has been an eftablifhed
a,pd moft contemptible cuftom to beftow a
plentiful application of corrofive powders, un-
guents, and folutions, for the purpofes of obli-
teration ; without a fingle refledion upon the
abfurdity of endeavouring to deftroy by corro-
fion, what is abfoiutely feparated from the fur-
face by a variety of membranous coverings,
according to the diftinft feat of difeafe ^ with
which it is impoflible to bring the intended
remedy into contad:, without firfl deftroying
the intervening or furrounding parts by which
the inner delicate ftrudure is fo numeroufly
guarded. It may not be inapplicable to
ilrengthen this remark, by reverting to the
great difficulty of folving a ftone in the human
body, to effed which fo many unfuccefsful at-
tempts have been made ; the mere folution of
the calculus out of the body is a matter univer-
fally knov/n to the Faculty 3 but the great and

difficult

OF THE EYES. 381

difficult objedl of cure is to difcover ^folvetit
that will adl upon the flone in the bladder of
the patient without injury to the parts in its
paflage or where it is contained.

This is a bleffing too great, I fear, ever to
be obtained by even the nobleft exertions of
human ftudy 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 circumftances ; but
forry I am to acknowledge, that in fuch
inftances nature will, in all probability,
prove the leafl: dangerous and expenfive
FARRIER,

The cafes that mod frequently occur, re-

qiiiring medical aid or topical application, arc

generally the efFeds of cold, blows, bites, or

other external injuries. In thofc proceeding

2 immediately

332 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-
flantly difcharging an acrid ferum or (l:iarp
water that in a fhort time almoft excoriates
the parts in its pafTage. The horfe drops his
ears, becomes dull and fluggi(h, is frequently
fliaking his head, as if to j[l)ake ofF the ears,
becomes low and depreffed, difplaying, in every
adion, pain and difquictude.

Here a revulfion of the perfpirable matter
has by fome obftrudlion (either partial or uni-
verfal) been thrown upon thefe parts, to the
efFeds of which they become more liable from
their extreme delicacy and confequent irrita-
bility. To remove which bleeding (in proper
proportion) muft precede every other coniide-
ration; to this fucceeds a fpeedy adoption of,
and perfeverance in, the methods direded,
p. 198, with Qccafional references to p. 243, and
the following pages for inflrudions, fliould
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 fiigar of lead one drachm ;

White vitriol two fcruples ;

Spring water half a pint ;

Brandy or camphorated fpirits one ounce or two

table fpoonsful.
Let the eyes and farrounding parts be gently

walhed with a fponge or tow, impregnated

v/ith 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. 1 06, ufing gentle work or mo-
derate exercife.

The effedls arifing from blows or bites may
be difplayed by diflferent appearances, accord-
ing to the feverity of the injury fuftained.
Should inflammation and Avelling proceed
from either caufe, bleeding will be a prepara-
tory ftep to an early redudlion of both ; a re-
petition

3^4 DISORDERS

petition of which, at proper diftanccs of time,-
may always be juftified by a non-fubmiffion of
fymptoms. The following preparation front
Goulard's Extra6t, for the purpofe of exter-
nal application, becomes immediately necef-
fary, and is accurately proportioned for this
particular occafion :

Take extrad of Saturn (commonly called Gou-
lard'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 affecled be plenti-
fully embrocated three or four times a day,,
according to the emergency. *

If a large fwelling, laceration, or wound^
attends^, after waflniig 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
©fiefs danger, and in remote fituations, diftant
from towns, and the cafy procuration of medi-
cines, the following may be fubftituted, and
plentifully ufed:

Take

OF THE EYES. 385

Take beft white wine vinegar half a pint;

Spring water a quarter of a pint ;

Bed brandy a wine glafs or half a gill. — Mix.

A wound upon any of the external parts,
occafioiied by an inftrument or fevere bite,
muft be treated as directed under that head.
The above compofitions 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, unlefe
by the rude hands and ruder heads of unculti-
vated adventurers and defperate praditioners.

The former elaborate and deftruftive com-
pofitions of corrofive powders, blended with
greafy fubflances, in the form of unguents, as
well as the poifonous lotions, are long fince
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 bu-
ried in oblivion, and has given place to more
modern improvements. In all cafes where the
globe and pupil of the eye retain their tranf-
parency, fubjed only to furrounding inflani-
C c mation^

386 DISORDERS

mation, that not feeming inclined to fubmit,
occafional bleedings, a courfe of diuretics, as
before prefcribed, or three dofes of mi\d phyJtCy
may be adopted; affifting the whole with a fre-
quent ufe of either lotion^ as moft applicable
to reigning fymptoms.

The HAWS are a preternatural enlargement
of the corners of the eyes, become horny, and,
being overgrown, approaches the pupil, giving
the eye the external appearance of bad forma-
tion. The inflrumental extirpation of thefe
fubilanccs has been a favourite pra6lice of long
ftanding; and, like all others, has had its alter-
nate proportion of failure and faccefs. After
feparation has been efteded by the hand, needle
and inftrument, of the operative farrier,
any limple ftyptic or aftringent is generally
applied, and it is thenjuftan even bet, or
chance, whether you fucceed in the intentional
effed; of your operation; for, having feen it re-
peatedly produdive of inflammation, and, laftly
total blindnefs, 1 cannot confcientioufly re-
commend the practice; o?i the contrary, to
eftabhfli my own want of tafte, confefs I
would encounter the leiTer evil of the two, and
rather (for my own riding) prefer a horfe with

large

OF THE EYES. 387

large haws to one without eyes. This opinioa
may appear fingular to the profeffors of far--
riery^ to whom I have fo particularly addreffed
a variety of paffages in the early part of this
work, and indeed to whofe approbation it can^*
not lay claim, being in direct contradidion to
the pecuniary preponderation of their profef-
fional judgment and execution.

Cc2 CLASS

( 388 )

CLASS XIL

MALLENDERS, SALLENDERS, LAM-
PAS, CURBS, QUITTORS, and RING-
BONES.

MALLENDERS

Are cracks, or oozings, fituate diredly upon
the back part of the knee joint, occafioned, in
general, more by negled: than any cafual or
conftitutional defed in the fubjetft. 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 fttp to
cure is, to have the parts well waflied with
foap and warm water (forming a fubilantial
lather), repeating the operation night and
morning till the efchars relax from their ri-
gidity.

MALLENDERS. 389

gidity, and feparate of themfelves. And this
will be the more readily promoted by rubbing
in a proper proportion of the following oint-
ment, in an hour after the walhing, when, by
time and wiping, they are tolerably dry*

Take camphorated fpermac^ti ointment two

ounces ;
Cinnabar of antimony and oil of tartar, per deli-

quium, each half an ounce ; — Mix, and uiJb

plentifully twice a day.

So fcon as the cracks are perfedlly free from
fcabs or fcurf a cure may reafonably be expect-
ed, by wafliing with equal parts of vinegar and
tindure of myrrh, moiftening the furface oc-
cafionally with the unguent before-mentioned.
But where, from long negledt, 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
themwell with a compound of vinegar, water,
and foap lees, equal parts. Should a percepti-
ble foulnefs in the fubjeft 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.

390 SALLENDERS, &c.

balls, p. 1 06. Where humours are attendant
upon other parts likewife, a gentle courfe of
mercurial phyjic^ fucceeded by antimonial alte-
ratives, may be preferred; fclecfling both from
the variety of prefcriptions under thofe heads,
taking care to proportion your quantities to
the ftrength of the fubjcdt.

SALLENDERS

Are upon the infide of the hough, or hock,
what the mallenders are upon the back-
fide of the knee; they originate in the fame
caufe, and are cured by the fame means, ren-
dering unneceffary and fuperfluous any far-
ther obfervations under this h-^ad.

L A M P A S

Is an enlargement of the roof of the mouth,
particularly in young horfcs; and fometimes
becomes fo prominent as to projed below the
teeth of the upper jaw, preventing the teeth
of the lower from coming into contatft for
the purpofe of maflication. The horfe is by
thefe means not only deprived of a great pro-
portion

'./

L A M P A S. 391

portion of the jmtrlment neceiTary to his fupport,
but becomes poor, weak, dejecfed, and out of
condition. Cuftom has eftabliflied an ufeful
and expeditious extirpation, by the adual cau-
tery cv RED HOT IRON; and, though I am
110 advocate for fuchjf^'ry remedies, where they
can be avoided, yet this is a cure fo fpeedily
effeded by an expert operator , and the horfe's
fufFering is fo very trifling, that when a com-
parifon is drawn between the temporary in-
convenience, and the immediate advantage,
no hefitation can be made refpeding the ope-
ration.

It is admitted, againft the operation, that the
LAM PAS appearing in young horfes the roof
conftantly continues to flatten and the teeth to
rife, confequently time alone may and confe-
quently would furmount the obftrudion; but
where they are very prominent, the poor ani-
mal muft patiently wait many months for a
good jjieal'y and will foon prove, by his emaci-
ated appearance, the applicable tranfpofition of
the ancient adage, that *' while the teeth grow
*' the STEED ftarves."

Cc ± When

392 QJJ I T T O R.

When the operation is performed, wafli the
part twice or thrice with the following :

Take honey of rofes and tindlnre of myrrh, each
one ounce. — Mix.

Q^U I T T o R.

A QUiTTOR may originate in a blow, bruife,
laceration, or what is called 2, ftub between
hair and hoof. An injury fuftained, likely to
conftitute this blemifli or dcfedl, cannot be too
foon fubmitted to the infpeftion of a FARRIER
of extenfive praBice^ whofe condudt will be
eonfequently regulated by a proper refpecft to
his own reputation. I mean fuch application
fliould be early made where the case is
alarming s or, in more fuperficial concerns,
when by circumftances or negledl: it becomes
the immediate bufinefs of the operative
FARRIER.

As injuries of this kind open a large field
for inftrudlions, many of which muft: eonfe-
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 ftate of infancy: — So foon as the accident
is difcovered, (which it ought foon to be, in
the general examination of a hor/es feet, that
iTiould always take place upon his return from
chafe or Journey) wafh well with a fponge and
warm water, to enfure a thorough cleanfing;
then apply a pledget of tow, moiftened with
friar^s balfam, tindure of myrrh, or campho-
rated fpirits, repeating it once in twenty-four
hours, covering the exadl fpot with a portion
of fheet tea lead, enclofed in a fmali piece of
linen, bandaging firm. All wi^uous or grea^
applications fhould be avoided, and great care
taken not to immerfe the foot in dirt or water
till the part is perfedly united, and the furface
fufficiently hardened not to admit particles of
fand, gravel, or any other, extraneous matter.
And this caution becomes the more neceflary
when it is remembered that real QUITTORS
have originated from this very want of atten-
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.

CURBS.

( 394 )

CURBS.

A cuRfe is too univerfally known to require
a minute defcription; it is a conliderable 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 ac-
quired a callojity. It is produdive of percepti-
ble pain in adion, and foon eftablifhes diffe-
rent degrees of lamenefs in different fuhjeds.
In its early ftate attempts may be made with
fome of the powerful repellents, p, 80 or 89;
but, upon non-fubmiffion, after fair trials
recourfe muft be had to one of the following
blifters, 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 cuphorbium (in powder) each

two drachms \
Oil of origanum a drachm and a half;
CoiTofive mercury one drachm ;
Mix the ointment with the powders, and add

the oil.

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 alter-
natives that can be adopted.

RINGBONES.

The extirpation and cure of thefe come fo
immediately into the line of defcription and
mode of treatment with the laft article, as to
render animadverfion entirely unneceflary:
they conftitute an inconvenience very rarely to
be furmounted in private pradlice, confequent-
ly fall to the infpedlon and management of the
OPERATIVE FARRIER.

Docking,

396 RINGBONES.

Docking, cropping, nicking, and flioeing,
are fo immediately the concerns of the fmitb
znd farrier, that they claim no part of our at*
tention in this publication, being totally un-
connected with the iriveftigation 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 adminiflration of medicine, as clear as
the nature of each cafe would admit; fuch ex-
planatory paflages having been blended with
the different parts as muft perfedly reconcile
the whole to every comprehenfion. Enough
has been fald under the diftind heads of
GREASE, HIDE - BOUND, SURFEIT,
MANGE, and FARCY, to inculcate not
only a jull: idea of the blood's circulation, its
changes and defects, but to eftablilli a clear
and perfedt conception of all thofe caufes that
conftitute the foundation of difeaies fo long
fagacioujly diftinguifhed by the denomination
of *' HUMOURS," in failure of a more
fcientific or fatisfadory explanation.

Influenced originally in the plan and forma-
tion of this work by no other motive than the
I general

RINGBONES. 39^

general good; and after twenty years expe-
rience and obfervation, being more perfedlly
convinced of the growing neceffity for fuch
publication, it is now fubmitted to public in-
fpedion, as a prelude to future improvement j
with an anxious wKh that it may prove an ex-
citement to fome more powerful agent, whofe
fuperior abilities may do the fubjedl greater
JUSTICE.

ADDITIONAi;.

( 398 )

ADDITIONAL REMARKS.

THE author having found it mofl appli-
cable to the intentional utility of the
preceding work to form the different difeafes,
confequent efFed:s, and refulting obfervations,
into diftindt clafTes, rendering the whole a
chain of unprecedented convenience to the
inquirer anxious for information; yet there
remaining a variety of very ufeful obfervations
and inftrudions that cannot with propriety be
blended with either, it becomes abfolutely ne-
ceffary to elucidate the whole by fuch additional
remarks as muft render the work of much
greater and more general utility.

5 ^ A circumftance

REMARKS. 399

A circumftance no lefs worthy obfervation
than many of thofe already enlarged on is,
the very little refped: paid to neatnefs and
confiflency in the management of draft horfes,
who, beyond every poffibility of contradidion,
not only earn their living more laborioully,
but contribute more to the opulence and fup-
port of the natives than any other breed of
horfcs in the kingdom. When I advert to
the manngement of draft horfes, I wifh not
to be underftood the pampered carriage
horfes of the great, fupported in the ftyle of
hunters, for the various purpofes of public
parade and perfonal oftentation, 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 greateft portion
of labour, and mod probably the lead of care
and attention; from the extenfive •concerns
of the proprietors they are more generally
intrufted to the very indifferejit management
of fervants; to whofe accounts may be juflly
placed a majority of thofe defects or misfor-
tunes that fo frequently occur from blows,

bruifes,

400 ADDITIONAL

bruifes, and a long train of probable Indifcrd-
tions. From fuch variety of careleffnefs, in-^
attention, and improper management, proceed
had eyes, broken wind, greaje, cbolic, and many
other incidental difquietudes: but what renders
it a matter of ftill greater regret is, their failing
under the unavoidable medical fuperintendance
of thofe very village farriers whofe brilliancy
of imagination and fertility of invention are
fa particularly difplayed in different parts of
the v^ork.

Difeafes fo evidently refalting from negled:
and bad management, may be as certainly pre-
vented by proper care and attention 5 taking
them therefore in rotation, we. may venture
to affirm— that by far the greater part of thofe
defecls in the eyes, frequently terminating in
a lofs of fight, are more the effefl: 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 fingularly
fo upon increafed exertion) as to be termed
** broken winded" may be moft readily and clear-
ly accounted for in the following manner. Ex-
clufive of what has been already faid upon this

fubjea

REMARKS. 401

fubjeft under its diftindl 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 fimcy obfervatio?2, and expe?^!-
encCy having fufficiently demonftrated how very
much the vifcidity of the blood is increafed by
coarfcy fully ^nd foul feeding, there need be no
hefitation in affirming the ftate of the Itmgs,
(or, in a more familiar phrafe, the ftate of the
wind)y to be more or lefs affeded by the lai'ge
ovfmall quantities of chaffs or grofs latter crop
of clover hay, confumed by thi^breed of horfes
during their conftant work 5 particularly in
farmers^ Ji able Sy where a great part of their ali-
ment confifts cf thofe articles with a fmall
proportion cf corn. Of chaff thus ufed and
intermixed with the corn, let it be underftood
there are different kinds, as the chd^S oi wheats
oatSy and a compound of hay and wheat draw
cut together; of all which it is hardly pofTible
to afcertain the mofl prejudicial. To thefc
the winter confumption of peas-haum and
barley-ftraw may be reckoned no inconfiderable
additions, the great quantity mafticated to
gratify the appetite, affording fo little nutri-
D d Hient

402 ADDITIONAL

ment in proportion to the accumulation, that
the ftomach is perpetually overloaded with
grofs and heavy impurities, which, by its evi-
dent preffure 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 infpedion after death.

To fuch ftrange and inconfiftent manner of
feeding may he added an abfurdity of equal
magnitude, in conftant pradice with the ruflic
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 ufual rotational ab-
fcinence of twelve hours 3 by which mode of
pradlice the tendency to this defedt is very
much increafed.

In refpedl to the fi mil ar failure in horfes of
a fuperior clafs, I will, without the leafl caufe
for hefitation, venture to pronounce more have
been injured in this refped by the careleflhefs
of bovs, or inadvertency o^ fervants (in that in-
'fernal fyftem of hard galloping immedi-
ately

R E M ARKS. 403

ately after water), than by any other means
whatever; in faft, it is a plm fo palpably con-
tradictory and deftrudive, that it (liould never
be permitted by the majler^ or adopted by the
groom. And there can remain no fhadow of
doubt but this complaint in every clafs of
horfes may be moftly prevented by proper care
and attention in the fuperintendants^ the irre-
gnlaritics mfood^ water ^ and the inconilften-
cies already pointed out, contributing much
more to the original caufe of fuch defedr, than
the erroneous formation of parts fo hypothetic ally
aflerted by thofe v^'ho have wrote before upon
this fubjedt.

Another circumftance requiring the minute
infpedlion and attentive obiervation of every
proprietor of draft horfes is, that injurious prac-
tice of country fervants (called carters) in giv-
ing large quantities oi anijeedy diapente^foenu-
grec^ elecampane y and other powders intermixed
with theiryi^^, upon a v/eak and ill-founded
opinion that thofe articles make their teams
appear fine in coat, and full in fiefh: indeed fo
ftrongly are they bigoted to the opinion in
many (but particularly the wejternj parts of
JEngland, that they expend (unknown to their
D d 2 employers)

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
" taking cold by the ufe of the before-mentioned
*' ingredients." However abfurd, inconfiftent,
cruely or unnatural, this pradice may appear,
to fuch as are unacquainted with the low cun-
ing or ruftic fineffe of thofe employed in the
manaeement of what are called *' cart ilables,"
I aver the fadt, as repeatedly brought home to
perfonal knowledge and experience; afferting
likewife its having occafionally coft me much
trouble in endeavouring to deter the parties
from fo injurious and deftrudive a pradice, by
which alone many fine and valuable horfes
have been doomed to difquietude, difeafe, and
fometimes death-, the caufe remaining a matter
of myftery to all but the inhuman perpetrators.
So palpable a fad ftands in need of no farther
animadverfion, being introduced merely to
prove that *' fuch things are," and how evi-
dently neceffary the eye of circumfpedion be-
comes in the m.after, to counterad the mif-
chievous imprudence of the fervant,

Wc

REMARKS. 405

We now come to a caufe of difeafe very fully
treated upon and clearly explained in the fe-
cond clafsj and as there are few difeafes pro-
dudive of more trouble, expenfe, and difap-
pointment (or fo frequently relinquished as
incurable), the neceffary advice by way of pre-
vention cannot be confidered obtrufive. For
minute obfervations upon the greafe in cart
horfes the reader is referred to page 100 of the
work; in continuation of which it is abfolutely
neceffary to recommend a total redudion 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 fuch 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, acd the formation of fweat
and duft in fummer, will be equally avoided;
to which confiderations may be added the legs,
being more readily and perfeclly cleaned at
all Jeajons of the year, and the indolence or
D d 3 neg!ei3:

4o6 ADDITIONAL

negled of fervants will, by theie means, be
more particularly counterafted.

No juft caufe can be affigned by the moll
obflinate why the heels fliould not be kept
equally clean with the carcafs; it is a mode of
condu(ft univerfally adopted with horfes of a
fuperior clafs, and reafon juftifies the affcrtion — -
that it is as abfolutely proper and conducive to
health with the one as the other. In addition to
this precaution, there is another equally necef-
fary upon the lead appearance of crack, fcratch
or eruption; the parts (hould be immediately
waflied well with a fubftantial lather of foap
and foft water, then wiped dry, and managed
as direded, p. 93, affifting with a courfe of
DIURETIC BALLS felcdted from the index;
for which purpofe no m.edlcine can be more
admirably adapted^ as they gently Simulate and
gradually promote the fecretions, carrying off,
by the mildnefs of their operation, thofe flug-
gifn vifcidities that found the origin of difeafe.
It is alfo a circumitance of material confolation
to the owner, that, during this courfe, the horfc
is perfeftly adequate to his ordinary employ-
ment, free from the reftraint he muft be con-

fequently

Pv E M A R K S. 407

feqiiently laid under by the ufual purging me-
dicines ; and the lead doubt need not be enter-
tained but fuch feafonable adminiftration will
obliterate the foundation of much dlfq^uietude
and trouble.

The laft fubjedl we (hall enlarge upon of
this kind is very frequently both dangerous and
alarming, being in general caufed more by the
inexperience or indifcretion of boys^ negled of
fervants^ or want of knowledge in the majle}\
than any other complaint in the long lift of dif-
eafes to which the horfe is incident. Experience
and accurate obfervation fully juftifies the declar-
ation that nineteen out of every twenty attacked
with the flatulent cholic, ovfrety become (b
from the previous and uncertain quantity of
water inconfiderately given, or permitted to be
taken, either when they are exceedingly hot
and the blood in the ftate of increafed circula-
tion, or after being kept a confiderable time in
extreme third; when, in either cafe, it is ge-
nerally known they will fwallow very large
quantities with the greateft avidity. And it
may not be confidered inapplicable to obferve,
that, iince the former editions of this w^ork ap-
peared in public, I have been twice requefted
D d 4 to

4o8 ADDITIONAL

to gWc my opinion and advice in different cafes
of the jlafalent ckolk, occafioned by the inad-
vertency of fervant boys, who had unluckily
brought on the complaint in its utmoft fevei-ity
by the very means before-mentioned, as well
as a Angular cafe of the Jlrangury, by tha
horfe's being continued his round in a mill,
without permifiion to ilale, notwithftanding his
indications and frequent attempts for that pur-
pofe. Thefe allufions are introduced merely to
prove the indubitable fadl, that fuch inftances
occur much more from inattention and negle(3:
than the effedl of chance.

Having communicatedfuch information upon
the caufe of thefe difeafes as may probably
contribute, in fome degree, to their prevention,
it becomes equally neceffary to introduce a few
additional remarks upon cafual inconveniencies
that vc^ry ficquently occur, and yet could not
poffibly be ranked in any of the particular
clafles that conflitute the body of the work;
The difagreeable confequences that fomerimes
happen f:om the common operation of i^Ieed-
ing (by an injudicious or inexperienced pradli-
tioner) feem firft entitled to obfervation -, more
particularly as inftances arc not wanting of very

alarming
6

REMARKS. 409

alarming fwellings forming immediately on
the part of incifion, fome of which terminate
very unfavourably, either in an indurated tu-
mour, a painful inflammation, tedious fuppu-
ration, and confequent difcharge of matter; a
lofs of the vein, or (by imprudent and inju-
dicious treatment) more diftreffing events than
either. Such cafes fliould 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 extra6t of Saturn, commonly called Gou-
lard, one ounce;
Pond or river water half a pint;
Camphorated fpirits two ounces.

The extradl and camphorated fpirits to be
firft well fhaken together, then add the water,
letting the tumour and furrounding parts be
moft plentifully bathed with the compofition
three times a day, bandaging on a flannel or
fubftantial pledget of tow wet with the lame,
till the fwelling fubfides and is nearly ob-
literated.

The

4IO ADDITIONAL

The oppofite opinions that have been con-
fidently promulgated upon the properties of
Goulard's extraft of Saturn, afford applicable
opportunity to venture a hw words upon its
qualities, and the eftimation it is held in and
entitled to, among thofe whofe extenfive
pradice mud have enabled them to decide
upon the certainty of its efFeds. Every valu-
able difcovery unavoidably meets its opponents
from either pique, prejudice, obftinacy, or
ignorance 5 the virtues of this medicine as an
externa!, may therefore not be univerfally ac-
knowledged 5 but fo far as a long and attentive
experience vvill permit me to decide, I feel
myfelf fully juftified in contributing my mite
of approbation to the extent of its efficacy
upon numerous occaiions. Particularly as a
very powerful corroborant in deep feated
ftrains; a repellent in the early (late of in-
flammatory and painful fwellings, as well as
a general fpecific in moft 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 thefe who have occafion
to irnkz the experiment.

By

REMARKS. 4if

By this frnall and difinterefted tribute to its
excellencies, I mean not to be coniidered its
immaculate panegyrift, extolling its efficacy to
a degree of unlimited infallibility, ranking it
with the nojlrums of the day, and publifhing a
fafnionahle certificate of its pofTeiling the pro-
perty of banKhing every poffible ill; but to
bring its properties fairly into the fcale of
public inveftigation, upon the foundadon of
my own recommendation, juftiiied by accurate
obfervation, aftoidlng me every rcafon to believe
that where it has been brought into ufe with-
out any good effedls being produced by the
application, it has failed more from the inju-
dicious dilution of the prefcrlber, 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 pradice 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 confideration of tumours before defcribed,

which.

412 ADDITIONAL

which, having taken a view of in their early
fttte, we proceed to confider in the more ad-
vanced and dangerous ftages. Upon their
non-fubmiflion to the treatment aheady ex-
plained, a tendency to induration or fuppura-.
tion may naturally be expected, and in fad:
difcovered upon clofe examination : this being
perceived, the latter had better be folicited by
every poffible means, beginning with the
poultices and fomentations feleded from the
Index; where a variety may be found under
their different heads. If appearances arc
favourable, promifing fpeedy maturation, let
the treatment be regulated by the diredions,
p. 185, the progrefs and cure being promoted
by the very means fo minutely defcribed. But
fl}ould thefe endeavours be produdive of dif-
appointment, and no ftep gained towards a
difchargc of matter, the fvvelling retaining its
original firmnefs, without the lead indication
of fluduation, an induration of the tumour
may be apprehended; to prevent which,
flimulating fpirituous applications become im-
mediately neceflary, and fliould be plentifully
bellowed :

Take

REMARKS. 413

Take fpirits of wine half a pint;

Camphire fix drachms ;

Oil of origanum two drachms;

Difiblve the camphire in the fpirits of wine {bf
frequent fhaking), then add the oil of ori-
gan umv

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
{o refolve and rarefy the contents of the tu-
mour, and ftimulate the veflels, as to leave but
little doubt of a gradual repulfion. Should
that however not take place fo foon as expedl-
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 fwelling has been permit-
cd to remain fo long unattended to, that this
mode of treatment becomes inefFedlual, there
is very little hopes of removing the blemifh by
any other means, and, in all probability, they
bad bettemever be attempted.

There

414 ADDITIONAL

There are other inftrudions necefTary to
introduce upon certain complaints, that, like
thofe before- mentioned, have not been definable
under any of the diftind clafles that form the
body of the work. Of thefe a canker in the foot
fecms entitled to preference, as a defed or mif-
fortune attended with great pain and dlfquietude
to the horfe, as well as conflant anxiety and
lofs of labour to the mafter. This complaint
is in general occafioned by neglect, in iufFering
the thriiJJj (by its unchecked continuance) to
afiume 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 deftrudion of parts originally found.
The fafefl and mod 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 efFeded with dreflings of the preci-
pitate digeftive (p. 163), and the furface after-
wards hardened by wafliing with tindure of
myrrh :

1 AKE

R E M ARKS. 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 fmali proportions ; and, laftly, the
water, keeping the whole clofely flopped for
ufe.

To prevent defedls in the feet good ftabic
management is at all times necelTary, but more
particularly that kind of management diftindly
adapted to the foot of the horfej for every ex-?
perienced fportfman or judicious obferver muft
have perceived how very much the ftate of the
feet vary in different fubjedls ; the hoofs of fome
horfes being exceedingly hard and brittle^
others equally foft and fpongy. It is v^orthy
obfervation that the feet of all horfes are sene-
rally managed in the fan:ie way, without revert-
ing to this material confideration ; that is, by
flopping 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 foft and fpongy,

or

4i6 ADDIT I O NA L

or the frog impaired, faould have their feet
flopped, as directed in p. g^, 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 (lough (in the na-
ture of 2ifitfafl) that muft be brought away or
deftroyed before a cicatrix can be formed to
perfed: a cure. Various ancient rules and pre-
fcriptions have been tranfmitted from gener-
ation to generation for the performance of this
elaborate bufinefs ; fome totally inadequate to
the intent, and others fo eficacionjly powerful
as to render the remedy worfe than the difeafe.
To remove every degree of fufpenfe, as well
as prevent trouble and difappointmcnt in the
purfuits of noftrums Tlw^l far-fetched x^vaz&t^^
the following method of cure may be relied
upon :

TaK'E

k E M A R k S. 417

Take borax and burnt alum of each half an
ounce; let them be reduced to a very fine
powder and difTolved in a quarter of a pint
of boiling water ; when cold add one ounce
of ftyptic tindure, and Itt the parts be plen-
tifully touched with the folution twice every
day, tiir the flough comes away; when the
cure may be completed, by touching occa-
fionally with tincture of myrrh and white wine
vinegar equal parts.

Sandcr ACKS are cavities or cracks in feme
part of the hoof that are in general longitudi-
nal, and the efFe6t of a fpontaneous feparation
occafioned by the hardnefs of the hoof, or fome
external injury upon the part. Such defect,
whether from chance or accident, fliould be
well examined fo foon as perceived, and the
mode of management regulated by appearances.
The leading points are to prevent the admiffion
of dirt or gravel, and to harden the furface
with frequent applications of tindure of
myrrh; avoiding all uncluous and greafy appli-
cations till the cure is completed. On the
contrary, fhould the cafe prove internal and
deep feated, the affiftance of an operative f^r-
ner of extenfive pradlice cannot be too foon

E e obtained

4i8 REMARK S.

abtained, to prevent (if poflible, thofe blcmifliec
and defers of the feet that inevitably reduce a
horfe to little or no value v^^henever they
happen.

The neccflary and unavoidable remarks upon
the managenaent of draft borfes in the appen-
dix, and the additional obfervations interfperf-
cd with the work, render unneceflary every
apology for their introdudion; particularly
when it is known to have originated in an
anxious defir« of the author to render the
whole as perfed as poffible, in gratitude for
its very flattering reception through feveral
large editions.

INDEX.

C 419' ]

1 N D E X.

A

Additions to this edition, Introduction, &c*

page 6 to II.

— 1 2 to 24.

i-«— 40 to 42.

' 52, 63' 54» 59» 6®» 61/67;

68 to 76, 77, 89, 90, 95, 96;

112,191,226,23X5232, 241.

Additional Remarks, from page

398 to 418, both incluiive*
Argus, eyes of, 21.

Ancient pra6lice, 5, go, 175. Refurredion of, -6*
Angelo, 25. Aftley, 25*
Age, certain figns of, 27.

proper for work, 14.

Aliment, proper quantity, 31^ 341. Of cart

horfes, 401.
Alteratives, 112^ 124, 129, 142, 144, 2'/4:
Afthma, 204.
Appetite, 31, 269.
Air, 283. Apoplexy, 315-

Ee 2

240 INDEX,

B

Balls, purging, p. 36, 37, iii, 123, 141, 219,
261, 270, 272.

reftringent, 46, 346, 350.

■ ■ diuretic, 106, 368, 369.

alterative, 112, 144.

>'■■ detergent peroral, 205, 218, 225.

— ^ cordial peroral, iirrprovenaent upon Bracken,

209.
^ ' fevers, 244, 252.
— — ftomach reflorative, 254, 325.

— mercurial alterative, 264.

« for the jaundice, 268, 271, 273,

•p— nervous caftor, 321, 323.

— cordial carminative, 331, 339.

— cordial diuretic, 358, 364.

Bleeding, dire6^ ions for, 34. Ill effe 61 from, 408.

Bartlet, remarks upon, 42, 47, 54, 99, 118, 132,

187, 204, 211, 220, 223, 230, 248, 289.

Bracken, remarks upon, 5, ii, 24, 206, 242,

292.
Bag and pipe, for glyfter, 45, 2050
Bandage, 52, 55, G^, 84.
Bllftering, liquid, 56, 74^ 82^.

INDEX. 421

Bliftering, ointment, 88, 394, 395.

Balfam, traumatic, the ufe of, 66, 193.

Bites, poifonous, 274.

Breflaw, 158.

Boerhaave, aphorifmof, 342,

Burdon, mentioned, 203.

c

Cambridge, pupils of, p. 13,
Compolition, modern, 8, 10.
Comparifon of Bracken, 24.

— — in aliment, 31.

Condition, what, 32.

Cold charges, remarks upon, 83.

Cracks, what and how cured, 91.

Cauftics, how mifapplied, 127, 137, 162? 1 7 1.

Cerate, healing,. 167.

Colds, principal caufes of, 196,

effeds explained, 198.

"^ how cured, 200.

Coughs, diiferent kinds, 206,

confequence of, 202,

Circulation confidered, 277,
Chymift, ftory of, 292.
Convulfions, 308.

Ee 3

42% INDEX.

Conv^iliions, fymptoms of, 3 1 8.

Cholic, or fret, 328. How occafioned, 407.

■■ fymproms, 330.

— treatment and cure, 331 to 335^

Chollc, or gripes, ^2$*
Catarac?!:, 379.
Curbs, 394.

Treatment and cure, 337.
Canker in the mouth, 416,

'm the foot, 414.
Criticifm, taik of, 7.
Cold water, efFed of, 121, 196, 333.

D

Dog-kennels, how fupplied, p. 4, 12S.
Drink, purging, 42.

— laxative, 334, 337, 345.

. fevers, 244, acidulated, 245.

■ anti-putrefcent, 252.

— nervous ftimulative, 32 2»

nervous anodyne, 323,

— r— cordial carminative, 332, 339V

• diuretic, 365,

■ — anodyne, 351, 369,

Dreffings, proper, requifite, 29, 117, 200, 283*
Di(hclput, greafy, ufe of, hurlefqued, 187.

^Kffr D E X.

Deco(5\ion, pefloral, 216.
Do6lors, how numerous, 16.
Dov^rine (and dod^oring) 6.
Dillies, mentioned, 318.
Draft horfes, management of, 399.

423

Eton, pupils of, p. 13.
Exercife, 32, 117, 200, 269, ^83.
Expenfe, remarks upon, 47, 140.
Embrocation, ftrengthening, 73, 8c, 89,

T- ftimulative, 324.

Economy, fadl^r's, 187,
Eledricity, fundamental, 204.
Emperical confidence, 137, 174*
Eyes, a woun4 upon, 385,

Farrier's infallibil'Uy, p. 34*

, . operative, 25, 59.

^ -, judgment, 120, 249.

^- — — dilemma, 155, 162, 246*
Ee4

424 i N Dyn^iR

Farrier's privilege, 205.

of eminence and abilities, 59, 363,

Feeding, 29. Figging, 20.

Fomentations, 163, 184, 299.

Fumigation, 300.

Firing, remarks upon, 83, 89,

Farcy, 131.

Former pracflice, cruelty of, 136.

Fiftula, 168. Fuqgus, 190.

Fevers, 230.

explained, 237.

,„_-.^ epidemic, 250. Treatment, 252*
Falubility of fpecifics, 274.

Fofre,M. La, remarks upon, 287, 290, 293a 303.
Farmer's itables, remarks upon, 400,

— — lervants, condu(ft of, 403.

Flatulent cholin, or fret, 329,

. howoccafioned, .407,

G

Goulard -s extract of Saturn, p* 56, 86, 89, 108^
143, 152, .189, 384, 409.
— - its properties explained, 410.

I N D E X. 425

Gibfon, remark upon, 5, 9, 25, 52, 137, 204,

211, 231, 276, 310.
Glanders, 287.
■ — infedious, 302.

■ incurable, 304.

Greafe, 9^, 405,

■ caufe of, 10I5 no.
Groom's indolent, 23, 92.

■ ill humours of, lOj,

duty, 188, 192, 403, 407.

Genius of dulnefs, 1 56.

Glands, induration of, 228.

Gutta ferena, 378.

Glyfters, laxative, 45, 216, 337.

domeftic, 239.

againft worms, 320.

'^ anodyne, 320, 348, 352,

t— carminative, 333.

— emollient diuretic, 363.

ft

Hughes, mentioned, p. 25,
Health, remark on, 29.
Hay, mufty, 31.

426 I N D E X.

Hay, fparing in, 225.

■ ■ proper quantity^ 341.

Heroes, equeilrian, 63, 157.

Hidebound, 82.

Horfes expofed to danger, 3, 31!^.

Humanity enjoined, 62^

Horfe dealers, a tax upon, 2 if

Hercules, llrength of, 137.

Humours, 118, 354, 396.

Horfemen, every, a caution to, 194.

Haws whatj and how extirpated, 386.

I

Inje^ion, detergent, p. 301.

Ignorance, ftabularian, 137, 174.

Jones mentioned, 25.

Jaundice, 266.

Inftrudions, various, 17, 19, 63, 341, 354.

Knees, broken, p. 28, .156.
■■ — treatment of, 159,

Jyillorcure, fyftem of, 137.

INDEX- 427

Lamenefs, p. 68.

Liniment, repellent, 56, Gs^, 143,

Lotion, detergent, 105, 143, 417.

' repellent, 86, 413.

for the eyes, 383, 385.

■ drying, i J5.

mercurial, 160.

Livery, fubfiftence, 23.
Le Brufh, Capt. quoted, 118.'
Liver, the, a fcirrholity of, 128, 271.
London ftables, comforts of, 23.
Lampas, or Lampards, 390.
Lungs, the, inflammation of, 2;i,

M

l^ock Do(5^or, quoted, p. .^,

Mail coaches, 28, 318*

^afh, reftringent, 46.

■ balfamic, 200.

Mercury, remarks upon the ufe of, 5,

Mange, 125, Mars, fire of, 137.

42'g I 1^ D E X.

Myrrh, tinclure of, 164, 193,
Medicines, quack, remarks on, 295.
Molten greafe, ^^^,

fymptoms, 355.

treatment and cure, 357.

Machines, flying, mentioned, ^iS,

Mallenders, 388.

Mercurial folution, 160, 415.

N

Nitre recommended, p. 124', 129, 142, 200, 207;,

217, 240, 246.
■ its properties explained, 241.

Nature conlidered, 150, 204,
Navel galls, 189.

Noftrums, infallibility of, ridiculed, 295.
New publication diire6led, 7.

Q

Ofmer quoted, p. 60, 9c.

■ remarks on, 77, 232^ 241,

Oxford, pupils of, i ^.
Ointment, emolljent, 105.

INDEX. -42^

Ointment for the mange, 130.
.. — flable digefiive, 152, 1-85.

- precipitate digeftive, 163.

- ■ — mercurial^ 182, 308.

' anodyne, 108. v

— . detergent enaollient.
Obfervations, various, ij, 16, 23, 30.
Over-reaches^ 159.

P

Publications, modern periodical, p. 6, 10.
Plagiarifm, remarks on, 9, 188.
Poifons, 5, 143.
Phyfic, ^6,

management of, 38.

, operation explained, 4 : »

Powders, alterative, 124, 129^ 142, 2^4*

worm, 265,

Poulitce, emollient, 8o, 151,
— ~ — fuppurative, 109, iy?>^ 184, 281,
Prevention preferable to cure," 62, 298,
Pradice, ancient, modernizGcl, 7/
remarks on, 50, 174.

Penury of fome, 140*
PjII evil, 173.

4SO INDEX.

Practice, infernal, 175.
Pleurlfy, 211. Paify, 323.
Puppies, rennarkson, 63.
Powders pernicious, given, 403.

Quaclcery, the danger of, p. 154.
Quack medicines, ftamp upon, 295.
Quittor, original caufe of, 160,

explained.

R

Repofitories, remarks upon, p. 19.

. -' — true pi6lure of, 20.

, proper to fell at, 22-

inftitutlon good, 2 1 *

Receipts, obfolete and dangerous, 3, 10.

Raking, bad p-ad^ice, 44.

Riders, advice to, 62.

Reft in ftrains recommended, 81, 83, 86«

Repellents, mild, 189, 190.

Reafon to be confulted, 183, 204.

INDEX. 431

Rowel reeommended, 253.
Ringbones^ 395.

Sydenham, remark upon, p. 4.

*' Sound wind and limb,*' explained, 15.

Shape and make, necefTary, 12, 14, 16, iS,

Splents explained, 51. Cure, 53.

Spavins blood, 55. Bone, 58. ,

— — treatment, 56, 60.

Spirits, repellent, 65, 189,
Strain?, 76. Caufes explained, 78,
Scratches, 91, Cure, 93. Stopping 95.
Surfeit, 118. True caufe of, 122.
Stables, London, remark upon, 23.
Sferub's allufion, 131.
SoUejfell mentioned, 201.
Swift, Dean, (lory of, 290.
Staggers, 308. General caufe, 317.
Scouring from repletion, 343,

. from weaknefs, 349.

Sportfmen, ^ appeal to, 177.

4bi index.

Snape, mentioned, 25.

Strangles, 276. Caufe, 278. Cure, 281.

Spafms, 323. Strangury, 359.

Saturnine folutlon, 190, 383.

Sallenders, 390.

Sloane, Sir Hans, ointment, 385.

Sandcracks, 417. )

Teeth, age by, p. 26.
Thrufh, running, 94.
Tumours, rSo, 280, 307.
Traps for the unwary, 14*

tt

Ulcers in farcy^ p. 144.
' In general, 161.

¥ade Mecum, Farriers, ii?*'
Yegeto mineral, 151.
— ' — to make, 152. '
Vulcanian advocates, 204.-

ive<^,

INDEX- 433

Vlves, explained, 285,

Vertigo, 313.

W
Windgalls, p. 61.

caufe explained, 62.

* — — — — cure of, 64. By perforation, 65.

Wafli for ulcers, 166.

detergent, 191.

Water, vegeto mineral, 151, i52»

Wounds, 146.

Warbles 187. How repelled, 189^

Wind, broken, 219.

— how occafioned, 41 »

Water, coldj efFe6l of, 121, 294, 330, 402*

' fparing in, 225.

Worms, 255, Different kinds, 256,

"* > ■ » cure of, 261,

F f Genuine

( 434 )

Genuine Horfe Medicines,

PREPARED BY

WILLIAM TAPLIN, Surgeon,

(Author of — " The Gentkma7ii Stable DlreSiory^' )

At his Medical Difpeniary j

AND SOLD BY

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Mild Purging Balls, - - - is. 6d. each.

Stronger ditto, - - - - 2s.

Mild Mercurial Purging Balls, - - 2s.

Stronger ditto, - - - - "J

Cordial Rhubarb Purging Balls, - - > 2S. 6d.

Purging Balls for Worms, - - - J

Mild Diuretic Balls for Cracks, Scratches, T

Surfeit, Hidebound, or iiu6luatlng ?• 6s. per dozen.
Humours, - - _ - j

Stronger ditto for PerceptibleFoulnefs, De- 7

feds of the Eyes, Swelled Legs, / 8s.
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Peroral Cordial Bails for Recent Colds or I g
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Peroral Detergent Balls for Obftinate 7

Coughs, or Afthmatic and Thick r 9s* ,

Winded Horfes, - - - ^

Fever Balls, - - - - - is. 6d.

Balls for Loofenefs or Scouring, - - is. 6d.

Balls for the Flatuleat Cholic, or Fret, 2s.

Ditto for the Inflammatory Cholic or Gripes, - 2S.

Ditto for the Strangury, or Suppreflion of i .; ,

U- I 1 S. OQ.

rine, - - _ _ - J

Bliftering Ointment for four legs, - - 3s. per pot.

Embrocation for Lamenefs or Strains^ - 2S. 61, per bottle.

Alterative Pcders, fcr Cracks, Scratches, 1

Surfeit, Hidebouna, Mange, or ' 4s. per dozen,

Greafe, - J

( 435 )

Irhe almoft unprecedented portion of public
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( 441 )

ELEGANT ORATIONS, Ancient and Modern,

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( 442 )
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( 443 )
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" ( 444 )

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. ( 446 )

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ESSAYS ON SUICIDE and the IMAIORTALITY

OF THE SOUL.
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. ( 440 ) :

ADVICE to the OFFICERS of the BJ^lTlSH
.,ARMY. , '

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( 447 )
THE SICK LAUREAT,

PARNASSUS
A

0 R,

1 N
O

CONFUSION

E M.

In which the Merits and Defers of Tome of our principal modern

Poets are examined and afcertained.

Among the CANDITATES are:

>leir. HAYLEY,
MASON,
SHERIDAN,
PETER PINDAR,
L. CARLISLE,
LORD S ALI SBUR Y

C. FOX,
L. DERBY,
PRATT,

COOIvlBES,

in the CHAIR.

-Ridentem dicere 'vermn
^id ^-uetat ?

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The ART of MANUAL DEFENCE;

O R,

SYSTEM OF BOXING:
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Standing on Guard,
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"— — tl.e Stomach,

■ the Ribs,

Returning Blows,

Sparring,

Pradtifine,

doling.

Throwing Falls,
Advancing,
Retreating,
Training,

and
Manceuvring.

With sn Account of the Merits of all our prefent Boxers, and

the following Copper-plates :
Plate I. Attitude and Guard.

Plate II. Parrying a Blow at the right Side of the Facs,
Plate III. Parrying a Blow at the left Side.
Plate IV. Defending the Face and the Stomach.
Plate V. Pradifmg before a Glafs.
Plate VI. Guarding the Face and the Ribs.
Plate VII. Striking the returning Blow.
Plate VIII. Striking the chopping Blow.
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Plate X. A Manoeuvre in Clofing.

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( 448 )

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FINIS.