L I B R.A R.Y
OF THE

U N I VER.S ITY
Of I LLI N O I S

VE.

v.

OAK' cnr T-mQp

Digitized by the Internet Archive
in 2019 with funding from
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

https://archive.org/details/veterinarianmont53unse

VETERINARIAN A. 4

A

MONTHLY JOURNAL OF VETERINARY SCIENCE

? D

FOR 18-7R:

VOL. LIIT-VOL. XX^, fourth series.

EDITED BY

PROFESSOR SIMONDS,

ASSISTED BY

PROEESSORS BROWN AND TUSON,

AND T. SPENCER COBBOLD, M.D., E.R.S., E.L.S.

Ars Veterinaria post medicinam secunda est. — Vegetius,

LONDON:

MINTED BY J. E. AD LAUD, BARTHOLOMEW CLOSE.

PUBLISHED BY LONGMANS, GREEN, & CO.

PATERNOSTER ROW.

THE

VETERINARIAN,

VOL. LIII.
No. 625.

JANUARY, 1880.

Fourth Series,
No. 301.

Communications and Cases.

ON THE PROGRESS AND PRESENT STATE OF
VETERINARY SCIENCE IN AMERICA.

By John Henry Steel, M.R.C.V.S., F.Z.S., Corresponding
Member of the Italian Veterinary Academy.

V'ade Mecani of Equine Anatomy. By A. Liautard, M.D.,
V.S., Professor of Comparative Anatomy to the American
Veterinary College, &c., &c. New York, 1879.— We gladly
avail ourselves of the opportunity afforded to us by this
work being placed in our hands for review to draw the
attention of English veterinarians to the present condition
of veterinary science on the other side oi the Atlantic.
Such observations as we pen will perhaps not be con¬
sidered out of place if we remember that the woik whose
title is placed at the head of this article is of much gi eater
importance as a sign of the times than its elemental y cha¬
racter and small hulk would give it at other times and in othei
places. Its author is Dr. Liautard, who is the leader of the
veterinary profession in the United States, editor-in-chiei o
the only American veterinary periodical, corresponding mem-

her of the Central Veterinary Society of Pans, and
wvinninal nf t>ip Vpt.prinavv School, which an impartial ex-

Liu «

2

VETERINARY SCIENCE IN AME RCA.

shows us to be doing the best educational work of any in
the United States of America. It is dedicated to Mr. George
Fleming, and is the first work of importance on 'Anatomy of
the Horse produced in America, being preceded only by the
obsolete work of Dadd. The Vade Mecum is very elemen¬
tary, though prepared for “ the use of advanced students and
veterinary surgeons.’5 It is arranged in chapters, each on a
region of which the various component structures are re¬
viewed seriatim ; it is not quite so free from errors as we
should expect so elementary a work to be, while the imperfec¬
tions necessary to a condensed account of anatomical struc¬
ture are sometimes glaring. We must attribute these defects
mainly to the demand for the work necessitating hasty pre¬
paration, and hope a second edition may soon afford scope
for correction. We fully feel that the author’s pupils owe
him a debt of gratitude for this work, the preparation of
w'hich must have trespassed much on his valuable time. In
January (1877) number of the American Veterinary Review
the author gave a list of American veterinary works, as
follows :

Carver’s work, 1818 ; Budd’s work, 1861 ; Dadd’s works,
1866 (‘ Anatomy,’ ‘ Veterinary Journal,’ and ‘ Modern Horse
Doctor’) ; works by Jennings and McClure ; W. C. Holme,

‘ American Farrier,’ 1852; Herbert, ‘Hints to Breeders,
1859; translation of Guenon, ‘ Milch Cows/ by Trisk, 1868 ;

‘ American Farmer’s Horse/ by R. Stewart, M.D., V.S., 1866;

‘ Percheron Horse / by C. Du Hays, 1868 ; ‘ American
Cattle/ by L. F. Allen, 1868 ; ‘Appendix to Stonehenge/ by
A. Large, M.D., M.R.C.V.S., 1869; J. Harris on the £ Pig,’
1870; J. A. Reason on the ‘ Hog/ 1870; Hanover on the
‘Law of Horses/ 1872 (2nd ed., 1875) ; Bouley’s ‘Hydro¬
phobia/ translated by A. Liautard, 1874 ; J. Law, ‘ Farmer’s
Veterinary Adviser/ 1876. Since that time Dr. Tellor
brought out a popular work on ‘Diseases of Live Stock.’

This list, even allowing for omissions, seems meagre
enough until we come to consider the influences acting °on
the progress of the American veterinary literature. Profes¬
sional writers need a reading professional public, such as
America until recently has not afforded, though now we
hope she is in a fair way to encourage much energy in this
direction. Again, when veterinary science was introduced
into English' speaking America, she had at her disposal such
works as the professional labours of British writers had pro¬
duced. We see the impress of this still in the list of text¬
books recommended at the schools, the works of Williams
Fleming, and Dun having a well merited prominence!

VETERINARY SCIENCE IN AMERICA.

3

£10.0-5

ME

v.

o*

3

CP—

vi

n

The American Veterinary College names the work we have
under notice, and Fleming's translation of Chauveau as
anatomical text-books. We might suggest the addition of
Professor Vaughan’s edition of f Strangeway’s Veterinary
Anatomy.’ Of course we must not forget that the American
laws, as becomes those of a free nation, prove exacting to
importers of foreign works, causing an increase of 75 per
cent, on the native price in some cases, and therefore remov¬
ing aids from the reach of the poor student. This, how¬
ever, is counterbalanced by the enterprise of the American
publishers, who advertise one English work at a price con¬
siderably less than it costs in this country ! (See Veterinary
Journal , July, 1869.)

The influence of English literature is perceptible in an
advertisement published monthly by a leading New York
firm, which has some noteworthy points. We believe none
of the works therein mentioned are American. Mr. Fleming3 s
name is not mentioned in connection with his f Sanitary
Science and Police;’ Professor Williams is a F.R.S.C., and
we are surprised to find ourselves a M.R.C.V.C., whatever
that means ? Perhaps an additional-e appended to our name
alters our professional qualification! These points we men¬
tion as well in the interests of our American confreres as
ourselves. One of the most highly educated of them (Mr.
Billings) complains bitterly of this defect in American legis¬
lation, which he justly terms a “ Tax upon Brains.” We now
turn with pleasure to the American Veterinary Review,
of which the first number appeared in 1877 (January), as
the organ of the United States Veterinary Medical Associa¬
tion, under the editorship of Dr. Liautard, assisted by A.
Lockhart, M.R.C.V.S.; later we find Mr. Lockhart replaced
by three members of the staff of the American Veterinary
College — A. Large, M.D., M.R.C.V.S. ; J. L. Robertson,
M.D., V.S., and A. A. Holcombe, D.V.S. Now Dr. Liautard
is assisted by “ a selected staff of veterinary practitioners.”
We have examined all the volumes of this work with care,
for we wished to draw from its pages the lines of thought of
co our Transatlantic cousins, to trace any inherited British
characters, and to solve the difficulties which prevent us
co from thorough appreciation of the value of American veteri-
^ nary degrees. Removed as we are by space from the
country of which we write, and having only personal sym¬
pathies with those who, like ourselves, are zealous to promote
professional progress, we are perhaps in a position to point
out what we can learn from America, and what we may teach
in return. We are much indebted to Professor Liautard s

•s .3

4

VETERINARY SCIENCE IN AMERICA.

papers on the history and progress of veterinary medicine in
the United States, in the first number of his journal, and to
his subsequent editorials, and especially also to the papers on
veterinary education by Professor McEachran, of Montreal.

The American Veterinanj Hevieio takes a broad view of
veterinary science, its needs, its progress, and its various
subdivisions. It notes progress in European countries, and
by every means in its power endeavours to promote profes¬
sional unity and a higher standard of education of veterinary
surgeons. Its editor several times appears before us as an
advocate for enlargement of the journal and reduction of its
price ; he acts for the United States Association, and seems to
enjoy the entire confidence of the members of that influential
body. In his paper above mentioned, he tells us that the first
qualified practitioner in New York State was Rose, a Prussian
graduate, 1817. Shortly afterwards Grice, a London gradu¬
ate, and some members of the Royal College of Veterinary
Surgeons appeared — Messrs. Curtis, Lockhart, Pilgrim, and
Budd, the latter author of a treatise on the ‘Foot of the Llorse/
1831. In 1857 Dr. John Busteed succeeded in obtaining from
the State Legislature a Charter of Incorporation of the New
York College of Veterinary Surgeons. He associated with
himself Mr. Ralston, M.R.C.V.S., formerly of the Indian
army, and they constituted the faculty, which proved in¬
sufficient for its duties, and the school was closed. It had
started in a handsome building erected by private subscrip¬
tions, which was burnt down in 1865 or 1866. Dr. Busteed's
ardour prevailed against this discouragement. He again, in
1864, organised the school, assisted by Drs. Liautard and
Large and Mr. Copeman, Dr. Liautard holding the chair
of Comparative Anatomy and Surgery. In 1870, Dr. Busteed
retired and six gentlemen formed the faculty, of whom Drs.
Liautard, Large, Stein, Percy, and Robertson still hold
office. Dr. Weisse having been replaced by A. A. Holcombe,
D.V.S., in the chair of Surgical Pathology, and Dr. Lyons
having relieved Dr. Percy of Chemistry, leaving him lec¬
tures on Materia Medica and Therapeutics. Dr. Liautard
retains his original subjects, and with them takes Sanitary
and Clinical Medicine; Dr. Large, who is a M.R.C.V.S.,
takes the Theory and Practice of Veterinary Medicine and of
Clinical Medicine ; Dr. Robertson, Cattle Pathology, Obste¬
trics, and Clinical Medicine ; Dr. Stein, Histology and Com¬
parative Physiology ; Mr. Coates, D.V.S., is Demonstrator of
Anatomy ; and Messrs. J. Rogers and R. A. McLean, both
D.V.S., lecture on Pharmacology and Anatomy respectively.
These officers, however, do not now belong to the NewYork Col-

VETERINARY SCIENCE IN AMERICA.

5

lege, for difficulties which occurred about 1873 led to secession
of the whole teaching staff, who, under Professor Liautard,
founded the American Veterinary College. The original in¬
stitution closed its doors, again flickered into life, and an
expiring spark of it recently appeared when a memorial was
signed by some of its graduates endeavouring to obstruct
the sanitary efforts adopted for repression and eradication of
pleuro-pneumonia zymotica. After this let us hope it will
no more be seen nor heard. A curious feature of its exist¬
ence was presented in 1868, when the faculty lectured to a
class of one student.

We have before us the Annual Catalogue and Announce¬
ment of the Columbia Veterinary College and School of
Comparative Medicine, New York, on the back of which is
a 'woodcut of the said college,, which we are assured on
credible authority is not accurate in all particulars. It has
one room with six windows, indicated as the “ Canines
Hospital,” and an equally large pathological laboratory.
We find on opening this catalogue a request if we are not
interested in veterinary science to hand it on to some one
who is. We find among the councillors the name of Chas.
P. Lyman, veterinary surgeon; this is C. P. Lyman V.S.E.,
who in 1877 was appointed veterinary lecturer to the Massa¬
chusetts Agricultural College. He writes to the Revieio to
say he has not sanctioned the insertion of his name, and
does not like the company. The staff includes seventeen
officers. Specialism is carried to its highest extent, there
being a professor of veterinary ophthalmology, a lecturer on
animal hygiene, a teacher of jurisprudence of veterinary
medicine, a lecturer on ornithology and diseases of domestic
fowls. The demonstrator of anatomy graduated in 1879.
The list of prizes occupies a prominent position in the cata¬
logue. Mr. J. A. Going, <f M.R.C.V.S.E.,” gives a gold medal
for general proficiency. This individual, who is not a mem¬
ber of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, with some
of the Columbia professors, sent in an official statement that
pleuro-pneumonia did not exist in Blissville, where it has
been proved to have been very rife at the time. Eleven
freshmen entered for 1879. We cannot conscientiously con¬
gratulate these gentlemen on their choice, the Columbia
Catalogue is quite sufficient for us. We believe this insti¬
tution is in some way a relic of the New York College of
Veterinary Surgeons, and, therefore, has a legal existence
and a right to confer its degree D.V.S., Doctor of Veterinary
Surgery. We note the name of Noah Cresy, Ph.D., among
the councillors ; it is well known in the profession.

6

VETERINARY SCIENCE IN AMERICA.

The Catalogue of the American Veterinary College is
before us, and is by no means so formidable as that above
mentioned. Though the lecturer on one important branch of
veterinary study graduated only in the present year, we
note in the names of the staff some which are familar to us
as connected with professional progress. This school was
incorporated in 1875, is recognised by the Board of Regents
of the University of New York, in 1878 instituted a matri¬
culation test, has winter and summer sessions, and gives
the degree D.V.S. The examinational test is written, oral, and
practical. Prizes are awarded by the Alumni Association,
by the New York Veterinary Society, by Professor Liautard,
Dean of the Faculty, and by the Board of Trustees. There
are, for 1879, 42 students; 32 gentlemen have already
obtained the degree of D.V.S. of this school.

Massachusetts in 1835 was visited by C. M. Wood, who
practised successfully. Dadd followed him in 1849, and
started a veterinary journal in 1851 ; this lasted only one
year. It was revived in 1855, when, under the protection
of a Charter from the State, Dadd associated himself with
Messrs. C. M. and R. Wood and A. S. Copernan, and estab¬
lished the first American Veterinary College. Both college
and journal lasted only a short time.

Pennsylvania has an unenviable notoriety in veterinary
history in connection with the “ bogus degrees,” the fame of
which, extending to this side of the Atlantic, has rendered us
suspicious of qualifications, even sometimes more searching
than those to which we subject our own graduates. In 1818
James Carver announced himself the author of a book entitled

The Farrier's Magazine , or Archives of Veterinary Science ,
containing the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the
horse and other domestic quadrupeds, and compiled from the
lectures and practice of veterinary colleges of London, France,
Germany, Russia, and British India, by James Carver,
Veterinary Surgeon, Master of Equitation, and Corresponding
Member of the London Veterinary Medical Society and the
College of India.” The work contains a little over one hun¬
dred pages treating upon these matters. For an account of a
worthy successor of Mr. Carver, devoid, however, of his
ubiquity, but resembling him very closely in his literary pre¬
tensions, my readers may consult the Review for November,
1877. Here they will learn how “ Professor ” McClure,
“M.D.V.S.,” who was the “ Veterinary College of Phila¬
delphia ” as the officers and professors of the school “ by the
authority vested in us by the sovereign power of the State of

VETERINARY SCIENCE IN AMERICA.

7

Pennsylvania confer the degree of Doctor of Veterinary
Medicine and Surgery.” Unfortunately he appended to the
diploma announcing this signatures not his own, and so
experienced the sovereignty of his state under the form of a
visit from a constable and resulting incarceration. It is
interesting to extract a passage from one of his letters :
“This entitles you to the degree — Dr. Daniel Underwood,
M.P.C.V.S. These letters differ only from the English by R,
from Edinburgh by E, Glasgow by G, from Dublin by D.”
In 1866 the Pennsylvania College of Veterinary Surgeons
was granted a charter. It announced six officers, among
them Isaac Mitchener, one of the leading men of his state.
It had no building, gave few, if any, lectures, we may,
therefore, conclude all Pennsylvanian veterinary diplomas
as worthless. In 1878 an energetic “ plea for veterinary
science,” by Mr. H. J. Smith, led to the attachment of a
veterinary school to the University of Pennsylvania. We
are not aware whether or no it still exists.

In 1868 an important event occured. Professor James
Law, F.R.C.V.S., was called to occupy the Chair of Veteri¬
nary Medicine at Cornell University. The subjects com¬
prised in his course are : — Principles and Practice, Surgery,
Obstetrics, Surgical Pathology and Anatomy, Examination
of Soundness, Principles of Shoeing (Physiological and
Pathological). The course of study comprises five lectures
per week throughout the academic year. Laboratory work
on bones, skeletons, clastic models, pathological preparations
and parasites, and clinical instruction ; anatomy, physio¬
logy, histology, zootechny, hygiene, botany, toxicology,
pharmacy, and therapeutics are taught by professors of the
agricultural department. Two degrees are granted ; after
two years’ agricultural studies, and two years of special vete¬
rinary study, a candidate may present himself for the
degree of Bachelor of Veterinary Science. And then, after
two years of post-graduate study, may, by passing a satis¬
factory examination, reading a thesis, &c., obtain the higher
degree of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. To give these
degrees their full value Professor Law has constantly
endeavoured to obtain a full veterinary staff to constitute
the faculty of a veterinary department of Cornell University.
This grand step, promoting the advance of veterinary surgery
by making it a special section of university study, is un¬
paralleled in Great Britain, the only approach to anything
of the kind being the lectures which Youatt delivered long
ago before the London University, and those which are now
perverted to pathology pure at the same place annually.

8 VETERINARY SCIENCE IN AMERICA.

Professor Law tells us that in nine years but two candidates
have graduated at Cornell, but we are inclined to think
even F.B.C.V.S. might envy these gentlemen their degree of
B.V.S. or D.Y.M. The Illinois Industrial University has
its veterinary hall, in which Professor F. W. Prentice, M.D.,
M.R.C.V.S., delivers his lectures on veterinary science. The
university confers no degree. This department has an
endowment of 3000 dollars. The Washington and Lea
University in Virginia, and the Agricultural Colleges of
Ohio, Pennsylvania, Dartmouth (New Hampshire), Vermont,
and formerly the Bussy Institute of Boston, have veterinary
chairs, but grant no diploma. The Iowa Agricultural
College is about to reorganise its veterinary department,
and to establish a veterinary college in connection with its
curriculum of agricultural studies with six or seven qualified
professors. This movement is supported by the legislature of
the State. The Agricultural School of Amherst endeavoured
to organise a system resembling that of Cornell, but less
rigid. J. Stickney was appointed first professor in 1869,
and in 1873 Dr. Noah Cressy was appointed to the same
post. The attendance is very small. Such being the native
sources of veterinary qualified practitioners and the native
means of veterinary instruction, we must next consider the
foreign elements of the profession in the U.S. of America.
These are derived from Canada and from the countries of
Europe, notably Great Britain, Germany, and France, in
order according with their importance as source of supply.

There are two veterinary schools in Canada, one at Mon¬
treal, the other at Toronto. The latter takes precedence as
regards age, the former as regards progressive tendencies
and the standard of education. The Montreal Veterinary
College is under Principal McEachran, F.R.C.V.S. It
is connected with the McGill University of Montreal, and
thus the students have the privilege of attending courses
of lectures delivered by the professors of that school of
learning. This must give them a good acquaintance with the
accessory sciences, and recalls to our minds that early stage
in the history of our London College, when the students
attended courses of chemistry, physiology, &c., at the various
metropolitan medical schools. The period of study com¬
prises three sessions of six months each, after which each
student is required to pass an examination before a hoard
of veterinary surgeons and professors of the McGill Uni¬
versity, the members of the board being appointed by the
Council of Agriculture. In one respect there is an advance
on the English examinational system, for the candidates are

VETERINARY SCIENCE IN AMERICA.

9

subjected to a written as well as an oral test. A peculiar
feature of this school is necessitated by the fact that while
the population of Montreal City is English, the inhabitants
of the surrounding country are French-speaking descendants
of the primitive settlers in the colony. So two courses of
lectures and two examinations are conducted. All students
before admission are subjected to a matriculation test, not
of a very searching character, but sufficient to ensure ortho¬
graphy. This school is now in its thirteenth year of existence,
and is a centre of interest to us at present on account of Pro¬
fessor McEachran’s application for affiliation with the Royal
College of Veterinary Surgeons. We are in hopes this
will not be allowed to lapse, but that the powers of our
Royal College may he so extended as to enable her to
embrace colonial as well as British schools. With graduates
in Australia, South Africa, India, and Canada, the Royal
College of Veterinary Surgeons should be the grand centre
of professional unity, not of Great Britain only, but of the
British Empire ! All sincere professional workers will
forward Professor McEachran’s application. In 1875 the
Council of Agriculture of Quebec voted 1800 dollars annually
to Professor McEachran for ten years to promote improve¬
ment of the school. This gentlemen is Chief Inspecting
Officer at Quebec.

Ontario Veterinary College was originated in 1861, and
the first professional studies commenced in 1862. A
diploma is given by the Board of Agriculture to such stu¬
dents as have attended two sessions at least at the school.
It is also understood that the student must pass such vaca¬
tions as occur with a veterinary practitioner. The matri¬
culation is but nominal. The students are much more
numerous than at Montreal. Professor Smith is principal.
The competition between the two Canadian schools is very
keen, and we give preference to one of them solely because
we advocate strongly those measures which it adopts, even
at the expense of placing itself at a disadvantage with its
competitor in such an essential matter as student supply.
This school has indirectly received a grant from Govern¬
ment of 2000 dollars to the Association of Agriculture and
Arts Association for formation of a veterinary museum and
library. The Governor of the Province attends at its
opening meetings, and none but legally educated veterina¬
rians may practise in this province. We have read also of
a Halifax Veterinary Institute , but are not aware of its
working. Professor Grange delivers a course of veterinary
lectures annually at the Guelph Agricultural College,

10

VETERINARY SCIENCE IN AMERICA.

British vetermary qualifications, as seen in America,
are, we fear, very often imaginary. Individuals abound
in the States who place M.R.C.V.S.L. after their names
without the slighest claim to this distinction. How¬
ever, a number of British graduates occur in various
parts of the country. In 1877 there were fifty-nine such
living in the United States of America and in Canada [Am.
Vet. Review, October, 1877). The qualification seems to be
highly appreciated by the public and the profession ; hence
the number of false assumptions of it by unqualified prac¬
titioners. We find an applicant for a spurious diploma
writing to McClure — “ Could you not get a London
graduate to sign it?” We are well acquainted with many
American graduates, and from experience can testify to the
excellence of the American element of the students at the
Royal Veterinary College. A number of practitioners hold
the Highland and Agricultural Society’s diploma, and sign
themselves V.S.E., &c. We hope after the recent happy
fusion of elements of the profession in this country that
our supplies to America in future will be of a uniform
stamp, and will tend to maintain the status of our College.
We hope, too, that American practitioners holding this
certificate will avail themselves of the present opportunity
of enrolling themselves as members of the Royal College
of Veterinary Surgeons.

Quacks are fond of assuming British titles, and many of
them sign themselves V.S.G. or V.S D., as they happen to
come from Glasgow or Dublin, not, of course, for a moment
imagining that the public will think they have duly
studied at colleges in those places. But America is a long
way off, and we can hardly wonder that even (t Yankee
shrewdness ” is not proof against imposture in this matter.
The German contingent is small but select, Mr. F. S.
Billings being the only fully qualified German graduate.
He is a Medicus Veterinarius of Berlin, and, we are pleased
to see, entertains and forcibly expresses the most advanced
ideas on the subject of elevation of the profession, both into
the position of a recognised state institution and to a higher
standard of professional education. We wish every success
to his efforts to promote professional unity. He seems to
have made one of the proverbial American flights through
Great Britain, as well as other parts of Europe, and,
having settled down in Berlin to his graduation studies,
proves anything but complimentary to the British schools,
upon which he deigned a hasty passing glance.

We must not close this account of the ingredients of the

VETERINARY SCIENCE IN AMERICA.

11

veterinary profession in America without noting that the
newness of the profession prevents it from embracing those
unqualified practitioners who have a good education, pro¬
fessional and general, a good general practice, and are uni¬
versally respected. These gentlemen have a vested interest
in veterinary surgery ; when there was no means of obtain¬
ing a qualification at home they studied scientifically, and
the verdict of success is their claim to professional status.
In an early stage of our professional existence in this country
we had such men to deal with ; they were admitted to con¬
sultations, they sent their sons to College, and are now prac¬
tically extinct. We believe the American Veterinary Medical
Association has some members of this stamp ; many cer¬
tainly are in the army. It has been suggested that a power
of granting honorary licentiateships of veterinary medicine
should be vested in the hands of veterinary associations,
subject to supervision. We may hint that if such be granted
it should be but temporary, as, after some years, it would be
liable to abuse. In various states action has been taken in
this matter, notably the “Act to incorporate State and
Judicial District Veterinary Surgeons, for the purpose of
improving the Practice of Veterinary Medicine in New York
State/’ which was drawn up by the New York veterinary
surgeons, and in which the idea oflicentiateship was broached
(1878). Again, the Society for Preventing Cruelty to Ani¬
mals in the same State brought forward an “ Act to regulate
the Practice of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery in New
York State/’ in the same year. This was pigeon-holed, and
no more heard of. It suggested that there should be organised
a Board of State examiners and censors in veterinary medi¬
cine and surgery, to consist of five members, of whom three
must be graduates of a duly incorporated veterinary college
or veterinary department of a medical college or university,
the other two physicians or surgeons, duly licensed, and
members of some county veterinary society. The Board
to meet at least three times annually, and three to form
a quorum.

We have now seen that in America there are qualified
practitioners, with the following diplomas :

D.V.S. — Doctor of Veterinary Surgery, given at American
Veterinary College, New York, and Columbia Veterinary
College, New York.

B.V.S. — Bachelor of Veterinary Science, given at Cornell
University.

D.V.M. — Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, given at
Cornell University.

12

VETERINARY SCIENCE IN AMERICA.

V.S. (New York). — Member of New York College of
Veterinary Surgeons in New York City (dated prior to
March, 1875).

V.S. (Ontario). — Graduate Ontario Veterinary School.

V.S. (Montreal). — Graduate Montreal Veterinary School.

V.S.E. — Highland and Agricultural Society’s Certificate
holder.

M.R.C.V.S. — Member of the Royal College of Veterinary
Surgeons of Great Britain.

F.R.C.V.S. — Fellow of ditto.

V.M. — Magister or Medicus Veterinarius of Berlin, or
other continental school.

Besides these there are practitioners with doubtful quali¬
fications, such as cannot be allowed to be a sufficient
guarantee for professional education. These are agricultural
certificate holders, holders of diplomas from ephemeral
schools, &c. Here we may place undiplomated members
of veterinary societies. Finally, there are in America im¬
postors who adopt a good title without the slightest authority,
trusting to their own impudence and public ignorance;
others adopt a useless degree (so called), derived from a
worthless diploma; others assume mountebank cognomina,
and exhibit considerable ingenuity in the selection, among
these the <f Voluntary Edidemo-zoological Missionary” is
facile princeps, though the “ Homoeopathic, Mesmeric, and
Psychological Veterinary Surgeon” is worthy of note. Cow
doctors, farriers, and the like, abound in proportion to the
deficiency in qualified men. .

The immediate future demands the formation of a register
of all practitioners who are duly qualified, and measures
tending to promote professional unanimity among them.
Also the adoption of some means for securing a uniform
standard education of future veterinarians. In taking1 a
broad view of our subject we can see that the uncombined
action of states is unsatisfactory, too often leading to failure
and seldom producing more than bare success. The question
must be made a national one, and, taking a right view of
this and other matters, Billings has been writing to the
Field, Turf, and Farm letters advocating the formation of a
National Veterinary School. This would, doubtless, prove
of inestimable benefit, but liberty would still demand con¬
sideration for all bona fide private institutions of the same
character. So, it seems, a Central United States Veterinary
Examining Board is a more immediate necessity, and one
which the Legislature would be more ready to supply.

VETERINARY SCIENCE IN AMERICA.

13

It would prove a stepping-stone to obtaining the National
School of Veterinary Science, and in its powers might
resemble our Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. The
aristocracy of intellect in America lends its support to
Government scientific efforts ; so, perhaps, there is more
likelihood of official recognition of veterinary science in
America than in this country. It is doubtful, however,
whether we here or our confreres in America will ever bring
the profession into such intimate relations with the state as
we see in France, Germany, and other continental countries.

Professional unity is promoted by Associations. Of these
we observe healthy signs in America. In 1858 the
first of these was originated in Boston as the Veterinary
Medical Association , with C. M. Wood as first president and
E. F. Thayer as treasurer. The American Veterinary College
Allumni Association held its first meeting in 1878, with
C. B. Michener as secretary; in 1879 Professor Holcombe
was elected president. The New York State Veterinary
Society holds regular meetings and does good professional
work. We may also mention the Ottawa Centred Veterinary
Medical Association, Rochester Veterinary Medical Asso¬
ciation (J. McKenzie, secretary). The Ontario and Montreal
Schools have Associations connected with them (the latter
two, one French, the other English), and in 1878 was
originated the Medical Society of the American Veterinary
College, which holds meetings every Friday during the
session. In Canada are also the Canadian Veterinary Medical
Association, and the North American Central Veterinary
Medical Association (Dr. Coleman, president). There was a
proposal to form a Canadian Dominion Veterinary Asso¬
ciation, with power of conferring all veterinary degrees.
This important means of promoting unity was not con¬
sidered necessary by the authorities of the Toronto School
among others. It therefore fell through. But by far the most
important is the United States Veterinary Medical Asso¬
ciation, founded 1861, Dr. J. Stickney, M.R.C.V.S., being
its first president. This grand national representative of the
profession holds meetings semi-annually, and has several
times taken measures of political importance. Thus in 18 <9
a committee of its members was appointed to draw up
resolutions for Congress in relation to investigation and
prevention of contagious diseases of domestic animals, and
it was arranged that a sub-committee of three delegates
proceed to Washington during sitting of Congress to further
the interests involved. The Association offers prizes for
essays on professional matters, has its own special organ, the

14 VETERINARY SCIENCE IN AMERICA.

American Veterinary Review , and has a Committee of
Diseases and a Committee of Intelligence and Education.
The latter in 1878 made a laudable attempt to call a
Congress of teachers of veterinary medicine in America.
This unfortunately fell through, but let us hope the matter
will not be allowed to drop, but prove more fruitful next
time. Cordial co-operation of teachers is needed, not in America
only! We fancy we see a trace of John Bull in some of
the .reports of the meetings of the Association. We are told
several times of “ those matchless dinners of Boston.”

In examining lists of American veterinary surgeons and
teachers we are struck by the number of them who affix M.D.
to their names. No doubt many of these gentlemen have the
highest qualifications, but we fear some few are the American
medical degrees with which we are too well acquainted in
England. However, we are tempted to inquire whether
any substantial benefits to the veterinary profession have
resulted from this, and whether the two branches of medicine
are in America more closely united than in our own country.
In 1878 Dr. Townshend read a paper on Hog Cholera ”
before the Columbus Academy of Medicine, which gave rise to
resolutions for promotion of veterinary science. In 1868
Texas fever gave rise to fearful mortality in cattle. Health
Boards of Physicians, as in our great outbreaks of rinderpest
sat, discussed the matter, and did no good. In 1870
Dr. Stein (now of the American Veterinary College) was
delegated by the New York County Medical Society to the
American Medical Society meeting in Washington. He
was then Professor of Physiology at the New York College
of Veterinary Surgeons. Professor Antistell read a paper on
“ Veterinary Colleges abroad.” Dr. Stein carried a motion
that the paper and the wThole subject of veterinary medicine
be referred to a Special Committee. The Committee recom¬
mended State and County Medical Societies to promote the
establishment and support of veterinary schools, to solicit
the aid of the governors of their respective states in the
matter, to recommend association of thoroughly educated
veterinarians with other medical officers as Commissioners
of Boards of Health. Also they recommended employment
of veterinary surgeons in the army and one in the Agri¬
cultural Department with the rank and pay of other medical
officers. After a remarkable effort on the part of Dr. Stein
these resolutions were adopted, but lapsed through some
informalities. The veterinary profession was thus publicly
recognised by the representatives of human medicine. We
must conclude that the relations between the professions are

VETERINARY SCIENCE IN AMERICA.

15

not more advanced than in this country, nor so advanced as
we even might reasonably expect.

Agriculture is closely related to veterinary surgery to
their mutual advantage. This has been several times
acknowledged publicly in America. In 1878 N. H. Paaren,
of Chicago, read a paper on veterinary sanitary reform at the
National Agricultural Congress , which led to an important
resolution whereby the attention of agricultural colleges was
directed to vigorous efforts in veterinary education. The
author was appointed State Veterinarian to the Board of
Agriculture. Professor James Law is Consulting Veterinary
Surgeon to the Agricultural Society of New York State. We
have seen that various agricultural schools have their vete¬
rinary professors. However, at the meeting of the National
Agricultural Congress for this year only one Veterinary
Surgeon was appointed on the committee. The American
Veterinary College offers a free scholarship to the United
States Agricultural Department, and to each State agri¬
cultural society in the country. Also allowance is made to
graduates of agricultural colleges for courses of lectures which
they have attended on the subjects mentioned in the College
curriculum.

We have noted certain signs of professional remonstrance
against the veterinary editorships of agricultural journals by
qualified practitioners, but are not inclined to find fault with
them, for any means serving to enable agriculturists to
appreciate the complexity of medical treatment of stock must
redound to our advantage, transferring them from the hands
of empirics to those of the duly educated practitioner. We
can see no more objection to this than to the delivery of
courses of lectures on veterinary science at agricultural
schools, which in this country has proved of decided advan¬
tage to the profession. We see Professor James Law is
editor of the American Live , Stock Journal , and have no fear
that in his hands it will fall to the low prescribing and
puffing level of certain other American journals.

The prohibition of importation of American cattle into this
country, necessitated by the prevalence of pleuro-pneumonia
in the United States, by driving the important live-meat
trade wholly into the hands of the Canadians, has necessi¬
tated State investigation of the matter. This event consti¬
tutes an era in American veterinary history. Professor
McEachran has been sent into the United States to investi¬
gate the disease. Professor James Law, with his veterinary
staff, has been “ stamping out” the affection in New York.
Professor Holcombe is at work in New Jersey ; Mitchener in

10 VETERINARY SCIENCE IN AMERICA.

Pennsylvania. These three states form the centres of con¬
tagion. In Connecticut the cattle commissioners have powers
of quarantine, but not compulsory slaughter. In Maryland
and Virginia the disease is also rife. Massachusetts (which
has several times “ stamped out” the disease), Rhode Island,
and Chicago, were reported free in April of the present year.
We may now see the special necessities which render Mr.
Billing's suggestion of a National Veterinary Police an im¬
portant one. In 1877 the value of cattle in the United
States was reckoned at 1,600,000,000 dollars. In the
Review for May, 1878, are some highly valuable calculations,
tending to show that 476£, or 89,019 veterinary surgeons
are required to protect this animal wealth. In August,
1879, we are told, with regard to laws for prevention of
cattle disease, that twenty-one states are without any, ten
with some regulations, sixteen with an indefinite state of
affairs, while one furnishes no information. In Massachusetts
there is only one veterinary official — Thayer, of Boston —
who since 1859 has been on the staff of the Cattle Commission
of that State. The 'Ohio Agricultural Report' of 1877-78
tells us there are there no veterinary sanitary laws and
regulations.

National veterinary organisation was brought before
Congress by Dr. John Busteed, when President of the New
York College of Veterinary Surgeons ; but though he
attracted some attention to it, the matter dropped when it
passed from beneath his immediate control. This is a
matter in which America has yet to act.

Army veterinary organisation of the United States is
receiving some attention. We are told by a highly educated
and liberal-minded medical man in the August ( 1879) number
of the Review that “ a report of the epidemic among horses in
Fort Randall, Nebraska, 1856, is the only veterinary obser¬
vation noted in the medical reports for a period of more than
twenty years. Though the United States army consists mostly
of cavalry there are no veterinary surgeons in the service, so
sick horses almost invariably die.” Since this time it has
been decided that, in the future, none but regularly educated
veterinary surgeons shall be appointed, that all candidates
must be recommended by commanding officers, must be
approved by intermediate commanders, and pass an exami¬
nation. Liautard gives us some facts concerning the develop¬
ment of the United States Army Veterinary Department.
In 1868 one veterinary surgeon was allotted to each regi¬
ment of cavalry, with pay of 75 dollars per mensem and rank
of sergeant-major. In 1866, matters improved, the pay being

VETERINARY SCIENCE IN AMERICA. 17

raised to 100 dollars ; but even the military authorities did
not seem aware of the exact position of these officers, the
Aimy Register classing them among enlisted men, whereas,
they were appointed by the Secretary of War, and considered
only civilians. Empirics abounded in the service until the
1879 warrants, hence we cannot wonder that in 1869 a simple
farmer was appointed by the General Government as Clinical
Lecturer on Horseshoeing to the Army Veterinary Surgeons
and Farriers. The United States Veterinary Medical Asso¬
ciation enteied a piotest against this. Under the new war¬
rant it is one of the duties of veterinary surgeons to instruct
the farriers and men. Also veterinary surgeons and farriers
are to be encouraged to make and preserve specimens, and
each veterinary officer is to furnish a monthly report, his
patients being of three kinds, mules, horses, and oxen. We
observe a tendency still to group army veterinary surgeons
with farriers. Let us hope the influx of educated prac¬
titioners will lessen this. We understand that those un¬
qualified army practitioners at present holding appointments
are to be allowed facilities for the regular course of study
necessary for graduation. Recently the obsolete and imperfect
list of veterinary means and appliances allowed in the army
has been very satisfactorily modified. Among the instru¬
ments and appliances we specially note the urinometer,
thermometer, trephine, and hypodermic syringe. This at
any rate sounds well. One omission has been pointed out — a
pestle and mortar ! The books allowed are not of a very high
scientific stamp, though good in their way ; they are ‘ Law’s
Veterinary Adviser ’ and ‘ Parrish’s Pharmacy.’ There is
considerable room for improvement still in theposition of the
army practitioner, but he is now no longer in the rank and file.

There is much work in prospect for veterinary surgeons in
America. Though we are informed by Professor Smith’s com¬
munications to the Veterinary Journal that disease is not
very prevalent in Ontario, we are always hearing of new
and obscure diseases of cattle in the vast territory of the
United States. Hogs are carried off in large numbers by
the disease known variously as cholera, pneumo-enteritis con¬
tagiosa, and typhoid fever. The prevalence of Trichina
threatens to interfere with the export trade in dead pork.
Anthrax, tuberculosis, and parasitic disorders are so formidable
and on such a large scale that each may be considered a
national calamity. Let those who are promoting veterinary
science across the Atlantic think when they find their task a
difficult one— -

Forsan et hcec olim meminisse iuvahit.

LIII,

2

IB INFECTIVE AND CONTAGIOUS DISEASES;

There is evidently a great future in store for our profession
in America.

We have now completed our work, and hope we have
collected material interesting to the English practitioner.
If any American reader notes errors, let him be assured
that we shall be anxious to correct our statements when
proved to be in the wrong.

ABSTRACT OF LECTURES, BY DR. W. S. GREEN¬
FIELD, Professor Superintendent of the Brown
Institution, ON “ RECENT INVESTIGATIONS
IN THE PATHOLOGY OF INFECTIVE AND
CONTAGIOUS DISEASES.”

SPECIALLY REPORTED.

On Wednesday, 17th December, at 5.30, Dr. Greenfield
commenced his course of lectures in connection with the
Brown Institution at the University of London, in the Theatre.
The' audience was large, including several well-known medical
and veterinary practitioners and professors. The proceedings
were opened by Dr. Quain, who, as chairman of the Committee
of the Brown Institution, introduced the lecturer, taking
advantage of the opportunity to allude to the valuable services
rendered to science by Dr. Burdon-Sanderson, as based on the
experiments and observations made by him at the Institu¬
tion, and also, by a few judicious remarks, to condemn the
proceedings of those individuals who fail to see that the small
amount of injury inflicted on the few in such investigations as
are pursued at the Brown Institution must be productive of a
very large amount of benefit to man and to the many lower
animals. The lecturer was received with applause.

He commenced his lecture by some remarks on the position
which the “ relation of diseases of animals to man ” occupies in the
minds of medical men, and expressed his opinion that it is not
adequately appreciated. He gave those illustrations of the relations
between diseases of animals and those of man which are most
familiar to us, and said that the only instances of attempt to
inoculate animals with human morbid products with which he is
familiar are vaccination for distemper in dogs, not in his opinion
a very hopeful operation. He alluded to Drs. Klein, Sander¬
son, and Simon, as workers in this matter, and stated that for
assistance in his researches he is indebted to Mr. Banham,

INFECTIVE AND CONTAGIOUS DISEASES. 19

M.B.C.V.S., Veterinary Officer to the Institution, and to Dr.
Sanderson, while Mr. George Fleming has kindly supplied him
with material from abroad. Having served on the recent com¬
mittee on septicaemia and pyaemia, he had examined these
diseases very closely, and since they, though rare, are not un¬
known in the higher classes of lower animals, he appreciated the
value of investigations of them in these animals, where certain
complicating elements of this study in man are absent. He pro-
posed, in the first place, to examine the relations of Bacteria to
disease, and thought that at present there is much confusion in the
views with regard to the relations of these organisms to contagion.
In studying the general pathology of contagion we have to do
with its nature, mode of action, and methods of reproduction and
communication, as leading to general laws. But in examining
the intimate pathology of contagion , each disease and each con-
tagium must be investigated on its own merits, the causes of
latency and of incubation and the means of preservation of the
poison outside the body being especially important. The diseases
to be treated of may be divided into — (I) specific contagious fevers
which are not known to arise de novo , but always are communi¬
cated from one animal to another. Of these the virus is usually
most intense in some special fluid or tissue, and it is destroyed
by putrefactive processes. Its effects once manifested in the
system successfully resisted, future immunity, temporary or
permanent, results. There is no absolute line of demarcation
between these and the (II) so-called infective diseases, such as
pyaemia, septicaemia, and traumatic erysipelas. In them there
is no true period of latency nor specific lesion, and they tend to
produce changes of the tissues allied to putrefaction. They
generally arise de novo, and spread by infective processes from the
seat of inoculation. They can be transmitted to all species of
animals, whereas those of the first class affect special animal forms.

The view of the particular nature of contagium is now
generally allowed, but there are many hypotheses as to its true
nature. Putrescence is looked upon as one of its sources, and
there is now a generally current belief that contagion depends
in some way on Bacteria both in acute specific diseases and
infective disorders. We may pursue this supposition still
farther and say that if Bacteria have anything to do with disease
probably each disease has a special organism, each of these
specific forms belonging to a distinct species and having its
own morphological characters, that we may possibly be able
to isolate and cultivate these distinct forms, and by ascertain¬
ing what conditions are prejudicial to them, lay the foundations of
a true system of preventive medicine. They may be studied in
blood or lymph, by reproducing them in the animal system, or in

20 INFECTIVE AND CONTAGIOUS DISEASES.

cultivating solutions. Bacteria have been largely investigated,
notably by Cohn, Bollinger, Billroth, Ewart, and Klebs. Cohn's
classification in 1872 is now found to be of doubtful value. His
definition of Bacteria is good, and we may for convenience describe
them as assuming various forms — spheroidal, rod-shaped, bacilli -
form, spirilliform, &c. The simplest of them are the spheroidal
or globular, known as micrococci or microsporon, leading to the
formation of zoogloea or mycoderma by aggregation, or becoming
united in chains resulting from transverse division, as may be
well seen in decomposing blood and aqueous humour. Some¬
times they divide transversely as well as longitudinally, producing
groups of fours. Klebs, Billroth, and Dallinger believe these
micrococci can become converted into the rod-shaped form or true
Bacteria, but the lecturer has not been able to trace this. He
believes that some micrococci never pass beyond the spheroidal
stage. M. vaccince and M. diphthericus are some of the supposed
pathogenic forms of micrococci. The rod-shaped form or bac¬
terium proper is usually flagellated or ciliated, and often presents
nuclei or spores. Ewart has found these in B. termo ; it presents
alternate stages of rest and motion, and forms zoogloea masses
with a permanent and abundant intercellular substance. Filamen¬
tous Bacteria or Bacilli of one form occur in anthrax; and
Koch and the lecturer have observed another very different in
septicsemia of the lower animals.

The lecturer has also recently observed a Bacillus in farcy.
It resembles in its general characters Bac. anthracis , as described
especially by Ewart, and presents the appearance of a lateral for¬
mation of spores, which may be arranged in pairs ; they escape or
are set free by the breaking up of the filament. Sometimes separate
couples of spores result, and a large convoluted chain-like form
has been observed. Also the spores sometimes divide into fours.
The filaments are aggregated in masses, and each has a looped
arrangement. (These remarks were illustrated by diagrams, to
scale, executed from the lecturer's specimens.) In the Bacilli
the spore develops into the filament. Klein, Koch, and Ewart
have described this, but the observers differ as to the details of
the process, it not being decided whether the spore itself elongates
or its chitine-like investment. The Bacilli of septicsemia first
elongate and divide transversely into pairs. Masses of these
occur, with nuclei generally at the ends, but sometimes centrally
placed. The filaments further elongate and then break up. In
collections of this form, as in B. termo, rods are generally seen at
the outerpart radiating from the centre where the spores are
situated.

The lecturer then proceeded to touch upon methods of
investigation . Given a specific disease such as smallpox : It is

INFECTIVE AND CONTAGIOUS DISEASES.

21

certain the contagious power resides in certain lesions ; and it is a
reasonable hypothesis that the contagium is an organism with
definite life conditions ; hence we may hope to see the organism,
to grow crops of it, and thus from distant generations reproduce
the same disorder ; to trace its transit through the body from
the seat of inoculation, to discover what relations exist between
the specific lesions and the bacterium. But we may reasonably
suppose there are some Bacteria too small to be seen by our
present artificial aids to vision. Klebs introduced the “ fractional
culture method j” which, however, has only a limited value, as so
many conditions are necessary to its success. The secondary repro¬
duction of disease in the higher animals is important, but more
precaution than is generally adopted must be taken to prevent
the accidental communication of the disease under investigation
to the experimental subjects by contagion. The culture method,
unguided by sight, is very difficult. Error is liable to arise from
confusion of harmless Bacteria with the virulent forms.

Lecture II. — Specific contagious disorders may possibly be
due to the introduction of lowly organisms into the system, or,
according to some, of altered protoplasm which is capable of com¬
municating to other protoplasmic masses, similar changes to those
which it has itself undergone. Most infective diseases are pro¬
ducible by animal fluids at certain stages of decomposition, and it
is held that Bacteria are either the essential contagia or that
they generate the poison which originates the infective process.
Some, however, consider they are simply innocent parasites, and
so to prove that these organisms are contagia, they must be iso¬
lated, cultivated, and when introduced by inoculation into the
system of an animal, reproduce the disease. With some forms
this is very difficult, so we often need to base our conclusions
with regard to some special organism and its resulting disease
on analogy. The poisonous material sepsin, which is produced
by the action of Bacteria concerns only a small number of cases
of septicaemia as they occur clinically, this is not a virus but a
poison, its presence is a matter of importance, but it does not give
a clue to those cases where only an extremely minute quantity of
material introduced causes death, the fluids of the subject of the
experiment being active when used for inoculation. The par¬
ticular stage of decomposition is important, as generation of the
septicaemia-producing material occurs only during the early stages,
and may be lost at other stages, as was observed by Davaine long
ago. With regard to the power of different forms of Bacteria to
cause septic poisoning, it is presumed they constitute the essen¬
tial virus, for it is known that many Bacteria are reproduced
in the body, and that fluids devoid of Bacteria have no powers

22

INFECTIVE AND CONTAGIOUS DISEASES.

of true septic infection. Also in anthrax Bacilli have been
found to generate the disease. In pyaemia we find the pheno¬
mena of thrombosis or phlebitis, entrance into the blood and
diffusion throughout the system of the products of breaking
down of the clot, leading to embolic pysemia with secondary
abscesses, and often producing the condition known as septico-
pysemia. It was originally supposed that softening of the clot,
setting up embolic abscesses in the lungs, and then in serous
and synovial membranes constituted pysemia, but it was observed
that sometimes the products of solution are prevented from
entry into the general mass of the blood by a second thrombus.
Also, sometimes no abscesses occur in the lungs, therefore the
embolic theory does not suffice, and we must find some other
septic influence. The observations of the presence of micro¬
cocci on the wound, and in various parts .of the system are suffi¬
cient to account for pyaemia ; and the arguments against the
potency of their influence are not conclusive. But it is argued
that they are not constantly present, and therefore are not
essential. In cases of acute necrosis and ulcerative endocar¬
ditis, the lecturer has found the leucocytes largely increased,
and in spite of the absence of those conditions of the blood,
commonly considered septicsemic, various forms of Bacteria are
present. Thus Micrococci abounded in masses in the venules,
and arterioles of various organs, filling up the vessels and some¬
times diffused in the tissues around the vessels ; they stain
readily with logwood and methyl aniline, and these colourings
w«re not removed by the action of dilute acids or alkalies ; even
in the lymphatic glands they were found in the vessels ; they
occur to a marked degree in the periphery of abscesses. With
regard to their non-constancy, on re-examination of organs
supposed to be free from them they have been detected, for
scattered Micrococci in various organs are distinguishable only
by certain methods. Again, they often occur in parts which
give no visible evidence of pysemic change, and they probably
disappear when the diseased processes are far advanced, or lose
their power of staining. They occur especially where the greatest
retardation of the blood- current occurs, as in the glomeruli of the
kidney and they set up changes due to obstruction of the passage
of the blood, such as abscesses. They may cause ruptures of the
smaller vessels. They are therefore competent by their presence
to give rise to the ordinary phenomena of pysemia. They are
usually found in the infective material of similar diseases in the
lower animals. In the vessels they first adhere in zoogloea masses
to the walls and aggregate round the white corpuscles. The con¬
nective-tissue corpuscles, too, are centres of aggregation of large
Micrococci often in chains causing surrounding swelling. As is

INFECTIVE AND CONTAGIOUS DISEASES. 23

the case in anthrax, the vessels tend especially to become
blocked up where the current of blood is slow. So the Bacteria
are marked in the thyroid body, and in certain parts of the
kidney where stagnation of blood first .occurs, and in the lobules
of the liver adjacent to the central venule. They tend to invade
the epithelium of the blood vessels and are found in abundance
in softening clots, and therefore perhaps are the direct agents in
the production of thrombosis, and the softening of the clots in
veins. The conditions essential to investigation of blood poison¬
ing in the loioer animals are peculiar, and require some experi¬
mental experience. Guinea-pigs are most unsatisfactory subjects
for they die easily, and often without any apparent cause.
Babbits also are not good, their variations in temperature are
very uncertain. Bats and mice answer very well. But many
inaccuracies of observation have resulted from neglect of the
fact that different animals give varying results. Often we can
produce disease very like the pyaemia of man. Caseous masses
generally form at the seat of inoculation, and abscesses in various
organs with a peculiar absence of true suppuration, the product
being of a waxy character. On microscopical examination it
shows the dumbbell form of Micrococci, and inoculation with the
blood sometimes produces no effect, but often show inflammation
of a local character, and sometimes acute disorder rapidly leading
to death. In these latter the symptoms are of a febrile character,
ecchymoses and abscesses being the most marked lesions. After
death Micrococci may be found in the smaller blood vessels and
especially in the patches of ecchymosis observable in the heart.
These Micrococci are not generally in masses, but in chains or
pairs, and are of large size. As has been found with other dis¬
eases, the blood is not the most likely fluid to communicate the
disease by inoculation. Serum or fluid from a macerated portion
of tissue will produce septicaemia with almost absolute certainty.
The lecturer then gave a very hasty resume of KoclTs experi¬
ments, showing how at first he injected subcutaneously a large
amount of decomposing fluid, when true poisoning resulted.
But later he tried smaller quantities, and he found that after
introduction of two drops many subjects remained unaffected,
some sickened after twenty-four hours, death supervening in
forty to sixty hours. He transmitted the disease thus produced
in continuous series through seventeen inoculations. At first he
could detect no Bacilli in the tissues and fluids, but he at length
succeeded in detecting very minute forms by special means of
illumination. They seem to enter the blood directly through
the wralls of the vessels, and to extend widely through the loose
connective tissue. (Here the lecturer drew attention to diagrams
of septicaemia Bacilli, some taken from specimens under Vr inch

24 INFECTIVE AND CONTAGIOUS DISEASES.

power.) Another form of septicaemia has been observed in the
lower animals, its lesions are especially those known as necrosis.
In it Micrococci of another form crowd the lymphatics and
blood vessels, and cause solution of healthy tissue. Differences
were observed in the field mouse and the house mouse in their
relations as bearers to these distinct forms of Bacteria. Micro¬
cocci have been observed in many other diseases, notably diph¬
theria and smallpox ; but it must be remembered that there are
many different forms of Micrococci distinct in their distribution
and in their grouping. In the diphtheria cases, however, it
must be remembered that these are generally endocarditic
growths, which tend to undergo softening like the thrombi in
pyaemia.

Lecture III. — Anthrax is one of the diseases which can be
most readily connected with certain vegetable organisms. Allied to
the ordinary form, as seen in the ox, are certain diseases termed
anthracoid, such as Loodianah Lever and Cape Horse Lever, also
certain forms affecting the elephant and camel, as has recently
been rather forcibly shown in India. There are certain general
conditions under which these disorders occur; they are espe¬
cially prevalent in malarial districts, and from them may spread
both sporadically or epidemically to higher altitudes. In some
respects they are not unlike true septicaemia. Splenic Fever is
due to Bacilli, and blood from an animal affected with this form
of anthrax will convey the disease even to cold-blooded animals as
frogs. By some the pigs are considered not liable to be affected
by it, but these animals suffer from inoculation either exhibiting
true anthrax or the disease called “ Diphtheria,” which is cha¬
racterised by swelling about the throat, but with no formation of
false membranes ; swelling of the lymphatic glands also occurs
frequently resulting in suppuration. Dogs are less liable to the
disease. Pasteur has proved that by reducing the temperature
of fowls, they may be rendered susceptible. Beyond all ques¬
tion, the disease is due to Bacilli, such as were first described by
Pollender. Artificial anthrax differs somewhat from the natural
forms of the affection, and the former varies according as it is
produced by intravenous and subcutaneous injection. In the
former case the poisonous effects is proportional to the dose,
in the latter often local swelling occurs, most frequently when
the experiment is not likely to succeed, this is therefore in some
measure protective. There can be no doubt that the Bacillus of
anthrax has irritant properties, but whether these result from its
activity or from some poison generated by it is not yet decided,
though Pasteur has procured from it a hydrolytic ferment
resembling diastase. Lrom the subcutaneous tissue these or-

INFECTIVE AND CONTAGIOUS DISEASES.

25

ganisms sometimes pass directly through the lymphatic walls, so
swelling of the glands in the vicinity of the inoculated part first
occurs. In the higher ruminants and horses, swelling occurs at
the seat of inoculation, and the poison multiplies in the serum
of the parts, it is then absorbed into the lymphatic glands of the
part where it continues to multiply, and it thus causes swelling ;
it is more likely that it pierces the walls of the smaller blood¬
vessels, and thus gains the round of the circulation, than that it
passes by way of the thoracic duct. Thus in some cases the
glands do not seem to be affected, but the Bacilli mainly occur
in the capillaries. In the mouse, guinea pig, and other small
mammals, the symptoms after inoculation may be practically nil,
the temperature rising two or three degrees, and falling again
before death to as much below the normal ; in the latter stages
a cyanotic condition has been observed. At first only a few
Bacteria can be observed on a slide in a drop of blood, but later
they are more numerous. Often, however, Bacteria cannot be
seen in the blood, the white corpuscles are increased in number,
and the spleen is not generally enlarged in the guinea pig. The
Bacilli are found to be more irritant than when taken directly
from a diseased animal than after cultivation.

The blood of the animals subject to experiment is interesting
as having its white corpuscles increased in number, containing
many Bacilli, and in that coagulation does not freely occur.
Sometimes the filaments are longer than three or four red corpus¬
cles. The suppurative infective properties of anthrax-virus
disappear on putrefaction but perhaps not entirely. To test this
the lecturer allowed a guinea pig which died from anthrax, to
remain after death exposed to putrefactive influences; after nine
days Bacilli remained. On the sixteenth day the body swarmed
with spores, remains of filaments, and spores with portions of
filaments attached. A small amount of fluid containing these
communicated the disease to a guinea pig. Mode of action of
the Bacilli ; it is known that they depend on the presence of
free oxygen for free growth, and therefore, they have been
supposed to deprive the red corpuscles of oxygen. This is not
yet proved, for there can be no doubt that the obstruction to
the passage of blood through the lungs prevents it from obtain¬
ing its obtaining its proper amount of oxygen, which would
aecount for the small amount of oxygen in anthrax blood. The
irritant action of the organisms must also be remembered. But
the morhid anatomy throws some light on this matter, an enor¬
mous number of Bacilli are found, but they do not seem to be
especially abundant in the spleen. In the heart they abound
within and around the vessels, and in the interspaces of the
muscular fibres. After they so crowd the small vessels as to

26

INFECTIVE AND CONTAGIOUS DISEASES.

lead to rapture and eechymosis, but some observers needlessly
attribute the extravasations to direct irritation. In the lungs they
may be very well seen around the alveoli; some of the capil¬
laries seem to be striated, they being completely filled with
layers of Bacilli ; they are seldom numerous in the pleura. The
liver is comparatively free from them, but when present they
occur in the intralobular venule and its adjacent capillaries,
the kidneys contain a large number, especially in the glo¬
meruli near the surface of the organ and in the afferent and
efferent small vessels (often these present the peculiar striated
appearance). Sometimes rupture of these small vessels occurs,
and in these may be often seen masses of spores. Bacilli may
escape into the convoluted tubes, but Koch has never seen them
in the straight tubes, but as blood corpuscles may escape through
the tubules so probably may these bodies, and so probably the
urine becomes a conveyer of contagion. This fact should lead
to fuller sanitary precautions for Beser has conveyed anthrax by
inoculation with the urine. Urine, too, is known to be a useful
cultivative fluid, and in it the Bacteria can generate their spores.
These bodies must have some mechanical effect in impeding the
action of the heart, preventing excretion, & c. Some of the
symptoms point to the mechanical action ; thus in the brain the
Bacilli are not frequent, which accounts for the remarkable re¬
tention of consciousness by the patients. After inoculation of
Bovine animals with anthrax matter passed through rodents, in
Dr. Sanderson and Mr. Duguid’s experiments, it was found to
produce intense symptoms, but in no case to prove fatal. If
anthrax resembles acute specific contagious diseases, this means
ought to secure immunity ; to test this important point the
lecturer repeated the experiments. He took a steer in good
health and inoculated her with virus which had been passed
through guinea pigs and then cultivated in aqueous hu¬
mour, but no appreciable results ensued. He considered that
not enough material had been used, so after a second cultiva¬
tion he inoculated the animal again, also a mouse, the latter
died. On the evening of the following day the temperature of
the steer was 102°. Next morning 104°, and the animal was
dull and refused its food, on the third day 106°5. On the 8th
day, in the evening the temperature fell to 102°, and on the 9th
day again attained the normal. These experiments need repetition.

The lecturer then alluded to the relations of anthrax of the
lower animals to diseases of the human subject. Where anthrax
prevails so also does malignant pustule. Bollinger treats this
matter fully, but probably describes several different diseases as
anthrax, angina Ludwigii, woolsortersJ disease, and other dis¬
eases of man, are probably of this nature ; so there is much need

INFECTIVE AND CONTAGIOUS DISEASES. 27

of more thorough sanitary inspection than now exists. We
must hesitate to attribute to the disease a spontaneous origin
from local conditions of food or from malaria. Pood is a most
ready means of conveyance of contagium, and experiments
prove that the disease occurs most readily when there are
wounds in the mouth. The endemic prevalence of anthrax in
pastures is attributed to persistence of the virus in earth, and it
is possible that, at certain periods of the year, Bacilli in the soil
have their powers of generating disease roused into activity.
It has been suggested that the disease is due to certain plants,
but none have been found capable of producing the symptoms of
anthrax. It is thought that the spores may soak out from the
carcases of buried animals and be taken up into plants, and thus
conveyed into the alimentary canal ; so it has been suggested to
burn the carcases of anthrax patients, but Koch suggested bury¬
ing them so deep in The soil that the sun's warmth could not
reach the spores. [These spores are very resistant, but it has
been shown that their vitality is impaired by compressed oxygen,
and that they are destroyed when heated up to a certain point.]
Peser made a series of exhaustive experiments on this point in
the Bavarian Alps. Ho interred the carcases of a series of ani¬
mals, inoculated and proved to be affected with anthrax. He
placed them in various positions, and disinterred them at periods
ranging from fourteen days to four months. He then made an
elaborate examination of the tissues microscopically, and endea¬
voured to produce anthrax by inoculation, but in only one case
with any result. In this a portion of a muscle of the quarter of
a sheep, which had been buried fourteen days, was introduced
into a horse which died in four days. It is known that
anthrax material can be preserved by freezing and enclosure in
capillary tubes. These experiments show that, under certain
conditions, buried carcases do not serve as means of transmission
of the disease. Vegetables, of various kinds, grown over the
places where anthrax patients were buried, gave no result when
used as food. -

Messrs. Pasteur, Chamberland, and Koux, produced charbon by
earth taken from around carcases, ten months after burial ; it
was found that earth from the superficial layers produced anthrax ;
from the deep layers — a peculiar form of septicaemia. Bacillus
anthracis (Cohn) is isomorphous with the hay Bacillus. Tommasi
and Klebs collected particles which had been floating in the air,
and inoculation with them produced splenic disorder, the organisms
found in the blood being somewhat similar to Bacillus anthracis.
It is possible the disease thus produced was true malarial, fever but,
according to another hypothesis, both anthrax and malarial fever
result from the soil. [The lecturer here compared the diagrams

28

ON PLANTS IN RELATION TO ANIMALS.

of Bacillus anthracis and Bacillus malarias ; also lie showed the
resemblances of these to an organism from a farcy bud, as figured
by him.] He completed his observations on this subject by com¬
bating the opinions expressed by Hr. Lewis, in his work on
( Organisms found in the Blood in Health and in Disease/
showing how that gentleman had not correctly interpreted the
opinions of Bouley and Bollinger, and also how he did not show
that the organisms found in the blood of healthy rats immediately
after death, which may be growm in urine, are anthrax Bacilli,
for he did not attempt to test their effects when inoculated. His
argument, then, that Bacilli may be present in the blood without
producing serious effects is not substantiated, as far as it bears
on Bacillus anthracis. It is well known that there are innocent
forms of Bacilli.

ON PLANTS IN RELATION TO ANIMALS.

By Professor James Buckman, F.G.S., F.L.S., &c.

[Continued from vol. lii, p. 870.)

Our notice of poppies will be incomplete without a description
of our truly wild species, we therefore propose to review our
native forms, first, however, giving the following synopsis of
the genus.

PAP AYER — Poppy. French , Pavot ; Germany Mohn .

Sepals 2, rarely 3, herbaceous, very caducous, falling off when
the flower opens. Petals 4, crumpled in aestivation, caducous.
Stamens indefinite. Capsules globose, ovoid, or clavate, 1-celled,
with placenta projecting more or less into the interiors, and
forming imperfect partitions. Stigmas 4 to 20, sessile, radiat¬
ing upon a flat or convex disk, at the top of the capsule. Cap¬
sule opening by small scale-like teeth underneath the edges of
the expanded disk. Seeds very numerous, punctured, contain¬
ing a bland, sweet, nutty oil.

Herbs, often glaucus, with white or pale yellowish sap.
Leaves often lobed or dissected. Flowers solitary, erect, droop¬
ing in bud, the sepals falling off when the flower opens. The
generic name is derived from papa , pap, or thick milk, or pap-
pare, to eat pap. This may have arisen either from the milky
nature of the juice of the poppy, or because it was at one time
given to children in their pap, or food, to make them sleep.
We are also told that the seeds, having a pleasant nut-like taste
and being innocuous, and without any soporific qualities, have

ON PLANTS tN RELATION TO ANIMALS. 2£)

been considered a good addition to the food of children.* The
species may be arranged as follows :

a. Capsules smooth.

1. Papaver Rhceas. Common Red Poppy.

2. „ Lamottei. Lamotte's long smooth-headed poppy.

3. „ Lecoqii. Long smooth-headed poppy.

b. Capsules prickly.

4. Papaver Argemone. Long prickly-headed poppy.

5. „ hybridum . Round prickly -headed poppy.

Before commencing our notes on the species, we would beg
our readers if possible to look at the plates of the poppies just
enumerated, and when summer comes to examine these interest¬
ing plants in the field, and as we have often done so with
extreme delight, we at once direct more particular attention to
their points of interest.

These field poppies are remarkable for their fugacious floral
envelopes, thus the calyx of two leaves as soon as the corolla
begins to swell and unroll, the calyx-leaves fall off, and shortly
afterwards — the period depending upon sunshine and the state
of the atmosphere — the corolla of four petals expands in all its
glory. It, however, is destined not to last long, but soon falls
off also, to be followed by other flowers.

Now, it should be noted that while the flowers that are ready
to expand are perfectly upright, and are so exposed to the
ripening influence of the sun; the flowers that are coming
forwards are all of them in a bent and drooping position. In
this case the calyx acts as a protection to the flower in the shape
of a pent-house roof. As soon as the upright capsule becomes
exposed, the bent flowers begin to assume the upright form, and
so to go through the same phases as the former. The capsules
being hard and coriaceous and protected from the rain, and
hence the whole period of flowering and fruiting is one with
most curious and interesting adaptations best calculated to bring
about this important end.

1st. Papaver Rhceas. Common Red Poppy , Corn Poppy ,
Corn Rose , Red Weed , &c.

ie The specific name is said to be derived from pwva ( rhoua ),
pomegranate, which the capsule resembles; or from peo) ( rheo ),
I fall or flow, in allusion to its perishable flowers ; or from the
fact that when bruised or pressed a red juice exudes from the
petals. This species of poppy is considered narcotic, though its
properties must be slight. Prom the petals a syrup is made,
which is extensively used for colouring medicines. Oil of

* Adapted from Syme.

80 ON PLANTS IN RELATION TO ANIMALS.

poppies has been drawn from the seeds. Gerarde records that
in his day it was considered pleasant and ' delightful to be
eaten/ From the bright coloured petals of this plant, an
ingenious little insect, the drapery bee ( Megachile pap aver is),
chooses the hangings of her apartment. She dexterously cuts
out the petals of the half- expanded flowers, strengthens the folds
and fits them for her purpose, over hanging the walls of her cell
with this splendid tapestry, in which, when complete, she de¬
posits her honey. In classic lore the corn poppy has long been
held sacred to Ceres ; as it is, however, by no means a welcome
guest in the fields dedicated to her service, we may regard it
rather as a sacrifice required by her worshippers than as an
offering to be encouraged, excepting in the sense that the eradi¬
cation of weeds, of whatever kind, found intruding in the crops,
and detracting from their value, must be a labour worthy of all
true disciples of the agricultural goddess.”*

This species is well distinguished by its uniformly bright
scarlet flowers, which is succeeded by a more or less rounded
capsule, and the long spreading hairs with which the whole plant
is armed. It is pre-eminently a lover of sand, and hence in all
sand districts, whether recent or of older geological date, the
presence of this poppy sufficiently indicates the nature of the
soil. As a rule land in which this plant loves to grow is too
light for wheat, but on the contrary it is safe to grow peas that
will boil well, a matter which at one time was considered of
great importance. Now the spread of the potato and the
general use of white bread has caused less care to be exercised
in the growth of boiling peas, a question we think much to be
regretted, when a potato contains somewhere about 75 per cent,
of -water, while peas have about 14 per cent, of this fluid, and
while the tuber is mostly starchy the legume is highly nitro¬
genous.

2. Papaver Lamottei ,

3. Papaver Lecoqii, are considered as varieties of the old
form of P. clubium. Both forms are well distinguished from the
P, Uhceas by strong appressed hairs over all the stems, flowers
somewhat less bright, and a more or less oblong or conical
capsule. The P. Lamottei is usually distinguished by its exu¬
dation of a delicately white milk wherever the young stems are
broken, while in the P. Lecoqii this exudation is of a dark
yellow colour inclining in drying to ochreaceous, but it is but
right that we should state, that on our farm we sometimes meet
with even common poppies in which this juice is more or less
discoloured, while we have seen both forms of P. clubium very
variable in respect to the colour of the juices ; thus, sometimes

* Trom Notes by Mrs. Lankester.

31

ON PLANTS IN RELATION TO ANIMALS.

Lamottei has a juice inclining to yellow, while Lecoqii may have
this only slightly tinged. We therefore agree in considering
these only as varieties of dubium , if, indeed, this latter is not
itself a variety of Rhceas , as Dr. Syme says of the long smooth¬
headed poppy. “ Its Latin specific name ‘'dubium 3 signifies the
doubtful nature of its distinctions to superficial observers.-”

4. Rap aver Argemone . As the authority just named ob¬
serves: — “The specific name just quoted is probably derived
from Argemon, cataract ; a disease of the lens of the eye, for
which an infusion of this plant was considered a cure, and pos¬
sibly its emollient power did allay inflammation. Our plant is
distinguished from the three previously described forms by its
conical capsules being armed with strong bristles or rather
prickles. The flowers are smaller, and the wdiole plant is less
hairy. Its favourite soil is that of a sandy marl, thus we have a
corn field which is sometimes red with P. rhceas, indicating its
unmitigated sandy nature, but on a part of this where we
applied some Upper Lias Marl the P. Argemone , year by year
makes its appearance in such quantities as we have nowhere else
met with.

P. hybridum is comparatively rare, it is larger than the
preceding, which is the smallest of our poppies. It has more or
less appressed hairs, the capsule is ovate and armed with several
rows of coarse hairs or fine prickles. It is said to have been
found in several English counties, but we have never met with
it.

As regards the properties of this section of the poppy genus,
there can be no doubt that to a limited extent its members
possess in greater or less quantity the somnolent virtues of the
opium poppies ; this is indicated by the heavy smell of the
bruised herb, and the fact that the juices are so strong and dis¬
agreeable, that the cattle and stock of all kind uniformly
refuse to eat it. Birds, however, eat the seeds with avidity, and
one of the services performed by the finches is the destruction of
the seeds of poppies, which is a favourite food of these birds.

It was formerly much employed as a medicine, and especially
with children ; now, however, it has lost its repute, and the
petals of the red-leaved section are only used to make a syrup.

5. rheados, which is only employed as a colouring matter to
disguise other medicaments, or perhaps to add a charm to some
noxious draughts. There are other poppiform plants, such as
Meconopsis Cambrica, the so called Welsh poppy ; Roemeria
hybrida , Violet Horn Poppy ; Glaucium corniculatum, Ked Horn
Poppy; G. luteum, Yellow Horn Poppy, all of which were formerly
held in great repute for their medicinal virtues. At present,
plants which at one time were honoured with names on account

3.2 ON PLANTS IN RELATION TO ANIMALS.

of some supposed magic virtues, are now only looked upon with
interest by the prying botanist. Still, as an evidence of the
mythological interest attaching to some of these, we cannot for¬
bear extracting the following from Mrs. Lankester^s notes on the
folk lore of plants.

Yellow Horn Poppy. Squats of the Portland Islanders.

(< Luteum signifies pale yellow. This is perhaps the most
striking and remarkable of our sea- shore plants, and cannot fail
to arrest attention where so little vegetation flourishes. With
our notice of this pretty plant, it may not be uninteresting to
recall the history of Glaucus, whose name it bears. He was,
according to a mythological tradition, the son of Neptune and a
sea nymph, but lived upon the shore. His parentage had some
influence on his habits, and he was fond of fishing. One day,
having been successful in his sport, he laid his scaly captives on
a neighbouring marsh, when to his great surprise they began to
nibble the green grass, and then —

“ Sudden darting o’er the verdant plain,

They spread their fins, as in their native main.

He paused with wonder struck, while all his prey
Left their new master, and regained the sea.”

Amazed at what he saw, Glaucus resolved to try the power of
the herbage in his own person ; no sooner had he bitten it than
his hereditary aquatic propensities seized him, and into the ocean
he leaped :

“ Farewell for ever, farewell land, I said,

And plunged amid the waves my sinking head ;

The gentle powers who low that empire keep
Received me as a brother of the deep.”

Tor his faith and courage Glaucus was admitted among the
sea-gods. In their domain he still shows his royal descent by
wearing a golden robe ; and yet from old affection, high above
it he bears his favourite long and curved fishing rod, with its
point bent, as if a captive fish ever showed it. Glaucus never
goes far out to sea, but rather frequents the shores and the
cliffs ; for Scylla, whom he loved, was turned into a rock with
howling waves around her, and his faithfulness retains him still
close to her side. The horned poppy has no recognised active
properties, nevertheless the chemists have discovered two alka¬
loids in its structure. Glaucine is found in the leaves and stem,
and forms, with acid*, salts which have a bitter and acrid taste.
Glaucopicrine, the other, is found in the roots, and also forms
with acids bitter and nauseous salts.

33

STRONGYLUS PARADOXUS IN THE PIG.

By Thomas James Poulton, M.R.C.V.S., Messing, Essex.

The following cases having recently occurred in my
practice, and not having seen similar ones recorded in
vetei inary literature has induced me to pen this paper,
hoping it may prove interesting to the readers of your
invaluable Journal. That I should have stumbled over
them, as it were, proves that we are not, while making
post-mortem examinations, sufficiently careful in elucidating
all the causes of disease, but are apt to shelter ourselves
under the ipse dixit of any or every authority rather than
pursue that original line of research which is incumbent
on each and every one of us— losing, in a word, our own
individuality in order to become homogeneous. We know
that when local authorities appoint veterinary inspectors,
diseases other than contagious are given them for investiga¬
tion, so that, in fact, we have greater opportunities, especially
post-mortem , of forming correct conclusions than the higher
or sister profession is able to secure. Let us use these
opportunities, then, as they present themselves, carefully
and diligently, that we may — feebly, it may be, but from
conscientious motives — forward the interests of veterinary
science, and we shall then be looked up to as scientific
men whose only thought and aim is the advancement of
science and the public weal.

May 26th, 1879, I was requested to examine a herd of

swine as inspector, the property of Mr. M - , reported

to be suffering from swine fever. I found an absence of any
eruption on the skin, of increased temperature, or increased
foetor of the alvine or urinary dejections. There was a thick,
moist, and husky cough ; the animals crowded together, and
carried their muzzles erect ; altogether I found it was an
outbreak other than of swine fever. I told the owner that
when he reported the outbreak he had stated that a pig had
died. He said it was still in an outhouse, and forthwith
produced the carcase. I commenced by making an autopsy
of the stomach and intestines, which I found in a perfectly
healthy condition. I then severed the trachea, the interior
of which contained some frothy mucus, although its inner
coat was of a normal colour, and, wanting to know what
caused the mucus, I made a longitudinal incision down
below its bifurcation, and into the bronchial tubes, where I
found large quantities of filaria (strongyles). There was
slight interlobular emphysema, accompanied with pink dis-

liii. 3

34

STRONGYLUS PARADOXUS IN THE PIG.

colorations, and around the margins of the lungs in places
small consolidations as in broken wind in horses.

Sept. 13th, 1879 — Mr. N - , of this place, had two pigs,

one of which had gastric fever. A draught was adminis¬
tered, which was followed by another, but rheumatism
having supervened, it was thought advisable to slaughter
the animal. The owner afterwards told me that his wife,
in preparing the fry, cut the lungs into several pieces,
when large quantities of long threadworms (strongyles)
made their appearance.

October 30th, 1879 — Mr. B- - -, also of this place, came to

my residence and informed me that, as one of his pigs had
had a fit that morning, he had slaughtered the other three,
but that, for fear of consequences, he wished me to examine
it, as he said it was “ fired ” over the ribs. I found the
same pink discoloration as in the first case in places on
the lungs, accompanied with interlobular emphysema and
consolidation of the lungs, more especially along their free
margins. There was frothy mucus in the trachea, and on
cutting into the bronchial tubes some very fine specimens of
strongyles (filaria) presented themselves.

November 15th, 1879 — In making an autopsy on a pig
which had died the night before, I found the well-known
lesions, very powerfully developed, of pneumo-enteritis, and
recognising the scientific name, I determined to look more
closely into the conditions of the lungs. I found them in
the same condition as in the first case — slight consolidations
in places along their free margins, interlobular emphysema,
and pink discoloration of the affected parts, also frothy state
of the mouth and the interior of the trachea. I likewise
found large quantities of filaria (strongyles), which I at
once forwarded to Dr. T. S. Cobbold, who’ recognised them
as the species Strongylus paradoxus . Three more were
slaughtered on the 17th instant for swine fever, but it was
with the greatest difficulty that I found in one of them
two specimens of (to me) the same worm.

Such, then, is the record of these cases, which, as I said
before, are to me highly interesting. The question that
naturally arises is — How far and to what extent do these
parasites go in the development of disease ? I may say
that I have found consolidations of lung present in cases of
Strongylus micrurus in calves, and I have heard of a prac¬
titioner, not qualified, who, when these existed, although, as
it ultimately turned out, the lungs were full of strongyles,
certified that the case was one of contagious pleuro-pneu-
monia. 1 should like to see some remarks by Dr. Cobbold

RETENTION OF A FfETUS - SUDDEN DEATH OF THE COW. 35

as to the distribution of this worm and its other habitats, as I
am sure they would be highly interesting to those members
of the profession who, like myself, have not had the advan¬
tage of attending a course of his invaluable lectures.

CASE OF DEATH AND RETENTION OF A FCETUS;
SUDDEN DEATH OF THE COW.

By E. S. Hewens, M.R.C.V.S., Hayes, Middlesex.

The subject of this case was a cow which, during the
night of Saturday, Aug. 2nd, was at pasture, and thus ex¬
posed to one of the most fearful thunder storms ever expe¬
rienced in this neighbourhood.

On Sunday, August 3rd, I was requested to attend at a
gentleman’s house at Hillingdon to see the animal, an
Alderney cow, five years old, reported as being unwell.
Upon examination I found her to be about four months in
calf. She was feverish, would not feed, the bowels were
constipated, the milk diminished in quantity, and a slight
discharge was flowing from the vagina ; she did not, however,
show any parturient pains.

I gave a mild aperient and a febrifuge draught, and ordered
her to be kept quiet. In a few days she appeared quite well
again ; the lacteal secretion returned, the discharge from
vagina ceased, and the appetite and rumination became
natural.

On the 22iul August I was again requested to see the
cow, when I found the symptoms to be analogous to those
first observed, with the exception of there being no vaginal
discharge ; in fact, the vulva and vagina seemed to be
in a constricted condition. I ordered similar treatment as
before. The health of the animal greatly improved, but in a
few days I noticed a stinking discharge from the vagina.

Having made several attempts to introduce my hand per
vaginam, for removal of the foetus, without success, I had
recourse to the use frequently of antiseptic injections, as I
was afraid of the absorption of the morbific matter into the
system.

A generous diet was ordered, and vegetable tonics with anti¬
septics given. The discharge from vagina continued foi about
a mouth, when it ceased, and also the lacteal secretion. The
animal was now turned out in the day, and taken up at
night; her appetite was good, but she gradually wasted,
and on November 30th she dropped dead.

36

THE CASTRATING ECRASEUR.

On making & post-mortem examination I found the lungs,
heart, bowels, and kidneys healthy, hut the liver was en¬
larged to twice its natural size, and studded over with
hundreds of small abscesses, about the size of a walnut, con¬
taining a yellow and thick pus. The uterus contained a dark¬
looking substance, about the size of a man’s fist, which
upon further examination proved to be the remains of the
skeleton of the foetus pressed into the mass. The coats of
the uterus were thickened. Some of the bones, which I
forward for your inspection, I consider to be unusually de¬
veloped at the points of ossification, considering that the
cow was not more than four months gone in calf at the
time of my first visit. I should like to know if you think
the storm had anything to do with the case in the first
place, and if the state of the liver was due to pyaemia.

[We thank Mr. Hewens for forwarding the bones alluded
to, which did not to our minds present anything unusual in
their development.

Many cases of a similar kind have come under our notice,
and several years ago we remember to have met with the
osseous remains of a foetus in the uterus of a cow which was
extra fat at the time she was killed by a butcher.

It is not unlikely that the death of the foetus depended on
exposure of the cow to the storm, but we do not think that
the sudden death of the cow was connected with the retention
of the foetus, but rather with the condition of the liver. The
absorption of animal matter in a state of change very possibly
might have led to the deposits in the liver; but without having
had an opportunity of examining the organ we are necessarily
unable to speak with any confidence on this point. — Eds.]

THE CASTRATING ECRASEUR.

Letter from G. W. Bowler, M.D., V.S., Cincinnati, Ohio.

On reading over the last number of the Veterinarian I find
considerable importance is attached to the use of the ecraseur
as an instrument for castrating, &c.

The castrating ecraseur is spoken of in your Journal as a
recent and valuable discovery in veterinary science, and I must
say that I am not alone in expressing myself as surprised that
English veterinarians should be so many years behind the
times as regards improvements in veterinary science, when we
take into consideration the advantages they enjoy in receiving
Government support for its advancement.

THE CASTRATING ECRASEUR.

37

In this great and progressive country we do not receive
either the support or encourgement of the Government ; conse¬
quently every man has to rely on his own oars, and he who
makes the most progress and is the most successful carries the
palm ; thus we find it useless to rely on the practices and ap -
pliances in surgery as well as in medicine, set down in the
books and often lectured upon in the colleges, but which prove
to be unsuccessful in the treatment of cases. What is the use of
going over and over again the same course of treatment, ^hen
we know before we commence that it will be unsuccessful ? But
because it is laid down as a rule it must not consequently be
deviated from. This, I am sorry to say, is a great failing of the
English practitioners. They think and believe they know it all ;
the result is there is little or no progression in them.

A man calling himself Farmer Miles travels from this country
to England, carrying in his coat pocket one of our old castrat¬
ing ecraseurs, and imposes it upon the veterinarians over there
as a new invention of his for castrating, because he has heard
that the Britishers have not yet commenced to use that which
with us is very old, but that they are still practising the bar¬
barous methods of burning and clamping as in years gone by.

The castrating ecraseur which Farmer Miles has exhibited to
the English veterinarians was first suggested to me by Dr. B.
Jennings, of Philadelphia, but now of Detroit, Michigan. This
was seventeen years ago, at which time we made a drawing of
the instrument now used, and of which we had two made by a
surgical instrument maker in Philadelphia.

At the first meeting of the United States Veterinary Medical
Association, held at the Aston House, in New York City, Dr.
Jennings introduced this instrument to the members, and spoke
of the advantages derived from its use in castrating, but as many
of them did not seem to appreciate, or were otherwise afraid to
use it, it did not come into general use for several years after¬
wards, but from that date to the present I and also Dr, Jen¬
nings have continued to use it, and have, during all these years,
castrated thousands of animals of all ages, without an accident
or the loss of a single one ; and it must be borne in mind that
during this period a considerable number of these animals were
cryptorchus.

About ten or twelve years ago I had a number of these
instruments manufactured, and sold them to parties in various
parts of the States. Ten years ago I furnished a gentleman
friend of mine with one of the instruments, in order that he
might castrate his own stock, he being a large stock raiser and
owner of a large farm in Illinois. He has used it up to the
present time, castrating many thousand head of stock during

88

ON THE USE OF THE ECRASEUR.

that time, and, as he informed me a short time ago, that he had
never lost a single horse.

At the Midland Counties Veterinary Medical Association
Captain Russell states that he had taken great interest in Farmer
Miles, and that there were two or three things required to be
known about this instrument before it could be used in con¬
fidence, and goes on to state how Farmer Miles does, &c.

Now it is all sheer nonsense about placing the instrument
slanting or straight, as also the twisting of the testicles, and only
serves to show a want of experience on the subject, as an eight-
year-old boy can perform the operation as easily and success¬
fully as any old practitioners, there being not the slightest risk
in either old or young horses, and I would be perfectly willing
to allow a person to operate, even though he has never witnessed
the operation before.

During my last visit to Europe, in 1873, 1 called on Professors
Axe and Pritchard, and endeavoured to explain to them the
advantages to be derived from the use of the castrating ecraseur,
and I must say I was rather surprised when they informed me
that they still continued to adopt the old-fashioned method of
castrating. I also remember explaining to Professor Axe my
methods of throwing and fastening horses without any risk of
accident, which I have no doubt he will at once recall to mind
when he sees this article.

And now, Messrs. Editors, I must ask your correspondents to
give us something new in the future other than reports of colic
cases which yield to Sp. Nit. Eth. and Tr. Opii. They are
getting very stale. And then there is that dog case, and as the
wrriter states treated hommpatliically — Five- drop doses of the
saturated tincture of aconite to a little Scotch terrier, every
three hours, and be followed by the same dose of belladonna.

If he calls this homoeopathy, what in Heaven's name are his
allopathic doses ? I should hate to be that man's dog. I wonder
how much whisky he puts in his water at one time ? I should
much like to know, because I feel satisfied he uses allopathic
doses on those occasions.

To the Editors of the ‘ Veterinarian

ON THE USE OF THE ECRASEUR.

By George Wartnaby.

In reading Mr. South's letter in your last number I see an
allusion to my name as having been present at an operation

PLEUROPNEUMONIA. 39

performed by him with the ecraseur. I am sorry to say I was
not fortunate enough to see him operate on that occasion.

I have at different times, during my course of study at the
College, through the kindness of Mr. William South, witnessed
many highly interesting operations at their infirmary in New
Bond Street, and though invited to be present at that particular
occasion was unavoidably prevented at the last moment. Hence,
no doubt, the mistake. I may add that I learned from my fellow-
students of the highly satisfactory character of the operation to
which Mr. South refers.

I am able to bear out the remarks of Mr. South respecting
the mode of using the ecraseur, as both my partner, Captain
Bussell, and I, besides removing tumours, warts, & c., have cas¬
trated horses, bulls, sheep, dogs, and cats, with this instrument
with the greatest success, excepting sheep over six months old,
and for my part I do not recommend the use of the ecraseur in
the castration of the last named animals.

The instrument we use is “ Farmer Miles's ” pattern, which
we have found equal to every operation up to the present, where
such was required. The chains belonging to these I have no
doubt are stronger than the one used by Mr. South, which, I
presume, was made for use in human practice.

I would, by the way, suggest that intending purchasers should
apply to Mr. Miles’s authorised agents, Messrs. Krohne and Sese-
man, as I have heard from the “ Farmer ” that there are other
productions called his wanting in two essentials.

Pathological Contributions,

PLEURO-PNEUMONIA.

The information received from the Netherlands is very
encouraging, as during the four weeks ending 29th of
November only one case of this disease is reported as having
occurred in that country.

From the United States we hear that pleuro-pneumonia
is decreasing in Pennsylvania, and that no cases have been
reported from the States of Illinois, Iowa, Michigan,
Indiana, or Wisconsin. The subject of diseases of animals
appears to be receiving a considerable amount of attention
in that country, and. it is stated that every state proposes
to petition Congress to pass a stringent National Cattle
Disease Law.

The introduction of neat cattle into the United States
from Canada is now prohibited.

40

CATTLE PLAGUE.

A serious outbreak of this disease has lately broken out
in several places in the immediate neighbourhood of Warsaw,
in Poland.

The disease also continues to prevail in the provinces of
Bessarabia, Volhynia, Ekaterinoslav, PetrokofF, Podolia,
Taurida, and Kherson, in Russia.

In Austria the cattle plague is still very prevalent, the
following provinces being declared infected with that
disease: — Slavonia, Croatia, and on the Military Frontier,
likewise in Carniola.

In the district of Smyrna, in Turkey, the disease has
ceased to exist.

The cattle plague which was introduced into the Mauritius
on the 7th of May last, by animals brought from the island
of Madagascar, has advanced with great rapidity through¬
out the island. The total number of animals which are
stated to have died or been destroyed since the commence¬
ment of the disease up to the beginning of November,
amounts to 17,946 out of a total cattle population of 30,000,
besides 343 deer.

CATTLE PLAGUE IN CYPRUS.

On December 8th telegrams were received from Larnaca
to the effect that the cattle plague had broken out in the
town, and that many animals had died. Since then addi¬
tional information has confirmed the statement, and also that
the malady was on the increase, and had extended to the
Turkish quarter of the town. The latest news, which comes
down to the end of December, is to the effect that the plague
was still spreading, and that no cattle were allowed to enter
or leave Larnaca by sea or land.

SWINE PLAGUE.

According to the Mark Lane Express of December £2nd,
the steamer Bernard Castle has arrived in the Clyde with
a large number of pigs from Montreal, which have been
condemned by the Government Inspector as suffering from
swine plague. One hundred died on the passage, and
twelve since. This is the first outbreak of swine plague
among swine imported from Canada.

41

Facts and Observations.

We make the four following extracts from the “ Live
Stock Notes ” of the Mark Lane Express of December 15th :

Quarantine orders at Quebec. — According to a
Reuter’s telegram, orders have been issued by the Dominion
Government that neat cattle from European entering Quebec,
Halifax, or St. John, shall be subject to ninety days’ quaran¬
tine before coming in contact with Canadian cattle.

YeterinarySurveillance of Cattle inOldenburg.
— An official notice has been issued by the Government of
Oldenburg, enacting that, after the 11th of November, all
cattle coming from Great Britian or America, will be sub¬
jected to a veterinary surveillance for a term of four weeks,
and after that can only be removed inland with a declaration
of health by the veterinary inspector.

Conscription of Horses for the Russian Army. —
It is stated that steps are now being taken in Russia to
carry out a conscription of horses for the army in all parts of
the Empire.

Restrictions on the Importation of Foreign
Cattle. — At the recent dinner of the Hayward’s Heath
“ Fat Stock Show Society,” Mr. Lawrence Peel, Clerk of the
Privy Council, referring to the restrictions placed on the impor¬
tations of Foreign Cattle, said it was a singular fact that, in
spite of more stringent rules, the number of cattle brought
into England during the first ten months of the present
year was nearly 50,000 in excess of the number in the cor¬
responding period of last year.

Danger of the Use of Borax for the Preservation
of Food, and Causes why Certain Substances De¬
prive Meat of its Nutritive Properties. — C. le Bon.
— Meat steeped in a solution of pure borax, or covered with
the powdered salt, may be preserved unchanged for a long
time ; but if taken as food such meat produces intestinal
derangements which necessitate its disuse. Borax taken in
small successive doses is a poisonous agent, the use of which
in the preservation of alimentary substance ought to be
strictly prohibited. M. Peligot has already pointed out the
poisonous action of borax upon plants. Several Campag7iies
in America who had begun to use the salt for the preservation
of meat have been obliged to give it up. The author further
shows the necessity of avoiding saline substances altogether
for the preservation of food, an object which he considers
attainable solely by the use of cold. — Chemist and Druggist,

42

THE VETERINARIAN, JANUARY 1, 18S0.

Ne quid falsi dicere audeat, ne quid veri non audeat. — Cicero.

THE SMITHFIELD CLUB EXHIBITION OF STOCK.

It has been more than once remarked that the various
exhibitions of stock and agricultural produce do not afford
any evidence of the depression under which agriculture has
been for some time past, and is now, suffering. Indeed, it
is clear enough that the owners, and not the animals, are
the victims ; and it is hardly necessary to point to flourishing
cattle, sheep, and swine, in proof of the proposition that, in
spite of severe seasons, and the extensive prevalence of dis¬
eases which depend on atmospheric and climatic influences,
animals which are protected from such influences escape the
consequences.

In accordance with the usual practice at exhibitions of
the Smithfield Club, all the animals which were sent for
exhibition were inspected in the yard previously to entering
the Agricultural Hall. This precaution was the more
necessary, as the restriction upon the entrance of animals
which had been at other exhibitions at any time within a
fortnight had been rescinded, and a considerable number of
stock arrived in consequence from the Birmingham exhibi¬
tion, which ends just in time for the opening of the Smith-
field Show.

No signs of contagious disease were observed by the
inspectors during the examination of the stock, and on
Saturday evening all the animals were in their places.

During the week of the exhibition the temperature was
generally low, and on two occasions a dense fog prevailed
and caused some apprehension. Many of the visitors would
recall the events which happened in 1873 when, owing to
the occurrence of a fog of singular pungency and density,
over ninety cattle were suffocated, or suffered so much from
symptoms of suffocation, that it was necessary to remove
them for slaughter as quickly as possible.

EDITORIAL OBSERVATIONS.

43

No satisfactory explanation was given at the time of the
peculiar atmospheric condition which led to this fatality. It
did not occur to any one to collect some of the mist for exa¬
mination, and it remains doubtful what caused the serious
effects which were experienced in the Agricultural Hall and
many of the dairy sheds in the neighbourhood. Fogs of
equal density have occurred repeatedly since that time, but
it has not transpired that the slightest injury has been done
to cows in the London sheds, or to cattle at preceding
Smithfield shows.

Almost immediately after the last of the animals had
entered the Hall on the Saturday preceding the opening of
the last exhibition a dense cold fog penetrated the building,
and on the following morning several cattle were suffering
from oppression of the breathing ; the symptoms of distress,
however, soon passed off. On the following Thursday the
fog was again very dense in the early morning, and con¬
tinued till mid-day, but no harm resulted ; and it was
remarked on the last day of the show that all the animals
were looking exceedingly well.

The cases of illness during the time of the show were few
and trifling in character, and only two animals were removed
for slaughter owing to ordinary congestion of lungs, to which
plethoric animals are especially subject.

No outbreak of contagious disease occurred among the
exhibited animals, and the arrangements which had been
made by the local authority for dealing with diseased ani¬
mals were happily rendered unnecessary.

Consolidation of Orders of Council relating to
Diseases of Animals. — We may remind our readers that the
Animals Order which was passed on December 15th ult., and
is now (January 1, 1880) in force, consolidates all the pre¬
vious orders relating to diseases and transit of animals. The
only other orders in force are the Dairies and Milkshops
Order, and certain orders relating to ports and others of
purely local significance.

44

Eeview.

Quid sit pulchrum, quid turpe, quid utile, quid non. — Hor.

Strangeway’s Veterinary Anatomy. Second edition. Revised
and edited by J, Vaughan, E.L.S., E.Z.S., Member of the
Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. Lecturer on Anatomy
and Zoology at the New Veterinary College, Edinburgh.

The editor, in his preface, ranks this work, which he has re¬
vised, as a current text-book.*” As such we must examine it,
and we must clearly estimate the requirements of ordinary
students of veterinary anatomy if we desire to form an opinion
as to whether this revision is a success or the reverse.
Practical teachers of veterinary anatomy will not hesitate to
admit that with the present arrangement of the examinations
before the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons the students
have not the time requisite for properly preparing anatomy in
its various forms — equine, comparative, veterinary and general,
and surgical. It is therefore not the least onerous part of the
teacher's duty to select that matter which is of the greatest value
practically as bearing most directly upon the future duties of
those studying under him ; his course of work cannot be
exhaustive, it must be a guide to the student’s private efforts.
This is felt in our medical schools, though the time of study at
them exceeds that necessary for the veterinary diploma; how
much more then must we feel it ? We have never heard it stated
that veterinary students are less skilled as practical anatomists
than students of the sister profession, and we fully believe it is
not possible to do so with truth. Yet the veterinary anatomist
has to deal with mammals of several different orders, has to note
special peculiarities of certain domesticated ones, and as subsi¬
diary subjects must treat, more or less fully, anatomy of the
exterior and zoology. With this great bulk of work occupying
the attention of the student for fourteen months instruction
cannot be exhaustive, but when we consider that the first eight
of these precious months are spent by the student mainly in
preparing for examination in chemistry, botany, &c., while during
the last six he is occupied with physiology and histology, as well
as descriptive (comparative and special) anatomy, it becomes
very evident that even a general preparation of the anatomy
required at his examination involves much labour on the part of
the student ; it also necessitates energy on the part of the teacher.
Not only must the teacher select material for the student, but

REVIEW,

45

the very text-book must to a certain but less marked extent,
exhibit a tendency in this direction. They must “ judge all things
and select the good,” or they will fail in producing satisfactory
results. Thus, of works on human anatomy, ‘ Gray ' is more
popular than ‘ Quain and Sharpey,' though much less exhaus¬
tive, and we have long needed a work like ‘Gray' on veterinary
anatomy, dealing comprehensively with the subject, but not
overloaded with technical terms nor verbose to excess.

We have had text-books of this nature : Percivall’s ‘ Anatomy
of the Horse' is well written, and was an admirable text-book
some five -and-twenty years ago; but anatomy is a progressive
science, and we are hardly content with the anatomy which our
fathers learned. Strangeway’ s first edition was much of the
same stamp, but we considered it badly put together ; we could
not rely upon its statements ; many of its pages were verbatim
translations of foreign anatomists, so it hardly met our require¬
ments. But it now appears under a new form from the hands
of an able officer of one of our schools, increased very materially
in bulk, and with many valuable illustrations. If we find it
accurate, plain, and complete, it is just the work we require. It
is accurate, in so far as we have examined it. We do not here
refer to all its minor points, for we find on these much difference
of opinion among anatomists, but to those broad facts and state¬
ments which should be accepted by the student. Of its clearness
there can be no doubt ; it is adapted to the comprehension of any
student; its plainness even, in some cases, seems to amount to
imperfection of detail ; but this is certainly better than obscurity.
We, therefore, can most highly recommend this work to the
student ; he will find that Chauveau is only adapted to the
advanced stages of study, but here he can read with facility and
profit, even at the earliest stage of his collegiate career. It is
not quite so complete in some matters, especially comparative
osteology, as we should wish to find it ; but it must be remem¬
bered that the comparative-anatomy examination to which
students are subjected is very elementary. We doubt not Pro¬
fessor Vaughan deals with this more thoroughly in the lecture
theatre, and with us holds that many matters should be touched
upon there of a more advanced character than those included in
the veterinary curriculum of the present day, for we see he is
Professor of Zoology, and places his comparative observations on
a zoological basis. We may reasonably be allowed to congratu¬
late the profession on this useful addition to its anatomicaljitera-
ture. We feel satisfied that, in the matter of text-books, the
anatomical is “ second to none” of the branches of veterinary
study. J. H. S.

46

Extracts from British and Foreign Journals.

THE TERMINATION OE THE NERVES IN THE STRIATED

MUSCLES.

The termination of the nerves in striated muscles has
given rise, in recent times, to numerous researches, which,
notwithstanding all the interest which they present, have
not yet cast a complete light on this part of science. It was
thought, for instance, that the termination of the sensitive
nerves in the muscles had been discovered; but these results,
due to defective researches, cannot be considered as correct.
Moreover, all the efforts which have been made to find in¬
termediate forms between the terminations in plates and the
motor termination in the frog have remained without
success.

The process of colouring the nerves by means of chloride
of gold, recently communicated by M. L. Ranvier, having
furnished me wTith an excellent and certain method for
studying the nerve terminations, I have undertaken, w7ith
this double object, a series of researches, which have led me
to some new results.

1st. The nervous fibres without myeline which are found
in the thin muscles of the frog, as, for example, in the thoracic
cutaneous muscle, and which had been regarded hitherto as
sensitive fibres, do not belong to the muscle properly speak¬
ing, but to its aponeurosis. These fibres, arising from the
intramuscular nerves, form in the aponeurosis a network of
large meshes. Their terminations are identical with the
nerve terminations which are found in the cornea.

It is evident from their microscopic structure, as well as
from their anatomical relations, that these nerves of the
aponeurosis ought to be considered as centripetal nerves,
starting from the muscle. The necessity of admitting the
existence of these nerves is insisted on in a work which I
have recently published.

Nerve-fibres similar to those which I have just pointed out
in the frog are also met writh in the aponeurosis of other
animals.

2nd. I have found it quite impossible to prove in the dis¬
sociated muscles of the frog, and of some other species of
animals (tortoise, triton, lizard, snake, and rabbit), the pre¬
sence of nerve-fibres without myeline, other than those which
belong to the vascular or aponeurotic nerves, and the presence
of nerve terminations, other than the motor terminations.

TUBERCULOSIS AND THE MILK SUPPLY.

4 7

3rd. I have, on the contrary, been able to find in several
species of animals new forms of nerve terminations, which
constitute intermediaries between the motor termination, as
it is found in the frog, and the terminal plates.

I have proved the existence of terminations of this kind in
the tortoise, the triton, the salamander, the lizard, and the
snake. In the three first named these terminations are the
only ones which we are able to find, whilst in the snake and
the lizard they are found beside the terminal plates, chiefly
in the young muscular fibres.

The most simple form of these terminations is shown in
the tortoise ; nerve-fibres, destitute of myeline, ramify without
anastomosing, and terminate on the muscular fasciculi, by
branches which sometimes are smooth, but which most often
are moniliform, or surrounded by grains deeply coloured by
the gold. These grains, which are placed around the
terminal branches, are sometimes so numerous that their
ensemble presents an appearance similar to that of the ter¬
minal arborization of a little motor plate.

These new forms of nerve terminations all present this
peculiarity, of only being found on nerves destitute of mye¬
line, although these always arise from nerves with myeline.
In fhe snake these fibres without myeline may even have a
very long course.

In the case in which the nerve terminates in the muscle by
a well-developed plate, never more than a single plate is
observed for one whole muscular fibre ; when, on the contrary,
we deal with the terminations which we have just described,
we generally meet with several nerve terminations on the
same muscular fibre. And in the snake their number may
even be from six to seven.

A more detailed work, accompanied with plates, will

shortly be published.* — Journal of the Royal Microscojrical
Society.

TUBERCULOSIS AND THE MILK SUPPLY.

At a meeting of the Munich Medical Society last month,
Professor Bollinger read a paper on Artificial Tuberculosis
as induced by the consumption of the milk of tuberculous
cows. In the course of his remarks he endeavoured to de¬
monstrate that the milk of such animals has a pre-eminently
contagious influence, and reproduces the disease in other
animals experimented on from that point of view, lie

* M. Tschiriew, in * Comptes Rendus,’ vol. lxxxvii, p. 601.

48

ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY OF ENGLAND.

believes also that such milk even when boiled still retains
its injurious properties. Further, he maintains that beyond
doubt the tuberculosis of the human subject, though not
completely identical with that of the cow, is yet strictly ana-
lagous to it, and that consequently the wide prevalence of
tuberculosis in the native herds — at least 5 per cent, of which
are affected — is a standing danger to the health of the com¬
munity. Seeing the enormous mortality from consumption,
more especially in towns, Professor Bollinger believes it to
be of the utmost importance to urge upon all classes, and
particularly upon farmers, the absolute necessity of taking
every possible means of stamping out the disease among
cattle. Meanwhile some measures of safety may be secured
by the rigid exclusion of all diseased stock from town dairies,
a measure which forms a prominent feature in the pro¬
gramme of the recently established Associated Dairy at
Munich, where all the cows are constantly kept under skil¬
led veterinary surveillance, and any that may exhibit the
least symptom of tuberculosis are at once wreeded out. —
North British Agriculturist.

ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY OF ENGLAND.

Monthly Council, Wednesday, Dec. 10th, 1879. Present: H. R. H.
the Prince of Wales, K.G., the Duke of Bedford (President in the
chair).

Veterinary Committee.

Mr. Dent reported that the Committee had received from Professor
Simonds a report on the inquiries of the past month, and they recom¬
mend that the following cases be published in the proceedings of the
Council :

“Since the November meeting of the Veterinary Committee the
following communications have been received from Members of the
Society, relating to the existence of disease among Cattle and Sheep, and
asking for advice in the respective cases.

“ Nov. 4th. — Mr. Denchfield, Burston, Bucks, forwarded the livers of
two sheep affected with ‘ rot,5 and requested to be informed ‘ what
length of time the animals had been diseased/ The examination dis¬
closed the existence of young flukes in immense numbers in the gall-
ducts of both livers, but an entire absence of any matured or fully-
developed ones. This fact, together with the small amount of structural
disease which had taken place in the livers, as a consequence of the
presence of the parasites, led to the conclusion that the animals had
only been affected with ‘ rot 5 about three months. In addition to the
changes of structure alluded to, one liver was here and there
affected to an extent which must have taken many months to pro¬
duce ; but, from the nature of the changes, the function of the liver

ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY OP ENGLAND, 49

would not have been materially interfered with, nor the health of the
animal much affected.

“ It is greatly to be feared that serious losses of sheep from * Hot * will
take place during the present winter, the past summer having proved so
wet that hundreds of acres of pasture land, which practically may be
regarded as free from the punultimate forms of the flukes, have been by
the excessive rainfall rendered sources of mischief by the diffusion of
these embryos. Cake, corn, and the daily use of salt mixed with the
manger food of sheep, will be beneficial in enabling them to bear up
against the progress of the disease ; but ‘rot,5 once established, must
be regarded as being altogether incurable.

“iNov. 10th. — Mr. E. Budd, Leatherhead, asked for advice as to the
best means to be adopted to save the lives of some in-lamb ewes, seventy-
nine in number, being part of a lot of 100, which he had bought in
July, and which were now affected with ‘rot.’ The account given by
Mr. Budd showed pretty clearly that the disease had been contracted
on his, Mr. Budd’s, farm by the sheep having been pastured on some
low-lying meadows. He was advised to keep the ewes from turnips,
grass, or other watery food ; to give them a full allowance of oats and
peas, with linseed cake and hay chaff, and to mix with their food daily
some table salt, at the rate of 1^ oz. for every twelve sheep.

“ He was also informed that as the time of parturition drew near,
say in January, to discontinue the use of the salt; experience having
shown that abortion is not unfrequently caused by this agent.

“Nov. 20th. — A letter was received from Mr. Davies, of Bellington,
Cheshire, stating that * blackleg’ had made its appearance among some
calves, and that two out of a lot of twelve had already died. Full
directions for arresting the further progress of the malady were at once
forwarded, which essentially consisted of an entire alteration of the food
and management of the animals, and the administration of saline
aperients, to be followed by doses of hypo-sulphite of soda, nitrate of
potash, and salt daily. The insertion of setons in the dewlap was also
recommended. As no further communication has been received from
Mr. Davies it may be inferred that no more cases have occurred. Should
another animal be attacked, Mr. Davies was asked to give early informa¬
tion thereof, and if the case proved fatal, to send some of the blood and
parts of the body to the College that experimental researches might be
made into the true pathology of this fatal malady.5’

The Committee had asked Professor Simonds to prepare a short paper
on the Prevention and Treatment of the disease called Milk Fever, or
Dropping after Calving.

Only three candidates had been entered for the Society’s prizes for
proficiency in cattle pathology. The Committee recommended that the
Secretary communicate with the Council of the Royal College of
Veterinary Surgeons as to the possibility of holding simultaneous ex¬
aminations for the Society’s prizes in Edinburgh and London.

Half-yearly Meeting.

The following extracts from the report of the half-yearly meeting of
the Society also relate to veterinary matters. Referring to the Metro¬
politan Show, the report states that “ the live stock department attained
unprecedented dimensions ; and the Council rejoice to add that owing
to the precautions taken, and to the vigilance of a most efficient staff of
veterinary inspectors, no case of contagious or infectious disease ap¬
peared amongst any of the animals. Notwithstanding the very incle¬
ment weather, the proportion of animals affected with ordinary ailments,

4

LIIl.

TO ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS.

in comparison with the number exhibited, was reported as not so great
as in the average of years.”

TheReport also states “that the new arrangement with the Governors of
the Royal Veterinary College continues to work satisfactorily, and the
Council would again call the attention of the members to the valuable
reports by the Professors of the College on the principal cases which
have come under their notice. These reports are published in the pro¬
ceedings of the Council meetings in the agricultural newspapers.”

“ The experiments on quarter-evil and allied diseases are still being
carried on at the Brown Institution ; but the director of the Institution
finds great difficulty in procuring cases at a sufficiently early period of
the disease. The Council therefore hope that any outbreak of quarter-
evil or splenic apoplexy may be at once made known by telegraph to
Dr. Greenfield, the Brown Institution, Wandsworth Road.”

“ In consequence of the numerous applications which Prof. Simonds
continues to receive for copies of his paper on sheep-rot, published
originally in 1862, in the 23rd volume of the Journal , the Council have
resolved to re-publish it as a pamphlet, considering that after the wet
season of this year, sheep-rot is likely to be more prevalent in the
country than usual.”

ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS.

SPECIAL MEETING OE THE COUNCIL, HELD NOVEMBER

21st, 1879.

Present. — Professors Pritchard and Axe; Messrs. Anderton, Batt,
Cartwright, Collins, Dray, Fleming, Freeman ; General Sir F. Fitzwy-
gram ; Messrs. Greaves, Harpley, and the Secretary.

In the absence of Professor Williams, the President, through domestic
affliction, Mr. Dray (Senior Vice-President) took the chair. °

The Secretary read the notice convening the meeting.

The minutes of last meeting were read and confirmed.

The Secretary stated that letters had been received from the President,
Professors McCall, Walley, and Messrs. George Morgan and P. Taylor’
of Manchester, regretting their inability to attend the meeting.

The Secretary stated that ‘ Strangeway’s Veterinary Anatomy,’ edited
by Professor Vaughan, F.L.S., of the New Veterinary College, Edin¬
burgh, had been presented to the Library of the College by the author.

On the motion of Mr. Cartwright , seconded by Mr, Batt , a vote of
thanks was accorded for the presentation.

The Secretary read a series of letters between the President, Mr. Loch,
and Mr. Thomas Moore, in reference to a requisition sent by Mr. Moore’,
signed by twenty members of the profession, asking the Council to call
a meeting of the members of the College for the purpose of considering
the advisability of requesting the Governors of the Royal Veterinarv
College to revise their system of subscriptions.

The following is a copy of the requisition :

To the President of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.

10, Red Lion Square, W.C.

Sir,— We the undersigned Fellows and Members of the Royal College
of Veterinary Surgeons hereby request you to call a General Meeting
of Members of the College, as provided by the charter and bye-laws, to
take into consideration the advisability of requesting the Governors

ROYAL COLLEGE OP VETERINARY SURGEONS.

51

of the Royal Veterinary College to revise their system of subscription,
and to make the practice of the institution less competitive to private
practitio'ners, which in the opinion of your requisitionists is a source
of injury to the profession. Dated November first, Eighteen hundred
and seventy-nine.

Some conversation having taken place as to the informality of the
notice, and as to whether the Council could, in conformity with the
bye-laws and the charter, accede to the terms of the requisition.

General Sir F. Fitzwygram said it seemed to him desirable to waive any
informality in the notice, and to discuss the main question, which, he
thought, was whether the Council at a general meeting had power to
discuss any matter unconnected with what might be called the affairs of
the College. The only question before the Council was whether it was
legal to do so, or whether they had the power to do so. It seemed to
him, as Mr. Loch had stated, that the Council had no power to do any¬
thing of the sort, and he thought it desirable that the meeting should be
adjourned for the purpose of taking the advice of an eminent counsel,
as to whether the Council had any power in the matter at all. Of
course, all things that concerned the four walls of the College, such as
examinations, &c., the charter said the Council had the regulation of ;
but he thought it refused to them any control over the operation of
fees, &c., in schools ; and he very much doubted whether the meeting
could be called for the purpose indicated. He, therefore, moved that
the Council should obtain the advice of some eminent counsel as to
whether they could act in the matter or not. His own opinion was that
they had no power to act at all.

Mr. Fatt seconded the motion.

Mr. Fleming pointed out that, according to the bye-law, when a
petition had been received by the Council, signed by a certain number
of members of the profession, to call a general meeting, the meeting
must be called.

Sir F. Fitzwygram said that there were certain things ultra vires, and
the meeting might be called for a purpose totally unconnected with the
matters pertaining to the Council.

Mr. Fleming said that was no doubt the case ; but he did not
think that twenty members of the profession would appeal to the
Council to hold a meeting if it were not for the purpose of considering
a subject connected with the profession. The present meeting was not
the occasion, he presumed, to discuss the object of the proposed meeting,
but only to grant or refuse the prayer of the petitioners.

Prof. Axe expressed his opinion that anything which did not pertain to
the importance of the veterinary art or the science of veterinary medicine,
did not come within the cognisance of the Council, and the question to be
discussed at the meeting seemed to be a question entirely beside that.
He therefore suggested that the question should not be taken into con¬
sideration.

Mr. Collins suggested as a compromise that the meeting should be
allowed to assemble, because at present the Council did not know what
the proposals were, and they ought to hear what was said. The opinion
of counsel could then be taken afterwards.

Prof. Axe remarked that the precise object of the proposed meeting
was specifically set forth in the circular convening the present meeting
of Council.

The Chairman hoped that General Fitzwygram’s motion would be
carried.

Mr. Greaves thought the Council had no power in the matter, and

LIBRARY

OF ILLINOIS

2

ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS.

that it rested entirely with the president, according to the rules, to call
the meeting in accordance with the requisition. He would support the
course suggested by Sir Frederick Fitzwygram to obtain counsel’s
opinion on the matter. At the same time he thought the grievance — as
the petitioners had called it — ought to be ventilated more than it had
been, as it might then be looked at in quite a different light from what
it was at present, and some reasonable concession might be made which
would satisfy everybody, and be an advantage to the profession.

Mr Fleming again urged that the Council had no option but to call the
meeting, because, in his opinion, the petition was perfectly formal and
proper.

Mr. Anderton supported Mr. Fleming’s view that the requisition should
be entertained, and said he was willing to second an amendment to that
effect.

After some further observations from Mr. Fleming, Professor Axe,
and Mr. Greaves,

The Chairman put Sir Frederick’s motion to the meeting, which was
put and carried unanimously.

The Secretary was then instructed to write to Mr. Loch to nominate
some eminent Queen’s Counsel to give his opinion on the subject, and
that the same, when obtained, should be laid before the Council.

House Committee.

The Report of the above Committee stated that at a meeting held on
October 27th, it was resolved to appoint Mr. George Greenwood, of
Southampton Row, to survey and report upon the value of the property
at 16, Fitzroy Square, and that an advertisement be inserted In the
Times , Builder, and Standard , in reference to the purchase of a suitable
property.

The Report of the Surveyor, which was read to the Council, stated
that he surveyed the property, and was of opinion that they were worth
together in their present repair £2750, and that the house would require
for the occupation of a family re-decorating ; also that the stables and
coach-houses were small and required repairing.

The Secretary stated that having placed himself in communication with
the President, he received a letter from Messrs. Whyte, Collisson and
Prichard, dated 21st October, stating that there were applications from
another gentleman, who desired to have the property, and requesting a
definite answer as to the decision of the Council within a week of the
date of the letter.

A reply was sent to the effect that the Council did not wish to stand
in the way of any available offer being made to them.

The Secretary read the replies to the advertisements that had been in¬
serted in the newspapers.

Mr. Collins said that the replies to the advertisements had been very
few. He had gone over them all, and none of them appeared to be at
all satisfactory. At the commencement of the year a deputation waited
upon the Duke of Richmond on the question of getting some pecuniary
grant from Government, and he promised to take it into consideration.
Last week Mr. Fleming and himself had called at the Privy Council
Office, and saw the Clerk of the Council, who advised them to write a
letter, which they did, stating the claims of the profession on the country.
A reply was sent, stating that his Grace did not seem to think there
would be any use in applying to Government for pecuniary assistance
at the present juncture. It only remained, unless the Council wanted
to go on with the purchase of the house in Fitzroy Square — if it had not

ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS. 5S

already been disposed of — for the House Committee to look around and
see if there were any other suitable buildings. There was also a desir¬
able building in Bedford Square, but it was found that to purchase it
at present would be out of the question. He thought the Council should
stick to the money they had until more was added to it, and by-and-bye
they might obtain the building they required.

In reply to Sir F. Fitzwygram,

The Secretary stated that the price of the house at 16, Fitzroy
Square, was 4000 guineas, and that possession could be obtained at any
time.

Mr. Fleming thought that the house in Fitzroy Square would not be
an eligible one. There was not sufficient accommodation internally, and
the locality was a tumble-down one, with a bad character. The house
in Bedford Square was the best he had seen in London. It had a capital
frontage, and was in every respect the best that was required for the
purposes of the College. The agent told him that the house would only
be let on lease, and that he was in treaty with a party about to purchase
it. He (Mr. Fleming) pointed out, in a letter to the Duke of Bedford,,
that the building was a suitable one, but that they were a poor profes¬
sion, and had not money to buy new premises ; and by the same post he
had written to Col. Kiogscote, asking him to use his influence with his
Grace. He afterwards received a letter from the Duke, stating that he
had referred the matter to his agent in London, at the same time stating
that the inhabitants in the square would not like a public building in
their midst. He was not satisfied, and applied again to the Duke, who
said he had no choice in the matter but to leave it to his agent, as he was
responsible. He thought the only course now open was an appeal to
the country through the House of Commons, because he thought the
position of the profession at present was a disgrace to the country. He
thought the way in which they had been allowed to toil and struggle did
not reflect credit on a great country like ours. If the public knew the
position in which the profession was placed, and what was done for other
public bodies, which did not render so much service to the public, he
was quite sure they would consider their prayer, and grant them a proper
building. He felt almost convinced that some members of the House of
Commons, who were very much in favour of the profession, and had such
a large stake in the interests of the country, would gladly bring forward
and support any motion which had for its object assisting the profession
in this matter. He should not like the Council to leave the present
building until they had something superior to enter into.

Mr. Greaves said he was sure that nobody wished to see the profession
raised so high as Mr. Fleming did. Neither the Government nor Par¬
liament would respond to their call, and they must, therefore, rely upon
what they were, and be content to be modest in their expectations and
reasonable in their demands. He counselled the purchase of the house
in Fitzroy Square as being suitable for the purposes of the Council, and
moved a resolution to the effect that some member of the House Com¬
mittee be authorised to wait upon the agents for the purpose of nego-
ciating for such purchase, and to offer £3000.

Mr. Freeman seconded the resolution.

Sir Frederick Fitzwygram said that, without advocating the purchase ot
the house in particular, if tlie Council wanted a good, and cheap house
they could not have it in a fashionable locality, and.it ought to be le-
membered that the instructions of the House Committee were to get a
house somewhat north of the present one, and between it and the Koya
Veterinary College, for the advantage of the students; and he thought

54

ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS.

it would be admitted that there was scarcely a fashionable locality
between Red Lion Square and Saint Pancras.

Mr. Fleming said he meant not a fashionable locality, but a respectable
locality. He begged to move, as an amendment to Mr. Greaves’
motion, that no steps be taken for the purchase of the house until further
attempts had been made to receive assistance.

Professor Axe seconded the motion, believing that the time was not
far distant when they would be able to obtain a considerable amount of
political influence to bear on the demands by the profession for 'pecu¬
niary assistance. He thought it better to defer the matter for the pre¬
sent, as he felt sure that by-and-bye they would be in a position to
purchase such a property as would not only give satisfaction to, but also
bring credit on, the profession.

Mr. Fleming’s amendment was then put to the meeting and lost, and
Mr. Greaves’ motion was put and declared carried.

Mr. Hartley said he should not have voted for Mr. Greaves’ motion if
he had thought that a price was to be stated. Pie was of opinion that
the matter should be referred to the next quarterly meeting, and that in
the meantime the Secretary or the Plouse Committee be instructed
to ask what price the house could be purchased at.

Mr Greaves said he would withdraw his former proposition, and pro¬
pose that the House Committee be instructed to have an interview with
the agents for the house in Fitzroy Square and ascertain the lowest price
at which it could be purchased.

Mr. Freeman seconded the motion, which was carried.

The Secretary then read a letter dated Nov. 18, 1879, from the sur¬
veyor to the estate asking for some additional improvements to be made
on the premises 10, Red Lion Square.

After some conversation, it was resolved to allow the letter to lie on
the table.

A letter was received from Mrs. Green-Armytage, Northlands,
Bournemouth, stating that her son, in an engagement in the Zulu War,
had lost his diploma, and asking that it be renewed.

The Secretary stated that he had sent a reply to the effect that the
gentleman in question ought to make his own personal application.

The Secretary read the following letter from Dr. Dunsmure relative to
an application made to him for refunding fees which were said to be
overcharged.

Mr. A. McKenzie,

6, Lute Street, Aberdeen.

. Edinburgh, Nov. 8, 1879.

Sir, — You are quite right in stating that the fee for the diploma of
the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons is £10 10s.

The bye-laws of the College enact that every rejected student before
re-examination must pay a fee of three guineas.

In July, 1877, you paid £7 7s. ; you were rejected, and consequently
paid three guineas when you came up a second time for your minor in
January, 1878. You then paid, or should have paid, one guinea for
registration, that made eight of the ten guineas.

In January, 1879, you paid three guineas instead of two from vour
not having told me that you were under the old rules; but, as“you
were rejected, you only paid two in April instead of three, thus making
ten guineas for the diploma, and the remainder for your re-exami¬
nations.

(Signed) James Dunsmure.

ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS. 55

On the suggestion of Sir F. Fitzwygram the Secretary was instructed
to reply to Dr. Dunsmure to the effect that the legal decision was
that only those fees which were received for successful candidates
contributed towards the diploma. In consequence of that decision a
bye-law was drawn up charging three guineas for each unsuccessful
candidate. Previously they came up for nothing, and in consequence
of this the College was nearly insolvent.

Mr. Fleming incidentally pointed out the necessity of the bye-laws
being in accordance with the charter. He thought that bye-laws drawn
up so obscurely so that nobody could understand them without the aid
of a lawyer, required much amendment. The charter would almost
mislead any one with regard to the fees for examination and the
diploma.

The Secretary stated that a letter had been received from Mr. F.
Payne, Devizes, and another from Mr. W. B. Fret well, both rejected
candidates. They had presented themselves three different times and
were rejected, and wished to know whether they could again present
themselves for re-examination.

After some discussion as to the merits of the two cases, and as to the
bearing of bye-law 34 had upon them, the Council came to the opinion
that the two applicants were ineligible to present themselves at Christmas,
that they would have to recommence their studies before presenting
themselves before the Board of Examiners.

Mr. Uarpley said he had received a letter from the Secretary of the
Royal Agricultural Society asking what steps the Council proposed to
take with reference to their prizes. It would be remembered that these
had not been competed for by a sufficient number of old students from
the Royal Veterinary College at Camden Town, and it was in contem¬
plation to have some additional rules framed, so that the competition
might be open to all the students of the United Kingdom. Mr. Jenkins
was anxious to place the scheme before the Royal Agricultural Society,
and had asked him (Mr. Harpley) for information on the subject. He
was not, himself, in possession of any information, but as he did not wish
the matter to remain in abeyance, he should be glad if the Council
would give him any information on this important subject, so that he
should be able to communicate with Mr. Jenkins.

The Secretary announced a list of fifty-three applicants for the diploma
of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, who hold the Highland
and Agricultural Society’s certificate, each certificate having been verified
by the principals of the various colleges.

It was agreed that the diploma be granted to the applicants, and that
their names be published in the two veterinary journals.

The Secretary was instructed to write to the principals of each college
asking what time it would be most convenient for them to hold the
examinations in London and Scotland.

Cheques were ordered to be drawn for the current expenses at the
Christmas examinations and insurances. This concluded the business of
the first special meeting.

A SECOND SPECIAL MEETING

was then held to consider the alteration of Bye-law No. 7, of which
notice had been given by Sir F. Fitzwygram at a previous meeting. The
effect of the alteration was to appoint at a meeting prior to the annual
meeting, not less than six members of the profession to act as scrutineers
in the matter of the election of members of the Council, instead of at the

56

CENTRAL VETERINARY MEDICAL SOCIETY.

annual meeting, the object being to dispose of the scrutineering business
practically before the general meeting of the Council, and thus allow the
scrutineers to take part in the proceedings.

Mr. Greaves seconded the motion, which was carried.

The bye-law, as altered, will read as follows :

“ At a meeting prior to the annual meeting the Council shall choose
from among the members of the profession not less than six persons
to act as scrutineers in the matters of the election of members of
Council.”

Alteration of Bye-law 4.

Mr. Collins moved the alteration of the above bye-law, notice of which
had been given at a previous meeting. The object of the alteration
was to admit of those veterinary surgeons who were practising abroad
in the army to have a voice in the voting for members of the Council.

The bye-law, as amended, would read :

Add after the words “ Every member” “ in the United Kingdom,” and
the words “ in the case of members resident abroad it will suffice if they
forward to the Secretary, on the prescribed form, go as to reach him
seven clear days prior to the election, the names of not more than six
gentlemen for whom they wish to vote.”

Mr. Fleming seconded the motion.

In answer to the Secretary,

Mr. Collins said it was in no way intended to make it compulsory on
the part of the Secretary to send the forms unless they were applied
for.

The motion was put and carried, and it was also agreed that the
Secretary be instructed to send the blank forms through the principal
Veterinary Surgeon to the Army to all the veterinary surgeons abroad.

Sir Frederick Fitzwygram submitted a scheme for a general matricula¬
tion examination for all the schools. As regards the London school
there was no objection to the scheme, nor had Prof. Williams and Prof.
McCall any objection to it; and he had received a letter from Prof.
Walley, from which it appeared that the scheme was accepted by the
trustees of the Edinburgh school with some modifications.

A Committee was, on the motion of Sir F. Fitzwygram , seconded by
the Chairman, appointed to endeavour to adjust some general scheme.

The names of the Committee appointed are, Mr. Collins, Sir F. Fitz¬
wygram, Mr. Fleming, and Mr. Robertson, of Kelso.

On the motion of Mr. Greaves , the best thanks of the Council were
awarded to Sir F. Fitzwygram for his exertions in the matter, and the
Council adjourned.

CENTRAL VETERINARY MEDICAL SOCIETY.

At a meeting held at Red Lion Square, W.C., November 6th, Mr.
Fleming, Vice-President, in the chair, it was intimated that the Presi¬
dent, Mr. H. T. Batt, had declined the office, but it was hoped he would
reconsider it and accept it.

The Secretary then showed a specimen of azoturia that Mr. Tailby
had remitted some time back with a history of the case (letter read)

CENTRAL VETERINARY MEDICAL SOCIETY. 57

A month after receiving it the urine assumed a deeper colour than port,
and decomposition began.

The Chairman observed the disease was of very rare occurrence, he
only recollected three cases in each of which death took place. Azoturia
he did not consider a good name for the disorder ; by means of the
spectroscope points of hemoglobin could be traced ; the proper designa¬
tion of this disorder and the name given in Huian Medicine was hemo¬
globinuria : we find the matter in the blood without any blood-cells.
Where this change takes place is uncertain ; was convinced they would
find it a disease arising from the horse being kept in for a few days, and
receiving the same food as when working hard; becoming fat, is taken
out and put to draw a heavy load, when suddenly he falls, death or
recovery being equally rapid.

Mr. Mole said Mr. Hopkin, of Manchester, had told him he now rarely
lost a case if he could get the bowels to act ; he applies hot water to the
loins, gives purgative medicines, and keeps the horse comfortable. The
pathology of the disease was rather obscure, as it was impossible to say
where the change takes place.

Mr. G. Fleming said a horse of the Army Hospital Corps was attacked
and died ; he examined it after death and found the liver extremely
softened, and the mucous membranes of a deep colour ; the kidneys
were large, one weighing over two pounds, the other about two pounds ;
the urine was dark, and highly obnoxious. He was unable to study the
case much, as it was some distance from his camp. It died within three
days after it fell.

Mr. Hancock mostly gave turpentine and linseed oil daily until the
bowels were opened. His cases invariably recovered.

Mr. Thomas Burnell, junr., remarked that as a rule where this dis¬
order developed itself there was a loss of power in one of the hind legs ;
he attributed the disease to the horse being fed too freely, and resting
for two or three days ; previous to an attack the animal invariably was
very fresh, and people would remark they never knew him in better
health, but after proceeding a mile or less these symptoms appeared.
The sweating was profuse, distress great, with lameness of one of the
hind legs, and that out of all proportion to the amount of work it had
done. These cases did not show themselves until the horse was excited,
and the circulation increased ; he did not recommend the use of slings.
It had been asserted this disease only affected mares, but he had seen it
in yearlings. In treatment, usually gave small doses of belladonna ; the
action of the kidneys must be kept up ; sometimes when the animal is
tolerably quite, and when not slung up opening medicine, but not
always ; it is bad to give a full dose, and examination of urine should
be made as soon as possible after micturition, as it so soon generates to
ammonia.

' Mr. Steel considered Mr. Fleming’s observation as to the condition of
the liver one of importance, and he would be glad if some gentlemen
would give cases where after death the condition of the liver had been
observed.

Mr. Shaw agreed with Mr. Burrell in his remarks about sedatives. His
son had two cases in which he gave nothing but sedatives until the horse
got better. He gave belladonna twice a day.

The Chairman regretted Mr. Daniel was not present, as he had had a
great number of cases. Once he was very unsuccessful, lately had been
more fortunate. He relies upon purgative medicines. Aconite in the
first instance was given. The symptoms in this malady are peculiar.
He saw a case where there was excessive perspiration, It was able to

58

CENTRAL VETERINARY MEDICAL SOCIETY.

move its hind legs perfectly well. He told the driver to drive him up.
He moved like a dog walking on his hind legs, and could not raise his hind
quarters. Went round for half a circle, then fell and never rose again.
This horse had never been ill before. Had been resting for. two or
three days. He found the condition of the liver very startling, the
mucous membrane extremely yellow, and the liver pulp a clay colour.
The Germans have studied this disorder pretty well. The last accounts
of the malady by Bollinger, of Munich, of the symptoms ascribed to
poisoning of urea, were very interesting. The change takes place in
the kidney, though the kidney does not appear diseased. Bile salts get
in the circulation, and in that way disorganise the blood.. He found
the blood-cells perfect, and everything all right. The animal died in
convulsions.

Mr. Atkinson had seen some twenty or thirty cases during the last
four or five months in the Tram Company. He thought the best thing
was to get them to the nearest stable, and then sling them. Some
cases he had seen they had literally to drag them off their feet. The
treatment should be the same as used for fever. Since they had tried
the strong purgative system and slinging they had never lost one case.
He advised them to try the slinging process.

The Chairman had heard from Mr. Hopkin he had found slinging was
dangerous in this affection, it led to several horses having their tails
broken off by means of the breech strap getting under the tail. This
objection to the use of slings was worthy of notice, as if they recovered
and were so disfigured, it was obviously better to do without them. In
the cases he had seen the bodies were covered with perspiration. The con¬
dition of the muscles and the urine were also very characteristic of this
disease, as distinguishing it from paralysis ; the urine was either a lighter
or darker colour than when in its normal condition. In the early stages
the animal moved its hind legs like the case he had previously described,
in which the horse moved for half a circle and then fell. This disease
was quite different from paralysis as far as pathology was concerned.

Mr. Atkinson said the last case he saw was very much paralysed, the
marked pressure upon the animal was intense. He gave no sedatives
whatever, but a brisk stimulant and a purgative. There were two or
three veterinary surgeons present ; some considered putting it into
slings cruelty to the animal, but if he had not been so treated he most
probably would have died, as all did prior to the practice of slinging
them. They generally recovered in about twenty-four hours. The last
three cases began to recover from the twelfth hour.

Mr. Gerrard was of opinion slinging did them harm, those he had
slung never recovered. He remembered one case very distinctly. A
large horse in good condition. It was slung up. After four days the
rope gave way, and he fell down and did not recover. If he had not
slung him but turned him over occasionally as he was in the habit of
doing before, he believed he would have done better.

Mr. Burrell thought unless the horse was allowed to stand when in the
slings he frequently became suffocated thereby. On the second or
third day when he was able to stand it was better to let him do so ;
sometimes the abdominal muscles were injured, and probably the case
would prove fatal. In one case he experienced the owner had seen the
horse stand, and was anxious to have him slung up. He objected, but
the owner persisting it was done, and the animal died in a couple of
hours from suffocation.

Mr. H. J. Hancock believed slings did more harm than good unless
the horse could take some portion of its weight.

CENTRAL VETERINARY MEDICAL SOCIETY.

59

Mr. Gerrard exhibited a specimen of rupture of the walls of the heart,
stating the horse was a large one, aged about eight }rears, a brewer’s ;
while engaged with two others in drawing about a ton and a half,
in ascending a hill, fell down and died very suddenly. On making a
post mortem found the wall of the right ventricle ruptured, also the
pericardium. In many of these cases the drivers were found fault with
for supposed carlessness.

Mr. Gerrard also showed a specimen of ruptured intestine, and said
about twelve months previously it was attacked with inflammation of
the bowels and had since had attacks, but had always recovered until
that day. He was not a ravenous feeder. The rupture was close to
the ileo-caecal valve which was dilated, and the walls of the gut much
thickened. The animal was taken ill nine days ago. Partially recovered
and was put out to grass. He was called to the last attack on November
5th, and then saw him for the last time alive. He ate, and he thought
he would recover. The pains being so lingering he believed there was a
tumour existent.

The Chairman said this specimen was very interesting on account of
its duration. There must have been some partition in which the food
lodged. The absence of peritonitis proved there had been some disease
in the intestine before death took place. It appeared at the commence¬
ment of the caecum close to the ileo-caecal valve, which was dilated ; and
the intestine had evidently for a long time been trying to overcome the
obstruction.

A case of ectopia cordis with extreme contortion of the spine was
exhibited by Mr. Banham. The specimen was forwarded by Mr. Wilson,
of Nantwick, to the Brown Institution. The creature, a calf, had been
removed with great difficulty by Mr. Wilson. The thoracic cavity was
reduced to the smallest dimensions, through the spine being first curved
abruptly upwards in the dorsal region, then bent suddenly round in
the lumbar region, the pelvis being lodged or rather imbedded in the
left shoulder. The heart protruded through the diaphragm, and was
external to the chest behind the sternum.

Mr. A. Broad introduced to the notice of the meeting an instrument to
enable a practitioner to examine a horse’s nostril with safety when
examining for glanders. It consisted of a circular hand mirror some six
inches in diameter, with a half-inch transparent eye-hole a little to the
right of its centre ; in use was held before the nose, and examination
made with the left eye, the best position being in a dark box looking
away from the light.

The Secretary suggested it would be an advantage if the glass were
convex. At present there was no magnifying power, but it was urged
that that would nearly double its cost without materially adding to its
utility, and that it was a very good speculum and certainly useful for the
purposes designed, the horse being very liable to snort.

The Secretary announced that Mr. Henry Surmon, of Bed Lion Yard,
Clerkenwell, was proposed as a Fellow of the Society.

Mr. Hunting announced his intention of introducing the subject of
colic with regard to treatment for discussion at the next meeting.

Votes of thanks being accorded those gentlemen introducing the
subjects discussed, the proceedings terminated.

Present sixteen Fellows. James Rowe,

Hon. Sec

60

LIVERPOOL VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSO¬
CIATION.

The ordinary quarterly meeting of this Association was held at the
Medical Institute on the 14th November, Joseph Welsby, Esq., Presi¬
dent, in the chair.

There were present : Messrs. Elam, Morgan, Reynolds, and Stevenson,
of Liverpool; T. Greaves, T. Taylor, S. Locke, and E. Faulkner,
Manchester; Dr. Greenway, West Derby; W. Dacre, Altrincham;
Jas. Storrar and T. E. J. Lloyd, Chester; W. Whittle, Worsley; W.
Woods, Wigan ; J. W. Hill, Wolverhampton ; S. M. Wilson, 12th
Lancers ; S. Knott, Royal Artillery, and the Secretary.

Letters of apology for non-attendance were received from a number
of gentlemen expressing their regret that they were unable to be
present.

The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed.

Mr. Mam then communicated the following notes of a case of “Frac¬
ture of the sesamoid bones of both fore legs in a cob mare,” exhibiting
the specimens. He said — On the 21st of June last, a grey cob, 14
hands 2 inches high, 6 years old, was brought to my infirmary suffering
from a slight cold, the owner informing me that he intended to sell it as
soon as it had quite recovered. On carefully examining it in the loose
box I found that it appeared to move slightly lame or tender, but, as
the owner had not mentioned anything regarding that when he left it,
I thought that it might be of no consequence, and that it would likely
pass off with a few days rest. A few days after the owner called, and
1 drew his attention to the fact, when he said, “Oh, yes; she had gone
a little tender about a month ago, first on one foot and then on the
other.” He had her shoes taken off, and her feet carefully examined,
but could find nothing to account for the tenderness. He then had a
pair of india-rubber pads put on, thinking that they might improve
her, and she went very well after. However, as there was a little
swelling and heat about the fetlock-joints, I (Mr. Elam) had a cooling
lotion and cold-water bandages applied to them. In ten days she
appeared to have quite recovered her usual health, and the lameness had
almost completely passed off, when the owner called and said that he
would send his son for her in the morning, which he did, and my groom
remarked how much improved she walked as she was being led out of
the yard. In less than half an hour after a messenger came back
to say that the mare lay down in the stable as soon as she got there, and
broke out into a profuse perspiration, and that she appeared to go
suddenly lame just before she arrived at the stable. The owner
requested my groom to take her back to my infirmary, but before she
had got half the way, her fetlocks came in contact with the ground, and
she was unable to proceed any further. A float was then procured,
into which she was placed, and taken to the infirmary. When I re¬
turned I found her lying quietly in the box, and, so far as one could
observe, very comfortably. I got her lifted up on to her feet with great
difficulty, but every step she took the toes of both fore feet turned up,
and the inferior extremities of the large metacarpal bones came ip
contact with the ground.

LIVERPOOL VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, 61

After a. careful examination in connection with the symptoms I
became quite satisfied that the sesamoid bones of both fore legs were frac¬
tured, and that treatment was out of the question. The owner called
on the following day, and after explaining the nature of the fracture to
him I advised him to have her destroyed, which he agreed to. A post¬
mortem examination showed all four sesamoid bones fractured trans¬
versely about the lower third, the upper two-thirds having the appear¬
ance. of being torn away by the powerful suspensory ligament, whilst
the inferior third was held by the inferior sesamoideal ilgaments, thus
exposing the internal structure of the bone. I am of opinion that the
bones had been diseased at least twelve months, and that the animal
would have shown signs of it to a close observer.

The above communication gave rise to a very interesting discussion,
in which almost every member present took part. The following is a
brief summary of the principal points touched upon :

Mr. Elam, in reply, to questions by various speakers, said that he
could not detect any diseased condition in any of the other bones of the
body, and that from a careful examination of the sesamoid bones made
immediately after taking the specimens home, he was of opinion that
they were affected with caries.

The general opinion expressed by the other members, however, was
in favour of the diseased condition being of the nature of osteo porosis,
from the fact that the lesions occurred simultaneously in both fore legs,
without the infliction of any adequate strain to produce them if healthy.
The absence of pain when the animal was at rest was considered to
contraindicate the presence of caries, and that although from the speci¬
mens being dry and surrounded with their periosteal covering, and
having the ligaments attached, no very decided opinion could then be
given. Still, it was stated that when the long bones are affected, the
presence of the diseased condition is difficult to determine until after
the bones have been either macerated or boiled.

As to the cause or causes of osteo-porosis no very definite opinion
was arrived at. It had been observed in every variety of breeds of
horses, and to occur under different systems of feeding. It generally
affected young animals, although not invariably so. The most remark¬
able development of this disease was related by Mr. Woods , of Wigan,
in which, he said, about a dozen of Hungarian ponies, belonging to a
mining firm in his district, became almost simultaneously affected, the
acute symptoms manifesting themselves immediately on being put to
work, after having rested during Whit-week. One of these ponies was
ten years old, and had been in the pit for seven years, while none of the
others were over five years old, and had been in the pit for from two to
three years. He, Mr. Woods, attributed the disease at the time to the
ponies getting too much Indian corn while idle, and it was a curious
tact that after its withdrawal no more cases occurred at that period.

The general opinion expressed by the members, however, was, that
the principal cause of this disease was some constitutional diathesis ,
which certain other conditions might intensify. And although in Mr.
Wood’s cases no previous symptoms had been noticed, in the cases
related by the other members, symptoms of lameness of a shifting and
recurrent character had been invariably observed.

Mr. Elam then communicated the notes of two cases of “ Death from
intestinal calculi.” The first case was that of a chestnut mare, belonging
to a detachment of the Royal Dragoons, which had arrived in Liverpool
the previous day from Colchester. She was reported to be in good
health and spirits during the whole of the journey, and only began to

62 LIVERPOOL VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION.

show signs of pain on arrival in Liverpool. Briefly, the symptoms
were — acute abdominal pain, pulse 50. Visible mucous membranes of
a dull pale red, mouth hot and dry, with a loathing of food and water.
The fourth day she drank water freely, and ate a little. No faeces were
passed at all during the attack. In exploring the rectum I observed
that no solid faeces could be felt, indicating that the obstruction was
very near the rectum. The treatment adopted was — repeated small
doses of aloes, in conjunction with carbonate of ammonia, frequent
injections, and gave small doses of chloroform to allay the pain. On
the evening of the fourth day the pulse became accelerated and weak,
and the symptoms of pain ceased. She died on the following day, the
fifth after her attack. He, Mr. Elam, made a post-mortem examination
and found the calculus shown firmly imbedded in the rectum, about
five feet from the anus. Mr. Elam’s opinion was, that the long march
of over 200 miles had caused or accelerated the backward move¬
ment of the calculus from the large intestines onwards to the rectum.
He considered that a careful exploration of the rectum in all cases
of abdominal affections, is an invaluable aid to a correct diagnosis,
and might lead, in some cases, to the removal of the obstruction.

The other case was that of a bay cart mare, six years old, which I
(Mr. Elam) was asked to attend in July last. I found her manifesting
symptoms of colic, for which I gave her a stimulating drink and
administered ^iij of aloes. The next day she appeared better, but in
about a week after I was again sent for to attend her, when the owner
now told me that she had been griped a little every day for a fortnight.
I had her brought to my infirmary. The symptoms were briefly as
follows — visible mucous membranes of a dull pale red, mouth hot and
dry, frequent pawing, and restless when lying. No symptoms of acute
pain, rolled very seldom, but had a perfect loathing of food and water.
This condition continued for ten days, when the bowels began to act
freely, and she commenced to eat and drink heartily. Three days after
she was discharged as all right. The treatment, as in the other case,
was — repeated small doses of aloes in conjunction with the carbonate of
ammonia. In about a week after I was again sent for to attend this
mare, when the same symptoms presented themselves. As I now con¬
sidered the case a hopeless one, and the owner being a poor man, I
recommended him to turn her into a good field, and if she should die to
inform me. The mare died in about three weeks after. I made a post¬
mortem examination and found a large calculus at the junction of the
large, or double colon, with the single colon.

Mr. Storrar also exhibited some specimens of calculi, pyramidal in
shape, which had been so formed by their action on one another in the
bowels.

A general discussion followed, of which the following is a brief sum¬
mary : — 1. That there is no reliable diagnostic symptom of the presence
of calculi, except in such recurrent cases as the second one in Mr.
Elam’s communication. 2. That although in individual cases, such as
the formation of hair balls in calves, and where an animal has been
known to swallow some peculiar article which has formed the nucleus of
a calculus, that has been either evacuated or found post-mortem at a
certain period afterwards, there are no very reliable data upon which to
form an opinion as to the length of time which these calculi require to
form. As an instance of this Mr. T. Taylor referred to a horse, within
his own practice, which had been in the habit of manufacturing these
interesting articles for several years, their size varying from that of a
billiard ball to that of a marble ; these he discharged in quantities of

« , x '*

LIVERPOOL VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. 63

six or seven at once, at intervals of four or five months. Still he enjoys
excellent health, and is in good condition, and has never been known to
have an attack of colic. His (Mr. Taylor’s) attention being'only called
to him by the attendant with the quaint remark that his horse had com¬
menced the marble trade again. The character of the food and the
gastric habits of the animal was believed to have considerable influence
in the formation of calculi. 3. Repeated doses of purgative medicine
in all cases where the bowels did not respond to an ordinary dose was
generally condemned, nerve stimulants in such cases being generally
recommended. Dr. Greenicay suggested the administration of metallic
mercury in cases of obstinate obstruction, as is done in the human
subject, but several members considered that the horizontal position of
the bowels in our patients, combined with the anatomical arrangement
of the ilio-caecal valve, militated against its success. 4. In all cases of
abdominal affections in the horse, accompanied with tympanitis, tapping
was generally recommended as being both safe and beneficial. The
operation should be performed in the same region as you tap for hoven
in cattle. 5. As to the best course to be adopted in cases where the
presence of calculi had been diagnosed, it was considered by some that
purgative medicines, either aloes or oil, did more harm than good.

Mr. Jas. Storrar then communicated the following notes of a case of
“ Ruptured abdominal muscles.” On the 17th October last I was called
to see a very valuable brood mare of the heavy shires breed seven years
old, and the dam of three foals. She had not been in harness for several
years, having been laid aside from work for breeding purposes and
exhibition. She had been kept up to the mark (to use showing phrase¬
ology) till the shows were over, when it was considered prudent to allow
her to get a little down in her bulk, her last foal being still unweaned.
She was grazing in a very rich pasture during the day, and at night was
taken up to a large comfortable loose box, where she had a small portion
of grass, a feed of bruised oats boiled, and bran. She again had a
similar feed in the morning before being turned out to pasture. She
was an uncommonly good tempered animal, never running or exerting
herself, but most industrious as a grazier, a magnificent animal, weighing
nearly 18 cwt., lengthy, but beginning to get a little low in her back,
presumably from having had several foals. Such was the animal which
I was called in to see.

The groom’s statement was that on the previous evening, when calling
her to come into her box, he thought she went a little stiff on the off-
hind leg. She ate her mash with relish, and having left her for a short
time he went back and found her lying down comfortably. Before
going to bed he again looked in at her, and found her up and eating her
grass. These circumstances relieved his mind so far that he did not
consider it necessary to say anything to his master that night.

On the following morning, still thinking her somewhat stiff on the off-
hind leg, he informed lais master, who went into the field, but was unable
to satisfy himself that anything was wrong. He, however, said to the
groom, “ You know the mare’s general appearance better than I do, and
since you do not think her right, go for Mr. Storrar.”

Upon my arrival the groom pointed out a swelling in the right flank,
very slight, soft, and evidently oedematous ; there was also a little
similar swelling behind the elbow.

The mare was still very fat, but the groom said that she had sunk very
much in her appearance, more than she ought to have clone considering
what she was eating. The mare seemed low in vital force, her pulse soft
and languid. She kept up her appetite as usual.

64 LIVERPOOL VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION,

There was no swelling of the legs as we usually find in cases of poor
blood, yet these swellings were cedematous, and the case seemed a likely
one to recover by a change of diet, and a little alterative medicine. I
therefore gave her a six-drachm purging ball, which acted very mode¬
rately, while she continued to eat her mashes with relish.

I ordered the green grass to be stopped, good old hay to be substituted,
the bruised oats and bran to be given dry morning and evening, and
her usual walk at pasture to be allowed her during the day.

After the medicine had acted she seemed better on the right side, but
on the 19th, when I again saw her, there was a very considerable cede-
matous swelling on the lefc side of' the flank ; this to me was more
puzzling than ever. I asked if there was any cow or other animal in the
field that could have interfered with her, as this looked more like an
injury to the parts than anything else I could think of, but I was told
that there was no animal in the field that could have injured her.

I gave her diuretic medicine, and expected a favorable result from this
and the change of diet, but the swelling continued to increase, and I
requested that some other professional man should see her.

Upon the arrival of my professional friend we agreed to puncture the
swelling, so as to allow of an escape of serum. Upon my doing so, and
introducing my finger to break up the cellular tissue, there followed an
alarming flow of serum and red corpuscles, which I hastened to stop.
Of course there was a certain amount of clot formed, owing to the blood
from the skin, but the great bulk of the fluid was watery. Suffice it to
say that, nothwithstanding every attention, the animal died on the
morning of Saturday the 25th.

The post-mortem showed that the swelling in the flanks had arisen
from a rupture of the transverse abdominal muscles, the laceration pro¬
ceeded to extend, no doubt every time she raised herself from the bed,
which she did very frequently immediately before death. On the left
side the rents were right through the muscles to the skin, and in several
places the serous effusion in the abdominal cavity was great, while here
and there a black clot floated in it.

The special interest attached to this case is the previous history of the
animals5 life and treatment, and the very unusual occurrence of such a
case. I have on two previous occasions seen mares give way at the
attachment of the rectus abdominis muscle to the pelvis, thereby
allowing the abdomen to descend very low, and giving the animal a very
unseemly appearance, but both these cases occurred very near to the time
of the mare’s foaling. The mares foaled, reared their foals, and did well.
In the present case the mare was in foal, but the foetus was small, and
could not be a factor in the case.

The pathological questions which I have asked myself, and which I
now suggest to you for your opinion, are these :

Had the repeated fattenings to which the mare had been subjected
for years produced any tendency to fatty degeneration of the muscles
of any part of the body ?

The heart was fatty, but weighed about eight pounds, quite as heavy
as I would have expected the heart of an animal out of condition to
have been.

Had the very limited exercise which the mare had been subject to
a tendency to generate fat at the expense of the muscular tissue?

Had the bulky, moist, non-nutritious grass, of which she partook so
largely, a tendency to distend her abdominal organs, and to relax the
system generally, so that the animal may be said literally to have fallen
to pieces ?

LIVERPOOL VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION.

65

In my very large experience among brood mares of all breeds I have
not met with such another case, and I have introduced it to your notice
to-night in older that I may elicit your valuable opinions upon it.

I have purposely withheld all names for reasons satisfactory to myself,
I trust; however, I think that you will agree with me that the case is a
very interesting one.

Mr. Hill , who stated that he was the veterinary surgeon who con¬
sulted with Mr. Storrar in this case, said that he differed in opinion
from Mr. Storrar as to the immediate cause of death, and also as to the
time when the muscular lesions took place.

The mare, he said, had been repeatedly fattened for exhibition.
She had taken sixteen first prizes. She had then a foal sucking her,
and a foetus in utero.

There was an entire absence of blood in the system, a pure fibrinous
clot in the heart, and moulds in the larger vessels. He was of opinion
that the ante-mortem clot in the heart was the cause of death, and
from its white fibrinous character, extending as it did into the larger
vessels, must have existed there for some time.

He considered that the swelling was cedematous and due to debility,
and that there was no rupture of the muscles when the first swellings
appeared in the flanks. Besides, the swelling was in front of the flank and
towards the median line' when scarified, which with the fact that similar
swellings occurred at the elbow convinced him. Mr. Hill said that
there was no rupture of the muscular tissue until about an hour before
death, when she became very restless, and threw herself down on her bed
with great violence.

There was also hepatisation of the lung, which Mr. Storrar had omitted
to mention, which goes to show the complicated diseased condition in
which the animal was.

Hr. Greenway considered that the immediate cause of death was
anaemia of the brain ; of course the clots would be the means of shutting
off the supply, and might in that sense be considered the cause of death.
Speaking of the formation of clots, he said that in cases of sudden death
the heart would be found empty or nearly so. When death was less
sudden the heart would be found filled with dark coloured clots extend¬
ing into the vessels ; but when death was prolonged, as in this case,
there would be white fibrinous clots in the heart, and moulds in the
vessels leading from it. He was of opinion that the kidneys should have
been examined in this case.

Mr. Greaves was of opinion that the cause of death dated from the
time that the accident to the muscles happened, which was at the first
appearance of the swelling in the flanks. He said some fat horses would
faint before you can get two quarts of blood away from them. He was,
therefore, of opinion that first the rupture and escape of the fluid, then
the scarifying and further draining the system of blood and serum,
brought on fatal syncope, which was the cause of death.

Mr. Reynolds said that animals fed for exhibition purposes had a
tendency to the formation of fat instead of muscle. He was of opinion
that in this case the abdominal muscles had become deficient in tone,
and had partially ruptured at the first appearance of the swelling.

Mr. Welsby, President, said that the mare being a keen pasturer, having
no work, and getting very little exercise, would have a decided tendency
to produce fat at the expense of muscle. He concurred in the opinion
that there must have been rupture of the muscles at the first appearance
of the swelling, and although the swelling was considerably in front of
the flank, as pointed out by Mr. Hill, when it was lanced, still he saw no

5

LI1I.

66

LIVERPOOL VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION.

objection in that, as the fluid would gravitate to the most dependent
part.

Mr. Mam said, in reference to the state of the lung mentioned by
Mr. Hill as being an important factor in this case, that hepatisation of
the lung could take place within a period of four days prior to death.

Mr. Storrar , in reply, said the important point for consideration was,
Did the cause of death commence at the flanks or at the heart ?

There was no indication of derangement of the heart’s action when
the swelling first appeared in the flanks ; besides, there was no filling of
the extremities, effusion into the chest or between the fore legs, as we
generally find associated with heart disease, or in cedematous swellings
arising from debility.

There was no indication either of anything being wrong with the
chest until after we had been treating her for several days. The hot
fomentations in his (Mr. Storrar’s) opinion relaxed the tissues more and
more, and consequently increased the effusion, which led to internal
congestion. There was tenderness of the throat observed the first day,
followed by disease of the chest the second day.

There is no doubt that her violent action immediately previous to
death greatly aggravated the lacerated condition of the abdominal
.muscles, but, taking all the symptoms into consideration and the order
of their development, he could not help arriving at the conclusion that
the cause of death commenced by rupture of the abdominal muscles, and
that the clots in the heart did not exist for any length of time prior to
death.

Mr. Tom Taylor exhibited a beautiful specimen of a brain taken from a
horse which had an acute attack of apoplexy.

The history of the case is briefly as follows :

I (Mr. Taylor) was called to see a horse said to be suffering from
disease of the kidneys. I found him suffering from brain pressure ; there
was the characteristic slow pulse, 36 per minute. He was about thirty
years old, and had been blind for five years. I got him led with difficulty
to my infirmary, administered a large dose of physic, and applied cold
water to the head.

The bowels acted well in two days, after which I blistered him on the
poll, but he made no improvement, and I had him killed by cutting the
carotid artery. I had the brain carefully removed, taking off the base
of the skull first, which I consider a preferable mode to the usual plan
of taking off the top first.

The following is a description of the brain :

“ The brain itself was healthy, so also the main blood-vessels. The
dura mater, however, showed, on the right side of the vasal portion,
considerable thickening, and in some parts a calcareous condition,
these results being probably due to pachymeningitis. The thickened area
corresponded to the posterior part of the frontal lobe and a small
portion of the temporo-sphenoidal lobe on the under surface of the
right cerebral hemisphere, and extended inwards over the pituitary
body and optic chiasma ; it encroached but slightly to the left of the
middle line.

In the midst of the thickened dura mater, and apparently between its
outer and inner layers, an effusion of blood from one of the meningeal
vessels had given rise to a large clot, which measured one and a half
inches from before backwards, and one and a quarter inches at its
widest part.

The clot was ol tolerably recent formation, and showed under the
microscope blood-corpuscles and debris , without any crystals of haema-
toidine, such as are found in old apoplectic extravasations.

NORTH OF ENGLAND VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. 67

The subject of the re-election of representatives to the Council of the
Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons was then discussed, and the
secretary was requested to communicate with the other Veterinary
Medical Associations to ascertain their opinions on the matter, so as, if
possible, to secure unity of thought and action.

The following gentlemen were then unanimously elected officers of
the Association for the ensuing year.

President. — Mr. C. W. Elam.

Vice-Presidents. — Messrs. W. Woods, Jas. Storrar, and Jos. Welsby.

Treasurer. — Mr. George Morgan.

Secretary (re-elected). — Mr. D. Hutcheon.

A cordial vote of thanks to the retiring President, Mr. Welsby, which
was carried by acclamation, closed the meeting.

Duncan Hutcheon,

Hon. Sec.

NORTH OF ENGLAND VETERINARY MEDICAL

ASSOCIATION.

The quarterly meeting of this Association was held in the “ Douglas
Hotel,” Newcastle-on-Tyne, on Friday, November 28th, 1879. Mr.
D. Dudgeon, President, occupied the chair.

There were also present Messrs. II. Hunter, A. Hunter, C. Stephenson,
G. Elphick, and F. Gillespie, Newcastle-on-Tyne; P. Gofton, North
Shields; W. Wheatley, South Shields; J. Nisbet, Fence Houses;
W. J. Mulvey, Bishop Auckland; J. Malcolm, South Hetton ; A. L.
Butters, and the Secretary, Sunderland.

M. W. Williams, junr., was present as a visitor.

Letters of apology for non-attendance were read from Professors
Prichard and Whalley, and Mr. M. Hedley, Darlington.

The minutes of the preceding meeting were read and confirmed.

A letter was read from Mr. D. Hutcheon, Secretary of the Liverpool
Veterinary Medical Association, the consideration of which was postponed
until the next meeting.

Mr. Mulvey related the history of a very interesting case of “ Spinitis,”
the subject only being in the owner’s possession a week when it fell ill.
Mr. Mulvey attributed the case to the animal having been recently
docked, the tail being excessively seared, and being driven a long
distance. The case was improving, and Mr. Mulvey did not despair of
it making a good recovery with long rest. After hearing the remarks
of several members on the above case the President called on Mr. Mulvey
to read his paper on “ Injuries to the Coronet and Feet.”

Mr. President and Gentlemen, — In fulfilment of the promise given
at our last meeting it becomes my duty to introduce a subject for your
discussion this evening, and although I had a certain amount of diffidence
in doing so, yet having an earnest wish for the prosperity and firm
establishment of this Association, I considered that it was the du*v of
every individual member to do all in his power to promote its welfare ;
and, therefore, I come before you to make a few observations on
“ Injuries to the Coronet and Feet.”

Injuries to the foot of the horse, I need not tell you, are amongst the
most intricate and difficult cases, and yet are the most frequent with

68 NORTH OF ENGLAND VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION.

which we, as veterinary surgeons, have to contend. The foot of the
horse is made up of an internal vital portion enclosed in horny struc¬
ture, and it is on this account that the difficulty arises. Inside a
horny box we have highly organised structures, so that anything which
perforates this box and injures ever so slightly the vital structures it
contains often produces results the most serious. I purpose first calling
your attention to injuries to the coronet ; these may arise from various
causes, the most frequent are treads, over-reach, and in collieries and
on railways from the wheel of a truck or tub running over the coronet,
and in the hind feet, in some instances, from striking the coronet
against the sleepers, and in others from the habit acquired by many
ponies and horses of sliding down the inclines. In this manner the
the coronet or a portion of the hoof is often scrubbed, and sometimes
cut completely through by a jagged nail. Another cause of injury is by
the foot getting fast between the crossings or switches, the animal being
thrown violently down, causing bruise to the coronet, and occasionally
fracture of the os suffraginis or coronal process of os pedis. Secondly,
injuries produced by pricks in shoeing, by nails, wire, or other sharp
substances being trod upon and perforating the sole, and by bad
shoeing, producing corns.

A tread is a contused wound on the inside of either hind foot caused
by one foot being brought forcibly upon the coronet of its fellow.

Over-reach is a blow upon the heel of the coronet, produced by the
hind foot over-reaching the fore foot of the same side. These injuries
may be more or less serious ; in the majority of instances simple bruise
and abrasion of the skin of the coronet is all we have to contend
with. In these cases the treatment I should adopt would be to remove
with the scissors any skin that may be detached; cleanse the wound, and
apply the following lotion: — 1^ Tr. Myrrh, c. ^ij, Sol. Zinc. Sulph. ad

Bviij-.

This treatment, with a day or two’s rest, will generally be found
sufficient. In other cases a great amount of inflammation is induced in
the parts by the force of the blow, often causing suppuration. Pus
forms, which burrows downwards through the soft structures contained
within the hoof, producing quittor ; or when the injury happens to be in
front of the coronet open joint may be the result ; or the skin of the
coronet may already be in a diseased condition, the animal suffering
from cracked or even greasy heels. The local irritation from this cause
induces the animal to scratch and stamp upon the itching coronet, and
being shod, as most cart horses are, with high calkens to the shoes, the
probability is that serious injury to the coronet is the result. I cannot
better illustrate this than by relating to you the history of a case of the
kind which has lately come under my notice.

The subject was a grey wagon horse, five years old, seventeen hands
high. My attention was called to him by the driver informing me that
the horse was continually stamping in the stable, and that there was a
discharge from both coronets. On examining them narrowly I found
that there was an eruption of a carbuncular nature, some of which had
burst and were discharging copiously ; others had not yet come to
maturity. I ordered the mixed feed (which consisted of maize, peas,
oats, and chopped hay) to be taken from him, and gave soft food and
a dose of aperient medicine, and after cleansing the wounds had them
dressed with carbolic liniment, at the same time left instructions for
the shoes, which had very high calkens, to be removed. This, unfortu¬
nately, was not at once carried out, and during the day the animal
struck the off coronet with such force with one of the calkens of the

NORTH OF ENGLAND VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. 69

opposite shoe as to break the skin and make a very ugly wound, which
induced so much pain and inflammation to the foot°as to brin^ on a
high state of irritative fever. Ihe symptoms when I next saw him were
— pulse between 70 and 80, breathing hurried, leg continually drawn up
under the body, animal frequently lying down and moaning, then
jumping up again as though the pain was beyond endurance, and I have
no doubt it was. I at once had the shoes off, slightly thinned the soles,
placed the off1 hind foot in warm water for a time, then dressed with
solution of Lq. Plumbi and solution of the extract of belladonna, and
afterwards put the foot in a large bran poultice, and gave three times a
day the following mixture ^ Spt. iEther Nit. ^iss, Liq. Ammon. Acet.
3iss, Tr. Aconite (Fleming’s) p|xx.

I continued this treatment for three or four days, and still the animal
was suffering great pain, although not quite so acute. I now began to
find the discharge had mixed with it what was very like synovia. I then
changed the treatment and applied flannel swabs around the coronet,
keeping them continually wet with cold water, and applied all over the
coronet two or three times a day Sol. of Zinc Sulph. At the end of
about ten days the coronet was still enlarging, and the animal almost
suffered as much as pain as ever, the foot never being near the ground.
I now thought I would examine the sole again and had it completely
removed, finding that the pus had gravitated till the whole of the sole
was hollow, and that a large sinus extended completely through the foot
into the navicular joint, and from which there was a copious discharge of
synovia. I then tacked a flat shoe on the foot with two or three nails
so as to be able to confine the dressing, and injected just within the
wound, from the bottom, a weak solution of Hy. Chlor., and applied a
smart blister to the coronet ; but do what I would, and I think I tried
almost everything, all was of no avail. No sooner did one sinus seem to
heal up than another broke out, and finding that the discharge was now
mixed with blood and was becoming fetid, I concluded that the case
was hopeless, and, therefore, had him destroyed and have brought the
bones of the foot for your examination. From their appearance you
will see how utterly without hope the case was, as the os corona, os
naviculare, and os pedis are all involved in disease ; ulceration of the
whole of the articular surfaces, and in the case of the os corona the
ulceration extends to both sides, and a large amount of morbid bone
has been thrown out ; the coronal process of the os pedis has completely
disappeared, and from the appearance of this portion of the bone I am
somewhat inclined to think that it was here the mischief first com¬
menced (perhaps by fracture).

I now want to draw your attention to those injuries which I find so
frequently occurring in colliery practice, viz. the walls of the foot being
cut through by a jagged nail, or by the wheel of a tub or waggon running
over the foot ; these injuries, if attended to at once, are not so difficult
to treat as would at first sight appear. I first have the part thoroughly
cleansed from all grit and dirt, then with the rasp or knife remove the
sharp edges of the horn, which will be found to be pressing upon the
inflamed and swollen sensitive laminee beneath, endeavouring to round
the edges and removing any horn that may be loose or detached, then
immerse the foot in a pail of warm water and apply a good bran poultice
frequently renewed. After a day or two I remove the poultice and
apply to the wound a salve composed of tar and lard melted together,
to which I add, when cold, sulphate of zinc §j to 3j ; this ointment is
applied on tow, and maintained in position by continuous folds or
wrappings of tarred cord. I generally find these cases do well, but every

70 NORTH OP ENGLAND VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION.

now and then the horse or pony so injured is worked on for days before
anything is said about him being lame, grit and dirt works into the
wound, the horn on the inside quarter where the injuries generally occur
becomes softened, a disagreeable ichorous discharge squeezes out of the
wound, the animal is very lame. In this state of affairs I often find it
necessary to remove almost the whole of the quarter and sometimes a
portion of the sole, when, after immersing the foot in warm water for a
time, I place on the foot a round or bar shoe, seating it so that there
shall be no pressure on the injured side, and dress over the parts either
with Antim. Ses.Chlor. or AcidfNit., then apply tow over all the exposed
surfaces, and ' tie the foot loosely up ; after a day or two remove the
dressing and apply daily the Ung. Zin. Sulph. Co. I have frequently
found in these cases that a portion of the os pedis has been injuried, or
necrosis takes place as the result of the injury, and in many cases I have
removed large portions of the bone which have become detached, and
after scraping away any spiculae that may remain, and dressing in the
manner mentioned, the cases have done well. Occasionally we come
across cases where a waggon wheel has run over the front of the foot not
cutting the horn, but crushing and bruising the parts beneath. In these
cases the annual suffers great pain, the limb is continually drawn up
under the body, the animal flinches on the least pressure to the foot,
the laminse are generally so much injured that extravasation of blood
takes place, and the consequent swelling of the soft structures contained
within the unyielding hoof necessarily causes the most excruciating pain.
Recently I have had a very severe case of this kind, in which, after some
days had elapsed, pus formed and made its way out at the coronet,
although I had before removed a portion of the sole. Finding that it was
partly underrun, I now passed the probe upwards, and discovered that a
portion of the os pedis was exfoliating immediately in front and about an
inch below the coronal process. I thereupon removed the horn from the
wall to within half an inch of the coronet, and with the forceps took
away about half an inch of the pedal bone. After dressing with solution
of carbolic acid and Tr. Myrrh Co., and placing pledgets of tow over all,
I had affixed to the foot a shoe having a clip at each side of the toe, and
although for a time I was troubled with luxuriant growths from the
exposed laminae, which had to be kept down by application of Antim.
Ses. Chlor. and pressure, the case has progressed satisfactorily.

Corns. — Bruise of the inner angle of the sole of the foot between the
wall and bars, more often on the inside and almost always confined to the
fore feet, due to undue pressure on the heels, generally caused by the shoe, but
may arise from other causes, as by a stone becoming fast between the shoe
and frog, the pressure causing bruise and rupture of small blood-vessels
and consequent of blood, which percolates through the fibres of the horn.
Should the bruise be severe and the cause not removed, or the injury not
attended to, suppuration is the result, pus forms and unless an outlet is
given to it by the removal of the horn it burrows upwards through the
soft structures and makes its exit at the coronet. The more simple
cases of bruise to the foot called corn are easily got rid of by removing the
cause and poulticing the foot for a short time, should the cause, as is too
often the case, be the result of a wrong system of shoeing, viz. the shoe
being seated or bevelled on all the sole surface except where it comes in
contact with the heels. Thus, you will find that the only bearing the
sole obtains is at its weakest parts, viz. the heels, the wall of the foot
carrying all the rest ; this unequal pressure is, in my opinion, the most
frequent cause of corn. The treatment of those cases of corn in which
suppuration has taken place is often very troublesome. I commence by

NORTH OF ENGLAND VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. 71

removing all the under-run portions of the sole, a‘nd ascertain by means
of the probe to what extent the internal structures are involved. In
many cases I find that the quickest treatment consists in inserting a
seton through the sole and bringing it out at the heel, thus giving a
free exit to any pus that may have formed, and producing by the
stimulus of the seton a healthy state of the parts. After keeping the
seton in the wound for a week or ten davs, during which time I should
have it dressed daily with stimulating digestive ointment, I remove it
and have the parts syringed every day with solution of Zin. Sulph., and
place on the foot a round or bar shoe.

Amongst the most frequent cases of injury to the sole of the foot are
those caused by pricks in shoeing. These injuries are often difficult to
discover, especially when the nail has been drawn by the smith and a
fresh one inserted. I am always most careful to examine the nail holes
in every case where there is the least doubt as to the seat of lameness,
even if the lameness is said to have come on suddenly, and the horse
has not been shod for two or three weeks. For over and over again
have I found, on examining the foot in these cases, that a nail has pene¬
trated, perhaps very slightly, through the horn, and the animal may
evince very little pain or lameness for a considerable time, when suddenly
he is noticed to be lame, and on removing the shoe and examining the
foot I have found a great portion of the sole under-run Occasionally,
lameness may arise from the nails being too close to the laminae, although
not actually through the horn, yet so nearly as to press upon and bruise
the sensitive parts, and if not removed speedily produce so much
inflammation that pus forms, and being unable to absorb, it diffuses itself
beneath the horn in every direction. In other cases the nail may have
been driven in with such force as to penetrate and even fracture the os
pedis. Only the other day my attention was drawn to a pony in one of
the collieries, in which, in shoeing, a nail had taken the wrong direction.
The smith by some means or other had not noticed the animal to show
any pain or lameness at the time. Nearly a week elapsed, when the
pony was found to be very lame. The shoe was removed. The foot
examined without result. Next day matter was observed to be oozing
from the coronet, the horn separating at its junction with the hair. It
was then my attention was called to the case. I immediately had the
foot thoroughly searched, and soon found that the whole of the quarter
was under-run, and on passing the probe detected fracture of the aim of
the os pedis. I then ordered the pony to bank into hospital, removed
the whole of the horn from the outside quarters of the foot, then with the
forceps took away perhaps three quarters of an inch of the os pedis. After
cleaning the wound and dressing with carbolic acid liniment and covering
over all with tow and bandage, the case has done well.

In addition to injury from pricks in shoeing the sole of the foot is
peculiarly liable to injury from being brought forcibly in contact with
sharp substances left carelessly about on roads, such as nails, glass, wire,
&c., &c. The successful treatment of injuries caused in this manner
depends, to a great extent, upon the part of the sole perforated. Not
long since I was looking over the ponies in a colliery, when, on making
one that had just come from work stand over in the stable, I noticed that
he was very lame, and on running my hand down the leg and around the
coronet to ascertain the cause, my hand came in contact with something
protruding above the heel, and on picking up the foot I found that a
lamp nail, some four inches in length, had gone completely through the
foot, going in at the outer angle of the sole and coming out in the heel.
It took all the force we co^d exert to draw it out with the pincers. Of

72 NORTH or ENGLAND VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION.

course, a considerable quantity of blood followed its withdrawal. All
the treatment adopted was to foment and poultice for a day or two, and
in the course of a week he was again at v>ork, apparently very little
worse, but how different is the result if the nail, be it only a small one,
and small ones, I find, generally do the most harm, happens to have per¬
forated anywhere about the point of the frog, probably injuring the
tendon of the flexor pedis and resulting in open joint, and, perhaps,
tetanus. In these cases the pain is often so acute that sympathetic fever
and even death is the result. Of course, our first care must be to
alleviate the constitutional symptoms. I generally give in the first place
a dose of purgative medicine, and then administer three or four times a
day the fever mixture, as mentioned in the early part of this paper. I
have the sole thinned till it gives to pressure, and apply warm fomen¬
tations and soothing applications to the wound, as solution of Liq.
Plumbi, or covering the wound with powdered camphor or Ext.
Belladonnse, and put the foot into a good warm bran poultice. It too
often happens in these cases that the nail has perforated either into the
joint or so near that, from the amount of inflammation set up, the joint
becomes opened. When the injury is of such a character as this the
case generally terminates fatally. I have had very many such cases, and
with varying success in treatment. I have tried almost everything in
its turn. Should the coffin-joint be open and a large discharge of synovia,
I have sometimes used a single injection of solution of Hy. Chlor. ^j to
5j, or tincture of iron, just within the wound. At other times, and, I
think, with the most success, have injected Liq. Plumbi pure, then applied
externally on a large pledget of tow a powder consisting of Pulv. Alum.,
Pulv. Aloes, and flour, and leave it for a day or two, keeping the foot as
perfectly at rest as is possible, and have cold wet flannel bandages
applied to the coronet. In other cases I have applied a good smart
blister to the coronet, but it too often happens when the injury is of the
serious nature I have described that do what we will the animal suc¬
cumbs. Should, however, the discharge of synovia be arrested, the
animal not suffering so much pain, and making a little use of the foot,
then we have good ground for hope. I should now commence to dress the
wound with Ung. Zinci Sulph., applied on good pledgets of tow, and
stimulate the coronet with repeated mild blisters, and after a short time
has elapsed turn the animal out to grass, the walking about and using
the foot often being of great service.

And now, gentlemen, in conclusion I must thank you for the patient
hearing you have given me. Very imperfectly I have endeavoured to
place before you a brief outline of some few of the various injuries to
the feet which are daily brought under our notice. I am not presump¬
tuous enough to suppose that I have told you anything but what you
were already acquainted with, but I do hope that the observations I have
made, crude though I know they are, may be the means of eliciting the
opinions of all here, and that the discussion which will ensue may tend
to a further knowledge of the subject, remembering the words of the
wise man, “In the multitude of counsellors there is wisdom.”

A discussion followed the reading of this paper, in which all the
members present took part, and the further discussion on it was post-
posed until next meeting. G. It. Dudgeon,

lion. Sec.

73

THE SCOTTISH METROPOLITAN VETERINARY
MEDICAL ASSOCIATION.

The quarterly meeting of this Association was held on Wednesday the
10th December, in the London Hotel, Edinburgh. Mr. Rutherford,
Edinburgh, presided, and the following gentlemen were present : — Professors
Walley and Baird, Edinburgh Veterinary College; Professor McCall,
Glasgow Veterinary College; Messrs. Aitken, sen., Edinburgh; Borth-
wick, Kirkliston ; Young, East Calder ; Balfour, Kircaldy ; Kirk, Edin¬
burgh ; Connochie, Ayton ; Brown, West Calder ; A. Baird, Edinburgh ;
Reekie, Edinburgh ; Reid, Leith ; and the Secretary.

The office-bearers for the ensuing year were elected as follows : — Mr.
Connochie, Selkirk, president ; Messrs. Aitken, Borthwick, and Young,
vice-presidents ; the present secretary was re-elected.

The President gave notice that at next meeting he would move for the
appointment of a visiting committee to wait personally on members of the
Association and other veterinary surgeons, within reasonable distance of
Edinburgh, with a view of inducing them to do all in their power, by regular
attendance and otherwise, to contribute to the well-being of the Society.

The Secretary read a communication which he had received from the
secretary of the Liverpool Veterinary Medical Association, requesting the
members to consider a resolution passed at a recent meeting of that society.
The resolution was to the effect — “ That the members of the Liverpool
Veterinary Medical Association were not prepared to submit to the
profession the name of any gentleman as a substitute for any of those
gentlemen who retire by rotation in May, 1880, from the Council of the
Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.”

Some discussion on this subject ensued, and the members were unani¬
mously of the opinion that, while some of the gentlemen referred to in the
above resolution deserved their support, the Association should take steps
to secure the better representation of the Scottish section of the profession.
The Secretary was desired to thank the secretary of the Liverpool Veteri¬
nary Association for his communication, and to reply to this effect.

Mr. Rutherford, Mr. Borthwick, and the Secretary were appointed
a Committee to issue circulars to the holders of the veterinary certificate
of the Highland and Agricultural Society, pointing out the advisability
of at once obtaining the diploma of the Royal College of Veterinary
Surgeons, as a means of qualifying themselves to vote at the next
election of members of Council.

Mr. Rutherford exhibited a patent composite horseshoe. The shoe
was of a material which somewhat resembled in appearance and pro¬
perties gutta peroha. It had been made and patented at considerable
expense, and was stated to be very durable, besides having other advan¬
tages. It was fixed to the hoof, not in the ordinary manner, but by
means of screw nails. He had caused the shoes to be worn on horses
doing only halt work, and found that they did not last more than three
days.

Professor Walley showed the oesophagus of a three-year-old cart colt,
which was immensely dilated. The case occurred in the practice of
Messrs. Corbett and Pringle, Newcastle, the animal having been pur¬
chased by the owners the day prior to death, and turned into a grass park
for the night. When seen by Messrs. Corbett and Pringle he was in a
desperate°condition, breathing with great difficulty, coughing violently,

74 SCOTTISH METROPOLITAN VETERINARY MEDICAL SOCIETY.

and discharging large quantities of saliva from the mouth. These gentle¬
men diagnosed dilatation and impaction of the oesophagus, and prognos¬
ticated a speedy fatal termination of the case. The prognosis was
shortly verified. The oesophagus, trachea, larynx, and a small portion of
lung, were sent to Professor Walley for inspection. The gullet was im¬
mensely dilated throughout. At the most dilated part its circumference
was fourteen inches-. The muscular layer was hypertrophied to the extent
of half an inch, but otherwise it was healthy. No stricture or organie
disease existed either in the gullet or cardiac orifice of the stomach.
The left laryngeal muscles were atrophied ; the laryngeal and tracheal
mucous membranes inflamed. Both larynx and trachea were filled with
a frothy fluid, mixed with ingesta. The small portion of attached lung
showed considerable carnification. The difficult question to solve in the
case was the cause of the dilatation, as no mechanical obstruction to the
passage of ingesta existed. Death had evidently been caused by asphyxia,
as the result of the passage of ingesta into the bronchial tubes, probably
in the act of vomition.

Professor Walley also exhibited the bones of the hock and fetlock of a
cow, showing the results of diffuse metatarsal periostitis.

Subject. — A small Ayrshire cow ; aged.

History. — His attention had been directed to the animal during his
course of inspection of dairies, about six weeks prior to death, when she
was in slings, and under the care of Mr. Butherford. He had then ob¬
served that the leg was enormously swollen, and that two or three fistu¬
lous openings existed in the fetlock and hock -joints respectively. A
discharge similar to that usually found in sinuses issued from the open¬
ings, and there was evidence, in the shape of cicatrices, of others having
existed.

The animal was in low condition, but was eating, and giving a tolerable
quantity of milk. There was no sign of organic disease of internal
organs, nevertheless he had a strong suspicion that the disease might
have had a tuberculous origin.

After the death of the animal Mr. Rutherford afforded him the oppor¬
tunity of examining the leg.

The skin and subcutaneous tissues were thickened to the extent of
from one to two or three inches. The external fistulous opening of the
hock corresponded to cloacae in the joints, from the orifices of which,
masses of degenerated ligamentous structure protruded. The whole
of the soft structure of the fetlock-joint had undergone molecular
degeneration, and large portions had been cast off through the fistulous
opening, the extremities of the bones entering into its composition being
eroded from absorption, entirely deprived of periosteum, and absolutely
dead. The ligaments of the corono-suffraginal and corono-pedal articu¬
lations, with the tendons clothing them, were undergoing gelatinous
degeneration. After removal of the soft structures by boiling, extensive
destruction by caries of the articular surfaces of all the tarsal bones
was seen to have taken place, large quantities of new ossific matter
having been thrown out round the joint and all round the upper three
fourths of the metatarsal bone, the latter being completely encased. No
trace of tubercle existed in any of the diseased tissues, and he was of
opinion that the affection was local in its origin.

A short discussion afterwards ensued on the subject of the paper read
by Professor Walley at the previous meeting.

John McFadyean, Secretary.

75

MONTREAL VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSO¬
CIATION.

This association held its first meeting for the session 1879 80 on
Thursday evening last, October 9th, in the lecture room of the college.
Principal D. McEachran was in the chair, with a full attendance of
members.

In his opening address the President briefly reviewed the past history
of the association since its formation in 1875. It was very gratifying to
notice the continued and increasing interest evinced by the members in
the meetings. He directed the attention of the younger members to the
great benefit they would derive from their connection with the
association.

The papers read being always most interesting, and frequently on
subjects not fully treated upon in the regular curriculum, were of great
advantage to them all.

The library, containing as it did nearly 300 volumes, and many of
them rare and valuable works, was always at their disposal. It afforded
him great pleasure to be able to inform them that its numbers were con¬
stantly being increased by donations from friends of the association.
Several volumes had recently been received from Dr. Fenwick, Dr.
Lieutard and Dr. C. C. Lyford.

In conclusion, he would state that the success of the association had
exceeded his most sanguine expectations, and he would urge upon
the members the necessity of continued exertion to maintain its
reputation.

The officers of the association are — Dr. McEachran, F.R.C.Y.S.,
Honorary President; William Osier, M.D., L.R.C.P.L., President;
C. J. Alloway, V.S., first Vice-President; James Bell, M.D., second
Vice-President; M. S. Brown, Secretary and Treasurer; and William
Jakeman, Librarian.

A vote of thanks was proposed and carried unanimously to Drs.
Fenwick, Lieutard, and Lyford, for their kind donations to the
library.

The following gentlemen were proposed for membership : — F. Tor¬
rance, Compton, P.Q. ; A. J. Chandler, Coaticook, P.Q. ; Messrs.
Thomas and Skully, Boston, Mass. ; Mr. Dunden, Salem, N.Y. ; A. Glass,
Philadelphia, Penn. ; W. Wardle, Montreal, Quebec.

At the next meeting (Oct. 23rd) Principal McEachran read a paper
on “ Contagious Pleuro-pneumonia,” a subject that, at the present time,
is one of especial interest, not only to the members of the profession, but
to all that are connected with the breeding and exportation of cattle, and
Mr. M. S. Brown communicated a case.

The fortnightly meeting of the Montreal Veterinary Medical Associa-
was held in the lecture room of the college on Thursday evening, Novem¬
ber the 20th, Professor McEachran in the chair.

After business of association was finished the chairman called upon
Mr. Peter Cummings to read his communication on “ Superficial
Necrosis of the Os Pedis.”

Mr. Cummings described the case in full detail. The reading of the
same was listened to with great interest by those present.

Mr. Charles Ormond , of Milwaukee, read a very interesting paper on

76

MISCELLANEA.

“ Bone Spavin,” in which he evinced a more than common knowledge of
the nature of this disease, the causes on which it depends, and the changes
that take place in the joint. In his treatment he described a method much
practised by his father, Mr. W. M. Ormond, of Milwaukee, by which he
claimed to be more than ordinarily successful in restoring the animal to
usefulness, viz. cauterisation of the joint by a pointed hot iron, inserted
between the bones, by which anchylosis was produced.

A most animated discussion followed, in which the whole question was
fully and intelligently discussed, the majority favouring, as more rational,
the plan taught by the President, of firing and blistering completely
around the joint.

The notorious prevalence of spavin in horses in Canada, especially in
the poorer parishes, where proper attention is not paid to the selection
of breeding stock, was fully commented upon. Where spavined horses
or mares are used for breeding, this disease is very common, and the
losses entailed by rearing worthless animals were incalculable. Too
much cannot be said to urge farmers to stop breeding from unsound
animals.

The meeting was one of unusual interest.

The next papers were read on December 3rd on “ Tuberculosis in
Cattle,” by Mr. William McEachran, and one on “ Veterinary Dentistry,”
by Mr. J. B. Green, Ohio.

ARMY APPOINTMENTS.

The Gazette , Dec. 16th, announces that Veterinary Surgeon William
James Masters, Royal Artillery, is placed on temporary half-pay.

The Cape Town Gazette , of Aug. 18th, states that Mr. Thomas Butcher
Scott Dawkins, M.R.C.V.S., has been appointed Veterinary Surgeon to
the Cape Town Riflemen.

We also learn that Mr. Edmund Woods Goldsmith, M.R.C.V.S., has
received an appointment to a Native Indian Cavalry Regiment.

OBITUARY.

We have to record the death of Mr. Wm. Heaps, M.R.C.V.S., who
died Dec. 6th, at Fulwood, Preston, aged 42. His Diploma bears date
April 28th, 1859.

Also of Mr. J. Mason, M.R.C.V.S., London. Diploma dated May
14th, 1851.

And of Mr. Harry Low, M.R.C.V.S., who died on December 17th, at
the residence of his brother at Norwich, in the twenty-fifth year of
his age. His diploma bears date July 18th, 1878.

MISCELLANEA.

From Punch’s Happy -thought Guide to London.

Veterinary College. — Qualification — to be able to pronounce and
write the name correctly — after dinner. Open Vet or fine.

THE

VETERINARIAN.

VOL. LIII.
No. 626.

FEBRUARY, 1880.

Fourth Series,
No. 302.

Communications and Cases.

SYNOPSIS OF CONTINENTAL VETERINARY

JOURNALS.

By John Henry Steel, M.R.C.V.S., F.Z.S., Demonstrator
of Anatomy at the Royal Veterinary College.

Summary. — Recent Researches on “ Charbon,” by MM.
Pasteur, Colin, Arloing, Feser, Cornevin, Chamberland,
and Roux, from the Recucil de Medecine Veterinaire, and
the Journal de Medecine Veterinaire et de Zootechnie.

The activity of experimental observers abroad is mani¬
festing itself in numerous researches on the various ques¬
tions which the diseases comprised under the term charbon
present. These are of the highest interest to us at the
present time in this country, for, thanks to Dr. Greenfield
and his colleague at the Brown Institution, England has
not been behindhand. We shall endeavour to briefly sum¬
marise the new facts which recent foreign investigations
have added to our store of knowledge of this subject. M,
Chauveau* s paper, “ On the influence of management or race
on the liability of Sheep to become affected with Splenic
Fever,” takes precedence in time, and in its general import¬
ance, as tending to materially alter our theories on the
general nature of infectious maladies and their prevention.
We are aware that while animals of some kinds are suscep-
liii. 6

78 SYNOPSIS OF CONTINENTAL VETERINARY JOURNALS.

tible of charbon on inoculation under almost any conditions
of surrounding circumstances, others remain unaffected,
unless the conditions are of a highly special character, as
witness MM. Pasteur and Joubert’s experiments with
fowls. Also some species with difficulty receive the disease,
be the surrounding conditions favorable or otherwise. The
author asserts that these differences exist also between
animals of the same species but of different rearing and
parentage. When occupied during last spring in experi¬
mentally elucidating the general theory of infectious dis¬
eases at his course of practical medicine, he inoculated
among others certain Algerian sheep, and all these resisted
the disease. He had previously observed immunity in cer¬
tain sheep, but attributed it either to defective material or
unsatisfactory inoculation, but among other facts he ob¬
serves two cases. In the first, a sheep was inoculated with
matter from a cow, but exhibited no signs of disorder,
though death resulted in two rabbits similarly treated. In
the second case, the inoculation matter was taken from a
goat which died from spontaneous charbon ; this was intro¬
duced into a merino sheep which it killed in thirty-six
hours. A portion of the spleen of that sheep, extremely rich
in Bacteria, was pressed in a mortar with a little water, and
supplied, after filtration, a liquid abounding in the agents of
charbon infection. Of this eighteen drops were injected
into the jugular of a merino ram. A quantity of the same
material was injected subcutaneously on the left thigh of a
sheep of the same breed, also six inoculation punctures with
a lancet charged with blood from the spleen were made on
the right thigh. The ram died of charbon on the ninth day
at 5 a.m. As for the sheep, it resisted the inoculation,
manifesting no ill results except an abscess at the seat of
puncture of the left thigh, which opened on the sixth day
and healed readily. The author concludes that the former
may have been an imported African sheep, and that the
latter illustrates the fact that animals may, on French soil,
acquire an inaptitude for the reception of charbon. Around
Lyons now are found many sheep imported from Algeria,
either of the pure Barbary breed or more or less crossed
with the large- tailed Syrian sheep. “ I have had bought,
in different lots, nine of these animals of clearly ascertained
rearing (with one exception) and of undoubted origin. All
of them proved absolutely refractory to the culture of Ba¬
cillus anthracis. The attempts to convey charbon to these
by inoculation were repeated in one case as many as five,
generally three times, and in one case only twice. The

SYNOPSIS OF CONTINENTAL VETERINARY JOURNALS. 79

matter used was most carefully selected from various sources
and introduced by various methods, and it destroyed indi¬
genous sheep and rabbits on first trial. If immunity is the
attribute of Algerian sheep as imported it is essential to
examine whether it is a congenital character, or acquired
either from the native soil or during the journey necessary
to their arrival in France. If this is a congenital character
it will be important to accurately establish what beneficial
results may be derived from it, as well with regard to the
special bearing of this one point as to its general scientific
applications. If it has been acquired it is of great import¬
ance to learn how it has been acquired, for by determining
its causes we may be able to experimentally realise them,
and thus confer immunity on our docks.5’ The paper in
the Journal de Medecine Vet er inair e for October and No¬
vember, 1879, gives the series of experiments, on which the
learned professor bases his conclusions, in detail, and then
continues : “ Except in the experiment of introduction of
8,000,000,000 of Bacilli into the jugular, the subjects showed
no appreciable disturbance of their general health ; never¬
theless, those inoculated by punctures through the skin pre¬
sented as local phenomena a more or less marked tume¬
faction of those lymphatic glands nearest to the seat of
inoculation ; besides, as a general phenomenon, especially
after the first inoculation , there was a certain elevation of
the internal temperature taken at the rectum. In the
experiment where a cubic centimetre of the charbonaceous
blood was introduced into the veins the subjects exhibited
marked disorder, which commenced immediately on injec¬
tion, and lasted about twenty hours. This was of a febrile
character, the temperature rising from 40 6° to 43°. During
the height of the fever not a single bacterium could be seen
in the blood ; probably the disorder was due to a true toxic
agent existing in the blood with the Bacilli. The fever may,
however, have been due to the Bacteria becoming temporarily
entangled in some of the capillaries before undergoing dis¬
integration.” The author next discusses the question — Why
Algerian sheep are so unfitted for culture of Bacillus an-
thracis? MM. Pasteur and Joubert have shown that by
reducing the high temperature of fowls they may be ren¬
dered susceptible of reception of the charbon, but a sheep
was kept in cold water and did not become affected after
inoculation. Again, the temperature of sheep dying of
charbon falls below 40°, the normal of the Algerian breed.
The cause of immunity must, therefore, be sought in some
other condition than high temperature.

80 SYNOPSIS or CONTINENTAL VETERINARY JOURNALS.

Professor Feser, of Munich, had been accustomed to test
doubtful cases of charbon by inoculation of white rats, which
multiply rapidly, and are therefore generally available. But
he observed that sometimes his rats exhibited a marked
immunity from the ill effects of inoculation. Further ob¬
servation assured him that this was the case with those fed
on meat, hut not with those kept on a vegetable diet. He
determined to prove this by special experimentation. His
methods and results occur in the Wochenschrift f. Thierheil-
kunde und Thierzucht , Nos. 24 and 25, 1879. He placed
his rats in two sets, and for several weeks fed one lot on
flesh alone, the other only on bread. With the same virus
he afterwards inoculated animals from each set, and
found that while those of the first set resisted the disease
those of the last rapidly succumbed to it. (1) A rat fed
on bread : injected subcutaneously inside the left thigh
three drops of anthrax blood. Died after eight days, and
the tissues abounded with Bacteria. The serous fluid of
this animal killed a rabbit in three days. (2) Four rats
. fed essentially on meat inoculated subcutaneously inside left
thigh with blood and pulp of the kidney of a goat which
died the night before. All remained healthy, though a
rabbit similarly inoculated died of charbon five days
after. (3) Two of these rats again similarly inoculated,
though the fluid used sufficed to destroy a rabbit and a
goose, suffered no harm. (4) A rat previously unsuccessfully
inoculated was again subjected to the action of a drop of
blood from the heart of a calf which died from anthrax
the evening before. A negative result. After five weeks'’
exclusively bread diet the same animal was similarly inocu¬
lated, and died of charbon in thirty-two hours. (5) A
female rat, previously unsuccessfully inoculated, having been
fed on flesh only, brought forth nine young ones. The
family was fed on thirty grammes of anthrax meat, and
again the same, with bread steeped in anthrax blood. No
harm ensued. But the mother’s diet was changed to bread*
She was then fed on the flesh of a rabbit suffering from
charbon for two days. She was found dead in her cage
three days after. Of the nine young ones, three were placed
with three of the progeny of another mother, and fed only
on cooked beef and horse flesh, while the remaining six were
fed on bread. All of them were inoculated with the same
quantity of charbon blood from the heart of a rabbit ; all
those fed on bread died rapidly between the twenty-second
and thirty-second hours ; the six fed on flesh remained
perfectly healthy. (6) Three rats were kept in the same

SYNOPSIS OF CONTINENTAL VETERINARY JOURNALS. 81

cage ; one was kept in a different compartment from the
other two, and fed only on bread for six months. Each
was inoculated with anthrax blood ; only the one fed on
bread died, the others remained in perfect health. From
these experiments it may be concluded that the state of
nutrition dependent on a certain diet exercises a considerable
influence on the liability to become affected with anthrax.
Feser concludes that the immunity of birds is not dependent
upon their high internal temperature, as Pasteur supposes,
but upon their alimentation.

M. Pasteur, at the sitting of the Academy of Medicine
of 17th September, 1879, presented the account of his re¬
searches on the etiology of anthrax. His previous researches,
which we have already presented to our readers, reduced
the matter to one question — whether it is possible to detect
on the surface of the soil of the locality under examination
the germs of Bacteria, particularly in those numerous spots
where animals affected with charbon have scattered the
germs either before death or after death, especially at the
place of burial. The experiments undertaken to throw
light on this question, with the aid of MM. Roux and
Chamberland, consisted of two distinct series. In the first
an inquiry was made as to whether, when charbon blood
is added to earth, the Bacillus is preserved and undergoes
multiplication in the mixture, especially when the earth is
watered with urine and like fluids. These experiments all gave
positive results. Under these influences the bacterium mul¬
tiplies in the earth ; it undergoes its developmental changes,
so that its germs can be detected after months of alternate
dryness and moisture. The second series of experiments
is decisive in another matter. The carcase of a lamb which
succumbed to charbon was buried. Ten months afterwards
soil was collected from the surface of the ground where the
animal was buried ; this was found to contain germs of
Bacteria, which gave rise to charbon when introduced by
inoculation into guinea-pigs. Soil collected from the deep
layers gave rise to septicaemia of a special kind. M. Colin’s
negative results of experiments of a similar character Pasteur
attributes to the difficulties which impede detection of
the germs in the soil, resulting from the multiplicity of
germs of various microscopic species, which occur in all
natural earths. Pasteur’s positive results overbalance
Colin’s negative conclusions, urges M. Bouley in the Recueil
de Medecine Veterinaire , 15th November, 18/9. Also they
agree very markedly with clinical observations of these
diseases. They show clearly that what is true within the

82 SYNOPSIS OF CONTINENTAL VETERINARY JOURNALS.

laboratory is also true beyond its walls ; and we do not
despair of seeing M. Colin adopt M. Pasteur’s views, as we
did once before, when irrefutable experiments showed him
that fowls may be rendered susceptible of charbon by
placing them in determined conditions. Prom a practical
point of view, the positive results of M. Pasteur and his
colleagues on the etiology of charbon cannot and ought not
to fail in leading to rigorous measures of sanitary police to
prevent that which is now appropriately termed culture
of the disease. Thus, the cutting up of carcases, except in
knackers’ yards, should not be allowed ; for wherever it
is performed it sows the soil with germs in the blood shed,
and also the blood which remains in the skin or on its sur¬
face makes it a receptacle for germs. “ Again, burying
must be supplanted by some more complete and rapid means
of destruction, as, for example, cremation of the entire carcase
by means of ordinary kilns, which could be constructed and
supported by general subscription. In the neighbourhood
where charbon is rife these should be so near to one another
as not to leave a too great distance between them. Prefer¬
ably we might make use of the movable kilns suggested
by M. Kuchborn, which we shall describe in some of our
early chroniques .” Wanting these means, breaking up the
carcase should be preferred to simple burial, but faute de
mieux , the remains should be buried in some substance
capable of destroying organic matters in a very short time,
and the superficial layers of the earth covering the graves
should for some time receive special attention in the form
of lime dressings, or watering with some germ-destroying
liquid.

In a letter to the editor of the Reeueil for the 20th
November, 1879, MM. Arloing and Cornevin discuss the
question, “ Does a symptomatic charbon occur ?” Feser and
Bollinger’s researches, they consider, have not completely
resolved the question, for their inoculations, when they
proved fatal, probably did so as a result of septicaemia,
judging from the quantity and quality of the inoculated
matter. M. Arloing undertook experiments to settle this
question, associating with himself MM. Cornevin and
Thomas. Splenic fever and symptomatic charbon (Chabert)
show themselves side by side in that part of Haute Marne
watered by the Meuse termed Bassigny ; the second disease
occurs, especially at the commencement and end of the
winter, in young cattle from six months to four years old. It
appears suddenly ; the animal is dull and has no appetite,
and often there is lameness, at first obscure, but later it is

SYNOPSIS OF VETERINARY CONTINENTAL JOURNALS. 83

found to be attributable to the development of a swelling on
one of the limbs. This usually occupies the upper part of
the limb, but in some cases it appears on the trunk, as in
the jugular channel, the intermaxillary space, or the lumbar
region. Wherever it occurs the tumour is irregular in form
and without defined limits, and spreads with striking rapidity.
In eight or ten hours it has attained a great size. At first
homogeneous and extremely painful all over, it gradually
loses its sensibility from the centre, and becomes crepitant
and sonorous, like a bladder filled with air. All its parts are
black and pulpy. When incisions are made they give exit
in the early stages to bright coloured blood, later to a liquid
resembling venous blood, and later still to a frothy serosity.
Meanwhile the fever increases, the pulse is hard (90 to 110
per minute), the respiration becomes painful and accelerated,
the temperature of the skin very much elevated. The
patient becomes feeble, listless, and staggers in his gait.
The loss of power increases until the animal falls, where he
remains stretched on the ground. The skin becomes cold,
convulsions set in, and the case terminates in death, gene¬
rally from thirty-six to forty-eight hours after the first
appearance of the symptoms. If the jugular be opened
during the course of the attack it will be found that the
blood is thick and black, and coagulates rapidly, and does
not separate its serum from its clot sooner than healthy
blood. Of course our readers will recognise this description
of (c black quarter/’ The question under discussion, there¬
fore, is of great interest to us, for Dr. Greenfield, in his recent
lectures, has reminded us that we are by no means thoroughly
acquainted with the pathology of this affection and its rela¬
tions to splenic apoplexy. Attempts were made to repro-
duce this disease by means of inoculation. The recent
investigations on splenic fever had suggested the proper
course to follow in the research — 1. To examine minutely,
under the microscope, blood from the heart and large blood¬
vessels, also the pulps and liquids obtained from local lesions
and lymphatic glands. 2 . To cultivate the diseased pro¬
ducts, either in the organism by inoculations varying in
methods of different healthy animals, or in a moist chamber,
or in Pasteur’s tubes, with aqueous humour or urine as a
medium. i( Our experiments may be grouped in five series,
according to the source of the inoculation material used -
(1) From a charbon tumour before death, (2) or after death.
(3) From a diseased lymphatic gland after death. (4) From
the circulating blood. (5) From the blood-circulating
system after death. Whatever the source of the matters

84 SYNOPSIS OF CONTINENTAL VETERINARY JOURNALS.

which we have examined, either at the infected locality or
at Lyons, we have never been able to determine the presence
of Bacteria. We only have found a more or less marked
presence of corpuscles, refractive at their centres, but with
dark peripheries, the nature of which we could only decide
by culture or by inoculations. Besides, as we could not
say absolutely that no Bacteria were present, it was necessary
to prove this by inoculation or cultivation. Cultures in a
moist chamber with aqueous humour and in Pasteur’s tubes
with acid or alkaline human urine gave no Bacilli anthracis.
As for our inoculations, numbering now thirty-four in all,
they have been made by different methods, and on animals
of various races and species, in order to neutralise the
chance of any deficiency in receptive power of the organism,
or of the animal inoculated. Sometimes inoculation was
performed by incision through the skin with a lancet, some¬
times by hypodermic injection, and sometimes by injection
into the veins. The animals inoculated were three young
oxen, three sheep (one a cross-bred merino of Bassigny, the
others of an Auvergne breed), two horses, and twenty-six
rabbits and mice. All these gave negative results, not one
of the animals succumbing to the effects of Bacillus anthracis .
Hence we believe we are in a position to conclude that
neither the blood nor the fluids from the swellings and the
lymphatic glands of oxen affected with the disease known as
‘ symptomatic charbon’ by Chabert contains the charbon
bacterium nor its germs. We must, then, no longer con¬
sider this affection as a superficial and local indication of
systemic anthrax, and we must no longer think that the
tumour indicates the seat of entry of the anthrax Bacillus.
In the true malignant pustule of man we always find Bacilli
present in abundance. These experiments acquire the more
importance, since simultaneously nineteen inoculations were
made with blood from animals which, in the same neigh¬
bourhood, had died of splenic fever. These invariably led
to the death of the subject. Simultaneously M. Thomas
made parallel experiments with perfectly fresh fluids — in all
cases negative. Having proved thus much, M. Arloing
and his collaborators express a hope of some day being in a
position to determine whether there is any Bacterial
organism characteristic of this affection.” The Becueil of
December last gives us some further particulars with regard
to the discussion which took place at the Academy des
Sciences on the 4th of November between M. Colin and M.
Pasteur. The former read a very long memoire , “On the
Persistence of Virulent Properties in Carcases and Cadaveric

SYNOPSIS OP CONTINENTAL VETERINARY JOURNALS. 85

Debris of Anthrax Animals.” From his ten to twelve years’
research on this subject result the following conclusions :

1. Virulence persists in anthrax blood after two, three,
four, or five days, at most, and until this blood, having un¬
dergone decomposition, has become fetid. The rapidity of
loss of virulence is proportional to the elevation of the sur¬
rounding atmosphere, and the time since the animal’s death.

2. After eight days it is the exception, even under the
most favorable circumstances, for virulence to remain in
the carcase. In general it persists no longer than from four
to five days in summer and a week in winter.

3. All products from the living animal agree in this
respect. Thus, blood, lymph, serous fluids, and pulp from
internal organs putrefying lose their virulence at the com¬
mencement of the putrefaction.

4. So thoroughly does removal of the virulence depend
on the phenomena of putrid decomposition that all circum¬
stances tending to promote this also hasten the loss of
contagion-bearing properties.

5. Conversely, by preventing decomposition without
chemical action (as by inducing cold, rigidity, for instance),
virulence may be retained for a long time.

6. The charbon virus is destroyed by the action of various
chemical agents, alcohol, and astringent salts, even by a
temperature of boiling water. Blood simply dried in the
open air or in a confined space, and at various temperatures,
loses its virulence.

7. The virus is evanescent in excretory products, as dejec¬
tions of anthrax patients.

Still, while stating these points so absolutely, Colin
hesitates to accept a challenge from Pasteur to lay the
matter before a special committee of members of the
academy. He divided with his opponent once before on
the question of the transmissibility of charbon to fowls,
and is hardly yet prepared to again acknowledge himself
in error. The arguments he adduces are all nega¬
tive, and of no avail against the positive results of the
experiments of M. Pasteur. The latter during the course
of the discussion says, “1 can without much difficulty
explain the confused criticism to which my work has been
subjected, since medicine and surgery are now, as it
seemed to me, in a state of crisis and transition. Two cur¬
rents involve them. One doctrine is becoming worn out
with age, while another has just been born. The former,
with still numerous partisans, is based on the belief in the
spontaneous origin of transmissible diseases. The latter is

86 SYNOPSIS OF VETERINARY CONTINENTAL JOURNALS.

the theory of germs, of contagium vivum, with all its legi¬
timate deductions. When I hear mentioned this birth of a
charbon virus without any serious basis of proof to support
it, when in our minutes I read the account of experiments
on the subjects with which I deal made without precision,
when I see negative results abounding in all sorts of errors
brought forward in opposition to positive and demonstrated
facts, I say with grief, f Here is still an example of the
methods and dogmas of the recent past,’ and I feel myself
encouraged to pay to your science, which I love well for its
own sake as well as for its wide and beneficent applications,
a new tribute of scientific efforts.” The zeal of a provincial
veterinary society, in acknowledgment of the valuable bear¬
ings of M. Pasteur’s recent work in the advancement of
veterinary science, led it, through its president, to write to
the savant in question, offering to him the diploma of vete¬
rinarian. He accepted the offer most cordially, but the
Society could do no more in the matter than write to the
Societe Centrale requesting co-operation. But to the more
important society it seemed inadvisable that such an irregu¬
larity should be permitted even in the case of M. Pasteur,
so it was resolved that the proposal could not be adopted ;
but to prove the absence of any personal feeling in the
matter, by unanimous vote the Societe Centrale de Me-
decine Yeterinaire elected M. Pasteur a titular member of
their body/ We rather wonder that, with the admirable
organisation and unification of veterinary societies recently
adopted in France, such an awkward contingency could
arise. M. Pasteur has also recently been added to the Con¬
sulting Committee on Epizootics. His presence at the meet¬
ings of this important sanitary body will prove of advantage
to his country. Also we note that the same honour has
been conferred on a distinguished veterinarian, M. Boutet,
of Chartres.

M. Bouley shows us how (( history repeats itself” in
tracing the position of the charbon question as discussed in
the present day by MM. Colin and Pasteur. He recalls
the discussion in 1857 on the communicability of glanders of
the horse to man. Hayer brought the matter forward in
reference to a case of glanders in man which he had under
treatment, but Elliotson, a countryman of ours, had pre¬
ceded him in the discovery. Medical authorities, and no¬
tably veterinary pathologists, rallied themselves in a vast
phalanx, which threatened to utterly overthrow M. Rayer’s
single efforts. M. Barthelemey (Senior), Professor at Alfort,
was their eloquent and able leader. An “ enormous mass ”

INFECTIVE AND CONTAGIOUS DISEASES.

87

of negative facts was brought forward by them. The Alfort
students had never become affected with glanders, though
running risk in every form of inoculation from their patients
and dissection subjects. However, a medical man of Cha-
renton stated that the mortality of the students from a dis¬
ease which he had hitherto considered a peculiar form of
putrid fever, but the symptoms were those exhibited by M.
Reynal’s patient, was considerable. Here, again, a momen¬
tous question was settled by experimentation, for Urbain
Leblanc inserted some pus from the human patient beneath
the skin of a horse, which died from acute glanders. We
can imagine this history will not be very palatable to anti-
vivisectionists. The dispute might have been carried on in
theoretical argumentation for years; but one scratch with
a lancet, and the death of one horse, saved the lives of, inter
alios, numbers of veterinarian students by indicating to them
a source of terrible danger. During the past year careful
examination of the blood and tissues of men who have died
from “ wool-sorters’ disease ” has shown the presence of
Bacillus anthracis. The disease is taken from the skins of
sheep who have died from some form of anthrax — another
proof of the value of the study of comparative pathology.

ABSTRACT OF LECTURES, BY DR. W. S. GREEN¬
FIELD, Professor Superintendent of the Brown
Institution, ON “ RECENT INVESTIGATIONS
IN THE PATHOLOGY OF INFECTIVE AND
CONTAGIOUS DISEASES.”

SPECIALLY REPORTED.

( Continued from p. 28.)

Lecture IV commenced with an enumeration of the synonyms
and symptoms of the disease commonly known as “ quarter
evil.” For these the lecturer expressed his indebtedness to Mr.
Banham, M.R.C.V.S. He then commenced to discuss the ques¬
tion whether this disease is the same as splenic fever. It assumes
two forms, one affecting the quarter, the other being of the
nature of mycosis, and affecting the intestines. The disease
occurs especially in young stock, is most prevalent in the early
part of the summer, is more localised, seldom more than one or
two animals are attacked, and its communicability by contagion
is questionable. Also the post-moriem appearances are some-

88

INFECTIVE AND CONTAGIOUS DISEASES.

what different, the principal being a dark-red, frothy, tenacious
fluid in the subcutaneous tissue of the affected parts, also blood -
exudation, resulting in a disorganised condition of the muscular
tissues, which are of a dark-red colour and gangrenous. In
serum from the diseased parts are few rods and spores. Yery
large spores, resembling those of Bacillus anthracis , were obtained
from the heart. The spleen also contained spores, many of them
with portions of their filaments still attached. Some of the fluid
from the spleen was introduced by inoculation into a guinea-pig.
In twenty hours paralysis of the hind extremities occurred, and,
later, emphysema of the subcutaneous tissues. On autopsy the
subcutaneous serum from the diseased parts was found to contain
ordinary Bacteria in a free motile condition ; some were also
obtained from the spleen. These displayed none of the charac¬
ters of the anthrax Bacillus ; the blood from the heart contained
neither Bacilli nor micrococci. Thus, though the clinical features
of the original disease were reproduced, these differ from the
results of inoculation either with anthrax or septic matter, for
the conditions in this case are marked by putrefaction during
life, while examination with the microscope shows Bacterium
termo , and not Bacillus anthracis. This is the disease some¬
times known as “ emphysema infectiosum.” We are not yet in
a position to decide its true position in relation to splenic fever.
The lecturer drew particular attention to the following observa¬
tion made by him : — A white mouse was inoculated with quarter-
evil matter ; apparently it recovered from the immediate effects,
but a week after swelling of the tail occurred, which assumed a
gangrenous character, and extended to the trunk ; swelling of the
abdomen occurred, with tumefaction and infiltration of the ab¬
dominal walls from accumulation of an opalescent fluid. Death
resulted, and on examination, a few hours after, peculiar flagel¬
lated organisms (illustrated in a diagram), were noted in the
peritoneal fluid. They were actively motile, and, with their
flagella, not more than ten micro-millimetres in length, with
bodies balloon-shaped, changing to a more elongated form, a
central (probably contractile) vacuole, with four flagella anteriorly
extending from a dark spot (probably an oral aperture), and two
posteriorly placed. Dr. Lewis has described fusiform organisms
with a cilium at each extremity, which he observed in the blood
of rats. These, however, have more numerous processes, and it
was thought they may have some pathological value, especially
as careful examination of other fluids of the body and of the
contents of the stomach and intestines failed to disclose any
organisms of a like kind which might have gained accidental
entry into the peritoneal fluid.

The lecturer next passed to the Cape horse sickness and

INFECTIVE AND CONTAGIOUS DISEASES.

89

Loodiana fever. It is known that splenic apoplexy affects
horses, and some forms of anthrax in other animals to a
certain extent resemble those in the horse. But the exact
relation of these disorders to common anthrax is still sub
judice. The Cape sickness is enzootic in Natal and Zululand,
prevailing especially in hot, damp weather ; it disappears during
the dry season ; it is somewhat generally attributed to animals
feeding on wet grass . [Mr. Fleming supplied material with
which the lecturer experimented on mice.]

The principal symptoms are great swelling of the tongue and
of the throat; elevation of temperature to 105° or 108°. The
disease is extremely fatal, and decomposition sets in very soon after
death.

The following post-w,ortem appearances were noted : — Some
bronchial catarrh and subpleural exudation (these conditions of
the lungs constitute a marked and constant feature of the affec¬
tion), inflammation following the course of the bronchi, Bacilli
in the exuded matters, blood-vessels of the bronchi sometimes
plugged with leucocytes, their submucous tissue thickened, often
surrounded by inflammatory or haemorrhagic exudative material ;
matter similar to this caused thickening of the pleura. It was
observed that the Bacilli occur in numbers only at the seat of
commencing inflammation. Some long Bacilli were found in the
peritoneal fluid and in the blood. Sometimes the Bacilli seemed
to be in the act of passing through the walls of the vessels in all
parts ; they seemed to disappear as inflammation became more
marked. Thus, though they closely resemble those of splenic
fever, they are distinguishable as being not so abundant, more
localised, and more slender. They were cultivated to several
generations (the various phases being illustrated by diagrams),
but no inoculations after culture wrere tried. These culture forms
exhibited the long slender character of the Bacillus, also they
gave evidence that the organism is a true Bacillus. Spiral chains
with great loops were found, but not the masses of filaments, as
seen in the farcy Bacillus. It is observable that in all these
cases of blood poisoning death often occurs when the lesions are
practically inappreciable ; in this disease in none of the organs
have Bacilli been observed plugging the capillaries. Probably
it is not identical with anthrax, but only allied to it ; the mere
presence of Bacilli is not conclusive on the matter of identity, for
there are various forms of Bacilli associated with various diseases.
With regard to the “ Loodiana fever” the lecturer’s observations
have failed for want of properly preserved material. It may be
either septicaemia or due to a Bacillus resembling that of anthrax.
It may be noted that it occurs under conditions similar to those
which originate Splenic and Cape fevers, for Loodianah is a pro-

90

INFECTIVE AND CONTAGIOUS DISEASES.

verbially malarial place on the Sutlej, one of the originating
tributaries of the Indus.

In reference to the organism figured as having occurred in a
case of glanders, or rather farcy, the lecturer obtained it from one
of the “farcv buds” of a man. There could be but little doubt

V

as to the nature of his disease, for one of his fellow-horsekeepers
died from acute glanders, and he himself exhibited the symptoms
of farcy. The swellings on his arm contained an opaque, chyle¬
like fluid, containing many oil globules and minute spore-like
bodies. The spores were cultivated in six cells ; of these, two
spoiled, while the other four were successful. In the latter, after
a few hours, filaments, united into bands, in consequence of their
being arranged side by side, appeared ; these were looped at
their extremities. A few hours later the masses were broken
down and replaced by accumulations of line granules, with only
remnants of the original filaments ; from these, long rods ran in
various directions, which afterwards broke up into short rods or
directly formed spores, the latter separating into pairs, as has
been observed in the anthrax Bacillus. By following these
spores through several generations they were found sometimes to
break up each into four sporules. (Ewart has observed a similar
breaking up of spores in anthrax Bacillus, while Toussaint
describes the conversion of anthrax Bacillus spores into bulbous
joints, from which sporules are formed, which are discharged, and
develop into the ordinary rod-like form. These he observed during
culture in the serum of a dog.)

Theprofessor then stated his opinion that the thorough and ela¬
borate researches of Klein on contagious pneumo-enteritis (“ty¬
phoid fever of pigs ”) have given us the first and, at present, the
only admissible instance besides anthrax in which Bacteria have
been proved to be actual contagia (see 187 7, ‘Report of the Medical
Officer of the Local Government Board’). Though Klein considers
this disease analogous with anthrax, it must be considered as
more closely allied to acute specific fevers ; the Bacillus closely
resembles that of anthrax, but is smaller. The experiments of
Klebs and Tommasi on the nature of the specific agent producing
malarial fever may be found in Klebs’ Arc/iiv. They consisted
in filtering the air of a malarial district, and thus obtaining
organised particles ; some were also obtained from the soil.
With these they inoculated rabbits, and obtained their Bacillus
xnalarise (as figured in diagram). In rabbits inoculated with
liquid containing Bacilli, procured from the soil by culture,
a fever was produced of the typically intermittent character, the
temperature rising to about 41 ’8° C. (complicated experiments
were made to ascertain whether the materies morbi exists in the
liquid or in the solid portion of the inoculated matter ; thus it was

INFECTIVE AND CONTAGIOUS DISEASES.

91

found that the material filtered, when introduced in four times
the quantity only gave rise to slight fever). In all the animals,
inoculated with the mixed liquid and solid matter, swelling of
the spleen with the peculiar production of pigment was found.
(A summary of these researches has been published in the
Practitioner .) From these researches two questions arise — Was
the diseased condition identical with malarial poisoning ? and, Are
we justified in concluding that the organism described is specific ?
The observers answer the former question in the affirmative,
for the disease, like malarial fever, has characteristic intermis¬
sions of temperature, but their temperature charts exhibit varia¬
tion only ranging 1J° C. — 2°C., and the liability to accidental
temperature variations in rabbits has already been noted. Also
many of their patients died in thirty-six hours, or even in a
shorter time, and therefore hardly gave any time for observations.
Also they note the characteristic triangular form of the enlarged
spleen, but this is often observed in chronic congestion, and
the lecturer has remarked it in anthrax. With regard to the
peculiar production of pigment, it is too complicated a matter to
be discussed here. The only difference between Bacillus
anthracis and Bacillus malarias (Klebs and Tommasi) is that the
spores are smaller. We cannot, therefore, allow the specificity
of this malarial Bacillus, though undoubtedly the organisms
produce the disease described in rabbits.

Professor Greenfield* then regretted that want of time pre¬
vented him from dealing with many important aspects of his sub¬
ject. He drew attention to the observations of Messrs. Downes
and Blunt on the general nature of Bacteria and their life con¬
ditions; of Mr. Watson Cheyne on the occurrence of organisms
beneath antiseptic dressings, and also in the tissues of healthy
animals ; of Klebs on syphilitic organisms (illustrated by
diagrams) ; and several other recent contributions to our knowledge
of these minute organisms. He then gave as a resume of his
conclusions —

1. That while studying Bacteria in relation to disease we must
have regard to the life-history of Bacteria in general.

2. That we must allow that Bacteria are polymorphic, each
individual being capable of variation in form in adaptation to
surrounding conditions, &c.

3. That forms of Bacteria may be isomorphous, pathogenic
forms, for instance, resembling innocent, or other disease -produc¬
ing organisms.

4. That we are not in a position, by simple inspection, to dis¬
tinguish disease-producing Bacteria from forms compatible with
health. Also the potency of some Bacteria is acquired as a
result of cultivation. Under certain conditions they acquire

92

ON PLANTS IN RELATION TO ANIMALS.

the power of setting up changes in the economy constituting
disease ; this property they may transmit to their progeny.

3. That pathogenic Bacteria may be considered under three
classes :

(a) Bacteria of animal decomposition ; the activity of these
varies in intensity at the various phases of their development.

( b ) Bacteria of vegetable decomposition ; perhaps Bacillus
anthracis is one of these.

(c) Bacteria which are true contagia, as the form producing
pneumo-enteritis. There is evidence which proves that some
other forms are carriers of contagion, and of them some may
act simultaneously with the virus wfliich they convey.

6. That there are various forms of blood disease due to
Bacteria. The organisms act mechanically or directly on the
blood, causing cohesion of blood-corpuscles and thrombosis ; also
they may act directly as irritants on connective-tissue corpuscles
and epithelial cells.

On the evening of Tuesday, 23rd December, Dr. Greenfield
exhibited a numerous and very excellent series of microscopic
preparations, illustrating the course of lectures just delivered
by him, in a highly satisfactory manner. The lesions of Cape
fever, anthrax, septicaemia, and pyaemia, together with the
Bacteria of these diseases, were well shown by means of stained
specimens. The most choice objects were on view in the Lecture
Theatre. Here we particularly remarked the flagellated organisms
mentioned in the fourth lecture in connection with “ quarter
evil,” most of the flagella being perceptible on careful scrutiny.
Also the “ Bacillus from a farcy bud,” of which there were
several slides. Bacillus anthracis under cultivation was
most attractive. This attendance was numerous and highly
appreciative, and the intellectual treat was not a little enhanced
by the courteous manner in which the professor explained the
various objects.

ON PLANTS IN RELATION TO ANIMALS.

By Professor James Buckman, F.G.S., F.L.S., &c.
(Continued from p. 32.)

We shall now conclude our notice of the order Ranuncu-
lacese, with the mention of facts connected with the following
genera :

1. Chelidonium. Celandine.

2. Corydalis. Fumitory, a form of,

3. Fumaria. Fumitory, true.

ON PLANTS IN RELATION TO ANIMALS.

93

1. Chelidonium majus.

The first of these is the well-known Celandine of the
garden and about the homestead, and is one of those herbs
known to most dwellers in the country, from the fact that
the bright yellow juice which exudes from all parts of the
plant when broken is employed as the favourite remedy for
warts and other small excrescences. It is also used as an
application to remove dimness of vision, which, latter effect
was doubtless caused in much the same way as that derived
from preparations of opium, which is usually the oculist’s
remedy for opacity of the cornea, while the countryman’s
cure is the juice of the Celandine.

At one time it was a favourite medicine in jaundice.
Dr. Johnston says of it : a The juice is very acrid and pun¬
gent, and acts as a purgative when given internally. It was
highly commended by some of tbe old writers as a remedy
in jaundice and other diseases of the liver ; but its use in those
disorders was probably chiefly due to its yellow colour, which
in the days of signature medicine was supposed to indicate
its value in such complaints. In later times it has been
employed as an expectorant, given in very small quantity in
wine or water. The dry root and an infusion of the same
part are recommended for a like purpose, but the virtues of
the plant are probably exaggerated, and its administration
in quantity rather dangerous.

“ In old times it was a favourite application to warts, and
to remove opaque spots from the cornea, and was likewise
applied to various cutaneous eruptions. For this purpose
the juice was collected and made up into small cakes with
honey, or simply dried and moistened with honey and water
when used. The active principle of the Celandine is soluble
in both water and alcohol ; it is not volatile, though the
herb loses much of its acridity in drying.

“ This must not be confounded with the lesser Celandine
of the herbalists, which was pilewort — Ranunculus Jicaria —
whose bright yellow many-leaved flowers ornament the hedge
banks and moist places in the early spring, and which was
applied by our forefathers as a topical remedy in haemor-
rhoidal disease, but probably owed its reputation merely to
the form of the tuberous root, as it has only the biting and
pungent qualities of most Ranunculaceae.”*

The doctrine of signatures which has been so often
dwelt on in these notes is one of peculiar interest, and
although plants were on this principle often employed in the
most empirical manner, yet there is reason to conclude that
* * Useful Plants of Great Britain,’ p. 17.

LIII.

7

94

ON PLANTS IN RELATION TO ANIMALS.

the uses of plants were often discovered, though by means
we should now consider not altogether philosophical.

It is curious to note that the Chelidonium is found about
the homesteads of North America, having been there intro¬
duced as with us. This plant was probably brought to us
from Asia, but has doubtless been taken to the States from
England. The common name of Celandine , given to our
only species, belongs truly to the Ranunculus Jicaria, in
which we have another plant renowned for its uses by
signature.

The Fumariacese are classed as a suborder, consisting of
two genera, which may be described as follow :

2. Corydalis. — Cory dal or exotic Fumitories. — Flowers

spurred ; fruit a narrow pod containing
several seeds.

3. Fumaria. — Fumitory , or Snakeherb. — Flowers spurred.

Fruit a small, roundish, green nut,
with a single seed.

2. These are well known for three forms :

Corydalis solida, bulbous, corydal.

„ lutea, yellow ditto.

„ claviculata3 white, climbing, ditto.

They are found only in gardens or about garden walls ;
are perfectly innocuous herbs. They seem to have been
introduced for their curiously-shaped and prettily-coloured
flowers ; but in these days of carpet bedding they will only
find a place in the garden wilderness.

3. Of these Dr. Syme has figured no less than seven
forms, namely, Fumaria palddiflora, Borcei, confusa3
muralis, micrantha, officinalis , and Vaillantii. We, however,
agree with Bentham, who classes them all under the head
of F. officinalis , or common Fumitory, from whom we quote
the following :

a Common in cultivated and waste places in Europe and
Central Asia, disappearing at high northern latitudes, but
carried out as a weed of cultivation to many parts of the
globe. Abundant in England and southern Scotland, hut
decreases much in the north. FI. all summer and autumn.
It varies much in the form of the leaf segments, in the size
and colour of the flowers (white or red), in the size and shape
of the sepals, and in the precise shape of the nuts ; and
several distinct species are generally admitted, but they run
so much one into another that there is every probability of
their being mere varieties.”*

# *' Handbook of the British Flora/ p. 75.

ON PLANTS IN RELATION TO ANIMALS.

95

All the forms that we meet with appear to be wholly agrarian,
growing in every hit of cultivated ground, whether in the field
or in the garden ; it is, therefore, highly probable that they
have been introduced with foreign seeds, and, therefore, that
they may partake of those slight variations which they possess
from being natives of different countries and climates.

The following notes convey much that is interesting with
regard to the genus :

Common Fumitory , Common Earth Smoke .

In Kent this is often called wax dolls, from the doll-
like appearance of the little flowers. This plant is found
more or less wherever corn is cultivated. Though a
persevering and troublesome weed, it is one the appearance
of which every farmer may regard as an indication of
good, deep, and rich land — a circumstance not un¬
noticed by England’s greatest poet when speaking of the
rich but unproductive soil of France, laid bare and left
uncultivated by the horrors of war. He makes the Duke
of Burgundy, in the play of “ King Henry V,” to say :

“ Why that the naked, poor, and mangled peace,

Dear nurse of arts, plenties, and joyful births.

Should not, in this best garden of the world,

Our fertile France, put up her lovely visage ?

Alas ! she hath from France too long been chased,

And all her husbandry doth lie on heaps,

Corrupting in its own fertility.

Her viue, the merry cheerer of the heart,

Unpruned dies ; her hedges even pleach’d.

Like prisoners wildly overgrown with hair,

Put forth disordered twigs ; her fallow leas
The darnel, hemlock, and rank fumitory ,

Doth root upon.”

And, again, in “ King Lear/’ Cordelia says :

“ Alack ! ’tis he ; why, he was met even now,

As mad as the vex’d sea, — singing aloud,

Crowned with rank fumiter and furrow weeds,

With harlocks, hemlock, nettles, cuckoo-flowers,

Darnel and all the idle weeds that grow
In our sustaining corn.”

The expressed juice of this plant was at one time a
favourite remedy with herbalists for skin diseases, and had
a reputation as an anti-scorbutic.

Mr. T. J. Pettigew has secured an old medical manuscript
from the Royal Library at Stockholm, which is traced
back to the fourteenth century, and is supposed to be a
poetical “ system of health,” composed by the celebrated

96 ON PLANTS IN RELATION TO ANIMALS.

physician John of Milan, in which is an account of the
manifold virtues of the fumitory, commencing thus :

“ Furmiter is erbe, I say,

Yt springyth April et in May,

In feld, in town, in yard, et gate.

Where lond is fat and good in state,

Dun red is his flour.

Ye erbe smoke lik in colour,

Azeyn feuerys cotidian.

And azeyn feurys tertyen.

And azeyn feurys quarteyn,

It is medicyn soueryn.”

Burnett, in his e Anatomy of Melancholy/ speaks of it as
a plant “ not to be omitted by those who are misaffected with
melancholy, because it will much help and ease the spleen/’
Sir John Hill, in his ‘ Herbal/ recommends the leaves
of the fumitory to be smoked as a remedy “ for disorders of
the head / and in more modern days Dr. Cullen, who paid
great attention to the qualities of our native plants, recom¬
mended it to be used in diseases of the liver, and says — “its
remarkable virtues, however, are those of clearing the skin
of many disorders.”

Since his day the use of the fumitory in medicine has
been generally abandoned, lingering only among the
“simples” of the herbalist in this country, and in the
Japanese Pharmacopoeia, if there be one. Clare, one of
our old pastoral poets, alludes to its use as a cosmetic
thus : —

“And Fumitory, too, a name
Which superstition holds to fame,

Whose red and purple-mottled flowers
Are cropped by maids in weeding hours.

To boil in water, milk, and whey,

Tor washes on a holiday;

To make their beauty fair and sleek,

And scare the tan from summer’s cheek ;

And oft the dame will feel inclined,

As childhood’s memory comes to mind,

To turn her hook away, and spare
The blooms it loved to gather there.”

Since that time other and, perhaps, more injurious appli¬
cations have taken the place of this herb in the mysteries
of the toilet, for we can scarcely believe that the words of
old John Ray the naturalist would be better received now
by the votaries of fashion than they were in his own day,
when he said — “ No better cosmetics than a strict temper¬
ance and purity, modesty, and humility, a gracious temper
and calmness of spirit ; no true beauty without the signa¬
tures of these graces in the very countenance.”

PRACTICAL HINTS ON STABLE MANAGEMENT IN INDIA. 97

The use of fumitory as a cosmetic was doubtless founded
upon the doctrine of signatures. The smoky hue of the
plant was supposed to indicate a disposition to get rid of
d ulness, and hence the adoption of fumitory as a remedy
for spleen and as a clearer of the countenance.

The seeds of the fumitory very unexpectedly yielded to
us some curious information. We had a crop of early
Warwick peas, which was so visited by the turtle dove —
Caluinba turtur — that it was deemed expedient to have the
birds shot, as it was thought that otherwise the pea crop
would grievously suffer. In this dilemma we deemed it
advisable to have the crops and gizzards carefully examined,
when lo, and behold, instead of our finding them full of
peas, as was expected they would be, not a single pea was
found in a dozen of them ; on the contrary , they were all full
of the seeds of different forms of fumitory unmixed with
any other food.

We were very much interested in this discovery, and more
especially when we had ascertained from counting that
these weed seeds were found in some birds to be over 800.
Let no one therefore, in future, glory in the good they
do in killing what they have ever deemed the pea-eating
dove, for though the dove is by no means bad food, it may
be well to consider whether the beauty of the bird, and the
good it does, ought not to entitle it to protection.

PRACTICAL HINTS ON STABLE MANAGEMENT

IN INDIA.

A Second Edition, revised and enlarged, of a Lecture written
by J. B. W. Skoiilding, Veterinary Surgeon First
Class, Royal Horse Artillery, the prototype having
been written and delivered by him when in charge of
B. F. R. H. A. at Campbellpore, in November, 1875.
Meerut, 1878.

Introductory Remarks.

The majority of those persons who interest themselves in the
welfare of the horse will agree that stable management is a
subject to every detail of which all who may be trusted with the
care of horses should give the strictest attention, and with which
owners should make, themselves thoroughly acquainted, since it
plays such an important part in preserving the health, and

98 PRACTICAL HINTS ON STABLE MANAGEMENT IN INDIA,

thereby ensuring the efficiency, of those useful and willing
labourers for man.

The wild horse . — Many quote the wild horse, or, as they
designate him, the horse in a state of nature, as the most to be
envied, and as the healthiest of the equine race ; with these
hypothetical assertions I venture to differ, for imagine that wild
horses, in common with those tamed, have their full share of
discomfort, lameness, deformity, and disease, and, accepting the
coarse, under-bred Waler as the specimen or sample of the un¬
tamed class, with which we are most familiar, should not be
surprised to find the home-bred animal to be the superior of the
two in every particular, and maintain that the life of a horse in a
state of domestication, if he be well tended and judiciously
managed, will be as enjoyable and his health as perfect as the
health of any member of the animal world.

Use of the domestic horse. — When we reflect on the number of
individuals who live in constant dependence on the horse, some
to keep them in health, others for their amusement, while very
many are still further indebted to him, he being the actual bread
winner for their families and themselves, and bearing in mind
also that without him and the rest of his species our armies
would become comparatively useless, it should stimulate one and
all who have charge of horses, either directly or indirectly, to
exert themselves to the utmost to promote the welfare of such
invaluable and profitable animals, especially as they are known to
be, when stabled, so entirely dependent on their attendants and
masters for every necessary and comfort of life.

Health essential. — The prime essential for the maintenance of
life and for the preservation of health in man are equally neces¬
sary for the well-being of animals; they comprise — pure air,
cleanliness, good food, pure water, warmth, and exercise; and
the provision of these principles individually with a judicious
combination of them as a whole will be found to be of material
benefit to the horses or other stock under our care, and to
constitute the acme of stable management.

a. Pure air — ventilation. — In bringing these requisitions to
notice I shall commence writh the first enumerated, pure air.”

The numerous contrivances for providing this most important
requisite for the preservation of life and health are wrell known,
and belong to the art of ventilation.

The supply of air in every stable should range from 2000 to
4000 cubic feet per horse, for a deficiency in this particular is
one of the most formidable of the foes to successful stable
management, but at the same time the ingress of it to the
building should be perfectly under control.

Plan of stables. — In England the plan on which the majority

PRACTICAL HINTS ON STABLE MANAGEMENT IN INDIA. 99

of stables are built ensures this, but in this country it is usual to
erect ranges of stabling for troop horses open on both sides,
through which the wind rushes without let or hindrance ; and in
addition to this mischievous error we find these buildings, as a
rule, facing to the east and to the west with each side and end
entirely unprotected. Private stables also usually have an
eastern or a northern aspect, but these are generally provided
with shamps or chicks, wherewith to check any undue influx of
winds.

Plan of stables — evil effects. — Building stables on this
erroneous plan, coupled with the injudicious method of ventila¬
tion resulting therefrom, are, in my opinion, active agents in
bringing to maturity those outbreaks amongst horses of the
virulent type of fevers met with in India ; for daily experience
proves that no great number of animals can possibly preserve
their health if constantly exposed to sudden changes of tempera¬
ture, accompanied by the action of a draught, as the occupants
of such stables necessarily are whenever a wind may arise. It
appears to me that horses properly clothed and cared for would
keep their health much better if in the open air during the preva¬
lence of a cold wind than when stabled in such buildings ; for,
though it is true they would be more fully exposed to all
changes of weather, still, unless picketed under trees, they would
escape the draughts to which they are subjected in this class of
building.

Action of cold . — It is a well-known fact that while a certain
degree of cold acts as a tonic, and is exhilarating to the system,
an excess of that agent, if its action be long continued, espe¬
cially when in the form of a draught, becomes a most powerful
and dangerous depressant, lowering the vital energies to a fearful
extent, and by checking the action of that vast and important
organ in the economy of life, “ the skin/’ it deranges the work¬
ing of the agents of the circulatory and digestive systems, gives
rise to morbid formation in the thoracic and abdominal viscera,
and paves the way for attacks of those dire diseases which cause
such havoc by death at certain periods of the year amongst
animals in this as well as in other parts of the globe.

Jjouble stables. — A knowledge of this induces me to point out
that stables, if double, i.e. open, and with stalls or standing
places for horses on both sides, should most certainly be located
on high ground, on a gravelly soil if possible, and in such a
position as to secure to them a southern and northern aspect ;
they should be lofty and spacious, having thatched roofs, with
very deep verandahs, running the entire length, on each side of,
and round the ends of the buildings.

These verandahs, and the roof of the stable, should be sup-

100 PRACTICAL HINTS ON STABLE MANAGEMENT IN INDIA.

ported on iron pillars, by means of which the stables would be
rendered less draughty, for the circular iron pillar would other a
more limited surface to oppose any gust of wind that might per¬
chance gain entrance to the stable, and thus the piercing draughts
occasioned by the square piles of bricks on which the present
erections are supported would be avoided. With this object
still in view, viz., the annihilation of the draughts, each
opening into the verandahs should be furnished with a purdah,
made with a reed or cane framework, and this covered
with tat or sacking, since this article will be found far more
durable, and infinitely less cumbersome, than the ordinary
shamp of matting and bamboo ; nor is it so liable to fall on
and frighten a horse when the animal may be taken from or
brought into the stable.

In hanging these purdahs a small space should be left between
the upper part of the purdah and the edge of the verandah roof,
to allow the passage of a certain volume of air, and they should
be dropped, as a rule, only on the windward side and end of the
building, leaving one side of the stable generally open.

Ridge ventilation with movable louvre boards, should be
attached to the roof of the stables, and with these aids the in¬
gress of the air could be regulated, and draughts of either hot,
cold, or damp winds avoided, while the spacious verandahs
would protect the inmates from the danger and discomfort of
prolonged exposure to the action of the sun or rain.

Single stables . — The above precaution effectively carried out in
double stables would, I affirm, sensibly diminish the annual mor¬
tality amongst the horses in this country ; but I consider stables
with stands on one side only, if properly situated, of ample height
and width, having a southern aspect, ventilated and protected in
the manner already described, with the addition of windows, or
air-holes, cut high in the walls over each horse, would be far more
healthy than those built on the double plan.

Loose boxes. — It would be advisable to allow each quiet troop
horse a roomy loose box to live in, instead of tethering him by
the head and heels, as troopers, and very many private horses,
too, unnecessarily are at the present time ; and in this country,
where there is usually ample space to build upon, the cost of
these boxes would be very little, if any, in excess of the outlay
for the ordinary stables, while the comfort, at least, of the in¬
mates would be secured.

IV ant of protection. — I have for many years been deeply im¬
pressed with, and astonished at, the fact that although in India
man’s ingenuity is highly taxed, and all his skill brought to
bear, to invent and carry into effect schemes and methods for the
protection of man and horse against the ills which may possibly

PRACTICAL HINTS ON STABLE MANAGEMENT IN INDIA. ] 01

arise through the agency of the intense heat of the climate during
those months of the year known as the hot season, yet, strange
to relate, those maladies which will inevitably follow sooner or
later from undue exposure to cold are either treated as matters
devoid of import, or are ignored as completely as if this climate
were invariable, and there were no cold season to succeed the hot
weather.

Change of temperature. — Nor does it seem to be borne in
mind that the influence of the extreme heat will have been suffi¬
cient to render those within its range more susceptible to the
change of temperature when the cold weather sets in ; while all
efforts to bring these effects effectively to notice meet with a sure
rebuff. Surely this must be an error fraught with danger to
all, for one would imagine the climate of India to be, from its
changeability, such as would demand extra care on our parts to
protect ourselves and our animals against the baneful effects of
cold chills, even during the hot season, when the changes of
temperature are so marked and sudden, that although an indi¬
vidual may have been perspiring profusely, and on the verge of
suffocation through the intensity of the heat, he may within a very
short lapse of time be shivering from the effects of a northerly,
or under the deadly blast of that generally acknowledged enemy
of man and beast, the “ east wind.” I say u generally ac¬
knowledged,” because some people profess to believe the action
of an easterly wind to have a highly beneficial effect on horses
exposed to it in this country. This, however, is a mischievous
fallacy, for the baneful influence such a wind exercises over the
health of horses is so marked that during my service I have
been able to tell from which quarter the wind came by the
character of the sores affecting patients in hospital, since, if from
the east, these sores would be torpid and unhealthy, while the
advent of a westerly breeze seemed to revivify and stimulate the
most obstinate to healthy action ; nor did the phenomenon escape
the notice of others, for the salootrie invariably replied to the
inquiry, “ How are the sores this morning ? ” “ Doing well,

sir, of course, as of a necessity they should, the wind being in
the west;” or vice versa. And with this fresh in my memory
I write to expose so dangerous and foolish a dogma as faith in
the virtue of the east wind certainly is.

(To be continued .)

102

LIFE PHENOMENA : SOME NOTES ON

NITELLA, &c.

By W. Hastie Kennedy, M.R.C.V.S., Wrexham.

If we would examine the phenomena occurring amongst
the very low forms of animal and vegetable life, our ideas and
views concerning such deeply interesting matter would be
materially enriched thereby. We have in such observations
a royal road, which appears to be leading on and on, and
which, in the not far distant future, bids fair to become of
vital importance in aiding us to arrive at some very practical
solution of what at present remains a deeply profound mys¬
tery — the mystery of the cause, which produces, and regu¬
lates, and controls vital phenomena. By no means should
we be blindly dragged — as I fear too many are — into too
implicit confidence in accepting so-called “ modern views”
of the cause of these life phenomena — views these which
would refer all vital phenomena, whether of animal or vege¬
table life, simply and alone, to an unintelligent and unconscious
force agency — to a force agency which has correlations,
which is identical with the ordinary physical and chemical
forces of our universe — to a force agency which is incom¬
petent to guide and govern itself! which cannot determine
results for itself! which cannot determine conscientious and
intelligent results ! for it itself is not possessed of these
qualities! and which would refer such complicated phenomena
to some stray chance, or to some blind and undiscerning
fatality ! ! such would be solutions; but surely perfectly unin¬
telligible solutions of the vital question, which, with much
vaunted enthusiasm, we find held up to us as truthful facts
and realities, would, I feel surely confident, if we would but
lay hold of opportunities for ourselves — if we would but
deduce observations and opinions for ourselves — be accepted
by us as simply resolving themselves into nothing of any
greater importance than a heaped mass of extravagant,
unfounded views, and conjectural hypotheses, which may
suit for the time the assumptive proclivities and Utopian
conceptions of their certain philosophic propounders, but
which, in so far as modern research — in so far as truthful
fact — observation, and experiment has yet favoured us — can
be seen by the unbiassed scientist to have no real firm basis of
ground whereon to support such conclusions. They would
have you reject a truism, that which truthful scientific
observation can alone give you, and they would have you

LIFE PHENOMENA I SOME NOTES ON N1TELLA, ETC. 103

blindly receive in its stead nothing of any greater importance
than an exhumed Lucretian fable — a fabulous hypothesis,
which itself once lay buried in the miserable dust of
oblivion, as a fallen star, but which now has arisen again,
clothed in far greater grandeur and attractiveness, and
offered for acceptance as a u modern treasure-trove,” hut
surely a doctrine which tells you “ that the mechanical
shock of atoms has been the all-sufficient cause of all things,”
and which asks you to accept “ that only dead, lifeless, inor¬
ganic atoms, and blind unconscious atomic forces have been
and are concerned in the formation of all things living as
well as dead,” and that would reject a determining cause or
power to determine results, believing rather that unconscious
force and unconscious atoms have determined their own
destiny, and have made, and moulded, and fashioned them¬
selves, and that they have brought themselves into existence,
and have built up by chance circumstances, organic nature
in all its ever-resplendent grandeur, with all its order and
arrangement, with all its unity of plan and purpose, with all
its adaptation of means to end — I say a doctrine which would
ask acceptance to such imaginative statements as these, must
be one which every student of nature should reject implicitly
as not by any means commendable to his views, as a truthful
expose of the scientific facts of our time. Ordinary chemical
or physical force never surely created life or imparted life.
Life surely never emanated from inorganic stuff. Organisms
were surely never generated out of chemical materials by the
simple action of physical force. Life surely never came into
existence, under any circumstances whatever, unless from
pre-existing life ; and how any one can ignore or douht a
needed agency or power to determine that results should
occur in the precise way that they do occur in organic nature
apart from and superior to the ordinary correlative physical
and chemical force agencies, I am at a loss to know. These
assuredly by themselves cannot have the power to do this, for
they themselves are dead. They themselves are lifeless.
They are themselves governed, and controlled, and directed,
and by some power and by some agency surely of much
superior worth to themselves, and which can have no
co-relations with themselves.

Those who may not have had the opportunity of directing
their attention to Professor Allman’s address, which he
delivered at the August meeting of the British Association,
may permit me here to direct their attention to so very able
and exhaustive an address ; it bears largely upon the subject
matter of this paper, and will be found very fully given in

104? LIFE PHENOMENA : SOME NOTES ON NITELLA, ETC.

the August 25th number of Nature. To those interested in
biological research his remarks must be of the first interest,
for they give so clear and so eminently modernised an expose
of those more recent remarkable observations which have been
deduced from the study of protoplasm, as seen in the animal
and vegetable kingdoms ; and to those who have not as yet
taken much interest in these life observations, may I be per¬
mitted to state I feel surely confident his observations, if
read, would stir up a deep incentive in their minds to become
fully acquainted with the remarkable literature of so interest¬
ing a subject. The phenomena which may be here noticed
lie, undoubtedly, at the very root basis of all biological
research, and to be able to observe these phenomena, and to
make their intimate acquaintance, will amply repay any
time spent in so doing, and will give such healthful and
lucid views of “ what constitutes life,” which it would be
otherwise, by any other means at our hands, impossible to
obtain.

Professor Allman, in the course of his remarks, refers to
Nitella, among others, as a lower vegetable form, 'where
some rather interesting life phenomena may be observed ; the
whole history of cell life may be observed here, nutrition,
and growth, and movement, and reproduction, and those
other characteristic life changes which are always present
where life is present, may all be observed here. These may
not always — indeed, rarely are — to be observed in animal or
vegetable cell life. The phenomena may be present, but
not always visible to the eye. Here, in Nitella, they may all
be observed, and with much marked clearness, showing,
simply, yet very decidedly, how needful it is that the animal
and vegetable kingdoms alike should both equally demand
our careful and earnest study.

Nitella belongs to the Characese group of plants — the
Chara order; it is a simple, flowerless, leaflless water plant,
a frequenter of our ponds and running streams, composed of
a distinct stem, branching off* in a whorled manner, sending
off at definite points probably eight or ten branches, more or
less, these different branchings themselves repeating or not
repeating this same process. Nitella is thus a very simple
plant, consisting simply of a distinct stem, which gives off
similar stem-like branches itself. The stem stalks of Nitella,
if examined under a £ microscopic objective, will be found
to be composed simply of very large, long, tubular-looking
cells, arranged singly, not placed side by side, but one fol¬
lowing the other, a concave end of one cell meeting a convex
end of another. It encloses within its cellulose wall certain

LIFE PHENOMENA I SOME NOTES ON NITELLA, ETC. ] 05

bodies, these all circulating and moving with much freeness
in a transparent and colourless liquid. The cellulose wall
has entering into its composition, on its inner side, a number
-of small, oval-looking cells, some more ovally lengthened
than others, closely arranged side by side ; and if I am correct
in this observation you may detect other larger, irregular
sided, cell-looking bodies, these apparently interspersed on
the outer side of the wall. The cell wall has a green appear¬
ance (due to its contained chlorophyll), and is perfectly
transparent, for you may see, and with much marked dis¬
tinctness, circulating within, the cell contents as they
are propelled along by the liquid moving protoplasm.
The protoplasm in Nitella is not free, it does not emit
pseudopodia, but is closely confined within its resisting
cell wall, composed of cellulose, completely shutting it up
from all direct contact with any external medium. The firm
resisting cellulose membrane or wall is a secretion from the
active protoplasmic mass within, and may contain a more or
less interspersion of limy or siliceous matter ; but this latter
condition is more particularly noticeable in Chara than in
Nitella. Having now noticed the cellulose wall, permit me
to direct attention to the contents of the cell, as seen under
a J objective. These will be found to consist of large oil
globules, free chlorophyll masses, presenting a cell-like
appearance, smaller protoplasmic cell masses, and other
granular and solid looking matter, each and all circulating
with remarkable freeness ; the circulating matter of one cell
does not pass into another, but is confined to that in which
it originated. This circulatory process is not due to any
inherent property resident within these bodies themselves,
but to the active movements of the transparent, and at
present scarcely observable, liquid living protoplasm which
fills each cell, and which itself carries these bodies with its
current. The circulatory movements (although these may
not be seen with easy distinctness), sometimes appear to be
doubly performed, you may observe an upper and a lower
current, to enable you to detect this, careful observation is
required ; each current in the main, however, is seen,
running up one side of the cell and returning by the
opposite side ; the central portion is not wholly without
movement, but it is scarcely observable here ; and some
of the masses occasionally may be seen to pass from side to
side in their course from one end of the cell to the other.
This circulatory process normally is performed and carried
out with the utmost regularity, but bring some abnormal
circumstance into existence, cause the dissecting needle to

106 LIFE PHENOMENA .’ SOME NOTES ON NITELLA, ETC.

press firmly upon the cell, and the current, which was
flowing so actively and with such regularity, will at once be
partially, or it may be wholly, suspended ; remove now again
the needle, and gradually the current will be seen to resume
its former activity, and circulate freely ; this mechanical
pressure does not produce any irritable movements. Bring
now the scalpel to bear upon it, cut the delicate cell into
two halves, and you will have an observation brought to
view of exceeding worth and value — an observation which
will enable you to fully realise and see this fact (which has
before been alluded to), that the circulatory phenomena in
Nitella is in reality and without doubt effected alone by the
active transparent protoplasm, although its movements
may not have been before demonstrable to you by your
microscope. To the uninitiated prior to this division of the
cell, the cell masses must have been themselves accepted as
the only moving contents; now, however, these masses or
cell bodies will be noticed to be stationary, and devoid of
active life movement, while the liquid mass of living
protoplasm is distinctly to be observed as active and possess¬
ing movement.

Immediately upon cutting through the cell a sudden rush
of the protoplasm will be observed, and along with it a goodly
host of the cell masses and granular contents. These latter
are jutted or shot out to a tolerably good distance, whilst the
transparent, glairy, tenacious fluid, appearing absolutely
homogeneous and entirely devoid of structure — the pro¬
toplasm — will be found more generally encircling and
protruding a short distance from the cut surface. Freed
from its cellulose imprisonment we might naturally expect
an extensive rush and protrusion, but this is not so ; only
some small portion of what the cell must contain may be
seen to be protruded, and in some instances I find you may
only get the protrusion from the one cut surface, the protru¬
sion probably coming away from the most heavily charged
portion. The protoplasm gushes out with active, jerky
movements, flows in rather a broad stream, and presents a
slightly rippled surface ; these irritable, rippling, jerky
movements may continue for the space of one minute, less
or more, and then they cease. The filmy-looking mass
becomes now quite stationary, and takes on a coagulated
appearance. Coagulation may set in almost immediately on
protrusion in some instances. The other escaped bodies
consist of large circular masses of protoplasm, and other
smaller circular portions of the same. These showed no
signs of movement. The chlorophyll masses are to be seen

LIFE phenomena: some notes on nitella, etc. 107

very abundantly. These are masses of protoplasm, per¬
meated by a colouring matter, which under the influence of
light presents a green appearance. These chlorophyll cells,
immediately on gaining their exit, become changed in appear¬
ance. You may detect very numerous alterations in
shape which these cell masses have assumed. Some have
jutted-out processes; some retain their circular appear¬
ance ; others lengthen considerably ; others, again, remain
circular, and shoot out several very long, delicate, filmy pro¬
cesses ; others may unite ; and others, again, may lose
entirely their circular appearance, and all their contents
may be seen to be thrown out into one long fihre-looking
process, and several of these green chlorophyll cells become
transformed into complete oil globules. Very many of them
showed a marked similarity to the multi- or bi-polar nerve
cells, whose nucleus was absent. Oil globules are also to be
seen particularly numerous, and several of these exceedingly
large. The majority, immediately upon gaining their exit,
take on a roughened, shaggy, dark appearance, and lose
their characteristic brightness. They were not noticed to
possess this appearance during their confined circulation,
and when a drop of water was placed upon the slide this
appearance quickly disappeared, and the distinct oil globule
again came into view. There were numerous other granular-
looking particles noticed, both during circulation and after
division of the cell wall. Neither the iarge globular cell
masses of protoplasm nor the smaller portions after their exit
seemed to alter their form or position in the least, or evince
the slightest signs of movement.

Similar observations to these may be noticed in numerous
other plant forms, in Chara, in Vallisneria, in Anacharis,
and in the hairs of certain other plants — notably in the
hairs from the flower of Tradescantia virginica , a very
common garden plant. The movements of the protoplasm
may be noticed here to very great advantage, and the nucleus
of the large cells composing these hairs may also be noticed.
And in advanced stages of the cell’s existence, where the
cell is not now filled with protoplasm, but where only a
small quantity is seen to exist, you may notice that several
filmy, fibrinous-looking bands of protoplasm proceed from
the nucleus here to different parts of the cell wall. The
circulatory fluid and contents traversing these routes of
protoplasm in a variety of directions, and all, as a rule,
tending towards the nucleus, in whatever part of the cell
this may be placed. This, again, is a very beautiful and
instructive observation. We may thus, you see, obtain

108 LIFE PHENOMENA: SOME NOTES ON NITELLA, ETC.

illustrations of life from even such- lowly conditions as
these, without it being deemed needful or at all necessary
to refer to those higher and more complicated conditions
where states of consciousness, and intellect, and reason reign
supreme ; and we may find even here ample sufficiency of
ground whereby we may support ourselves against the
current, and, to the minds of some, the seemingly fascinating
opinions of “modern thought.”

There is a something intricate and grand in all life
phenomena, and, withal, there is a “ something” in such phe¬
nomena which has baffled the wisdom and conceptions of all
bygone ages, and which still remains enshrouded with the
profoundest mystery. The question still remains un¬
answered. What is the cause ? What is it that could give
to that first germ — that nucule of Nitella — which was to
reproduce its exact simile, the power to commence its first
life activity, and to do so according to a fixed and definite
plan ? It must have been directed and guided in this ; it
must surely have been controlled and regulated in these
activities, or we could never expect to get produced the
exact simile. There surely must be no chance agency at
work here ! What is it, then, that commences and causes
this process to proceed thus, and to proceed thus according
to a determined plan, and for a definite purpose, and for the
obtainment of definitely defined results ? The process must
be carefully, contiifuously, and cautiously maintained, or our
exact required simile would not be produced. And what is
the cause of all this? Must it still be chance? Or will
we give the benefit of the doubt to some blind physical or
chemical force to accomplish it all thus? Or must there be
a force or power at work, superior to and apart from these ?
which could thus guide, and control, and govern for the
precise obtainment of precise and definite ends? The
nucule, you know, must develop into the full cell, perfect
in size, perfect in conditions, perfect in construction, and
perfect in appearance; it must have a similar circulatory
phenomenon to that of the parent cell enclosed within a
similar delicate cellulose wall. No other conditions but
these can be accepted. Then cell after cell must be further
produced, placed each in their proper situations, and each
and all possessing the same required properties One cell
must only produce one cell for a certain limited time ; then,
at a definite spot, a whorl of cells must be produced, all
proceeding from one cell-stem, which, previous to this, had
only produced one cell, but which now is caused to produce
a whorl. What could cause this change ? These cell-

LIFE PHENOMENA : SOME NOTES ON NITELLA, ETC. 109

forming stems must continue on their course, following the
example of their parent cell. They must continue on singly
for a time, and then change, and must now produce a whorl
of cells ; and so on, repeating and repeating, until a com¬
plete specimen of Nitella is to view, suiting exactly and
precisely the simile of its parent producer. And what is it
that has thus arranged and brought about this exceedingly
well-planned and perfectly carried-out process ? and what is
it that can always, without any exception whatever, cause
the germ or nucule of Nitella to always produce Nitella,
and no other plant form. There must surely be a some¬
thing superior and above mere blind physical or chemical
force, guiding, and controlling, and directing the carrying
out of this definite plan and purpose. It may appear a very
simple phenomenon, to watch and notice the egg develop¬
ment of some lower animal organism, and the egg develop¬
ment of a nematode worm may be accepted as a very familiar
example. You may well say here that it is apparently
nothing more than a blind chance aggregation of molecule
to molecule, and granule to granule, that initiates the com¬
mencement process of this simple development. To the
naked eye this may appear so, but there is more than this
necessary to enable the senses to explain such simple and
yet complicated phenomena ; there is more than this surely
necessary to satisfy the senses that such is a correct observa¬
tion. There is this seemingly heedless chance aggregation
of particle to particle. Then the careful accumulation
still further of these, then the aggregation and development
of a delicate external filmy cell or egg membrane, then the
further advancement of these existent conditions, and all
those other important necessary conditions which must
necessarily exist until the egg development is completed.
Then the seemingly heedless change in form, and position,
and character of the granular contents within. Granule
here, granule there, some required here, others there ; then
the change of these into cell elements ; then the taking of
these latter to themselves of certain defined characters and
certain defined functions ; then the placing and arranging
of these in their proper position for definite ends, and for
the further development of the different component parts
of the embryo organism. And then, and lastly, the further
increase and development of all these varied processes to all
complete maturity. I have, as will be seen, casually hurried
over these points, but, 1 say again, that even in these lowly
organisms there are life phenomena which themselves require
more than a heedless chance of aggregation to bring them
liii. 8

110 LIFE PHENOMENA : SOME NOTES ON NITELLA, ETC.

about. There is a something working for a stated and
defined purpose, and with a stated and defined object in view,
or those varied phenomena would never be regulated in the
precise way that they are, or made to accomplish, without
any exception, the precise ends which they do accomplish,
and which, we must bear in mind, must also have been in
view from the very commencement. If the process is not
commenced according to a definite plan, if any flaw happen
during the varied changes, if throughout from beginning to
end there be any removal from a definite line of action, hour
after hour, and day after day, all through the tedious com¬
plicated and lengthened process — why, the definite object
in view could never be accomplished. It is accomplished !
And I ask intelligent reason if we are still to accept
with any truthful correctness of conclusion, that all that is
necessary is but some blind chance circumstance ! or but
some blind fortuitous acting and interacting of atom upon
atom! dead, lifeless, inorganic atom upon atom, aided, if you
like, by some one or other of the ordinary unconscious
and unintelligent force agencies, and all or any of those in¬
tricate life phenomena will be accomplished.

“ Know ye ! how opens up the seed ! and how the plant up grows !

How soft and green in sweet spring tide, ’tis ripe ere summer’s close ! —
How in the downy covert of the swift- winged swallow’s nest,

Instinct ! to mother love, expands the gentle creature’s breast !

And how, beneath the shelter of the fragile ovate shell,

A winged germ takes life ! one day ! and quits its narrow cell !

Know ye how !” — Deschamp.

Will the blind acting of molecule upon molecule do this ?
Can these ordain that this shall occur and it does occur ?
Can these determine that this precise result is to he ob¬
tained and it is obtained ? Or will the assistance of physical
or chemical force, acting even in unison, bring these things
about, that such and such results shall occur, in the precise
way they do occur, and accomplish the precise plan and
purpose and fulfilment, that we know is always accom¬
plished, and which is ever needful for the correct building
up and maintaining of all vegetable and animal life. We
say no ! We say that these forces can never do this in
themselves, because we see that they have never been known
to be capable of controlling, and guiding, and directing
their ownselves, or of determining themselves in any manner
whatever, according to plan, or for any definite purpose, or
for the accomplishment of any definite object in view. No
where in the inorganic world do we find such results as these
accomplished. Life must ever come from pre-existing life !

LIFE PHENOMENA : SOME NOTES ON NITELLA, ETC. Ill

and life must ever first act upon matter before matter can
take part in life. Surely, you will not give adherence to
<fthe all sufficient potency” of inorganic matter and inor¬
ganic force ! Surely, you will not now see in dull dead
dust a the promise and potency of all life,” and accept
these with blinded implicitness as your only creators of all
nature’s worthiest products. Then, if you do not accept
these as your creative agencies you must reject the “ modern
tendencies of thought,” and accept another agency as being
required, and which we believe to be neither physical nor
chemical, and which can have no co-relations with these,
but which we believe is infinitely superior, governing, and
guiding, and controlling these, and whose mysterious innate
power, although still lying hidden from our view (so far as
modern scientific research has yet favoured us), is yet ever
recognisable in those actions and results which are clearly
to be seen around us in all those wonderful and mysterious
animal and vegetable life phenomena.

I am fully alive to the fact that these views may not be
accepted by those who have already given their implicit
adherence to so-called “ modern advanced thought,” and
I am also fully aware that they will be accepted by such as
exceedingly antiquated views, and that their exponent must
be lagging far behind (C the scientific spirit of the age.”
But I am, nevertheless, fully alive to this other fact, that
the acceptance of a mysterious, hidden, secret power — a
something superior to dull, unintelligent, inorganic dust — •
as the accomplisher of all vital phenomena, is in complete
accordance with the views of a very goodly host of emi¬
nently truthful scientific observers. And until we have
given to us as taking the place of flighty, ever-changing
hypothesis, theory, and speculative philosophic conception,
I say, never, never let us be tied into acceptance of such
views as these, which are verily and in truth crushing
the very brain and heart alive of all science and all
theology. And let me ask you, in conclusion, still to hold
that we are acting more in accordance with reason and real
truthful scientific spirit if we accept belief in what we see
to be an indisputable necessity, and in what we feel confi¬
dent must have an existence — <<r belief in a power which is
eminently superior to any known physical or chemical force
with which we are acquainted.”

These remarks, I fear, have been enlarged to far too great
a length, but the subject is one which cannot well be ex¬
hausted, and on this ground I may seek a pardon ; and, in
hurriedly concluding, I may be permitted to state, that

112 HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT OF DISEASE.

however faulty these humble efforts of mine may prove to
be, they have been brought forward with one simple, earnest
desire — that they may prove a stimulus, inciting onward
progress by all in this beautiful open field of biological
research, which is ever, and without any apparent exhaus¬
tion, holding out so much for all those who will but dive
into nature’s hidden recesses — recesses which are replete with
treasures of unlimited worth and munificent grandeur.

HOMCEOPATHIC TREATMENT OF DISEASE.

Reply from Mr. S. Gill, M.R.C.V.S., Hastings, to Dr.

Bowler, Y.S., Cincinatti, Ohio.

Gentlemen, — In January month’s issue of the Veterina¬
rian I find a letter, principally on castration, by a Dr. Bowler,
styling himself also a Veterinary Surgeon, although I do not
find his name in our College register, in which he attacks my
system of cure by homoeopathy in such a manner that I must,
by your kind permission, repeat that the dog was wired, and,
as such, it might be asked. What need is there of further
testimony ? .

Dr. Bowler, however, seems to need more than this evi¬
dence; therefore, allow me to say allopathic doses of tincture
aconite are from three to ten minims, prepared according to
Professor Tuson’s * Pharmacopoeia/ The homoeopathic
doses are tinctures of the ninth strength, three to five drops,
according to the size of the animal, prepared by one of the
best homoeopathic chemists in London. The mother tinc¬
ture being of great strength, one drop to two would be a
sufficient dose.

I am (unfortunately for the doctor’s notions of my habits)
a total abstainer , therefore do not require either e< allopathic”
or homoeopathic doses of whiskey and water, which he as a
medical man should know is poison to the human frame
and destructive of tissue. Besides which it and such like
stimulants often lead men blindly on to speak glibly “ in
Heaven’s name” of persons and things they know nothing
about. Yours, &c.

To the Editors of the { Veterinarian .*

113

Pathological Contributions.

CATTLE PLAGUE.

No extension of the disease has taken place in the neigh¬
bourhood of Warsaw ; but it continues in the district of
Berdiausk, in Poland, where it is said to be confined to one
village. Cattle plague also prevails in the Provinces of Bes¬
sarabia, Volhynia, Ekaterinoslav, Podolia, Taurida, and
Kherson.

In Austria the disease still exists in the military frontier ;
but Dalmatia, Hungary, Croatia, Slavonia and Carniola are
declared to be free.

Cattle plague has broken out in a village in the Island of
Rhodes, and 7 oxen have died. Necessary measures have
been taken.

The disease still continues in the Mauritius, and since
the 5th of November, 3409 head of cattle and 141 deer
have died of the disease.

The latest intelligence from Cyprus, relative to the cattle
plague, comes down to January 26th, when it was stated
that the disease was still spreading, and had attacked the
cattle of the peasants leading to most serious losses through¬
out the island.

PLEURO-PNEUMONIA.

From the United States, reports have been received of
the existence of this disease in Putnam country, in the
State of New York, also in the State of New Jersey ; besides
which a few cases have occurred in the State of Pennsylvania.

Facts and Observations.

Feeding Horses with Fleshmeal. By Dunkelberg
[Bied. Centr., 1879, 342— 344).— At Diinkelberg’s sugges¬
tion, Yoigts-Rhetz introduced fleshmeal into the food of the
horses of his regiment. The results were very satisfactory,
the condition and appetite of the horses becoming much
improved. Diinkelberg states that to eveiy kilogram of
dried fleshmeal must be added 5*25 grams chloride of potas¬
sium, 27*9 grams phosphate of potassium, and 2 9 grams

PACTS AND OBSERVATIONS.

Ill

phosphate of magnesium, in order that the whole of the
albumin may be assimilated. — J. K. C. — Journal of the

Chemical Society .

Experiments on Creaming. By W. Kirchner and
others ( Bled . Centr ., 1879, 377 — 381). — As the result of
numerous experiments, Kirchner comes to the conclusion
that pans made of tin are better than wooden pans for the
cream to rise in. The other authors have experimented on
the cooling of the milk by various processes, before churn¬
ing, and find that a larger yield of butter is usually obtained
when the milk has been cooled by ice. — J. K. C. — Ibid.

Experiments on Churning. By Winkel ( Bied . Centr.,
1879? 382). — The author sums up the results of his investi¬
gations as follows : — The more carefully the cream is
skimmed off, that is, the less milk it contains, the lower the
temperature of churning required, the number and swiftness
of the turnings remaining the same ; or, in other words, so
much the more quickly will the butter separate at the same
temperature and quickness of churning. — J. K. C. — Ibid.

Antiseptic Action of Acids. By N. Sieber (I. pr.
Chem . [2], 19, 433 — 444). — The presence of so small a pro¬
portion as 05 per cent, of hydrochloric, sulphuric, phos¬
phoric, acetic, or even of butyric acid, is sufficient for anti¬
septic purposes. Phenol is somewhat less active, whilst
lactic and boric acids are much less active, 4 per cent, of
boric acid being insufficient to prevent putrefaction.

The experiments were made simultaneously with meat
and with the pancreas of the ox, in both cases suspended in
water, and without exception decomposition occurred sooner
in the case of the pancreas. There was fungoid growth but
no Bacteria, when using 0 5 per cent, sulphuric acid, 1*0
per cent, phosphoric, 2 and even with 4 per cent, lactic
acid.

The author discusses the question whether the acidity of
the gastric juice is of itself sufficient to maintain the healthy
action of the stomach, and he inclines to the affirmative
opinion, as he found that 0 25 per cent, of hydrochloric acid,
about the normal quantity in the stomach, was sufficient to
prevent putrefaction for twenty-four hours in the tissues of
meat and ox pancreas, and when putrefaction did occur, the
solution was no longer acid, but neutral.

As antiseptics, dilute solutions of acid salts would be no
doubt as active as the acids, for G. Glaser has lately shown
that in this respect aluminic acetate is equal to acetic acid. —
A. J, C. — Ibid.

115

i

THE VETERINARIAN, FEBRUARY 2, 1880.

Ne quid falsi dicere audeat, ne quid veri non audeat. — Cicebo.

“ROT” AMONG CATTLE AND SHEEP.

Generally speaking writers, on the subject of the para¬
sitic disease which is commonly known as “ rot,” confine
their observations to the sheep as the subject of the malady,
and when reference is made to periods of the extensive
prevalence of rot it is usually understood that sheep are the
universal victims. Practically this conclusion is correct,
sheep suffer from the effects of the introductions of the
fluke, Distoma hepaticum} into the liver ducts more severely
and quickly than the larger herbivora do, but veterinary
pathologists and many practical agriculturists have long been
familiar with the fact that cattle when feeding in pastures
which are contaminated with the larvse of the fluke become
infested with the parasites, which are easily discovered in
post-mortem examination in the slaughter houses, although
many of the infested animals may not to appearance suffer
inconvenience from their presence.

Flukes, when they infest the livers of cattle, undoubtedly
cause considerable local irritation, and we have frequently
observed on inspecting the livers of cattle from various parts
of the Continent that the bile ducts had undergone excessive
dilatation, and in many cases induration as a consequence of
the parasitic invasion, but even in these marked cases the
carcase of the animal did not present those evidences of
derangement which are common to sheep under similar
conditions. “Rot” among cattle has been looked upon as
a comparatively rare disease in this country. Most feeders
of stock would, without fear, put bullocks to graze on lands
which they knew would be fatal to sheep, and this course
generally would be justified by the event.

During the past autumn many cases of genuine and fatal rot
among cattle, especially young stock, have been alarmingly

116

EDITORIAL OBSERVATIONS.

frequent in some districts, and at present the disease both in
cattle and sheep is unhappily becoming more prevalent ; or
more correctly we may say that we are now seeing the effects of
previous infection. It takes some time for the ravages of the
fluke to tell upon the system of the sheep, a longer period
would certainly be required to produce the same effects on
the hardier ox, so that it may be presumed, in every case
among cattle, that the larvae of the fluke were taken into
the system some months back.

Naturally, under the circumstances referred to, stock-
owners are asking what is to be done, and it has been
suggested that the Veterinary Committee of the Royal
Agricultural Society should do something in the emergency.
We confess that we do not see exactly what any veterinary
committee is to do in the way of combating a disease which
is the outcome of a wet season. A hot, dry summer would
stop the progress of rot ; it would also help the farmer in
various other ways ; but must we meekly accept the taunt
that veterinary science can do nothing under the climatic
conditions which are essential causes of the disease ? Most
assuredly not.

Curative measures have been tested extensively here and
abroad, and the uniform result has been failure ; there are
no known means of expelling the flukes from the bile ducts.
Early removal of animals from the dangerous grounds — no
easy matter when a whole district has been rained on till it has
become a marsh — liberal diet, the free use of salt, and, in cer¬
tain cases, the internal use of some of the salts of iron, consti¬
tute the essentials of a rational plan of preventive treatment,
which, to be successful, must be promptly applied with
the object of aiding the animal to resist the attack of the
parasites. We regret to be obliged to add that, in the
cases of the majority of the animals which are now suffering,
the time has passed when any plan of treatment could be
employed with a reasonable hope of success.

EDITORIAL OBSERVATIONS.

117

THE BROWN INSTITUTION LECTURES OF 1879.

The course of lectures which has recently been delivered
at the University of London, in connection with the Brown
Institution, is of very great interest to veterinary surgeons,
in more senses than one. We have, therefore, reported
them at some length in our Journal. Veterinary surgeons
have assisted in the work upon which the course of lectures
is based, and their aid has been most fully and justly acknow¬
ledged by Dr. Greenfield. Again, the matter touched
upon by the lecturer has a direct value to members of our
profession at home and abroad. Apart from the general in¬
terest with which we look upon the additions to comparative
pathology and the general knowledge of infective processes,
the question of unity or diversity of the diseases u black
quarter ” ( emphysema infectuosum ) and “ splenic apoplexy ”
is most interesting, whether from a prophylactic or curative
point of view. The detailed examination of septicaemia and
pyaemia , in which the lecturer gave the results of the valu¬
able report by himself and colleagues, as recently presented
to the Pathological Society (see ‘ Pathological Transactions,’
vol. xxx, 1879), was most instructive. The confusion in the
minds of surgeons and pathologists concerning the true de¬
finitions of each of these diseases, as well as the question of
whether they are distinct and separate pathological con¬
ditions, required much careful and laboured investigation,
that some light might be thrown upon the matter. In this
respect the conclusions of the above-mentioned Report are
highly satisfactory. The specific organisms of these affec¬
tions are now no longer to us the mystery they were, since
we have seen them stained with methylaniline, and may
still see them represented most faithfully in the ‘ Trans¬
actions.’

We see that in these diseases, as in anthrax according to
M. Toussaint’s researches, microphytes crowding the blood¬
vessels and the tissues may be the sole cause of formidable
lesions, their power lying in their number and in their pene-

118

EDITORIAL OBSERVATIONS.

trating properties, which are dependent upon their extreme
minuteness. Dr. Greenfield’s observation of accumulation
of Bacterian organisms in the kidneys, and their passage
from the body by the urine, is a matter which serves to
draw our attention to a means of distribution of anthrax
through pastures. He gives us some information on
“ Loodianah fever ” and on the “ Cape horse sickness con¬
sidering each of these diseases anthracoid. The former of
these affections has not received very much attention from
him, but the latter is found to be due to a Bacillus, whereby
an observation of Mr. Wiltshire, M.R.C.V.S., Government
Inspector to the Colony of Natal, is confirmed. This or¬
ganism has now been cultivated, carefully examined, and
found to give rise to disease when introduced into the
systems of small animals. The observations of several foreign
veterinarians have pointed to the existence of specific or¬
ganisms in glanders, but we are not aware that any observer
has, like Dr. Greenfield, cultivated the organism, examined
it under very high powers, and accurately noted certain
phases of its life-history. The organism in question is a
Bacillus closely allied to Bacillus anthracis . The light thus
thrown upon the nature of farcy-glanders ought to prove an
incentive to veterinarians to resume careful investigation of
this formidable disease. The observation that the organism
of septicaemia is not Bacterium, termo , though closely allied
to it, will clear up many obscurities; this bad been many
times suggested from an examination of collateral conditions,
but all such surmises must yield precedence to the actual
observation of the committee on septicaemia and pyaemia.
The remarkable “ flagellate organisms” observed by the pro¬
fessor in the peritoneal fluid of an inoculated animal, and
considered by him to have “ some pathological importance,”
are highly interesting ; the relations of Infusorians to the
higher organisms are by no means well ascertained, and we
learn that certain biologists are inclined to hold that their
relations to Bacteria are of a very intimate character.
Whatever view we may take of this we cannot but hope that
Dr. Greenfield will again meet with some of these remarkable

REVIEW.

] 19

beings, and so be enabled to give ns more information about
them. We venture also, in conclusion, to draw the attention
of our readers to the allusions to the researches of Klebs and
Tomasi on the nature of malaria, as also to the notices of the
experiments of Feser and Pasteur on the persistence of
anthrax germs. Dr. Greenfield's work has yielded good
results hitherto. We are encouraged to hope that he will
deliver, and that we shall be instructed by, many of such
courses of lectures, and that he will continue to appreciate
the fact that, as Professor-Superintendent of the Brown
Institution, he may prove a most important means of giving
comparative pathology its proper position in medical and
veterinary studies.

Review.

Quid sit pulchrura, quid turpe, quid utile, quid non. — Hor.

Parasites ; a Treatise on the Entozoa of Man and Animals.
By T. Spencer Cobbold, M.D., F.R.S., &c.

The relation which Dr. Cobbold holds to the Royal
Veterinary College as an instructor of our pupils, and the
assistance rendered by him in respect of the helminthological
department of this Journal, precludes our writing any¬
thing critical concerning his last contribution to the science
he represents. This circumstance need not, however,
prevent our pointing out the general design of the volume
before us ; and as regards both the manner in which the
work has been done and the spirit in which it has been
executed, we shall content ourselves with drawing atten¬
tion to the published statements of our medical and scientific
contemporaries.

As stated in the preface, the design of the book — or rather
books, for two volumes of equal size are really compressed
into one — was to bring to a focus all the more important
facts and conclusions which the recent rapid advances of
the science have established. In doing this the author has
dwelt with especial care on the development of particular
parasites, more particularly on those species which give

120

REVIEW.

rise to serious disease. We do not here speak of the
contents of the first half or “ book/’ which deals with
human parasites, except so far to say that our author has
paid the fullest possible attention to the “ measles 55 or
cysticerci which give rise to the beef, pork, and mutton
tapeworms in man. In this connection Dr. Cobbold has
given an account of the important researches of Professor
Perroncito and other Italian investigators. The recent
opinions of M. Megnin respecting the polymorphism of the
cestodes is not so much as touched upon; partly, we under¬
stand, because the eminent French veterinarian had not
fully developed his extraordinary views when Dr. Cobbold
was engaged on the work, and partly because our author
has freely expressed the opinion that such views as M.
Megnin holds are altogether unworthy of serious con¬
sideration. We regret that our respected Vienna con¬
temporary should give M. Megnin’s views the promi¬
nence assigned to them in recent numbers. (See M.
Megnin' s Neue Beobaclitungen uber die Entwicklung und
die Metamorphosen der Taenia bei Sciugethieren , as translated
from the French by the accomplished editor, Alois Koch,
and given in the Revue fur Thierheilkunde und Thierzucht
for January, 1880.)

The work before us, whilst omitting all practically useless
anatomical details, gives great attention to the internal
parasites that occasion epidemics, such as those of rot,
husk, trichinias, strongyle affections, the cestode helmin¬
thiasis affecting Welsh mountain ponies, olulaniasis, the
tapeworm disorder of cats, gapes, grouse-disease, and so
forth. In the matter of human and veterinary sanitary
science the author has taken pains to explain the facts that
have reference to the means of preventing the spread ot
parasitic affections. In some cases he has shown how such
diseases might be effectually stamped out.

As we said before, it is not for us to offer a direct opinion
as to the merits of Dr. Cobbold’s book, but as comparatively
few of our readers have access to the medical journals, we
invite attention to a selection of passages from their '
columns.

In an exhaustive leader (in which the Lancet for Decem¬
ber £7th, 1879, reviewed the scientific advances of medicine
and surgery during the last year) our leading medical journal
remarks that the appearance of “ the octavo volume on
‘ Parasites of Man and Animals' constitutes a notable event
in the history alike of medicine and natural history, and is
a noble monument to the devotion and enthusiasm of its

REVIEW.

121

author.” Later on, in a lengthy notice of Dr. CobbokFs
work, the reviewer says (January 3rd, p. 16) : “ On lay¬
ing it down, after perusal, the mind is oppressed with a
sense of the prodigious and long-continued labour which
must have been devoted to reducing the information it con¬
tains to the compendious form in which it is now given to
the world. The work is, nevertheless, in the best sense,
readable. It affects no literary artifice, but it fixes the
reader by the complete mastery of the subject displayed by
the author, and by the ever strange and increasing interest
of its several details.” Further on it is observed that, by
means of this book, the author has put “ vastly increased
power into the hands of the sanitarian, human and veterinary,
for accomplishing his functions.”

The Medical Times and Gazette (September 6th, 1879)
gives so brief a notice of the work that we may fairly
quote it nearly as it stands, thus : — “ Though the author
has written much on this subject, the present may be looked
upon as an entirely new treatise. And, in our view, it well
entitles him to the title of the English Kiiehenmeister. In¬
teresting in many ways, repulsive in others, the subject has
never in this country been more ardently studied than by
Spencer Cobbold, who well deserves the eminence these
special studies have given him. The work is an Ency¬
clopaedia.”

The Dublin Journal of Medical Science for August,
1879, which devotes no less than six pages to its review of
the book, says : “ One cannot help admiring the untiring
zeal I)r. Cobbold has displayed, both in original investiga¬
tion, experimentation, and in the collection of references to
the literature of the subject on which he writes” (p. 130) ;
subsequently remarking that “ every page bears witness to
the energy, originality, and learning of its author.”

Outside the purely medical world a leading scientific
journal has lent its powerful voice in support of the
subject of helminthology. We allude to the periodical
Nature , published by Macmillan and Co. Those only who
have perused the preface of Dr Cobbold's work can realise
the sentiments of an author who perfectly well knows in
what prejudiced lights the subject of helminthology is re¬
garded by most persons, professional or otherwise. We cannot
quote the long concluding paragraph (introducing Mr.
Faraday^s name) of the preface itself. It is a strongly-
worded passage, but its sentences are not one whit too
strong, as the reviewer of Nature seems to agree when he
says of them : t( None but an honest and true worker will

122

REVIEW.

write such sentences as these. Every well-meaning man of
science must concur with Dr. Cobbold in the ideas he thus
forcibly expresses. Upon an array of workers of Dr. Cobbold’ s
stamp a nation may justly look with pride.” The writer
adds : “ Altogether, we cannot speak too highly of Dr. Cob-
bold’s book, and congratulate the author warmly upon
having so efficiently filled a gap in zoological literature, the
existence of which had long been felt by all working
naturalists.”

Lastly, to return to our medical contemporaries,
the Edinburgh Medical Journal, for November, 1879,
devotes considerable space to the work before us. After
remarking, with dry humour, that the word “ helmin¬
thology ” is very apt to be “ irreverently shortened into
worms,'” the reviewer goes on to say that “no man has
laboured more diligently and earnestly in a sphere, the
importance of wrhich even zoologists, not to speak of phy¬
sicians, are often slow to recognise than Dr. Cobbold. Of
British helminthology it is not too much to say he is the
practical founder.” Further on, in connection with the
known prejudices everywhere exhibited on this subject, the
writer says, “ We have remarked upon the apparent non¬
chalance with which such a study is received by the medical
world at large. Perchance Dr. Cobbold would go so far
with us as to say that downright discouragement was the
better term to apply to the treatment which the study (of
parasites) has ofttimes had to fight against when treading
the via medica .” In the final paragraph of the review
the following sentences occur at intervals. “ The reader,
zoologist, or physician, will find therein all necessary infor¬
mation concerning known parasites and their life- histories.
The information is thoroughly up to date. The volume is
essentially and really a new history of parasites, presenting
itself as a standard work. We end as we began, by heartily
recommending Dr. Cobbold’s last production as a valuable
contribution to the history of entozoa.”

Here our review of the various reviewers’ friendly writ¬
ings must close, with the addition only of one or two special
corrections at the author’s request. Whilst there are several
trifling mistakes of which no particular notice need be
taken, the unfortunate spelling of Siedamgrotzky’s well-
known name (erroneously at p. 247 and p. 281) is an error
for which the author wishes us to apologise on his account.
A very obvious and serious mistake also occurs (at p. 118),
where the group of echinococcus-heads is represented as
magnified about 25 diameters, instead of 250 diameters.

PERCHLORIC ACID AS A TEST FOR ALKALOIDS. 123

Like several other authors, Dr. Cobbold has once or twice
written Professor Bollinger’s name with the vowel symbol
over the first syllable. At p. 389 and elsewhere this error
does not occur. On the whole, it may be said that the
printer has executed his share in the work most creditably.

Extracts from British and Foreign Journals.

POISONING OP SHEEP BY LUPINES.

By H. C. E. Schulz, E. Wildt, and others ( Bied .
Centr ., 1879, 344 — 350). — The disease arises from blood
poisoning, caused by paralysis of the urinary and gall¬
bladder muscles, whereby the constituents of the urine
and bile pass into the blood. Schulz has investigated the
alkaloids of the lupine, and from experiments on three
of them, he finds that they differ very much in their phy¬
siological action. No great difference can be observed in
the ash of wholesome and injurious lupines, but in some
cases the latter contain more alkaloid than the former.
There is less alkaloid present in the lupines when in bloom
than when fully ripe.

Wildt finds two alkaloids in lupines, of which one is a
white crystalline solid, and the other a yellow oily liquid ;
the latter, according to Schulz, consisting of two different
bodies. The crystallised alkaloid appeared quite harmless,
but the other had a very poisonous action, producing trem¬
bling, violent cramp, diarrhoea, and finally death; but in no
case could the same appearances be observed after death as
in the case when it has been caused by feeding on lupines.
Reports from various sheep farmers go to show that lupines
act differently on different sheep, and that when injurious
they have generally been grown on a poor damp soil, or on
one which has been sown with lupines for several years
previously. — J. K. C. — Journal of the Chemical Society.

PERCHLORIC ACID AS A TEST EOR ALKALOIDS.

By G. Fraud e(J3er. 12, 1558— 1560).— Perchloric acid of
sp. gr. T 1 3 — T 14 has no action on quinine, quinidine, cin¬
chonine, cinchonidine, morphine, codeine, papaverine, vera-
trine, caffeine, atropine, nicotine, nor conine. "W hen boiled

124

CATTLE DISEASES IN AMERICA.

with brucine, it gives a dark sherry colour, with strychnine a
reddish-yellow, and with aspidospermine an intense red.
Iodic anhydride and sulphuric acid give with brucine an
intense orange-yellow ; morphine, deep violet, then orange
brown ; and curarine, pink. These reactions are suitable as
lecture experiments, — W. E. — Journal of the Chemical Society .

CATTLE DISEASES IN AMERICA.

We extract the following from Colman’ s Rural JForld,
St. Louis, January 7th, 1880:

Contagious Animal Diseases. — Petition of the
United States Veterinary Medical Association.

To the Honorable the Congress of the United States.

Whereas, It has been shown that different animal plagues
prevails to a disastrous extent among the live stock of the
United States, and that many millions of dollars are annually
lost to the nation from this cause —

Whereas, Several of the most redoubtable of these plagues
are now restricted to circumscribed localities, but threaten
to speedily extend over wide areas, where, from the mingling
of herds on unfenced ranges, like the plains, they must be¬
come permanently domiciled, at an immense yearly loss that
will steadily increase with the constant advance of agriculture
and the increase of our live stock —

Whereas, The unfenced stock ranges of the west and south
are at the source of the traffic in live stock, and their infec¬
tion must determine the infection of all the channels of the
traffic (cars, boats, yards, &c.), and of the middle and
eastern States —

Whereas, Several of these animal plagues have already led
different American and European countries to place embar¬
goes on our live stock, which will be maintained so long as
these pestilences are allowed to exist in our midst —

Whereas, The extinction of these animal contagia is of
incomparably more importance to the western stock-raising
States than to the eastern, even though they may be at
present exclusively confined to the latter —

Whereas, It is not probable that all the infected States
will of themselves go to the trouble and expense of stamp¬
ing out these pests, in wdiich they have so much less
pecuniary interest than other States which are as yet
unaffected —

CATTLE PLAGUE IN AMERICA.

125

Whereas, Certain of the most destructive of these pesti¬
lences are exotics to the stock-exporting States, and can be
effectually and permanently eradicated from them —

Whereas, A large number of animal diseases are due to
contagia or to parasites that are communicable to man with
equally disastrous results —

Whereas, There is constant danger of the importation of
the same and of other exotic animal plagues unless a proper
inspection and quarantine of imports shall be inaugurated ;
and —

Whereas, The restriction and extinction of these diseases
can be best accomplished under the direction of the veteri¬
nary profession, who alone have made a special study of these
epizootics, and are acquainted with the laws of their propaga¬
tion and development —

Resolved, That we, the undersigned, members of a com¬
mittee appointed by the United States Veterinary Medical
Association for thaf purpose, do hereby respectfully petition
that the honorable the Congress of the United States shall
establish a veterinary sanitary bureau, whose duty it shall be
to advise Congress as to what measures shall be necessary
to control, restrict, or eradicate any contagious or infectious
disease affecting the domesticated animals ; and —

Resolved, that in view of the urgent necessity for the
eradication of the lung plague of cattle from the United
States, the restriction of the Texas fever of cattle to those
southern States in which it is already domiciled, and the
protection of our flocks and herds against pestilences that
may be imported with foreign stock, Congress is further
respectfully requested to appropriate a sufficient sum of
money to enable the veterinary sanitary organisation to
deal at once, and effectually, with these three important
matters.

A. Liautard, M.D.,V,S.

S. Law, F.R.C.V.S.

J. L. Robertson, M.D., V.S.

E. F. Thayer, M.D,, V.S.

N. H. Paaren, M.D., V.S.

A. Lock hart, M.R.C.V.S.

C. P. Lyman, V.S.

C. B. Michener, D V.S.

A. A. Holcombe, D.V.S.

Lll I.

9

126

ANTHRAX AND ITS CAUSE.*

M. Paul Bert states that the blood of animals suffering
from anthrax (“ charbon ”), when submitted to great pres¬
sure of oxygen, retains its mortal capabilities for ninety-nine
hours, but no “ bacteria 99 were seen ; similar blood, treated
with three to four times its volume of strong alcohol, gave
just the same results ; and he concludes that the bacteria are
neither the cause nor the “ necessary effect ” of the disease,
but that its virus is of the same nature as that of cow-pox or
of glanders. He further states that the blood of the dog
suffering from the disease is not poisonous to another dog or
to the guinea-pig.

M. Leflaive, speaking at the same “seance,” stated that he
believed he had shown that in the Herbivora the poison re¬
sulted in a general affection of the whole system, while in man
it only gave rise to a local affection, the blood not containing
the virus, and being therefore incapable of propagating the
disease. What obtains in man appears also to M. Leflaive
to obtain in the Carnivora; in which case we get an explana¬
tion of Professor Bert’s results. At a later meeting* M.
Bert stated that the results of some experiments on a guinea-
pig, which had been poisoned with the morphological ele¬
ment (“bacterium”) of anthrax poisoning, and whose blood
lost completely its toxic effects after a week’s treatment with
compressed oxygen or concentrated alcohol, had led him to
believe that there were two maladies confounded under the
name of the “charbon;” that one is virulent and owes its
origin to the matter precipitated by alcohol, while the other
is merely micro- parasitic ; it is possible that the two states
may coexist in the same animal, but where the poisoning has
been of the virulent type, Bert found but few bacteria; in
the guinea-pig it was noticed that the “virulent blood”
killed in ten to twelve hours, and the blood-corpuscles were
crenulated, while with the “ bacterian blood ” death occurred
after thirty to thirty-six hours, and the corpuscles retained
their original character.

The volume already cited also contains (p. 442) an account
of a pathological investigation on the human subject; the
patient was a carrier of meat who had cut his chin with a
razor ; during life a drop of blood revealed the presence of
long “bacteridia” (T'T mm. in length). The patient exhibit¬
ing a very low temperature (S3° C.), the respiratory gases
were examined, and it w7as found that he, a man weighing

* ‘ CR. Soc. Biol.,’ for 1877 (1879), pp. 12, 20.

f Ibid., p. 317.

TRICHINOSIS ON BOARD THE SCHOOL-SHIP CORNWALL. 127

80 kilogrammes, absorbed 7'924 litres of oxygen, and gave
off 6*300 litres of carbonic acid in an hour ; in other words,
only about one third of the healthy quantity of oxygen was
inspired. In pursuance of the subject (p. 465), M. Regnard
gives an account of the investigations which, with the aid of
another colleague, he had made on a dog ; here again the
results of anthrax poisoning were a diminution in the amount
ot oxygen absorbed and of carbonic acid exhaled, together
with a great fall in temperature, and the presence of a
quantity of bacteria in the blood. Previous to inoculation
with the anthrax poison, the blood of the dog absorbed 20 4
c.c. of oxygen per 100 grammes, while after poisoning the
same quantity of blood absorbed 26 c.c.

TRICHINOSIS ON BOARD THE SCHOOL-SHIP CORNWALL.

Referring to this case the Lancet of January 8th says :
<e We learn that a somewhat considerable outbreak of tri¬
chinosis has occurred on board the reformatory school-ship
Cornwall, lying off Purfleet, on the Thames. The disease
first manifested itself several weeks ago, and was at first
believed to be enteric fever, for which disease trichinosis is,
in the beginning, very apt to be mistaken. The persistence
of the malady among the boys, and certain anomalies, as it
seemed, in its progress, induced the committee of the ship
Co apply to the Home Secretary for additional skilled assist¬
ance in investigating the outbreak. He applied to the Local
Government Board for the help of one of their medical
inspectors, and Mr. W. H„ Power was directed to visit
the ship. This gentleman, after careful inquiry, became
suspicious that the disease among the boys was trichinosis,
and application was made to the Home Secretary for per¬
mission to exhume the body of the only youth who had died
of the malady. Permission was granted, and it was ascer¬
tained beyond a doubt that the lad had died from the dis¬
ease named ; and Mr. Power's suspicion was thus confirmed.^

“ It is understood that the malady was caused by the con¬
sumption of certain American pork. Mr. Power’s inquiry is,
we believe, not yet fully completed, and until his report
appears the details of the outbreak will not be accessible.
We trust that the report will be issued as early as practi¬
cable to the public, for it cannot fail to give much and most
valuable information concerning a disease from which the
people in this country have hitherto had a remarkable
immunity in its acute form, an immunity which, it is to be

128

CONTRIBUTION TO THE GERM THEORY.

feared, since the large and increasing importation of foreign
pork, is becoming a thing of the past.”

[We, too, are looking forward with much interest to Mr.
Power's official report on this important subject. Cases
of trichinosis undoubtedly have occurred in this country, but
our own researches, which have now been going on for several
years, do not lead to the conclusion that the malady has
gained any serious footing here. Only a few American pigs,
out of the number which have been examined, have been
found affected with Trichinae ; and although we have propa¬
gated the parasites from this source of origin, nevertheless we
see no ground for alarm if only common care be exercised in
cooking the meat.

It may be said that the necessity for special precautions
would cease if American pork in all forms were prohibited ;
but those who are familiar with the mysteries of the meat
trade are well aware that nothing short of the prohibition of
pork in all forms and from all foreign sources would meet the
case. We shall return to this subject in order to make some
observations on the other parasites — nematodes and cestodes
— which we have frequently found infesting the muscular
tissue.]

CONTRIBUTION TO THE GERM THEORY.*

Dr. Robert Koch has published an important monograph
on the aetiology of infectious traumatic diseases (Wundinfec-
tionskrankheiten). The paper opens with a definition of
the diseases treated of, and a review of the present state of
our knowledge with regard to contagium vivum, and of the
arguments for and against the doctrine. Then follows a
description of the author’s method of research, and then the
most important part of the work, a detailed description of
his exact and laborious experiments on artificial traumatic
diseases.

1. Septicaemia in Mice. — Putrid blood or infusion of meat
was injected under the skin of the back. Characteristic
symptoms showed themselves, and the animals died in four
to eight hours. No bacteria were found beyond those in¬
jected, so that in this case the disease was evidently due to
a soluble poison (sepsin), and not to the agency of micro¬
phytes. In correspondence with this no effect was produced
by very small injections (1 to 2 drops), except in about one

* ‘ Untersucliungen iiber die Aetiologie der Wundinfectionskranklieiten/
Leipzig, 1878.

CONTRIBUTION TO THE GERM THEORY.

129

third of the cases. In these, different but equally character¬
istic symptoms supervened, death took place in about fifty
hours, and a post-mortem examination showed the blood to
be crowded with small bacilli about 1 /u in length, which
occurred in the vessels of all organs of the body, surround¬
ing the red corpuscles and absolutely filling the white.
Even -V drop of the blood thus affected was able to com¬
municate the disease to another mouse, and the disease was,
in fact, carried through seventeen generations. There seems
little doubt that the bacilli are the actual contagium of this
form of traumatic septicaemia. It is a curious circumstance
that field-mice and rabbits were not susceptible to the
disease.

2. Progressive Tissue-necrosis ( Gangrene ) in Mice. — In mice
injected with decomposing blood there were sometimes
found at the place of injection (in the subcutaneous tissue)
micrococci, as well as the regular bacilli of septicaemia.
These micrococci had a diameter of 0 5 ji, multiplied rapidly,
and showed a great tendency to the formation of t( chains. ”
Lymph from the subcutaneous tissue infested with these was
injected into a mouse's ear. The micrococcus-chains soon
multiplied so fast as to interpenetrate the whole ear, the
tissue of which became so changed as to be hardly recognis¬
able; cartilage cells looked pale, as if treated with potash,
and blood and connective-tissue corpuscles were no longer
to be seen. It seems clear that the septicaemia-bacillus is a
necessary forerunner of the gangrene-micrococcus. An inter¬
esting pure-culture experiment was tried. Field-mice,
which, as stated above, are not susceptible to septicaemia,
were injected with fluid containing both bacilli and micro¬
cocci. The former had no effect, the latter multiplied and
caused death, and from the animals so affected both field
and house mice could now be inoculated, the result being
always gangrene and never septicaemia.

3. Progressive Abscess-formation in Rabbits. — Rabbits were
injected with putrid blood. A flat, hard, lenticular infiltra¬
tion was gradually formed at the place of injection, produc¬
ing at last a fatal abscess in the subcutaneous tissue. The
abscess was covered by a thin layer of micrococcus-zoogloea ;
its cheesy contents were finely granular, and contained no
bacteria, but wrere probably derived from the zooglcea and
from the enclosed dead tissues. The individual micrococci
were O’ 15 jjl in diameter. The blood of rabbits dying from
this disease produced no infection, but the disease was com¬
municated by injecting a little of the interior of the abscess
rubbed up in water.

130

ROYAL VETERINARY COLLEGE.

4. Pyaemia in Rabbits. — A rabbit was injected with fluid
obtained by macerating mouse-skin in water. A purulent
infiltration of the subcutaneous tissue resulted, accompanied
by swelling of the spleen, morbid changes in lungs and liver,
and peritonitis. Micrococci abounded in the affected places,
occurring in the blood-vessels surrounding the corpuscles,
and forming accumulations whieh sometimes quite ob¬
structed the lumen. These micrococci are distinguished
from those of gangrene and abscesses by not forming chains
or zoogloea, and by their size (0 25 f). For inoculation
yL- of a drop was sufficient, but not tVoo-*

5. Septicaemia in Rabbits. — The animals were injected with
a putrid infusion of meat. A purulent accumulation (jau-
chige Yereiterung) took place, and the subcutaneous tissue
in the neighbourhood became filled with a watery fluid, con¬
taining large oval micrococci (diameter G’8 to 1 f), which
also occurred in the kidney and spleen. Injection of 5 to 10
drops of the oedema fluid communicated the fatal symptoms.

6. Erysipelatous Process in Rabbits. — The ear was injected
with mouse's dung, softened in distilled water. The organ
became red, swollen, and flabby, and was found to contain
large numbers of bacilli 3 /i in length and 0 3 /u in diameter.
The author failed to communicate the disease to other
animals.

After the description of these experiments Koch devotes
a few pages to splenic fever, and then sums up his results,
and discusses their importance. For the first five cases
there is complete, for the sixth partial evidence of parasitic
nature. Infection is produced by so small a quantity of
fluid that toxic effects are quite excluded. For each disease
the bacterium form is distinct and unchangeable ; this is the
most important result of all. The living body is the best
possible pure-culture apparatus.

Some former writers have stated that the virulence of the
poison in these diseases increases constantly in successive
generations ; Koch considers that it increases up to the
second, or latest the third generation, and then remains
constant. — Journal of the Royal Microscopical Society .

ROYAL VETERINARY COLLEGE.

The usual Quarterly meeting of the General Purposes Committee
was held in the board room of the College on Tuesday, January 13th.
Present: Sir Paul Hunter, Part., Chairman, Gen. Sir F. Fitzvvygram,

ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS. 131

Bart., Colonel Kingscote, C.B., M.P., Lord A. Somerset, Mr. Newde-
g ate, M.P., Mr. Harpley, and Mr. Collins.

The Accountant read the Quarterly statement of receipts and expendi¬
ture, showing a satisfactory balance in favour of the College.

The names of thirty-two new Subscribers were submitted to the
meeting, and declared elected.

The Principal’s Quarterly Report was read, from which it appeared
that 159 horses and nineteen dogs had been admitted into the Infirmary
since October 1st, showing a slight falling off' as compared with the
previous quarter, which the Principal attributed to the general good
health of the horses in London, notwithstanding the remarkable changes
of weather which had prevailed.

It was further reported that thirty-seven Students had joined the
classes since October 1st, showing a diminution of four as compared
with the corresponding period of last year ; that at the recently held
examination of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, fifteen students
in Class A passed their first examination ; thirteen in Class B their
second , and ten in Class C their final examination. Reference was made to
the satisfactory result of the extended period of instruction, as shown by
the examination for the diploma of the Royal College of Veterinary Sur¬
geons. Thus, of the number — viz. twenty-six — who presented themselves
during the year, only one was rejected, and this student passed satis¬
factorily on the next occasion.

The report concluded with a mention of the satisfactory nature of the
arrangements existing between the Governors of the College and the
Royal Agricultural Society.

A resolution was adopted appointing Gen. Sit F. Fitzwygram, Bart.,
Lord Arthur Somerset, and Mr. Harpley as a deputation to confer with
the Veterinary Surgeons who complain of the system of examination of
horses as conducted by the College.

The Chairman then left the chair, and the meeting closed.

ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS.

QUARTERLY AND SPECIAL MEETINGS OF THE COUNCIL,

HELD JANUARY 14th, 1880.

The President in the Chair.

Present : — Professors Simonds, Williams, Walley, Pritchard, and
Axe ; Messrs. Anderton, Batt, Blakeway, Cartledge, Cartwright, Collins,
Dray, Fleming, Freeman, Greaves, Harpley, Moon, Morgan, Reynolds,
Taylor, Whittle, G. Williams, and the Secretary.

The Secretary read the notice convening the meeting.

The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed.

The Secretary intimated that the President had presented to the
Library of the College one volume of each of his two works on the
‘Principles and Practice of Veterinary Medicine’ and ‘Veterinary
Surgery.’

On the motion of Mr. Bray , seconded by Mr. Fleming , a vote of thanks
was passed to the President for his presentation.

Professor Walley also presented to the Library his work ‘ On the Four
Bovine Scourges.’

132

ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS.

Mr. Bray proposed, and Mr. Fleming seconded, a vote of thanks to
Professor Walley, which was unanimously agreed to.

Correspondence.

Letters were received from Professor McCall and Mr. Cuthbert, of
Leeds, regretting their inability to attend the meeting.

A letter was read from Mr. Hunt, junr., stating that his father, in
consequence of a paralytic stroke, would never again be able to attend
the examinations in London, and conveying to the Council his father’s
thanks for their sympathy and kindness.

The President regretted the cause of Mr. Hunt’s resignation, but
said there was nothing left but to accept it.

Mr. Bray moved that the resignation be accepted.

Mr. P. Taylor seconded the motion, which was carried.

Mr. Fleming hoped that the Council, in intimating their decision to
Mr. Hunt, would feel itself in duty bound to express their great sym¬
pathy with him in his affliction, and to thank him for the various
services he had rendered both to the Council and the profession ; also
to express the hope that he would be restored to health, and enabled to
serve them as heretofore. He would make a motion to that effect.

Professor Walley seconded the motion.

Professor Simonds fully endorsed the sentiments of Mr. Fleming. Mr.
Hunt had for many years acted conjointly with himself as Inspector to
the Royal Agricultural Society at its annual shows, and he could say,
from long experience, that a more efficient officer could not be found.
He was desirous of recording, not only his sympathy with Mr. Hunt,
but also his thanks for the valuable services he had rendered to the
Council, and also to the profession, by holding important and responsible
offices.

The President said he could endorse what had been said by Professor
Simonds. He had known Mr. Hunt for many years as an Examiner,
and had observed the kindness and urbanity he had always extended to
the students. He had already expressed his sympathy to Mr. Parker
(from whom he had received a letter in reference to Mr. Hunt), and how,
individually, he felt his resignation, and he had thanked Mr. Hunt in
the name of the Council for his services.

Flection of Examiner.

On the motion of the Secretary, seconded by Mr. Bray, Mr. John
Roalfe Cox was elected Examiner in room of Mr. Hunt, it being under¬
stood that the term of office was for five years.

The ballot on being taken showed that Mr. Cox was unanimously
elected.

Resignation of the Secretary.

The President read a letter from the Secretary .tendering his
resignation.

Mr. Bray, as a very old friend of Mr. Coates’s, and as one of the mem¬
bers who voted for his election, said he had endeavoured to prevail upon
him to remain in office. He had been a most faithful and energetic
servant to the Council, and, while regretting the cause of Mr. Coates’s
resignation, he was afraid that the Council would be under the painful
necessity of accepting it.

Mr. Morgan seconded the motion.

Mr. Fleming spoke of the diligence and faithfulness with which Mr.
Coates had always discharged his duties, and trusted that some means

ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS.

133

would be found by which to convey to him the regret which the Council
and the profession experienced at the severance of one who had so long
been connected with the whole body of the profession.

Professor Simonds expressed his individual regret at Mr. Coates’s
resignation, and bore testimony to the efficiency and honesty with which
he had performed the duties of his office. He suggested that their regret
should take some tangible form, say, of an honorarium or a fixed sum per
annum for a given length of time. He was only speaking on the broad
principle of the case, and had no particular scheme to lay before the
Council.

Mr. Hartley endorsed the opinions of the previous speakers, and referred
to the services Mr. Coates had rendered to him in his year of office as
President, a year the labours of which were rendered more arduous from
the fact that the Juries Bill was before the House, entailing a great deal
of correspondence on the part of Mr. Coates.

Mr. Fleming said the thanks of the Council were due to Mr. Coates for
his offering to continue the duties of Secretary until another Secretary
was appointed, and to instruct his successor in the duties of his office.

The President, in putting the motion to the meeting, expressed his
regret that Mr. Coates’s resignation had taken place during his year of
office. He should support most cordially any scheme for a tangible
recognition of Mr. Coates’s services.

The motion was then carried.

Professor Simonds moved that the question of the amount to be awarded
to Mr. Coates be postponed, on the understanding that it was placed on
the agenda for the consideration of the Council at the next quarterly
meeting.

Mr. Harpley seconded the motion, which was carried.

A Committee, consisting of Messrs. Collins, Dray, Fleming, Harpley,
and Professor Simonds, was appointed for the purpose of selecting a new
Secretary.

On the motion of Mr. Whittle , seconded by Professor Walley, it was
resolved that the new secretary be not a member of the Council.

Mr. Collins proposed, as a further instruction to the Committee, that the
future secretary be not a member of the profession.

Mr. Pray seconded the motion.

Professor Walley proposed as an amendment, “ That the new secretary
should either be a member of the College or not.”

Mr. Reynolds seconded the amendment.

Mr. Blakeway supported Professor Walley’s motion, on the ground that
it would be an injustice to take the office entirely out of the hands of
the profession.

On being put to the vote, fifteen members voted for Professor Walley’s
amendment and four for Mr. Collins’s motion.

The amendment was therefore declared carried.

On the motion of Mr. Reynolds , seconded by Professor Walley, the
Secretary’s salary was fixed at £120, with the same allowance as the late
Secretary.

Mr. Coates was then called in and informed of the Council’s delibera¬
tions and decision.

Mr. Coates, in a few words, expressed his regret at being compelled to
sever himself from the Council, and thanked them for their kindness and
consideration.

The Proposed General Meeting.

The Secretary read a letter from Mr. Loch, enclosing the opinion of Mr.

134

ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY S-URGEONS.

Wolstenholme, Q.C.,relativetothe|requisition for calling a general meeting
of members of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. The opinion ot
counsel was to the effect that a discussion raised in any ordinary meeting
of the members of the lloyal College of Veterinary Surgeons as to the
course of practice of the Royal Veterinary College would not be wholly
irregular ; but he did not mean the inference to be drawn that any
resolution come to at such meeting would have the least binding power
over the Royal Veterinary College. The Chairman would perhaps be
technically right in refusing to allow such discussion, or to enter into
any resolution on the subject in the minutes; at the same time he did
not see that to allow the discussion or to enter a resolution on the
minutes, expressing the opinions of the members present on a matter
personally affecting them, would be wrong. No further action would
require to be taken except by communicating the resolution to the
Veterinary College, and no opportunity would be given for questioning
the regularity of the proceeding. It would, however, be right to state
the resolution as passed by the members present, and not describe it as
a resolution of the meeting.

Professor Axe said it occurred to him that the main point in question
was whether it was not beyond the jurisdiction of the Council, as a
political body presiding over veterinary science, to allow themselves to
call a meeting to consider a subject which was quite beside the object
for which the College was founded ; and he thought the opinion of
counsel stated that there was no such power.

Mr. Fleming said that, according to the latter portion of the opinion, the
matter seemed to be left in the hands of the President, and there would
be found there a very important “ perhaps,” which left it to a large
extent optional. With regard to the question itself, he thought the in¬
structions given to counsel had not been properly framed. Whether
the petition was acceded to or not was a question more for the profes¬
sion than the Council to decide, inasmuch as the object of the petition
was as much for the protection of the profession now as was the move¬
ment lately made in the Council to modify the charter sought to be
obtained by the Royal Veterinary College.

Mr. Harpley said that on the previous day there was a meeting of the
General Purposes Committee of the Royal Veterinary College, and the
subject of the petition was discussed. It was mainly pointed out to
the Governors that counsel’s opinion was adverse to the power of the
President to call a general meeting of the body corporate to discuss the
matter in question; but the Governors were perfectly willing to listen
to any complaint the profession might have against them or their college.
In the present instance it was suggested by the Chairman that a
small sub-committee of the General Purposes Committee be deputed
to communicate with a small section of the gentlemen, who, with Mr.
Moore, raised the question, and that the matter be discussed at the
Royal Veterinury College on any day they wished to name.

Mr. Fleming pointed out that the opinion of counsel did not state that
the profession had any right to petition the President to hold a general
meeting of the profession. Those who drew up the petition must, he
thought, have been misled by the bye-laws, and if so, it was not their
fault. They thought they had a grievance, which, on the face of it, was
apparent at the time they drew up the petition.

Prof. Axe submitted that the gentlemen on whose behalf the petition
was drawn up were very grievously wronged ; but the Governors of the
Royal Veterinary College were always accessible, and it was a very
great pity that the Council had been called upon to do anything in the

ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS. 135

matter. It was a matter for the profession, and the profession ought to
approach the Governors in a proper manner.

After some further discussion,

Mr. Harpley moved that an answer be sent to Mr. Moore, to the effect
that the Council are not able to comply with the petition of the
memorialists.

Mr. Bray seconded the motion.

Mr. Greaves said that the resolution gave effect to the view he had
all along held. He was of opinion that the grievance complained of
was not nearly of the magnitude that .the petitioners had set forth. He
agreed with Mr. Harpley that the Governors of the Royal Veterinary
College should receive a deputation from the town and country practi¬
tioners. It was unfortunate that counsel’s opinion had not cleared up
the point at issue.

The resolution was then put and carried.

Reports of Examiners.

The Secretary reported that at the meetings of the Court of Exami¬
ners, held January 5th and 6th, ten students from the Royal Veterinary
College passed their examination and obtained the diploma of the
College, and three were rejected; also that two students from the New
Veterinary College, Edinburgh, and one from the Glasgow College, were
rejected. At the meetings on the 7th and 8th January thirteen
students from the Royal V eterinary College passed their “ second
examination,” and one was rejected. At the meetings on the 9th and
10th fifteen students passed their “ first examination,” and six were
rejected.

A letter was received from Dr. Dunsmure, enclosing certificates
from the Edinburgh and Glasgow schools, and stating that the examina¬
tions would take place in Edinburgh on January 22nd. He also wished
to know whether the Council would be willing to pay the expenses of
three rejected students who had gone up to London for examination.

The Secretary explained that the students by thus coming to London
had saved the Council considerable expense, which would have been
incurred had they called a special Board of Examiners to meet in
Edinburgh or Glasgow.

It was resolved, on the motion of Mr. Taylor , that the three students
should have remitted to them their third-class return railway fares.

Letters were received from a number of rejected students, asking
their case to be reconsidered, with a view to their coming up for another
examination.

The Secretary was instructed to write in reply that the applications
could not be entertained.

A letter was read from Mr. Green-Armytage, asking for another
diploma in lieu of one lost in action at the Cape.

The Secretary was instructed to forward to Mr. Armytage the usual
certificate stating that he was a member of the College,

A letter was received from Mr. Menzies, Secretary of the Highland
and Agricultural Society, asking for two copies of the Supplemental
Charter, which, the Secretary stated, had been forwarded.

The Secretary stated that upwards of forty applicants holding the
Highland and Agricultural Society’s certificate and who had paid their
fees and been approved of by the Principals of the Scotch Veterinary
Schools, desired to have a diploma.

The Secretary was instructed to send the diploma to each of the
applicants.

136

ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS.

The Matriculation Examination.

Prof. Simonds read an official communication from the Secretary of the
Royal Veterinary College to the Secretary of the Royal College of Vete¬
rinary Surgeons, dated 14th January, 1880, which stated that the
Governors approved of the scheme for the matriculation examination for
all the schools, and were desirous of impressing upon each school the
necessity of a full agreement in submitting to the same rule. Professor
Simonds added that if they did this the Governors would put no difficulty
in the way.

The Secretary stated that the following letter had been addressed to
the Principals of the various schools :

Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons;

10, Red Lion Square, W.C. ;

Dec. 6th, 1879.

Sir, — The committee, as per margin, appointed by
the Council of the R.C.V.S. to draw out a scheme
for the proposed matriculation examination to be
held under the direction of the Council at all
veterinary schools, beg to submit herewith the draft
of an examination sheet, with two conditions relating
to the examinations, for your favorable considera¬
tion.

If you approve of the scheme will you be good enough to reply
accordingly for the information of the Council.

I have the honour to be.

Professor Simonds. Sir,

„ Williams. Your obedient servant,

„ Walley. Wm. Hy. Coates,

„ McCall. Secretary.

1. No school shall be compelled to admit a candidate even though he
may pass the required examination.

2. Any school may hold a higher examination.

The following letters were received in reply : —

New Veterinary College;

Gayfield, Edinburgh.

Dec. 9th, 1879.

Dear Sir, — I return “ Educational Scheme ” approved of. I, how¬
ever, think that “ Dictation ” should be added to English Grammar.

Yours faithfully,

W. Williams.

Royal (Dick’s) Veterinary College ;

Clyde Street (off St. Andrew’s Square),

Edinburgh.

W. H. Coates, Esq. December 6th, 1879.

Sir, — I am in receipt of your communication — with draft scheme of
the New Matriculation Examination — which I have laid before the
College Council.

We agree with the general scheme therein drawn out (but we think
the first condition anomalous and unnecessary), providing the suggestions
contained in my letter of the 20th ult. to Sir Frederick Fitzwygram are
embodied in it. I am,

Yours faithfully,

Thomas Walley,

Principal.

Gen. Sir F. Fitz¬
wygram, Bart.
Jas. Collins.

Geo. Fleming.

. Veterinary College.

Matriculation Examination. Place. Date.

ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS

137

Optional Subjects.

Good.

Indifferent.

Bad.

Result.

Min. to Pass.
200

English

Grammar.

Max. . 150
Min. . 50

Dictation.

Max. . 150
Min. . 50

Reading

Aloud.

Max. . 150
Mm. . 50

Arithmetic,
including
Decimals and
Fractions.

Max. . . 150
Min. . . 50

Name.

No.

rH

co

id

ed

oo

Examiners

138

ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS.

Glasgow Veterinary College,

83 & 85, Buccleuch Street,

Garnethill, Glasgow.

W. H. Coates, Esq. December 25th, 1879.

Dear Sir, — I am in the receipt of your favour regarding the matri-
eulatory examination of veterinary pupils, and after consulting with
Principals Walley and Williams, I cannot see my way to approve of the
scheme which you have submitted to me under the authority of the
Council of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. Some time ago
I had the honour of a visit from Col. Fitzwygram, and in course of con¬
versation he asked if I would be willing to come to an understanding
with the other colleges as to the standard of qualification and other
conditions upon which students would be admitted to the colleges, and
to which I gladly replied in the affirmative ; but it is something very
different to desire me, as you have now done, to hand over the power
which this College possesses of fixing the conditions upon which pupils
will be admitted to the undisputed control and authority of the Council
of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.

That there is an urgent necessity for the colleges uniting and fixing
a uniform educational test I freely grant, but the colleges, in my
opinion, can carry through this reform without calling in the aid of the
Council of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, and a step in that
direction has already been taken ; but should it fail in accomplishing the
objects sought, I shall be glad to submit the point or points in dispute to
the decision of your Council. I am,

Yours truly,

James McCall,

Principal.

Prof. Simonds moved that the four letters now read be placed upon the
minutes.

Mr. Dray seconded the motion, which was carried.

Prof. Walley said he wished to correct a mistake in the minutes. It
had been stated that he had laid the matriculation scheme before the
Trustees, but he had done no such thing. The matter had never been
brought before the Trustees at all, but simply before the College Council,
which usually dealt with these matters.

Mr. Greaves thought it would be an advantage to each college if the
question of preliminary examination was left in the hands of the Royal
College of Veterinary Surgeons. It would be a matter of much regret
if the schools did not act in concert. He feared that if the matter was
left to the colleges there would be a sort of feeling of rivalry and com¬
petition that would step in and prevent them acting in concert. Notwith¬
standing Professor McCall’s letter he (Mr. Greaves) thought that
gentleman might be induced to leave the matter in the hands of the
Council, which would be a great advantage to the profession.

Mr. Fleming thought it was a matter of regret that Professor McCall
had dissented from the arrangement. If there was one thing more
necessary than another it was that there should be a uniform system of
education. It was a mere elementary education which the Royal
College asked for, and he was sure that no school having the welfare of
the profession at heart would object to its students being submitted to
an examination. He trusted Professor McCall would see his way to
join the other schools in acceding to the proposal, which was made
entirely for the good of the profession, and would, if carried out, do
much for the benefit of the schools themselves.

ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS. 139

On the motion of Mr. Hartley, seconded by Mr. Taylor , the scheme
for matriculation was referred to the next Council meeting.

The obituary notice was read.

The following letter was read from the Secretary of the Royal Agri¬
cultural Society :

Royal Agricultural Society of England ;

12, Hanover Square, London, W.

Dec. mh, 1879.

Dear Sir, — I am instructed by the Veterinary Committee to ask you
to be so good as to ascertain from the Council of the Royal College of
Veterinary Surgeons whether they could undertake to nominate exami¬
ners for the Society’s veterinary prizes and medals, so that identical
examinations might be held simultaneously in Edinburgh, London, and,
if necessary, in Dublin. The object in view is to promote a co-operation
between the several agricultural societies, so that the prizes might be
equally open to graduates of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons,
whether they are resident in England, Scotland, or Ireland, and whether
they have been educated at the Royal Veterinary College or at any other
recognised veterinary school.

Your early attention to this matter will much oblige,

Yours very faithfully,

W. H. Coates, Esq. H. M. Jenkins, Secretary.

Mr. Harpley explained that the letter was in consequence of a meeting
of the Royal Agricultural Society a few weeks ago. The Society re¬
gretted they could only send up one or two candidates to compete for
their prizes, and they were now in communication with the Highland
and Agricultural Society in the hope that Scotland would unite with
them in having the prizes made general among the students. He did
not know if the Council could now deal with this question, but he
should be glad if some instructions were laid before the General Purposes
Committee at the next meeting.

Mr. Fleming moved that a letter be sent to the Secretary of the Royal
Agricultural Society informing them that the College would be happy to
assist the Society in every way, and would appoint examiners as soon as the
Council had ascertained that an agreement had been arrived at between
the Royal Agricultural Society and the Highland and Agricultural
Society of Scotland.

Professor Walley seconded the motion, which was carried.

The examination for the Royal Agricultural Society’s prizes and
medals was fixed to take place at such time as would best suit the
convenience of the examiners.

Messrs. Mayer, Gresswell, and Lepper were appointed examiners.

The consideration of the examinations to be held in Scotland was
deferred.

It appeared from the report of the House Committee that the nego¬
tiations for the premises in Fitzroy Square had fallen through, the
solicitor having expressed his doubts as to the genuineness of the title.

Finance Committee.

The report stated that the vouchers and receipts for payment during
the past year had been examined and found correct. The present liabili¬
ties were £131 6s. 3d., which the committee recommended should be
discharged. This would leave a balance at the bankers of £318 8s. 7d.

On the motion of Mr. Whittle , seconded by Mr. Cartwright , the report
was received and adopted.

Cheques were ordered to be drawn for the current expenses.

140 LANCASHIRE VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION.

Annual Dinner.

Professors Williams, McCall, and Walley, and Mr. Robertson, of Kelso,
were appoiiited as a committee to make arrangements for the annual
dinner at Edinburgh.

This concluded the business of the quarterly meeting.

A SPECIAL MEETING

was then held. The amended Bye-law No. 7 having been read,

On the motion of Mr. Dray, seconded by Mr. Taylor, the amended
Bye-law No. 7 was adopted, to be confirmed within fourteen days, in
accordance with the Charter.

The question of the alteration of Bye-law No. 4, previously moved by
Mr. Collins, who had left the room, was postponed until the next quar¬
terly meeting, as was also the consideration of the following notice of
motion by Mr. Fleming : — “ That no student receive the diploma of the
Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons until he shall have attained the
age of twenty-one years, and that previous to going up for his final ex¬
amination he shall furnish the Secretary of the Royal College with the
baptismal register of his birth, or a certified copy thereof.”

The consideration of the alteration of Bye-laws Nos. 32, 33, and 47,
by Professor Walley, was also postponed to next meeting.

Mr. Fleming gave notice that at the next quarterly meeting he should
direct the attention of the Council to the importance of taking steps
to “ obtain an Act of Parliament for the protection of the title of vete¬
rinary surgeon, or other titles conferred by Royal Charter.”

On the motion of Mr. Dray, seconded by Mr. Taylor , a vote of thanks
was accorded to the President, and the proceedings terminated.

LANCASHIRE VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSO¬
CIATION.

The usual quarterly meeting of the above Association was held at
the Blackfriars Hotel, Manchester, on Wednesday, the 17th December,
1879. W. Dacre, Esq., President, in the chair.

The following members and friends were present : — Messrs. P. Taylor,
T. Greaves, T. Taylor, John Lawson, T. Hopkin, Alex. Lawson, E.
Faulkner, A. Prescot, J. B. Wolstenholme, and H. T. Hodgkinson, of
Manchester; T. A. Dollar, London ; Mr. Lambert, 17th Lancers; S.
M. Wilson, 12th Lancers; J. B. Taylor, Ashton; W. Woods, Wigan;
C. W. Elam, Liverpool ; II. Fergusson, Warrington ; W. Dacre, Al¬
trincham, and the Secretary.

Letters of apology were received from Prof. Williams, Messrs. J. W.
Moore, J. Marshall, R. Reynolds, J. Welsby, W. A. Taylor, W.
Whittle, D. Hutcheon, and C. E. Challinor.

The minutes of the last meeting were read and duly confirmed, after
which

Mr. F. Faulkner proposed as a member of this Association Mr. Litt,
of Bolton. Mr. Fergusson seconded the proposition, which was carried.
Mr. Peter Taylor proposed Mr. R. Roberts, of Kendal, as a member
seconded by Mr. Woods, and carried.

LANCASHIRE VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. 141

After considerable discussion respecting the election of Lieut.-General
Sir F. Fitzwygram, Bart., Prof. Williams, Messrs. Geo. Fleming, Peter
Taylor, and Thomas Greaves, as Honorary Associates of this Society, it
was decided by Rule XVII, Section 1, that members could not be made
Honorary Associates, only strangers, or any other person who was not a
member, and according to Section 2 of same Rule there must be three
fourths of the members present before any person can be so elected.

Mr. T. Taylor therefore proposed that the names of Lieut.-General
Sir F. Fitzwygram, Bart., Prof. Williams, and Mr. G. Fleming be left
on the list, and brought forward whenever we have a quorum for such
an election, seconded by Mr. T. Greaves, and carried.

Mr. James Lambert then opened the adjourned discussion of Mr. Geo.
Fleming’s paper, read before this Association at the last meeting, viz.
“ The Responsibility of the Veterinary Surgeon.” He said, When 1 spoke
on the above subject at the last meeting, I ventured to say that I
thought an amount of responsibility was assumed in this paper which is
out of proportion to the remuneration received by veterinary surgeons.
The two subjects which appear to me to merit most attention are — the
examination of horses as to soundness, and injuries inflicted in shoeing ;
as to the latter, I' will only say that it appears to me most unjust for
many reasons that veterinary surgeons should be liable ; as to the
former we can see that veterinary surgeons are becoming more and
more in request for this duty, and as it is done for (considering its
importance) a small fee, generally half a guinea, we must take care that
we do not admit for mistakes a pecuniary liability absurdly out of propor¬
tion to the payment received. Many veterinary surgeons were alarmed by
the apparently severe opinion expressed in Mr. Fleming’s paper on the
question, and began to think whether examining horses for soundness,
and veterinary practice generally, was not a very risky business. In
Ireland veterinary surgeons disclaim any pecuniary liability for their
opinion, and their charge is one guinea, and examinations are of every
day occurrence with them. He, Mr. Lambert, did not see why in Eng¬
land, and in fact everywhere, the charge should not also be a guinea.
He believed, and said it advisably, that a veterinary surgeon has not
much legal pecuniary liability in his practice ; when he makes a mistake,
what he has most to dread is loss of reputation, and consequently loss
of profit.

Mr. Lambert next quoted the opinions of several barristers and solicitors.
They had looked over causes in the law books, but found none ; so you
see cases are rare, and I think you will find they will continue to be so.
They all concurred in the opinion that there must be proved gross
ignorance or negligence, and you must decidedly outweigh your oppo-
nent by numbers, if you can, and, if possible, throw a professor or two
into the scale. This is a nice state of things — outweigh your opponent
by numbers. It shows what lawyers think of professional evidence,
and the same applies to the medical profession. These opinions show
us how urgently reform is needed, and that veterinary surgeons should
be united, and never try to make money in the witness box at another’s
expense. Professional evidence should be selected by the court, and
not by the advocate. Professors generally should never appear in order
to secure a fee in cases where they have no concern, in fact, they should
only appear in order to prevent gross injustice ; if they appear for any
other reason it is degrading to their teaching, office, and to the college
to which they belong.

Mr. T. A. Dollar said he quite agreed with Mr. Lambert. It a veten-

142 LANCASHIRE VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION.

nary surgeon used ordinary diligence and sagacity in operations, and in
giving opinions, using good instruments, being steady, and taking every
possible care, then he could not be liable for any loss that may arise.

Mr. T. Taylor, A. Lawson, T. Hopkin, John Lawson, &c., all coin¬
cided with the opinions of the above gentlemen.

Mr. Peter Taylor thought the responsibility of the veterinary surgeon
to be very great. Your clients do not bring forward a claim against
you at the time ; but when they find one or two experts whose opinion is
against you, then they try what they can do. Mr. Lawson says — “ Who
can expect a young veterinary surgeon coming from the walls of a
college to be able to do everything right ?” I contend he is liable
if he does not know, and if experts say he has made a gross mistake we
have a great difficulty to contend with. All horses are different —
no two alike, and men differ in opinion of them constantly, being per¬
fectly honest. What we must endeavour to do is our duty honestly
and straightforwardly, giving our opinion to the best of our ability,
and then risk the consequences.

Mr. Greaves observed, — The discussion on this subject will have done
our profession a great service if we only arrive at a clear, enlightened,
and logical conclusion — a conclusion which will not only commend itself
to our senses, but which will be at the same time legally sound, and a
safe protection.

I have studied this subject as carefully and as earnestly — nay, per¬
haps more carefully and more earnestly than the majority of my
professional brethren have done. At the time I compiled my paper
upon this subject, which I read before the Liverpool Association in
1868, I read every passage in Oliphant’s ‘Law of Horses/ and every
paper that I could find which had reference to a veterinary surgeon’s
responsibility. I was so anxious to make my paper worthy of my pro¬
fession that I sought the opinion of Messrs. Loch and McLaren, of
London, the solicitors to the college. They considered the whole matter
carefully and fully, and gave me their opinion; they also advised me to
get the highest counsel’s opinion on the subject. I gave them authority
to obtain this, which they did. These several opinions will be found
recorded at p. 256 and following pages in the Veterinarian for 1868. A
short time ago I received a letter from Mr. Tom Taylor. It contained
a solicitor’s opinion upon this subject, the pith of which was that we
were bound to bring a sufficiency of skill and a sufficiency of care in
the performance of every operation, and in the examination of every
horse as to soundness. Where this is not exercised we deserve to be
made to suffer. This inefficiency and negligence must be gross and
evident to ordinary thinking men. But where proper skill and care are
practised, and such opinion is disputed and contested, then he says we
must get the opinion well supported by quantity and quality of veteri¬
nary evidence.

Since our last meeting I, in company with a solicitor of eminence, have
carefully drawn up a form of certificate, which I now propose to this
meeting, and through it to my profession.

j Form of Certificate.

I hereby certify that I have this day, at the request of Mr. - ,

of this city, examined a bay gelding in respect to soundness, and that I
consider such horse to be five years old and sound.

This certificate is given, after careful examination, to the best of my
judgment and belief, but subject to my not being held pecuniarily re¬
sponsible for the opinion expressed in such certificate.

(Signed) Thomas Greaves.

LANCASHIRE VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. 143

I strongly commend this form of certificate, especially when it is a
high-priced animal we are examining, or when we apprehend advantage
may be taken of us. There may be some of my professional brethren
who will pooh-pooh this form of certificate, and say it cannot be binding ;
they may say — “ See the notice on the railway passenger’s ticket : it is
not legally binding but I am advised that there is not the slightest
similarity between the two cases. Perhaps some may cavil who have
never given five minutes’ deep, earnest consideration to the subject in their
lives. But I ask the more thoughtful, enlightened, and earnest men in
my profession to ponder it over seriously, for we cannot conduct our
daily avocation, such as it is, with a halter like a millstone round our
necks, as is now the case, and be liable to be tripped up at every step
we take by other eminent experts giving evidence in a court of law
against us. Something must be done.

If the want of skill, or want of due care, is palpable, then neither this
form of certificate nor any other form of certificate can protect us, nor
is it right it should do ; but if we have exercised proper care, and
brought to bear sufficient skill, then the above form of certificate, “ it
being a notice to tke party of the terms and the only terms on which the
certificate is given,” will entirely remove our responsibility, and will prove
a perfect and complete protection.

Mr. J. B. Wolstenholme placed upon the table a number of the capsules
of the Trichina spiralis , and gave a short history of them, whch he saw
some months ago. A male dissecting subject in the Owens College, Man¬
chester, was found to contain Trichinae ; a portion of muscle was given to
him in which he found a large number of the capsules of the Trichina
spiralis. He said that of the specimens I exhibit one is an entire cap¬
sule, the other a section showing its positive relation to the muscular
fibres. All the capsules have undergone calcareous degeneration (being
the calcareous particles of the first discovery), and must in consequence
have been in the subject for a long time.

The specimens were viewed with great interest by the members, and
a cordial vote of thanks was accorded Mr. Wolstenholme.

The Secretary then read a communication which he had received from
the secretary of the Liverpool Veterinary Medical Association, request¬
ing the Members to consider a resolution passed at a recent meeting of
that Society, with respect to the election of candidates to the Council of
the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. After considerable discussion
the matter was left in the hands of a committee, which was at once
formed, viz. Messrs. W. A. Taylor, J. B. Wolstenholme, A. Lawson, E.
Faulkner, the president and secretary, and a resolution was passed
requesting the secretary to communicate with the secretary of the
Liverpool Veterinary Medical Association, thanking him for his letter,
and intimating to him the decision aimed at.

The following gentlemen were then unanimously re-elected officers of
the Association for the ensuing year :

President. — Mr. W. Dacre.

Vice-Presidents. — Messrs. T. Hopkin,' John Lawson, and W. A.
Taylor.

Treasurer. — Mr. A. Lawson.

Secretary. — Mr. Sam. Locke.

A cordial vote of thanks to the office bearers for the past year, which

was carried by acclamation, closed the proceedings.

Sam. Locke, Hon. &ec.

144

ONTARIO VETERINARY COLLEGE MEDICAL

SOCIETY.

The above Society, which has been established for some time in con¬
nection with the College, held their first weekly meeting for the session
of 1879 and 1880 on November 9th in the lecture room. Sixty-seven
members were enrolled. The chairman, Professor A. Smith, President
of the College, in his introductory remarks, dwelt chiefly upon the benefit
to be derived from this Society, and the good feeling that had in previous
sessions existed among the students in discussion of their various sub¬
jects. The following gentlemen were then elected officers for the
session : — Mr. J. P. Whitehead, Delaware, Ont., Secretary ; Mr. B. B.
Page, Chicago, Ill., Treasurer ; Mr. R. Riddell, Cobourg, Ont., Libra¬
rian ; and Mr. G. Dumphy, Assistant Librarian. Since that time regular
weekly meetings have been held, at which an essay and two communica¬
tions on disease and treatment of domesticated animals have been read.
Essays have been read upon sprains, indigestion, laminitis, tympanitis,
injuries and diseases of the shoulder-joint, and azoturia. Among the
communications may be noted cases of difficult parturition, nasal gleet,
hernia, parasitic bronchitis, navicular arthritis, parturient apoplexy,
embolism, &c„ all of which gave rise to animated discussion, and from
which the students derived great benefit, especially those of the junior
class. Another feature of importance in connection with this Society,
and one from which the students derive special benefit, is the remarks
made by the President before the close of each meeting upon the subjects
discussed. J. P. Whitehead, Secretary.

Toronto , December , 1879.

NEW MEMBERS OF THE PROFESSION.

At the meetings of the Court of Examiners of the Royal College of
Veterinary Surgeons, held January 5th and 6th, the following students
from the Royal Veterinary College received their diploma, and were
admitted members of the profession :

Mr. William Hastings Farrow .

— Wm. John Payton Tibbetts .

— Frank Taylor

— Wm. John Malvern

— Frederic Gowland Rugg

— Nicholson, Almond

— Henry Augustus Rumboll .

— George Rees

— Henry Heyes

— James Bayes

London.

Harborne, Birmingham,
Cradley Heath, Staffordshire.
Cheltenham.

Wye, Kent.

Great Clacton, Colchester.
Bristol.

Llanboide, Carmarthenshire.
Neale, Co. Mayo.

Kettering, Northamptonshire.

Messrs. Malvern, Rugg, Almond, and Rumboll passed with Great
Credit.

The following students of the Royal Veterinary College passed their
Second Examination at a meeting of the Court of Examiners on January
7th and 8th :

MEMBERS OF ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS. 145

Mr. Robert Joseph Dawson.

— Edward Harry Wand.

. — Alfred John Down.

— Charles Samuel Hunting.

— Edward Charles Whisken.

— Ernest Emelius Bennett.

Mr. Edward Arthur Hollingham.

— Edward Langford.

— Francis William Sharp.

— Arthur John Blake.

— Arthur Rogerson.

Stephen Edward Holmans.

Mr. John Kirby Pilkington.

Messrs. Dawson, Wand, Hunting, Bennett, Hollingham, Rogerson,
and Pilkington passed with Great Credit.

The following students of the Royal Veterinary College passed their
First Examination at a meeting of the Court of Examiners on January
9th and 10th :

Mr. David Martin Barry.

— Frank Joslen.

— Frederick Henry Pinkett.

— Frank James Peck.

— Edward James Sewell.

— William Henry Bartrum.

— William Thomson Yeates.

Mr. Phillip Turner.

— Edward James Mellett.

— Herbert Pollard.

— Thomas Down.

— Alexander Henry Waddell.

— Joseph Chaplin.

— Charles Hartley.

Mr. Francis Morton Wallis.

Messrs. Peck, Sewell, Bartrum, Down, and Hartley passed with Great
Credit.

At a meeting of the Scottish section of the Court of Examiners of
the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, held in Edinburgh, January
22nd, the following students passed their First Examination :

Edinburgh Veterinary College.

Mr. James Pou j Mr. James Geo. O’Donel.

Edinburgh New Veterinary College.

Mr. Wm. Malcolm Lyon Mr. Wm. Smith King.

— » Frederick Jones — Peter Dalling.

Glasgow Veterinary College.

Mr. Robert Yates.

Messrs. O’Donel and Jones passed with Great Credit.

MEMBERS OF THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETE¬
RINARY SURGEONS.— SPECIALLY ADMITTED.

The following candidates, holding the Highland and Agricultural
Society’s Certificate, have obtained the Diploma of the Royal College
of Veterinary Surgeons :

Anderson, William
Beattie, Peter
Break ell, George .
Brown, John
Cassie, John .

Cooper, John
Connochie, Jn. Dixon .
Dalling, Thomas .
Dollar, Thomas Aitken
Dun, Finlay .

Alford, Aberdeenshire
Bogfern, Turriff, Aberdeenshire .
Garstang, Lancashire .
Roxburgh, W. Calder, Edinburgh
Westerton, Fyvie, Aberdeenshire
Fordyce, Banffshire .

Selkirk .

Whiteside, Edinburgh
London .

Ditto . . . • •

1867

1867

1854

1859

1861

1871

1858

1874

1851

1849

146 VETERINARY JURISPRUDENCE.

Farquhar, William
Ferris, John .

Finzzies, James
Fraser, Alexander
Frater, William .
Gibson, Alexander
Gunn, Alexander .
Hepburn, John
Hutton, John
Ironside, Jn. Matthew .
Kay, Thomas
Lawton, Peter
Macintosh, Robert
McLean, Lachlan
Margarson, Edward
Meiklam, Robert .
Merry, Charles
Millar, David
Miller, William
Mitchell, Robert .
Nimmo, Andrew .
McEwen, John
Perry, Edward
Philp, George
Reid, Robert
Schofield, John
Seed, Samuel
Simon, John .

Smith, William
Summers, Wm.

Tait, George
Tait, Joseph .
Tallontire, John .
Wright, William .
Young, John .

Shawstonhead, Ayrshire

* •

. 1848

Brechin, S. Wales

• •

. 1856

Lochgilly, Fifeshire .

• •

. 1860

Earlsfield, Kennethmont, Aberdeenshire 1856

Lesmahague, Lanarkshire

• ©

. 1864

Millbre, Fyvie, Aberdeen

• •

. 1868

Balloan, Beauly, Invernesshire .

. 1875

Milnathort, Kinrosshire

• •

. 1850

Kelso, Roxburghshire

•• •

. 1874

Milltown, Rothiemay .

• •

. 1872

Ardwick Green, Manchester

. 1871

Alderley, Chelford

• •

. 1862

Falkirk

• •

. 1855

Brooklyn, U.S. .

• •

. 1854

Stoke Ferry, Norfolk .

• •

. 1874

Drumry, E., Kilpatrick

• e

. 1866

Irvine

• •

. 1863

Alyth, Perthshire

• •

. 1877

Bradninch, Collumpton, Devon .

. 1853

Glasgow . . ,

• •

. 1859

Linlithgow

• #

. 1850

Killin, Perthshire

• •

. 1867

Ibstock, Leicestershire

• •

. 1865

St. Andrew’s, Fife

• •

. 1872

Leith, Edinburgh

J •

, 1860

Pontefract .

• •

, 1857

Keighley

• •

. 1875

Forgue by Huntley

• •

. 1866

Tranent, Haddingtonshire

• •

. 1852

Sidmouth, Devon

• •

. 1866

Elgin ....

• •

. 1848

Turriff

• •

. 1861

Skelton, Cumberland .

• •

. 1863

Tideswell, Derbyshire

• •

. 1857

East Calder

• •

. 1870

Veterinary Jurisprudence.

SHEEP ROT.

Winter Assizes, Maidstone, January 14th.

Nisi Prius Court. — (Before Mr. Justice Denman.)

LUDGATER V. LOVE.

This case, which was tried at the last Assizes here, and in which a
new trial had been ordered, was one of some interest. It was an action
on a sale of sheep in Maidstone market, which were alleged to have
been sold on a representation by the defendant that they were “ all
right,” whereas in truth they were rotten and diseased, having a diseaae
called the “ fluke.”

Mr. F. J. Smith (with Mr. Kempe, Q.C.) was for the plaintiff; Mr.
D. Kingsford was for the defendant.

It appeared from the evidence that the sheep — 22 in number — had
been bought by Mr. Love, the defendant, towards the end of 1878
(about a month before the sale to the plaintiff) at Ashford market for
one Leeny, and had been sent to Leeny, at Wateringbury. A few days

SIR FREDERICK FITZWYG RAM’s ANNUAL PRIZES.

147

afterwards Leeny saw that they were diseased, and complained to Love
about it, making a claim upon him for compensation. The defendant
employed his son to sell the sheep at Maidstone market on the 31st of
December, 1878, and the day before the market he told his son that the
sheep “ did not suit 55 Mr. Leeny and that he wanted to get rid of them,
saying that they were a “ bad lot.” When asked whether he told his
son they were diseased his answer was “ No ; I should not be such a fool
as to tell him that !” and he admitted that he knew from Leeny that
they had the rot. While the sheep were in Maidstone market a
Government contractor saw them, and perceived and pointed out to the
defendant’s son that they were diseased. However, they were sold there
to flie plaintiff, as he alleged, on the representation that they were Mr.
Leeny’s and sold by him because he had too many and that they were
“ all right, ” — he giving 38s. apiece for them. They were sent to the
plaintiff’s farm at Newington, near Sittingbourne, about nine miles from
Maidstone, and on the very next day they began to die off from the
disease, and ultimately all but seven died. The rest were sent to
Rochester and sold at 8s. apiece as diseased ; but being found to be
bad, the plaintiff took them back at Is. a head and brought this action
to recover from the defendant the loss he had sustained. At the first
trial here, at the last Assizes, before Lord Justice Baggallay, the case
was put as one of warranty. The plaintiff got a verdict for £40, but
the verdict was set aside by two Judges in the Court of Exchequer, on
the ground that the Judge had failed to direct the jury on the question
of authority of the son to bind the father by a warranty in the absence
of fraud or express authority to give a warranty. On the present trial
the question arose whether it was a case of warranty or false represen¬
tation, and there was a good deal of discussion about it ; the point
arising, on the supposition that it was to be treated as a case of deceit
or false representation, which equally divided the Court of Exchequer
some years ago, when Baron Bramwell was a member of it — in a case of
“Udall v. Atherton” — whether on a sale by an agent, who gives a false
representation without express authority to do so, the principal is bound
by it. After a good deal of discussion, the counsel for the plaintiff
desiring to treat the case in the alternative as one of warranty or false
representation, and contending that there was evidence of the defen¬
dant’s complicity in the alleged deceit (from the very fact of his abstain¬
ing carefully from telling his son the sheep were diseased), it appeared to
be the opinion of the learned Judge that the case was to be treated
rather as one of false representation than warranty ; but that it would
be better to take the evidence, and leave it to the jury in such a way as,
if possible, to prevent any further litigation in the case. Accordingly,
at the close of the evidence, the contention on the part of the defendant
being that there had been neither warranty nor representation to the
effect alleged, and he and his witnesses denying it altogether,

The learned Judge left specific questions to the jury on all the
material points, and they found for the plaintiff — Damages, £40.

SIR FREDERICK FITZWYGRAM'S ANNUAL

PRIZES.

The examination is intended to take place in the week after the Easter
examinations of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, 1880.

The competition is open only to members of the Royal College of

ORITUARY.

148

Veterinary Surgeons, who have obtained their diploma within twenty-
five months of the date of the examination, and who passed with great
or very great credit.

The prizes are three in number. The first is of the value of £50 ;
the second £30 ; the third £20.

The competition will consist — 1st, of a written, and 2nd, of a practical
and viva-voce examination, on subjects pertaining to veterinary science.

1200 marks will be assigned to the first part, and 600 marks to the
second part.

In the first part the marks will be assigned as under :

Anatomy, 300; Physiology, 300; Pathology, 300; Chemistry, 100 ;
Botany, 75 ; and Materia Medica, 125.

The time allowed for the written examination will be as under :

Anatomy, 3 hours ; Physiology, 3 hours ; Pathology, 3 hours ; Chem¬
istry, hours ; Materia Medica, 1£ hours; Botany, 1^ hours.

In the second part the marks will be assigned as under :

Diagnosis of Disease, 200 ; Shoeing, 100; Examination for Sound¬
ness, 200 ; Selection of Horses for specific purposes, 100.

A competitor failing to obtain two thirds of marks assigned to any of
the papers in the written examination will be excluded from the second
or viva-voce examination. Two thirds of the marks assigned to each
subject in the second part must also be obtained.

The names of intending competitors are to be forwarded to the
Secretary of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, 10, Red Lion
Square, at least three days before the date of competition.

The first portion of the examination will take place in London and
in Edinburgh simultaneously.

The five best competitors in the first or written examination will be
selected for further competition in the practical or viva-voce test.

This further competition will be held in Edinburgh this year, or in
such other place as may be most convenient to the majority of the selected
competitors, and at such time as may be hereafter notified.

The donor will pay the railway fares of each of the selected com¬
petitors, to and from the place at which the practical examination is
held.

The exact date will be notified as soon as the Scotch examinations
are fixed.

Further particulars can be obtained from the Secretary of the Royal
College of Veterinary Surgeons.

ARMY APPOINTMENTS.

War Office, January ZSrd.

Veterinary Department. — Frederick John Short, Gent., to be
veterinary surgeon on probation.

Harry Arthur WoodrofFe, Gent., to be veterinary surgeon on pro¬
bation.

OBITUARY.

Mr. J. Jonathan Bagley, M R.C.V.S., Bridgenorth, Salop. His
diploma bears date April 17th, 1869.

THE

VETERINARIAN.

VOL. LIII.
No. 627.

MARCH, 1880.

Fourth Series,
No. 303.

Communications and Cases.

SYNOPSIS OF CONTINENTAL VETERINARY

JOURNALS.

By John Henry Steel, M.R.C.V.S., F.Z.S., Demonstrator
of Anatomy at the Royal Veterinary College.

Summary . — From the Revue Veterinaire, December, 1879:
“ Extracts and Analyses of Journals,” by M. Labat,
November, 1879: “ German Veterinary Review,” by M.
Neumann.

Professor Perroncito on “Typhus of Fowls and Trichina,”
from Recueil de Medecine Veterinaire , 15th January, 1880.

Serious Accidents following Vaccination , from M. Labat’s
“Review of Journals.”

Dr. Vallein, in the Revue d’ Hygiene et de Police Sanitaire,
states that the Roman Committee removes with scissors,
from the teats of the vaccine-bearing cow, the small layer of
skin in connection with the pustule. These fragments
of tissue are sent to those doctors of the neighbouring
towns who require vaccine. For San Quirice d’Orcia the
pustules were forwarded from Rome on 22nd April, and
received on the 24th. Their use for vaccination commenced
on the 26th, and was continued until the 29th of April, when
they gave off an odour due to commencing putrefaction.
Probably this generated septic fluids, which were introduced

LIII. 11

150 SYNOPSIS OF CONTINENTAL VETERINARY JOURNALS.

with the vaccine. The rapid appearance of red spots, fever,
erysipelas, suppurative boils, and, in one case, death of a
vaccinated child, may be explained as due to septicaemia.
We can understand that in Italy, during the month of April,
at the end of seven days decomposition would have com¬
menced. It is evidently unsatisfactory to send the entire
vaccine pustules any considerable distance.

On Amylaceous Degeneration of the Liver of the Horse ,
by Dr. Prana. — The author made a microscopical study of
the liver of a horse which died from rupture of that organ.
The portion examined, having been preserved in very good
alcohol, exhibited no signs of putrefaction, but was extremely
friable, giving way readily under pressure of the finger. The
general coloration was paler than that normal to liver sub¬
stance which has been for a long time in alcohol. On one of
its surfaces the piece of liver seemed formed of a broken-
down substance, with its granules united by delicate threads.
Sections from this part treated with glycerin showed the
hepatic cells, not polygonal, as normally, but with hollowed
margins and prolongations, their protoplasm granular, and
sometimes infiltrated with fat, the nuclei distinct, and gene¬
rally one to each cellule. In contact with these altered cells
were observed nodulated masses, colourless, highly refractive,
and about thirty micro-millimetres in diameter, as well as
cylindrical bodies formed of a similar substance, nodulated on
their surfaces, and often seeming as though made up of juxta¬
posed portions.

It was suspected that these cylinders were only de¬
generated capillaries. To assure himself of this, the author
made sections of those parts where the liver did not seem
broken up. These sections exhibited, from several points of
view, the capillary network made up of cylinders similar to
those already described. All the vessels had thickened walls.
Methylaniline and tincture of iodine, by their reactions,
proved accurately that the nodulated masses and the cylin¬
ders had undergone amylaceous degeneration. This is
important from a histological and pathological point of
view, for it shows that amyloid degeneration originates
from the constituents of the vessels, the liver cells being
only deformed, whilst it is said that this disease in man
generally originates in the hepatic cells. It may be that
degeneration of the vessels can cause spontaneous rupture
of the liver, but this single case hardly suffices to prove that
such is the case ( Giornale de Anatomia Fisiologia e Pato-
logia di Animate , Pisa, 1879).

How Displacement of the Third Phalanx is produced in

SYNOPSIS OF CONTINENTAL VETERINARY JOURNALS. 151

Chronic Laminitis , and also national Treatment based on this
Theory , by M. G. Fogliata. — The author considers as erro¬
neous the prevalent idea that the gradual displacement of os
pedis is produced by a mass of newly-formed horn inter¬
posed between horny and sensitive laminae. He thinks that
this is not the order of things. It is not that the horny tumour
forces os pedis out of place, but the reverse. Inflammation
has destroyed, to a certain degree, the intimate union of
horny and sensitive laminae, and os pedis, not being soundly
supported, alters its position, and consequently new horn
forms between the tissues. The horny tumour is the effect
not the cause of separation. But why does the bone
alter its position ? M. Fogliata insists that the bone does
not descend ; strictly, it simply undergoes rotation on its
transverse axis ; the toe of the bone only descends, while the
basilar and retrossal processes rise. This being allowed, we
can see that a certain rearrangement of the bony rays of the
limb (phalanges and metacarpals or metatarsals, as the case
may be) tends to bring the weight of the body on the coronal
process to a considerable degree, correspondingly relieving
the remainder of the articular surface of the third phalanx.
Os pedis being unsupported, therefore, yields to this tendency
to rotatory movement. The next question is, What could
prevent this ? Extensor pedis could do so, but that muscle,
powerful as it is, cannot be compared with the flexor perfo-
rans, which is of greater volume and singularly favorably
inserted. While these conditions are combining to bring
about displacement, the inflammation which has led to sepa¬
ration of the horny and sensitive laminae ensures a secondary
and serious condition — the formation of the horn tumour.

The author thus attributes the greater number of these
effects to the action of the perforans, and suggests a remedy,
plantar tenotomy. He has made some experiments which
confirm the value of this method, and recommends it to his
brother professionals as w^ell worth a trial, considering the
uselessness of other means {ibid) .

On Tetanus, by Dr.MoLLER. — Billroth having expressed an
opinion that tetanus is perhaps a blood disease, Dr. Moller
determined to try some transfusion experiments with the
blood of a tetanic animal. These experiments, five in
number, were made at the Berlin Veterinary School. Trans¬
fusion was made from horse to horse of defibrinated blood,
in quantity varying from 300 to 500 grammes. This was
done by means of a Pravaz syringe of large size, capable of
containing 500 grammes of blood, with a strong, perforated,
sharp nozzle, 1*5 mm. to £‘5 mm. in diameter, with an

152 SYNOPSIS OF CONTINENTAL VETERINARY JOURNALS.

equally large opening externally. The canula was intro¬
duced, without difficulty, into the jugular or other large
vein, escape of blood through the needle serving to indicate
that it had penetrated the vessel. This syringe is very
useful for intra-venous injection of remedial agents, for which
use Dr. Moller had it constructed. He considers it has great
advantages over other methods proposed for the same pur¬
pose, and especially notices that Helper’s apparatus is rather
difficult to use in practice. In all cases, shortly after the
transfusion of tetanic blood, the animal experimented upon
exhibited a very marked rise in temperature, accompanied by
violent muscular twitchings in all parts of the body. When
the case of tetanus was a chronic one — that is to say unac¬
companied by fever — the elevation of temperature was more
gradual, less marked, and less persistent than when the
tetanus was acute and accompanied by fever. In the former
the elevation of temperature, on an average, was 2° or 3° C.
at the end of seven or eight hours, and twenty-four hours
after the operation the body had regained its normal tem¬
perature. Two horses before the operation gave readings of
§8*8° and 38’4°; after receiving the blood of a patient suffering
from acute tetanus in half an hour these had risen to 40*2°
and 40T° respectively ; the maximum readings (41° and 4T2°)
were attained after five or six hours, and the normal resumed
only after forty-eight hours. It is as well to note that the
former of these animals, before transfusion, had an amount
of blood equal to that injected removed by bleeding. This
precaution was not adopted with the other. Also, in neither
of the cases was there any extension of the first symptoms,
showing a true tetanus. The same syringe was used for
injection of chloral hydrate into the veins of tetanic horses,
but the results were generally unsatisfactory. With doses
of 100 to 125 grammes relaxation of the muscles almost in¬
variably occurred, but after a state of narcotism, which
lasted about four or five hours, the spasms again appeared,
often with increased intensity, and the animals, falling
down, were generally most violently agitated. On the other
hand, chloral hydrate given en lavement gave good results,
as seems from the observations of M. G. Hartmannn
( Monatschrift des f. Ver der Th. in Oesterreich, I, No. 4) on
two cases of cure by this method, after persistence for
twenty-one days in one case and fourteen in the other, the
agent being given in daily doses of from three to twenty-
four grammes (about 3ij — 3vj) in 500 to 1500 grammes of
water, and administered many times ( Archiv f. Wiss. und
Prakt. Thierheilhunde).

SYNOPSIS OP CONTINENTAL VETERINARY JOURNALS. 153

The Effects of Food devoid of Calcareous Matter on
the Nutrition of Bones. By MM. G. & C. Voit.
— In experiments undertaken to elucidate this important
question the authors determined the amount of lime con¬
tained in the food and that expelled in the excrements.
Also they experimented sometimes with young and still
growing animals, and sometimes with adult fully-grown
subjects. Two different conclusions were found to be
possible : — (1) the organs and fluids requiring the quantity of
lime salts necessary to them removed it from the bony tissue ;
thus, while the rest of the economy remained in its physio¬
logically efficient state the hones became diseased ; (2) or
else the bony tissue retaining the calcareous matter with
more energy than the other organs, death occurred before the
skeleton had undergone any appreciable change. These
being the possibilities, MM. Voit obtained the following
results : — Young animals with imperfectly formed skeleton
suffer more from deprivation of lime than adults, and directly
in proportion to their size. Young dogs, fed exclusively on
fat and flesh, became excessively rachitic, without any other
modification of the general nutrition ; the muscles exhibited
a normal development, and the fatty tissue was regularly
distributed and abundant. The disease consisted in an in¬
flammation of the parts of the bones in which growth
occurs, and especially in the most freely movable rays of
the lime. A similar process occurs, even though the aliment
contains sufficient lime, when, from any cause, such as dis¬
turbance of digestion or use of too great quantities of princi¬
ples tending to increase the amount of excrements, a small
proportion only of the lime in the food is absorbed. Of
two adult pigeons of the same age, one was fed with grains
of washed wheat and distilled water, the other with wheat
grains and ordinary water rich in lime salts. At the end of
the year no difference, either in the nutritive state of the
body or in the weight, was perceptible; but some months
afterwards the former had a fracture of the wing bone, with¬
out having wasted away nor presented the least sign of ill-
health. Autopsy showed very advanced osteoporosis, but
no rachitis. The bones in general were affected, but es¬
pecially those almost or totally immovable. The same
result has been obtained by Chossat in his celebrated ex¬
periments, he having found the bones of the cranium and
the sternum in the condition of very thin layers, rendered
sieve-like by openings. Lehmann has made certain re¬
searches on the same subject. He found that a young pig,
fed for 126 days solely on potatoes, became affected with

154 SYNOPSIS OF CONTINENTAL VETERINARY JOURNALS.

rachitis, whilst other pigs of the same litter, who, besides
potatoes, received powder of lye, meat, and phosphates,
had a normally developed skeleton. Among these latter
were some differences nevertheless. Those fed with potassic
phosphate had bones more porous and less dense than those
who received, besides potassic phosphate, phosphate and
carbonate of lime (Amth. Bericht d. 50 verslg. Deutsch
Naturf, & c.).

On the Influence of the Fumes of Metallic Works on the
Production of Tuberculosis and Rachitis in Cattle. By
Haubner. — In the neighbourhood of the metal foundries
of Freiberg cattle are affected with diseases of the osseous
tissue — rachitis in growing stock, oteoporosis in older ani¬
mals, especially in milch cows, from whom large quantities
of lime and phosphoric acid pass in the milk. The herbage
here is remarkable for an abnormal richness in acids, whilst
in the ash acid sulphates replace basic carbonates. Besides
sulphuric acid, the fumes of the foundries contain arsenic,
lead, and zinc. The form of tuberculosis observed in the
cattle is not the ordinary, it is confined to the lungs, and
the author attributes it to the dust of arsenic, zinc, and lead,
which, spread over the herbage, during feeding penetrates the
respiratory passages. The diseases of hone result from in¬
sufficient consumption of lime, and from excessive loss of
phosphate of lime resulting from an acid diet. In addition
all the organism is acidified, the contents of the first three
stomachs and of the intestine, the marrow of bones, the
saliva, and the urine have an acid reaction; besides, the
urine contains a very large amount of phosphate of lime.
Since these facts have been proved measures have been
taken to prevent dispersion of sulphuric acid in the air, and
the above-mentioned disorders seldom claim victims ( Cen -
tralblatt fur Agriculturchemie, vi, 9).

On Pneumonia in the Bovine Species, by Dr. Anacker. —
The question whether cattle suffer from a non-contagious
sporadic form of pneumonia having been recently raised,
Anacker considers that after the number of- cases cited in
support of this possibility there can be no question of the
matter. He cites the latest instance observed by him tend¬
ing to support the observations which he has already col¬
lected upon this subject. Last spring he was officially
informed of the opening of a cow slaughtered in the abattoir
in which had been noted the characteristic marbled appear¬
ance of the lung of pleuro-pneumonic zymotica or peripneu¬
monia. He visited the establishment of the seller of this
beast, who had had her in his possession for more than a year,

SYNOPSIS OF CONTINENTAL VETERINARY JOURNALS. 155

but could not there observe the slightest trace of peripneu¬
monia, all the cows being in a state of perfect health and
remaining so. Before this, in 1865, in the Magazin fur
Thierheilkunde , Schmidt had described a disease affecting
two cows in a shed, without any of the other beasts standing
with them becoming in the slightest degree indisposed,
when, except in this important peculiarity, the description
given was that of epizootic pleuro-pneumonia. Similar facts
were published afterwards by Eberhard, Schmetz, Harting,
Pauli, &c. Thus Spinola’s opinion that marble-like hepati-
sation of the lung is not a pathognomonic sign of epizootic
pneumonia is confirmed. The differential diagnosis of these
two disorders is surrounded with difficulties ; very frequently
they are confounded in spite of every care. Generally,
however, in simple pneumonia only a single case occurs in
an establishment, and the disease is not transmitted to the
other head of cattle. The affection is an acute, pure, re¬
gular inflammation of the lungs, and at the end of some
days the percussion and auscultation determine the presence
of hepatisation. At autopsy, instead of thrombosis of the
pulmonary arteries, such as we see in epizootic pleuro-pneu-
monia, and instead of copious infiltration of a yellow colour
and gelatinous appearance of the interlobular areolar tissue,
and often puckering of that tissue, and the marked
variation in colour of the different consolidated portions,
some days after the commencement we find in simple pneu¬
monia hepatisation everywhere in the same stage, extending
continuously through the lung tissue without the sharp
demarcation between healthy parenchyma and that which
has undergone morbid changes. Also, it is important to
note the presence of cellular infiltration of the pulmonary
air cells. Degeneration of pulmonary parenchyma and exu¬
dations never in this case attain the considerable bulk which
they do in pleuro-pneumonia zymotica.

Gerlach considers the marbled hepatisation character¬
istic of epizootic pleuro-pneumonia, when it is accompanied
by an exudate coagulated in the interlobular areolar tissue
around the differently coloured pulmonary lobules, whether
these contain air or not. The affected portion of lung is
increased in volume and weight, and has lost its elasticity.
Besides epizootic pleuro-pneumonia, Gerlach allows the
occurrence in bovines of a metastatic pneumonia, a pneu¬
monia due to foreign bodies, a traumatic pneumonia, and a
tuberculous pneumonia. In none of them is marbled hepa¬
tisation to be met with. The following case, related by M.
Saur in the Repertorium der Thierheilkunde (1878, 4me

156 SYNOPSIS OF CONTINENTAL VETERINARY JOURNALS.

fasc.), does not tend to support this opinion : — A cow has
for some days been off her feed. She has a dull, painful
cough ; the respiration is laboured and abdominal ; an
abundant discharge collects around the nostrils ; there is pain
on pressure of the intercostal spaces. On percussion of the
right side a dull, feeble sound is recognisable, with firm
resistance of the parts ; normal resonance in some parts of
the lung. Auscultation confirms the results from per¬
cussion. Pulse, 50 per minute ; temperature of the surface
variable and irregularly diffused. Diagnosis. — Interstitial
pneumonia involving a considerable portion of the lung.
The cow is slaughtered, and, on autopsy, exhibits the same
lesions as are found in pleuro-pneumonia contagiosa. Never¬
theless of six other cows in the same stable none showed
the slightest symptom of disease 55 ( Der Thierarzt , No. 1).

We have lately received from Professor Edoardo Per-
roncito, who occupies the chair of veterinary medicine at
the University of Turin, copies of certain papers communi¬
cated by him to the Annals of the Agricultural Academy of
Turin, as well as his 1879 introductory address on the
Parasites of Man. These papers on (C Tuberculosis in its
Relations to Social and Rural Economy,” on u Grandine or
Panicatura (cestode tuberculosis) in Man and other Animals,”
“ On Progressive Muscular Atrophy in a Calf,” “ Epizootic
Typhoid of Fowls,” and “ Tcenia alba,” & c., serve to assure
us of the good scientific work which is being done by the
author. His observations of the typhoid disease of fowls are
most interesting. His paper on this subject was read in 1878,
and the remarkable results obtained by Perroncito are men¬
tioned in the paper on “ Typhoid Fever of the Pig and Typhus
of Fowls,” by M. Megnin, in the Recueil de Medecine Veteri-
naire for 15th January, 1880. “ Finally, since 1876 I have

many times observed and studied typhus in the bodies of fowls
which have been sent to one of my friends, director of the
journal known as U Acclimation, by the subscribers of the
said journal, who are mostly agriculturists. I have been thus
able to verify the exactness of the descriptions of Professor
Perroncito, of Turin, and especially to confirm the discovery
which he made in 1878 in his memoire (the one before us),
which for the first time describes and figures the micro¬
coccus or microbium which is the intimate cause of typhus
of fowls, and by multiplying in the blood of affected birds
soon renders that fluid unfit to support life.”

Megnin inserts the figure of the micrococcus after Perron¬
cito, and contrasts it with the Bacteria of “ charbon ” and
of " typhoid of the pig.” In the same number of the same

SYNOPSIS OF CONTINENTAL VETERINARY JOURNALS. 157

journal, under the heading “ Scientific Chat — Trichinosis
in Italy and America,” we learn some of the more recent
doings of the Turin professor. The Abeille Medicate ,
26th May, 1879, contained the translation of an article
from the Boston Journal of Medicine and Surgery in
which were related some experiments made at Chicago on
trichinosis. The results are so remarkable that, if the names
of medical professors had not been given in connection, we
might well ask whether all the inquiry is serious. Thus,
they conclude that men can periodically consume Trichinae
without inconvenience. This explains why, without com¬
punction, the new world exports into Europe and Asia its
poisonous products, which in our latitude have by no means
the innocent characters which they have on the other side
of the Atlantic Ocean. To prove his statements. Dr. Bel-
field, more courageous even than our undoubtedly bold col¬
league M. Decroix, consumed a dozen living Trichinae, which
three weeks after ingestion had not interfered with his
health. It is right to add that the journal does not give
the end of the trial ; perhaps the Trichinae began to manifest
their effects when the bearer began to congratulate himself
on having become accustomed to their presence. The
Americans find it especially interesting to them, and this
appears to be substantiated, that a very small quantity of
sulphuric acid, mixed in the vessel in which the pork is
kept, suffices to destroy the helminths without injuring the
meat. The Yankees are so surprising that we must ask
ourselves whether they imagine that because one of them
has been pleased to infest himself with Trichinae, and has
seemed to suffer no inconvenience, it will make us forget
what has occurred in Germany, and especially at Dresden
and Madgebourg. M. Edward Perroncito, Professor of
Veterinary Medicine at the Turin University, has been for
several years occupied specially with this question. His
first researches date from 1876, when he observed trichinosis
in a dog under circumstances so singular as to deserve
mention. During the session of the Medical Congress
various amputations had been made on a dog by means of
the galvanic wire, among others of the tongue and of the
muscles of the thigh. M. Perroncito kept the subject alive
for six days, and then destroyed it. He then remarked on
the cut surfaces whitish points, which under the microscope
proved to be encysted Trichinae. In the month of January
last a large number of hams was received in Turin from
Cincinnati. M. Perroncito examined and found in them
very numerous Trichinae. The corporation was informed of

158 SYNOPSIS OF CONTINENTAL VETERINARY JOURNALS.

this, and on that very day ordered seizure of all meat of
American production We may well imagine what a sensa¬
tion this gave rise to ; thanks to the press, the news was so
diffused that in all towns American meat was seized, and
at Milan, Naples, Rome, Plaisance, Brescia, and Venice,
the presence of the nematodes in question was verified. The
Italian Government prohibited the introduction of all pork
from America, Egypt, Turkey, and Syria ; and a more
recent decree prohibits the introduction of all meat of foreign
raising. The Academy of Medicine of Turin, appreciating
the importance of the matter, named a commission to in¬
quire into it. This commission at its sittings proposed to
call the attention of all competent men to the subject, and
pointed out the direction into which researches in hospitals
ought to be directed, whether concerning sick persons suffer¬
ing from muscular disorders with fever, or in post-mortem
examinations. It commanded also the rigorous visitation of
all pork butchers’ establishments by competent persons. M.
Perroncito knowing, from his previous researches, that most
of the helminths die when they are in a medium in which the
thermometer rises to 50°, and remains at that height for five
minutes, then undertook a series of experiments with a
view of ascertaining the temperature which the interior of
certain portions of meat submitted to a more or less pro¬
longed boiling attains. These experiments were tried with
fourteen pieces (veal, beef, ham, cheek, tongue, sausage,
salt pork), which were allowed to boil for about two hours,
sufficient to render them eatable, and the result was that
ordinary cooking raises the temperature throughout the
mass above the point essential for the destruction of the
helminths which occur in it. That may be, but it is necessary
to remember that all pork is not always sufficiently cooked.
This must, therefore, be taken with reserve, and not viewed
absolutely as a rule. Also certain foods are not boiled, but
fried, roasted, or grilled. Also, we must remember, that
Trichinse remain alive in dried or even putrefying flesh. The
undoubted value of M. Perroncito’s researches, with regard
to boiled flesh, must not make us forget those which Prof.
Colin undertook in 1868, of which we were personal wit¬
nesses. Our learned master will not, perhaps, deem it bad
taste in us to recall the fact that he let us, pupils of the
first year, roast a piece of trichinosed flesh. It was a
winter evening, and the fire was large and strong. A ther¬
mometer fixed in the middle of the mass gave it rather a
fantastic aspect; the gravy trickled down and browned;
we superintended the proceedings to the best of our ability,

SYNOPSIS OF CONTINENTAL VETERINARY JOURNALS. 159

but the fire and the odour combining, we were giving way
to sleep and dreams of Pantagruelin dishes, when a bell
reminded us of the reality, and the dinner which we found
in the refectory, as compared with the meat which we had
just left, made us imagine we had left the substance for the
shadow. But it was only apparently that we had undergone
the sufferings of Tantalus, for the following day, while still
assisting M. Colin in his researches, it was with great
satisfaction that we saw on the field of the microscope a
living trichina, which he had obtained from the middle of
the piece of pork which we had cooked, though this appeared
from the colour of its surface fit to satisfy the most delicate
palate without any danger. The superficial parts had been
cooked, but the heat had spared the parasites of the deeper
parts. M. Colin also cooked different joints and portions
of flesh, and he constantly obtained the same results,
the superficial layers being full of dead Trichinae, but on
cutting into the less cooked deeper layers he met the hel¬
minths in an active condition. A small quantity of this
meat given to moineaux killed them, and on autopsy free
Trichinae were found in their intestines. The Archives
Veterinaire in last March announced the appearance of
trichinosis in Seine-et-Oise. A Belgian journal recently an¬
nounced that at Anvers Trichinae have been found in Ameri¬
can pork. The parasite, then, from day to day is invading
Prance more and more, and attention should be drawn to
this question, so important in its relations to public hygiene,
for America exports these meats in large, and therefore dis¬
quieting, quantities (H. Benjamin).

On Leuccemia in Domesticated Animals , by Professor O.
Siedamgrotzky, from Pfluger’ s Vortrage fur Thierarzte. —
Leucaemia consists in an increase in number of the plastic
and colourless elements of the blood with a relative diminu¬
tion in the number of red globules. It is due to a hyper¬
plasia of the blood-making organs, that is to say, of the
spleen, lymphatic glands, and marrow of bones. Also, ac¬
cording as the hyperplasia involves one or other of these
organs, which are considered as the seat of production of the
formed elements of the blood, we can distinguish a splenic,
lymphatic, or myelitic form of the leucaemia. This distinc¬
tion is rather based on autopsy than on diagnosis, for it is
generally difficult to recognise the special form present in
any case under observation. Comparison of our different
domesticated animals with regard to their liability to become
affected with this disorder, has shown that most cases occur
in the dog and cat ; that they are much less numerous in

160 SYNOPSIS OF CONTINENTAL VETERINARY JOURNALS.

horses, pigs, and cattle, that of the latter females are the
most subject ; that sheep and goats seem to be absolutely
exempt from it ; lastly, that it is in middle and advanced
age that predisposition to it is most marked. The cause of
the disease is profoundly obscure, and the relation which in
some cases seems to exist between its appearance and a
condition of injury, must be considered simply as one of
coincidence. The pathological alterations consist, then, in
augmentation of the number of white blood-corpuscles in
proportion to the red, they being 1 to 10 or 20. All the
blood-making organs are hypertrophied, especially the spleen,
all of whose elements contribute to the increase in volume.
The true hyperplasia of this organ is probably the result of
a prolonged hyperaeniia, and according to the stage of disease
the organ is soft and distended with blood, or firmer, and
containing less blood. This hypertrophied organ generally
preserves its normal form, but its margins become rounded,
and its surfaces rough from the thickening of its fibrous
capsule. Its increased consistency makes it something like
liver substance, and the splenic tissue on section appears
granular. The cut surface is always dry, of a pale red or
uniformly bluish tint, and sometimes the enlarged Malpig¬
hian corpuscles, having acquired the size of a pea, are pro¬
jecting from the pulp substance. The stroma gradually
contracts and forms thick trabeculae extending from the
equally thick spleen capsule ; sometimes haemorrhagic
patches are present. The microscope enables us still to
recognise the normal spleen elements, but the reticulated
tissue is thickened and nodose near the haemorrhagic
patches. The fusiform cells which are often met with show
also the presence of a cellular hyperplasia of the areolar
stroma. The lymphatic glands sometimes, though rarely in
domesticated animals, become by their liyperplasy the origin
of leucaemia, and then either all or some of them become
enlarged and rounded. Their substance appears against
their smooth and distended envelopes, and becomes very
prominent on sections. The marrow, as well of long
as of spongy bones, is the seat of similar changes, and
assumes the characters of embryonic tissue. In conse¬
quence of the invasion of leucaemic infiltration, other organs,
as the kidneys and the liver, may have their connective
tissue replaced by lymphoid tissue. The author has met
with such infiltrations of the walls of the vessels and of the
mucous canals. They commence in the submucous areolar
tissue, and there form a soft layer, indefinitely extended, of
reddish-grey embryonic tissue. The symptoms of the dis-

CASE OF TUMOUR OF SPLEEN.

161

ease at its first appearance in domesticated animals are un¬
known ; but later on leucaemia, in spite of retention of the
full appetite, produces gradual wasting, palor of visible
mucous membrane, slight acceleration of pulse, debility, in
fact, all the symptoms of impoverishment of the blood. At
the same time the spleen and lymphatic glands increase in
size. But observation of the blood of the living animal
proves the best means of diagnosis. Death occurs at a
period varying from three weeks to five months. None of
the therapeutic methods noticed by the author have been
proved to be useful.

CASE OF TUMOUR OF SPLEEN.

By Harold Leeney, M.R.C.Y.S., Brighton. Examined
and reported on by John Henry Steel.

On Monday, January 26th, received from Harold Leeney,
M.R.C.V.S., of Brighton, a tumour from the abdominal
cavity of a bull-terrier bitch with the accompanying history :
— “ The patient was an aged animal, supposed to be pregnant,
her abdomen being inconveniently large, and so causing her
to appear ‘ rather disposed to a razor back,’ though she was
fairly fat. She was in good condition, having been accustomed
to take a good deal of exercise on her own account, having
been several times taken into custody when on a poaching ex¬
pedition. She had never been observed to be out of health.
There was no difficulty in detecting the tumour during life.
At the time the animal came to me I observed an enlarge¬
ment under the jaw, just such a one as we often see resulting
from a fight, and on opening it I found genuine pus and
nothing more. I had had a case of tuberculosis in a mastiff
belonging to the same individual shortly before. I dia¬
gnosed the case as one of ovarian tumour.”

The specimen was about five inches long by four wide,
and three thick, and weighed a little over one pound and three
quarters (with the appended portion of spleen), somewhat
ovoid, apparently cystic and multilocular, having part of the
great omentum appended to it, and a considerable portion
of spleen directly continuous with its substance. On
section it was found to consist of straw-coloured deposits
in the parts nearest to the spleen substance, but on the
farthest side of recent accumulations of coagulated blood.
Evidently the tumour consists essentially of a number of
blood-clots distending the natural venous sinuses and inter-

162 HIGHLAND AND AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY’S CERTIFICATES.

trabecular spaces of the spleen. The straw-coloured parts
seem as if the result of extravasation some short time before,
but the red parts are evidently quite recent and serve to
illustrate the true nature of the mass. This seems to
account for the fact that the appended portion of spleen is
quite healthy, which also proves the absence of lymphadeno-
matous or tuberculous conditions. The submaxillary abscess
is doubtless attributed to its true cause. The simple nature
of the tumour also accounts for the general health of the
animal, though we cannot help suspecting she had felt
internal disorder without exhibiting any appreciable sym¬
ptoms. With regard to Mr. Leeney’s diagnosis, we think it
as exact as most of us would be able to give under the cir¬
cumstances. The abdominal tumour was present and such
in old bitches are generally ovarian, besides which diseased
conditions of the spleen are few and far between. We
believe Mr. Leeney, therefore, has afforded us a specimen of
the highest pathological interest.

NOTE ON THE RECENT ADMISSION OF MEM¬
BERS HOLDING THE HIGHLAND AND AGRI¬
CULTURAL SOCIETY'S CERTIFICATE.

Royal Veterinary College.

Gentlemen, — Mr. McGillivray, of Banff, in the February
number of the Veterinary Journal , is so good as to draw
attention to the fact that, in my recent paper on “ Veteri¬
nary Science in America," I have not acknowledged to
Messrs. J. A. Going and E. P. Lyman their recent qualifi¬
cation of M.R.C.V.S. Will you allow me through your
pages to express my apologies to those gentlemen, and to
explain to them that my paper was contributed to your
December number, but excluded for want of space. In that
number we received the first official announcement that
they have become members of the Royal College of Veteri¬
nary Surgeons. By inserting this you will oblige.

Yours sincerely,

John Henry Steel.

163

ON PLANTS IN RELATION TO ANIMALS.

By Professor James Buckman, F.G.S., F.L.S., &c.

(Continued from p. 97.)

The next family of plants to occupy our attention will be
that to which the name of Crucifera has been given.

The Crucifera or cross-bearing order of plants is readily
distinguished from all others by the peculiar arrangement of
its floral envelopes united with a form of stamens which
would appear to be confined to it.

Thus the sepals consist of four distinct leaves and alter¬
nating with these are four distinct petals arranged cross¬
wise. The stamens are four longer and two shorter ones
= 6.

According to Bentham* the “ Crucifer Family ” consists
of herbs, or rarely undershrubs, with alternate leaves and
no stipules ; the flowers in terminal racemes, which are
generally very short or reduced to a corymb when the flow¬
ering commences, but lengthen out as it advances. Sepals
4, petals 4, equal, or two on the outer side larger. Stamens
6, of which two are generally shorter or rarely deficient.
Ovary solitary two-celled. Style single, often very short or
almost none, with a thin partition, from which the valves
generally separate at maturity ; or, in a few genera, the pod
is one-celled or indehiscent, or separates transversely into
several joints. Seeds without albumen attached, in each
cell, alternately, to the right and left edges of the partition.

An extensive and very natural family, widely spread over
the globe, but chiefly in the northern hemisphere ; scarce
within the tropics, and in some districts entirely unknown.
The number of sepals, petals, and stamens readily distinguish
Crucifers from all other British plants, but the discrimination
of the numerous genera into which they are distributed is a
much more difficult task.

The characters are necessarily derived chiefly from the
pod and the seed, and are often very minute. It is therefore
absolutely necessary, in order to name a crucifer to have the
specimen in fruit, and to examine the seed it must be ripe ;
it should then be soaked and the outer coating carefully
taken off, in order to lay bare the embryo, and observe the
position of the radicle on the cotyledons, which is now con¬
sidered as the most essential among the generic characters.

* See ‘ Illustrated Handbook of the British Flora,’ vol. i, p. 38.

164

ON PLANTS IN RELATION TO ANIMALS.

A few terms specially made use of in describing plants of
this family may require some explanation.

The calyx is said to be bisaccate when two of the sepals a
little outside the two others, are broader at the base, forming
little protuberances or pouches. The pod is termed a siliqua
or siliquose when linear, at least three or four times as long
as broad ; and a lomentum or lomentose when it does not
open in valves.

The nerves on the pod, often used as a generic character,
can be best seen on dried specimens ; they are even some¬
times quite imperceptible on the fresh pod. The seeds are
said to be in one row when, from thp narrowness of the pod
or the length of the seed-stalk, they occupy the centre of
the cell, the two rows being, as it were, blended into one, or
in two rows , when the two rows are distinct without over¬
lapping each other.

In the embryo, the radicle is said to be accumbent when
it is bent down on the edge of the cotyledons, incumbent
when bent over the back of one of them ; in the latter case
the cotyledons are either flat or conduplicate , that is, folded
longitudinally over the radicle.

It must be admitted, however, that, notwithstanding all
these nice distinctions, the genera of Crucifers , as at present
defined, are often as artificial as they are difficult.

Different authors divide the Crucifera into various groups
but for our purpose it will be sufficient to adopt the old
Linniean divisions of Siliquosa — long-podded and Siliqulosci
— with a short pod or a pouch. Of course the order in this
system would be tetradynamia in reference to the arrange¬
ment of the stamens but we prefer the term Cruciferse or
cross bearers.

Upon these plants then we shall for the present confine
our remarks to the following.

Genus — BRASSICA = Cabbage Tribe.

“Fruit a siliqua, usually four times as long as broad,
sub-cylindrical or linear (except in some of the species of
Nasturtium), not divided by transverse partitions, opening
when ripe by two valves, which split away from the
replum.”*

It is now the custom to unite the mustards and cabbage
in the same genus, adopting the plan of sub-genera thus :

Sub-genus I. — SINAPIS Linn.

Sepals spreading, glabrous. Seeds sub-globular, arranged
in a single row down the middle of each cell of the pod.

* Sowerby’s ‘English Botany,’ new edition, vol. i, p. 123.

ON PLANTS IN RELATION TO ANIMALS.

165

Sub-genus II. — EU-BRASSICA.

Sepals erect, glabrous. Seeds sub-globular, arranged in
a single row down the middle of the pod.

Of the mustard division we have the three following im¬
portant species :

1. Brassica Sinapistrum (Sinapis arvensis, Linn.). Char¬
lock mustard.

2. B. alba (Sinapis alba, Linn.). White mustard.

3. B. nigra (Sinapis nigra, Linn.). Black mustard.

1. The Charlock is well known as a disagreeable weed,
which for the last two wet seasons the farmer has found it
next to impossible to exterminate. It is, however, no bad
pot-herb, and from our own experience with the young shoots
of Charlock boiled and eaten as greens, we have found them
to be very agreeable and wholesome. Whenever the heads
are so taken off, it prevents the full seeding of the plants;
and therefore the operation is very desirable, even if not
used as food ; and for this purpose we know of no better
implement than the Norwegian “ Koldmoos weeder,” which
we used last year with very marked effect.

When the plant seeds in a crop, the cavings should be
very carefully looked after ; it is better by far to burn the
whole of them than to run the risk of a further propagation
of the pest. There are, however, not wanting purchasers
for the seed of the Charlock ; but farmers should refuse to
sell it, as the object of the purchasers is either to use the
seed for the dilution of turnip seed, or to crush it with rape
or other seed cakes, in which state it is highly deleterious
to the cattle which partake of it.

2. The white mustard is well known as a salad-herb. It
is also grown for its seeds to form the condiment known as
mustard. In some districts it is largely grown as a green
food for sheep, and sometimes indeed it may be grown to a good
size, to be ploughed in as a soiling manure. It is probably
in this way that white mustard has got to track agrarian
fields ; for it is doubtful, though it is found here and there
in arable districts, whether it is really a true native.

3. The black mustard has a differently formed siliqua from
the others, as it is smallest and more or less quandrangular.
It is a common form by rivers and water-courses, and it is
supposed that the grand black mustard plants on the Severn
yielded the seeds, which, mixed with other sorts, gave the
peculiar pungency referred to in the Shakespearian line,

LIU.

“ As hot as Tewkesbury Mustard.”

12

166 ON PLANTS IN RELATION TO ANIMALS.

4

It is sometimes a common agrarian weed, but one that is
liable to great changes ; as an example, we would refer to
the fact that some eighteen years since, when we entered
upon our present farm, S. nigra was one of the commonest of
weeds. Now, however, it would be difficult to find a specimen ;
not so the S. arvensis , which is to be met with everywhere.

Of the true cabbage division, we shall refer to the follow¬
ing :

1. Brassica oleracea.—WM cabbage.

2. Brassica napus , vel campestris .* — Rape, navew, coleseed.

S. Brassica rapa.— -Turnip.

1. The wild cabbage is well known as a denizen of rocks
and rough ground about our sea-coasts, whence its small
heads were at one time obtained and cooked under the name
of “ colewort.” This, doubtless, caused some experimenters
to attempt- their growth as a garden esculent, with what
interest and success may be gathered from the now generally
recognised fact that cauliflowers, different kinds of cabbages,
such as the white and the extremely red sort used for pickling,
greens, &c., are all derivatives from the common wild species.
Our own experiments upon this subject prove conclusively
that all sorts of cabbage heads, greens, and broccoli, are
derived from the wild colewort ; for, having procured seeds
of the latter from the rocky sea-coast at Llandudno and sub¬
jected them to cultivation, we were surprised to find how
quickly we were enabled to select examples for carrying on
our amelioration or ennobling of the wild plant in various
directions, resulting in several new forms ; one of which, an
exceedingly hardy curled green, the seed of which can be
obtained of the Messrs. Sutton, of Reading, who speak of
it as follows :

“Buckman’s Hardy Winter Green. — A valuable va¬
riety, introduced by Professor Buckman. It is, perhaps,
the hardiest of all kales, and stands through the severest
winter; of excellent cooking qualities, and may be used
quite late in the spring.”*

Cabbages were no doubt at one time eaten raw and pro¬
bably as a salad with oil and vinegar. It is not generally
known that the different sorts of cabbage grown like mus¬
tard forms an agreeable and healthful small salad plant. It
is thus that we use up parcels of old seeds, of course gather¬
ing the produce when it has fully expanded the cotyledon
leaves, though in the different smooth-leaved sorts they are
not bad if advanced to their secondary leaves.

* See Sutton’s ‘Amateur’s Guide in Horticulture,’ for 1880, in which
this form is very well figured, p. 18, figured on page 6.

ON PLANTS IN RELATION TO ANIMALS.

167

Cabbage leaves form a good poultice for which they are
constantly used in the country. It is cultivated in the fields
as food for cattle and sheep.

2. Rape is well known also as a cattle food and the seeds
are used for the production of oil, the cake after the expres¬
sion of the oil being used as a cattle-feeding product under
the name of rape cake.

The Swedish turnip referred to under the name of Brassica
campestris is, we feel convinced, a hybrid formed from the
wild rape and the turnip in which its bulboid root may be
looked upon as andnduced result of cultivation and selection,
just as the kohl-rabbi may be considered as a cabbage with
an induced bulboid stem.

3. The common turnip is doubtless derived from some
form or other of wild Brassica, but in its present shape it
cannot be said to be a native of England ; the wildest shape
in which we meet with it is merely of a straggler about fields
where the root has been cultivated, in which case the bulboid
root portion is very small, nay sometimes nearly abrogated,
which is very different from some of the huge roots derived
from cultivation. This year we pulled some roots even after
the unfavourable root growth of 1879, as much as thirty-six
inches in circumference and weighing as much as thirty
pounds.

Turnip greens are with some a most agreeable vegetable
but being somewhat bitter are disliked by others, thus Kirke
White says

“ Maxmillian’s meal of turnip tops,

Disgusting food for dainty chops.”

The boiled roots are a favourite vegetable especially with
boiled mutton, mashed turnips also may be very advanta¬
geously employed as a poultice especially to painful swell¬
ings.

We thus see that in the Brassica allies we have an endless
series of plants which though undoubtedly dietetic can
hardly be looked upon as of medicinal value, still we have
no doubt that the endless variety which is made use of of
these as foodhave very considerably aided in almost banishing
from our midst those scorbutic complaints which at one time
were so general, hence then the members of this family of
plants are universally acknowledged to be as agreeable as
they are useful and salutary.

168

COUNTER-IRRITATION.

By Thomas Greaves, F.R.C.V.S., Manchester.

Since this subject was so ably introduced by Mr. Peter
Taylor, of Manchester, before the Liverpool Association, I
have given it a good deal of consideration, and wish to record
my thoughts while they are fresh in my mind. It is a sub¬
ject I have always taken a deep interest in, and have written
several papers upon it, which are recorded in the journals.
During my apprenticeship of six years I clipped scores, pro¬
bably hundreds, of horses’ sides, about sixteen or eighteen
inches square over each side, and blistered them well with
fly-blister ointment, the blister repeated for two or three
days ; in those days bleeding, too, was always resorted to in
pneumonia and in pleurisy. I have seen many horses recover
and many die under this treatment. Since my apprentice¬
ship, about 1840, we had a good deal of influenza prevailing,
and some of the cases gravitated into pneumonia ; many
died. I observed that nearly every one that was severely
blistered died ; as a consequence, blistering ceased to be a
favourite remedy, and got into disuse. Bleeding, too, about
this time, was becoming discarded by many eminent prac¬
titioners, both in human and in veterinary medicine. I
found my patients recovered in less time, the fever never
was so high, and I am quite satisfied my per centage of dead
ones was considerably less than it was when I resorted to
blistering almost indiscriminately. I do not now use three
pounds of mustard in twelve months to the sides. I am
quite aware that blistering, or what is called counter-irrita¬
tion, is still practised by some eminent practitioners. Some
of my nearest and dearest friends — gentlemen whose judg¬
ment and intelligence I hold in the highest possible esteem
— I am well assured that they hold their opinions conscien¬
tiously, and that they are the outcome of experience and
habit; they have recourse to the application of mustard to
the sides early in the attack, and estimate at a very high
value the infiltration produced in the cellular membrane
— the more the better. I once held these opinions,
although I have always failed to see sound reason in them ;
but I have since then seen in hundreds, probably in
thousands of instances, disease in the lungs accompanied
with greatly accelerated breathing and quickened pulse
subside without the slightest counter-irritation to the sides.

COUNTER-IRRITATION.

169

In some cases I do use a little stimulating liniment to
the sides early in the complaint. I use it as the late Mr.
John Lawson did, as a diffusible stimulant, to rouse the
dormant vital powers into action, cause the horse to move
about, and disperse the congestion which seemed to be
threatening the lungs. I am a full believer in this treat¬
ment, administering, at the same time, a diffusible stimulant
internally, and applying rugs wrung out of half-scalding
water over the thorax.

I am of opinion — and I give this opinion deliberately as
the result of pretty long and large experience — that where
we have enormously swollen lobes of the lungs, heavy and
consolidated, that counter-irritation, however severe and how¬
ever often applied, cannot possibly have any beneficial effect
whatever upon the disease, and in those cases where engorge¬
ment has not taken place, where there is simply a loss of re¬
siliency in the lungs, counter-irritation is quite unnecessary ;
its tendency is to make a horse feel ill, and be ill, and cause
an accelerated pulse, increase of fever, and prostration ; it has
a mysterious action on the nervous system, and through it
disarranging the sensitive and delicate functions of every
part of the organism.

I look upon a horse suffering under a painful disease just
as the late Mr. John Lawson did when he said “ The horse
is a funky animal ; he soon gives up ; he cannot stand much
suffering ;,} and I believe severe extensive blistering pro¬
duces, in the first place, a shock to the whole system,
especially to the nervous system ; then the pain, suffering,
and torture he endures reduces his vitality ; it exhausts
his physical energy and seems to rob him of his very life,
and often contributes materially to increase the degree of
fever and affect the whole system, produces a state of sinking,
and often accelerates a fatal termination. I remember being
called in by a friend of mine, a veterinary surgeon; he was
laid up in bed with a severe cold ; he said, “ I have been up
three days and nights with my horse ; I do not think you
can do him any good ; I think he is sure to die, but do what
you can for him; he is a high-priced horse. ’ I found the
counter-irritation had been employed extensively and
severely ; skin and hair all sloughing off to a considerable
extent, on both sides ; setons over ribs, on both sides, and
breast. The horse was blowing; pulse 96; loathing all food,
&c. The opinion I formed was that there was greater
disease externally than internally. I at once removed the
setons, gently cleaned off as much as possible of the blister ;
the patient was relieved, the pulse and every bad symptom

170

COUNTER- IRRITATION.

presently subsided, and the case recovered. I have no hesi¬
tation whatever in saying, had the former treatment been
continued a little longer, the horse must inevitably have
succumbed.

I am not for one moment questioning the fact that there
are some unhealthy subjects with bad stamina in them, or
some chronic disease on them. When they become attacked
the disease will go on from bad to worse until they die,
whether we use counter-irritation or not ; nor need we be
surprised at this, for are we not told that “Two men shall
be labouring in the field — one shall be taken and the other
left ; two women shall be grinding at the mill — one shall be
taken and the other left but what I maintain is this, that
we give nature a much better chance to weather the storm
and recruit her shattered energies if we save her the torture
of adding to her suffering, which must inevitably accompany
severe and extensive counter-irritation, never forgetting this
great truth, that, in our struggle for life, the practitioner
who has the least per centage of recoveries is likely to go to
the wall, and vice versa .

Cool Air or Warm Air for Pneumonia or Congestion
of the Lungs . — Mr. Hopkins ably advocated warm, dry air
in cases of pneumonia in the horse. No man living has
greater reason to believe in warm, dry air than I have ; it
has saved my life over and over again in sudden attacks of
extreme difficulty of breathing. When I could scarcely inhale
a thimbleful of air into my lungs — when I have had to place
my mouth close to the fire, so as to inhale the heated rare¬
fied air — in a few minutes my lungs would relax, and in half
an hour I could breathe with ease and freedom. I have
thought, by parity of reasoning, that my horse patient must
be benefited in like manner. I have, on more than one
occasion, taken my patient, when suffering from an attack
of congestion of the lungs in its earliest stage, into a saddle
house, in which was a fire, and in which place a fire had
been burning for weeks, day and night. The air, as dry as
it could possibly be. I have tied my patient's head within
three and a half yards from the fire for three days and nights.
I carefully noted the number of respirations and pulsations
before he went in, and several times a day while in this
place ; but he did not experience the slightest benefit from
it. I have placed other patients suffering from confirmed
pneumonia in the same place with the like results. The
conclusion I have come to is that warm air is not suited to
the constitution of the horse when affected with either con¬
gestion of the lungs, pneumonia, or bronchitis. I am in

PRACTICAL HINTS ON STABLE MANAGEMENT IN INDIA. 171

favour of fires in stables during wet, damp seasons ; it has a
beneficial effect in keeping stables healthy ; but my experience,
in hundreds and hundreds of cases, is that cool air is natural
to the horse, and when the air passages are in an irritable
state, whether as result of congestion, spasmodic action,
inability in the lung tissue, or loss of resiliency, or pneu¬
monia, and that breathing cold air is the finest sedative we can
employ ; it goes direct to the tissues affected. Cold air
contains more oxygen than warm air does ; it oxygenates
and revivifies the blood more effectually. The legs and
whole system keeps warm. Yes, tie the horse’s head to the
door, instead of allowing him to get his head stuck in a
corner, and breathing the same air over and over again.
The practitioner that does not adopt this method is depriving
his patient of that which is an influence for good greater
than all his other remedies put together. On this point I
have fully convinced myself, but on the question of counter¬
irritation I do not pretend to solve that problem. We see
plenty of horses die when this system is adopted, and they
die also when it is omitted. Are we not told that man is
born to die ? Yes, my friends, we must leave it — leave it to
Him to whom “ a thousand years are but as one day, and
one day as a thousand years.”

PRACTICAL HINTS ON STABLE MANAGEMENT

IN INDIA.

A Second Edition, revised and enlarged, of a Lecture written
by J. B. W. Skoulding, Veterinary Surgeon First
Class, Royal Horse Artillery, the prototype having
been written and delivered by him when in charge of
B. F. R. H. A. at Campbellpore, in November, 1875.
Meerut, 1878.

[Continued from p. 101.)

b. Cleanliness .— W e will now suppose ourselves to be placed
in charge of suitable and properly-ventilated stables, and at
once determine to use every means in our power to keep them
pure and healthy ; to this end we employ the second agent on
our list, viz. “ cleanliness,” knowing it to be a most powerful
factor in the preservation of health, whether of man or ani¬
mals, and that the want of it becomes the active coadjutor of

172 PRACTICAL HINTS ON STABLE MANAGEMENT IN INDIA.

either excessive atmospheric heat, cold, or dampness in the pro¬
duction of disease. Nor do I fail to remember that numerous
valuable animals are sacrificed yearly through inattention to, or
blind neglect of, this powerful accessory for good or evil in
stable management, and would therefore show that it is im¬
peratively incumbent on all who are in charge of stables
or lines to pay the strictest attention to this part of their duty,
and equally so whether the occupants of these lines number
one or a hundred.

Stable utensils. — The utensils required for the cleaning of
stables and lines are :

I. — Some hand baskets in which to carry away the dung and
to bring fresh earth. (Barrows for this purpose wTould be much
more useful, and would save time and labour.)

II. — A small iron scraper, for scraping the floors when soiled
only.

III. — A kodallie, a pick, or a shovel, with wrhich to dig them
up entirely wrhen sufficiently dirty to require it, a state of things
that should never be allowed to occur.

IY. — A taper, or w'ooden mallet, or a hammer, to level and
beat dowrn the floor with (such being the custom in troop stables),
though a flooring of loose earth entirely, if not damp, is, I think,
far better for horses to stand or lie on, but would prefer a pro¬
perly constructed concrete floor to any.

Y. — Some earthen or iron vessels to hold about a gallon, in
which to catch the urine as it falls ; this may seem superfluous,
but it saves labour by assisting to keep the floor dry, and horses
accustomed to their use will wait to stale till the syce brings the
urine bucket to them.

YI. — A long broom (or a bamboo with matting at the end),
wherewith to sweep the walls and ceilings.

With these implements for use no excuse should be accepted
for dung, urine, soiled earth, or dirt of any kind being left
in the stables or lines.

Perfect cleanliness in all stables, so far as applies to the
interior of the buildings, will be ensured by strictly carrying out
the following simple details :

Bedding. — Every morning (weather permitting) the bedding
straw should be taken outside of the stables, and there spread
out to enable it to dry and sweeten ; and it is advisable during the
rainy season to spread it in the verandahs rather than leave it dirty
and moist with urine; but to obviate the necessity for this sheds
should be erected at a short distance from each end of the stables
in which to air and dry the bedding on wet days.

Floors. — After the removal of the bedding straw the floors of
the stable should be thoroughly swrept ; every w§t spot where

PRACTICAL HINTS ON STABLE MANAGEMENT IN INDIA. 173

urine has fallen during the night well scraped, or even, if neces¬
sary, completely dug out ; the moist, tainted earth carried away,
and the hole, if any has been made, refilled with dry earth, which
not only mends the breach in the flooring, but tends to keep the
atmosphere in the stable pure, dry earth being a valuable disin¬
fectant and powerful deodorizer.

Urine and dung . — During the day dung or urine dropped on
the floor should be immediately lifted and taken outside the
building ; the faeces can be easily collected and removed, and
there is little difficulty attached to collecting and removing the
urine. This is to be done by covering the surface on which it
falls with dry earth ; that will absorb the fluid, which can then be
gathered by scraping the mass together, and taken away in a
basket. At the same time care should be exercised to scrape and
dry the floor thoroughly before again sprinkling it with dry
earth, and much supervision is called for on this point, as many
syces will cover the urine with dry earth and there leave it. The
above plan, therefore, should be strictly enforced, and though
it may seem difficult to carry out, it will be found perfectly
feasible and amenable to firmness and attention on the part of
those in authority.

I would have drawn attention to the fact that almost every
syce will, if it be left to his option, allow the fseces and urine
to accumulate in the stables and boxes of the horses entrusted
to his care; the dung he may possibly remove to a corner of
the box or stall when dropped, and afterwards take it outside
once during the day, but the urine he never dreams of remov¬
ing, but will, if permitted, not only allow it to soak into the
flooring, but sink a chattee or earthen vessel in the centre of
the floor under the horse, in which the urine is allowed to collect
for an indefinite period, till overflowing, it saturates the floor in
its vicinity, poisons the atmosphere, and in all probability pro¬
duces an outbreak of infectious and deadly disease. If, however,
the general lieakli of the animal exposed to the miasma arising
from this state of things escapes derangement his feet will be
almost certain to suffer from the effects of the excretions on
them, and he may be utterly ruined (by thrush or canker re¬
sulting therefrom) as a saleable or useful horse — “ No foot no
horse ” being an old and true axiom.

Flies. — In addition to the above dangers, dirt of any kind per¬
mitted to remain in the stables presents a great attraction to that
inveterate, though apparently insignificant, enemy to the horse,
“ the fly ” and therefore the walls and ceilings also should be
kept perfectly clean, and swept daily if necessary.

Manger. — The manger or receptacle from which he may be fed,
let it be of what material it may (I prefer iron mangers, as they are

174 PRACTICAL HINTS ON STABLE MANAGEMENT IN INDIA.

so easily cleaned), should be kept scrupulously clean and free from
dust, dirt of any kind, or particles of stale food ; and the trough
or stable bucket, whether of stone, wood, zinc, or iron, from
which he is compelled to drink, should be as clean and sweet
as care can make them.

Exterior of stables. — Nor in having purified the interior of the
stables, with the fittings and utensils, is our task completed, for
it still remains for us to inspect the exterior of the building with
its surroundings, and to be careful that no dung or refuse litter
of any kind be left lying in the vicinity ; that the syces do not
empty the urine baskets in its propinquity (a practice that might
be prevented entirely by making use of Crowley's filth carts.
By means of these also gallons of urine might be preserved and
utilised as manure which are now wasted) ; that no water be
allowed to stagnate near it, and that any drains in the neighbour¬
hood be kept sweet and clean ; also to insist on the removal of
all obstacles to the passage of salutary currents of fresh air into
the building. On this account the branches of any adjacent
trees should be kept lopped to the height of a clear twelve feet
from the ground.

Grooming. — These details having been attended to, then
follows the grooming or cleaning of the animals, and that will
demand our strictest attention, as the execution of this otfice is
highly necessary to preserve the skin (that great auxiliary of
blood purification) in a fit condition to perform all the impor¬
tant functions allotted to it.

The instruments generally in use at home for the purpose of
dressing horses are :

( a ) Three brushes.

(1.) The horse brush.

(2.) The dandriff (or dandy) brush.

(3.) The water brush.

The two former are used for cleaning the surface of the body,
with the limbs; the latter for washing the feet* and to wet the
mane with in order to make it lie properly, if inclined to remain
erect, or to fall on the wrong side.

Here the horse brush is generally the only one of the three
allowed, the dandriff and water brushes being seldom seen in
India.

(b) The curry comb : the use of this article should be limited
to the purpose for which it was originally intended, viz. to
keep the horse brush clean and free from dust, for it is an instru¬
ment of torture to many horses, especially if roughly applied to
their bodies, and the dandriff brush or a strong wisp makes an
excellent substitute for it in cleaning the coat.

(e) The mane comb, now almost fallen into disuse.

PRACTICAL HINTS ON STABLE MANAGEMENT IN INDIA, 175

(cl) The dry and damp wisp.

(e) The sponge.

(f) The duster and wash-leather.

( g ) The hoof-picker.

In addition to these appliances, it is well to encourage the
process of rubbing or mulling the body with the hand and fore¬
arm as practised by good syces, for it improves and puts a gloss
on the coat of the horse, and these men are accustomed to that
mode of strapping him.

Having primarily thoroughly dressed the body and legs of the
horses with the aid of any, or all of this gear, the head and ears
should then be cleaned perfectly, and it is of the greatest import¬
ance that the corners of the eyes be kept cleared of mucus,
since an accumulation of this secretion near them will prove a
source of great annoyance to the animal, as it will attract the
flies, and these insects will then, in spite of the eye-fringes, attack
and worry the poor horse till, in trying to rid himself of such
noxious and aggravating pests, he rubs his head, either on his
knee or against the nearest object, often in this manner causing
an abrasion of the skin in the facial region. This simple abra¬
sion, very frequently, during the hot season, becomes an
unhealthy and troublesome sore which is tardy in healing, and
when healed leaves an ugly and indelible scar or cicatrix that
reduces the market value of the animal considerably.

Protection for the eyes . — On dry windy days, and in those
stations especially where the soil is sandy, the eyes require to be
most carefully sponged with water two or three times a day, and
to be covered with a wetted cloth if necessary, so as to free and
protect them from particles of dust or sand, which if allowed to
remain will most certainly irritate and produce swollen lids, wTith
that condition known as conjunctival ophthalmia, a disease
which some horses are peculiarly liable to contract during the
hot months, but which is easily prevented.

Appendages. — The roots of the hair of the forelock, mane,
and tail, with the dock and vent, require to be kept scrupulously
clean, as scurf or dust lodging on or near them causes itching
of those appendages. This incites the animal to rub himself
whenever an opportunity occurs, and from this a chronic affec¬
tion of the skin may be induced, which will be an ever recurring
source of annoyance to the animal and his master. The prepuce
or sheath too, with the penis, require more than ordinary care,
for if the unctuous matter, secreted in the sheath for the purpose
of lubrication, &c., be not constantly removed, itching will in
many instances be the result, and to allay this the horse will gnaw
the parts, causing an abrasion of the skin of the sheath, which may
run into a troublesome sore. In other cases the penis becomes

176 PRACTICAL HINTS ON STABLE MANAGEMENT IN INDIA.

affected , with an obstinate lesion, or, attracted by its presence,
flies may strike and deposit their ova in the sheath, the larvae
from which will, if undisturbed, attack and devour the glans
penis.

The feet should be kept in perfect order, for dung or litter
saturated with urine, if allowed to lodge near the sole or about
the wall of the foot, will prove an unfailing source of serious
mischief to the horn that may render animals, otherwise sound
and useful, temporarily, if not permanently, lame and useless,
causing them also, in some instances, acute suffering. These
untoward results may be prevented by picking out the feet two
or three times or even more often daily, but these organs will be
the more surely protected from ill by the prompt removal of all
dirt from the stable, and I would here record my opinion that
probably constructed concrete flooring, from the facility with
which it can be kept clean, and from its imperviousness to damp,
would aid extensively in preserving, not only the feet, but the
general health of the horses. The adoption of it in the stables
of a large brewrery in England for the past two years or more,
has, to my knowdedge, been attended with the happiest results.

Washing horses. — The washing of horses is a very common
practice in India, but one which does not meet with my unquali¬
fied approval. Instances, however, occur in which the operation
becomes a necessity, and that being the case, it should be carried
out on a still and fine day, under competent and trustworthy
supervision, great care being taken to have the laved animal
thoroughly dried as quickly as possible afterwards, and covered
with a light blanket if in the summer, but carefully blanketed up
in the cold season, to annul the liability to any after ill effects j
with reference to the legs and feet, it will be better to clean
them with a brush or wisp (and the former by hand rubbing
also), in order to avoid the risk of inflamed or cracked heels,
which will surely supervene if these parts be imperfectly dried
after being constantly washed. On this account, if it be deter¬
mined to wrasli the foot, the hoof only should be wetted, and
this carefully dried. It is imperatively necessary that these
precautions be observed, for while admitting that numbers of
horses are most heedlessly washed day by day, and escape
apparently scot free, I am certain very many suffer severely
from diseases contracted in consequence of the careless manner
in which they have been dried after being so repeatedly washed,
this being particularly the case in damp districts.

(To he continued .)

177

LETTER FROM “ FARMER MILES” IN REPLY

TO MR. BOWLER.

Gentlemen,— -At p. 36 of the January number of the
Veterinarian for the current year. I find there is a letter
from a G. W. Bowler, M.D.Y.S., Cincinnati, Ohio, “ On
the Castrating Ecraseur.” In his letter he claims to know
something about me, and also takes the liberty to endeavour
to mislead the veterinarians of England by several direct
misstatements, which I hope you will allow me to correct, or
possibly some might be debarred from using the best instru¬
ment made for castration purposes, the ecraseur. G. W.
Bowler says, “ A man calling himself Farmer Miles travels
from this country to England, carrying in his coat pocket
one of our old castrating ecraseurs.” This constitutes mis¬
statement No. I. Further, that lie imposes it upon the
veterinarians over there as a new invention of his for cas¬
trating, ” misstatement No. 2. Lower down he continues,
“ From that date to the present, I and also Dr. Guinness
have continued to use it, and have during all these years
castrated thousands of animals of all ages, without an acci¬
dent or the loss of a single one, &c.,” misstatement No. 3.
G. W. Bowler also states " in 1873, I called on Professors
Axe and Pritchard, and endeavoured to explain to them the
advantages to be derived from the use of the castrating
ecraseur,” this may be true, for in 1879, Professor Pritchard
had a castrating ecraseur like our old fashioned ecraseur,
and did not use it, but he bought one of my improved
ecraseurs.

I never owned but one of the old fashioned ecraseurs like
those spoken of by G. W. Bowler, and that I was glad to
part with at half its original cost. But had I known that
any man or even a boy eight years old could have castrated
thousands of stock, without the loss of a single one with such
a tool, I should certainly have been tempted to keep it at
any cost instead of wasting time and money to improve on
it, and get a far more satisfactory instrument.

I am well known as a practical castrator (and more than
that I do not pretend to) from Mexico to California, in the
United States of America, and in Canada, England, Ireland,
Scotland, and part of France, and think it strange in the
whole of my travels 1 have never heard of such a good old
ecraseur as G. W. Bowler describes ; nor even have I heard
of the man himself, who apparently has done so much work
for so many years.

178

CATTLE PLAGUE.

Wilks, Spirit of the Times, New York City, through its
veterinary editor, August 22nd, 1877, nicknamed me Farmer
Miles, and there said “ there is no man on the Continent of
America who is worthy of being compared to Mr. Miles in
this respect ” (speaking of Rig Castration). I wonder
whether he had ever heard of G. W. Bowler before that ! !

I have just received, unsought and very unexpectedly the
highest compliment 1 have ever received as a castrator, in
the form of a testimonial on parchment, bearing the signa¬
tures of fifteen of the leading veterinary surgeons in Lin¬
colnshire ; two of whom are fellows and thirteen members of
the Royal College, in the following words, “We the under¬
signed veterinary surgeons practising in the county of
Lincolnshire, having witnessed Mr. T. C. Miles? operations
on rigling horses, desire to bear witness to the humane,
scientific, and perfectly satisfactory manner in which he
attains his object. We also wish to express our approval of
his method of casting and securing the animal, and of the
instruments he uses in the performance of the operation/’
I thank the gentlemen who have signed that Testimonial
from my heart, and I assure them I feel amply repaid now,
for the troubles and anxieties I had to undergo in England,
in my endeavours to enlighten the Veterinarians and stock
owners of that country ; and I am sure many Americans
will gladly join me in thanking them for such a token of
respect to an American farmer and castrator. When I was
in Ireland two veterinary surgeons presented me with a
very handsome gold watch “in testimony of my ability as an
operator upon horses, &c.,” and in Scotland and Canada, I
have received many testimonials and presents showing the
appreciation in which I have ever been held by my many
kind friends and employers. These compel me to trouble
you with this letter in reply to Mr. G. W. Bowler, and to
prove to the English public I am not the impostor he would
appear to wish to prove me.

I remain, Gentlemen, &c.

To the Editors of the 4 Veterinarian /

Pathological Contributions.

CATTLE PLAGUE.

In Austria the cattle plague has been detected among a
herd of animals in the quarantine station of Itzkany, in the

PLEURO-PNEUMONIA.

179

government of Bukowina, and entrance of cattle into that
station has been prohibited ; a few cases have been reported
on the military frontier and in Dalmatia. The kingdom
of Hungary appears to be still free.

The cattle plague is reported to exist in two counties of
Servia.

The disease is said to have entirely ceased in the Island
of Rhodes, but has broken out in the neighbouring Island of
Symi. Cattle plague continues to prevail at Macri in Asia
Minor.

CATTLE PLAGUE IN CYPRUS.

According to the accounts received from Cyprus down to
the end of Feb., the cattle plague had not diminished. Up
to the middle of the month considerable increase had taken
place ; and it was stated that the peasants refused to slaughter
the diseased cattle, and that a special Ordinance had been
issued by Major-General Biddulph, the High Commissioner,
prescribing most comprehensive measures for dealing with
the disease.

Dr. Heidenstein, District Medical Officer and Mayor of
Larnaca, was appointed the Chief Inspector. There were
no veterinary surgeons in the island.

PLEURO-PNEUMONIA.

The returns from the Netherlands in reference to this
disease are still satisfactory, as only four cases were regis¬
tered during the four weeks ending 24th of January, 1880.

Accounts of serious outbreaks are still received from dif¬
ferent parts of the United States, the demand for national
intervention for the extirpation of the disease is increasing ;
and the prompt attention of the United States to the im¬
portance of the subject relating to contagious diseases among
animals in that vast country has been called for.

Pleuro-pneumonia has also broken out among the cattle of
Eastern Switzerland, and the dairy farmers of the district
are in a state of great alarm. All movements of cattle in
the cantons of St. Gall, Thurgan, and the two Appenzells
have been suspended by order of the Federal Council.

Pleuro-pneumonia in this country according to the re¬
turns, appears to have decreased. The disease still exists
in the following counties in Great Britain : Cambridge (ex.
Liberty of the Isle of Ely), Cumberland, Derby, Durham,

180

FACTS AND OBSERVATIONS.

Essex, Hertford, Kent (ex. Metropolis), Lancaster, Leicester,
Middlesex (ex. Metropolis), Monmouth, Norfolk, North¬
ampton (ex. Soke of Peterborough), Northumberland, Notts,
Salop, Stafford, Suffolk, Surrey (ex. Metropolis), Sussex,
York, East Hiding, York, North Hiding, York, West
Hiding, Liberty of the Isle of Ely, The Metropolis, Mont¬
gomery, Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Fife, Kincardine, Lanark,
Perth, Henfrew.

Facts and Observations.

Swine Plague. — According to a communication to the
Mark Lane Express it appears that it is estimated that since
July last as many as one thousand hogs died of swine plague
in Lostant, La Salle county, Illinois, U.S.A. Swine plague
is reported to have also broken out very extensively in Michi¬
gan, U.S.A.

Bacillus Ure^e. By P. Miquel [Bull. Soc. Chim. [2],
32, 126 — 127). — This ferment, which exists in sewage,
belongs to the class named Anoerobies by Pasteur ; it resists
exposure for some hours to a temperature of 95 — 96°, and
causes urea to disappear from urine. It also removes urea
rapidly from a solution of pure urea to which a little gelatin
has been added. — W. R. — Journal of the Chemical Society.

Prizes for Life-Histories of Entozoa. — The
Council of the Entomological Society of London are author¬
ised by Lord Walsingham and other gentlemen interested in
the diseases of our native game-birds to offer to public com¬
petition the following prizes : — £50 for the best and most
complete life-history of Sclerostoma syngamus Dies., supposed
to produce the so-called “ gapes ” in poultiy, game, and
other birds; £50 for the best and most complete life-bistory
of Strongylus pergracilis Cob., supposed to cause the grouse
disease. No life-history will be considered satisfactory unless
the different stages of development are observed and recorded.
The competition is open to naturalists of all nationalities.
The same observer may compete for both prizes. Essavs in
English, French, or German, to be sent in on or before Oct.
15th, 1882, addressed to the Secretary of the Society, Chan-
dos Street, Cavendish Square.

THE VETERINARIAN, MARCH 1, 1880.

Ne quid falsi dicere audeat, ne quid veri non audeat. — Cicero.

THE ANIMALS ORDER.

On January 1st most of the Orders of Council having
reference to inspection, transit, and diseases of animals
ceased to be in force, and the Animals Order became opera¬
tive in their stead. No very important change in the prin¬
ciple or practical working of the regulations was effected by
the introduction of the Animals Order; the chief alteration
was, in fact, the consolidation of the numerous single orders
which had been passed from time to time during the period
of little more than a year which has elapsed since the new
Cattle Diseases Act became law.

Many of the members of our profession who are not acting
as inspectors under the Act of 1878 will not have the oppor¬
tunity of consulting the Order, and it may not be unin¬
teresting to them to have a concise analysis of the instrument
brought before their notice. First, it may be remarked that
the Order is divided into six parts for the convenience of
reference :

Part 1 is preliminary, and refers to the title of the Order,
date of commencement, extent of application, and interpreta¬
tion of certain terms which are used.

Part 2 deals with disease, viz. Cattle Plague, Pleuro-pneu-
monia, Foot-and-mouth Diseases, Sheep-pox, Sheep-scab,
Glanders and Farcy, and Swine Fever.

Regulation of the movement of animals among which
disease is detected in a market, railway station, grazing
park, or other like place, or during transit.

Movement or Exposure of Diseased Animals, Horses,
Asses, or Mules ; Removal of Dung or other things which
may carry infection.

Movement and Disposal of Carcases.

Circumstances relating to Diseased Animals in Slaughter¬
houses.

Regulation of fairs and markets by the local authorities.

LIlI. 13

182

EDITORIAL OBSERVATIONS.

Part S relates to cleansing and disinfection in connection
with the transit of animals by water, railway, or road, and
the exposure of them in fairs, markets, sale yards, place
of exhibition, lairs, and other places.

Part 4 is concerned entirely with the rules which are
applicable to Animals during transit, and to ships,
trucks, vans, and other vehicles in which they are carried ;
to means of preventing unnecessary suffering, and to the
supply of water and food to animals in transit.

Part 5 is directed to the trade in foreign animals, and
includes all the regulations which are in force as to the
prohibition of importation of animals from certain coun¬
tries, rules as to slaughter and quarantine, and also as to
the conditions which affect the landing of animals not subject
to slaughter or to quarantine. Special rules are to be applied
to animals from the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man,
and also to cows and goats "which are taken on board
vessels for the purpose of supplying milk to the passengers
or crew.

Part 6 is general, and refers chiefly to notice of disease,
miscellaneous matters, and forms of licences to be used by
officers of local authorities.

A minute acquaintance with the details of every section
of the Contagious Diseases (Animals) Act and the articles
of the Animals Order is not to be expected of a veterinary
surgeon in active practice, but some knowledge of the scope
and intention of existing legislation cannot be other than
useful to those who may be called upon at any moment to
advise in reference to the course which should be adopted in
case of an outbreak of a contagious disease among stock.

Any veterinary surgeon, whether an appointed inspector or
not, may, under the terms of the Act, be called upon to assist
the local authority in an inquiry as to the nature of a
disease ; and it is much to be desired, in the interests of the
public as much as in those of our profession, that veterinary
surgeons of experience should be more often employed by
local authorities than they are to aid in such inquiries. In
one county, according to a report which we observed some
time ago in a local paper, this very judicious course has

CONTAGIOUS PLEURO-PNEUMONIA IN NEW YORK. 188

been adopted, to the manifest benefit of everybody con¬
cerned, inasmuch as it appeared from the account that the
investigation of nearly fifty reputed cases of pleuro-pneu-
monia among cattle led to the discovery that only three or
four of the suspected animals were really suffering from
that malady.

It is still a matter of regret that the authorities all over
the country are disposed, from motives of economy, to employ
unskilled persons as inspectors for the purpose of carrying
into effect the provisions of the Act and Order. A gradual
improvement, however, appears to be taking place, and we
are informed that two counties have selected none but
members of the veterinary profession for the office of veteri¬
nary inspectors, and we cannot avoid suggesting that the
more the members interest themselves in the working of
sanitary legislation, the more highly are their services likely
to be estimated.

Extracts from British and Foreign Journals.

HISTORY OF CONTAGIOUS PLEURO-PNEUMONIA IN

NEW YORK.

By J. D. Hopkins, D.Y.S. Read before the United States Veterinary

Medical Association.

Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen, — From reliable in¬
formation we learn that in the year 1843 the “ Lung Plague ”
was introduced into Brooklyn by a cow purchased by Peter
Dunn, milkman, and kept in a stable near South Ferry.
This cow was imported from Holland. She sickened and
died in this stable, and infected the other cattle which were
kept there. From this point the disease was soon carried to
the great distillery stables of John D. Winters, foot of 4th
Street, and into the Skillman Street brewery stables. In
these stables, as in similar cases in other countries, the dis¬
ease continued to prevail, and nineteen years later was found
in the Skillman Street stables by the Massachusetts Board
of Cattle Commissioners, who, to satisfy themselves of the
nature of the malady, verified their diagnosis by slaughtering
an animal and making an autopsy. This occurred in 1862.

In the year 1849, Wm. Meakin, of Bush wick, kept a large
dairy, and used a yoke of oxen to draw grains from the

184 CONTAGIOUS PLEURO “PNEUMONIA IN NEW YORK.

breweries. One day while on the road he was induced to
draw out a dead cow from a milkman's stable ; from this the
oxen became affected and the disease gained entrance into
Mr. Meakin’s dairy, resulting in the loss of forty head in
three months. Here the malady prevailed for twenty years,
or until Mr. Meakin left the business. This covers thirteen
years of the period that the disease was known to exist in
the Skillman stables and seven years subsequent to the visit
of the Massachusetts Commissioners, and brings us down to
I869. In 1868, Prof. John Gamgee investigated this disease
in the United States, and found it to exist in various parts
of Long Island. In the year 1870, W. D. Sanger, of Bay-
side, L. I., by the purchase of a black cow from a dealer, had
his herd infected with this pestilence and lost 90 animals out
of 150 in one stable, and sixty out of 130 in another, within
a period of twenty months.

The continuous existence of the disease is thus shown from
1843 to 1872, on Long Island; but it was not confined by
any means to Long Island alone, for so long ago as 1850 Mr.
Bathgate, of Morrisania had his Jersey herd infected, and all
efforts to eradicate it failed until some years later, when the
barns were burned down. And so prevalent was the disease in
the vicinity, that for many years afterwards Mr. Bathgate was
afraid to pasture his own lots adjoining the streets, lest his
stock should again contract the plague from diseased cattle
running on the commons.

Seven years ago the trouble was brought into the herd of
Joseph Schwab, of 149th Street and Southern Boulevard, by
a cow bought of a dealer; here twenty-three died and only
seven recovered (?). Within the last seven years most of the
large dairies in the suburbs of New York City have suffered
from invasions of this disease. As notable instances of this,
we might mention those of Patrick Green, Frank Divine,
Emery Hill and his brother, Horace K. Hill, Geo. McKittrick,
Mr. Trot and many others.

To explain the great extension of this disease within the
last few years, it will be necessary to enter into some details
regarding the peculiarities of the cow trade as carried on in
this vicinity before Gen. Patrick’s appointment.

The fresh cows arrived in New York by boats on the Hud¬
son River from this State and from New Jersey, and by
railroad from northern and western New York, New Jersey
and Pennsylvania, and were sold on the docks and at the
railroad yards by speculators to dealers and transferred to the
stables of the latter. The business between the dealer and
the dairyman is almost invariably done on credit, the frequent

CONTAGIOUS PLEURO-PNEUMONIA IN NEW YORK. 185

losses of the dairies making it next to impossible to get
sufficient means ahead to pay cash.

The dairyman in need of a fresh cow applied to his dealer
and was furnished one on trial, represented to be in posses¬
sion of all good qualities and a deep milker. A couple of
weeks later this cow would be returned to the dealer, not
proving such a milker as warranted, and she was placed once
more on sale in the dealer's stable, mingling with his other
stock. In many instances the dairy in which this cow had
been tried had lost cows from pleuro-pneumonia contagiosa,
and was consequently an infected place.

We have now an infected cow transferred from an infected
place to cohabit in a dealer’s stable with cows offered for sale,
conveying the contagion both to them and the stable. Now
this lot of infected animals was sent out, as opportunity
occurred, to other dairymen on trial, contaminating all sus¬
ceptible animals with which they came in contact. Disease
and death followed the trail of this pernicious system.

Another phase of this business was the peddling of cows
on the roads by dealers, and many a herdsman has bitterly
repented the buying of such animals and placing them in
their own healthv herds. An instance of this mav be cited
with profit. In 1872, Frank Divine, of Old Farm House
Hotel, Westchester, N. Y., bought a cow from a peddler
passing his farm, which soon sickened and died, the disease
extending to the rest of the herd, and in seven months he
lost thirty-six cows from pleuro-pneumonia. Many stories
of a like nature have been told me by the sufferers in New
York and Westchester counties within the last six months.

Another means of spreading the disease was the custom
of small dairies of pasturing their cows on the commons.
Here herds belonging to different individuals grazed inno¬
cently together, and it has been my lot to detect the disease
and trace it to this source, and even to find the affected
animals on the commons. The people, of course, wondered
how their cows contracted the disease.

You can now fully understand, gentlemen, how easily this
disease is transmitted from stable to stable in New York and
Brooklyn — how from one or two original centres of contagion
it h as been disseminated until now it has assumed such pro¬
portions as to be almost a national calamity.

The authorities of New York State until quite recently
took no notice of the existence of the disease in our midst,
although repeatedly warned by veterinarians and the press.

Some years ago Frank Leslie, publisher of an illustrated
newspaper, called the attention of the public to the diseased

186 CONTAGIOUS PLEURO-PNEUMONIA IN NEW YORK.

condition of cows kept in swill stables, then located be¬
tween 15th and 16th Streets, near North River, and also
those in Brooklyn, influencing popular opinion to such an
extent that many of these stables were abolished. His apt
illustrations and the humour of his caricatures obtained for
the vendors of milk from these stables the sobriquet of
“ stump tails,” from the fact that most of the cows had lost
a portion of their tails.

Later, Henry Bergh, President of the American Society
for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, has since the
organisation of his society waged war against the inhuman
practices of cow owners. These gentlemen made public the
condition in which cows were kept, and though powerless
to remedy the evil, if indeed, they recognised the true root,
viz. pleuro-pneumonia, did much to relieve the condition
of the bovine family, and deserve the lasting gratitude of
residents of New York and Brooklyn.

Many eminent pathologists wrote to our legislators at
Albany and Washington without being able to enlist any
action in the matter.

In the year 1868, Prof. John Gamgee, under an appoint¬
ment of the General Government, made an official examina¬
tion in the United States, and in the fall of 1869 made an
exhaustive report to the Commissioner of Agriculture at
Washington, in regard to the history of this disease in
European countries and of its existence in Long Island,
New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, District of Columbia
and Virginia, advising strong measures for its extirpation,
and in the same report prophesying wThat the result would
be unless the Government took active steps to stamp it
out.

Prof. Gamgee’s report was printed and placed in the
hands of our legislators at Washington, still nothing was
done by the Government.

The disease continued to make havoc in this country till,
coming to the knowledge of the English authorities through
an article published in the New York ‘ Tribune * for Nov.
27th,- 1878, from the pen of Prof. Law, and the subsequent
discovery of diseased American cattle on board the Ontario,
Prof. McEachran, of Montreal, was directed to investigate
and report to Canada. You all, gentlemen, know the result
of that report : American cattle were refused, not only by
England but by other European countries. This is a matter
of history.

The United States had a rude awakening — we could see
Europe supplied with cattle from Canada, thereby diverting

CONTAGIOUS PLEURO-PNEUMONIA IN NEW YORK. 187

from our own country millions of dollars, and New Yorfc"
City being the port from which most of the cattle are shipped,
the authorities of this State at once took measures to relieve
herself of this foul incubus.

Wise counsels and clear heads at Albany came to the
rescue at this crisis. Governor Robinson called to the front
Gen. M. R. Patrick, a gentleman of great experience in
bovine matters, whose executive ability in 1868, while acting
as Commissioner of Cattle, saved this State from being
overspread by an epizootic of splenic fever (see report to
Legislature, March 12, 1869).

At General Patrick^ wish, James Law, Veterinary Pro¬
fessor at Cornell University, was appointed to direct the
professional part of the work in stamping out this plague.

On the 13th day of February, 1879, the Commission met
in Brooklyn, organised an efficient staff, and at once pro¬
ceeded to the business at hand. Work was begun imme¬
diately in the Blissville distillery stables, containing 879
milch cows. Those that had the disease in the acute form
were destroyed and sent to the offal dock, while the balance
were sent to the butcher, not a hoof being left to carry the
pestilence.

A great deal of opposition was raised by parties interested
in the diseased animals, and at times but for the firmness
of our executive, the lives of the veterinary staff would
have been in danger.

To carry on the work effectually it was necessary to issue
such regulations as would completely control the traffic in
cows and store cattle, and lead to the discovery of all in¬
fected premises. To this end the introduction of such
animals from infected districts, viz. : New Jersey, Eastern
Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, District of Columbia
and Virginia, was prohibited, as well as the movement of
the same from the infected to the healthy district within our
own State.

Of course a critical examination of all stables in the in¬
fected districts was at once commenced ; but this alone was
not sufficient, for it was highly important to discover imme¬
diately the stables in which the disease already prevailed,
that its spread from them might be at once prevented. For
this purpose careful post-mortem examinations were made
at the offal docks daily on all cows, so that no deaths from
this disease escaped our knowledge, and the slaughter of fat
cows at the butchePs was even done under the supervision
of our inspectors.

Pasturing on the commons was strictly forbidden and the

188 CONTAGIOUS PLEURO-PNEUMONIA IN NEW YORK.

law on the subject extensively advertised, and no cows
allowed to move on the streets unless accompanied with a
permit bearing the autograph of General Patrick, to obtain
which a previous inspection was required.

By the generosity of the Union Stock Itard and Market
Co., in their desire to encourage and protect the business,
extensive yards and sheds were built at o9th Street and
North River. A new era dawned on the cow trade. Gen.
Patrick brought the lines closer and closer as he felt the
traces drawing. Opposition from interested parties, those
who rebelled through ignorance, or the authorities that
failed to do their duty, were each met in his turn by our
executive and shown their proper course. Railroads, steam¬
boats, and barges, bringing store cattle to the New York
markets, were compelled to land them at our yards for in¬
spection and distribution.

Orders wTere promulgated prohibiting dealers from keep¬
ing cows on sale in their own stables or moving cows from
one stable to another, effectually doing away with all ped¬
dling. The great step w7as now attained, and movement of
cows simplified to going from the yards to the stables, and
from the stables to the slaughter-houses. Gentlemen, you
can easily imagine that New York and Brooklyn are prac¬
tically in a state of thorough quarantine.

Now, if you will add to these rules the liberal indemnity
allowed by the State for such diseased animals as are reported,
you can see howr little is to be gained by any dairyman con¬
cealing the existence of the disease.

But the establishment and enforcing of these regulations
has not been a wTork to receive, as one might suppose,
the hearty co-operation of our leading agriculturists, our
agricultural press, or even of all the members of the veteri¬
nary profession. From the very first the journal, w hich in
our State stands highest as an exponent of live-stock interest,
has taken every opportunity to throw doubt on the existence
of the disease. The Executive Committee of the New York
State Agricultural Society, even after the infected district
had been very accurately marked out by the labours of the
veterinary staff, passed resolutions to give publicity to their
opinion that there were grave doubts in regard to the con¬
tagious character of the malady as it exists in this State,
But w7orse than all, gentlemen, wTas the opposition that came
from members of our ow7n profession — from men holding
the diplomas of leading veterinary institutions, to whom the
public looked for sound advice based upon thorough pro¬
fessional knowledge,

CONTAGIOUS PLEURO-PNEUMONIA IN NEW YORK. 189

The opposition of quacks and cattle dealers need not be
mentioned ; it was expected, and treated with that contempt
which at once consigned it to oblivion ; but the disaffection
of the press, the Agricultural Society, and members of the
profession, could not be so easily passed over in silence.
A wise policy of public post-mortem examinations, however,
to which the most noted critics of our policy were invited,
and the publication of typical cases of contagion in large
number, have, we believe, completely disarmed our opponents,
and left us, for the present at least, in comparatively quiet
possession of the field.

The same fortunate result has not yet been arrived at in
other States, and in the majority of those which are infected
there is still a deplorable contest over the nature and exist¬
ence of the disease. As a result nothing is done, the danger
continues and the malady is spreading; and this state of
things has, as can readily be seen, a considerable influence
on the time required for the completion of the work in this
State, and our safety in the future.

A word about the stamping-out process. Criticism will
always follow the appointment of a commission to perform
such important work, even though the selection is made be¬
cause of special qualifications; but I am sorry to see young
men, ambitious of notoriety, whose experience extends little
beyond the four corners of a school room, criticising compe¬
tent and conscientious men, who have on hand a work greater
than these would-be critics can appreciate, and who have to
encounter obstacles which are unknown to such lookers on.

If our friends would only give the State Commissioners
credit for possessing intelligence and a natural desire for the
success of their work, they would not need to be informed
that there may be good reasons for carrying out the work
exactly as it is being done.

It is possible for pleuro-pneumonia to be exterminated in
other ways than going with a torch in one hand and a pole¬
axe in the other, arousing opposition on every hand and
raising a disturbance entirely out of proportion to the work
performed.

This most insidious foe, pleuro-pneumonia, because of its
long period of incubation, must be met by the guarded quaran¬
tine, blocking the avenues of traffic, thoroughly disinfecting
the centres of contagion and destroying diseased; animals. The
people must be made acquainted with the laws on the sub¬
ject, and in my experience I have found my greatest allies
among the intelligent herdsmen, who, understanding what
was required of them, failed not in their duty.

190 CONTAGIOUS PLEURO-PNEUMONIA IN NEW YORK.

From April 4th to September 12th, this year, there has
arrived in New York 4812 fresh cows, all of which have been
critically examined. And within the same time, 1083 cow
stables, containing 474Q cows, have been inspected in New
York City, of which 67 stables, containing 470 cows, have
been found infected and quarantined, and 110 cows have
been found suffering from pleuro-pneumonia, and slaughtered,
on all of which autopsies have been made in the presence of
medical men from the Health Boards of New York and
Brooklyn, nearly all the veterinary surgeons of New York,
and many eminent physicians.

Up to this time only % 35,000 in all has been appropriated,
and of this but a small balance remains, without a prospect
of more until the next meeting of the legislature. It is to be
regretted that after so much work has been done, and com¬
plete success almost within our grasp, we should find our
work hindered by the diminution of our pecuniary resources.
Under these circumstances our executive has been compelled
to dispense with the services of some experienced and valu¬
able inspectors, and to otherwise reduce expenses to the
lowest possible limit, so that the good work already done can
be held until the next meeting of the legislature.

The result thus far has been exceedingly gratifying to
those in charge of the work. Stables which might well be
called pest houses have been transformed, the number of
infected places has been greatly diminished, and, unless the
short-sighted policy of our legislators compels a discontinu¬
ance, the success will be speedy and complete.

But how unsatisfactory will even this result be if neigh¬
bouring States are allowed to harbour this pestilence. Not
only will we be obliged to keep up our inspection of incoming
animals, but we will be in continual danger of fresh outbreaks
from cattle infected on cars, which are admitted while in the
period of incubation.

Again, the extermination of the disease in this State can¬
not rid our foreign trade of its present restrictions, while it
is well known abroad that it still prevails over such a large
territory. The danger from pleuro-pneumonia and the be¬
nefits of the cattle trade, are not restricted to any State or
section ; they are matters of national interest and national
importance, and we cannot escape the conclusion that they
should be met by a national policy. There is but one means by
which our country can soon rid itself of the stigma w hich the
presence of the lung plague has placed upon it, and that is by a
national appropriation expended under uniform regulations.

As you well know, a great obstacle to Congressional action

CONTAGIOUS PLEURO-PNEUMONIA IN NEW YORK. 191

exists in the opposition of men of intelligence and influence,
who have formed erroneous opinions of the prevalence and
nature of the pleuro-pneumonia of this country. An expla¬
nation of such opinion can, of course, be found in the loud¬
mouthed course taken by so many quacks and imperfectly
educated veterinarians. But an expression of views by the
United States Veterinary Medical Association could not be
lightly passed over ; it would carry a weight with it which
would prove of the very greatest assistance in placing our
Government right before the world.

I therefore beg leave to offer the following preamble and
resolutions :

Whereas such able veterinarians as Prof. Law, of Cornell
University, Ithaca, N. Y.; Prof. Liautard, of the American Ve¬
terinary College ; Prof.Gamgee, of London ; Prof. McEachran,
of Montreal Veterinary College, and Dr. E. F. Thayer, of
Boston, have recognized the existence of contagious pleuro¬
pneumonia in the United States, and mapped out the in¬
fected districts, viz. New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania,
Maryland, District of Columbia and Virginia ; and

Whereas , The presence of this disease in our midst has
almost destroyed our export trade in live cattle (worth millions
annually), by the refusal of such cattle in foreign markets; and

Whereas , The inaction of our authorities caused the
40,000,000 of cattle in this country to be threatened with
this pestilence ; and

Whereas , The eradication of this plague is a matter of na¬
tional importance, affecting the welfare of the whole United
States, and requiring uniform regulation for its accomplish¬
ment ; therefore be it

Resolved, That we, members of the United States Veterinary
Medical Association, at our annual meeting, held September
16th, 1879, at the American Veterinary College, do ask that
our General Government take active measures for the ex¬
termination of the plague before its further extension makes
this impossible ; and

Resolved , That Congress be asked to establish a special
commission at the most central point to direct the move¬
ments in all the States, said committee to consist of an exe¬
cutive (non-professional), with a chief veterinary surgeon,
and a staff organized under their direction ; and

Resolved, That Congress be asked to make an appropri¬
ation of $2,000,000 to defray necessary expenses.

Resolved, That our Secretary make a copy of these reso¬
lutions to be signed by the members of this Association,
and presented to the Secretary of the Treasury, Washing¬
ton, D. C. — American Veterinary Review.

192

THE SPREAD OF PLEURO-PNEUMONIA IN AUSTRALIA.

We would direct the attention of the stock-owners of
Victoria to the efforts being made in certain quarters in the
way of hushing up all intelligence connected with the rapid
spread of the above virulent scourge among the cattle of the
colony. Which is the more beneficial to the stock-owners’
interests — that the truth should be freely published in respect
to this matter, or that all sorts of subterfuges should be re¬
sorted to for the purpose of keeping in existence an inca¬
pable Stock Department, merely because the personal con¬
veniences, in respect to place and pay, of certain individuals
who possess a considerable amount of wire-pulling influence
are at stake? During the past twelve months the attention of
the authorities has been continually directed, through our
columns, to the incompetency of the present system of stock
disease supervision, and to the increasing prevalence of
pleuro-pneumonia. All attempts of this kind, however, have
been met by the stock department with the languid assertion
that sensational attempts were being made to “get up a scare,”
and as a consequence no steps have been taken to prevent the
terrible scourge in question from effecting a firm hold in the
majority of the districts throughout the colony. Reports are
now coming in from all points that the disease has been kept
quiet in hopes that it would pass away, but as the losses in
many instances recently have become too severe, further con¬
cealment has been found impossible. On the one hand there
has been concealment on the part of owners of infected herds,
and on the other an incapable department, desirous in the
first place not to discover disease because of the trouble con¬
nected with its treatment ; and, in the second place, unable
to detect disease, even when accidentally brought into contact
with it. In response to charges made by us as to the spread
of pleuro, one of the stock inspectors, Mr, Shaw, made a re¬
port recently to the effect that during a week’s travelling he
had only succeeded in finding traces of the disease in one cow,
and forthwith there appeared an article of the usual “ pooh,
pooh” character in the journal which champions the cause of
stock department incompetency. Now we find, by means of
the local press and by correspondents’ communications, that
the districts inspected by Mr. Shaw, viz. Wahgunyah, Ruth-
erglen, Chiltern, and adjoining localities have had the pleuro
firmly established during the last nine months, carrying off
as many as from ten to twenty head even in small herds. The
border districts are being constantly infected by travelling
cattle from Queensland and New South Wales, while during

SPREAD OF PLEURO-PNEUMONIA IN AUSTRALIA. 193

the past week most alarming reports have appeared in the

local papers as to the spread of the terrible scourge of pleuro

among the herds at Lancefield, Gippsland, and in the western

district; there is also good reason to believe that another fatal

malady is being erroneously set down as contagious pleuro.

No official investigation took place in connection with the

cattle that died recently on the Geelong common, but we

have the authority of several practical men for stating that

the cause of death was something distinct from the well-known

lung disease. The time, in our opinion, has come when in

place of the periodical replies given in Parliament by the Chief

Secretary to the effect that Mr. Curr assures him there is no-
•>

thing amiss, a thoroughly competent aud authoritative exami¬
nation should be made, and report submitted, as to the nature
and extent of the stock diseases that are beyond doubt rapidly
extending.

We have frequently pointed out the anomalous position of the
present Stock Department, and the utter hopelessness of any
improvement being possible while conducted in its present
form and under its present management. The department is
not only a heavy charge upon the revenue of the State, but the
results obtained in exchange for the money expended are worse
than nil . While engaged in scab eradication the officers of
the department were saved from the charge of incapacity that
now attaches to them, because of the manner in which they
were supervised, and their movements directed under the local
committee system. We would advise a reformation of the de¬
partment in this direction with the least possible delay. Let
the present ineffective management give place to a recon¬
struction upon the basis of the New South Wales system, and
the requirements of the colony in this matter will be met.
That system, it may be necessary to state, includes, first, the
selection, appointment, direction, and oversight of the stock
inspectors by local boards appointed from among themselves
by the stock-owners ; and, second, the payment of their
salaries by a light tax levied upon all the stock of the colony
for the purpose by the Government. The Government col¬
lects the tax, and forwards the salaries to the local boards.
There is only one Government officer, the Chief Inspector,
who resides in Sydney, and with him the local boards commu¬
nicate, but in all matters pertaining to the management of their
own districts and their own inspectors they are uncontrolled.
The advantages of this system are that as the stock-owners
pay for keeping their flocks and herds clean, and have the se¬
lection and control of their own officers, they take care not
only to appoint competent men in the first place, but also to

194

ANIMAL VACCINATION.

see to it afterwards that these officers attend effectively to
their duties. The New South Wales system is self-supporting,
satisfactory, and effective. The Victorian system involves a
heavy annual charge on the State, is notoriously incompetent,
and in every respect productive of the greatest dissatis¬
faction. — The Leader , Melbourne.

ANIMAL VACCINATION.

It is satisfactory to find that the subject of vaccination
by improved means will be carefully considered by the Local
Government Department, which has now been made ac¬
quainted with the wishes of the British Medical Association
on the question. At an interview which the representatives
of this society had with Mr. Sclater-Booth yesterday, Feb. 9,
certain suggestions were made in accordance with the con¬
clusions recently arrived at in a conference on Animal Vac¬
cination ; and these suggestions were received by the Presi¬
dent of the Board with an assurance that they should have
his most careful and anxious attention.

It appears from what wras said at the Conference, and re¬
peated yesterday, that one of the chief objections urged by
Anti-vaccinators to the enforcement of the Act is the fact
that the lymph, with which children are vaccinated by the
public vaccinator, is not taken from the calf or cow, and is
not, therefore, always free from the suspicion of impurity.
Whether the fears or doubts entertained by these people are
well founded or not may be an open question, but no one
will deny that if they constitute a real grievance in the im¬
agination of those who are affected by the Act, it would be
desirable, if possible, to get rid of the ground of complaint.

The Anti-vaccinators are not a body of which the Local
Government Board or any one else has great reason to be
afraid ; but if one of the chief arguments upon which they
rely could be cut away from them without much difficulty it
would obviously be conducive to peace and quiet to do so
immediately. Similarly, although the idea of certain poor
people that in having their children vaccinated they are ex¬
posing them to noisome infections may have little or no
foundation in reason, it would yet be worth some trouble to
take a step which would remove that idea.

The Association, representing, as it claims to do, no less than
90,000 practitioners, is of opinion that, by adopting in all
cases at central stations the vaccine lymph derived from the
calf, this desirable result would be secured ; and such an
opinion is certainly of much value and importance. One of

TRICHINOSIS IN PRUSSIA.

195

the objections that has been urged against the proposed
measure is the cost of providing animal lymph. But Mr.
Sclater-Booth is reported to have said that the expense would
not be great, and that the lymph referred to could easily be
provided if the public demanded it. The main question that
remains seems, therefore, to be whether the public do or do
not demand it. If they do, there could be no great objection
to making the change suggested. — Globe, Feb. 10th.

TRICHINOSIS IN PRUSSIA.

An official return recently published states that during the
year 1877 the number of pigs in Prussia discovered on exam¬
ination to be trichinous was 162,800, as against 172,000 in the
previous year. In the Stettin district ninety-eight cases of
trichinosis in man came under observation, of which fifty-four
were in the city of Stettin alone. In this district microscopic
examination of pork exposed for sale is undertaken in certain
isolated localities only.

In the Merseburg district three epidemics of this nature were
recorded in certain villages where, as a rule, pork is eaten
raw, or only very partially cooked. At Hoxter fifty-two cases
of the disease were recorded within the year.

The question as to the origin of these outbreaks is greatly
complicated by the fact that many of the salt sides of bacon
so largely imported from America are often trichinous, the
proportion thus affected being returned by some authorities
as \ per cent. ; while others have found it in their experience
to be not less than 4 per cent, of the total numbers examined.
To prevent the country being literally invaded by the disease,
Government has been forced to have recourse to extremely
strong measures. No pork may now be offered for sale as
food for human consumption except such as has been per¬
sonally inspected by experts specially approved to make mi¬
croscopic examinations of it, and declared by them to be free
from disease. The value of this precaution of course depends
in great measure upon the zeal and ability of the officials thus
employed, but, unfortunately, many of them are from some
reason or other unsuited for the duties entrusted to them.

Among the inspectors are medical men, veterinary sur¬
geons, and butchers. The butchers, as a rule, are lamentably
ignorant of the use of the instruments supplied to them, and
only continue to spoil them. They generally report the meat
submitted to them to be sound, and apparently they must
have done their best to detect trichinae, for in the W eissenfels
district alone 46 out of 125 instruments issued have been re¬
turned as (( worn out ” or “ spoiled.”

196 VARIOLA AND VACCINATION.

Medical men, again, if their private practice be at all exten¬
sive, can scarcely be expected to devote much time or trouble
to an ill-paid, and consequently unremunerative, public duty.
There are, however, exceptions to the rule, for one of these
gentlemen gravely reports that in a single day he examined
503 hams, 3 barrels of bacon, and 46 carcasses of pigs.
Inspection such as this is worse than useless. — Mark Lane
Express.

VARIOLA AND VACCINATION.

Professor NAUNYN,of Konigsberg,gave a very interesting
address on variola, vaccination, inoculation, &c., at a meeting
held at Eisenach, which is reported in the JLrtzliches Vereui-
Blatt. Among other things, he mentioned the presence of
variola in man, goats, sheep, and hogs, which produces an
eruption, accompanied with fever and affections of the mucous
membranes, whilst that occurring in cows and horses is a mere
local disease. The first group, besides the contagion effected
by the virus, produces somites, whilst in the second group the
immediate transmission of the virus is necessary for the pro¬
pagation of the disease. It has been frequently and long ob¬
served that cow-pock and horse-pock were inoculated on man,
but sheep-pock has only been transmitted by direct and arti¬
ficial methods. The cow is predisposed to inoculation with
human, equine, and ovine virus. The horse and ass have
been successfully inoculated with bovine, humanised, and
pustular virus. Ovine has had no effect. Sheep are readily
affected by bovine and equine virus, but have little suscep¬
tibility to the human. Goats are susceptible to the lymph of
the sheep and hog, and reproduce it. Hogs can be inoculated
with human, ovine virus, & c. The first transmission of a
foreign virus is often unsuccessful, or produces doubtful
results, so that it appears that there is a natural resistance
which is to be overcome by previously acclimatising the
virus. In the same species, however, the propagation is
easy. In all cases, however, human and animal virus can be
reciprocally and successfully inoculated. There is a law by
which man has a susceptibility, in common with some other
diseases, of contracting variola but once in a lifetime. The
practice of inoculation in the past year has proven that the
disease, artificially induced, is as competent to insure this
further immunity. These laws are equally applicable to the
inferior animals. Equine or bovine virus received by accident
or intentionally has proved to be of the same value as variola
as a future protective. Ovine virus is also a guarantee against

ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY OF ENGLAND. 197

variola, and destroys further susceptibility to vaccination.
Cattle that have been inoculated have no longer any adapta¬
bility to the reception of equine, ovine, or bovine virus.
Sheep enjoy the same immunity after an inoculation. — The

British Medical Journal.

[There are many statements in the above Extract which
we are at a loss to understand, supposing the translation to
be correct. Our experiments with the virus of ovine variola
have been numerous — we might say hundreds — and it is a
singular fact, that they have invariably failed on horses,
donkeys, cows, goats, pigs and dogs. Goats are also proof
against ovine variola, even if made to live in the same building
for weeks together, with diseased sheep in all stages of the
disease ; and although the other animals on the same farm
may not have been shut up with variolous sheep, it is never¬
theless a well established fact, that none of them ever contract
the disease however often they may have been temporarily
exposed to its contagium.

With reference to the susceptibility of the human subject
to sheep variola, Mr. Ceely, the late Mr. Marson, with one of
the Editors of this Journal, put this fairly to the test, during
the great outbreak of the malady of 1847-9, Mr. Ceely alone
making not less than 180 punctures in twenty-five subjects,
and invariably with a negative result. Since that time, when
engaged in inoculating sheep, we have again and again
inoculated ourselves, to give confidence to those who were
assisting in the operation. The opinions of Professor Naunyn
would seem to be a renewal of the erroneous statements of
Sacco, the Italian author, which were refuted here. Were it
necessary, we could point out other statements in the Extract
which are unsupported both by experiment and experience in
this country. — Eds.]

ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY OF ENGLAND.

Monthly Council, Wednesday, February 4th, 1880. Present — the
Duke of Bedford (President, in the chair), H.R.H. the Prince of Wales,
K.G., the Duke of Richmond and Gordon, K.G., Earl Cathcart, Lord
Chesham, the Hon. W. Egerton, M.P., &c.

Veterinary Committee.

The Hon. TV. Egertons M.P., reported his election as Chairman of the
Committee for the year. The Committee had received a report from
Professor Simonds, in reference to investigations made since the last
Council meeting ; and they recommended that the following report by
Professor Axe, of disease in a flock belonging to Mr. Drew, ot Tavistock,
be published in the agricultural newspapers : —

LIII.

14

198

ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY OF ENGLAND.

Report on a Fatal Disease prevailing among Fwes} with special reference to an
outbreak of it in the flock of Mr. Drew , Artiscomb, Tavistock.

The disease referred to in this report, I have reason to believe, is at
the present time somewhat widely spread : and, having regard to its
fatal character, the rapidity with which it runs its course, and the
special condition of the animal which it assails, I much regret that I am
not able to furnish a fuller and more complete account of its history and
pathology. Reports that have reached me from Devon, Cheshire, and
Cornwall, as well as others noted in agricultural papers, testify to its
widespread existence ; and its importance at this critical period is largely
enhanced by the fact that it claims for its victims, in a great measure,
the best bred and the best fed of our breeding stock. At a time like the
present, when a large proportion of our sheep have succumbed to the
ravages of parasitic diseases, and large numbers are still threatened
with extermination from the same cause, the existence of such a malady
as that referred to above in our breeding stock is a matter of serious
concern.

It is, however, satisfactory to be able to say that, although my know¬
ledge regarding the nature and origin of this disease is based on general
observations rather than (as it should be) on a systematic and exhaus¬
tive inquiry, I am, nevertheless, capable of exercising a large influence
in arresting its spread, by the application of well-timed measures based
on hygienic and prophylactic considerations.

In every instance that has come to my knowledge in the past, as well
as the present, all attempts to cure have met with a negative result, both
in the practice of our most eminent scientific veterinarians, as well as
that of intelligent and experienced practical shepherds, notwithstanding
that every class of medicine has been employed, and every variety of
curative treatment adopted. The suddenness of its inception, and the
rapidity with which it runs its course and destroys life, constitute the
chief features of the affection. In numerous instances a few minutes
suffice to kill, so that animals apparently well at night are found dead in
the morning. In the most protracted cas^s it seldom extends over from
three to four hours, and such may be regarded as cases of exceptional
duration.

So far as I am able to speak from past and present experience, ewes
are principally its victims at this season of the year, and more especially
such as are in a well-nourished and thriving condition. The prevailing
fear of “ rot ” has prompted the universal adoption of a too liberal
feeding as a means of protection against its ravages, and in some measure
this fact may possibly serve to explain the origin of the malady.

Hitherto my information on the present epizootic is chiefly obtained
from upland farms, where the staple pasture is grass, but the malady
cannot by any means be said to be altogether confined to such situations,
nor perhaps especially to grass feeding.

With reference to the outbreak of this disease at Artiscomb, it may
be stated that Mr. Drew’s flock originally consisted of 358 sheep, com¬
prising 138 breeding ewes, 65 wethers, 54 draught ewes, 113 lambs, and
a miscellaneous lot of 5, in which were included some rams, hoggs, &c.

They are all of the Dartmoor breed, display excellent quality and
condition, and some of them are known to fame in connection with the
agricultural exhibitions. Mr. Drew’s farm is principally devoted to
grass culture, with a considerable area of old clover layer, and a small
percentage of roots. During the summer the ewes were pastured

ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY OF ENGLAND. 199

chiefly on grass. In September the culls were drawn, separated from
the breeding stock, “ and fed on,” the latter following the former over
the same ground. About the 5th of November the breeding ewes were
placed on mangold tops during the day, on grass at night. This system
of feeding was continued up to the 19th of November, when they were
removed to the highest point of the farm, and put on four-year old
clover layer. On the 23rd they were turned on to some rich old grass
from which lambs had been recently removed. Four days later, Nov.
27th, one of the ewes died suddenly, and on the 29th, two days after¬
wards, a second died in a similar manner. From this date up to the time
of my visit fresh cases continued to occur at intervals of from one to
four days, notwithstanding that frequent changes of pasture, and of food
generally, were made in the meantime. Up to the 31st of November
25 ewes had succumbed to the disorder, and two others have since died.
Until the time of these animals being pastured on old grass, they con¬
tinued to exhibit a healthy condition. It was, therefore, naturally
inferred that the determining cause of the outbreak was in some way
connected with the nature and quality of the herbage on the particular
field in which they were lodged, and they were consequently removed.
While admitting the possibility of this connection, it must be remem¬
bered that the ewes were only on the old pasture four days when the
disease occurred. Further, that only eight days elapsed between the
outbreak of the malady and the discontinuance of the mangold tops,
which are said to have been frosted and otherwise damaged. Whether
the grass, or the mangold tops, or both, or these together with certain
surrounding conditions, be regarded as the cause, it is perfectly clear,
from the subsequent changes of management which were r esorted to
that that cause was not a transitory one, inasmuch as it continued to
operate over a period of four weeks after the suspected food had been
discontinued. Whatever may be the precise explanation of the origin
of the disease, its confinement to the breeding ewes alone is a note¬
worthy feature in the outbreak ; nor is it less important to remember
that the only material difference in the food as regards the other portion
of the flock is that which pertains to mangold tops, which, as previously
pointed out, were given to the ewes for a period of fourteen days. The
fact of the lambs preceding the ewes over the old pasture being exempt
from the disease does not necessarily acquit such pasture of participating
in the cause of the outbreak, any more than the mangold tops can be
reasonably held harmless on account of the lapse of eight days between
their discontinuance and the commencement of the disease. From a
consideration of the foregoing facts it will be seen that while no precise
cause can be surely stated, certain general conclusions may be ar¬
rived at.

1. The confinement of the disease to the breeding ewes alone, and
the general condition of the latter, points in a forcible manner to preg¬
nancy and plethora as predisposing causes.

2. The absence of disease in the sheep that followed the ewes over
the pastures in which the malady originated acquits that pasture of
being in itself the cause of the outbreak.

3. Inasmuch as the use of the mangold tops represents the only
specific difference of feeding and hygiene between the ewes and the
other portion of the flock, there is good reason for regarding the tops
as the determining cause of the affection.

4. The gradual subsidence of the disorder on the discontinuance of
the tops and the diminution of the food tends to confirm the latter view
of the case.

200 ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY OF ENGLAND.

The symptoms of the disease vary in different cases. At all times,
however, it runs its course rapidly, and rarely exceeds from three to
four hours’ duration.

In the more acute cases sudden paralysis is rapidly followed by con¬
vulsions and a loss of consciousness, and death ensues in a few minutes.
In others, the premonitory indications of sickness are manifested by an
indisposition to feed ; the affected sheep leaves the flock, and seeks some
sheltered and quiet corner of the field, or wanders about alone in a
dull stupid condition. Its movements are unsteady, the head is carried
low, the ears are pendulous ; in some instances the body is generally
enlarged, while in others local swellings occur, involving more
especially the head and neck. When pressed upon, the swollen parts
crepitate or crackle beneath the fingers, and give other evidence of the
presence of air in the tissues. Not unfrequently the belly alone is
swollen, tense, and drum-like, owing to the presence of gas in the
stomach. Sometimes the skin presents a leaden hue, becomes soddened
with fluid, cold, and moist to the feel. The wool becomes loose in its
follicles, and may be removed by the merest traction. The bowels are
constipated, and the faeces hard and dry, the urine scanty and high-
coloured, and sometimes straining attends their evacuations. The
mucous membranes are red and engorged with blood ; this is especially
marked in the eyes. The mouth is hot at first, afterwards cold and
clammy. The breathing is quick, and often of a stertorous or snoring
character. After death the body quickly undergoes decomposition, and
emits a fetid odour. The blood is firmly coagulated, and the internal
organs exhibit blood congestions and extravasations, and in the case of
the liver, kidneys, and sometimes the intestines, more or less, oedema
and softening.

On my arrival Mr. Squire, veterinary surgeon, of Tavistock, had been
in attendance upon the flock for several days, and fully appreciating the
nature of the malady, had already administered to each animal two doses
of aperient medicine, and prescribed besides a course of antiseptic and
alterative medicine. At the same time the food was changed again and
again, as will be seen by the table annexed.

The following table will show the progress of the disease day by day
during its prevalence, as far as it could be ascertained, and the kind of
food given :

Date.

No. of Deaths.

Kind of Food.

Nov.

27 th

1

Rich old grass.

99

29 th

1

Rich old grass.

99

31st

2

Moderate pasture.

Dec.

1st

1

Moderate pasture.

99

2nd

2

Moderate pasture and cabbage.

99

4th

1

Clove layer.

99

7th

1

Grass.

99

9 th

1

Grass.

99

12th

1

Grass.

„ 13th-21st

6

Old grass.

99

23rd

1

Poor grass, roots, corn.

99

24th

1

Poor grass, roots, corn.

99

28 th

2

Moderate grass, turnips.

99

29th

2

Moderate grass, roots, desiccated grains.

99

31st

1

Moderate grass, roots, desiccated grains.

ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY OF ENGLAND.

201

This treatment was continued with but slight variation, and notwith¬
standing that one or two deaths have since occurred, the results may be
said to be most satisfactory. J. Wortley Axe, Professor.

The Committee proposed for the consideration of the Highland
Society and the Royal Agricultural Society of England, that each con¬
tribute a sum not exceeding £100 towards the prizes and expenses of
the examinations in veterinary science ; that the written portion of the
examination be held at Edinburgh and London simultaneously ; and
that the examination in Practical Pathology, in Dec., 1880, be held at
Newcastle-on-Tyne, the expenses of the examiners being paid by the
Societies, and the second-class fares of the candidates also.

This report was adopted.

Hot in Sheep.

At the request of the Committee, Professor Simonds had drawn up a
short report on the Rot in Sheep, condensed from the revised edition
of the treatise lately published by the Society and Mr. Murray, which
goes fully into the whole subject ; and they recommend it to be printed
in the next number of the Journal. In this condensed report Professor
Simonds stated that the animals must be carefully guarded against all
vicissitudes of the weather by being folded in the best sheltered situa¬
tions, more especially at night. Their food should consist of a liberal
supply of food, rich in flesh-forming principles, and also of such as
contains a large proportion of sugar, starch, and similar materials, that
the heat of the body may be kept up equally with nutrition. If placed
on meadows or artificial grasses, the sheep should be often changed,
care being taken to avoid those pastures which are wet and cold, or
which contain inferior herbage. Manger- food must be supplied, and
this should consist, in part at least, of crushed corn, of which beans,
peas, lentils, &c., are to be preferred. Oats and maize are also good,
and to these a moderate allowance of oilcake may be added. Frequent
changing of the food will induce the animals to eat more, for which reason,
when they are on the pastures, no objection is to be taken to an occa¬
sional supply of turnips or other roots; but, unless compelled by the
character of the farm, and the system of cultivation, continuous folding
on turnips should be avoided. Where this has to be done, great care
will have to be exercised in regulating the quantity of turnips according
to the condition of the crop, the state of the weather, &c. Under
such circumstances an allowance of good hay, in addition to the other
food, will be imperatively required.

Medicinal agents will likewise have to be had recourse to, preference
being given to those which impart tone and vigour to the system.

Salt cannot be dispensed with. It does good in several ways. It is
an agent which acts as a stimulant to the process of digestion, and, by
its ready solution and free entrance into the blood, it supplies also
any amount of soda which is required in the secretion of bile.

The other medicinal agent to which reference has been made, as im¬
parting vigour to the system, is the sulphate of iron. As a tonic it is
excelled by few, if by any, therapeutic agent ; while the readiness by
which it can be obtained, and the lowness of its price, give it an ad¬
vantage over many others. Sheep also do not object to take it with
their food when mixed in proper proportions ; nor is it a matter of much
moment if one animal should get rather more than his fellow, by more
rapid or longer feeding at the trough. Sulphate of iron is likewise an
excellent agent for the expulsion of several of the varieties of intestinal

202 CENTRAL VETERINARY MEDICAL SOCIETY.

worms. Its chief use, however, in rot is its powerful effect in the repro¬
duction of the red cells of the blood. In all diseases, therefore, in
which there is a diminished power of producing red cells, the sulphate
of iron is a valuable remedy.

Stomachics or carminatives are likewise required, of which medica¬
ments I give a preference to aniseed in this affection.

A good compound of these several medicinal agents, with some highly
nitrogenised alimentary matters, is contained in the following formula.
Take of —

Finely-ground oilcake (linseed)
,, peal-meal

,, salt . .

„ aniseed

„ sulphate of iron

* j> each 1 bushel.

' j-each 4 lbs.

*. 1 lb.

Let the salt, aniseed, and sulphate of iron be mixed together first,
and afterwards well incorporated with the cake and pea-meal.

Quantity per diemy each sheep from half a pint to a pint.

The Duke of Richmond and Gordon said that the disease amongst sheep
is of a very disastrous character, and one upon which the fullest informa¬
tion that we can get ought to be obtained ; and every one knows that
Professor Simonds treats of' every subject he undertakes to write upon
in the most complete manner possible. He therefore suggested that
instead of the publication of an abstract of Professor Simonds’s pam¬
phlet in the Journal , the whole paper should be republished.

Mr. Dent explained that Professor Simonds had prepared an abstract
of a very complete character, in consequence of several practical farmers
having represented that his pamphlet, although, doubtless, most valuable
from a scientific point of view, was not easily to be understood by practical
men uninstructed in scientific language, and therefore the Journal Com- *
mittee had suggested the publication in the Journal of a short abstract
only, leaving still to those who required it an opportunity to purchase
the more comprehensive paper at the low price of sixpence.

CENTRAL VETERINARY MEDICAL SOCIETY.

An ordinary meeting was held at 10, Red Lion Square, W.C., on
Thursday evening, January 15th, 1880, the President, H. T. Batt, Esq.,
in the chair.

Mr. Hall Brown forwarded a post-mortem specimen of diseased
liver, which had been taken from a horse that had been destroyed for
broken knees ; the animal had been used by a butcher at Woodford for
six years, and always appeared to be in good health and excellent condi¬
tion. He also forwarded two enormous kidneys taken from a well-bred
horse, 15.2 hands high, that had been passing blood for a week before
being destroyed.

The Secretary drew attention to a hypodermic syringe, which he con¬
sidered extremely cheap, only costing 6s. 6d.

Mr. Furnival exhibited some coated horse balls, which he had used
for some years ; they were prepared for him and with a saving of labour
and cost.

Mr. Hunting then resumed the subject of Colic, adjourned from the
last meeting. He said one thing had occurred to him, and that was that
cold water was frequently looked upon as a cause of colic ; he believed in

CENTRAL VETERINARY MEDICAL SOCIETY.

203

all cases of colic there was a tendency to constipation, but he thought the
exciting cause of cold water alone would not produce colic, it only
‘affected a horse having an empty stomach for a long time ; the multipli¬
cation of drinking fountains was strong proof that water alone did not pro¬
duce colic ; water was an exciting cause but not the cause of indigestion.

He wondered no one had as yet given a name for this disease in the
horse ; there was a disease very analogous to it in the human subject ; he
referred to sycosis, which would be a very good term for the disease in
the horse.

Mr. Gerrard said his ideas regarding colic were very much in unison
with those expressed by Mr. blunting, although he had anticipated a
rather different system of treatment from him, as one who had sat so
long at the feet of Gamaliel or one of the great masters on this subject.
He had fully expected a philosophic disquisition on the action of aloes
in the treatment of colic, for there was no subject that Mr. Gamgee wrote
so dogmatically upon as the action of aloes in the treatment of colic, to¬
gether with the use of his enema funnel, which he regarded as capable of
curing any case of colic; indeed he mentions that he had not lost a case
for some thirty years. And those who pursue the stimulant or sedative
mode of treatment, he rather twits with treating the symptoms of the dis¬
ease instead of the disease itself. Colic being essentially a spasmodic con¬
traction of the muscular coats of the intestines, induced by some irritant,
either in the shape of food or water, the most reasonable mode of treat¬
ment was certainly to remove the irritant, but he (Mr. Gerrard) had
found that if you depended altogether on removing the irritant by
purgation you frequently lost your case, from the violence of the sym¬
ptoms, unless mitigated by a sedative. He could not say, however, that
he had been so successful as Mr. Furnival, even although he had tried
his prescription since the last night of meeting, for he lost the first case
he tried it upon, only it turned out a twisted bowel, so that it was scarcely
a fair test. Besides, the administration of chlorodyne to the horse, if it
has to be often repeated it would be rather an expensive medicine, winch
was against its general adoption, unless we could always depend upon its
action. He had had the greatest success, by the adoption of the stimu¬
lating and anodyne treatment, followed up by a dose of aloes if the
state of the bowels and other conditions of the patient, as to food and
water, demanded it.

One great objection to the treatment of colic by aloes was that you
required the patient to be off work for a few days, whereas by the
stimulating or sedative treatment you can usually, in ordinary cases,
get fit for work in a few hours, which was frequently a matter of
very much importance to your clients.

With regard to the production of colic by the drinking of cold water
he had frequently found that horses in certain agricultural districts were
often the victims of it, from being worked too long without food or water,
and allowed to drink at the troughs in the yard when brought in. In
Lincolnshire this was frequently found to be the cause of colic and even
enteritis, arising from the fact that they worked their horses such long
hours — frequently from seven in the morning until three in the afternoon,
without food or water, whereas in Essex, where a different system of
feeding and working prevails, colic is not so frequently met with ; so that
under certain conditions of the stomach and intestines, cold water may
produce colic, or even too greedy feeding after long fasting ; and this
pathological fact is strictly in keeping with the anatomy and physiology
of the stomach and bowels of the horse. _

He regarded public drinking troughs in our large towns— -about

204 CENTRAL VETERINARY MEDICAL SOCIETY.

which something was said in this discussion — as either a very great boon
or a great nuisance. Looking at them from a philanthropic point of
view, they relieve the sufferings of the dumb companions of our toil,
by frequently allaying their sufferings from thirst ; but, on the other
hand, he was certain they were one of the greatest means of spreading
contagious diseases, such as glanders, &c., so,that their good is neutralised
by their evil, and they become therefore a positive nuisance. He stated
that several cases of this sort had lately come under his notice, which
were decidedly attributable to this cause. He thought if an opinion
were expressed by this Society it might have some effect upon the public
mind, by warning them of their danger. He thanked Mr. Hunting for
bringing the subject before them, and giving them some light upon it.

Mr. Hunting explained that he always treated his cases first with a
stimulant, which frequently gives an amount of functional activity to
the bowels ; the removal of the obstruction was the object to be aimed at ;
if he could obtain such by the mild treatment he did so, but if not he
tried the other treatment.

The evening being well advanced, and Mr. Furnival’s subject a
lengthy one, it was deferred to the next meeting, and the proceedings
terminated.

* Present — 12 Fellows and 5 Visitors.

At a meeting of the Society, held at No. 10, Red Lion Square,
on Thursday evening, February 5th, the President, Mr. H. T. Batt, in
the chair,

The Secretary produced a specimen of ruptured liver taken from
a seven-months’-old filly, which had been sent by Mr. M. Tailby, of
Birmingham. There was a large quantity of blood in the abdomen.
The filly was a quiet animal, and had belonged to a butcher, and
was eating shortly before death. The specimen was forwarded eleven
days since.

The Chairman thought the rupture was the result of a blow. He
remembered a two-year-old horse falling very suddenly with a full
stomach, and thus rupturing its liver. Had also been called in to see
a colt which, when galloping, had slipped up on its side and ruptured
its liver ; it lived three or four days.

Mr. Furnival had had a colt three years since just in the same way ; it
died the same day.

The Chairman then called upon Mr. Furnival for his essay on
“ Inoculation in Contagious Diseases as a means of Prevention and
Cure, viz. Pleuro-pneumonia, Glanders, and Farcy,” who said, on the
subject of cattle plague, that on the 23rd April, 1868, there was a large
herd of black Welsh cattle passed through Kingston to be sold at the
fair. When his men were going to work, between the hours of 5 and
6 a.m., they heard a lot of shouting and the rattling of cows’ horns in
their place, and, of course, going to see what was amiss, found 350
cattle mixed with their own (they kept 200 fine milch cows, valued at
£25 each) ; they lent assistance, and soon separated them. The cattle
were started back the next day, and reached Barnet fair. The following
day intelligence came that these cattle were affected with the plague.
Professor Simonds, of the Privy Council, went down, and the herd was
destroyed, and the poor Welshman had to go to the Hammersmith
magistrates in court to ask for money to take them back home. Four¬
teen days afterwards he (Mr. Furnival) found his cattle began to droop ;
he communicated at once with the inspector, Mr. Evershed, of Guildford,
who gave notice to the Privy Council. Professor Simonds came down

CENTRAL VETERINARY MEDICAL SOCIETY.

205

the following day, and the whole of his 97 head had to be shot.* The
question comes, Was there a cure for this? He had a pedigree bull,
bought it at Mr. Dean’s sale, giving 250 guineas for it. It got a slight
touch, but not caring to destroy him, consulted a Scotchman, his bailiff,
who suggested a good idea — to take a straw rick, cut it through, and
make a loose box with an up and down shaft. This advice was acted
upon, and the bull inoculated. The treatment pursued was diniodide
of copper with suphate of iron and cantharides ; it was allowed the
most generous diet obtainable. He kept it sixteen weeks, it gradually
picked up in condition, and he had the animal still, showing, he thought,
that by inoculation cattle plague was curable.

Acute Glanders. — Here there were all the symptoms — defluxion of the
nose, stinking breath, swollen tongue and gums, and the horrid effluvia
of the breath. Knew of no analogous case recorded in veterinary works,
with the exception of one cured in the year 1842, which was recorded
in Percivall’s £ Hippopathology,’ vol. 3, page 184, and also inserted in
the Veterinarian of 1842 by Mr. Ernes: “He was called to a case on
the 6th October, found swellings of the hind legs and enlargement of
the parotid glands, with copious discharge from the nostrils, &c.”

Mr. Martin asked what was the bull inoculated from ?

Mr. Furnival. — From one of the diseased cows directly they were
slaughtered. The question has been asked by our continental brethren
as to whether anything can be done for it, and he thought his was a
bond fide case. In pleuro-pneumonia in cattle he believed that by inocu¬
lation not only could it be cured, but prevented. This last year — 1879—
he personally inoculated 1500 head of cattle, some affected with it, some
not, and had not lost one per cent. On farcy in horses, had tried that
by inoculation ; in seven cases inoculated could truly say he had suc¬
ceeded in curing them, afterwards selling them at Aldridge’s. He gave
four guineas each for them, and they realised £30 each. He proposed
to spend some £500 to obtain diseased horses, so satisfied was he for
inoculation if Parliament would sanction it, and instanced the public
recognition of Mr. Rutherford’s services in inoculating a couple of
thousand cows in Edinburgh by the testimonial received in 1879.

Mr. H. J. Hancock asked, with reference to the bull, if there was any
suspicion the animal was affected with cattle plague at the time of
inoculation ; also what virus was selected. He did not think one isolated
case was any proof inoculation would be a preventive or palliative to
cattle plague.

As to glanders, in his father’s time many animals were treated, and
several recovered and lived for some years, and no inoculation was
practised. Were the horses suffering from farcy at the time, also what
did Mr. Furnival inoculate them from ?

Mr. Furnival , in reply, was satisfied this bull had the cattle plague on
him, but in a mild form. The virus was a portion of the lung he took
from the diseased cows and selecting between the third and fourth
coccygeal bones he made an incision in either side of the tail and put
a piece in and bound it round the tail of the bull. With reference to
the animals suffering from farcy, when bought they had got from twenty
to thirty farcy buds on them ; he slaughtered one on purpose to inocu¬
late the other ; he took out a fair portion of the flesh with the bud
in, and inserted it in the incision made between the third or fourth
bone of the tail of the horse he had.

Mr. G. Banham observed that he had heard and read of cases re-

[# Mr. Furnival’s memory seems to have misled him with regard to
the part taken by Prof, Simonds in these cases. — Ed.]

206

CENTRAL VETERINARY MEDICAL SOCIETY.

covering, and believed a certain percentage did so recover. This bull was
slightly affected, and perhaps would have remained so independently of
the inoculation. He thought they could not rely upon one single instance
and consider this treatment a cure for cattle plague. As regards pleuro¬
pneumonia, he believed they were satisfied there was some benefit de¬
rivable from inoculation, but they knew it did not produce the same dis¬
ease ; in farcy, cattle plague, and glanders inoculation produced the same
disease, which was fatal. It appeared to him rather risky to inoculate
horses with a poison for the purpose of preventing the ill effects of the
same poison. Applied to farcy, he could not understand the theory as
to how the inoculation acted, nor could he conceive how a poison taken
from one part and introduced into some other part could cure the
disease. In the report quoted from Percivall’s ‘ Hippopathology,’ he
supposed it was considered in those days the best book written, but still
they could not rely upon everything that was down in black and white
in the present day. He had seen very bad cases of glanders, but had
never seen or previously heard of typhoid glanders, but thought it more
likely an anthracoid affection, and that charbonneuse had also been de¬
tailed as the same affection.

Mr. G. Moore observed purpura hsemorrhagica had been mistaken for
it, that purpura looked like glanders at one of its stages, and’ that if a
man had not seen many cases he might make a mistake.

The Secretary asked Mr. Furnival what class of horses the affected
animals were ; their condition and age at time of sale ; also, if lost
sight of since their sale, could he take measures to ascertain where they
went ; if the whole or half the lungs were affected, and whether he would
deal with glanders in the same manner by inoculation and treatment ?
He thought if the preventive measure was to become amenable to treat¬
ment it would be beneficial to the public.

Mr. Shaw asked how many days elapsed before they showed symptoms
of farcy after inoculation ? In reply was informed he had not tried
glanders because there was no Act of Parliament permitting him to do
so. Mr. Shaw had seen a great number of affected animals, having to
give orders for horses to be destroyed ; among farriers it was called the
“ black fass.”

Mr. Hancock observed there had been a case at Poplar where the whole
of the herd was destroyed save one cow, which was allowed to remain
there for eighteen months ; throughout there was nothing the matter with
her ; she was vaccinated, he got an order this cow should remain ; went
to a shed in London and found three there; the man had fourteen
affected with lung disease, two were no doubt largely affected with cattle
plague, he thought the others were the same ; the two were killed, the
other not affected remained alive.

Mr. Banham said he could corroborate Mr. Hancock’s statement.
Professor Simonds had narrated a case of a cow which was inoculated,
and stood with plague-affected animals and calved in the time.

Mr. J. Moore, sen., saw one at the knacker’s that had to be killed ; it
was bad with the plague ; she was put among the dead carcases, and was
found going about recovering from her disease. He had seen scores
getting better, with cattle plague in a mild form, exhibiting all the
symptoms, yet they got perfectly well. He believed Professor Simonds
had said it was something similar to cattle plague, and not “it.” That
was one way of getting out of the difficulty.

The Chairman remarked Mr. Furnival had given a large field for
discussion. As far as cattle plague was concerned, there was but a very
small percentage that did recover. At the time of the first cattle plague
in London, in the Edgware Road, there were 150 head of cattle with

CENTRAL VETERINARY MEDICAL SOCIETY.

207

the disease, and three or four that had not the disease were placed with
them, and two had it and recovered. With reference to the inoculation
he had known it to have been tried upon the Continent, in Germany
especially, and in Russia. Some years ago Professor Simonds and Mr.
Ernes were commissioned by the three National Agricultural Societies of
England, Ireland, and Scotland, to investigate cattle plague. They went
over Austria, Galicia, Prussia, &c., and came to the conclusion that the
only plan to adopt was to stamp it out ; this was also his opinion. He
could not conceive that in the diseases of glanders and farcy inoculation
would be of any service ; still it was a matter worth investigation. The
isolated case which Mr. Furnival had given them, of the young bull,
was insufficient to rely upon. It did appear some good had been done
with pleuro-pneumonia ; but he failed to see how, in regard to the other
diseases, the introduction of the same disease, as a cure, could restore
the animal to health.

Mr. Martin thought it a very important subject. He believed it
would be difficult to induce the public to allow them to inoculate from
cattle with pleuro-pneumonia, to introduce it into their stock. Mr.
Fleming had written a great deal in the journal about the success in
Scotland. He would like to know more of Mr. Furnival’s treatment in
the cases of pleuro-pneumonia, whether the virus Was taken from the
lungs, and what the symptoms exhibited were?

Mr. Moore had been in very many cowsheds in London, especially in
the parish of Marylebone, and found nearly all keepers had their cows
inoculated ; they could not make a living unless they did so. Most men
who kept 100 cows inoculated all of them, and he had seen them in all
stages of inoculation, the day of operation and months afterwards ; the loss
was something like 1 per cent. The symptoms begin to exhibit them¬
selves after they have been in from a week to twenty-one days ; there is a
swelling of the tail when the inoculation took, where it ought to be swollen
— and often around the fundament, which closes the passage ; this swell¬
ing has a strong resemblance to lung disease. There are about 700 or
800 dairymen in London, and with few exceptions they all inoculate ; some
do not like to, it takes the milk off for a time. It was easy to under¬
stand how the disease broke out among a lot of cattle when two or three
were affected, viz. by inhaling the breath of a diseased cow, and if
several become affected all the others are saved, unless perhaps one or
two die from the effects ; it will run through them all or nearly all.
The prize beast taken to Argyllshire from England in 1871 took the
disease with him, and a number of animals had in consequence to be
destroyed. One man threatened him if he went into his barn. The
veterinary surgeon there was a brother-in-law of a farmer at Hendon.
They inoculated 1800 in Campbelltown, and since then there has not
been a single case of pleuro-pneumonia in it. If this can be done in a place
where there is so much to hinder it, why cannot it be done in London ?
Mr. Rutherford, who is an elderly man, induced the cowkeepers of
Edinburgh to adopt inoculation. Mr. Gamgee attempted to do it many
years ago and failed signally. Since last year there has been no case of
pleuro-pneumonia in the neighbourhood. He contended if there was an
Act of Parliament similar to the Yaccination Act, to have cattle inocu¬
lated, instead of knocking them on the head with a piece of cold steel, it
would be a great saving to the cattle proprietor, who only got three
fourths the value of the cow. Two or three years since he saw some
twenty or thirty members of Parliament on the subject, and he was
astonished to find that scarcely any of them knew or had ever heard of
inoculation for pleuro-pneumonia. Sir Patrick O’Brien brought it forward,
and his answer was, “ There was not sufficient evidence to induce the

208

CENTRAL VETERINARY MEDTCAL SOCIETY.

Government to bring in a Bill.” He bad nothing to say on inocula¬
tion for farcy. Inoculation was just the same as vaccination. These
cattle were affected before. If a child has smallpox, vaccination will
not stop it, so it is with pleuro-pneumonia. If a cow has it, it will go
on. There were five cattle at the same farm affected with pleuro¬
pneumonia as well as the rest; he treated them medicinally, and every
one recovered. A week after another took it ; he treated that and it
got better ; as far as his experience went it was curable. He would not
deny that other cows might take the disease any more than a child
would take a disease after vaccination, but it was more effectual in
cattle than in human beings. He treated them with phosphorus,
bryonia, liq. ammonia caust., and extreme cases withjsulphate of zinc,
according to the symptoms. He cured many cases of cattle plague
medicinally.

Mr. Shaw questioned whether cowkeepers noticed the disease until the
last minute when the animal was nearly dead.

Mr. Moore had been at a cowshed and seen animals even with shivering
fits.

Mr. Shaw said he agreed with Mr. Moore there, but how long was it
before the cowkeeper gave notice of the disease ? Until the pleura became
affected they knew nothing of it, and it was only when the cow no longer
gave milk that they said anything about it.

Mr. Moore said there was no such thing as pleuro-pneumonia ; it was
broncho-pneumonia ; it was not pleurisy. He had seen hundreds of
cases, and was certain he had cured several cases such as mentioned.
Had been told by farmers, over and over again, that they cured every
cow according to his instructions. A gentleman in Australia had sold 500
of his pamphlets. This gentleman also told him the farmers cured every
case by adopting his (Mr. Moore’s) treatment. He could mention the
names of some who had cured cases when taken in time to give oppor¬
tunity. He went to Blenheim Palace, where there were some affected
animals — some badly, exhibiting all the usual symptoms. He had a
temporary shed put up for them, and placed them under treatment.
Some time after he was asked if he recollected going to the castle. He
said “Yes.” He found they had lost one lung, but were nice fat beasts.
He asked what saved these. They were dying before he went down.
He put them under treatment.

Mr. J. B. Martin thought they had the opportunity of treating con¬
tagious cases as matters were at present ; it was left entirely in their
hands ; they need not say if it were pleuro-pneumonia, or what it was, and
if they could cure such cases it would raise their reputation in the eyes of
the public. He would suggest the discussion be adjourned to the next
meeting, when Mr. J. Moore could bring in a paper, and give them the
benefit of his treatment, for, if that gentleman had the power to cure
these cases, it was a matter of the greatest importance to the profession
at large, as at present they were ridiculed by the public for having to
slaughter the animals instead of curing them. If they said the animal
was affected with pleuro-pneumonia it had to be slaughtered ; they
might say it was a suspicious case, or something else ; they had the ad¬
vantage of being able to treat them in any way they chose ; and if Mr.

J. Moore was so successful in treating it they might have his treatment
in detail. He wished to know whether, in any of the cases cured, the
lung had been hepatised afterwards. Twelve months ago there was a
case of pleuro-pneumonia which recovered, and was in the lodge now.
He did not think it could spread the disease. He did not believe in
any treatment in curing pleuro-pneumonia when once established.

Mr. Price said, in tackling cattle plague by inoculation, he thought

CENTRAL VETERINARY MEDICAL SOCIETY. 209

Mr, Furnival should have come there prepared to give a better proof of
the efficacy of inoculation for cattle plague. He did not regard the one
isolated case of supposed recovery as at all conclusive.

In pleuro-pneumonia he thought a good deal might be done by inocu¬
lation, because nineteen cowkeepers in London, at the present time, had
their cows inoculated with pleuro-pneumonia virus.

With regard to the inoculation of farcy, he would ask Mr. Furnival
what kind of animals those were he inoculated from, and what in the
world was the use of inoculating an animal with a disease that was in the
system ; whether he gave them any medicine, and how long the horses
were under treatment ? It was marvellous for any one to say he could
cure farcy, and give them no practical proof of it ; and it was very
questionable policy indeed for any member of the profession to come
there, and say he could cure pleuro-pneumonia, cattle plague, or
glanders.

Mr. Furnival said he did not include glanders.

Mr. Price thought farcy even more contagious than glanders ; he
believed it did more harm in London at the present moment.

The Secretary said the question before them was as to the efficacy or
not of inoculation for certain affections, glanders, farcy, and pleuro¬
pneumonia. In distemper in the dog the inoculation with another
virus (in other words, vaccination) was held to afford the animal an
immunity from distemper; numbers of people believed in it. For years
he would not vaccinate, but at length on account of the fee and multi¬
plicity of applications he thought he would give it the best test he could.
On one occasion he went a long journey to vaccinate twenty-five dogs ;
he chose the nape of the neck ; he wrote to the owner some time after¬
wards to know how they were (in the meantime he had vaccinated some
more for him). The reply he received was to the effect that the whole
of the twenty-five dogs he vaccinated were all well ; of the last three,
two had had the disease— one severely — and died. He asked himself
the question, what caused that ? Had he operated properly upon these
three or was the lymph different ? He thought not.

A great deal of farcy was about, but was unnoticed being inside the
legs and groins ; these horses were worked. At one time he knew
exactly where to find cases, but now he never saw one ; if he saw a pos¬
sibility of recovery he would be the first to do his best towards that end.
In valuable horses, where the animals were more or less vigorous and
good-conditioned, it was worth while to take some trouble, and there
was some merit in success.

Mr. Furnival , replying to a question asked by the Secretary, with
reference to the horses, said two were hunters, the other three carriage
horses ; the cost of the three was £4 each, the other two £5 each ; they
were from eleven to thirteen weeks getting well. He afterwards sold them,
with a written warranty, at Firmins, and they realised from forty-five to
fifty guineas each.

Mr. Woodger, jun.} was inspector in 1865-6, and went through many
sheds, and found several instances of cattle plague. Some cows withstood
the disease, and never had it ; others had it one or two years later. The
second time we had cattle plague there were a lot of Dutch cattle
affected ; these were less severely so than in 1865 6. He wished to know
when Mr. Furnival tried his experiments. (In reply, during 1865.) And
he remarked that he had given no reason why he thought inoculation was
a preventive to disease.

With reference to inoculation for pleuro-pneumonia, he had, when in¬
spector in 1865, inquired into it. He knew it had been practised for many

210 YORKSHIRE VETERINARY MEDICAL SOCIETY.

years. Mr. Priestman had inoculated thousands. Men with only three or
four cows rarely had it done for fear of losing a cow, but large cow
owners did not mind that.

After further discussion it was proposed that the subject be adjourned ;
but on an amendment being made and put to the meeting the discussion
was then closed, and the proceedings terminated.

YORKSHIRE VETERINARY MEDICAL SOCIETY.

The annual meeting and dinner were held at the Queen’s Hotel,
Leeds, on Friday, the 30th January, the President, Mr. W. G.
Schofield, of Pontefract, in the chair. The following members
were also present, viz.; Prof. Williams; Messrs. M. E. Naylor, Jas.
Freeman, Thos. Greaves, W. Edmundson, J. S. Carter, J. W. Anderton,
Peter Walker, J. H. Ferguson, Parlane Walker, R. W. Murdoch, J.
Atcherley, J. E. Scriven, D. It. Sowerby, P. Deighton, Jno. Nettleton,
and the Secretary. Messrs. Thos. Taylor, W. A. Taylor, T. Hopkin,
A. Lawson, Roberts, Manchester ; Mr. Rutherford, 21st Hussars ; and
Mr. Sweeting, Wakefield, were present as visitors.

A number of members and friends sent apologies for non-attendance.

Mr. Geo. Hardie, M.R.C.V.S., of York, was unanimously elected a
member.

The Secretary introduced the subject of the election for members of
Council, and after some discussion it was resolved, that the Secretary act
in concert with the Secretaries of the other Associations, in order to
carry out the election of Prof. Williams, as the nominee of the Society.
A vote of thanks was unanimously awarded to Prof. Williams for his
services in the Council, which the Professor acknowledged in suitable
terms.

The President then read the inaugural address, and, at its conclusion,
Mr. Greaves proposed, Mr. Naylor seconded, and Prof. Williams sup¬
ported, the unanimous vote of thanks to the President for his able
discourse.

The Address.

Mr. Vice-President and Gentlemen, — Being the first occasion
this year at which I have had the opportunity of meeting so many pro¬
fessional brethren, it affords me very great pleasure in wishing you,
though late, a very happy and prosperous new year.

Allow me also to thank you for the honour conferred upon me by
electing me your President for the current year. My acquaintance with
this Society dates back some fourteen or fifteen years, when I had the
gratification of attending as a visitor one of its meetings held at Ponte¬
fract.

I well remember the kindly greeting and cordiality extended towards
me by that most genial of men — the then president — the late Mr.
McTaggart, of Halifax. I little thought at the time that in a few years
I should occupy the position which he then so ably filled. Although
many amongst you would have filled this chair with greater credit than
myself, yet it shall be my bounden duty, whilst occupying the position,
to endeavour to further the progress of this Association and to carry
out the wishes of its members, as far as my abilities will allow me, in a
honorable and straightforward manner, and I trust also to your satis¬
faction. I must congratulate you on the present condition of the Society,

YORKSHIRE VETERINARY MEDICAL SOCIETY. 211

t being I believe, financially sound, and though perhaps not numerically
strong, yet wide in its influence and social in its character.

The benefits derived individually and collectively by being connected
with Veterinary Medical Associations are very many indeed. It is the
aim of this and kindred societies to promote the interests and well-being
of the profession generally, and harmony and unity amongst its members,
also to endeavour to open out the as yet unexplored parts of the vast field
of hidden knowledge in connection with veterinary science, and to be the
arena in which its many champions may fight their controversial battles
in friendly discussion. Men are never so likely to settle a question as
when they discuss it freely, for free and fair discussion will ever be found
the firmest friend of truth.

Gentlemen, we come here for the purpose of helping others and
receiving good ourselves. The older members of the profession to give
us the benefit of their large and varied experience, and the younger
ones to derive such advice and information as shall fit them to occupy a
honorable and distinguished position in the calling they have elected to
follow, and be worthy to tread in the footsteps of their talented pre¬
decessors. Who are so likely to impart useful information and good
counsel as they who have grown old in the profession, they who have
witnessed its follies and its failures, its honours and achievements ? And
though we may never attain their standard, yet by keeping company
with them, we shall rise above our own, as trees growing in the society
of a forest are said to draw each other up into shapely and stately pro¬
portion.

It may unfortunately happen that one member is at variance with
another, through some real or fancied breach of professional etiquette,
some misunderstanding or misrepresentation, yet under the genial
influence created by the assembling together of those mutually interested
in the same profession, and in the well-beiug of its individual members,
the clouds are dispersed, the grievance forgotten, the bonds of friendship
cemented, and a happier frame of mind instituted. Is there one amongst
us who cannot attribute to such meetings as these the formation and
consolidation of many friendships, or who have not felt the helping hand
of a professional brother in many a difficult case ? I think we shall all
agree that we have gained something ; we have acquired some new
knowledge, and we recall the past day, not only without regret, but with
consummate satisfaction.

The profession to which you and I have the honour to belong is now,
I am pleased to say, recognised as one of the institutions of the country,
and justly so, for it has the charge and well-being of many millions of
animals, which constitute a large portion of the wealth of the nation. It
is from the bovine and ovine tribes that our chief food supply is drawn ;
and from the equine we derive the means whereby a large proportion of
the commerce of the country is disseminated, and which also contributes
largely to the pleasures and pastimes of the inhabitants. It is therefore
our duty, both in the interests of science and the community at large,
and, need I say, for the especial benefit of the animals themselves, to en¬
deavour by all possible and legitimate means, by scientific research, in¬
domitable energy, perseverance, and pluck, to make ourselves tkrorougly
acquainted with the causes of disease ; and then, having acquired that
knowledge, to put forth our energies for the better prevention, alleviation,
and cure of those maladies to which the dumb creature is liable.

Bacon says, “ Every man is a debtor to his profession,” from the which,
as men do of course seek to receive countenance and profit, so ought
they of duty to endeavour themselves, by way of amends, to be a help

212 YORKSHIRE VETERINARY MEDICAL SOCIETY.

and ornament thereunto. Ours is indeed a noble science, for the objects
to be attained are humane, charitable, and benevolent.

The structure and functions of the bodies of domestic animals are
much the same as those of human beings, and the laws which govern the
diseased processes in man and the lower animals and the principles
which dictate and guide the practice of human and veterinary medicine
are identical ; but in the diagnosis of disease we are placed at a great
disadvantage, from the fact that we have to deal with dumb patients.
We can elicit no information from them, but are dependent in a great
measure on the attendant in charge for the history of the case — and
very scanty information you get generally — yet your employer often
expects you to tell him the exact cause of the disease or injury to which
your attention has been called. How often would cases be simplified but
for the groom withholding highly important information, which, if
divulged, might cost him his situation ; and again, how many cases are
lost from procrastination, negligence, ignorance, and self-conceit on the
part of the owner, or from an utter want of sympathy on the part of
the nurse towards his patient.

The veterinary surgeon should be a man of keen perception and of
an acute and observant nature, for upon the exercise or non-exercise of
such qualities as these mainly depends a correct or incorrect diagnosis,
resolution or dissolution in your patient, and consequently the surgeon’s
success or non-success as a practitioner.

And let me here say a few words respecting the training of the em¬
bryonic veterinarian. A step in the right direction has been taken by
the introduction of an extended curriculum at the various teaching
schools, and the adoption of a practical examination, which latter should
be no dead letter. The matriculation examination is also a necessary
adjunct, as a test of the educational attainments of each intending
student ; and this should be strictly adhered to, for without a good sound
education no candidate should be allowed to cross the threshold of our
colleges. Such an education will pave the way and prepare the mind for
the reception of the more scientific teachings with which he must here¬
after become conversant.

A classical and scientific education, however, is useless, unless com¬
bined with practical instruction ; and as this cannot be fully imparted, for
various reasons, at our veterinary institutions, it is, in my humble opinion,
essentially requisite that every veterinary aspirant should be placed for
at least two or three years under the care of an experienced practitioner
previous to his entering college. This will prove of great benefit to him,
by bringing him in direct contact and association with those animals
which at some future time he may be called upon to treat as patients,
and will give him a knowledge of their habits and surroundings.

It will also give him an insight into the many and various aspects of
the profession, the oddities and peculiarities of individuals who are to be
found amongst his clients, and the antique and fantastic theories and
ideas of horsemen which require exploding. Without a lengthened
period of practical tuition it is quite possible, I grant you, for a man to
pass successfully his examinations, and to leave the college with his
diploma under his arm at the end of the minimum time stipulated by
the rules of that college, and yet if his practical knowledge be only of a
superficial character can you expect him to be a clever, useful, and
successful practitioner? I say no. The man who shines well in theo¬
retical and scientific knowledge often presents a sorry appearance in the
sick-box. He lacks confidence in himself, tenders his advice with hesi¬
tation, is too apt to appropriate the opinions of others (and stablemen

YORKSHIRE VETERINARY MEDICAL SOCIETY.

213

are ever ready to volunteer theirs), loses the confidence of his clients,
becomes disappointed and discouraged, consoles himself with the idea
that he has mistaken his avocation, and finally retires from the scene to
seek some less troublous and more genial occupation. 1 should also like
to see such subjects as diet, ventilation, and sanitation more largely
dilated upon at college, as these subjects are not only useful to ourselves,
and which many of our employers reasonably expect us to possess a
knowledge of, and look to us for information and advice thereon.

I think the bridging over of the gulf which a short time ago existed
between the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and the Highland and
Agricultural Society is a matter for intense congratulation, as it now
enables many able, worthy, and respected members of the profession, men
of good social status, scientific knowledge, and practical experience, who
have hitherto held only the certificate of the Highland Society, to pro¬
cure for a mere nominal sum the diploma of the “Royal;” thus
removing one great element of discord, and furthering the advancement
of that one thing, which I am sure we all sincerely desire, viz. profes¬
sional unity. That grand old motto of our corporation — Vis unita
fortior— has for a long time appeared to me as an anomaly, but
through the vista of futurity I begin to discern its realisation. And
now that this great stumbling-block has been removed, I trust that the
question of a penal clause will again come to the front. In looking over
a Post-office Directory of the West Riding of Yorkshire, published
about two years ago, I found blacksmiths, farriers, and bone-setters
designated as veterinary surgeons. This is a lamentable state of things,
and I think it is high time some move was made in the matter. The
public are thus imposed upon by men representing themselves as vete¬
rinary surgeons who have no qualification whatever pertaining thereto,
and it is a mistake to imagine that the public yet thoroughly understand
the radical difference between a qualified and an unqualified practitioner.
Although we may not have much to fear from charlatanry and empiricism,
yet it is only natural that we should desire to see our institutions,
rights, and privileges protected against spuriousness. There are
many other subjects of interest to us which might have been touched
upon, but as it was my intention to be brief, and knowing that we have
amongst us to-day eminent and distinguished members of the profession,
who will interest you far more than I am able to do, I shall conclude by
earnestly appealing to every individual connected with us to aid and
asist in promoting the advancement of our science, to put his shoulder
to the wheel, and though impossible by one huge effort to lift the profes¬
sion to the desired altitude, yet we must, by patient plodding, by “ a long
pull, a strong pull, and a pull altogether,” and with a determination to
press onwards, eventually reach the long-looked for goal.

“ Let us, then, be up and doing,

With a heart for any fate ;

Still achieving, still pursuing,

Learn to labour and to wait.”

At the dinner, the usual loyal and patriotic toasts were heartily drank,
and much disappointment was expressed that Professor McCall, of the
Glasgow School, had not thought fit to place the preliminary examination
of his pupils in the hands of the Council

Wm. Broughton,

Hon. Sec.

LIU.

15

214

THE NATIONAL VETERINARY BENEVOLENT
AND MUTUAL DEFENCE SOCIETY.

FINANCIAL STATEMENT FROM DECEMBER 14th, 1878, TO

FEBRUARY 12th, 1880.

Thomas Geeayes,

Knott Mill, Manchester. lion. Treasurer.

The National Veterinary Mutual Defence Fund.

Cash Received. £ s . d.
Balance of account, Dec.

14th . . . . 388 0 8

Subscriptions of members 246 5 6

Bank interest, Dec. 24tli,

1878 . . . .634

Bank interest, June 24th,

1879 . . . . 1 12 4

Bank interest, Dec. 24th,

1879 . . . .069

Cash Paid. £ s. d.

Cash overpaid last balance,

returned . . .216

Sundry stamps, wrappers,
advertising, rent for
rooms, &c. . . . 6 14 3

Mr. F. W. Brown, solicitor,

Leeds . . . .398

Mr. Thos. Turner, soli¬
citor, Leeds. . . 43 7 0

Cash paid March 13th,

1879, to the Benevolent
Fund .... 400 0 0
Cash in bank, Feb. 12th,

1880 . . . . 185 14 5

Cash in hand . . .110

£642 8 7

£642 8 7

Audited and found correct, 12th February, 1880,

W. A. Tayloe.

The National Veterinary Benevolent Fund.

Cash Received.

£

s.

d.

Cash Paid.

£

s.

d

Balance of account, Dec.

Cash paid Mr. Mather for

14th, 1878 .

888

3

7

printing rules, &c.

5

0

0

Subscriptions of members

2

2

0

Sundry expenses

0

0

11

Bequest of the late Wm,

Cash paid for schooling

Field, Esq., jun. .

52

3

4

T. Brown’s two orphan

Bank interest, Dec. 24th,

children

10

0

0

1878 ....

14

9

6

Cash in bank, Feb. 12th,

Bank interest, June 24th,

1880 . . . 1357

7

8

1879 ....

8

13

10

Bank interest, Dec. 24th,

f

1879 ....

6

16

4

Cash from Defence Fund,

March 13tli, 1879

400

0

0

£1372

8

7

£1372

8

7

Audited and found correct, 12tli February, 1880,

W. A. Tayloe.

VETERINARY BENEVOLENT AND DEFENCE SOCIETY. 215

1878 — December.

£

s.

d.

19th.

Error, Jan. 11th and

£

s.

d.

G. H. Pratt & Bro. .

1

1

0

Feb. 5th .

0

1

0

26th.

H. J. Goodall .

1

1

0

1879 — January.

J. L. Barling .

0

10

6

2nd.

Edwin Faulkner

1

1

0

27th.

B. Cartledge .

1

1

0

A Friend

0

10

6

29tli.

0. J. Hill

1

1

0

3rd.

P. E. Roth well

1

1

0

Joseph Woodger

1

1

0

S. Withers

1

1

0

31st.

Peter Walker .

1

1

0

F. E. Sampson

1

1

0

J. W. Anderton

0

10

6

A. L. Gibson .

1

1

0

R. W. Murdock

0

10

6

J. Markham .

0

10

6

W. Broughton

0

10

6

J. C. James .

0

10

6

J. E. Scrivens .

1

1

0

E. Knott

0

10

6

Thos. Pratt

1

1

0

5th.

E. Meek

1

1

0

J. L. Faulkner

1

1

0

F. E. Day

1

1

0

F. Danby

1

1

0

T. D. Lambert

1

1

0

J. Fergurson .

1

1

0

G. Heys .

1

1

0

Professor Axe

1

1

0

J. C. Broad

2

2

0

‘

Parline Walker

1

1

0

J. Woodger

2

2

0

February.

James Freeman

0

10

6

2nd.

James Brooks .

0 10

6

John Freeman

0

10

6

T. D. Broad .

1

1

0

Joseph Freeman

0

10

6

5tli.

P. Taylor

1

1

0

6 th.

J. Moon .

1

1

0

A. Taylor

1

1

0

7th.

J. Bale .

0

10

6

Thos. Greaves .

1

1

0

8th.

C. W. Elam .

1

1

0

H. T. Batt

2

2

0

F. Blakeway .

1

1

0

T. G. Batt

2

2

0

D. Hutcheon .

1

1

0

8th.

W. Cawthorn .

1

1

0

J. B. Gregory .

0

10

6

T. Briggs

1

1

0

T. E. Proctor .

1

1

0

11th.

Wm. Whittle .

0

10

6

9th.

James Welsby

1

1

0

T. A. Dollar .

2

2

0

T. Hopkins

1

1

0

Finlay Dun

2

2

0

T. Gregory

0

10

6

Francis Ridler

2

2

0

10th.

F. W. Wragg .

1

1

0

B. H. Dyer .

1

1

0

12th.

Mr. Mole

1

1

0

13th.

T. Collins

1

1

0

Hy. Blunt

1

1

0

H. Thompson .

1

1

0

John Gerrard .

0

10

6

Thos. Taylor .

1

1

0

14th.

E. Hodgkinson

1

1

0

S. Locks .

2

2

0

E. Nuttall

0

10

6

14th.

G. Darwell

1

1

0

C. Crowhurst .

1

1

0

Jos. Leather & Son .

2

2

0

23rd.

D. R. Sorbery

0

10

6

J. Carter.

0

10

6

Sir F. Fitzwygram .

1

1

0

J. Storrar

1

1

0

G. Ball & Son .

2

2

0

G. Cave .

0 10

6

J. D. Overed .

0

10

6

T. E. J. Lloyd

1

1

0

A. H. Santy .

1

1

0

■

Rd. Reynolds .

0

10

6

W. J. T. Bowers

1

1

0

M. J. Roberts .

2

2

0

T. E. Auger .

1

]

0

Hugh Fergurson .

2

2

0

F. Case .

1

1

0

B. H. Russell .

0 10

6

D. E. Rattee .

1

1

0

15th.

A. B. Proctor .

3

3

0

F. Lowe .

1

1

0

16th.

T. Collins

0

10

6

A. Rush all

1

1

0

22nd.

H. J. Cartwright .

1

1

0

James Rowe .

2

2

0

J. W. Hill .

1

1

0

James Howel .

1

1

0

28th.

John Blakeway Wol-

C. Crowhurst .

1

11

6

stenholme .

1

1

0

J. C. Plomley .

1

11

6

March.

W. Woods

0

10

6

10th.

J. Marton

0

10

6

G. Schofield .

0

10

6

11th.

J. Lawson

1

1

0

J. J. Collins .

0

10

6

A. Lawson

1

1

0

Hy. Olvers

0

10

6

J. Mosedale .

2

2

0

John Carless & Son .

2

2

0

April.

24th.

J. B. Taylor .

1

1

0

7th.

John Howard .

0

10

6

216 VETERINARY BENEVOLENT AND DEFENCE SOCIETY.

£

s.

d.

£

s.

d.

29th.

J. M. Axe

•

1

1

0

H. J. Goodall .

•

1

1

0

May.

A. G. H. Thornley

•

1

1

0

10th.

G. Carless

•

1

1

0

W. J. T. Bowers

•

1

1

0

11th.

Bell & Carlisle

•

2

2

0

8 th.

Plomley & Crow

16th.

J. M. Broad .

.

1

1

0

hurst .

•

1

1

0

July.

Osburn Hill .

•

1

1

0

19th.

H. M. Stanley

•

1

1

0

F. G. Sampson

•

1

1

0

23rd.

Steven Beeson

•

1

1

0

E. Stanley

•

1

1

0

October.

A. L. Gibson .

•

1

1

0

15th.

It. H. Cartwright

•

1

1

0

9 th.

T. E. Knott .

■

1

11

6

J. Marshall

•

1

1

0

10th.

J. Lawson

•

1

1

0

22nd.

A. G. H. Thornley

•

1

1

0

A. Lawson

•

1

1

0

November.

J. B. Gregory

•

0

10

6

6 th.

B. Roberts

•

1

1

0

J. Gerrard

•

0

10

6

7th.

C. Patterson .

•

1

1

0

J. Storrar

•

1

1

0

13th.

T. Aubory

•

1

1

0

J. Storrar, jun.

•

1

1

0

14th.

W. A. Field .

•

1

1

0

James Bale

•

0

10

6

J. Storrar, jun.

•

1

1

0

13th.

T. E. Auger .

•

1

1

0

J. Cutlibert .

•

0

10

6

W. Carless

•

1

1

0

20 th.

T. Aubory

•

0

10

6

J. Carless

•

1

1

0

December.

J. H. Fergurson

•

0

10

6

4th.

G. A. Banham

•

1

11

6

Sir Frd. Fitzwygram

1

1

0

10 th.

C. Moir .

•

1

11

6

16th.

James Freeman

•

0

10

6

13 th.

R. C. Friggar .

•

2

2

0

John Freeman

•

0

10

6

15th.

C. Sheather

•

2

2

0

Joseph Freeman

•

0

10

6

17th.

E. H. Luck

•

1

1

0

Batt & Son

•

2

2

0

Hy. Thos. Hodgkin-

F. Blakeway .

•

1

1

0

son

•

1

1

0

Thomas Walley

•

1

1

0

18th.

Edward Stanley

•

1

1

0

J. J. Collins .

•

0

10

6

22nd.

W. N. McCaldon

,

1

1

0

S. H. Withers

•

1

1

0

T. G. Chesterman

•

2

2

0

E. Meek .

•

1

1

0

G. Wartnaby .

•

1

1

0

C. Sheather

•

1

1

0

25th.

C. Morgan

•

1

1

0

J. Moon .

•

1

1

0

27th.

A. H. Darwell

•

1

1

0

T. Briggs

•

1

1

0

Hy. Hodben .

•

1

11

6

17th.

C. Crowhurst .

•

1

1

0

31st.

Alfred Over .

•

1

11

6

18th.

B. H. Russell .

•

1

1

0

Philips Deigliton

•

1

1

0

G. Wartnaby .

•

1

1

0

1880 — January.

21st.

Hy. Blunt

•

1

1

0

1st.

Alfred Over .

•

0

10

6

T. A. Dollar .

•

1

1

0

4th.

A. H. Santy .

•

1

1

0

24 th.

Wm. Woods .

•

0

10

6

J. Markham .

•

0

10

6

D. R. Sourby .

1

10

6

R. Reynolds .

•

0

10

6

February.

J. C. James .

•

0

10

6

1st.

A. Rushall

•

1

1

0

Hy. Olver

•

0

10

6

F. W. Wragg .

•

1

1

0

J. Rowe .

•

1

1

0

T. H. Simcock

•

0

10

6

M. J. Roberts .

•

1

1

0

H. R. Perrins .

.

2

2

0

T. Aubery

•

0

10

6

Cartwright & Son

•

2

2

0

C. W. Elam .

•

1

1

0

E. Beddows

•

1

1

0

C. Morgan

•

1

1

0

G. H. Pyatt

•

1

1

0

J. D. Overed .

.

0

10

6

Philip Deighton

•

0

10

6

T. D. Lambert

•

1

1

0

J. W. Anderton

•

0

10

6

C. Collins

•

0

10

6

J. Murdock

0

10

6

5 th.

W. Whittle .

•

0

10

6

J. E. Scrivens .

•

0

10

6

6th.

H. Thompson .

•

1

1

0

J. L. Carter

•

0

10

6

G. Cave .

0

0

10

6

Parline Walker

•

0

10

6

F. Dauby

0

0

10

6

Peter Walker .

•

0

10

6

E. Nuttall

*

0

10

6

Professor Williams .

0

10

6

T. H. Simcock

0

1

11

6

W. J. Schofield

•

0

10

6

7th.

T. E. Masterman

•

1

1

0

Wm. Broughton

•

0

10

6

EASTERN COUNTIES VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. 217

£ s.

d.

£

s.

d.

G. A. Banham

0 10

6

J. Storrar

0

10

6

G. Newsome .

1 1

0

11th. G. Morgan

1

1

0

T. Wm. Kiddler

1 1

0

12th. J. A. Taylor .

2

2

0

J. Bell .

0 10

6

Samuel Lock .

1

1

0

Professor Williams .

1 1

0

The late Wm. Field (cheque

2nd.

R. C. Friggar .

1 1

0

paid 1879)

52

3

4

Tom Taylor .

1 1

0

Bank interest on Mutual

3rd.

E. Faulkner .

1 1

0

Defence Fund, Dec. 24th,

Mr. Schofield, sen. .

1 1

0

1878 ....

6

3

4

Mr. Sweeling (Dona-

Bank interest on Benevo-

tion) .

1 1

0

lent Fund, Dec. 24th, 1878

14

9

6

7th.

James Howell

1 1

0

Ditto, do., June 24th, 1879

8

13

10

John Howard .

0 10

6

Ditto, do., Dec. 24th, 1879

6

16

4

Wm. E. Rallie

0 10

6

Ditto, do., Mutual Defence

F. Lowe .

1 1

0

Fund, June 24th, 1879 .

1

12

4

Thos. Seeker .

0 10

6

Ditto, do., Dec. 24tli, 1879

0

6

9

9 th.

T. D. Broad .

1 1

0

10th.

P. Taylor

1 1

0

£337 11

11

Wm. A. Taylor

1 1

o

R. J. Dyer

1 1

0 1

NORFOLK AND EASTERN COUNTIES VETERI¬
NARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION.

The half-yearly meeting of the members was held at the Norfolk
Hotel, Norwich, on Wednesday, Feb. 4th, Mr. A. II. Santy, F.R.C.V.S.,
in the chair. Geo. Fleming, F.R.C.V.S., and Thos. Greaves, F.R.C.V.S.,
honoured the meeting with their presence. The sister profession was
represented by M. Beverley, M.D., Messrs. Chas. Williams, F.R.C.S., and
R. J. Mills, M.R.C.S. Amongst the members present were Messrs.
Bower, Whincop, Shipley, Overed, Gooch, Smith, Newson, Hammond,
Ellis, Rattee, Butters, Howard, Low, Buckingham, and Augur ;
and Messrs. Santy, jun., Hammond, jun., and Rattee, jun., as
visitors.

Letters were read from Sir F. Fitzwygram, Prof. Pritchard, and
others, regretting their inability to attend.

The minutes of the last meeting having been read and confirmed, the
auditors’ report was received, which showed a balance in favour of the
Society of £18 2s. lOd.

The Secretary next read a communication he had received from the
Hon. Sec. of the Lancashire Veterinary Medical Association respecting
the election of members of the Council of the Royal College of Vete¬
rinary Surgeons in May next, and after considerable discussion it was
resolved to support the re-election of the retiring members.

The instruments recently purchased by the Association for the
use of the members were exhibited on the table, including “Farmer
Miles ” Casting Tackle, Ecraseur, &c. ; also Thompson’s Tooth Shears
and Santy’s Tooth Forceps and Lever (kindly presented to the Associa¬
tion).

A short conversation ensued as to the use and merits of the above,
especially the ecraseur, and instances were named in which its value in

218

SMITHFIELD CLUB.

the castration of horses, the removal of tumours, &c., was highly
spoken of.

Mr. Fleming named a very interesting case in which he had success¬
fully removed (without hemorrhage) a tumour from the inguinal region
of a mare, which weighed 4| lbs. He recommended in all such cases the
skin to be incised, and the tumour separated from its superficial attach¬
ments, before its removal was attempted, which should be done slowly
and deliberately, as haemorrhage would then be less likely to follow the
operation.

The President then requested Mr. Fleming to read his paper on
“ Tuberculosis from a sanitary and pathological point of view.55 It is
unnecessary to state that this important subject was treated by the
essayist in a most scientific and exhaustive manner, being calculated to
assist us very materially in arriving at correct conclusions respecting the
true pathology of this hitherto somewhat obscure malady, and also of its
great importance to the public in general, viewed as a sanitary question.

The discussion which followed was both animated and instructive, in
which the medical gentlemen present took a prominent part, and at its
close the President conveyed to Mr. Fleming the cordial thanks of the
members for his kindness in being present on that occasion, and for the
excellent paper with which he had favoured them. He (the President)
trusted that it would be published in the professional journals, and also
in pamphlet form for circulation, to which the essayist kindly con¬
sented, and expressed his acknowledgments. #

A vote of thanks to the President for his able conduct in the chair,
and to the Hon. Sec. for his services, was carried by acclamation and
respectively acknewledged by Mr. Santy and Mr. Overed.

The members and visitors afterwards dined together, and spent a very
agreeable evening.

SMITHFIELD CLUB.

DENTITION OF PIGS.

At a meeting of the Council, held at the Agricultural Hall, February
3rd. Present : Lord Tredegar, President, in the chair.

The minutes of the last Council meeting were read and confirmed.

The Stewards5 report on protests and other matters connected with
the last show was received and adopted.

On the recommendation of the stewards, it was resolved that the
following rule be readopted, viz. : —

“ All the Pigs exhibited at the Smithfield Club’s Shows shall have the
state of their dentition examined by a competent authority previously to
the Judges making their award. If the dentition shall indicate that the
age of the Pigs has been incorrectly returned in the Certificate, the
Stewards shall disqualify such Pigs, and report the same to the
Council.55

It was resolved that the necessary portions of Professor Simonds’
paper on dentition of pigs be reprinted in a cheap form, after having
been revised by the Professor.

# We hope to be able to publish this paper in our next issue. —
[Eds.]

219

Veterinary Jurisprudence.

POISONING HORSES BY A FARM SERVANT THROUGH

IGNORANCE.

At the Court House, Driffield, on Thursday, Feb. 5th, before Mr.
Reynard (Chairman) and Major Brooksbank, Charles Pyke, a farm
servant, in the employ of Mr. William T. Hornby, farmer, of Middleton,
was charged with having administered poison to his master’s horses.

Prosecutor stated that on the 27th ult. he had some horses taken ill,
of three of which the defendant had charge. He called in Mr. F. Danby,
veterinary surgeon, and, after a good deal of evasion, defendant admitted
having given the animals a little “ markary ,” which he said he had had a
length of time.

Mr. Danby said he was called in on the 27th ult., and one of the horses
died about ten minutes after he had seen it. Another died the next
morning, and a third the morning after. From the symptoms he at once
suspected foul play, and as the defendant denied giving the horses any¬
thing, he called in Mr. Bowman, and on Wednesday they made a post¬
mortem examination of the horse which had died on the previous day,
when they found that it had been poisoned with arsenic. After the third
horse had died, and they ascertained that they had all been poisoned, the
defendant admitted having given the animals a little c‘ markary,” which
was the name by which farm servants called arsenic. Another horse to
which poison had been given had got better ; and another had died that
morning, making four deaths.

Mr. Bowman , veterinary surgeon, Croome, corroborated.

Mr. James Asher , chemist, Driffield, deposed to the defendant purchasing
lib. of arsenic at his shop on the 20th ult., when he said it was for his
master to dress wheat with. He was then cautioned as to the dangerous
nature of the drug, and was told that he was not to give it to any person
or animal.

The Chairman stated that the case was the worst of the kind which
had come before the Bench for years, and defendant would have to go
to prison for one month — the longest term which he could give him. He
also suggested that druggists should not supply servants with such drugs
without a written order from the master. It was stated that the four
horses which had died were worth £200.

CONVICTION FOR SELLING THE FLESH OF ROTTEN

SHEEP.

Southwark Police Court, Feb. 2 \st.

George Godbold and Charles Betts , butchers, were placed at the bar
before Mr. Bridge, on remand, charged with having in their possession
and exposing for sale at 117, Lower Marsh, Lambeth, 70 carcases, 31
hind-quarters, 24 fore- quarters, 18 shoulders, and 40 lbs. of chops,
weighing 13 cwt. 2 qr. 24 lbs. of diseased mutton, totally unfit for

human food. , T i ,,

Mr. Thompson, instructed by Mr. Roffey, Vestry Clerk of Lambeth,

prosecuted, and Mr. Wright appeared for the defendants.

On Saturday, the 7th, Messrs. Coxhead and Bott, Sanitary Inspectors
in the service of the Lambeth Vestry, had their attention called to 117,

220

OBITUARY.

Lower Marsh, a shop lately in the possession of a man named Jackson,
who a few days ago was sentenced to four years’ penal servitude for
obtaining provisions by fraud. They saw a large quantity of legs,
shoulders, and pieces of mutton hanging up, and being sold in a horrible
state of disease, they seized it. In a cellar 83 carcases were found in
the same state, which they seized and brought to this court, when his
worship condemned the whole as unfit for human consumption.

Dr. Archer Farr, Medical Officer of Health of Lambeth, said he
inspected the meat and pronounced it to be unfit for food. The
viscera had been removed, so that he could not tell what was the dis¬
ease, but he believed it was the “ rot.” Such food was likely to be
purchased by the poor, and to spread disease in the locality.

Mr. Charles Statham, farmer, Sudbury, Middlesex, said that, unfor¬
tunately, three weeks ago he had a large number of Welsh sheep suffer¬
ing from the <c rot,” and on the 3rd of the present month both prisoners
came to him and said they would buy them for the Zoological Gardens.
After some hesitation he consented to take 3s. 6d. a head for them, and
they paid him £14 on account. They afterwards clandestinely removed
the sheep, and he had never been paid the balance due to him. Witness
added that he had unfortunately lost upwards of £300 lately by disease
in his cattle, and would not have sold the sheep to the prisoners had
they not told him they wanted them for the beasts at the Zoological
Gardens.

Mr. Bridge sentenced each of the prisoners to three months’ im¬
prisonment, and he was sorry he could not include hard labour.

IMPRISONMENT FOR GIVING A FRAUDULENT CERTI¬
FICATE OF THE AGE OF A BULLOCK.

At the late assizes held at Warwick, a ‘f gentleman farmer,” named
Hopkins, was sentenced to three months’ imprisonment with hard labour
for fraud, in having furnished to the Committee of the Birmingham
Christmas Cattle Show a false pedigree concerning a bullock exhibited by
him, by means of which he obtained a first prize of £20.

ARMY APPOINTMENT.

War Office, Feb. 2 Uh.

Veterinary Department. — Inspecting Veterinary Surgeon William
Death retires on Half -pay.

OBITUARY.

We have to record the death of Mr. Chas. Turner, M.R.C.V.S.,
Croydon, on Feb. 9th, in the 52nd year of his age. His diploma bears
date May 18th, 1849.

John Croft Plomley, M.R.C.V.S., Maidstone. Diploma dated Jan.
22nd, 1840.

Charles Harriss, M.R.C.V.S., Balham, Surrey. Diploma dated
April 30th, 1856.

THE

VETERINARIAN.

YOL. LTII.
No. 628.

APRIL, 1880.

Fourth Series,
No. 304.

Communications and Cases.

SYNOPSIS OF CONTINENTAL VETERINARY

JOURNALS.

By John Henry Steel, M.R.C.V.S., F.Z.S., Demonstrator
of Anatomy at the Royal Veterinary College.

Summary . — From the Ttecueil de Medecine Veterinaire,
15th February, 1880. MM. Toussaint and Perroncito on
“ Cholera or Typhus of Fowls.” MM. Vernaut and
Bouley , “ On the Identity of Black Quarter with Splenic
Fever. M. Violet on “ Sporadic Pleuro-pneumonia,” from
the Journal de Medecine Veterinaire et de Zootechnie.

Cholera of Fowls . Letter by M. Toussaint. — Our col¬
league and co-editor, M. Toussaint, of the Toulouse school,
addresses to us the letter which we shall shortly give, relat¬
ing especially to a question of priority which interests him,
that of the nature of the parasite which gives rise to “ Fowl
Cholera.” M. Toussaint claims, with justice (and this is
the main point in the history of the disease), having first,
accurately determined the parasitical nature of fowl cholera
by giving the true signification to a material fact which
Professor Perroncito had observed and even figured, but the
true import of which had evidently escaped him. In order
to place our readers in a position to pronounce on this ques¬
tion, we can do no better than reproduce here the passages
uii, 16

222 SYNOPSIS OF CONTINENTAL VETERINARY JOURNALS.

from the very interesting memoire of the Turin professor,
which relate to the characters of the blood in cholera of
fowls, and to the nature of the contagium principle of that
disease. This is M. Toussaint’s letter. 11 In the last number
of the Recueil, M. Megnin has thought right to publish a
study on typhoid fever of the pig and typhus of fowls, as he
has been pleased to call it. I do not wish to here discuss
the fitness of the word typhus , which M. Megnin, following
Klein and Perroncito, applies to these diseases, but I cannot
help regretting, presuming that I have some acquaintance
with matters of this kind, that such premature changes in
the names of diseases should be made, since they only seem
to complicate the already obscure nomenclature of certain
diseases. I allow that the term cholera or charbon which
have been applied to the disease of fowls are not entirely
satisfactory, but they are no more inexact than the term
typhus , and I do not see what benefit it can be to reject
them before the disease to which they have been applied is
perfectly known and placed in its proper position on the list
of parasitic disorders. I affirm that the disease has no
analogy with the pathological state of man known as
typhus and typhoid. The word typhus, too, gives no indi¬
cation of the nature of the diseases to which it is applied,
since it literally only means c stupor.’ M. Megnin thinks
that M. Perroncito first saw the cholera parasite, which he
has described and figured in a memoire which appeared in
1878. It is certain that the learned Turin professor pub¬
lished a figure of the blood of the fowl in which, in spite of
defects of engraving, we can strictly recognise the micro-
bia, but it is equally certain that M. Perroncito attri¬
buted to these granules neither the significance nor the
value which I have given them. M. Megnin may assure
himself of this by reading the following passage in the
memoire. “ The white globules are almost always inter¬
mingled with very minute granules with highly refractive
margins. In the blood plasma occur more or less numerous
granules subjected to the Brownian movement, and also
free oval nodules. We have never found either Bacteria or
vibriones.” A number of other passages in the memoire
allude to the granules without indicating their importance.
M. Perroncito, therefore, gave proof of the fact of their pre¬
sence, but their significance escaped him. His work was
presented to the Academy on 2nd February, 1878, but the
volume of Proceedings appeared only in April, 1879. Then
only I became aware of the memoire of my Turin colleague.
I recognised the parasite on the 6th October, 1878, and at

SYNOPSIS OF CONTINENTAL VETERINARY JOURNALS. 228

the commencement of December I forwarded it to M. Pas¬
teur, who was good enough in a letter, dated 16th January,
1879, to inform me that after having cultivated and inocu¬
lated with it, he allows that it is a distinct species, which
statement he confirmed before the Academy of Medicine at
the sitting of 4th March, 1879. With regard to the
engraving which represents the Bacteria, these small
bodies do not resemble anthrax parasites which are always
more or less flexuous or undulatory. Besides, staff-like
Bacteridia do not occur ; the rectilinear character especially
belongs to the Bacteria of putrefaction, which appear thus
when in a state of repose. The flexed state of Bacteridia
appears to me so characteristic, after some thousands of
examinations, that I deem it their most marked optical
character. M. Megnin is in error when he says that Bac¬
teridia can live only in blood of which the temperature
does not exceed 36° — 38°. The normal temperature of the
rabbit is never lower than 39°, and often rises to 41°.
Ovine and bovine animals almost always have a tempera¬
ture of 39° or 40°. And it is rare to find the temperature
of birds only 40°, for it generally is 48° — 44°. At the latter
temperature in cultivation fluids the Bacteridium is quies¬
cent, but nevertheless preserves all its vitality. It can even
sustain a higher temperature, as M. Davaine has shown.
For my part I find the following fact in my notes. The
wick of a spirit lamp which heated my stove having been
raised more than necessary, the thermometer of the warm
chamber in which the long bacteridial filaments were mul¬
tiplying for two hours, remained at least at 47°. When I
reduced the temperature to 38° the Bacteridia continued to
increase and gave numerous spores !” We will now give
some extracts from M. Perroncito’s memoire, which will
allow us to determine the share he has had in determina¬
tion of the nature and discovery of fowl cholera. “ The blood
is always coagulated and the clot which it forms is almost
always hard and of a reddish-brown colour ; generally the
globules are of various forms and diameters, or forms which
indicate their state of proliferation or arrest of development.
The epizooty, then, is not of an anthracoid nature, for we
never met with Bacteria in the blood, which also is not
liquid, and the flesh is not so flaccid as that of anthrax
victims. I have never proved that the disease is trans¬
missible to man by the use of the flesh of diseased animals,
nor to the dog by inoculation with the blood of animals
which succumbed to the disorder. It has no influence on
the health of cattle. Their diseases do not seem to rage

224 SYNOPSIS OP CONTINENTAL VETERINARY JOURNALS.

more extensively during an outbreak among fowls. It is
not cholera for it does not present lesions of that affection.
Could it be a sort of enzootic or epizootic typhus ? We
attach to the idea of typhus a tendency to dissolution of the
blood, and very rapid decomposition of the body. But in
this disease of fowls, in place of dissolution of the blood,
there is great coagulability. It is only the symptoms which
are analogous with those of typhus, as stupor, extreme
debility and prostration ; but it is the lesions not the sym¬
ptoms which denote the nature of a disease. In many
cases, but not in all, the lesions observable are those of
septicaemia. The cause of the disease is not known , but
clinical and experimental observations teach us that it is
due to a virus which is diffused throughout the organism,
enters the blood, and determines, sooner or later, death of
affected animals. It is very probable that the temperature
and certain hygrometrie conditions of the atmosphere are
favorable to the formation of a stratum suitable for the
multiplication and development of the virus of this disease ;
but as it is developed as well in warm as in cold seasons, in
dry as in wet weather, we can give nothing definite concern¬
ing this. The cohabitation of healthy animals with sick is
the cause of contagion. I have succeeded in convincing
myself of this by direct experimentation. But contact is
not sufficient, as MM. Renault and Delafond have proved.
It has been found necessary that healthy fowls should con¬
sume food defiled with dejections of diseased animals, or
with the mucosities from the beak, or that they should drink in
the same watering place. I have communicated the disease
to one cock and two hens by making them eat the recent
ovary and lungs of an animal which died from the epizooty.
But how is the virus of this disease produced ? Here is a
question to which we can give no exact answer. But from
considering the manner in which the disease appears and
progresses, we may conclude that the cause is specially pro¬
duced in fowl houses. Certainly, whilst the disease is
always mortal when the animals are left collected together
in fowl houses, we may completely arrest its progress by
dispersing through the meadows the fowls among which it
has appeared. Is its virus a contagious miasma similar to
that which , in stalls , causes anthrax of larger animals ?
Probably it is §o. I find conditions favorable to its
appearance in faulty construction of fowl houses which are
low, moist, and cannot be properly ventilated, in accumula¬
tions of faecal matters, which ferment there, putrefy, and
generate a more or less prejudicial gas, in agglomeration of

SYNOPSIS OF CONTINENTAL VETERINARY JOURNALS. 225

fowls, who naturally warm themselves by close contact, &c.
A combination of all these causes can lead to production of
a stratum favorable for the development of the disease.
Although I have often met free granules in the blood
plasma such as I have described and figured, I do not dare
state that they are micrococci in the true sense of that term
used by Hallier”

To M. Toussaint belongs the merit of having determined
the part which these granules perform in cholera of fowls,
similar to that of Bacteridia in anthrax, of having attributed
to them their real nature and functions, and of having given
demonstrations of them. He thus expresses himself on this
point in the paper which he addressed to the Academy of
Sciences in May last : — “ An attentive examination of the
blood show's in that liquid a considerable number of
moving granules, either single or in pairs. The blood of
fowls, when introduced by inoculation into rabbits, produces
death in twelve to fifteen hours, and the above-mentioned
microbia may be found in the blood and the tissues.
This organism can be cultivated in an artificial liquid. A
drop of blood having been introduced into twenty grammes
of the proper liquid the parasite multiplies with great
rapidity, and soon all the solution is intensely crowded. M.
Pasteur, to whom I sent specimens of the parasite, has cul¬
tivated it, and he affirmed, on the 4th March, 1879, that
it is, indeed, to cholera of fowls what the Bacteridium is to
anthrax. When it has been dried it retains its properties
for many months, as may be proved by inoculation, or the
retention of vitality may be proved in another way, by
placing rabbits in a hutch in which at least a month before
other rabbits succumbed to the disease ; the new comers
will succumb in their turn. It is allowable, in such cases,
that the microbia in the excrements dried up, and were
taken in with the food by the animals who succeeded those
that previously succumbed.” On 10th February last M.
Pasteur communicated to the Academy of Medicine the
results of certain new researches which he has made on cho¬
lera of fowls : — “ We know how energetically that which we
have hitherto termed the virus of cholera of fowls manifests
its presence. The most infinitesimal quantity, such as might
be collected on the point of a needle, gives rise to inevitably
fatal results in fowls into which it is inserted ; as many ani¬
mals as are inoculated die.” M. Pasteur, by a means which
at present he keeps secret, has so attenuated this virus that
it is no longer superior to organic resistance ; on the con¬
trary, the latter determines return to health after manifesta-

226 SYNOPSIS OF CONTINENTAL VETERINARY JOURNALS.

tion of the phenomena which result directly from inocula¬
tion. This* is very remarkable in itself, but it is not all.
Fowls inoculated with this attenuated virus acquire from
this an immunity which protects them from the action of
the natural virus, such as ordinarily, when inoculated, in¬
fallibly produces death. After the minor inoculation the
effect remains nil, Thus, M. Pasteur transforms the most
powerful virus, that which is most inevitably mortal, into a
benign virus, which bears to itself the relation which vaccine
does to variola.

On hearing M. Pasteur make this communication to the
Academy, with that loftiness of view and clearness of style
of which all he does bears marked signs, each member
present was struck with the greatness of these results, and
the new horizons opening before medicine. Could not that
which M. Pasteur has done for this most energetic of viru¬
lent matters be done for others ? Could not we succeed in
transforming them also, and in making beneficial organisms
so formidable by the immunity which they would give by
their attenuated action. Why not ?

The Academy in a body applauded when M. Pasteur ter¬
minated his reading, and these plaudits recommenced after
the demonstration on living and dead fowls, which he gave
of the effects produced by inoculation. I was struck, when
examining in the laboratory of M. Pasteur the changes
which the tissue at the seat of the inoculation under¬
goes, by the remarkable resemblances which exist be¬
tween these lesions and those which insertion of the
virus of pleuro-pneumonia produces in the bovine species.
Perhaps this similitude of effects results from similarity of
causes, that is to say, the action on the part of the micro-
bium of the virulence, reproducing in myriads. This must
be elucidated by future experimentation. Thus, we see M.
Pasteur's idea gains ground, in spite of all the negative
results which have been opposed, and we may hope for
much from the fecundity of his methods of enlightenment on
those questions of contagion which have hitherto remained
obscure. The results at which M. Toussaint has arrived,
working in the line suggested by his master are a proof
of it.”

M. Bouley continues his chronique by discussing the
question of the identity of black quarter with splenic fever.
He gives three letters by M. Yernaut, of Clamency, from
which u we may see that he, guided by his practical expe¬
rience, had been impressed with the noteworthy differences
between the charbon fever and external charbon, that he un-

SYNOPSIS OF CONTINENTAL VETERINARY JOURNALS. 227

dertook some experiments in elucidation of the subject, and
that he countenances the necessity of more of them to com¬
pletely elucidate the clinical question which was presented
to him. After the experiments which have been made at
the Lyons school, and those which are still in progress
there, the solution of that question, as concerns diagnosis,
will be easier than when M. Vernaut addressed his com¬
munications to us ... . I inoculated an adult rabbit with
blood from the anthrax tumours, and it is not dead. All the in¬
fected animals succumbed ; they pastured onthemarshyground
near the Canal of Tinvernais. The animals living in dry
places near were not affected. Of the diseased calves, some
were housed at night, while others remained in the pastures.
A heifer, aged eleven months, having died yesterday, 23rd
November, at 8 p.m., after twenty-four hours’ sickness, I
went to-day, at midday, to make a post-mortem examination,
and found the body distended with gas to a remarkable
degree, and affected with oedema, involving the left shoulder
and the neck. Scarifications made in the diseased parts gave
exit to a gas with a peculiar crackling sound. From the
muscular tissues, which had a charbon tint, and were infil¬
trated with black blood, I took some sanguineous sanies,
and inoculated in the thigh two young rabbits by incisions
through the dermis. These two animals did not die. Much
emains yet to be learned about the etiology of charbon and
its manifestations or its forms. Why, three weeks ago, after
continuous rains, did we always find external anthrax
affecting in calves of a year old instead of splenic fever, which,
destroys in half an hour ? This disease is of the same nature
as external charbon, and the two affections are always fatal.
Why in two places separated from each other by six kilo¬
metres do we see in one splenic fever and black quarter in
the other ? To what is due this difference in the manifesta¬
tion of anthrax ? Why does splenic fever last only half an
hour with heaving of the flanks and haematuria, while black
quarter may last for two days, with the system visibly
affected from the commencement, as indicated by general
prostration and loss of sensibility, which may be observed
from the first ? So much for questions which require solu¬
tion. I believe splenic fever is more contagious and more
dangerous than black quarter. Last year a cattle owner,
who skinned an ox which succumbed to this disorder, died
three days after ; he exhibited the following symptoms :
Absolute loss of appetite, acute fever, and continuous mus¬
cular twitchings, without oedema or lividity of the body
surface being detectable. Now, if we admit that the Bac-

228 SYNOPSIS OF CONTINENTAL VETERINARY JOURNALS.

teridium is the contagium bearer in the two varieties of the
disease, I do not know to what to attribute the want of suc¬
cess of my five inoculations, which were made with sero-
sanguineous fluid of the tumours. Knowing that Bacteridia
die a little while after death of the host, and attributing my
want of success to this result, I took blood then from an
animal which was still living, and inoculated, on each thigh,
an adult rabbit, who has been wonderfully well ever since
(during ten days) ; nevertheless, I took care to make large
and deep incisions into the swelling, which the patient bore
with such calmness and insensibility that it seemed like
operating on a corpse ; death only occurred five hours after
these incisions or scarifications. Such want of success causes
me to doubt the virulence of black quarter, though it is an¬
thrax. Having been assistant to M. Renault when that
regretted teacher made experiments on contagious maladies,
I cannot question my inoculative skill, so I asked whether
the source of the virulence may not exist in the internal
organs ? Also, to look more deeply into matters, could this
variety of charbon, which occurs in certain places and at
certain times in the year, especially when animals have only
moist pastures, with deficient herbage, situations so poor
that a looker-on would think the animals must eat the earth,
so near it do they graze, be non-contagious in its character ?
But this is only a theory, and I believe the nature of the
disease will only be determined by carefully conducted
inoculations and microscopical examinations. The experi¬
ments must he made in the country where it occurs. I
made a limited inquiry in the infected locality, and have
learned that no such disease is known in man ; that yearling
beasts only have been affected, and they all had been pas¬
tured in damp meadows near the canal and the river, land
subject to inundations ; that before the outbreak of the dis¬
ease so much rain fell that wheat could not be sown on
account of the moisture of the ground ; that animals pas¬
turing in dry meadows, and living there day and night,
were not affected ; that, strange to say, the disease generally
only took one victim from each house, invariably a young
animal, a fact which would lead us to suppose that it is more
infectious than contagious, but if it is communicable by
either means, adults are always most insusceptible ; that
also, even supposing all animals had been able to take germs
from the pasturage in question an entire month of residence
indoors was necessary to eliminate or expel the morbid
principles ingested by those animals which remained
healthy.

SYNOPSIS OF CONTINENTAL VETERINARY JOURNALS. 229

According to my observations external charbon differs in
its nature from splenic fever , and is very far from being an
eliminatory crisis, favorable and critical for the organism.
It is a special disease, always fatal and easy to distinguish
from inflammation, which causes neither prostration, absolute
loss of appetite, nor mortality. Those who boast of having
cured black quarter, empirics especially, have only had to
deal with inflammations which may be caused to disappear
very rapidly In this disease, external charbon, prostration
is marked even before the appearance of the swelling. At
the time of swelling the animal, as far as sensibility is con¬
cerned, is but little more than a corpse, so that you can
make sections with a bistoury without the animal noticing it.
Under these circumstances you have simply to order that a
grave be dug and announce to the owner and the empirics
who are generally present that the animal is beyond hope.
If external charbon and splenic fever were of the same
nature inoculations from one ought to produce sometimes the
former disease, sometimes the latter, but this is far from
being so. Also, in the outbreak in this place, out of ten
fatal cases not one was splenic fever, and all cases were
alike, there was, so to speak, a mathematical exactness about
them even in the choice of the seat of attack, which in nine
cases out of ten was the shoulders, and once the thigh. In
another town, six kilometres distant, splenic fever appeared
sporadically from time to time, and I was never called to see
a case even to suggest sanitary measures. The animals
heaved at the flanks, the heart’s action was turbulent, some¬
times the urine was bloody, and death occurred in from
fifteen to thirty minutes after the attack. The empirics,
who flourish in all these parts and outdo all veterinary sur¬
geons, pretended death was due to fluid accumulated around
the heart, and took good care not to make autopsies. I was
sent by the Sous prefet , escorted by the local police, and
showed the people that I was not afraid to open a carcase
even when there is risk of fatal infection. The necropsy
taught me with what disease I had to do, and since light
was thus thrown upon the matter the empirics have been
anything but quiet. To live we must instruct them ; we
sow and they reap ; a strange state of affairs which leads us
to the conclusion that to be successful among such more
philosophy is necessary !” These notes of M. Vernaut are
very interesting, not only from a pathological point of view,
but also because they give us an instance of a practitioner
involved in diagnostic difficulties, not so much from the
actual state of affairs as from subjection to a medical doctrine.

230 SYNOPSIS OF CONTINENTAL VETERINARY JOURNALS.

We may observe how letters have been written step by step
with the impressions of the observer, who, struck at first with
the many marked differences which occur between two con¬
ditions reputed to be of the same nature, finds himself
compelled nevertheless to identify them according to the
classification of Chabert, which had been long accepted as
the expression of a truth demonstrated by rigorous observa¬
tion. Later, in the presence of the so different modes of
manifestation of the disease which he observed, and especially
from the results, always negative, of the inoculations of one
of them, M. Yernat feels his faith wavering; he expresses
his doubts ; he appeals to experimentation to give a solution
of a matter of which clinical study can only supply the data ;
he is anxious that experiments be made in the same places
where the disease occurs, in order that trial may be made to
discover the Bacteridia ; and then, at last, casting off the
doctrinal ideas which have for some time restrained his
clinical acumen, he declares definitely in his third letter
“ external charbon is of a different nature from splenic
fever/’ And he goes on to point out the clinical characters
by which the two diseases may be distinguished and the
results of inoculation, which show that while splenic fever is
constantly contagious, external charbon has never been
transmitted. The experiments made at the Lyons School
are in every respect confirmatory of the views of the practi¬
tioner of Clamency, whose clinical observations and experi¬
ments constitute a valuable contingent to the proofs now
collected, tending to disprove the anthrax nature of the
symptomatic charbon of Chabert. If the disease is not
anthrax, what is it? The experiments at Lyons will doubt¬
less tell us !”

In our last synopsis we alluded to the fact that the question
whether simple sporadic and non-contagious pneumonia
of the bovine species exists distinct from pleuro-pneumonia
zymotica, but producing apparently lesions of a like cha¬
racter is subjudice . The Journal de Medecine VeUrinaire for
February, 1880, contains an original article by M. Violet
“ On the Question of the Independent Existence of Ordinary
Pneumonia of the Ox. The title placed at the head of this
article will raise a smile on the countenance of more than
one practitioner long accustomed to combat diseases of the
animal which it concerns. Nevertheless, the examination
of the question is not so puerile as it may seem to some,
for recently the solution of the question raised has occupied
the attention of the Societe Centrale de Medecine Veterinaire,
to which an author, as yet unknown, has sent in competi-

SYNOPSIS OF CONTINENTAL VETERINARY JOURNALS. 231

tion a memoire entitled Sporadic Pneumonia , or Fluxion of
the Chest of Bovines ; and some of the members of the
society are of the opinion that every attack of pneumonia
of the ox is contagious. But they are not alone in this
opinion ; indeed, in a work published in 1875 by the Recueil,
and reproduced in [1876 by the Revue Veterinaire , Professor
Maury of Toulouse, after having been asked “ Is it true
that there occur in the ox two forms of pleuro-pneumonia,
one sporadic, distinct, spontaneous, and non-contagious,
the other contagious?” And after having reported, while
doubting the competence of the author, the opinion of M.
Tahourin, who replied to this question in the affirmative,
wrote as follows : “ But, for pleuro-pneumonia of the ox
have we diagnosed two types generally admitted, correspond¬
ing with simple coryza of the horse and glanders, simple
urethritis of man and syphilitic urethritis respectively ?
We feel in a position to decidedly reply in the negative;
and this ought not to astonish any one. Pleuro-pneumonia ,
whether spontaneous or whether resulting from contagion ,
always presents absolutely the same symptoms , progress,
termination , duration, and lesions With regard to the
opinions of various authors on this question, Lafosse says
simple pneumonia may affect all domesticated animals, but
he omits to trace its differential characters in different
species. Cruzel declares that inflammation of the pulmon¬
ary parenchyma, acute pneumonia, is very frequent in all
animals of the bovine species . He gives a description of it,
too short, but nevertheless sufficient to show that he had
observed and recognised it. Zundel writes that we see this
disease only in working beasts ; and, in regard to its morbid
anatomy, he says distinctly, “ that in place of the variably
mottled condition of the lungs, as seen in peri-pneumonia,
we here only see a uniform reddening.” According to
Boll, “ in bovines the interstitial form is the most frequent,
and ordinarily accompanies extensive pleurisy,” constituting
epizootic pleuro-pneumonia. He mentions croupal pneu¬
monia only as affecting the horse and the dog. Thus we
see that, save the short description by Cruzel and the
assertion of Zundel, we want data of sufficient explicitness
concerning pleuro-pneumonia sporadica in the ox. The
Societe Centrale did well to raise this question. In so far
as I am concerned, I am thoroughly convinced of the
existence of this disease. I have treated some cases of it,
few indeed, because cattle are few in number wheie I live,
and also examined cows used for breeding and milking pur¬
poses, never having any work to perform. Also some brother

232 SYNOPSIS OF CONTINENTAL VETERINARY JOURNALS.

professionals of mine, with whom I have discussed the
matter, are equally sure of having had such cases. Veteri¬
narians who are called to give their attention to working
oxen ought frequently to meet with this disease. Let us
hope that all our readers who have had experience in this
matter will publish their experiences. I publish the his¬
tories of two cases, which I have had an opportunity of
examining post-mortem. The lesions which I have met
with differ so much from those of epizootic pleuro-pneumonia
that, I doubt not, unprejudiced minds will allow that I had
not to do with cases of that disease. Further, these twTo
cases seem to point out, by the difference of their lesions,
that the lungs of the ox may present a pneumonia similar
to that of the horse, and besides another form, unknown in
the horse, due to the special structure of the lungs of the
ox, of lobules separated from each other and almost
independent.

Case I. Pulmonary congestion, with interlobular hsemor-
rhage in a cow. — The lesions presented in the lobules are
those assigned to the congestive stage of pneumonia, but,
in addition, interlobular hsemorrhage, by the compression
which it exerted on the lobule brought about closure of the
bronchial tubes and air cells, just as a pleuritic effusion does
and very seriously aggravated the pulmonary congestion.
Does this interlobular haemorrhage, which has not yet been
described, as far as I know, occur in all cases of sporadic
pneumonia in the ox; and, if so, is it a direct result of the
special structure of the lungs of the ox, and will it replace the
yellow infiltration of pleuro-pneumonia ? This is not so, for
the lung of the ox may be congested without such complica¬
tion as Case II shows, for it is one of simple pulmonary con¬
gestion in a cow. — These two animals, of which I have just
been speaking, lived with other animals of the same species,
no sanitary precautions having been taken, and not the
slightest sign of transmission of their disease, such as would
have occurred had they been contagious pleuro-pneumonia,
was observed. Pending new observations, which will
definitely teach us if the ox from the special structure of
his lungs may suffer from several kinds of pleuro-pneumonia
sporadica, I believe I am right in stating that the lungs of
this animal may present congestive lesions quite different
from those of exudative and epizootic pleuro-pneumonia ;
in other words, may be affected with a simple pneumonia
truly inflammatory and apparently completely devoid of con¬
tagious properties. But are the sporadic and contagious
diseases readily distinguishable in the living animal ? lam

ON PLANTS IN RELATION TO ANIMALS,

233

hardly in a position to resolve this question. It is quite
possible that examination of the animal may give nothing
of a truly diagnostic nature. Fortunately, the history of
the case will assist the practitioner. If the animal suddenly
became affected, if it is not a fresh arrival in the country, and if
pleuro-pneumonia contagiosa is not present at the time, it is
certainly a case of the sporadic form of the disease. On
the other hand, we must suspect peri-pneumonia, and ought
to isolate the patient if he has been dull and had a cough
for some time, and if he has been only a few weeks in
that part of the country ; peri-pneumonia may be already
prevalent among other animals, or the sick animal may
have come from an affected locality. These means of
diagnosis are not truly scientific, but are practical and
convenient.

ON PLANTS IN RELATION TO ANIMALS.

By Professor James Buckman, F.G.S., F.L.S., &c.

( Continued from p. 167.)

It is impossible to dismiss the Brassiea tribe of plants
without a few special remarks upon their uses in connection
with stock, a subject to which we shall particularly pay
attention in the present article.

The Sinapis series afford plants which are somewhat
relished by sheep, for which the Sinapis alba is very fre¬
quently cultivated. Throughout Wiltshire especially many
acres of this plant are grown for sheep pasturage. When
sown in spring it is thought that its stimulating properties con¬
duce to the bringing forward of the ewes, for which, indeed, it is
often available when sown after early crops of peas, oats, &c.
In both cases winter wheat can be sown after the mustard
has been eaten off, which is considered a wise proceeding,
especially where the wire-worm prevails, as it is, indeed, very
fatal to this pest.

When mustard is sown in spring it is no bad preparation
for turnips, which may be put in as soon as the land is ready,
and the manure derivable from the digested mustard is a good
preparative for either rape or turnips.

It is well to allow a little bruised corn with the mustard,
as it beneficially aids the flock, and, besides this, it tends to
keep the land in good condition.

234 ON PLANTS IN RELATION TO ANIMALS.

As regards the cabbage or hearting forms of the group
scarcely too much can be said ; the growth of these is yearly
extending, and as we have so many sorts seemingly adapt¬
able for very different conditions of land, we have no doubt
but that the cultivation of cabbages will greatly increase.

The drumhead, a smooth-leaved form, and the drumhead
savoy, a wrinkled-leaved form, are much grown for food for
both cattle and sheep. In growing these the young plants
are sown in seed beds and transplanted to the field before
the summer has quite gone. The size to which they some¬
times grow and the amount of the crop may be judged from
the fact that forty tons per acre, some of the individuals
weighing as much as fifty pounds, are not uncommon.

Some of the smaller sorts of cabbage, as the Battersea, the
London market, the Enfield market, and others, make an
exceedingly good cattle crop as well as being esculents.

Our plan of growing these is to sow in April, in autumn
cultivated root-land, drilled in rows, at the rate of two
pounds of seed to the acre. When the plants get into
their second leaf they may be flat-hoed preparatory to thin¬
ning, and regulating when they get to a sufficient size. This
work is done, much like that connected with roots, by means
of a twelve-inch hoe ; or if the plants be required for trans¬
planting, they can be thinned out by hand.

For weeding purposes, as well as to return the soil about
the roots, the horse-hoe may be employed as often as neces¬
sary, though we prefer hand-hoeing if it can be done at
reasonable cost.

But, however cabbage crops are grown, there is no doubt
about their utility. Cattle and sheep are both exceedingly
fond of cabbage, and it is found upon trial to be a most nu¬
tritious and salutary crop. Its feeding qualities are said to
be about on a par with swedes, and, therefore, it is not ill
adapted for cultivation on part of the root ground, as it
affords a change ; but there is one reason why it should not
be grown to a large extent, and that is the difficulty ex¬
perienced in keeping it so well or so long as roots.

The cabbage section that does not heart is such as the
thousand-headed cabbage, greens, and rape.

As regards the former, we have just now a magnificent
crop. It would well nigh overshadow a sheep, and is of
great importance in aiding us to bring on both ewes and
lambs.

The rape crop is always useful. We usually employ it
to mend up headlands in the swede and turnip field, sowing
it after these crops have been hoed, the clear headlands

ON PLANTS IN RELATION TO ANIMALS. 235

giving greater facility for horse-hoeing. But, besides this,
we usually have a few acres of this crop, as it is found to be
so good as a change for sheep feed.

The following contains an account of our cabbage growth
for 1867. Our trials for that year were of the three following
sorts.

1st. London Market . . . Two rows each.

2nd. Battersea .... Ditto.

3rd. Imperial Oxheart . . Ditto.

These were drilled with the same drill as the mangolds,
on the 15th of May, and were well up on the 28th of the
same month, while the mangolds were not so until June 3rd.
These crops were regulated at the same time and in the same
manner, first by flat-hoeing, and afterwards singled.

The crop was remarkably good, and we had our ewe
flock upon them for at least a month.

Having estimated the crop we found them to be an im¬
provement upon that of 1866, clearly showing that this inex¬
pensive mode of growing cabbage gives tolerable results,
which will be seen from the following figures :

Per acre , estimated Nov. 9 th, 1867.

Oxheart .
London Market
Battersea .
Bape

Mangolds .
Swedes

Tons. Cwt.

. 16 6 at 20 inches apart.

. 21 3 at 24 „

. 17 15 at 24

. 19 19 sown a little afterwards.

. 35 10 estimated by the judge.

. 37 6 ditto, for prize list.

Now, these figures of cabbages and roots show a great
preponderance in weight in favour of the latter, and the fol¬
lowing figures will show that chemical composition is not in
favour of the cabbage .

Cabbage, White Globe, Swede,

Promberg. Voelcker. Voelcker.

Nitrogenous, or flesh-forming

ingredient .... 1*75 . 1*143 . 1 443

Non-nitrogenous, or heat-giving 4-05 . 4*799 6*594

Mineral matter .... 0*80 . *628 . *623

Water . 93-40 . 90430 . 89*460

100-000 100000 100-000

These figures do not altogether recommend an extended
growth of cabbage upon the plan proposed, a much larger
crop being required to make it equal to roots ; but, at. the
same time, this plan is most expeditious, and brings in a
crop in readiness just before the root crop is ready, and we

236 ON PLANTS IN RELATION TO ANIMALS.

all know how important it is to retard the eating off of
roots as long as possible.

Practically, we have found all kinds.of stock do well upon
cabbage, and we therefore recommend a few acres to be
grown on the plan proposed, not, however, mixing the sorts
as we have done, but the three sorts last described in sepa¬
rate plots ; these will come in successively thus : The Ox-
heart the last week in September, the London Market
the end of October, and the Battersea the middle of Novem¬
ber. Nor should they be all treated alike, though sown at
the same time, as the Oxheart should be left twenty inches
apart in the rows, and the others from twenty-four to thirty
inches, according to the richness of the soil.

Cabbages may be grown in the held in the manner de¬
scribed for the vegetable market. It is not at all necessary
to transplant either cabbages or lettuces ; we believe that in
both the best results, in a given time, are to be obtained by
thinning out. This kind of field cultivation is not half so
liable to injury from insects.

In both 1866 and 1867 our garden crops were overrun by
caterpillars, especially those of the white butterfly, but the
field crops remained uninjured, the fact being that our wide
fifty-acre fields are too exposed for them.

In concluding these remarks we would observe that, as
the growth of cabbage is certainly extending as an agricul¬
tural crop, we have penned these remarks upon actual ex¬
periments with various members of this family, over a great
many acres, in the hope that it may stimulate others, like
us, to “ prove all things.”

The bulboid forms of the cabbage tribe, generally known as
turnips , come on now for review, and had we time or space
to devote to the subject it would form a lengthened and
interesting history of farm progress.

Before the introduction of turnip culture as a regular
farm crop stock had to live hard during the winter, when,
indeed, fattening of sheep and cattle was next to
impossible.

In those days cattle were fattened on the pastures and
salted down for winter use, but at present it is often found
that both cattle and sheep are made out during the winter,
and this has been mainly due to the growth of roots.

Of these the Swedish and the common turnip may be
looked upon as two specific forms, of both of which are very
many varieties. Indeed, so plastic are roots, that in a very
short time a new variety may be attained to as the result of
care and attention, so that each seedsman has his own

MATRICULATION EXAMINATION OF VETERINARY STUDENTS. 237

favourite form, and hence it is found that different varieties
prevail in different districts, whilst some, such as Sutton’s
Berkshire Champion, the Westbury Swede, and others, are
sown all the world over.

As regards turnips, both for farm and garden purposes,
their varieties are legion, and scarce a year passes without
the introduction of some new sorts, recommended either by
our home or foreign seed growers.

There can be no doubt but that the introduction of turnip
culture has tended to raise farming to a very high pitch of
excellence, as it is found that these roots are as salutary to
the animal economy as they are to the preparation of the
land for other crops ; but, at the same time, if we consider
that root crops contain a variable quantity of from 90 to 96
per cent, of water, it is folly to estimate their value at a very
high price.

The crop that is sometimes produced is very large. We
have a valuable silver cup which was given for the best crop
of swedes in our district, estimated at forty-one tons per
acre ; this, however, is somewhat uncommon. From four¬
teen to twenty tons is nearer the mark, and we should say
that during the past year few farmers attained to even the
lowest of these numbers.

We incline to the belief that the value of root crops has
been considerably overrated by the farmer, and we cannot
help thinking that much of the present distressed position
in what farming is at present found is due to the fact
that, high rents and consequent high taxes, combined with
increase for labour and manures, have tended to make the
cost of roots more than their value.

Still, all must admit that the cabbage family, with its
salutary herbage of, if not highly nutritious, at least very
convenient food, has been a great gain to the public at large.

MATRICULATION EXAMINATION OF VETERI¬
NARY SURGEONS.

Correspondence between Professor McCall and General Sir
Frederick Fitzwygram, Bart.

Veterinary College,

83 & 85 Buccleuch Street,

Glasgow; 2 5th March, 1880.

Gentlemen, — As the position which I have assumed in
dealing with the subject of the matriculatory examination of

Lin. ^

238 MATRICULATION EXAMINATION OF VETERINARY STUDENTS.

veterinary students, has evidently been misunderstood by many
of my professional friends, and as my letter to the Council
appeared in the February number of your Journal, I beg to
request that you will allow the correspondence which has
since passed between Sir Frederick Fitzwygram and myself,
also to appear in your next issue.

I am, gentlemen,

Yours truly,

James McCall,

To the Editors of the * Veterinarian? Principal.

Aldershot ; February 1st.

Dear Principal, — I was not able to be at the Quarterly
meeting at Red Lion Square, but I understand that you
objected to the proposed matriculation scheme mainly on the
ground that it would give power to the Council of the Royal
College of Veterinary Surgeons, and that at some future time
they, having obtained the power to regulate the examination,
might increase the stringency of the examination to an
extent which might be unsuitable to the Scottish students.
If this were so , your ground of objection would be perfectly
sound and valid .

But this was not the intention.

The intention was and is that the schools should agree
on a standard of examination suitable to themselves, the
standard agreed to by all, and that the College should be
asked to supervise and conduct the examination.

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons would acquire
no power, nor could it raise the examinations beyond the
standard fixed by the schools. Its function would be limited
to seeing that the standard so agreed on, was fairly carried
out. Believe me, truly yours,

F. Fitzwygram.

4 th March, 1880.

Dear Sir Frederick, — I must apologise for the delay in
answering your kind letter regarding the matriculatory
examination of students. You have exactly stated my reasons
for declining to hand over to the Royal College of Veterinary
Surgeons the power I possess of fixing the standard of exam¬
ination of my pupils.

I was the first to institute a matriculatory examination,
and am vain enough to believe that I have caused it to be
carried into effect with as good results at this, as at any other
college, and my desire is steadily to advance the educational
test until we may all rejoice in having our colleges filled
with pupils whose education is on a par with medical students.

PRACTICAL HINTS ON STABLE MANAGEMENT IN INDIA. 239

I am perfectly certain that I can formulate a scheme which
would meet with the support of all the colleges, and at the
same time effect the reformation I have referred to ; but at
the same time I am quite whiling as an individual to allow
the Council of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons to
take the initiative, stipulating, however, that the conditions
of the agreement be drawn out in detail, nothing implied
which is not stated, and the whole, subject to revisal and
adjustment by the colleges.

Trusting that this may meet your wishes, and the appro¬
bation of the Council, I remain,

Yours very truly,

James McCall.

PRACTICAL HINTS ON STABLE MANAGEMENT

IN INDIA.

A Second Edition, revised and enlarged, of a Lecture written
by J. B. W. Skoulding, Veterinary Surgeon First
Class, Royal Horse Artillery, the prototype having
been written and delivered by him when in charge of
B. F. R. H. A. at Campbellpore, in November, 1875.
Meerut, 1878.

[Continued from p. 176.)

c. Forage. — Having housed our horses satisfactorily in each
of the foreshown particulars, the forage for them claims our
attention, and we are called upon to decide on which kind of
food horses will thrive and perform the wTork they are required
to do best, i. e. with most ease to themselves, and with the
greatest satisfaction to their owners or to those who use them.
In England, experience shows that sound good oats, with a
modicum of old beans and a fair supply of sweet upland hay, by
common consent take the precedence, with a few exceptions, of
all other foods ; but, unfortunately, out here oats are very
inferior and too scarce for general use, while beans and old hay
are unprocurable.

The substitute for the oats, the beans, and the upland hay,
with which we must perforce content ourselves, being gram or
barley with bran. In a few districts Indian corn may be pro¬
cured, though, unfortunately for horses generally, this grain is
but little used as fodder by their owners.

Khooltee, a species of food with which I am acquainted, is also
consumed in some parts of India, and moot, a small grain that
boils into a mucilaginous mass, is given by the natives to pro-

240 PRACTICAL HINTS ON STABLE MANAGEMENT IN INDIA*

duce the enormously fat condition met with occasionally amongst
native horses, and which fills the eye of the Oriental, whether it
exist in man or animal. We use linseed for this purpose, and
also as a soft and easily digestible diet for sick horses.

Of the three grains — gram, barley, and Indian corn — each has
its advocates, and each is declared by one or other to be injurious
to the horses fed on it. The observations of many years has
taught me, that while gram is highly indigestible, barley is so in
a still greater degree, and is on that account of the least value of
either of the three as a food for horses, and that sound well-
grown maze is one of the most profitable of the seeds which are
used as diet for horses, cows, sheep, or pigs.

That ill-effects follow the feeding of horses on barley I am
convinced, for I have witnessed outbreaks amongst them of
troublesome and intractable diseases of the skin with violent
attacks of colic, and numerous simultaneous cases of acute lami-
nitis, the effects of indigestion caused solely by the use of this
grain as the staple commodity of their food ; while, on the other
hand, I have seen the horses of two batteries of Royal Artillery
(private horses also) fed on Indian corn with the most gratifying
effect, as it increased the muscular development in a very marked
degree, and made them, in stable language, as fresh as paint/'’
Prom this I hold that, notwithstanding the general prejudice in
favour of the oat, maze ranks second to none as a stable viand.

Gram. — Gram, when good, has a light yellowish brown
colour, which darkens with age. The grain should be firm,
plump, free from black grains, dust, dirt, foreign seeds, or worm-
holes. It is said that the gram which is harvested in March
will not be fit for consumption till the rainy season, and again,
it should not be kept too long. It is crushed usually, but this
is unnecessary, nor should it be wetted before being given to the
horse. With reference to the practice of crushing the gram in
order to prepare it as food for the horse, it appears to me that
the benefit, if any there be, arising from this process, is reaped
by those who crush it, for the grain is small, and on in¬
specting the natural mill55 possessed by the horse, one is
struck by the power of its machinery, and fails to see what ad¬
vantage can possibly accrue to him by the mashing of his pro-
vender, for in his case nature has certainly made ample provision
for the bruising and trituration of his food. Again, the custom
of soaking the grain has ever seemed to me to be useless, since
he is gifted with active salivary glands, the secretions from which
are ample to moisten it sufficiently during mastication for the
primary processes of digestion, while the grain loses some of its
nutritious qualities by being steeped in water, and if soaked too
long it turns sour and becomes highly deleterious.

PRACTICAL HINTS ON STABLE MANAGEMENT IN INDTA. 241

Barley. — If used at all for horses, barley should be selected of
a pale or bright yellow colour, the kernels being sweet, dry, firm,
and well filled with farina, thin skinned, free from dust, dirt, or
extraneous seeds, and without any fungi or mould to be found on
the grain, when broken between the teeth ; it may be consumed
either steeped, parched, parched and ground, or simply in a
crushed state. A really good sample is rarely seen in this
country, as far as my experience has shown.

Maize. — Maize should be white or yellow (sometimes the
grain has a reddish tinge), sweet, heavy, well-filled, hard, dry,
free from insect-holes, dust, dirt, or other grains. It is given simply
crushed, and that chiefly on account of the size of the grains.

The best samples I have ever seen were grown in China.

Bran. — Bran, when good, is most useful, and much to be pre¬
ferred before either gram or barley for consumption during the hot
weather, as at that season the digestive powers of many horses
are often totally inadequate to the task of assimilating these
grains. It should be chosen free from smell, insects, dust, or
chopped straw, with which it is so often adulterated.

Ration. — We have now to determine the quantity to be given
daily to each horse of whichever of these cereals we may elect
to feed our horses upon, and should be guided in this matter by
the size of the horse, the amount of work exacted from him, and
by the time of year. The allowance of gram or barley for troop
horses, and for horses in ordinary work, has been fixed by custom
at from eight to ten pounds per horse daily, according to breed ;
that is, five seers for Walers and four seers for stud-bred horses.
This ration is wisely modified regimentally during the hot season,
by deducting a seer or more of gram, and substituting for it the
same weight of bran. Some horses when in training can eat
and digest a greater quantity than the usual allowance, and it is
customary to increase the rate of feed for horses in low or poor
condition. This, in my opinion, is a dietetic error, and one which
I formerly fell into, but of late, from the evidence of others,
combined with personal observation, have arrived at the con¬
clusion that I was radically wrong, for I feel sure that many
horses remain thin, or do not throw up flesh or muscle, simply
through the lack of power to digest the quantity of grain con¬
sumed by them at each feed ; consequently this is not taken up or
assimilated to meet the wants of the system (the supply being in
excess of the demand), but passes out of the body again, some¬
times in a crude state, after causing, in many instances, a severe
attack of colic or diarrhoea by the irritation it has occasioned by
its presence in the alimentary canal. It may also provoke an
attack of acute laminitis.

Change in the character of the dung is occasionally the only

212 PRACTICAL HINTS ON STABLE MANAGEMENT IN INDIA.

sign of the mischief that is brewing within from this excessive
rate of feeding; the feces, instead of being passed in healthy
balls, usually become soft and sticky, of an unhealthy light,
clayey colour, and having a sour and sometimes very offensive
odour.

This abnormal condition demands an immediate change of
diet, and is one in which bran, with linseed, will prove emi¬
nently beneficial in aiding to restore to a healthy state the
feculent matter, and when this condition has been regained, it
will be advisable for a time to reduce the quantity of grain ori¬
ginally allowed by half, supplementing it by that weight of bran
daily. Towards the end of the rainy season horses (especially
those which have been cut off their corn during it and the previous
hot months) are liable to fall away in condition, and should,
under those circumstances, be allowed their full ration of grain,
for the grass at this period being watery, is less nutritious than
usual.

Issue of ration, — Let the weight of the daily ration of corn for
each horse be what it may, the rule of issue in vogue is to appor¬
tion it into three feeds or portions, giving one in the morning,
the second at noon, and the third in the evening. To this
custom, I believe, many of the cases of indigestion which occur
may be imputed, and should therefore rejoice to see these three
portions or feeds divided into six, and given at the following
periods, viz. one at daylight (or before starting for drill, &c.),
one at morning stable hour, one at noon, one at 3 p.m., one at
6 p.m., and the last at 8 p.m., and am confident that this change
in the routine of feeding would be attended by a perceptible and
rapid improvement in the condition of a vast number of those
horses which are now declared by their attendants and others
never to carry flesh ; for under this arrangement the stomach
(which is very small in the horse in comparison with the size of
his frame) would not be overloaded with an immense bulk of
grain suddenly taken into it, wdiile the smaller quantity would be
the more surely and easily digested ; and as the intervals between
the hours of feeding are too short to render the animals inordi¬
nately hungry, the liability to such accidents as rupture of the
stomach, choking, and to colic, would be reduced to a minimum,
and the last, though not the least, of the advantages to be gained
by adopting this plan is that it keeps horses always ready for
work without inconvenience to themselves, or being liable to
damage their health from working when the stomach is distended
with food.

In order to further assist digestion, it is a good plan to mix
from a quarter to half an ounce of salt in each feed.

Grasses — clhoop. — The grasses consumed as fodder in most

PRACTICAL HINTS ON STABLE MANAGEMENT IN INDIA. 243

stables are the dhoop, and a long grass, given in a dry state, the
nearest approach to hay procurable. The dhoop I believe to be
the creeping, bent, or fiorni grass ( Apostis stolonifera) . It is
gathered and given in a green state, and is allowed by all to bear
the palm amongst the grasses ; the stringy portions of it when
fine, soft, and fresh, seem to be as nutritious as the blade, but if
eaten when coarse and dry are apt to produce serious and even
fatal mischief. It is said to yield from five to ten tons per acre
when cultivated and cut for hay.

Under cultivation, or grown on good soil with a sufficient
quantity of moisture, it loses its tendency to creep, and also its
stringy character. The hay made from it has a sweet odour.
Under ordinary circumstances it should be carefully picked over
before issue to ensure the removal of any weeds, and it should
also be well beaten to knock out the dust and mould, which
clings to it when gathered.

Troop grass-cutters will, if allowed, moisten it surreptitiously
in order to increase the weight, and therefore the value of their
bundles. A portion of this grass is usually cut into small
pieces and mixed with the gram feed, as chaff is at home, in
order to ensure the mastication of the corn by the horse. This
I think is a good plan to pursue while the grass is soft and
fresh, but doubt the advisability of it when the grass is dry and,
consequently, more fibrous than usual.

Dry grass. — The best sample cff dry grass that has come under
my notice is that used in Calcutta, thongh fair samples are met
with occasionally up country ; but generally these grasses (which
are grown, as a rule, in the cantonment compounds) being
naturally hard and wiry, are on that account so innutritious as
to be only fit for bedding. If cut with the view of using them
as fodder they should be harvested when in flower, before
running to seed. I may mention here that the dry grass con¬
sumed in Calcutta is grown in the Barrackpore district, near the
salt lakes, and in the country round Calcutta. The best is from
Barrackpore, and the worst from the salt lakes. It is sold in
bundles weighing about half a pound each, one hundred
amounting to twenty-seven seers, at a cost of eleven annas.

There is no doubt that a great necessity exists for the proper
provision of a reliable supply of good grass for the Indian army
at all seasons, and the day cannot be far distant when farms for
the special cultivation of this herbage will be established
throughout the country.

During a long march in charge of 400 horses I noticed the
fact that a horse will consume, without waste, from 12 to 15
lbs. of grass daily. The regulation allowance is about 20 lbs,
per horse.

241

PLEURO- PNEUMONIA.

Lucerne. — Lucerne is a boon to the sick, but large quantities
would not be beneficial for horses in hard work.

Long grasses. — The long grasses, if used in the green state,
with the unripe barley so freely given in this country, I consider
absolutely hurtful, notwithstanding their general popularity, and
am sure that numbers of horses fall as their victims annually.
If given at all, these should be chopped small and exposed to
the sun for some hours, and the dhoop grass also during the
rains, if wet from rainfall or dew, should be dried prior to issue.

Carrots. — Carrots are very useful in improving the condition
of horses, especially if there be a scarcity of green grass ; but
the quantity given should never exceed, for each horse, two
seers per diem, and this amount may be divided with advantage
into four portions.

Oat straw. — Clean sweet oat straw, when procurable, is highly
valuable cut and given as chaff.

Bedding. — The grass used as bedding is of a rushy nature,
and the allowance per horse is about 8 lbs. per day.

( To be continued.')

Pathological Contributions.

CATTLE PLAGUE.

Recent reports from St. Petersburg state that the cattle
plague continues to prevail in the following provinces bor¬
dering on Austria and Germany, and in those adjoining the
Black and Baltic Seas, namely: — Bessarabia, Warsaw,
Yolhynia, Ekateriaoslav, Podolia, Kherson, and Plotsk; but
has diminished in the district of Berdiansk.

The Austro-Hungarian Dominions are now declared to be
free from the cattle plague.

The disease has ceased in the Island of Rhodes, but has
appeared in the neighbouring Island of Lymi, and is said to
be still prevailing at Macri in Asia Minor.

This disease continues its ravages in the Island of Mau¬
ritius, and between the 20th of December of last year, and
the 24th of January, 1880, no less than 1790 cattle and 19
goats have succumbed to this fatal malady.

PLEURO-PNEUMONIA.

This disease still continues in various parts of the United
States ; fresh outbreaks have been reported from West
Chester in Philadelphia,

FACTS AND OBSERVATIONS.

245

Pleuro-pneumonia appears to have been extirpated from
all the provinces of the Netherlands, with the exception of
South Holland, where during the four weeks ending the 21st
of February, only eight cases of this disease were registered.

In this country pleuro-pneumonia has declined consider¬
ably in the last few months ; but fresh outbreaks have been
reported from Cambridge, Cumberland, Kent, Lancaster,
Norfolk, Notts, Stafford, York (West Riding), Metropolis;
and in Scotland, in Fife and Lanark.

In Ireland, according to the returns the disease has
decreased recently, but cases have occurred in the four pro¬
vinces, viz. in Ulster, three cases, Munster, one case,
Leinster, twenty-five cases, and in Connaught, three cases.

FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE.

One case of foot-and-mouth disease w'as reported from
Goole, but on inquiry it wras ascertained that the disease
was not foot-and-mouth complaint, but some ordinary malady
which had been mistaken for it.

SWINE FEVER.

Swine fever continues to prevail to a serious extent in
many parts of the country, returns of the disease have been
received from Bedford, Berks, Buckingham, Chester, Devon,
Dorset, Essex, Hants, Hertford, Huntingdon, Lancaster,
Lincoln, parts of Kesteven, Monmouth, Norfolk, North¬
ampton (ex. Soke of Peterborough), Oxford, Suffolk, Sussex,
Warwick, Wilts, York (East and West Riding), Liberty of
the Isle of Ely, Soke of Peterborough, and Glamorgan.

We observe that Somerset where the malady prevailed a
few months ago remains free, a satisfactory result of the
energetic measures which were adopted by the local
authority.

Facts and Observations.

Poisoning of Horses by Carters. — Three valuable
cart-horses, the property of Mr. W. Wood, of Harborough, near
Ulceby, have recently died from the administration of “ Mer¬
cury” by the carter. The agent was given for the purpose of
improving the animals* coats.

Trichinous Pork. — Madrid, March §th. A Royal
Order is published to-day prohibiting the importation into
Spain of Pork in any form from the United States andGermany,

246

THE VETERINARIAN, APRIL 1, 1880.

Ne quid falsi dicere audeat, ne quid veri non audeat. — ClCEBO.

LOSSES FROM SHEEP ROT.

There is no difficulty in arriving at the conclusion that
the losses from rot among sheep, during the last few months
have been enormous. But beyond the occasional state¬
ments by individuals of the number of sheep in a flock
which have fallen victims to the disease, we have no records
from which an estimate could be made.

In the outbreak of the year 1830, some returns were
collected, and the flock owners of that time were enabled to
form an idea of the magnitude of the mischief; but since then
there are not, so far as we can find, any figures to guide us.

Returns of losses from rot might be obtained through
some of the channels which are at present open. Local
authorities under the Contagious Diseases (Animals) Act, are
quite familiar with the means of collecting such evidence,
and the various executive committees could without much
extra trouble obtain from their inspectors, or from the
farmers in their districts, information which when classified
would be sufficient to allow of an estimate not far from the
truth being made, of the injury which has been done
by this disease, in comparison with that done by other
maladies which are usually looked upon as matters ot
importance to the collector of statistics. The agricultural
returns on the other hand, might contain a column having
reference to the point. In short, the thing might be done
if it were any one’s business to do it, but as the malady is not
contagious or infectious within the meaning of the Act relating
to animals, no steps have been taken to get the particulars

Apart from the interest which would attach to a return
of the losses which have been sustained recently from
rot, there would arise a successful and great advantage
to the farmer, whose attention would be attracted to the
subject in its most practical aspect. We are often told that

EDITORIAL OBSERVATIONS.

247

the flock owner in the present emergency does not require
to be furnished with scientific treatises on the development
of the Distoma hepaticum , but rather with a plain state¬
ment of the means which he should adopt to cure the dis¬
ease from which his sheep are dying. And we admit that
it is not consolatory to a man who has tumbled into a
furnace to have to listen to a critical discussion of the cir¬
cumstances under which heat is generated, and the precise
effects of an elevation of temperature upon organic sub¬
stances ; but unhappily in reference to the cure of rot, there
is little to be said and not much to be done, while very
much may be effected in regard to its prevention by flock
masters who have taken the trouble to comprehend the
chief facts in the history of the disease.

An outbreak of cattle plague in a single dairy would set the
agricultural world in arms. The introduction of sheep-pox into
a single district would alarm every sheep farmer in the land,
and if the present conditions in regard to the importation of
foreign animals were such as to make the introduction of
either disease almost a matter of certainty, the agricultural
community would make itself heard in a manner which it
would be impossible to misunderstand or disregard ; but
while everybody who knows anything of the conditions
under which sheep rot is developed, was aware that its
extensive prevalence in the near future, was quite inevit¬
able, those most concerned remained apparently indif¬
ferent in spite of warnings, constantly repeated in agricul¬
tural and veterinary journals, until the event actually
happened, and prevention became impossible, and the result
is the loss of thousands of sheep, which might have been
saved by a moderate allowance of dry food, a proper quan¬
tity of salt, and reasonable care in keeping them from the
most dangerous grounds in the most dangerous part of the
year. The necessity for extra caution in regard to sanitary
conditions could in no way be more effectually asserted
than by bringing the farmer face to face with the sum total
of the losses which have happened in the last six months, from
a disease the effects of which would have been considerably
ameliorated by the adoption of proper precautions,

248

Extracts from British and Foreign Journals.

ANIMAL VACCINATION.

We extract the following letters from the British Medical

Journal :

Sir, — A letter, signed “Frithiof,” which appeared in a
recent number of your journal, gave me a clue to an im¬
portant paper published by Mr. Ceely, in the tenth volume
of the f Transactions of the Provincial Medical and Surgical
Association,’ of which paper I had no previous knowledge.
A careful study of it has convinced me that I have been in
error respecting the mutual relations of smallpox and cow-pox.

I hasten, as in duty and honour bound, to acknowledge my
mistake, and to apologise to the gentlemen upon whose
measures on this subject I may have commented.

Henceforward, I promise not to burden your pages with
any farther contributions personal to myself.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,

Thomas Watson.

16, Henrietta Street, Cavendish Square, W. ;

Feb. 23rd, 1880.

Sir, — The letter of Sir Thomas Watson which appeared in
your issue of to-day will, I venture to think, be hailed with
immense relief by all your readers. It was not a little em¬
barrassing to find supported by so eminent an authority the
statements which have recently appeared in the public prints
as to the vaccine lymph raised by Mr. Ceely and Mr, Badcock
by the variolation of the cow being, in fact, smallpox lymph.

Sir Thomas Watson has, however, now distinctly withdrawn
the sanction of his great name to the theory that vaccination
with variola vaccine lymph is in fact inoculation for the small¬
pox; and as the unconscious agent in his conversion, perhaps
you will allow me to say a few words on the subject. Dr.
Cameron, M.P., in his letters to the Times} following M.
Chauveau and his colleagues, says that lymph obtained by
variolation of the cow “ is not vaccine lymph at all, but
smallpox lymph capable of being inoculated apparently with
greater safety to the individual, than ordinary smallpox, but,
like the mildest inoculated smallpox, capable of propagating
that disease in its most virulent form by infection/’ In a
subsequent letter, Dr. Cameron somewhat modified his earlier
statement by remarking that he sees “ no reason why what
Chauveau terms vaccino- variolic lymph should not be less
contagious, as it certainly appears to be more local in its
effects than smallpox matter taken direct from the human

ANTMAL VACCINATION.

249

being. It may, for that matter, be shorn of its contagious
properties altogether/5 This remark can apparently only
mean that such lymph induces a new species of smallpox,
as yet unrecognised, which has none of the characteristics of
that disease, since it is neither eruptive nor contagious. Dr.
Cameron has evidently mastered the experiments of the Lyons
Commission on the subject ; but I should much doubt whether
he has studied with equal assiduity the important work by Mr.
Ceely, which appeared in the early f Transactions5 of this
Association, and which has now convinced Sir Thomas
Watson. It is to be feared, indeed, that Mr. Ceely5s pains¬
taking researches into this question have never been suffi¬
ciently known or thoroughly understood. Abroad especially,
they are not so well known as they deserve ; and as M. Chau-
veau and his colleagues state that they had not seen Mr. Ceely’s
iC plates/5 it is more than likely that they had not seen his re¬
port. If M. Chauveau and his colleagues had seen Mr. Ceely’s
plates, they would have learned that their own local results
on cattle had been quite well known in this country twenty-five
years before. The local effects produced by their inoculations
were not in any respect greater than those produced by Air.
Ceely in cases which he regarded as failures, nor than in
cases which the authors themselves at first put aside as failures.
It is not in the least improbable that, if Mr. Ceely had dealt
with the tumid papules that arose on the cows, as M. Chauveau
did (viz. in removing a quantity of them from the cows, and
scraping their inner surface), he might have got from them
the same stuff that was put in, stuff which, in the words of
the late Dr. Seaton, “ had undergone no sort of transforma¬
tion whatever, but which had lain where it was put, as in a
pouch, quite inert, giving rise only to local irritation without
inducing any sort of general affection or disease.” It is
significant that M. Bouley, having inoculated a cow with
variola with the same results as M. Chauveau obtained, vacci¬
nated it afterwards, with the result of producing regular cow-
pox ; and Air. Ceely, in his variolous experiments on cattle,
constantly produced the phenomena described by M. Chauveau
and found subsequent vaccination of these animals, in the
great majority of cases, successful. The Lyons experimenters
did not, it is true, in the least dispute Air. Ceely5s account of
the results he met with, but maintained that what he mistook
on the cow for cow-pox vesicles was in reality the variolous
eruption ; and what he produced on children taken from these
vesicles was not, as he imagined, cow-pox at all, but simply
inoculated smallpox. I am, &c., Frithiof.

February 28th, 1880.

VITAL STATISTICS OF CAVALRY HORSES.

At the usual monthly meeting of the Statistical Society,
on Tuesday, the 16th inst., Sir Rawson W. Rawson, C.B.,
R.C.M.G., in the chair, two papers were read, the first by Dr.
T. Graham Balfour, F.R.S., on “ Vital Statistics of Cavalry
Horses.” The author stated that this subject has received much
more attention in France than in this country. In 1843, owing
to the heavy losses by glanders sustained by the Army
during the preceding ten years, a permanent Commission,
presided over by the celebrated physiologist Magendie, was
appointed, whose duty was to be the examination of all
questions relating to the health and preservation of the
horses of the Army. The Commission established statistical
returns to be furnished annually by the Veterinary Surgeons of
the Army, and was authorised by the War Minister to publish
an annual volume giving the results of these returns, and any
information it might judge deserving of publication relating
to the health of the horses. The first of these reports was
brought out in 1847, and twenty volumes had been published
prior to the breaking out of the Franco- German war.

The mortality of the horses in the French army during the
thirty years 1837-66 averaged 58 per 1000 of the strength;
ranging between 195 in 1841, and 26 in 1862 ; and the pro¬
portion “cast5' was 80 per 1000, ranging between 135 in
1849, and 47 in 1855. The total loss amounted to nearly 14
per cent, annually. Dividing the thirty years into quin¬
quennial periods, the mortality shows a marked progressive
reduction, attributable to the improvements introduced by the
commission, the deaths in the last five years having been
only 27*5 per 1000 as against 115 in the first.

The reduction did not extend to the casting, which was
higher in the last two than in the first two periods.

The importance of these results is shown by the fact that
a saving of upwards of £90,000 a year was effected in the
amount required for the purchase of horses for the army
during the last five years compared with what would have
been necessary had the ratio of deaths and casting been the
same as during the first five years. The influence of sex is
shown in a slightly higher rate of mortality, but lower of
casting among mares than horses. The mortality by ages
shows the rate to decrease steadily till 1 1 years of age, when
the minimum is reached. The casting, as might have been
expected, increases steadily wi th advancing years.

The disease which causes the highest rate of mortality is
Glanders, and next to it stands inflammation of the lungs and
pleura. The highest death*rate by glanders occurs at the age

VARIOLA EQUINA. 251

of six, after which it steadily decreases ; the highest rate of
deaths by lung disease is among the four-year-old horses.
The chief cause of casting is legs worn out, which accounts for
two fifths of the whole. The mortality has been highest in
the Engineer Train and Transport Corps, and lowest in the
Imperial Guard, the latter being, in the opinion of the author,
to a considerable extent owing to the Guard being mounted
on better bred horses than the line.

The admission of cases into the infirmaries averaged more
than 50 per cent, annually, about one fourth of them being
on account of wounds and injuries. The influence of the
seasons on the sickness is shown by a table of the admissions
in each quarter of the year by the chief classes of diseases ;
they are lowest in the fourth, and highest in the second
quarter. The returns, unfortunately, do not show the number
constantly non-effective — a point of great importance.

The information respecting the British Cavalry is very
meagre. The deaths, on the average of eighteen years, 1861-78,
were 2107 per 1000, ranging between 16‘9 in 1864, and 28T
in 1871. The number cast averaged 98 per 1000, and ranged
between 76 187 1, and 156 in 1878. The mortality was lowest in
the Household Cavalry, and highest in the Cavalry of the Line,
while the casting was lowest in the Royal Engineers, and highest
in the Military Train and Army Service Corps, the Household
Cavalry furnishing the next highest proportion. There is no
information available as to the causes of death and casting.

The author concluded by calling attention to the very valu¬
able results obtained by the statistical method of investigation
as applied to the horses of the army in France, and suggested
that a similar course should be followed in our service, more
especially with a view to test the actual value, as a measure
of efficiency and economy, of the importation into our cavalry
of horses imported from Hungary. He also pointed out the
importance, as shown by the French returns, of stamping out
glanders by killing all infected horses as soon as the nature
of the disease is verified. — Journ. of the Statistical Society.

VARIOLA EQUINA.

We give insertion to the following communication extracted
from the Montreal Gazette of March 1st, relating to the disease
which has been designated Equine variola. We may remark
that, prior to the paper coming to hand, we had written to Pro¬
fessor McEachran asking for some of the lymph from the vesi¬
cles, taken in the ordinary way on points, to be forwarded to us
for experimental purposes. There are many statements in the
letter which we are unable to account for as strictly belonging

252

VARIOLA EQUINA.

to variola, but we refrain for the present from commenting on
them.

Horse-pox — (Variola Equina.)

To the Editor of the ‘ Gazette !

Sir, — My attention has been called to numerous paragraphs
which have appeared in Canadian and American newspapers
referring to the epizootic disease at present prevailing in the
city and vicinity, containing statements which are incorrect
and calculated to cause alarm among horse dealers, which is
altogether unnecessary. The disease is unquestionably variola
equina , or horse-pox ; it is similar in its nature to vaccinia or
cow-pox ; it has no connection with smallpox of man, other
than being a variolous disease, that is to say, when man is
inoculated by the virus of horse-pox, smallpox is never pro¬
duced, its effects on man are exactly the same as vaccination,
and has the same protective power against smallpox.

Horse-pox and cow-pox differ from smallpox by the exan¬
themata being in nearly all cases purely local ; instances of its
involving the entire body are extremely rare in the horse ; the
eruptions are confined to the heels and pasterns, occasionally
extending up the legs ; seen also on the muzzle, mouth and
nose, groin and perineum, and in a few instances diffused over
the shoulders and loins. In cattle it is almost invariably
confined to the udder.

Jenner, the great discoverer of vaccination, one of the most
important advances in medicine, was of the opinion that cow-
pox was often due to the accidental transmission of the virus
of the horse to the udder of the cow from the hands of a milker
who had been taking care of horses suffering from variola.

Cruschmann says: “ The horse-pox very probably can be
inoculated upon the human subject with the same effect as
vaccinia, and the practice is objected to merely because horses
have other kinds of sores upon the foot print which might
occasion disagreeable mistakes sometimes. ”

On this subject I might remark, that both during the epi¬
zootic of this disease in 1877 and the present winter, I have in¬
variably urged the grooms not to fear inoculation, as their being
susceptible to it indicated their susceptibility to smallpox, and
that if they became inoculated, it would in all probability pro¬
tect them as surely as vaccination would. From observation in
half a dozen cases of inoculation of grooms, four on the hand
and two on the face, I am convinced that the results are iden¬
tical with vaccination. Two or three days from the time of in¬
oculation the part becomes red and slightly swollen, a sympa¬
thetic swelling also extending up the arm to the axilla, when in
the hand, accompanying which there is a slight fever. By the

VARIOLA EQUINA.

253

fourth day a single vesicle forms, containing clear lymph, which
enlarges till about the seventh day ; it attains a diameter of an
eighth of an inch and gradually becomes opaque. About the
tenth day it is yellow, and the surrounding tissues are swollen
and red. It now gradually begins to desiccate, beginning in
the centre ; the scab thickens, dries, and becomes of dark brown
colour, and about the seventh day it is thrown off, leaving
a scar similar in every respect to that seen from vaccination.

With regard to the causes of this disease, it may be diffi¬
cult to account for it. During a residence extending over
seventeen years in Canada, I have only seen it twice, viz : in
1877 and during the present winter. There can be no doubt
that it is dependent on some peculiar atmospheric condition,
sudden changes of weather, such as have recently prevailed
here, or other causes purely local. That it is contagious
cannot be doubted, and that it is infectious I am also in¬
clined to believe, but neither contagion nor infection form
marked features in the disease. For instance, in the College
Hospital, which for several weeks back has been full of
variolous patients, my own horses and half a dozen others
have not presented any symptoms of the disease. True, the
patients are in loose boxes, and dressed by different persons
from the healthy horses. Again, in an establishment of
nearly 200 horses only three or four cases have occurred,
while in some stables of two or three horses, all have become
affected. That the disease can be carried to a distance and
become epizootic I do not believe. Thus, for instance, I do
not believe that a horse suffering from variola taken to, say
Boston, or New York, would introduce the disease to these
cities as an epizootic, unless the climatic and atmospheric
conditions necessary for its existence and spreading existed
there, which is very improbable ; consequently no apprehension
need be felt on account of it. At most it is merely a tempo¬
rary inconvenience, necessitating, in the majority of cases,
cessation from work for about three weeks, and if allowed to
run its regular course unattended by any injurious results.
Injudicious doctoring, or keeping the animal at work, may
produce sores of the heels affecting the deep tissues, which
are sometimes difficult to heal.

I may further add that, whatever the cause has been, it
seems to have exhausted itself, as the disease is rapidly
disappearing. Veryjfew new cases are occurring, and most
of those labouring under it are returning to work.

D. McEachran, F.R.C.V.S.,
Inspector of Stock for the Dominion Government.

Montreal Veterinary College, February 28, 1880.

LIII. 18

254

THE CATTLE PLAGUE IN CYPRUS.

We have received a copy of the Cyprus of March 1st, in the
supplement of which we find the following interesting letter
from Dr. Heidenstam, Chief Inspector of Cattle Disease, on the
malady which is now proving so destructive to the cattle of the
island. Our readers will be glad of official information on this
subject, more especially as Dr. Heidenstam deals with the patho¬
logy of the disease.

To the Editor of Cyprus .

Sir, — Having noticed that the extract from my report point¬
ing out the principal symptoms of the prevalent disease among
the cattle in the island, which you were good enough to publish
in your issue of December 15th, has* received attention from
most persons interested in this important subject ; and having,
since the date of that report, had occasion to make a more com¬
plete study of the malady, I shall feel indebted to you if you can
find space for the following statement, which comprises a more
precise account of the disease, and which shows the result of the
post-mortem examinations which I have made on the carcases of
several of the dead animals.

Symptoms of the Disease , — The animals which I have seen
suffering from the prevalent disease are not all attacked in
exactly the same way, and this I attribute to the fact of the
affection being slight or violent as the case may be; but the
diagnostic signs are invariably the same.

The period of incubation varies from five to eight days, and
one of the first apparent symptoms is a loss of appetite. This is
accompanied by an increased rapidity in respiration, which
reaches as much as 74, while the temperature of the body
attains 108*6°, and the pulsation 128. The animal seems
uneasy ; it stretches out its neck as if seeking for breath; its ears
hang downwards, and in some instances it is deaf ; the head and
breath are hot, the ears and limbs quite cold.

A running of a watery nature commences about the second
day from the eyes and nose, changing in the latter period of the
disease to a purulent secretion. I should, however, mention
that I have known of cattle having a running at the eyes and
nose, which it was stated were attacked with cattle plague, while
it was afterwards proved that they were merely suffering from
catarrh.

On the tongue and on the inside of the lips there is an epithe¬
lial deposit of a yellowish colour, which has a peculiar fetid

THE CATTLE PLAGUE IN CYPRUS.

255

smell. I noticed, also, in some cases, that the mouth and the
membrane round the nasal orifices were ulcerated. About the
fourth day the animal is generally unable to move, which indi¬
cates that it is suffering from excessive weakness. It refuses all
food, and when offered water it endeavours to drink but seems
unable to swallow. A constant diarrhoea of fetid greenish
matter sets in, and the urine is scarce and highly coloured.
These symptoms increase in violence up to the fifth or sixth day,
when the animal expires completely exhausted.

I have noticed that, in some cases, there are signs of ame¬
lioration about the third or fourth day ; these, however, soon
fail, and the animal relapses into its original condition.

Post-mortem examination — I have carefully examined thirty-
nine animals after death, and have found, almost invariably, that
the interior of the carcases presented the same appearance.
The inside of the mouth and pharynx, were of a darkish red
colour. The tongue was flabby and covered with a yellowish
exudation. I saw nothing remarkable about the three first
stomachs, but on the fourth I noticed several deep red blotches
anda in some cases it was spotted with small ulcers, which
forcibly reminded me of those so common in cases of catarrhal
inflammation of the human stomach. I was surprised to find
the small intestines, generally speaking, free from disease. The
bronchial mucous membrane was frequently injected and covered
with tough mucus. The lungs were congested and swollen, and
their interlobular tissue was distended with air. The heart was
relaxed and discoloured. The brain appeared to be unaffected,
although it was more than usually injected with blood, and the
meninges were of a reddish colour. I noticed no particular
change about any of the other parts, except that the body was
generally more red than is customary, as were also the urinary
and generative organs.

Many suggestions have been made respecting the manner in
which this disease should be treated ; but, up to the present,
they have all signally failed in producing any practical result.
I may, however, say that a medicine composed of “ferri sul¬
phas ” or “ acid sulphuric,” with a little laudanum, seems to
produce some effect ; and a small cup of vinegar administered
internally every morning, and the washing of the eyes, nostrils,
and mouth of the animal with vinegar several times a day,
proves a good preventive against the disease. The only
thoroughly efficacious means, however, of combating this ter¬
rible malady that is known at present is to slaughter the
animal immediately it is attacked ; to bury it in a bed of quick
lime along with the hide and dung ; to carefully disinfect the
stable where it has been standing, as well as the persons that

256 ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY OF ENGLAND.

have attended it ; to prevent any other animals, and especially
dogs, having access to it; and to isolate and watch its com¬
panions.

One of the principal causes of the propagation of this disease
from village to village is, without doubt, the dogs that scratch
up and feast on the carcases of the dead animals, and afterwards
drink at the troughs where the cattle are watered. It is,
therefore, most essential that dogs in the country should be kept
tied up at home. I am, Sir,

Tour obedient Servant,

Dr. Heidenstam,

District Meical Officer.

Chief Inspector of Cattle Disease.

Larnaca Road, Cyprus, March 1st, 1880.

ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY OF ENGLAND.

Monthly Council, Wednesday, March 3rd, 1880. Colonel Kings-
cote, C.B., M.P., trustee, in the chair.

Journal Committee.

Mr. Lent (Chairman) reported that the Committee had reconsidered
the contents of the forthcoming number of the Journal , and they re¬
commended that permission be given to the Smithfield Club to republish
Professor Simonds’ paper on the “ Dentition of Pigs.”

This report was adopted.

Veterinary Committee.

The Hon. W. Lgerton (Chairman) reported the recommendation of the
Committee that for the future the Members’ Veterinary Privileges
should read as follows : —

I. — Visits of the Veterinary Inspector.

1. Any Member of the Society who may desire professional attendance
and special advice in cases of disease among his cattle, sheep, or pigs,
should apply to the Secretary of the Society, or to the Principal of the
Royal Veterinary College, and Consulting Veterinary Surgeon, Camden
Town, London, N.W.

2. The remuneration of the Consulting Veterinary Surgeon or In¬
spector will be £2 2 s. each day as a professional fee, and the charge for
personal expenses, when such have been incurred , will in no case exceed
one guinea per diem. He will also be allowed to charge the cost of
travelling to and from the locality where his services may have been
required. These charges may, however, in cases of serious or extensive
outbreaks of contagious disease, be reduced or remitted altogether, so
far as the Members of the Society are concerned, at the discretion of
the Council, on such step being recommended to them by the Veterinary
Committee.

3. The Inspector, on his return from visiting the diseased stock, will
report to the member, and, through the Principal of the Royal Vete¬
rinary College, to the Committee, in writing, the results of his obser¬
vations and proceedings, which report will be laid before the Council.

ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY OF ENGLAND. 257

4. When contingencies arise to prevent a personal discharge of the
duties, the Consulting Veterinary Surgeon may, subject to the approval
of the Committee, name some competent professional person to act in
his stead, who shall receive the same rates of remuneration.

II. — Consultations without Visit.

Personal consultation with Veterinary Inspector . 10s. 6d.

Consultation by Letter .... 10s. 6d.

Post-mortem Examination, and report thereon . 21s.

A return of the number of applications from members of the Society
during each half-year is required from the Veterinary Inspector.

III. — Admission of Diseased Animals to the Royal Veterinary College, Camden,
Town , N. JV. : Investigation and Reports.

1. All Members of the Society have the privilege of sending cattle,
sheep, and pigs to the Infirmary of the Royal Veterinary College, on the
following terms : viz. by paying for the keep and treatment of cattle
10s. 6d. per week each animal, and for sheep and pigs 3s. 6d. per week.

2. A detailed Report of the cases of cattle, sheep, and pigs treated in
the Infirmary of the College, or on farms in the occupation of Members
of the Society will be furnished to the Council quarterly; and also
special reports from time to time on any matter of unusual interest
which may come under the notice of the Officers of the College.

The Committee also recommended that Professor Simonds be granted
gratuitously a further supply of 200 copies of his paper on c‘ Sheep-rot.”

The Committee presented the following report from the Examiners
for the Society’s prizes and medals for proficiency in cattle pathology :

Gentlemen, — We have the honour to report that the examination
for the prizes offered by the Royal Agricultural Society took place on
Thursday, the 22nd January, at the Islington Cattle Market, and the
Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, 10, Red Lion Square.

Six candidates were eligible for competition. Of these, one declined;
one, in consequence of the regiment in which he holds his appointment,
having been removed from Aldershot to Leeds, did not receive his notice
until too late ; and one sent no reply.

Three presented themselves, and these having afforded such proofs of
their practical acquaintance with the subjects brought under their
notice, we adjudicate the prizes in the following order : — Pirst prize,
William Alston Edgar, 1000 marks ; second prize, William Frank Smith,
875 marks; third prize, Nicholson Almond, 735; out of a maximum of
1200 marks.

It is a subject for great regret that the liberal inducements offered by
the Royal Agricultural Society have not been more appreciated by the
recent graduates of the veterinary profession. Possibly, this may in
some degree arise from the expenses occasioned by a journey to London,
and we would therefore suggest that some allowance for travelling ex¬
penses might overcome the difficulty.

Thomas Walton Mayer,

D. Gresswell,

William Duguid.

The Committee had received reports on anthrax experiments from
Dr. Burdon Sanderson and Dr. Greenfield, which they had recom¬
mended to the Journal Committee for immediatepublication. They re¬
commended that Mr. Arkwright be added to the Committee.

This report was adopted.

258

ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS.

Mr. Martin said he should like to remark that an outbreak of foot-
and-mouth disease was reported to the local authority at Ely the other
day. The inspector reported to the Privy Council, and Mr. Duguid
went down from the Veterinary Department. They were, however,
quite at a loss to know how it had arisen. If the Veterinary Committee
would place themselves in communication with Professor Brown, they
might be able to obtain some information which would prove of value.

Mr. Bent asked Professor Simonds whether it was true that the same
disease as rot in sheep had attacked cattle, and even horses.

Mr. Chandos-Pole-Gell and Mr. Neville said they had known instances
of the disease in cattle.

Mr. Rawlence said that he had never before known a cow die of a fluke
liver during forty-five years’ management of estates in the West of
England, but now the disease was extremely prevalent all over his
district.

Colonel Kingscote was sorry to say that he had heard of three young
horses in his neighbourhood dying from the disease.

Professor Simonds said there was no doubt that, in consequence of the
long-continued wet weather of last year, many cattle are affected with
rot, as well as sheep. He did not anticipate that aged cattle would
suffer materially from the disease, because there were plenty of instances
of animals on being sent to the butcher giving evidence of having had
flukes in the liver. Those which would suffer most were young cattle
badly kept.

With reference to horses, veterinarians very rarely found flukes in the
liver of a horse ; and he did not anticipate that there was any truth,
practically considered, in horses being seriously affected. Of course,
one could readily understand that, under the circumstances in which
sheep and cattle had suffered so much, flukes had also entered into
the liver of the horse when at grass ; but it would be a new feature in
veterinary pathology if it was found that horses died in consequence
of a large number of these parasites in their liver.

ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS.

A Special Meeting of the Court of Examiners for the Fellowship
Degree, was held February 27th, 1880, when the following candidates
having produced their certificates underwent the necessary examination,
and were admitted Fellows of the Royal College of Veterinary Sur¬
geons : —

Mr. Wm. Sheppard Wallis, Halstead, Essex.

„ John Wiggins, Market Harborough, Leicestershire.

„ Wm. Albert Russell, Army Vet. Department, Dublin.

,, Thos. Simpson, Seel Street, Liverpool.

„ Isaac Vaughan (Professor), New Veterinary College, Edinburgh.

QUESTIONS FOR THE FELLOWSHIP DEGREE.

Physiology.

1. — Enumerate the functions of the nervous system, state what is
meant by reflex action, give an example and mention in what respect it
differs from a voluntary act.

ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS.

259

2. — What objects are accomplished by the function of respiration.
How are these obtained in the different classes of Yertebrata. State what
conditions and structures are essential to the formation of a respiratory
organ.

3. — Describe the process of absorption; (a) from the intestines; (d)
from the other organs and tissues of the body. State what changes
Chyle and Lymph undergo as they pass through the glands previous to
entering the general circulation.

Comparative Anatomy.

1. — Describe the chief differences between the digestive organs of a
Herbivorous and Carnivorous animal.

2. — State the difference observed in the arrangement of the bones of
the anterior extremity of the Horse, Pig, and Dog.

3. — Describe the arrangement of the placenta in the Mare, Cow, Sow,
and Bitch.

Therapeutics.

1 . — What is Chloral Hydrate, describe its physiological and thera¬
peutical actions.

2. — Describe the physiological and therapeutical actions of Alcohol,
and state under what conditions its administration is indicated.

3. — What are the therapeutical uses of the salts of Iron, and give the
indications for their administration.

Pathology.

1. — Describe the nature and characteristic lesions observed in “ An¬
thrax ” or “ Splenic Fever.”

2. — Enumerate the different kinds of “ Pneumonia ” and describe the
appearances presented in the different stages.

3. What are the principal differences between the morbid conditions
known as Hsematuria and “ Hsemoglobinuria ?”

Sanitary Science.

1. — What constitutes the differences between hard and soft water, and
how can the degree of hardness of water be accurately ascertained ?

2. — What is the effect of ergotised food on animals ?

3. — What sanitary measures are necessary for the prevention of
Trichinosis in mankind and animals ?

Epizootology.

1. — What are the influences upon which depend the extension of
ovine, bovine, and equine variola ?

2. — What is necessary for the successful transmission of a contagious
malady.

3. — How is Swine Plague extended, and what measures are necessary
for its limitation or suppression ?

Surgery.

1. — Describe the covered operation, in castration, and state under what
circumstances it is desirable to perform it ?

2. — State the principles which should guide you in operating for “Poll
Evil,” and Fistulous Withers, and how you would proceed ?

3. — State how you would treat a “Chronic Quittor,” and what
surgical operation, if any, you would perform for its cure ?

260 LIVERPOOL VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION,

Dietetics.

1. — Name the nitrogenous and non-nitrogenous elements of Cereals ?

2. — State the comparative dietetic merits of Oats, Beans, Indian Corn,
and Bran, and give your reasons ?

3. — State in order the hours for feeding, and watering, and the
quantity of food and water which you consider essential under ordinary
conditions for an average farm horse in the twenty-four hours ?

LIVERPOOL VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSO¬
CIATION.

The ordinary quarterly meeting of this Association was held at the
Medical Institute, on the 13th of February, 1880; C. H. Elam, Esq.,
President, in the chair.

The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed.

Election of members to the Council. — Letters were read from the Secre¬
taries of the Lancashire, Norfolk, and Yorkshire Veterinary Medical
Associations.

The Secretary stated that he had not received a reply to his letter from
the Midland Counties Veterinary Medical Association.

After some discussion it was unanimously agreed that this Association
nominate for re-election to a seat at the Council of the Royal College of
Veterinary Surgeons Professor Brown, of the Royal College of Veteri¬
nary Surgeons, London, and that the President and Secretary act as an
election committee, to make the necessary arrangements for supporting
his election, in connection with the election of the gentlemen nominated
by the Lancashire, Yorkshire, and Norfolk Veterinary Medical
Associations.

The President then delivered his introductory address. He com¬
menced by thanking the members for the honour they had conferred
upon him in electing him their President, and expressed the hope that
his conduct in that capacity throughout his year of office would meet
with their approval, and not belie the confidence they had so unsolicitedly
reposed in him, as he assured them that no effort should be wanting on
his part in order to make the meetings of the Association a success, both
professionally and socially.

He then referred to the great benefits which veterinary medical asso¬
ciations had already been the means of conferring, both on their indi¬
vidual members, and also on the profession as a body, and strongly
urged us to cultivate unity and esprit de corps among ourselves, in order
to attain that position in the estimation of the Government and the
country which the practice of our honorable and useful profession entitled
us to.

He said: We have now got a thoroughly representative Council, and
we shall have ourselves to blame if we do not send our ablest and best
men to represent us there ; and if we are only true to each other, and
have the best interests of our profession at heart, we shall very soon feel
ourselves in a position to demand from the Legislature that legal protec¬
tion from unfair and dishonest competition with which the profession has
been so long burdened.

He next referred, in congratulatory terms, to the completed arrange¬
ments between the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and the High¬
land and Agricultural Society of Scotland, whereby the latter body

LIVERPOOL VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. 261

discontinue their veterinary examinations and the issue of their
certificates.

He then, in commendatory terms, spoke of the improvement which
had taken place in the curriculum of study at the veterinary colleges,
but added that there were still great improvements needed, both in the
manner and method of teaching, in order to place within the reach of every
student facilities for acquiring a thoroughly sound, practical, and theo¬
retical education. He also expressed his opinion strongly, that no
young man ought to enter College without first serving an apprentice¬
ship with a duly-qualified veterinary surgeon.

In speaking of the Court of Examiners, he said that he hoped soon to
see our Court of Examiners composed entirely of veterinary surgeons,
and after passing a warm tribute of praise to the medical profession for
their invaluable assistance, &c., during the period of our protracted in¬
fancy, he said that we should never develop the resources, now lying
dormant in our members, until we threw open these sources of honorable
distinction and ambition ; for if these were thrown open our best and
most promising young men, after finishing their college education and
obtaining their diplomas, would have an inducement held out to them to
continue in that course of study and research which will bring its own
reward, and raise both them and their profession in the estimation of
the public. I am persuaded, he added, that there are no lack of
members now who, if these positions were thrown open to them,
would, with six months’ study, be able to act as examiners in every
branch of our professional education with distinction and credit, both
to themselves and to the profession to which they have the honour to
belong.

Commenting on the legal responsibilities of veterinary surgeons, and
the risks they incur in the practice of their profession, he said that there
was no calling or profession free from risks and responsibilities, and he
did not think it desirable that there should be, but, as a safeguard
against any unfair treatment, he strongly recommended all veterinary
surgeons to become members of the National Veterinary Defence Society,
whose powerful aid and assistance are ever at the disposal of its members
in every time of need, and whose veteran officers are always accessible
when counsel and advice are required.

He concluded a very instructive address by exhorting the members to
endeavour, by their regular attendance, valuable contributions, and
personal influence, to induce others to become members, so as to render
our meetings both mere interesting and profitable.

Mr. Peter Taylor , of Manchester, then read his paper on “ Is it ad¬
visable to apply Counter-irritation in Acute Disease of the Respiratory
Organs ?”

The following is a copy of Mr. Taylor’s paper :

Mr. President and Gentlemen, — I have selected Counter-irritation
for our evening’s consideration, knowing it to be a vexed and much
disputed subject with some of our practical veterinary surgeons, and also
with our learned and scientific men. I thought that a night devoted to its
consideration would be profitable, interesting, and instructive.

I had the privilege, some years ago, of hearing an essay read at Leeds
before the Yorkshire Veterinary Medical Society, by Professor Williams,
on the “ Effect of Counter-irritation in the Treatment of Bone Spavin,”
when the late Professor Spooner honored the Society with his presence
and took an important part in that interesting discussion. I had. the
pleasure of taking a part in that discussion, and now, having had thirty-

262 LIVERPOOL VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION.

six years of extensive public practice and close observation in my
profession, I feel justified in reading this paper before you; not that
I am producing an elaborate and scientific thesis, the time having been
very short, since your respected president solicited my assistance.

I do assure you, by appearing before you in this position, I am, though
feeby, fulfilling the call of duty, and endeavouring to cement still closer
the bonds of brotherly love and professional friendship.

The tendency of the present day is, I fear, to jump to conclusions
upon insufficient practical observation and clinical experience. The
most important part in a veterinary surgeon’s education is, undoubtedly,
to be gained of the sick box, where every feature of disease can be
watched and noted ; and in order that the observations of disease may
be profitable, it must be complete. The termination of a case is
especially instructive, and not the less so when it results in death, since
we may then mark the way which the patient succumbed, and learn to
guard against such an event in similar examples for the future.

If I were to believe in Professor Williams’s treatment, as published in
his work, on diseases of the respiratory organs, I should not have ap¬
peared before you in the position I do this night, though, at the same
time, I am pleased to give him my warmest thanks for the great
meritorious and noble works he has given to the veterinary profession,
the result of much thought and great labour. I shall read you his
remarks on counter-irritation, so as to give you the most recent opinion
of one of our ablest writers upon its effects as applicable to the relief
of acute inflammatory action of the respiratory organs, before I open
to you the result of my experience (Mr. Taylor here read the extract
referred to).

Gentlemen, in all serious cases let me impress upon you the necessity
and great utility, and particularly in acute diseases of the pulmonary
organs and their coverings, that the first duty of a careful practitioner is
to take an accurate, quiet, and collected observation of the suffering
patient, so as to ascertain the structural and the functional derange¬
ment, the peculiar symptoms, the painful or irritable countenance, the
temperature by the thermometer, and the pulse, and make himself
acquainted whether the patient is a nervous and irritable one, or on
the other hand, a quiet, subdued, and plethoric one ; and in addition
to all this we must never lose sight of the fact that we are treating
a living and a most vital complex organism, endowed with beautifully
arranged and complicated nervous and circulating systems. The latter
organism is set into active motion at the birth of the animal, and con¬
tinues in motion day and night, never ceasing one moment its action
during the allotted period of its earthly existence. Interfere with this
activity and disease results ; arrest it and life ceases. How wonderful,
how beautiful, are the works of the Great and Almighty Creator ; in
wisdom has He made them all, even to the tiniest insect.

Gentlemen, what mighty progress have these societies throughout our
land given to our scientific advancement and our social status. Much has
been done, much there is yet to do. Therefore I implore you to be
earnest, to watch, work, and do your duty to your own Society, and then
you will immediately advance your profession scientifically and practically,
and to endeavour truthfully to solve some of our complex problems,
which our most learned and scientific men have not as yet done for us.
It is, I think, a disputed point and matter of opinion whether the
primary cause of acute disease in the respiratory tract is a poison or an
irritant impression made upon the nerve centres, or whether it is from
the imbibing of a diseased germ into the blood, or from some chemical

LIVERPOOL VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. 263

or mechanical effect upon the organ or tissue affected, producing what
is called inflammatory action or perverted nutrition. Whatever ex¬
planation may be given or accepted as to how the diseased action is
brought about in the respiratory organs, you are, from your own ob¬
servation and practical experience, I am sure, fully conversant with
the manifold causes and symptoms of the malady.

I cannot allow the present opportunity to pass without adding my
testimony to the great advance we have made in our improved methods
of ascertaining the progress or decline of diseased action by the uner¬
ring aid of that beautiful instrument, the thermometer, also by careful
clinical instruction ; in fact, gentlemen, our clinical aids in chest diseases
may be said to be the pulse, respiration, its painfulness and quickness,
and the temperature as ascertained by the thermometer. All and each of
these represent forces at work in the living body, all of which are now
capable of being measured with great exactness, and such measurements
show how closely such expenditure of forces is related to the excreta
which represents the waste of tissues in health and disease.

The subject I have now in hand — ‘‘Is it advisable or advantageous to
apply counter-irritation in acute disease of the respiratory organs ?”

I should probably do more justice to this important consideration if I
divided it under the following heads, viz.: — 1. What is meant by the
term counter-irritation? 2. How is counter-irritation believed to act?

3. If it acts as before mentioned, when and how should it be applied?

4. When should it be abstained from, and why ?

First, then, What is meant by the term “counter-irritants?” These
may be defined to be remedies of external application, by which we
endeavour to remove or diminish the morbid condition of a particular
structure by artificially creating a new irritation or determination in
some other part more or less remote from the seat of disease ; but since
in its most comprehensive meaning it would embrace too wide a field of
physiological and pathological inquiry, and include the majority of those
changes which are induced by such internal remedies as cathartics,
diuretics, and diaphoretics, &c., I have therefore inserted the term
of “ external applications,” so as to define that the seat of irritation is
transferred from an internal organ to the surface. The application of a
counter-irritant for the relief of a labouring organ was doubtless sug¬
gested to the attentive observer by the occurrence of spontaneous trans¬
lation of disease from one part to another, and by the obvious and
immediate relief so frequently thus afforded, as, for example, in the
subsidence of pulmonary and enteritic irritation, on the appearance of
laminitis, or a cutaneous eruption.

The object, then, of a counter-irritant is to produce a salutary change
in an inaccessible organ by effecting an artificial change in one within
our reach, and to transfer morbid action from a structure more im¬
mediately subservient to life to a less essential surface in sympathy
with it.

In order to render such agents available in the case of disease, much
judgment and nice discrimination are necessary. In the hands of an inex¬
perienced or rash practitioner the evil might be aggravated rather than
relieved.

Various substances have been proposed at different times to produce
counter-irritation, such as mustard, hot or boiling water, cantharides,
ammonia, turpentine, preparations of iodine, setons, rowels, plugs, issues,
strong acetic acid, and the actual or potential cautery.

I come now to the second part of my subject, viz. : How is counter¬
irritation believed to act. I was instructed at my Alma Mater in the

264 LIVERPOOL VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION.

year 1842, and subsequently by that great and noble professor, the late
Professor Dick, with very great force and emphasis, that two acute
inflammations could not exist at the same time in a living animal, and
by producing an external artificial inflammation you must of necessity
relieve the internal morbid one. Reasoning and clinical observation in
the sick box have materially modified this opinion. When counter-
irritants operate so mildly as merely to excite the capillaries without
occasioning any effusion of serum, they are called rubefacients; but if
by increased strength or continued application they excite the vessels
into such a state of inflammation as to terminate in effusion of a serous
fluid, and the elevation of the papillse of the skin forming what are
called vesicles, which gradually enlarge, and by their lateral extension
soon coalesce, so that blebs of different size are produced, they are
called vesicants. These vesicles are filled with a fluid rich in albumen,
and generally contain some fibrine. Or when a still higher grade of in¬
flammatory action is produced, as by the application of tartar emetic
ointment, they are designated suppurants.

In acute inflammation of the organs of the chest the counter-irritant
I chiefly rely on or apply is the best mustard mixed with tepid water,
in other words, a mustard cataplasm ; when applied to the walls of
the chest and breast it produces in a little time a sensation of pain, heat,
redness, and swelling, the immediate effect as upon the peripheral ex¬
tremities of the nervous system, and through them to the nervous
centres, and from the nervous centres we have a reflex motor action,
thereby increasing the action of the capillaries and the circulatory
system on the surface upon which the counter-irritant is applied. If
counter-irritation abstracts a large amount of nervous force and causes
a great determination of blood to the part upon which it is applied,
combined, secondly, with large effusions of serum within the areolar
tissue, we must, I think, without the slightest doubt, relieve the vital
organ or organs affected with morbid action ; and that we do so we
know by careful observation of our suffering patients ; we see the acute
pain modified or relieved, and the cough reduced ; the pulse becomes
more soft and lower, the breathing more tranquil, the temperature
lessens gradually, and the secretions and excretions become more
regular and natural. In fact, gentlemen, the countenance and the
healthy condition is resuming its normal and wonted standard, a con¬
dition which any of us always welcome and are delighted to see in our
suffering patients. In pleurisy, pneumonia, or pleuro-j?neumonia, the
mustard cataplasm should be applied over the walls of the thorax,
throat, and breast ; the greater extent of surface of the skin to which
the mustard is applied the greater will be its influence on the in¬
flammatory action of the organs within.

Thirdly, if it acts as before mentioned, when and how should it be
applied? Well, to practically qualify this, I will relate a supposed case.
A very expensive cart-horse, recently purchased, rising five years of age,
has changed hands, thereby changed diet, stables, and his daily work
and climate. He has, during the last week, improved very much in his
condition. He is suddenly seized, after dinner-time, or in the evening,
with a rigor or shivering fit ; pulse hard and quick ; breathing quickened ;
temperature 104°; faeces coated with mucus; Schneiderian and conjunc¬
tival membrane increased in redness. Auscultation may detect, accord¬
ing to the degree, whether the pleura or parenchyma is mostly affected.
The friction sound in pleurisy — a rustling or laboured action if it is
pneumonia. If my patient is admitted when the rigor is set in, my first
duty, after a careful examination, is to administer a nerve stimulant,

LIVERPOOL VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. .265

such as ammonia carb., apply warm clothing to the skin, and give as much
pure air as possible to breathe. In the space of some hours afterwards
the hot stage succeeds the cold, and after a certain space of time my
patient has a painful expression, dirty mouth, quick breathing, pulse
hard and quick, exalted temperature, and sore cough. I immediately
apply a thick mustard cataplasm over all the walls of the chest and
breast. Over this I place thick paper, and repeat in ten or twelve hours,
according to the symptoms of relief produced, or continue to reapply
if the vital and delicate organs within are not relieved in fifteen
minutes after the second mustard application. I often apply a hot-water
blanket around the chest and a mackintosh over the blanket on the
second, third, and perchance the fourth day. I may, in severe cases,
apply thin mustard cataplasm morning and evening.

Gentlemen, the medicine I most chiefly rely upon is a draught com¬
posed of Belladonna, Spt. Eth., Nit., or Chloric Ether, with Liq.
Ammonia Acetatis, twice or three times a day, according to the urgency
of the symptoms, &c., and I continue my treatment until the tempera¬
ture is down to 101°, pulse lower, mouth cleaner, secretions and excretions
more normal, and the appetite and countenance restored to a natural
condition.

Fourthly, When should counter-irritation be abstained from ? When
the powers of life are ebbing, or when you have a weak pulse, blanched
membranes, as in all cases of hemorrhages; or when a mulberry-
coloured discharge comes from the nostrils, denoting disintegration of
the pulmonary tissues. Counter-irritation should also be refrained from
in eruptive fevers, or when you have an eruption of any kind on the skin.

In acute laryngitis, when danger of Isuffoeation is imminent, counter*
irritation on the throat and breast, with belladonna gargles and inhala¬
tions, are your sheet-anchors and your safe curative agents.

Gentlemen, we have yet much to investigate, much to learn, in order
to overcome morbid action, and if I have awakened your attention and
interest in reference to this important pathological and practical subject,
I shall have given an impulse to the advance of our clinical observation.
I have one request to make to you : receive what I have said in the tone
of truth. Seek not to dispute, but to prove, to confirm, or correct my
statements. It has taken some years of close observation and inquiry
to give the advice upon counter-irritation that I have done to you
this evening, and much, very much, remains to be done. I trust that I
shall be assisted by you in the further prosecution of this important
subject. Be careful how you observe in your clinical practice, and let
those instructions be engraved upon your minds. Fulness, accuracy,
and probity should be the eligible characters written upon every case.

Gentlemen, our sick boxes, our laboratories, are always open— our
resources are abundant and great. We, the scientific workmen, are never
at rest. Day and night our brains are endeavouring to unravel hidden
problems ; therefore, in closing, I would say, Continue faithfully to do
your duty, and our profession will surely be advanced.

Mr. Storrar said that he agreed in the main with the views so ably pro¬
pounded by Mr. P. Taylor in his essay. He said that he had himself
experienced much benefit from the application of a mustard cataplasm in
attacks of bronchitis, to which he was somewhat liable; and it was his
general practice to apply a counter-irritant to the sides and chest in
pneumonia-bronchitis and laryngitis ; he preferred mustard, and did not
approve of several applications of cantharides blister in such cases.

Mr. Dacre said that he was once a great advocate of countei -lrntation
in the treatment of chest affections, but he was now as stiongly anta-

266 LIVERPOOL VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION..

gonistic to it. He did not apply mustard even in the first stages of such
cases. He said if any one would carefully observe the symptoms exhi¬
bited by a pleuritic patient as he stands, with an anxious, painful
expression, abdominal breathing, quick pulse, high temperature, and
every manifestation of intense internal pain, so characteristic of this
disease, and then to order the application of two square yards of mustard
to his sides as a remedy, he was gifted with a peculiar power of reason¬
ing which he (Mr. Dacre) failed to appreciate. Some nervous horses
would be almost driven to distraction by such a remedy. He maintained
that in cases where mustard had been repeatedly applied there was
usually great prostration, and convalescence was very much retarded.
Mr. Dacre then related his experience of the effects of a blister which
was applied to his own side for an acute attack of single pleurisy ; how,
notwithstanding that the blister acted well, and was continued for
twenty-four hours, it failed to give him any relief; but, when the blister
was removed and hot water applied, he felt relieved directly. His own
practice in such cases was to administer a sedative internally and apply
soothing remedies externally, such as hot water, cloths, &c. After seven
or eight days, when the acute symptoms have subsided, he might apply
a mild counter-irritant, but never during the early stages.

Mr. Greaves said that they owed a deep debt of gratitude to Mr. P.
Taylor for the able manner in which he had introduced the subject.
The views he had propounded were very much milder than he (Mr.
Greaves) had expected to hear. He thought, however, that the applica¬
tion of severe blisters to the sides in chest affections was not so much
adopted now, even by the strongest advocates of the system, as it was
formerly. He (Mr. Greaves) was taught it at College, and practised it for a
considerable time afterwards; but he gradually came to adopt milder
remedies, and he had no reason to regret the change, as in his experience
fewer cases died under the milder treatment than under the more heroic.
As an instance of the power that unassisted nature possesses when not
interfered with, he related the history of eighteen cases of chest affection
which he was treating homceopathically. The medicine was used up, he
had no more in his pharmacy, and there were no means available at the
time for replenishing his stock, so he refilled the bottles with cold water,
and ordered its administration as before ; the patients all recovered. He
believed with the late Mr. Haycock that no disease was ever cured by
medicine. He did not consider that counter-irritation was necessary or
advantageous in such cases. In his own practice when a horse came in
blowing and manifesting symptoms of congestion of the lungs he ad¬
ministered a dose of carbonate of ammonia, gave him a bran mash, and
turned his head to the door, and he was generally all right in the morning.
In cases of sore throat, or affections of the mucous membrane, counter-
irritation acted more beneficially than on serous membranes.

Mr. Reynolds expressed himself as very much gratified by hearing Mr.
P. Taylor’s paper, as he believed it to be the offspring of several con¬
versations on the subject during their journeys to London together. He
(Mr. Reynolds) did not think, however, that those typical cases which
had been mentioned were so difficult to manage as the cases where the
patient was seen to be off his food, dull, and adynamic generally, going
from bad to worse, until he died. He had no faith in the old theory that
two inflammations could not exist in the body at the same time ; still, in
some cases where you are very anxious about your patient you have a
difficulty in keeping your hands oft him ; you feel as if you were at least
trying to cure him.

In bronchitis and laryngitis the application of a counter-irritant gave

LIVERPOOL VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. 267

relief, and in adynamic paralysis I would rouse my patient by a counter-
irritant, but I consider it useless in pneumonia or pleurisy. He did not
rely much on the readings of the thermometer in such cases, unless it
conformed with the other symptoms.

Mr. Hopkins said that the old practice of bleed , purge , and blister , was
fast dying out. He, however, disagreed with Mr. Greaves in the opinion
that a cold atmosphere was more beneficial than a warm one in the
treatment of chest affections in the horse. Of course there were varying
degrees and stages of congestion, and in such cases as Mr. Greaves had
referred to, when taken in their first stages they all got well. But, as
a general principle in the treatment of congestion or inflammation of
the lungs, a mean dry temperature was, in his opinion, by far the best,
as the circulation of the blood goes on more readily in hot air than in
cold. As to the thermometer not being reliable in such cases, the tem¬
perature indicated the fever, but the fever stage may pass, and the
patient still die. You must distinguish between the fever and the
inflammatory process. He believed that counter-irritation was beneficial
in bronchitis when the larger tubes only were affected, as in laryngitis and
strangles, but not in pneumonia or pleurisy. His own practice, in the
latter cases, was to apply hot water and hot rugs, with the internal
administration of aconite, placing the animal in a warm box, with pure
air.

Mr. A. Lawson expressed himself in favour of counter-irritation being
applied in chest affections, although he did not believe in the beneficial
effects of repeating it three or four times in one day, until the sides
were raw, as was sometimes recommended. In laryngitis he would apply
a counter-irritant once, twice, or thrice, with discretion, and when the
animal commences to feed you may then come in with your soothing
applications. At one time during an epidemic he tried both modes of
treatment among the omnibus horses of Manchester. A certain number
he treated by the internal administration of carbonate of ammonia and
the application of hot cloths, and the same number he treated
by the internal administration of earbonate of ammonia, and
applied counter-irritants externally. By the former treatment he lost
a large percentage of his cases, but by the latter treatment he did not
lose one. He therefore considered it both good policy and sound
reasoning to follow a practice that was successful.

Mr. H. Leather said that he preferred hot cloths to irritants in the
acute stages of chest affections ; they gave a .more uniform heat, &c.
He put cloths around the body, and rubbed some mustard on to the
front of the chest. In cases of acute congestion he gave a stimulant
and opened the box door. He was of opinion that the rising of the
thermometer was sometimes affected when inserted in the rectum if the
latter was full of fseces.

M. T. Taylor declared that he was completely in a fog ; it would
appear that the patients got better under any kind of treatment, and
some died, even under Mr. Greaves’s mode of treatment. He contended
that a great many animals must be killed by severe and repeated appli¬
cations of counter-irritants to the chest in cases of pneumonia, and
nothing was more to be deprecated than the practice of trying to em¬
blazon your coat of arms on a horse’s sides. He agreed with others
that the essayist had been much more modified in his ideas of counter-
irritation than he had expected.

Mr. E. Faulkner , after complimenting the essayist on the modified views
expressed in his paper, said that he would like to know from Mr. P.
Taylor if, during his long and extensive experience, he had observed

£6& LIVERPOOL VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION.

any difference in the types and characters of chest affections. In some
cases of congestion, where the pulse at night might be 72, and the animal
blowing, he would administer a stimulant, and slightly irritate the sides,
and not unfrequently the patient would be all right in the morning.
Some cases might go on to broncho-pneumonia, and require further treat¬
ment. To these he would apply soothing remedies, coupled to good
nursing. He believed that dabbling practitioners hurried their patients
down hill.

Mr. IV. A. Taylor said that he held a very strong opinion in favour of
counter-irritation properly applied. In congestive pneumonia you have
an arrest of the circulation of the blood, and a paralysed condition of
the vessels ; it is to act as a stimulus to these vessels that I apply a
counter-irritant. In my own case, when suffering from an attack of
bronchitis, associated with lung complications, the application of a blister
gives me immediate relief from pain, and if we can relieve pain by the
application of a blister we are certainly on the right track. But by
repeated applications of counter-irritant you deplete your patients.
Apply your counter-irritant during the crisis of the disease, when it will
have some effect, and do not be fiddling at it when your patient is dying.
In cases of laryngeal and bronchial congestion, amounting in some
instances almost to suffocation, the application of mustard gives great
relief. He said that in those cases referred to by Mr. Reynolds, where
the animal is off his food, dull, and adynamic, such cases are sometimes
allowed to slumber because they do not manifest equally acute symptoms
as others; but if you insert the thermometer you will find the tempera¬
ture high, and then is the time to administer your stimulant and apply
your counter-irritant. He related the history of three similar cases
of infla mmation of the lungs, &c., which occurred at one place. The
first one was treated on the soothing anti-irritant principle, viz. hot rugs,
&c., and the administration of belladonna and ether ; it died however.
The other two were treated by the application of mustard at once, and
repeated in one of the cases twelve times ; both animals recovered. I am
convinced, he added, that the repeated blistering saved the last one.

Mr. Whittle said that he thoroughly endorsed the views on counter-
irritation propounded by Mr. P. Taylor in his essay. Chest affections,
he said, varied so ; in some you would have the mucous membranes prin¬
cipally affected, and in others the serous membranes would be the
principal site of the disease, and as a consequence our mode of treatment
would require to be adopted to the peculiar type of disease present in
in each case.

Mr. Woods said that he thoroughly agree' with the views of the essayist
on this subject, and he had tried both modes of treatment. About a
year ago he had a great many cases of inflammation of the lungs, and
very bad cases they were too ; he put mustard on them immediately, and
in some cases repeated it. My assistant, he added, was an advocate of
the soothing expectant treatment, and he declared that my patients
would all die under such treatment as I was then adopting, but every
one of them recovered ; in one case, in the treatment of which I allowed
my assistant to carry out his own plan for several days, the animal was
getting so bad that I was afraid he would die, in which opinion my
assistant concurred, and we at once applied a blister, repeating it every
day for three days ; the animal ultimately recovered. In laryngitis he
said he had great faith in the application of croton liniment ; it acts like
a specific, it produces a crop of pustules, but does not cause much
external irritation.

Mr. W. A. Taylor suggested that the further consideration of this

LANCASHIRE VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. 269

subject should be adjourned, as it was evident from the diversity of ideas
expressed upon it that further discussion would be beneficial.

This suggestion met with general assent from the members, and it
was agreed that Mr. Morgan would open the debate at the quarterly
meeting to be held in August next, as Professor Axe, of the Royal
Veterinary College, had promised to open a discussiou on “ Contagious
Diseases” at the next quarterly meeting.

A vote of thanks to the President closed the meeting.

Duncan Hutcheon, Hon. Sec.

LANCASHIRE VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSO¬
CIATION.

The annual meeting of the above Association was held at the Black-
friars Hotel, Manchester, on Thursday, the 19th day of February, 1880.
W. Dacre, Esq., President, in the chair.

The following members and friends were present : — A. Gamgee, Esq.,
M.D., F.R.S., Professor of Physiology in Owen’s College, Manchester;
Dr, Renshaw, of Altrincham, Dr. F. Holmes, Manchester, Dr. Owen,
Manchester; J. Lambert, 17th Lancers ; S. M. Wilson, 12th Lancers ;
W. A. Russell, Army Service Corps ; Messrs. Peter Taylor, T. Greaves,
Tom Taylor, John Lawson, W. A. Taylor, A. Lawson, E. Faulkner,
T. Hopkin, J. B. Wolstenholme, and E. Kitchen, of Manchester; R.
Roberts, of Kendal ; J. B, Taylor, Ashton ; Messrs. Elam and Hutcheon,
Liverpool; J. Burnett, Oldham; — Freeman, Hull; Peter Walker,
Bradford; H. Baird, Macclesfield; J. Howell, Rochdale; W. Woods,
Wigan ; W. Whittle, Moseley; C. E, Challinor, Pendlebury ; W. G.
Schofield, Pontefract ; T. Briggs, Bury ; Mr. Litt, of Bolton, and the
Secretary.

Letters of apology were received from Prof. Pritchard, Messrs. Geo.
Fleming, J. Welbsy, M. Naylor, R. Reynolds, &c.

The minutes of the last meeting were duly read and confirmed, after
which,

Mr. C. E. Challinor begged leave to nominate as a member of this
Association, Mr. T. Stone, M.R.C.V.S., of Walkden, near Manchester.

The President , Mr. William Dacre, in making a few remarks, said —
Gentlemen, I have no intention this evening of reading you a formal
inaugural address, but the occasion of our annual meeting can scarcely
be passed over without my rising to thank you most sincerely and
heartily for the honour and undeserved compliment you have paid me
by my election at your hands to this chair for a second term of office,
and I can assure the members of this Association that with their support,
and the valuable assistance of my fellow-officers, nothing shall be wanting
to render the coming year of work one of interest and pleasure.
Looking forward to the interesting paper we are to hear this evening, I
hope we may terminate our labours as auspiciously as we are about to
commence them.

The doings of our small world are so favorably chronicled in our
journals that it becomes a difficult task to speak of anything, on an
occasion like the present, that has not already been often brought before
you in a better form, nevertheless, I am of opinion that your attention
cannot be too often drawn to matters of vital importance to the profes¬
sion ; matters that should be found uppermost in the minds of every

member of it. „ , „ , . , ,

I would speak, more particularly, of those reforms which we have

LIII. 19

270 LANCASHIRE VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION.

loudly, persistently, but fruitlessly demanded in years past. You are
all aware that the acquiescence of the Highland and Agricultural Society
(to the generally expressed wish of the profession) that they should dis¬
continue the issue of certificates to practice has brought to a happy
termination the dissensions that have so long agitated the profession,
and cleared the way for the introduction of such measures as will enable
the public to distinguish a thoroughly educated and legally qualified
person from one who has not undergone the test of examination, and
whose presence among us a soi-disant veterinary surgeon was inimical
alike to the interests of veterinary practitioners and the public. The
time, I think, has now arrived when the profession should be relieved
from the odium attaching to the presence in its ranks of charlatans and
pretenders. It has been asked why we desire the insertion of a penal
clause in our charter, and it has been said, surely the gentlemen now
leaving their alma mater and commencing to practise are sufficiently
strong in practical and scientific knowledge to compete successfully against
quacks, and I would say yes, if that competition was honest ; but when
you remember the strata of society from which these persons crop out,
and the class from which they are recruited, you will find, as a rule, the
type of them is an utterly unprincipled individual. You will observe,
gentlemen, that I say as a rule, for I have certainly met exceptions in
unqualified practitioners who would not have disgraced the profession,
and I think it would naturally facilitate the passing of a new Veterinary
Medical Bill if some special arrangement could be made on their behalf,
and I am sure any legislation having for its object the protection of its
interests would be universally acceptable to the profession and conducive
to the public good.

Quite recently, I have had some talk on this subject with an influential
member of the Veterinary Committee of the Royal Agricultural Society,
and he stated to me his intention of bringing this matter to the notice of
that board. Some few years ago I introduced the subject to a Member
of Parliament, and elicited from him an opinion that the veterinary
practitioner had an equal right with the medical practitioner to be pro¬
tected.

In mentioning these two instances I merely wished to suggest that prac¬
titioners having an opportunity of coming into contact with gentlemen of
influence would greatly benefit the cause by making a statement to them
of what we require.

In our friend, Mr. Geo. Fleming, we have one who has never yet
taken up his pen without some substantial good to the profession issuing
out of his advocacy, and you will all be pleased to see the manner in
which he is handling this subject.

Before concluding these few remarks, may I be allowed to suggest
that if we are to have a new Veterinary Medical Bill, a clause might be
inserted praying that veterinary surgeons may be exempt from service
on juries ; this is a privilege enjoyed by the medical profession, and one
to which we are equally entitled. And now, gentlemen, I shall close these
few remarks by hoping that a discussion may follow that will call forth
the opinion of every one present.

The discussion was opened by Mr. Peter Taylor , but, in consideration
of Dr. Gamgee, it was postponed until the next meeting, and the
apprenticeship clause was also added to the list for discussion.

Mr. Wm. Woods begged leave to move at the next meeting an alteration
of Rule XVII, with respect to the election of Honorary Associates.

Mr. T. Briggs gave notice that at the next meeting he would move
that the meetings of our Society be held oftener.

LANCASHIRE VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. 271

Presentation of Testimonial to Mr. Samuel Locke by Mr. Thomas Greaves.

Mr. President and Gentlemen, — I rise on this occasion to perform
a most pleasing duty, viz. to present Mr. Samuel Locke, our worthy
and respected Hon. Secretary, with a “ Testimonial,” in recognition of
his valuable services. I consider it is alike honorable to him and
creditable to the good feeling, the spirit, and character of our Associa¬
tion. We have been in existence about twenty years ; during those years
we have had many worthy and able secretaries, who have performed the
duties with credit to themselves and satisfaction of the Association ; but
none — and I say it without the slightest spirit of invidiousness —
have served us so well and so long as Mr. Locke has done. Sir,
your constant willingness, your uniform kindness, and urbanity of
manner, together with your regularity and efficiency in the performance
of your duties, have secured for you the good opinion of your fellow
veterinary surgeons, and we feel a desire to show you some mark of
our esteem and respect.

The “ Testimonial ” I have now the great pleasure in presenting you
with has been subscribed for by the members of “ The Lancashire
Veterinary Medical Association,” almost unanimously. It is a cabinet
with five drawers and folding doors, in mahogany, containing thirty-six
table and small knives, thirty-six table and dessert forks, fifty-six table,
dessert, tea, egg, salt, and gravy spoons, large and small ladles, carving
knife and fork, fish slice and fork, napkin rings, sugar tongs and
spoon, knife rests, nut crackers, &e., &c., all of Rogers’s best cutlery
and the best electro-silver plate, 160 articles in all ; every article bears
your initial, and on the cabinet is a plate with the following inscription :

“ Presented to Mr. Samuel Locke, M.R.C.V.S., by the Lan¬
cashire Veterinary Medical Association, in appreciation of
his services during the four years he acted as Hon. Secretary.
1880.”

It is considered very handsome, and does great credit to Messrs. W.
Batty & Son, silversmiths, Market Street, Manchester. We hope and
trust it will meet with your approval, and that you will accept it in the
same kind spirit it is given. I feel that I am speaking the heart-felt
wish of our President, and every member of this Association, when I
say we wish you the enjoyment of good health and every comfort, to¬
gether with a long and prosperous life ; and in this present your children
and your children’s children, together with all your friends, will see in
what respect and esteem you are held by your professional brethren
amongst whom you are toiling and living ; and even when you are no
longer in our midst, this “ Testimonial ” will perpetuate your memory,
the excellence and worth of character we now accord to you with so
much pleasure.

Mr. Locke responded in a few words, thanking the President, Mr.
Greaves, and all the members, most heartily for their kindly feeling
towards him, and for the honour they had conferred on him, in the
shape of such a handsome testimonial, assuring all members that he
never expected any remuneration for his services, but had accepted
the office for the honour of the post, and what he had endeavoured
to do was for the success of the Lancashire Veterinary Medical
Association and the advancement of the veterinary profession in
general.

A. Gamgee, M.D. , F.R.S., Professor of Physiology at the Owen’s
College, Manchester, then delivered the first of two lectures upon the
physiology of digestion.

272 EASTERN COUNTIES VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION.

The professor (who was received with great applause) commenced
by describing the difference in structure between the so-called mucous
and serous salivary glands, and drew attention to the change which
occurs in the mucous glands, when these passed from a state of rest
into that of activity. The physical and chemical properties of the saliva
were discussed at length, and it was shown that the saliva was a liquid
which mainly served mechanical ends, seeing that in a large number of
animals the liquid is devoid of the starch dissolving ferment called
ptyalin.

The various facts connecting the secretion of particular salivary glands
with special functions, as deglutition, gustation, mastication, were passed
under review, the lecturer pointing out that from them it could
certainly be concluded that whilst the parotid gland secretes a saliva
specially subservient to mastication, the submaxillary and sublingual
glands secrete a liquid specially related to gustation and deglutition.
In this division of the subject the doctor discussed the quantities of
saliva secreted by the principal domesticated animals on various diets.

The structure of the stomach was then described, the description
bearing especially upon that of the horse and dog. The lecturer pointed
out that the old view which restricted the functions of the pyloric glands
to the secretion of mucus have been shown to be incorrect, the epi¬
thelium at the bottom of all the gastric glands being engaged in the pre¬
paration of gastric ferment — “pepsine,” whilst the large oval so-called
peptic cells of the gastric glands proper, of the older writers, are pro¬
bably concerned in the secretion of hydrochloric acid.

The lecturer then described the properties of the gastric juice, and
showed how it acted upon the proteid constituents of food, converting
them into peptones. The lecture throughout was fully illustrated by
the aid of diagrams and experiments.

In the second lecture Dr. Gamgee proposes to treat of the digestive
changes which the food undergoes in its passage through the small and
large intestines.

A cordial vote of thanks to Dr. Gamgee, proposed by Mr. Peter Taylor ,
and seconded by Mr. T. Greaves , for his most interesting and instructive
lecture, was carried by acclamation.

A vote of thanks to the chairman closed the proceedings.

Sam. Locke, Hon. Sec.

NORFOLK AND EASTERN COUNTIES VETERI¬
NARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION.

We insert the paper on “ Tuberculosis,” read by Mr. Fleming, at the
half-yearly meeting of the members of this Association.

Mr. Fleming , in commencing his paper, pointed out that while medical
science is combating, with some degree of success, many diseases which
have long been a scourge to mankind, and finds the prospect of complete
victory more in the way of prevention than of cure, there are hydra¬
headed disorders which strain to the utmost the skill and ingenuity of
man. To discover the cause of disease is a grand object in medicine,
and especially with regard to those maladies whose course is so insidious,
rapid, or destructive that all attempts at remedying them are futile.
Hence it is that in recent times far more attention has been devoted to
the pathology of disease, and particularly to its causation, than formerly.
Experimental pathology, a creation of modern days, is destined to play
a leading part in all pathological investigation. Helped by the accessory

EASTERN COUNTIES VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. 273

aids, it has already thrown a flood of light on what was before obscure,
while it has revealed most startling facts which were never suspected,
and which places it in the power of man to understand the manner in
which morbid processes are set up and extended, to avert them, and to
remedy their effects. To seek out means of prevention, and to thoroughly
investigate the influences which lead to the production and perpetuation
of disease, whether in man or beast, is a far higher, nobler, and more
satisfactory task than attempting to discover cures ; it is the special and
sacred duty of the sanitarian, no less than the pathologist. The disease
he was about to bring to notice — tuberculosis — though possibly affecting
bovine animals for a very long time, has only recently started into pro¬
minence, and is receiving great and deserved attention, though not in
this country, he feared. For many years his attention had been particu¬
larly drawn to the greater frequency of this malady among cattle, and
his acquaintance with what was going on in veterinary science on the
Continent led him still further to inquire into this progressively extend¬
ing disease. Fillemin had experimentally demonstrated the inoculability
of human tubercle, and Continental veterinarians — notably, Chau van,
Gerlach, and Coleir — aware of the analogy, if not identity, of this
tubercle to that found in cattle, instituted not only inoculation, but also
feeding experiments with the tuberculous matter, as well as the milk and
flesh of tuberculous cows. In 1874 the evidence seemed to be so strong
and decisive that he wrote a long paper on the malady, which showed
there was great reason to apprehend that, if it could be produced ex¬
perimentally by feeding animals on the flesh and milk of cattle which
had been tuberculous, the same result might occur accidentally in our
own species. He also referred to the possibility of the large mortality
among infants from what is known as “ infantile diarrhoea ” being due,
at least to some extent, to their receiving the milk of tuberculous cows.
In ‘Veterinary Sanitary Science and Police5 (vol.ii), published in 1875,
he also included it as one of the diseases which caused great destruction
among the cattle by its infectiousness, and treated it as a malady which,
for this reason and also because of the grave risk of injury to mankind,
should be made the subject of Government control. Nothing, however,
had been done to protect animals or people from the disorder, nor did
he suppose there would be, until public pressure was brought to bear on
the Government, when the mortality among people from consumption
and other morbid conditions due to this cause, has reached an alarming
extent. Whatever amount of indifference or absence of knowledge the
Government may manifest, it is nevertheless incumbent on the veterinary
profession, as guardians of the animal wealth of the country, so far as
sanitary science is concerned, and also to some extent of the public
health in the matter of food, to not only keep this very serious matter in
view, but also to ascertain all they can with regard to it. To what
extent the disease prevailed in this country he knew not, neither did he
know how information could be obtained. There is no sanitary in¬
spection of dairy stock ; our public abattoirs are, he regretted to say,
exceedingly few, and he was not aware whether the carcases of all
animals killed therein are inspected while being dressed, or what steps
are adopted to discover disease in them. The private slaughter-houses
afford ample opportunity for killing, dressing, and disposing of diseased
auimals without observation, and until public abattoirs can be generally
instituted, placed under regular sanitary surveillance with regard to the
condition of the animals killed in them, and statistics drawn up with
respect to the diseases observed, they would have no conception of the
extent to which this and other disorders prevail among animals destined

274 EASTERN COUNTIES VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION.

as food for man, especially in our large towns. (Applause.) Mr. Fleming
then referred to some statistics collected on the Continent, giving
some idea as to the prevalence of tuberculosis, and from which an infer¬
ence might be drawn as to the state of things in our own country. He
mentioned that in 1789, 1791, and 1794, it appears to have been very
prevalent in the neighbourhood of Paris ; in 1791 it caused much
destruction of cattle in the department of la Meurthe ; in the depart¬
ments of the Jura, Doubs, Vosges, and others in France, it has also at
various times caused alarming loss ; and Hurtrel d’Arboral estimated that
one in every eight or ten head of cattle was destroyed in Brie, Beauce,
Caux, and other parts of that kingdom, by this so-called “ Phthisie-
pulmonaire.” In Germany the disease is also very prevalent; Wolff
asserts that in the County of Leignitz, Saxony, 15 to 20 per cent, of
the cattle was affected. At the abattoir of Munich, in 1875, Drechsler
found 704 cattle tuberculous out of 55,882 head, those with isolated
tubercle not beinsc included. At Mannheim Fuchs discovered that in
1831 cattle, 65 were tuberculous. Zippelius, of Obernburg, about ten
years ago commenced an inquiry, and after the most careful observations
in a number of district abattoirs up to January 10th, 1873, he estimated
the number of cases at 2'50 per 1000 of the bovine population through¬
out his part of Germany, and he only took notes of those cases which
appeared on the registers of the abattoirs as undoubted tuberculosis.
As the result of his inquiry he came to the following important conclu¬
sions, which were derived from investigations carried on in thirty-six
different localities ;

1. That bovine tuberculosis is most common in poor localities.

2. That the localities in which the disease is frequent are all situated
in valleys, and that it is all the more common as the valleys are narrow
and deep.

3. That the mortality caused by tuberculosis is less, all things being
equal, in the parts of the narrow and deep valleys where the dwellings
are widely separated than in those where they are not so.

4. That the localities situated in elevated plains freely exposed are
seldom visited by the malady, even if the cattle are maintained in con¬
ditions little favorable to health.

5. That the mortality from this affection is, all other conditions being
equal, greater in localities enclosed by walls than in those which are
open.

6. That in those places where tuberculosis is most frequent the largest
number of tumours about the head are met with.

7. That in the seven localities in the district of Obernburg, where
the smallest number of cases is seen, there were 47,981 cows, while in
that where they are most common there were 57,083 cows per 1000 head
of cattle.

8. That the frequency of tuberculosis in man is in general independent
of the use of the flesh or milk of tuberculous cattle ; at least, no relation
could be established between these two factors, though no restriction is
placed upon the consumption of the flesh and milk.

9. That the mortality from tuberculosis in man in the Obernburg dis¬
trict is 3’32 ; that is, higher than the average mortality from the malady
in the other parts of the kingdom (in which it is 2T6) ; that this malady
in man generally depends upon the same local conditions as bovine
tuberculosis, though in a less degree ; that in none of the localities has
the mortality from the disease in man attained the proportions of that in
cattle, but that it is more uniformly spread in the different localities.
Dr, Hoffmann thinks, and with good reason, says Zippelius, that the

EASTERN COUNTIES VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. 2?5

frequency of marriages has a noted influence on the great number of
deaths from tuberculosis, occurring amongst the inhabitants of that
district.

Mr. Fleming next directed his attention to Bavaria, where all doubt ap¬
peared to have been removed that this disease, so common in this country,
is identical with phthisis in mankind. If the conclusions arrived at by
Gerlach from his feeding experiments — (namely, that the flesh and milk
of tuberculous animals must be excluded from human food on principle,
since by using it in its raw and half-cooked state, tuberculosis is liable
to be reproduced in man) — were carried into practice, and the connection
of tuberculosis in cattle with that of the human subject be firmly esta¬
blished, it was felt that the result would be to furnish the sanitary and
veterinary police with a very difficult task, as well as involving serious
loss and injury to the agricultural interest. Gerlach’s views, however,
were so far at variance with the German veterinarians, but his experi¬
ments relative to the transmissibility of tuberculosis to man, although
no doubt worthy of great attention, could not yet be regarded as
thoroughly conclusive. From statistics collected, it appeared that in
1877 there were 4976 cases of tuberculois reported, as follows: — Upper
Bavaria, 1557 ; Lower Bavaria, 395 ; Pfalz, 502 ; Upper Pfalz, 425 ;
Upper Franconia, 270 ; Middle Franconia, 227 ; Lower Franconia, 447 ;
and Swabia, 1096. Upper Bavaria and Swabia had more cases (2663)
than all the other counties (2323) in Bavaria. Touching upon some of
the results of the inquiry in that country, Mr. Fleming stated that the
hereditary tendency of the disorder appears to be established in nearly
all the reports. In-and-in breeding was a cause assigned in a number of
the reports, and in others the consorting of the sexes and the abundant
secretion of milk. The general result goes to show that 5‘84 out of
every 1000 cattle in Bavaria are affected with tuberculosis. In Italy,
Holland, Switzerland, and other temperate countries, Mr. Fleming pro¬
ceeded to remark that tuberculosis makes more or less havoc among
bovines ; and in Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, and America-States
and Canada, it is well known. Strange to say, it does not appear to be
a disease of cold climates. There is good reason for thinking that it
exists as widely and generally in England as in any other country. Our
dairy stock are probably largely infected, and among high-bred cattle it
is not only prevalent, but from what he could learn, it is on the increase.
Assuming the disease to be as common in this country as in Bavaria, we
may reckon 5 per cent, of our bovines as infected. With regard to the
pathology of bovine tuberculosis, it seems now to be admitted by all
those authorities who are most competent to give an opinion, that it
bears the closest analogy to, if it is not absolutely identical with, human
tuberculosis : the majority incline to the latter opinion, and anatomically,
clinically, and experimentally, as well as etiologically, they must be
looked upon as the same. The malady has scarcely been studied in this
country, but it has long been known by various local names amongst
farmers, farriers, and butchers, while its external manifestations have
been looked upon as something akin to scrofula by those veterinarians
who have recognised it. Mr. Fleming, fortifying himself by the opinion
of eminent authorities, entered into a full pathological description of the
disease, observing specially that the lymphatic glands appear to be the
peculiar seat of miliary tubercles — a tendency which affords a good aid
to diagnosing the presence of the disease in a living animal. Such organs
as the lungs and liver sometimes attain great dimensions by the tuber¬
cular infiltration, while their density is immensely increased. _ Mucous,
in addition to the serous membranes— the brain, uterus, testicles, kid-

276 EASTERN COUNTIES VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION.

neys, ovaries, heart, &c. — are all liable to be infiltrated with malignant
tuberculous formations. As to the frequency of the disease in various
tissues and organs, Adam found in 109 bovines the lungs and serous
membranes chiefly involved ; in 117 the lungs solely affected, and in 28
the serous membranes alone. In all the tuberculous cattle there was
more or less affection of the bronchial glands, which were greatly en¬
larged from the presence of tubercle, and in 60 animals the liver was
infected with these formations, while in some instances a number of
tubercles were found in the tongue and the udder. They have been
found by others in the mucous membrane of the roof of the vagina, and
their presence there, as well as in the udder, has been considered useful
from a diagnostic point of view. Tuberculosis, then, said Mr. Fleming,
in continuation, is an infective disease, and appears to be almost peculiar
among the lower animals to the bovine species ; it is very rarely seen in
the sheep and goat ; it is as rare in the horse ; in the pig it has been
observed, and particularly as the termination of scrofula, with which it
is identified ; in carnivora it is very infrequent. With regard to the
etiology of tuberculosis ; very many of the causes which have been sup¬
posed to operate in its production do not bear any relation to it, except
as predisposing causes of those which facilitate the transmission of its
virulent principles. Over-crowding, mal-hygiene, and poverty, are pre¬
disposing causes, while they hurry the course of the malady when it is
developed. The same may be said of damp and cold, and it may be
mentioned that while it prevails in warm and dry as well as cold and
damp situations, it is rarely observed in the steppes of Russia and
Siberia. Hyper-lactation has been blamed, chiefly, he thought, because
milch cows are often affected ; but it must be remembered there
are two or three times more milch cows than males, so that the latter
are probably as much affected as the former. It must not be forgotten,
also, that cows are kept alive a longer time than bullocks or bulls, and
are, besides, more exposed to infection by cohabitation. Food of
different kinds or qualities will not produce the disease, neither will any
other antecedent malady. Suppurative diseases, or accidents, are far
more common in the horse than in the bovine species, and yet the exist¬
ence of tuberculosis is scarcely ever noted in the former. The malady
is also said to complicate certain diseases, such as pleurisy, pneumonia,
bronchitis, catarrh, &c., but they have no relationship to it, and when
they are present are only evidence of the disease itself which has pro¬
duced them. The disease is looked upon as hereditary, and there are
strong points which bear in favour of this view ; it is certainly a trans¬
missible malady from mother to foetus. The question of heredity, except
entailing predisposition to the disease, is not, however, easily solved, for
its transmission by infection only too often complicates the inquiry. Mr.
Fleming now came to the, perhaps, most important part of the paper —
the infectiousness or contagiousness of tuberculosis. This unfortunate
property of this serious disorder had only recently been demonstrated.
From the facts before them there is reason to think that, like glanders,
which it so much resembles in many points, the disease may, in ex¬
ceptional circumstances, be conveyed by the breath from diseased to
healthy animals. To a certain extent the truth of this has been ex¬
perimentally demonstrated by Tappoinier, who produced the disease
by causing small animals to inhale the dried sputa of phthisical
people. On many occasions it has been noted that there was a strange
persistency of tuberculosis in certain cattle sheds, which, so far as
hygiene was concerned, left little to be desired ; while in other sheds,
under far less favorable health conditions, but into which the disease

EASTERN COUNTIES VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. 277

had not been introduced, the cows remained free from it. Ilaushalter
has noticed that when young animals are placed near diseased ones, they
readily become infected. The infectiousness of phthisis in mankind,
long suspected, is now asserted by high medical authorities. As to the
inoculability of the disease, there are now hundreds of positive experi¬
ments to prove it. It has been shown in an undeniable manner that,
like glanders, tuberculosis can be produced in healthy animals by
inoculating them with tuberculous matter from man or other creatures.
Transmission can be effected, not only by the tuberculous matter, but
also by the bronchial secretions and the blood, the same as the most
characteristic virulent maladies, such as glanders. The disease can be
produced through the intact mucous membranes — as that of the digestive
canal, and this renders this particular disease all the more formidable.
Many experimenters (as he had showed) had produced the disease by
feeding animals with the human or bovine tubercle, and the flesh and
milk of tuberculous animals. The alterations produced were sometimes
slight, in others quite startling, and rarely were they negative. Only
the other day, he received an account of some most interesting experi¬
ments performed by Bollinger, of Munich, on swine, goats, monkeys, and
guinea-pigs, with the milk from tuberculous cows. In one instance,
three pigs six weeks old were fed with the milk of’ a cow whose lungs
were recognised to be tuberculous, and at whose autopsy these organs
were found to be affected with caseous pneumonia, and there was also
tuberculosis of the pleura, and bronchial, mediastinal, and mesenteric
glands, as well as the uterus. The pigs died early in the experiment,
unfortunately, and only in one were the laryngeal lymphatic glands
enlarged and softened. In another instance milk was obtained from
a cow which, after death, showed tuberculosis of the liver, peritoneum,
ovaries, thoracic and abdominal glands, and pleura, with cheesy de¬
posits in the lungs ; this milk was given for about ten weeks to four
healthy three-weeks old swine, uncooked, and from to 3 litres
daily. During this period the throat glands were observed to enlarge ;
when from four to five months old they were killed, and found in
advanced tuberculosis ; more especially were the lungs, liver, and spleen
affected, while the throat, bronchial, epigastric, and portal glands were
extremely swollen and cheesy. In two of the swine there were small
caseous folicular ulcers in the ileum. Controlled swine (same litter,
but fed on other food) were healthy. A young pig, fed for fourteen days
longer with milk from the same cow, gradually wasted and died, when
3§ months old — three weeks after the termination of this feeding. The
autopsy revealed more especially caseous inflammation of the large
intestine, an exquisite miliary tuberculosis of the lungs, with great
enlargement and caseification of the bronchial glands. In another
instance, six pigs of the same litter, from a healthy sow, were experi¬
mented upon, four being fed with this cow’s milk also, two with uncooked
milk, two with cooked, and the other two were kept as controlled
animals. After five months the controlled animals were killed, and found
to be healthy ; those fed with the cooked milk when also killed were
affected with severe generalised tuberculosis ; while of those fed with
uncooked milk, one that died showed caseous (scrofulous) enteritis, and
the second, very unwell, was still alive. From these experiments, con¬
firmed by an account of accidental infection of pigs recorded in Walley’s
work, it would appear that, in swine, scrofula is first developed by the
milk, then tuberculosis — the one being only an advanced stage of the
other. These startling facts of transmission account for the increasing
increase of the disease. Young animals reared upon the milk of tuber-

278 NORTH OF ENGLAND VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION.

culous cows will receive the infection, and develop the malady, after a
lono- or short interval, according to circumstances. This impresses the
necessity for not breeding from animals tainted with the disease, nor
allowing them to suckle young animals, if they are bred from— neither
should their milk be given for consumption to any creature ; they ought
to be killed, and if not much infected certain portions of their flesh
allowed for consumption. The dwellings they inhabited should be
treated as infected places, and cleansed and disinfected. Very serious
risk mankind incur through using the flesh and milk of infected animals.
When animals are in good condition, the tubercles localised, and the
lymphatic glands not generally involved, then the flesh may be allowed
to be used for consumption ; but when there is generalised tuberculosis,
or even an advanced stage of the disease in any important organs, it
should not be consumed as food. More particularly should this be
observed when there is emaciation. In any other disease the flesh of
emaciated animals is innutritious ; in this it is so, and virulent as well.
With regard to the milk, this should invariably be condemned as highly
dangerous. All dairy stock should be carefully and regularly inspected
by thoroughly competent veterinarians, with a view to discovering the
earliest indications of the disease, and so preserve not only the lives of
animals in contact with them, but also those of the people who consume
their milk ; for, judging from the close relationship between the pig and
mankind, physiologically and anatomically speaking, there cannotbe a
doubt that our own species would be as readily affected as the porcine.
The conclusions to be drawn from the facts contained in the paper Mr.
Fleming left to the consideration of the Association, but of their im¬
portance to his mind there could be but one opinion.

Mr. Fleming, in the course of reading his paper, was frequently
applauded.

NORTH OF ENGLAND VETERINARY MEDICAL

ASSOCIATION.

The quarterly meeting of this Association was held in the Douglas
Hotel, Newcastle-on-Tyne, on Friday, February 25th, 1880.

The President, Mr. D. Dudgeon, Sunderland, in the chair. There
were, also present, Messrs. H. Hunter, A. Hunter, C. Stephenson, G.
Elphick, Newcastle-on-Tyne ; J. Gofton, North Shields ; F. Niobet,
Fence Houses; W. J. Mulvey, Bishop Auckland; M. Hedley, Darling¬
ton ; and the Secretary.

Mr. W. O. Williams was present as a visitor.

Apologies were received from Prof. Williams, Messrs. W. Awde and
J. Malcolm.

Letters were read from the Secretaries of the Liverpool and Lanca¬
shire Veterinary Medical Association, with regard to representatives on
the Council of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons ; after con¬
siderable discussion it was agreed that the members of this Association,
while approving of the re-election of the six retiring members, do not
individually bind themselves to vote for each.

Interesting cases were related by Messrs. Hedley, Mulvey, and Niobet,
and after remarks on them from several of the members, the discus¬
sion on Mr. Mulvey’s paper (“ Injuries to the Coronet and Feet ”) was

SCOTTISH METROPOLITAN VETERINARY MEDICAL SOCIETY. 279

resumed, each member relating a case on the above subject, a very varied
and profitable discussion followed.

The office-bearers for the ensuing year were elected, viz. : Mr. D.
Dudgeon, President ; Mr. W. F. Mulvey and Mr. H. Hunter, Vice-
presidents ; Mr. G. R. Dudgeon, Secretary and Treasurer.

A committee being elected to arrange for the annual meeting and
dinner, to be held on the 28th May, at which Prof. Pritchard will read
a paper on “ Some of the Contagious Diseases affecting Cart-horses,” the
meeting terminated. G. R. Dudgeon,

Hon. Sec.

THE SCOTTISH METROPOLITAN VETERINARY
MEDICAL ASSOCIATION.

The annual general meeting of this Association was held in the
London Hotel, Edinburgh, on Wednesday, the 11th February. Mr.
Connochie, M.R.C.V.S., Selkirk, President for the current year, occu¬
pied the chair, and there was a fair attendance of members.

The Secretary submitted a report as to the state of the Society’s
funds and membership, which was adopted. Some discussion took
place concerning advisability of taking united action at the next elec¬
tion of members to the Council of the Royal College of Veterinary
Surgeons. Ultimately it was agreed that the Association should take
no action in the matter.

Mr. Rutherford , Edinburgh, described a case of puncture of the
bowel for tympany, successfully performed on a half-bred harness
horse. Mr. Rutherford also mentioned some cases of dumb rabies,
which had recently come under his notice.

The Secretary stated that he was quite prepared to hear of an
outbreak of rabies in Edinburgh, as some time previously a dog, affected
with the malady had been brought to the Veterinary College, and it
was stated by the owner that it had bitten a great number of dogs.

The President then proceeded to deliver his inaugural address as
follows :

Gentlemen, on taking the chair on this occasion, I beg to thank you
for electing me President of this Association for the year, and to
assure you all how highly I appreciate the honour you have conferred
upon me. I earnestly hope that the Association may have no retro¬
gressive movement during my term of office. In taking a retrospect
of the history of the Association since its inauguration, it cannot but
be a source of regret to every member that so little real good work
has been accomplished, and that so few of our surrounding profes¬
sional brethren have seen their way to join us. I frankly admit that
circumstances have prevented me from being so regular in attendance
at the meetings lately. This I have always regretted, because I can
assure you that every meeting I have attended I have been amply
repaid for any loss of time or any trouble I may have been put to.
But living at a distance between forty and fifty miles from Edinburgh,
and having professional work to attend to, it is absolutely impossible to
attend every meeting. We have all been somewhat remiss in this
respect. Let us resolve that this shall be so no longer. But by more
regular attendance at the meetings, by inducing others to join us, and
by recording cases of interest, we may make the Association second to
none in the kingdom, and worthy of the name of the Scottish Metro-

280 SCOTTISH METROPOLITAN VETERINARY MEDICAL SOCIETY.

politan Veterinary Medical Association. In making choice of a subject
on which to make a few remarks on the occasion of my occupying the
chair for the first time, and which might be of interest to the members,
I have fixed upon the disease termed rheumatism. I have been in¬
fluenced in choosing this subject from the fact of it having occurred
more frequently in course of practice, and also because I have had
rather painful experience of it myself, having suffered from it, both in
its acute and chronic form, since the beginning of November last.

The word rheumatism is of Greek derivation, meaning to flow, or a
fluxion ; it belongs to the humeral school of pathology, and is a specific
constitutional disease, supposed by some to be due to excess of lactic
acid in the blood. Rheumatism has engaged the attention of many
eminent men in the medical profession from a very remote period;
but it is only of comparatively recent date that it has been taken
notice of by any author in veterinary science ; in fact, it is denied by
some that it ever exists as a disease among our domestic animals.
Those veterinary surgeons who have been for any length of time in
practice without meeting cases of rheumatic disease in all its forms,
must be very highly favoured. Truly their “lines have fallen in pleasant
places.” As it is one of those diseases upon which climatic changes
exerts a powerful influence, it follows as a sequence that it will be of
greater prevalence in some districts than in others. Yet I doubt
much if there is any district, in this country at least, that is altogether
exempted. I may here mention that cases of it occurring in my prac¬
tice among horses are very largely on the increase. I attribute this
to the indiscriminate denuding of horses of their natural covering, at
all times and seasons, since the introduction of horse-clipping machines.
I am of opinion that, as a rule, no horse should be clipped between
the 1st of December and the 1st of April.

Since the fact became known that the fibro-serous structures of the
heart are so liable to become affected by rheumatism in the acute
form, causing such structural change and functional derangement,
the study of the disease, as to its nature, has received very much
additional importance. And this is not to be wondered at, when it is
considered that it is upon the structural soundness and healthy action
of this vital organ that the existence and usefulness of the horse
depends. Rheumatism is a disease which affects all the fibro-serous
textures of the system, and is met with in two forms, which are dis¬
tinguished as the acute and the chronic. The first symptom of the
acute form is awkward gait, with unwillingness to move, generally
accompanied with shivering and staring coat. At this time the pulse
may be natural, but frequently languid, with little or no alteration of
temperature. By-and-by the pulse quickens, the respirations become
accelerated, and the temperature rises to 104° or 105°. I have met
with a case when it rose to 107°. The animal will now assume a
position very characteristic of this disease — viz., one fore-leg pointed,
and one hind one knuckled over at the fetlock joint. In the neigh¬
bourhood of the joints will now be observed hot, puffy swellings ; and
the tendinous part of the muscles in the region of the afflicted joint
can be traced to the muscular structure. The joints most liable to
become affected in animals are the knees, fetlock, hocks, and stifle
joints. It is seldom that we meet with all these affected at the same
time ; but it will be noticed if one hock or stifle becomes affected,
the corresponding joint on the opposite side will soon show signs of
being implicated ; and, in proportion to the extent and tensity of the
swellings, will be evinced the degree of pain the animal is suffering.

SCOTTISH METROPOLITAN VETERINARY MEDICAL SOCIETY. 281

The pain is seen to be excruciating on the slightest handling or
movement of the affected part. The pulse at this stage is hard and
full, and the temperature about 103° or 104°. There is also profuse
perspiration, which has not the effect of relieving pain or reducing
fever. The bowels are generally constipated, and the urinary organs
are in a very torpid or inactive condition. If the urine is collected and
allowed to stand for a time, though clear or straw coloured at first,
it will be found when cold to have deposited a dirty red-coloured
sediment ; and the vapours given off from both urine and perspiration
will have the same pungent and disagreeable odour. From the first,
the horse shows great aversion to assume the recumbent position, but
remains standing still until he falls from sheer muscular debility ; and,
when once down, can never get on to his feet again until assisted.
There is this difference to be observed in the course of the disease in
different animals, that horses will remain standing as long as possible,
when cows or cattle generally take the ground from the first, and
cannot by any means be made to assume the standing position. The
appearance of the effusions vary according to their situation, but they
never take on the suppurative process. The joints of cattle have been
observed to suppurate and slough, but this is due to the parts becoming
bruised by their continual lying upon them.

Such are some of the appearances presented by animals suffering
from acute rheumatism in the external parts. But, as previously
mentioned, the heart is very liable to become affected, and, when it is
so, presents a group of symptoms peculiarly its own, although they may
escape observation until considerable effusion and alteration of structure
has taken place in the textures of the heart ; and it is only by close
watching and auscultation that you become aware of their existence.
That the heart has become affected is shown by the animal evincing
pain when percussion is applied to, and the intercostal space is pressed
upon or near the side. There is also great difficulty of breathing and
palpitation when the animal makes the slightest movement. On auscul¬
tating the chest, at the commencement of the disease, the regularity of
the heart’s action may be little altered ; but the sounds proceeding
from it will become abnormal, and will vary according as the pericardium
or the lining membrane of the heart is the seat of the disease. When
the endocardium is affected, the hard friction sound continues to the
last ; but when the pericardium is the seat of the disease, and especially
when the disease has made considerable advancement, the sound becomes
soft, muffled, or bellows-like. This is due to the effusion and the bands
of lymph which are found in the pericardium. It is of importance to
distinguish between endocarditis and pericarditis, because I am of
opinion that when an animal becomes affected with endocarditis there is
such alteration of the lining membrane and valvular structures, causing
obstructions to the circulation, that it is impossible that the animal can
ever recover to be of any use ; whilst, when the disease is confined to
the pericardium, there may be considerable effusion and formation of
bands of lymph that may terminate in adhesion, and leave the action of
the heart very slightly impeded. I have had opportunity of making
post-mortem examination on three animals that had died from acute
rheumatism — viz., one four-year-old gelding and two foals. In the
four-year-old, which died on the eighth day from the commencement of
the attack, besides the external effusions I found the heart enormously
enlarged, and the pericardium distended with lymph mixed with a large
quantity of gritty material. On cutting into the substance of the heart
1 found the lining membrane of the ventricle and auricular ventricular

282 SCOTTISH METROPOLITAN VETERINARY MEDICAL SOCIETY.

opening completely studded over with this same gritty material. With
the exception of slight symptoms of inflammation of the pleural surface
of the near side, all the other organs appeared healthy. I may here
mention that this animal had suffered great pain for six days. I saw
him every day for seven days, at which time he seemed to be greatly
relieved ; and I informed the owner that I thought him so much better
that I would not require to see him so often. Judge of my surprise
when, the following morning, I received a message to say that the horse
had died very suddenly, after being seized with a fit of coughing. The
appearances presented on opening the chest of the two foals were very
similar ; but the effusion and deposit of granular matter were entirely
confined to the pericardium.

Causes. — May be defined to be predisposing and exciting. The pre¬
disposing cause is hereditary tendency. The only exciting cause that I
am aware of is cold, which acts with powerful effect when an animal
is exposed to currents of cold air when in a heated or perspiring state.

Treatment. — Notwithstanding the claims set up for the preparations
of salicine, as a specific for rheumatism, especially in its acute form, I
think I may safely assert that, as yet, there is no single remedy known
which has the power of cutting short the course of its duration. It
really does seem strange, that if the half that is said of its efficacy be
true, that there should continue to be a single sufferer from it. Dr.
William Squire, in a paper read before the Harveian Society, Nov. 20th,
1879, and reported in the Lancet of Dec. 20th, gives details of eight
cures of acute rheumatism treated by salicylates, and gives the astonish¬
ing result of relief in less than two days, and all convalescent in ten. My
own case showed a result very different. I was treated by the same system
under very favorable circumstances. My medical attendant, or his
assistant, saw me at least twice a day. So soon as the doctor pronounced
my disease to be acute rheumatism, he prescribed salicylate of soda and
aconite, to be taken every fifteen minutes. I continued to take this
until my lips prickled and became so swollen that I could scarcely open
my mouth, when the aconite was stopped, and salicylate of soda con¬
tinued to be taken every two, and then every four, hours. This was
continued till the singing in my ears became intolerable, and my head
got into such a state that I was not sure if I had a head on my shoulders.
During all this time there was no abatement of a single symptom, no
relief from pain, no slowing of the pulse or lowering of the tempera¬
ture. The pulse ranged from 92 to 98, and the temperature from 102
to 104 degs., until the seventh day, when, there being no mitigation of
of the affection, the doctor consented to the discontinuance of the acid.
But the singing in my ears and peculiar sensations in my head continued
for other ten days after everything that medical attention and skill
could devise. I am here to-day, after fourteen weeks, only very partially
recovered. Gentlemen, I feel that I have trespassed on your time in
making these details regarding myself ; but I think they go to prove
that the treatment of rheumatism by the salicylates is not the infallible
remedy that its advocates would lead us to believe. I have tried it
somewhat extensively in the treatment of cases of rheumatism, both in
the acute and chronic form, without noticing any well-marked benefit.
It most undoubtedly possesses the power of lowering the temperature,
and thereby reducing fever ; but I do not think that its repute as an
alleviator of pain has been clearly established. The subject is worthy
of further trial and study. Better results may be obtained when more
is known of the drug, as to its properties, proper dose, and best mode
of administration.

SCOTTISH METROPOLITAN VETERINARY MEDICAL SOCIETY. 288

The objects we have to keep in view in the treatment of rheumatism
are to relieve pain, the prevention of the spread of the local affections,
thereby lessening the chances of their extending to the heart ; to subdue
inflammation and lessen the amount of inflammatory products within
the system, and by direct applications to affected joints prevent it from
continuing in a chronic form. The system of treatment that is most
likely to accomplish this is, when the case is seen early and the fever is
high, bleed moderately ; and as the bowels are, as a rule, inactive, give
a dose of physic along with 5j of Pulv. Opii., following up with 5j Nit.
Potass and 10 drops Fleming’s tincture of aconite, three times daily, in
a little cold water; this the animal will take freely, as the thirst is
generally great. As a reliever of pain I set great value upon the
hypodermic injections of morphia, repeated at intervals of six or eight
hours ; administered in this form they are not so likely to set up their
constitutional effects. The nitrate of potass should be persistently given,
even when the kidneys seem to be acting inordinately, as it is now well
known to possess the property of preventing the separation of fibrine
from the blood ; therefore it is inferred that it lessens the tendency to
fibrinous exudation. With regard to the external treatment of affected
parts, the application of hot fomentations, and, when applicable, en¬
rolling in flannel bandages, generally affords relief ; but when it fails to
do so, I have seen great benefit derived from the application, over and
around the inflamed part, of a blister, and when the blister has acted,
a rubbing in of a liniment, composed of aconite, belladonna, tinct. opii.,
and a little soda carbonate, three times daily. When any of the
symptoms of cardiac disease arise, they are best combated by hot foment
tations to the side, the application of blisters, and the rubbing in of the
above liniment, with the internal administration of potass iodide and
potass nitrate alternately.

Chronic rheumatism is very often the sequel of the acute form ; but
it often comes on independently of any previous attack, and I believe is
much more frequently an attack of influenza. It is distinguished from
the acute form by the absence of constitutional disturbance, and less
heat and swelling in the affected parts. There are some cases which
show much stiffness and lameness in certain joints, where no heat is to
be felt nor swelling seen, and which prove very tedious and annoying to
the practitioner, and often baffle the best directed treatment. In fact,
they are the approbrium modicorium of our art. Examples of chronic
rheumatism are met with in important joints, such as the navicular
fetlocks, knees, stifles, and hocks. It is also observed in the tendinous
parts of the muscles on different parts of the body, and there is a form
of it worthy of notice, which, when it seizes upon the intercostal muscles,
it stimulates an attack of pleurisy, but which may be distinguished from
it by the absence of fever and cough, and other symptoms peculiar to
pleurisy. Chronic rheumatism, like the acute form, almost always
arises from exposure to cold. When there is much effusion and enlarge¬
ment of joints, the repeated application of blisters composed of equal
parts of cantharides and biniodide of mercury is the most efficacious
treatment ; and where there is much pain, the rubbing into the blistered
surface the previously mentioned liniment. As this form of rheumatism
also depends upon a vitiated condition of the blood, nitrate of potass,
sulphur, arsenic, or iodide of potassium, should be administered internally.
The medicine that I have myself received the most benefit from is a
decoction of sarsaparilla and iodide of potassium. As I said before, there
is no remedy yet known that can claim to be a specific for rheumatism
in any of its forms. There is a rich field open for those who have the

284 MONTREAL VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION.

time and inclination to investigate the subject. There is the disease ;
discover an antidote ; and you will deserve and receive the blessings of
those of your fellows who have been its victims. You will have the
satisfaction of having freed from suffering those animals who are the
“ humbler partners of the mortal pilgrimage.” (Applause.)

The discussion of this paper was adjourned.

At the Annual Dinner, held after the business meeting, the Chairman
(Mr. Connochie), in proposing the toast of “ The Association,” referred
to the arrangement come to between the Royal College and the Highland
Society, from which good results were expected. He thought it was
now likely that there would be an application to Parliament for a penal
clause to protect the interests of their profession from the operations of
quacks who assumed the title of Y.S. (Hear, hear.)

On the motion of Principal Wallet/, the members drank in silence the
toast of “ The late Mr. Steel,” who was one of the Highland Society’s
examiners, and the father of the profession in Scotland. After a number
of other toasts, the proceedings terminated.

John McFadyean, Secretary .

MONTREAL VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSO¬
CIATION.

The usual fortnightly meeting, held on Thursday evening, Feb. 5th,
was unusually interesting. The chair was occupied by Professor
McEachran. Mr. Henry Quimby, of Rochester, N.Y., was elected, and
Mr. Andrew Metcalf, Hudson, was proposed for membership.

The first paper was read by Mr. Richard Price , “ On the death of a
horse caused by the too free application of coal oil.”

Mr. A. FT. Harris , Ottawa, read a very interesting paper " On Glan¬
ders,” in which its contagious nature, incurable character, and communica¬
bility from the horse to other animals, cattle excepted, were explained. He
also pointed out that not only animals, but men, became inoculated ; hence
this was a disease which claimed the attention not only of veterinarians,
as such, but sanitarians and philanthropists should see that this disease
was properly dealt with by the authorities, and wherever it occurs the
animals should, after proper examination by competent persons, be
destroyed. He pointed out the different diseases which might be mis¬
taken for glanders, and urged his fellow-students to study the disease
carefully, as mistakes sometimes occurred by the disease not being re¬
cognised, and serious losses entailed by the blunder.

A most interesting discussion ensued, which elicited valuable informa¬
tion.

The Chairman being asked what the law of Canada was with regard to
this disease, replied that this disease, being a contagious one, was included
in the provisions of the “Act to provide against infectious or contagious
diseases affecting animals,” May 15th, 1879, in which section 2 provides
that all such diseases be at once reported to the Minister of Agriculture ;
and in case of malicious or fraudulent concealment of the existence of
such disease, the person so acting is liable to a fine of two hundred
dollars.

No. 3 provides that if any person keep or graze any animal known by
him to be infected by such a disease, in or upon any forest, wood, moor,

MONTREAL VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. 285

beach, marsh, common, waste land, open field, or roadside, is liable, on
conviction, to a fine of two hundred dollars.

No. 4 provides that any person bringing, or attempting to bring, into
any market, fair, or other place, any animal known by him to be infected
or labouring under such an infectious or contagious disorder, shall, on
conviction thereof, forfeit and pay for any such offence a sum not
exceeding two hundred dollars.

It will thus be seen that ample provision is made for suppressing and
stamping out such diseases.

After the close of the discussion, the following important resolutions
were unanimously passed :

Resolved, “ That this Association has learned with pleasure that it is
intended by the Council of Agriculture to apply to Parliament during
the coming session for a bill for the protection of the veterinary profes¬
sion in this Province, and that it is the unanimous opinion of this Asso¬
ciation that such a bill is much needed, and will be the means not only
of raising the status of the profession, but will prevent much suffering
and injury to animals from the ignorant and cruel practices of
quackery.”

Resolved, “ That this Association recognises the necessity for some
steps being taken to form a Dominion Association, so that as a united
body, yearly or half-yearly meetings could be held, at which questions
relating to the general interests of the profession could be discussed,
and further, that in the opinion of this Association the present disunited
condition of the profession and the want of a Dominion Association is
iujurious to it, and not only lessens its influence, but retards its pro¬
gress.”

Resolved, “That circulars be issued by this Association to members
of the profession in the several Provinces, asking them to co-operate in
the formation of such an Association, and a meeting be called at the
City of Ottawa, at as early a date as will suit the convenience of the
majority.”

After votes of thanks being passed to the essayists, the meeting
adjourned.

At next meeting Mr. Brown and Mr. Baker will read papers.

The Association held its regular fortnightly meeting on Thursday
evening, Feb. 19th, the Honorary President, Mr. McEachran, F.R.C.V.S.,
occupying the chair. After the usual business, the Chairman presented
to the library on behalf of the author a treatise on ‘ Laminitis,’ by Dr.
A. Holcolmb, of the New York Veterinary College. It was moved by
Mr. B. D. Prince and seconded by Mr. Wm, McEachran, the thanks
of the association be tendered to that gentleman for his kind donation.
Carried.

Mr. Fred. Torrance , student, Montreal, described a case of variola
equina, which is at present raging extensively among the horses in this
city and neighbourhood. Mr. Torrance in connection with his case gave
some interesting facts concerning the disease, which by some is con¬
sidered to be the smallpox of man communicated to the horse. Others
again say that it has no relation whatever to that scourge. It is to be
hoped that Mr. Torrance will allow his paper to be published in the
‘ American Veterinary Review,’ as this disease, which of late years has
become quite common in this country, has not received the notice it
should from veterinary writers.

Mr. N. F. FLinkley , Buffalo, N. Y., read a paper on Hygiene, or care of
horses in health and disease. He pointed out the absolute necessity of

liii. 20

286 ONTARIO VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION.

providing horses with light and well-ventilated, and, at the same time,
warm stables ; for stables in which too many horses were confined, if they
did not actually produce disease, affected the usefulness and beauty, as
well as the comfort of the animal. He remarked that no positive rule
could be laid down as to the quantity of food a horse should receive, but
the quality should be the very best ; no forage either musty or dusty
ought ever to be given, as it would be liable to produce disease either of
the respiratory or digestive organs ; water should always be given before
feeding ; if given after, it might set up colic or enteritis ; a good clean
bed, good and careful grooming, were necessary not only for look, but
also for the health of animals. If attention to these rules was necessary
in health, it was much more so in disease, and it was the veterinary
surgeon’s duty to be thoroughly acquainted with hygiene, and to under¬
stand therapeutics.

Mr. Wm. McEachran read a communication received from Dr. C. C.
Lyford, Racine, which was very interesting. It was a case of epithe¬
lioma in the nasal cavity of a horse. At the next meeting Mr. P.
Cummings will read a paper on “Auscultation” and Mr. Wm. Jakeman
will describe a case.

After a vote of thanks to essayists and Dr. Lyford, the meeting
adjourned.

ONTARIO VETERINARY MEDICAL AS SO-

CIATION.

This Association was established in Toronto in September, 1874,
and has been steadily increasing in the number of its members and the
interesting character of its meetings. The Province of Ontario, owing
to the success of its veterinary college, through the energy and perse¬
verance of its principal, Professor Smith, is now pretty well supplied
with qualified veterinary surgeons ; in fact, the old class of practitioners
is fast dying out. At the last session of the Provincial Legislature an
Act to incorporate the Association was passed, several clauses in which
cannot but be beneficial to practitioners, the clause requiring regis¬
tration especially so. — Any person falsely representing himself to be
registered being liable to a heavy fine. There was an Act, before in
existence, which is still in force, making it a finable offence for any
person to usurp the title of veterinary surgeon, unless he be a graduate
of some recognised college.

The annual meeting was held in the Veterinary College, Toronto, as
usual, on December 19th, 1879.

Professor Smith , the President, opened the meeting by a short address,
congratulating the members on the continued interest they took in the
meetings of the Association.

The minutes of the previous meeting in April were read and con¬
firmed.

Secretary and Treasurer’s reports were read and adopted, showing a
continuous increase in membership, also that the finances, notwith¬
standing the outlay incurred lately in procuring the Act of Incorpo¬
ration, was in a favorable state, there being still funds in hand.

Communications were then read, amongst which were letters from the
departments of agriculture of the United States and Canada, in reply to
communications respecting the spread of contagious diseases of cattle.

A paper on castration was read, with the view of eliciting the opinions

ONTARIO VETERINARY COLLEGE.

287

and the experience of practitioners on the different methods adopted in
performing that operation. On this a lengthened and animated dis¬
cussion ensued, the actual cautery, torsion, the clams, both with and
without the caustic, and the ecraseur, having each strenuous advocates,
the majority appearing to favour the caustic clam. At the close of the
debate Professor Smith remarked lie had performed the operation by
all the methods mentioned, and would advise all who were successful in
their own method not to change ; but he believed that ultimately the
ecraseur would be the instrument that would come into general use.

Mr. Rutherford related a case of tetanus, and the great benefit derived
from the administration of bromide of potassium, believing it to produce
anaemia of the cerebro-spinal system.

Mr. Grange related a case of tetanus in the cow yielding to treatment
by belladonna ; he also related an 'exceedingly urgent case of flatulent
colic, and the immediate relief and ultimate recovery resulting from
puncturing.

Mr. Gibb and Mr. Rutherford had also been successful with that ope¬
ration.

Mr. Grange exhibited a plaster-of-paris splint which he had used in a
fracture of the radius ; the animal made a good recovery. He uses cheese¬
cloth, putting the plaster on dry, first baking it, he then rolls it up and
dips it in water in which a little alum is dissolved.

Mr. Ceesar and Mr. Gibb had also used the plaster-of-paris bandage
with advantage.

Moved by Mr. Ceesar , seconded by Mr. Neal and carried, “ That the
sum of $25 be appropriated for a gold medal, to be competed for by
the students of the Ontario Veterinary College at the next spring exa¬
minations.”

The election of officers for the ensuing year resulted as follows :

Mr. Wilson, of London, President. Mr. J. S. Caesar, Cobourg, frst
Vice-President. Mr. C. Elliot, St. Catharine’s, second Vice-President. Mr.
Sweetapple, Brooklyn, Secretary. Mr. Cowan Salt, Treasurer. Directors
— Messrs. Coleman, Duncan, Neal, Grange, Anderson, Standish, Ru¬
therford, and Newton. Professor Smith was unanimously elected an
honorary director.

Prof. Smith , on retiring from the chair, warmly thanked the members
for his many re-elections. We had had many pleasant reunions, and from
the continuous interest taken in the Association he trusted and believed
there were many more still before us.

ONTARIO VETERINARY COLLEGE.

THE STUDENTS’ ANNUAL DINNER.

Published by special request.

The annual dinner of the students of the Ontario Veterinary College
took place at the Walker House recently, and, as usual, the reunion was
in every respect a gratifying success.

Mr. G. Dunphy occupied the chair, and Messrs. Douglas and White-
head discharged the duties of vice-chairmen. Among the gentlemen
present were the President of the College, Dr. Smith, Prof. Buckland,
Rev. Mr. Campbell, Drs. Thornburn, Duncan, May, Oldright, Riddle,
and Bull, Aid. Close, Messrs. W. B. Hamilton, J. J. Withrow, McGee,
W. Rennie, Christie, Doel, Craig, John Ritchie, and John Laidlaw.

After the repast, which was fully in keeping with the well-known

288

ONTARIO VETERINARY COLLEGE.

character of the Walker House, the Secretary, Mr. B. D. Way, read
several letters of apology for their inability to attend.

The Chairman then called upon the company to fill their glasses — with
Adam’s ale — and drink to the health and long life of our gracious Queen
(God Save the Queen by the band and company). The other standard
toasts were given and duly honoured ; after which the health of the
President of the United States was given and drank with all the
honours.

Mr. Sever cool , of Ohio, responded in a neat speech.

The health of the Lieut.-Governor of Ontario was responded to by
Prof. Buckland , who regretted the absence from the festive board of the
members of the Ontario Government, but excused them on account of the
meeting of the Legislature, the business of which occupied their time.
He might be permitted to state, however, as a humble member of the
Administration, that he was very glad to observe the success which had
attended the College since its establishment, and he hoped it would go
on and prosper.

The toast of the Army, Navy and Reserves,” was responded to in a
happy speech by Surgeon-Major Thorhurn.

Mr. E. P. Westell proposed “ Success to the Ontario Veterinary College
and Society.” (Cheers.)

Dr. Smith , the President, on rising to reply, was received with cheers,
and replied in pleasing terms. He reviewed the history of the Vete¬
rinary College and alluded to the beneficial results to the agricultural
community, by the progress of veterinary science in this country. He
alluded in pleasing terms to the encouragement given the College by his
esteemed friend and colleague, Prof. Buckland, and also to Dr. Thorburn,
Dr. Barratt, Dr. Oldright, and Dr. Duncan. He was glad to be able to
say that the College has received students from the most remote parts of
the Dominion, and also from New York, Ohio, Pennyslvania, Michigan,
Illinois, and even from far-off Alabama. He felt it his duty to thank
the Ontario Government for the assistance granted four years ago to the
College, and he might say that no objection would be made to a repetition
of the kindness (laughter). He thanked the students and friends for the
opportunity to address them that evening, and hoped the kindly feeling
which existed between himself and his students would long continue.

Speeches of an interesting character were subsequently delivered by
Dr. Duncan, Dr. Oldright, Mr. Whitehead, Mr. Craig, Mr. J. J. Withrow,
and Dr. Riddel.

Mr. Rennie, in proposing “ The health of Dr. May and success to the
agricultural interests, representative of Canada at the Paris Exhibition,”
said he had received recently an order from Moscow, Russia, for a
quantity of seed grain, the gentleman applying having received a sample
from Dr. May at the Paris Exhibition, which pleased him so much that
he decided to secure a supply.

Dr. May replied in suitable terms.

Mr. Jno. Laughman proposed “ The health of the American students.”

Mr. Groof of Ohio, replied appropriately, and paid a high tribute to
the character of the Ontario Veterinary College.

Aid. Close and other gentlemen having addressed the company, the
reunion was brought to a happy conclusion about midnight.

289

Veterinary Jurisprudence.

DECISION IN THE HULL CASE OF DESTRUCTION OF
IMPORTED ANIMALS AFFECTED WITH CATTLE-
PLAGUE.

In the Queen’s Bench Division, before Justices Lush and Manisty, the
case of Nessler and Another v. the Corporation of Hull, has just been
argued on a special case stated for the opinion of the Court. The
question was whether the Corporation should pay compensation for fifty-
six cattle from Russia, which, by the order of the Yeterinary Surgeons
of the Privy Council, were destroyed, the order having been carried out
by the Borough Inspector, who had no special authorisation from the
Corporation.

Plaintiffs are cattle merchants, carrying on business at Lincoln. On
the 16th of July, 1872, the Screw-steamer “ Joseph Somes,” of Hull, be¬
longing to Brown, Atkinson, and Co., sailed from Cronstadt for Hull,
having on board fifty- eight head of cattle belonging to the plaintiffs.
They were apparently then in good health. On the 19th J uly, the Privy
Council issued an order that cattle brought from any place in Russia
should not be landed in Great Britain. Knowledge of this order came
to plaintiffs’ agent at Hull on the 20th, and he telegraphed to Wilhelm
Nessler at Cronstadt to stop shipments. Johann Adam Nessler also
telegraphed from Lincoln to the same effect. The Joseph Somes having
sailed on the 16th July, it was impossible to stop her at any intermediate
port. Plaintiffs’ agent then communicated with the collector of customs
at Hull, asking permission, with strict precautions against infection, to
land the cattle, which were to be slaughtered within an enclosed area.
No communication was made with the defendants, unless the notice to
the collector was to be taken as notice to them. The agent also com¬
municated with Mr. Shorten, inspector and veterinary surgeon under
the provisions of the Act, who received instructions from the Privy
Council, to examine the cattle and report thereon. The Privy Council
had also at that time a general veterinary inspector for the department,
Professor G. T. Brown. Neither of these officers were connected with
or responsible to the defendants.

The “ Joseph Somes ” arrived on the 2oth July, with fifty-six head of
cattle, having lost two by bad weather on the voyage. Plaintiffs’ agent
again applied to the Yeterinary Department of the Privy Council, and
to Mr. Shorten, for leave to land the cattle. Mr. Shorten reported to
the Privy Council that two of the cattle were suffering from what was
suspected to be cattle plague. Professors Brown and Simonds were
directed to proceed to Hull. On the morning of the 26th it was found
that others of the cattle were diseased, and Professors Brown and Simonds,
with Mr. Shorten, pronounced twenty-two of them infected, and declared
that, under the circumstances, it was necessary the whole number —
fifty-six — should be slaughtered, and the carcases destroyed. No cer¬
tificate as to the existence of the disease, as required by section 33, was,,
however, given in the case.

On 27th July Professors Brown and Simonds sent for Mr. James
Freeman, the inspector for defendants, appointed under section 12 of the
Act, and instructed him to have the cattle slaughtered and their carcases
placed on lighters and towed out to sea, both carcases and lighters to be
sunk. The order was carried out. Plaintiffs’ claim is £1037 compen-

290

parliamentary intelligence.

sation, £25 being half the value of the two beasts infected on arrival,
and £1012 being three-quarters the value of fifty-four beasts under the
69th section.

Mr. Justice Lush , in delivering judgment, said he was of opinion that
no such claim could be supported. There was no liability on the part
of the Corporation to pay for these cattle. It was quite clear too that
the Local Authority had no authority under any order from the Privy
Council to make compensation under circumstances such as these. The
Corporation had no authority to order the animals to be slaughtered, and
he did not think there was any evidence that the Corporation did order
them to be slaughtered, the inspector having acted without authority.
The Corporation had nothing whatever to do with the matter, and con¬
sequently there was no compensation payable out of the borough funds.

Mr. Justice Manisty concurred.

Judgment for defendants.

PARLIAMENTARY INTELLIGENCE.

SHEEP ROT.

House or Commons, March Sth.

Lord G. Hamilton , in reply to Mr. Paget, said, — The nature and causes
of rot in sheep are so well understood, that it is not likely that
any further scientific inquiry could add usefully to our present know¬
ledge on the subject. The results of previous investigations will be
found in Professor Simond’s treatise, reprinted this year from the
‘Journal of the Royal Agricultural Society,’ and in Professor Brown’s
essay in the Bath Society’s ‘ Journal,’ 1861.

Wet seasons, by favouring the development of the fluke, which pro¬
duces liver rot, are the main causes of the disease, and there have been
serious outbreaks of it after wet seasons — in 1735, 1747, 1765, 1792,
1809, 1817, 1824, 1830, 1853, 1860, and again in 1879. A dry, hot
season is the one thing necessary to arrest the ravages of the disease.

VACCINATION.

Mr. Sclater -Booth. — I will venture to appeal to the hon. member for
Glasgow, who has in charge a Bill on the subject of vaccination, which
stands first on the orders, of the day for to-morrow, and which raises
points of some complexity and difficulty. I would ask him whether he
thinks it expedient to proceed with the measure under existing circum¬
stances. I can assure the hon. gentleman that the question of the ad¬
vantages and disadvantages attendant on the use of animal lymph,
which have been long engaging the attention of the Local Government
Board, are receiving fresh illustration by experiments now going on.

Dr. Cameron thought it was pretty evident that his Bill had little
chance of becoming law this session, and therefore he would not proceed *
with it.

GLANDERED HORSES.

March \5th.

In reply to Sir W. Fraser , who asked whether his attention had been
drawn to a statement made on March 3rd in the Kensington Vestry to
the effect that no less than 116 glandered horses had been slaughtered
in that parish during the last six months.

Lord G. Hamilton said, — Sixty cases of glanders and fifty of farcy have
been returned in the period named. No facilities exist in the metro-

THE TITLE OF VETERINARY SURGEON.

291

polis for burying carcases. The local authority, under license from the
Privy Council, cause the carcases to be disinfected and removed under
charge of one of their officers to a “ knacker’s ” (approved by the Privy
Council), where they are destroyed by boiling. The increase in the
number is probably due not so much to any increase in the disease as
to greater activity on the part of the local authority in prosecuting
persons under the Contagious Diseases (Animals) Act for not giving
notice of disease.

TRICHINOSIS ON BOARD THE “ CORNWALL.”

House of Lords, March ttnd.

In reply to Lord Thurlow,

Earl Beauchamp stated that there were 262 boys on board the ship
“ Cornwall,” and that there were 43 cases of sickness. One boy died,
as was supposed, of fever. The body, however, was subsequently ex¬
humed, and a post-mortem examination showed that the body was infected
with trichinae, and gave none of the ordinary evidences of fever. A
further review of the whole matter led to the belief that the outbreak
of disease was due to trichinosis.

ARMY APPOINTMENTS.

Veterinary Department, War Office,

March 5th.

Veterinary Surgeon, First Class, Charles Steel, from the 16th Lancers,
to be Inspecting Veterinary Surgeon, vice W. Death, retired on half-pay.

Veterinary Surgeon W. Boyd retires upon temporary half-pay.

George Aitken, gent., to be Veterinary Surgeon on probation.

March Ylth.

Veterinary Surgeon John Baldock, from the 3rd Hussars, to be Vete¬
rinary Surgeon First Class.

Inspecting Veterinary Surgeon T. P. Gudgin, has accepted the Dis-
tinguised Service Reward of £50 per annum, in recognition of his
services in the Zulu campaign.

COMMUNICATION ON THE TITLE OF M.R.C.V.S.

Gentlemen, — In the district in which I reside there is a gentleman
who, holding a Highland and Agricultural Society’s Veterinary Cer¬
tificate, has lately obtained the Diploma of the R.C.V.S. by special ar¬
rangement between the two bodies. This gentleman adds to his legal
title (as you will observe by the enclosed card) the words London and
Edinburgh. Will you or any of your readers kindly explain the mean¬
ing of these two words ?

The public in this locality believe he has passed at both the London
and Edinburgh colleges. I met a friend of mine the other night, and he

remarked : “ Did you not tell me that Mr. - was not qualified ?”

My reply was, “ Yes ;” but he has lately been granted the Diploma of
the R.C.V.S. I asked him if he knew the meaning of “ London and
Edinburgh ” on this gentleman’s card, and I found his opinion to be that
the person alluded to was a member of two colleges.

We are all aware that the title of Veterinary Surgeon is greatly
abused ; and I may add that where it is illegally or unfairly used in a
country district, fully half the public believe that the individual has

292

obituaey.

passed, and it is difficult to get many to believe to the contrary. I
think you will agree with me that it is high time we had a protective
clause, to prevent both the illegal use of the name M.R.C.V.S., and of
the use of empty words being added thereto.

Trusting you will kindly allow me space in your valuable Journal for
my few remarks, I am, &c.,

To the Editors of the ‘ Veterinarian * Pro Bono Publico.

OBITUARY.

We deeply regret to have to record the death of Mr. Jno. Cuthbert,
M.R.C.V.S., Leeds, on the 16th of March, aged 53. Mr. Cuthbert, who
was a member of the Council of the Royal College of Veterinary Sur¬
geons, obtained his diploma May 11th, 1848.

Also, on the 16th March, at Bromley, Kent, William Frederick
Chattell, M.R.C.V.S., from blood-poisoning, contracted in performing
an operation. Aged 36.

In the demise of the late John Steele, of Biggar, the profession has
lost, with one exception, its oldest member. Few, indeed, there are, in
any profession, of whom it can be said that for a period of half a century
their energies were devoted to its practice and to its advancement.
Graduating at the Edinburgh Veterinary College, John Steele obtained
the veterinary certificate of the Highland and Agricultural Society,
Scotland, in 1831, along with seven other students, the occasion referred
to being the fourth examination held under the auspices of the Society.
He also obtained the diploma of the Royal College of Veterinary
Surgeons in the same year. At intervals for the last forty-eight, and
continuously for the last thirty years, Mr. Steele attended the veterinary
examination of the Highland Society, and for many years he was one of
the most valued, and valuable, members of its examining board. Well
versed in the nature of the diseases of all the domestic animals his
especial forte was cattle pathology, and it was always a pleasure and a
profit to the bystander to hear the shrewd practical questions put to the
students by Mr. Steele and the late Mr. Aitken, of Kilmanock — one of
his oldest friends — alternately ; nothing pleasing them better than a
plain practical answer to a plain practical question, and of them it may
truly be said that they dealt not in catch questions or rejected a student
if he did not know their crotchets. Beloved by his immediate relatives
and friends, revered and honoured by his neighbours and clients, John
Steele passed away on the 26th day of January, after much and acute
suffering, at the ripe age of 74, and in the full possession of his in¬
tellectual faculties, regretting the day before his death that he would
never again be able to attend the veterinary examination of the High¬
land Society. He was one of the closest friends and most ardent
admirers of the late Professor Dick.

ERRATA.

In last month’s Veterinarian several typographical errors occurred in
pages 215, 216, and 217, in the names of contributors to the Benevolent
and Mutual Defence Society. They should be read as follows: — D. E.
Rattee, G. H. Pyatt and Brothers, W. A. Taylor, James Martin, Richard
Roberts, T. Aubrey, R. C. Trigger, E. H. Leach, W. Hy. McCaldon,
Phillip Deighton, Henry Hogben, J. Osborn Hill, and J. H. Ferguson.

THE

VETERINARIAN.

VOL. LIII.
No. 629.

MAY, 1880.

Fourth Series,
No. 305.

Communications and Cases,

SYNOPSIS OF CONTINENTAL VETERINARY

JOURNALS.

By John Henry Steel, M.R.C.V.S., F.Z.S., Demonstrator
of Anatomy at the Royal Veterinary College.

The works of M. Toussamt on Anthrax and Fowl Cholera,
which have been carefully placed before our readers as soon
as possible after their publication have been deemed by the
French Academy of Sciences worthy of the “ Breant prize,55
value 5000 francs. On the 29th of March last the learned
professor presented to the Academy a contribution to the
study of the transmission of tuberculosis. His experiments
on pigs confirm the observations of those German authorities,
notably Bollinger and Gerlach, who have most carefully
investigated the matter. The name of Dr. Davaine also is
well known to those who are familiar with the present rapid
strides of the study of the various forms of parasites. He
was the first to observe the Anthrax bacillus, and thus to
initiate one of the most fruitful phases of modern patho¬
logical work. He had been accorded the “ Lacaze prize 55 of
10,000 francs. Dr. Joseph Leickj, Professor of Anatomy in
the University of Pennsylvania at Philadelphia, has been
awarded the u Great Walker prize/5 which was specially
doubled in value by the Council of the Natural History

LIII. 21

294 SYNOPSIS OF CONTINENTAL VETERINARY JOURNALS.

Society of Boston,, for his natural history researches, not the
least valuable of which are on the subject of Trichina. This
gentleman takes a lively interest in diseases of animals, and
the just acknowledgment of his high merit must prove a
source of satisfaction to us all. Death has been removing
leading members of the profession in France and Italy. In
the former country, M. Lecoq , late Director of the Lyons
Veterinary School, and also Inspector General of the Veteri¬
nary Schools, died on the 14th February last, and an oration
over his tomb was made by Professor St. Cyr, who studied
under him. He was an author of high ability ; the work on
the Anatomy of the Exterior of Domesticated Animals , which
he wrote, remains the standard volume on the subject. In
Italy the Director of the Parma Veterinary School, Professor
Pietro Delprato, died on the 29th of January last. He was
instrumental in giving to the veterinary profession the high
position which it occupies in Italy. The announcement of
this serious loss is made on an extra leaf of a new Italian
Journal, La Veterinarian which appeared as a successor to
the Studente V eterinario , which had been carried on by
Professor Ardenghi , one of the editors of the new publica¬
tion. Associated with him in this new venture is Dottore
Giacento Fogliata, of Pisa. We may reasonably expect that
under the auspices of these able scientists a valuable
addition will be made to the already excellent Italian veteri¬
nary periodicals. The January number contains the pro¬
gramme with five original memoires, synopses of Italian,
Austrian, and French journals, together with reviews, notes
and news, &c., making a neat number of considerably over
100 pages. The original work comprises a description of
certain diseases prevalent in a commune near Pisa, also a
paper by one of the editors of Trichinosis, in which the
labours of English and American observers are duly ac¬
knowledged. Among others, those of the above mentioned
Dr. J. Leidy, who, in 1847, detected Trichinae in a pig, thus
showing the source of the parasite which Hilton and “ il
sommo zoologico inglese Riccardo Owen ” had found and ex¬
amined in man. The extracts in the Italian review are
from the Giornale di Anatomia , fisiologia e pathologic^
degli animali domestici, published in Pisa and La Cli-
nica Veterinaria of Milan. We hope this Italian name¬
sake will retain the high standard exhibited in its first
number, and wish it a long and successful career. A most
useful work has reached a second edition, a Treatise on the
Inspection of Butchers 5 Meat , considered in its relations with
Zootechny , Veterinary Medicine , and Public Hygiene , by

SYNOPSIS OF CONTINENTAL VETERINARY JOURNALS. 295

M. Baillet, the distinguished Veterinary Surgeon to the
Municipality of Bordeaux, and Inspector General of the
Department of Meat Inspection. The first edition appeared
in 1871. M. Baillet has been working on untrodden ground
and “ not by any means the least merit of the work is that
it has enlarged the field where the veterinary profession
may perform its useful part.” In the Recueil de Medecme
Veterinaire , 15th March, 1880, is a useful Modification of
the Surgical Treatment of Pundent Collections in the Facial
Sinuses , as read before the Society of Practical Veterinary
Medicine, on the 11th of February, by M. Friez, Veterinary
Surgeon to the General Carriage Company of Paris. The
ordinary operation may be usefully modified and replaced by
a much more simple method, which for many years past has
been adopted by M. Thiebaut, a colleague of mine. This
new method of treatment consists in suppression of the two
openings made with the trephine and throwing injection
into the cavity of the sinus through the small opening neces¬
sarily made in exploration of the diseased parts. This I make
at about 1 inch above the zygomatic crest, and at about 1J in.
from its inferior extremity. As wounds of the face close
very rapidly, and as losses of substance in that region become
repaired with great facility, whence the wound cicatrises
too rapidly, I find it necessary to make cross cuts in
lines through the skin, meeting at the perforation into the
diseased sinus ; this crucial incision results in the forma¬
tion of four flaps of skin, which retracts during healing,
leaving the bone and the perforation through it uncovered.
I then introduce into the opening a small peg of aloes cut
level with the skin ; this serves to prevent closure of the
opening through the bone and exerts an astringent influ¬
ence upon the wound, and prevents it from bleeding every
time an injection is made through it. The first injection
consists of slightly warmed water to wash out the sinus ;
this is especially necessary in long-standing cases, when
the pus has acquired a certain amount of consistence which
prevents its escape before it has been somewhat diluted ;
next must be thrown in the fluid which is intended to alter
the secretions of the mucous membranes.

Camphorated alcohol (10 — 100) gives good results, but I
prefer a mixture of equal parts of water and glycerin, with
a small quantity of carbolic acid. When the secretion com¬
mences to flow, the employment of glycerin in a pure state
will sometimes cause it to disappear, as if by enchantment, in
the course of a few days. I hit upon this glycerin treat¬
ment quite by accident. These injections I throw in two or

296 SYNOPSIS OF CONTINENTAL VETERINARY JOURNALS.

three times per diem, and habitually do so by means of a
syringe of capacity 100 — 150 grammes, with a short canula,
whereby no injury is inflicted on the mucous membrane
opposite the opening. The duration of treatment varies from
twenty-five to thirty-five days. Since my entry into the
company I have radically cured five cases by this means,
which has the following advantages : — (1) It gives a rapid
and complete cure. (2) The animal can be used through¬
out the whole time of treatment, (o) Unsightly wounds are
avoided. (4) The operation is very simple, and does not
necessitate throwing the animal. (5) This treatment may
be easily performed, even by one man, if he takes care to
put on the fixed switch. (6) The cure having been effected,
the work of cicatrization takes place more easily than does
healing of the parts after removal of a portion of bone ; for
in the latter case the process of reparation of bone causes
irritation of the subjacent mucous membrane. In the Revue
Veterinaire for April, 1880, is a paper by M. Molinie, of
Lavaur, “ On the Use of a Bottle as a Pessary in Cases of
Prolapsus of the Vagina and Uterus.” He says: “A great
number of pessaries, more or less complicated in their cha¬
racters, are made use of by practitioners in cases of prolapsus
uteri, to oppose a fresh displacement of the organ after they
have been returned to their normal position. These are not
always to hand when they are required, and are open to other
objections, which have been indicated by various authors.
They irritate the generative organs, cause violent expulsive
efforts, and often cause return of the accident they are de¬
signed to prevent. The use of the bottle is open to none of
these objections, and I have always obtained the best results
from it. It is in order to recall attention of veterinarians to
this old and now neglected method that I have thought
it right, through the Revue , to make known my method of
procedure. Reduction of the vagina and uterus having been
accomplished, I apply the cord bandage which is used by
almost all the practitioners of the middle of France. The
cords of the bandage having been well stretched, I chose a
bottle of the Bordeaux form, to the neck of which I fix a
band of sufficiently strong thread, having two ends of the
length of about 6 — 8 in. each. The bottle having been
inserted into the vagina, I find the point of the cords which
corresponds to the transverse diameter of the vulvar opening
and fix there the bands around the neck of the bottle. An
assistant untwists one of the cords to the point indicated, and
by means of a peg of wood he assists the passage of an
end of the band of thread. The opposite cord is corre-

SYNOPSIS OF VETERINARY CONTINENTAL JOURNALS. 297

spondingly fixed. I now let go the bottle, and grasp the
two bands of thread, which I bring to the point where the
cords of the bandage embrace the neck of the bottle, and I
fix them there by a double knot. The employment of this
pessary, while easy and convenient, has always enabled me to
retain the vagina or uterus after return without presenting
any of those inconveniences which attend the use of other
forms. But there are certain cases where a glass bottle does
not do ; when the mucous membrane of the uterus is bruised
and torn, its employment would give rise to formidable
metritis. In such a case it is necessary to make use of a
bottle of smooth wood with its bottom pierced. The opening
which corresponds to the neck of the uterus allows various
fluids and the debris of the torn and mortified mucous mem¬
brane to escape in consequence of the expulsive efforts which
the animal makes to relieve itself of them. This arrange¬
ment also enables me to inject liquids into the womb with
facility, so as to hasten the elimination of products which
might tend to accumulate there. The advantages of the
procedure with the bottle are: — (1) By its volume, which
plugs the vaginal canal through two thirds of its length,
it almost instantaneously paralyses the expulsive efforts of
the subject of the operation. (2) By its form it does not
prove a preventive to the expulsion of urine, for the meatus
urinarius corresponds to the narrowing of the neck. (3) Its
smooth surface can neither tear nor injure the vaginal walls.
(4) It can without inconvenience be left in for five days, or
even a month, for it causes no irritation of the organ with
which it is in contact. In ordinary cases twenty-four to
forty-eight hours suffice to counteract the return of the
prolapsus.” In the same number Professor Mauri , having
discussed the question — “ Ought we to consider Leucocy-
thaemia as a disease per se ?” comes to the conclusions : —
ct 1st. That leucocythaemia is not a particular morbid entity.
2nd. That it is only one inconstant form of a pathological
condition of clearly ascertained clinical nature. 3rd. That
lymphatic an&mia of Hodgkin and leucocythcemia are only
two forms of the same morbid state.”

M. Serres, in the Recueil for the 80th March, 1880, re¬
commends injection of ether in cases of tympanitis of the
horse. He supports this plan of treatment by enumeration
of three cases : — “ I. In the month of May, at Batna, we
were called into the town to see a young, well-furnished
Arab horse, which belonged to a carriage proprietor. The
animal was affected with acute colic of unknown cause,
with no very marked symptoms, except abdominal distension,

298 SYNOPSIS OF VETERINARY CONTINENTAL JOURNALS.

which rapidly increased. We immediately commenced the
following treatment : — Enemas of ordinary water, with
eighty grammes of ether ; cold enema, with ether and am¬
monia ; frictions with oil of turpentine to the fore extre¬
mities, over the loins, and the abdomen. The tympanitis
constantly increasing, and asphyxia becoming imminent, we
had recourse to puncture. Immediately there escaped
through the canula a great quantity of gas, which for the
time relieved the animal ; but twenty-five minutes had
scarcely elapsed when the accumulation again commenced,
and threatened to bring about speedy death. We then
determined to inject directly into the intestine, through
the canula, about gvij of pure ether. This scarcely
entered the intestine when the tympany became diminished,
and the breathing less laborious. This change for the better
became more and more marked, and after three quarters of
an hour the animal commenced to eat. The colicky pains
did not again come on. II. On the 17th January following
this case, a horse of our own was affected with severe colic,
complicated from the commencement with tympany. We
tried ordinary treatment ineffectually. The respiration
became more difficult, so we punctured, and awaited the
result. But the state of the animal continuing alarming, en¬
couraged by our first success, we injected about gv
ether. As in the other case, the swelling disappeared as if
by enchantment, and about an hour after the injection the
animal had regained his normal condition. III. On the
14tli March the same horse again became affected with very
violent colic and marked tympany. We employed ordinary
drinks, injections, and surface stimulation, but in vain.
The respiration became impaired, so we had recourse to
puncture. The swelling subsided very considerably, and we
thought for the moment that the case was cured, for the
patient remained quiet, and his pains had disappeared. But
an hour had scarcely elapsed when the swelling reappeared,
and the state of the animal became more and more critical.
We decided then to again try the injection of ether, and
threw in — not without great difficulty, in consequence of
the disordered movements of the animal — about gvij.
At the end of a few minutes the swelling and pain had
diminished very much, and every sign of the disorder had
disappeared in an hour and a half. We will not seek the
method in which the ether acts, but rather will refer to those
authors more competent than ourselves, who have inves¬
tigated this question — notably Prevost, Lafore, Royer,

SYNOPSIS OF CONTINENTAL VETERINARY JOURNALS. 299

Tingry, de Geneve, Delafond, &c. We simply state the
results we have obtained. ”

On the 26th February, 1880, before the Societe Centrale
de Medecine Yeterinaire, M. Nocard , in the report of the
committee appointed to examine a paper by M. Humbert ,
of the 22nd Regiment of Artillery, entitled, a Practical
Essay on the Progress and State of the Temperature in the
Principal Stages of Strangles,” says : — “ The field in which
M. Humbert has collected the elements of his work was
highly favorable to this kind of research, the author having
at that time been attached to the Remount Depot of Caen.
All the horses who remain at that depot during the active
period of purchase are of the Norman race more or less
improved ; they vary in age from three and a half to four
years. Most of them have undergone that detestable and
fatal management which cannot be too much condemned,
known as f preparation for sale/ Once at the depot, they
were subjected to absolutely the same conditions of feeding,
temperature, grooming, and daily exercises. Thus, we can
understand that results obtained from them have the highest
importance. If we add that all the temperature readings
were taken at the rectum, all at the same hours — 8 a.m. and
S p.m. — by means of a maximum thermometer, recording Tl0
degree, that the first precaution of the author was to care¬
fully determine the normal temperature of the horses on
which he made his observations, we shall then be able to
appreciate the real value of the work. The conclusions thus
obtained are : — (1) Strangle diseases are characterised, from
a thermometric point of view, by extreme variability of in¬
ternal temperature. (2) The frequent and extensive oscil¬
lations of the curve are especially remarkable at the com¬
mencement of the attack in the most simple form when
there is general febrile disturbance without localisation in
any particular internal organ. (o) The thermic curve
becomes regular, constant, and hence typical, only in cases
where the disease assumes the form of pneumonia, pleuro¬
pneumonia, or typhoid fever. Except in these, when the
curve depends rather upon the local complications than upon
ttfe general strangles, the traces are too variable to be cited
as characteristic of any special morbid state. (4) The
changes in temperature do not then prove useful in the dis¬
tinction of one form of strangles from another. It is a
symptomatic element which in some degree gives a measure
of the intensity of the existing fever, but has no marked
diagnostic value. (5) It is otherwise from the prognostic
point of view. Generally a high temperature is an indi-

300 SYNOPSIS OF CONTINENTAL VETERINARY JOURNALS.

cation of grave conditions. When a rapid rise to 41° occurs,
and the reading remains at that point for several days, life
is seriously threatened ; if it continues to rise, even slowly,
death is imminent. It is necessary to know how to in¬
terpret the rise, often rapid and considerable, which the
curve undergoes in the simple forms of strangles under the
influence of the development of a simple abscess in the inter¬
maxillary spaces in the parotid gland or the muscles, and
often, let us add, in the absence of any abscess. These
variations resemble those which occur during the secondary
eruptions of smallpox. The curve falls when the abscess
has been opened. When the fall of the curve is regular and
gradual, the prognosis is favorable. A rapid decline to
below the normal indicates a fatal result ; in the few minutes
before death the curve perhaps rises above 42°, or, on the other
hand, falls suddenly to below 37°. (6) Thermometry con¬

trols and rectifies the important but often false indications
which are given by the pulse and the respirations, for these
are easily modified in their rhythm and frequency by com¬
paratively slight causes. The indications which it affords
cannot replace others, but they supplement and increase
their value when they agree with them, while they excite
increased attention when they are not in accord. Indeed,
when a marked discord exists between the indications of the
thermometer and those of the pulse, serious complications
and a fatal result may be anticipated.” M. Humbert affixes
to his memoire thirty-five graphic tracings of temperature,
each of which is a beautiful and valuable observation.
Finally, gentlemen, allow us to say that M. Humbert has
taken a valuable step, and his example ought, in our opinion,
to be followed by his colleagues in the army. No one is
in a better position than the military veterinary surgeon to
make good thermometric observations in any particular group
of diseases. It is easy for him every day at a fixed hour to
take the temperature of his patients — at the morning visit,
and at the evening feeding time, for instance. He has at
his disposal a precious instance of animals of the same age,
breed, and work, subjected to similar surrounding conditions.
What could be more favorable to operations of this nature?
Could not the thermometric curves of diseases of the lungs,
pleura, articulations, the intestines, heart, nervous centres,
&c., be thus definitely fixed ? Can nothing in this direction
be done in cases of colic, which are so frequent and so fatal,
and so varied in their causes among troop horses ? And,
without confining themselves to thermometric observations,
could not our army colleegues try to apply to the pathology

ON PLANTS IN RELATION TO ANIMALS.

301

of the horse those researches on clinical urinology which are
so valuable in human pathology that no one thinks of
examining a sick man and of arriving at a diagnosis with¬
out taking into consideration the condition of the urine.
These opinions of the committee, of which M. Nocard was
the representative, should not be taken to apply to army vete¬
rinary surgeons of France alone.

ON PLANTS IN RELATION TO ANIMALS.

By Professor James Buckman, F.G.S., F.L.S., &c.

[Continued from p. 237.)

Having already pointed out the uses of some of the
more prominent of that division of the Cruciferce , to
which the name of the old order Siliquosa, or long-podded
forms, belong, we now proceed to illustrate the economic his¬
tory of the Siliquolosa, another Linnaean order depending
upon the seed vessels, possessing very short pods or little
pouches.

The more important genera which will claim our attention
are as follows :

1. CoCHLEAREA

2. Camelina

3. Capsella .

4. Thlaspi .

5. Iberis

6. ISATIS

. Petals entire, pod inflated, many
seeded.

. Tall herb, cauline leaves sessile,
auricled.

. Pod dehiscent, many seeded.

. Pod notched, petals equal, fila¬
ments without scales.

. Pod ovate, petals very unequal,
filaments without scales.

. Pod indehiscent, 1-celled, 1-
seeded.

1. Cochlearea {Scurvy -grass') is well known for a series
of herbs which at one time were extensively used as anti¬
scorbutics. They are mostly natives of the sea-side, which,
though partaken of by straying animals, have never yet been
cultivated for their use, though in old houses some of them
were grown in the physic gardens for the celebrity they had
acquired in scurvy, a disease now happily as rare as it was
one time common.

The more representative of the genus is the Cochlearea

302 ON PLANTS IN RELATION TO ANIMALS.

armorctcea, known as horseradish, the economy of which is
so well expressed in the following extract :

“ The long, rough, snail-eaten leaves of the horseradish
are not uncommonly seen on the banks of our rivers, but it
is somewhat doubtful whether the plant is a native of our
island, or has escaped from some of the gardens where it is
so commonly grown as a condiment to our national dish of
roast beef. From ancient times it seems to have been valued
as a herb medicine, and in the days of Gerarde it was used
at table, as we gather from his account of it. He says :
* Horseradish, for the most part, groweth and is planted in
gardens, yet I have found it wild in sundrie places, as at
Nantwich, in Cheshire, in a place called the Milne Eye, as
also at a small village neare London called Hogsden, in the
field next to a farm-house leading to Kingsland, where my
very good friend Mr. Bredwel, practitioner in physicke, a
learned and diligent searcher of simples, and Mr. William
Martin, one of the fellowship of Barber Surgeons, my deare
and lovinge friende, in company with him, found it, and gave
me knowledge of the place, where it flourishes to this day.’
He adds : f Horseradish stamped, with a little vinegar put
thereto, is commonly used among the Germans for sauce to
eat fish with, and such like meats as we do mustard ; but
this kind of sauce doth heat the stomach better, and causeth
better digestion than mustard.’ In the following century
it was employed in England as a condiment ; for Robert
Turner, in his ‘ British Physician/ published in 1687, after
informing us that this herb is f under the dominion of Mars,
and is hot and dry in the third degree,’ says it is eaten with
f fish’ and f other meats’ like mustard. The whole plant
contains the essential oil to which its pungency is due, but
it abounds chiefly in the root, which was formerly in great
repute as a vermifuge for children. Gerarde and Coles both
recommend it ; Boerhaave speaks highly of it in scurvy ; it
is also said to have been useful in many chronic disorders,
and was employed in dropsies and diseases of the kidneys.
Thomas Bertholini affirms that the juice of horseradish dis¬
solved a calculus of stony concretion that w^as taken out of
the human body.

(i An infusion of the root in cold milk makes one of the
safest and best cosmetics. Einhoff discovered that the acri¬
mony of horseradish is owing to a volatile oil of a pale yellow
colour, which has the consistence of oil of cinnamon. The
liquid obtained from the root gives traces of sulphur by dis¬
tillation. The tincture deposits crystals of sulphur, which
are of a yellow colour, and when exposed to flame exhales a

ON PLANTS IN RELATION TO ANIMALS. 303

peculiar sulphuric odour ; this is no doubt the case with all
cruciferous plants, which contain more or less sulphur in
their tissues.

The resemblance of the horseradish root to that of the
monkshood ( Aconitum napellus ) has often led to fatal mistakes.
The root of the aconite is much darker than that of horse¬
radish, and is more given to produce fibrillse and secondary
rootlets.”*

The mistake referred to, curiously enough, has been so
much a source of mischief, that few winters pass without
the eating of monkshood for horseradish occurring, and yet
they are so widely different. The monkshood has a black
outer rind, and is a soft, almost tuberous root, while the
horseradish is of a yellowish-white colour externally, and the
sticky root scrapes up into delicate white shavings, whereas
scraped monkshood is pulpy, as would a potato. Horseradish
may be employed as a stimulating poultice, and its use as a
condiment is well known.

2. Camelina ( Gold of Pleasure) is the only native repre¬
sentative of the genus, if, indeed, this be not wholly an
intruded plant. It is common to Europe and Asia, and with
us it finds its way about farms from its introduction in flax
seed.

At one time it was grown to a considerable extent for the
use of the oil which is extracted from the seeds. This oil,
however, is not available for many purposes, as it has some
of the stimulating character of the oil of mustard, and is,
besides, very apt to turn rancid ; its chief use is in soap¬
making.

But, besides the value of the seed as an oil producer, it is
highly extolled as food for poultry, and the cake is used for
feeding cattle. It is, therefore, of little consequence that
linseed so often has the gold of pleasure as one of its most
constant weeds, as it is not found to injure the oil or the
cake.

3. Capsella Bursa-pastoris (Shepherd’s Purse), again
offers a single specific representation of the genus. This,
too, is in all probability a weed of cultivation. Be this
as it may, there is scarcely an arable field or a garden
that does not furnish specimens. It has no known use. Its
strong smell and acrid flavour preclude it from being par¬
taken of by cattle. It is entirely devoid of any value, and,
as it is not ornamental, we can only look upon it as a
weed pest, to be ruthlessly cut down wherever found.

4. Thlaspi ( Penny-cress ). — This is represented by three

* ‘ English Botany,’ vol. i, p. 133-4.

304 ON PLANTS IN RELATION TO ANIMALS.

species, all of which are probably introduced from Asia.
One species, the T. arvense, is common to our corn-fields,
where, as in arable fields in the States, it has doubtless been
introduced in foreign seeds.

Its common name ofMithridate mustard “ was prefixed to
it,” so we learn from Mrs. Lankester, " because Mithridate,
King of Pontus, was a famous mediciner, who compounded
poison-resisting draughts, and gave them to himself.”

Its name of Penny-cress is due to the rounded flat seed-
vessels. It is very nauseous to the taste, arising from the
acidity of its juices, and when the herbage is crushed it gives
out an odour resembling garlic, in which it resembles the
common Jack-by-the-hedge, or sauce alone.

The plant in question is of no value, though, perhaps, in
older times it might have been esteemed on account of
its strong smell ; it is not now of any service, as not even
the doctrine of signatures helps it to any position.

It is, however, well that it should be destroyed, as an ill-
flavoured weed which no animal will eat.

5. Iberis amara ( Bitter Candytuft ) is best known as a
garden plant, as it is capable of establishing several varie¬
ties, remarkable for its increase in the size of its flowers, and
for a variety of gay colouring.

It is only found in corn-fields, and then but in a few
counties. It is reputed as a bitter and purgative, though
not now at all used. Cattle refuse to eat it, and therefore
it can in the wild state be only considered in the light of a
weed.

6. Isatis tinctoria (Dyer's Woad) . — This is an exceed¬
ingly interesting plant, from its past history. Dr. Syme
says of its localities as follows :

“ In cultivated fields and in chalk-pits, but certainly not
native, and scarcely even naturalised, except in chalk-pits
near Guildford, Surrey.”

We have, however, been accustomed to find it on an
elevated knoll on the banks of the Severn, called the
“ My the Tout,” a name which connects the plant with the
Celtic inhabitants of our island, it will, therefore, be ex¬
pected that its history and folke-lore will be more than
usually interesting, and as the following notes by Mrs. Lan¬
kester are so much to the point we cannot forbear quoting
them.

Dyer’s Woad.

Pastel des Teinturiers, French.

Fdrber- VTaid, German.

“The history of woad as a British plant commences with

ON PLANTS IN RELATION TO ANIMALS. 305

that of this island, when Csesar found the natives stained
with it.

“ At this time it must have been a plentiful inhabitant of
the country, but afterwards, probably from its extensive
use, it became less common, and we find our Saxon fore¬
fathers importing woad to dye their homespun cloth. Their
name for it was wad, or waad, whence the English word in
use for the colour itself.

“The plant is still cultivated in this country on account of
its colouring properties, chiefly in Lincolnshire, and is used
not so much to produce a blue colour on cloths, as to form a
base or mordant for a black dye.

“ The cultivation of woad was formerly carried on by
people who devoted themselves entirely to it ; and, as crops
of the plant are not successful for more than two years on
the same piece of land, they never stayed long in one place,
but, hiring land in various districts, led a wandering life
with their families, and gained their living by their crops ;
now, however, many farmers devote a portion of their land
to the growth of woad, alternating the spots year after year.
The foliage is the part of the plant used ; the leaves are
picked off just when the herb is in flower, the lower ones
being taken just when turning yellowish; the gathering is
repeated three or four times, at intervals of a few weeks ;
but the first picking is the best.

“The leaves are dried a little in the sun, when they are
ground in a mill to a pasty mass, which is formed into heaps
exposed to the air, but protected from rain, until it ferments.
A crust which forms over it is carefully prevented from
breaking, and when fermentation is complete — usually in
about a fortnight — the mass is again mixed up and formed
into cakes.

“ Before being used by the dyer these cakes have to be
again broken up, moistened, and subjected to further fer¬
mentation ; much of the quality of the dye is said to depend
on the way in which this operation is performed. The
colour is brought out by mixing an infusion of the woad thus
prepared with lime water. The best woad is worth £20 or
more a ton, although its price has declined since the extensive
introduction of indigo, to which it is inferior in richness of
colour, but is more permanent. Some time ago the woad
was recommended as a fodder plant, and has been so em¬
ployed in France and Belgium, but our farmers do not con¬
sider it a remunerative investment in comparison with our
own root and leaf crops. The interest of this plant is con¬
siderable, when we consider the antiquity of its use and its

306 PRACTICAL HINTS ON STABLE MANAGEMENT IN INDIA.

connection with the earliest attempts at personal decoration
by our forefathers, to whom it supplied, according to histo¬
rians and poets, all the requirements of a fashionable
toilette.”

This last remark points to great differences in the manners
and customs of our island. Formerly, when the natives
painted themselves, more sober colouring sufficed, but now
dyes are the order of the day these require stronger pig¬
ments, and the fine dark blues of different articles of clothing
are better and cheaper obtained from indigo.

PRACTICAL HINTS ON STABLE MANAGEMENT

IN INDIA.

A Second Edition, revised and enlarged, of a Lecture written
by J. B. W. Skoulding, Veterinary Surgeon First
Class, Royal Horse Artillery, the prototype having
been written and delivered by him when in charge of
B. F. R. H. A. at Campbellpore, in November, 1875.
Meerut, 1878.

[Continued from p. 244.)

d. Water . — The water supplied to horses should be soft,
fresh, sweet, and free from floating particles of extraneous
matter, and the allowance should be ample, i. e. as much as he
will drink. To ensure this, whenever it can be arranged, it is
advisable to have a supply constantly within reach of the animal.
This should certainly be the case in the sick box, for the ability
to cool his parched and fevered mouth by dabbling in a bucket
of water will afford inestimable comfort to the patient, and assist
very much in bringing about that which is so much to be
desired, a speedy restoration to health. It is a well-known fact
that horses having water at will drink less and are not so likely
to overfill themselves as those watered at set hours. This is a
great advantage where horses are liable to be wanted suddenly
for fast work. If the water be given at stated intervals, these
should never number less than three times daily, and should be
fixed so as to precede the hours for feeding, for water taken
directly after food will in all probability produce undesirable
results, not, as many suppose, by causing the grain eaten
actually to swell, but by mixing with and increasing the mass
already in the stomach, and by carrying portions of the food
through the stomach into the intestines in an undigested state,
thereby causing intestinal irritation.

PRACTICAL HINTS ON STABLE MANAGEMENT IN INDIA. 307

When a number of horses are watered at the same trough or
watering-place, the watering of them should be carried out under
the supervision of a responsible and careful agent, and he should
see that no more horses be led or brought to the trough at one
time than there be full standing room for, so that the most timid
may not be deterred from coming up to drink, for some horses
will not force themselves into a crowd. Again, horses should
not be watered in couples, for if the syce takes two to water at
the same time, one horse will in all probability have satisfied his
thirst more quickly than the other ; and, being allowed by the
syce to leave the trough, he drags the less fortunate and still
thirsty horse with him. This is apt to lead to the sufferer
drinking more than is good for him at the next opportunity,
thereby earning for himself an attack of colic.

Horses should never be allowed a large quantity of cold water
when sweating after work, but may be fully watered as soon as
they are cooled and dried.

With reference to the general character of potable waters, I
may remark that the water of Meerut has been proved by analysis
to be unexceptionable.

e. Warmth. — The next point is warmth, and I still proclaim
this (through good and ill report) to be a sine qua non for the
well-being of all animals, and that, although the heat of the
climate in which we reside be naturally at certain seasons ex¬
cessive, it is at all times imperative that we protect ourselves,
and the animals of every species under our care, by artificial
warmth, from the ill effects that may arise from the sudden and
great ranges of temperature which occur in it, especially during
the rains and the cold months of the year, as, from the neglect
of this precaution, I have seen mortality run riot to a fearful
extent among horses and cattle, though it was checked at once
by the protective means employed for the safety of the survivors
(viz. keeping them clothed and protected from draughts), but
to occur again as soon as these agents, “ warmth^ and “ clothing,' ”
were discarded.

To create warmth we have recourse to shelter and clothing,
and whenever the former be either wanting or inadequate, the
demand for the latter is increased accordingly.

The theorist on the subject may assert that shelter and clothing
are luxuries, and declare, in support of his theory, that wild
horses live without stables, or any clothing beyond the hairy
covering supplied by nature. This, of course, no one will deny ;
but, be this as it may, it is evident that nature has provided the
tame horse, at any rate, with the instinct of self-preservation
that leads him, if loose, to avail himself of any shelter he can find
on an inclement day ; and it is also certain that the coat is heavier

308 PRACTICAL HINTS ON STABLE MANAGEMENT IN INDIA.

during the cold season than at any other time of the year. From
reading these signs correctly, man was in the first instance
induced to provide adequate shelter and extra clothing for
horses, for by so doing he is, in reality, applying the lesson
taught by Nature herself, and we can inflict no greater slight
on the dame than by persuading ourselves that in neglecting
our four-footed friends in any way we are acting in obedience to
her laws.

Shelter. — That horses appreciate the comfort of a stable I
have had ample proof on various occasions, for I have seen them,
time after time, rush in a body to gain the shelter of the stable,
after having been loose in the paddock about two hours, and
they were with difficulty kept out until the regulation hour
arrived at which they were allowed to enter, their freedom,
simulating as it did the wild state they are supposed to enjoy so
much, having evidently palled on them, or they had sense enough
to know what was best for their health.

Again, see any trooper loose, or a remount break away while
en route to join his regiment, and note how frequently the one
will at once gallop back to his lines, and the other to the depot
stables from whence he started, although he may in some instances
have to retravel a considerable distance, and had not been stabled
there-heyond a single year.

Clothing. — I have already mentioned the building with the
appliances necessary to render that perfect as a shelter, and will
now speak of that valuable accessory to stable regime, “ horse
clothing.” /

In this land we use the woollen blanket of native manufac¬
ture as a covering for both horses and bullocks, while at home,
as we all know, horse clothing is made of various materials cut
in suits.

Materials. — The materials used are as follows :

1. Kersey, a species of woollen cloth.

2. Prince’s check, a cloth stamped with a variegated pattern.

3. White linen.

4. A woollen fabric known as horse blanketing.

Suits . — A suit of horse clothing, of any material, comprises
body cloth, with quarter, breast, and pad cloths, a body roller
or surcingle, and a hood.

Country blankets. — For army purposes two large country
blankets are allowed for each horse, and are used in the rough ;
but it would be better if one of these articles were cut out to fit
the horse like the English body cloth, then lined with doosootie,
and covered externally with tat or sacking; this will convert it
into a comfortable, durable, warm, and inexpensive cloth. The
cloth thus converted (both being in use) should be put on over

PRACTICAL HINTS ON STABLE MANAGEMENT IN INDIA. 309

the other, so as to prevent it from slipping back off the neck
and shoulders, and in this way render each more efficient.

The native-made blankets are of two kinds — grey and black ;
the former is the closer, heavier, and better blanket of the two.

Grey. — The grey blanket weighs from 6£ lbs. to 8 lbs., is
14 ft. 6 in. in length, and 5 ft. 10 in. wide.

Black. — The black weighs about 6 lbs., is 14 ft. 2 in. long,
and 6 ft. 4 in. wide.

A third blanket is, or should be, allowed when horses are out
in camp. There should also be a lighter blanket for summer
wear.

With reference to the use of clothing for the protection of
animals from chills and colds, there is one evil connected with it
that has its origin and flourishes in India, viz. the custom of
stripping horses hours before the morning air has become warm,
and leaving them to stand and shiver in the cold.

For instance, the horse has been warmly clothed, and so far
comfortable during the night, but at break of day or, on awak¬
ing, let the morning be never so cold, the syce will, if left to his
own devices, strip the poor horse, wrap himself in the blanket, and
sit down before an impromptu fire of bedding, straw, or leaves,
for a smoke, prior to further stable operations. This practice
should not be permitted, for through it the health of the horse
is very liable to suffer serious derangement. I should like
to hear that an order had been issued for troop horses, when har¬
nessed, to have a blanket thrown over them till ready to march
during the cold weather, should the hour for marching be fixed
prior to sunrise, as allowing them to stand uncovered for some
time on parade will be equally liable to be productive of serious
mischief. This arrangement would involve a little extra trouble,
but the result would repay that in due course, by helping to
keep the horses in health.

Again, it is the custom to leave horses without clothing at
night much too early in each year. This I hold to be a mistake,
as though the day may be hot, the night will be chilly, and
continue so till sunrise, sometimes up to the end of May ; and
these sudden ranges of temperature are always liable to have a
deleterious effect on animals, for which reason one blanket at
least should be available at all times throughout the year, so that
it may be thrown over the horse immediately any perceptible
lowering of the temperature occurs during the day or night (and
especially in the rainy season), and should be allowed to remain
till the temperature rises again, unless the animals sweats too
profusely under it.

Bandages , flannel ; bedding. — For giving warmth to the legs
flannel bandages are also very useful, and we must not omit to

liii. 22

310

VETERINARY SCIENCE IN AMERICA.

provide, when procurable, a plentiful supply of clean soft bedding,
either of straw or grass.

f. Exercise. — The last on the roll stand exercise, and it is also
a necessary for the well doing of man and animals as any of those
principles of which I have already written, as through it the task
of purifying the blood, and rendering that fluid fit for the reno¬
vation of the ever-decaying animal tissues, is equally divided
amongst the organs created for that purpose (viz. the lungs, skin,
intestines, kidneys, liver, &c.), and it ensures an ample supply
of the blood so purified being sent to every part of the frame.

Under its influence the nerves are braced, the muscular system
more highly developed, and strength increased in some instances
to a fabulous extent, for we all know what powers of endurance
both man and horse will acquire when they have been scientific¬
ally and judiciously trained.

The horses with which we have chiefly to do are in regular
work during the cold weather, and they have a fair amount
during the hot season also ; but for the horse kept for ordinary
purposes four hours' walking exercise is necessary when not
otherwise employed.

{To be continued .)

VETERINARY SCIENCE IN AMERICA.

To the Editors of the ‘ Veterinarian .’

Dear Sirs, — In the January number of the Veterinarian
for 1880 I noticed a paper, contributed by John II. Steel,
M.R.C.V.S., F.Z.S., &c., which finished up as follows : — “ If
any American reader notes errors let him be assured that
we shall be anxious to correct our statements when proven
to be in the wrong.” Thanks for the privilege. That the
writer has been misled by the unjust, unfair, and prejudicial
statements of the editor of the American Veterinary Review
is quite apparent. That errors and omissions occur will
readily be detected by the impartial “ American reader.” I
very willingly accord all due credit to Prof. A. Liautard
for his praiseworthy efforts in the advancement of veterinary
science in this country. It should be recollected, however,
that at the time he came to the United States the rough
road travelled by his predecessors was made comparatively
smooth, leaving him an easy victory. That I may present
the subject fairly and impartially to the readers of the
Veterinarian , permit me to go back to the early history of
veterinary advancement in the City of Philadelphia. My

VETERINARY SCIENCE IN AMERICA.

311

father, Robert Jennings, was the first to publicly advocate
the cause of veterinary science in this country. He was not
a graduated veterinary surgeon, but had read medicine for
several years, and being well posted in comparative ana¬
tomy, commenced in the winter of 1846 a course of veteri¬
nary lectures to a class of medical students in the City of
Philadelphia, which were continued during the sessions of
the medical colleges for several years. In 1850 he con¬
ceived the idea of organising a veterinary college. He made
known his plans to Austin Miller, M.R.C.V.S., and John
Scott, M.R.C.V.S. (the only graduated Y.S. in the city),
both of whom regarded the movement as premature, giving
it the cold shoulder. He now laid his scheme before Prof.
Wm. Gibson, of the Pennsylvania Medical University, and
Prof. James Bryan, of the Philadelphia Medical College,
both of whom not only encouraged the measure, but per¬
sonally solicited and obtained the names of the following
prominent citizens of Pennsylvania to a petition asking the
State Legislature for an Act of Incorporation for the Vete¬
rinary College of Philadelphia: — Gen. George Cadwalader,
Wm. Gibson, M.D., John Philips, M.D., Alfred L. Elwyn,
M.D., James Bryan, M.D., Hon. Frederick Watts, Gen.
George McKeim, James Gowan, Hon. Geo. W. W^oodward,
Stetchley Morton, Alonzo Potter, D.D., and L. L. Ward,
which charter was granted without delay, and duly signed
as follows : — i( John S. Rhey, Speaker of the House of Repre¬
sentatives , John H. Walker, Speaker of the Senate. Ap¬
proved — The Fifteenth day of April, a.d. One thousand
eight hundred and fifty-two, Wm. Bigler, Governor of the
State of Pennsylvania This, the first veterinary college
chartered in America, the date fully proves. Robert Jen¬
nings having been the recipient of an honorary diploma
from the board of directors, was placed at the head of the
new institution. Early in 1853 he presented the following
as the faculty of the college: — W. W. Fraley, Prof, of
Materia Medica and Therapeutics, T. J. Corbyn, Prof, of
Pathology and Surgery, John Scott, M.R.C.V.S., Prof, of
Practice of Medicine with reference to all domestic animals.
Geo. W. Bowler, Prof, of Medical Chemistry and Phar¬
macy, Robt. Jennings, Prof, of Anatomy, Physiology, and
Operative Surgery. Negotiations were entered into for the
building of a veterinary college, the plan for which had
been prepared by an architect, Mr. John Notman, a cousin
of my father’s. While these negotiations were pending J)rs.
Corbyn, Fraley, and Scott, tendered their resignations as
members of the faculty. This was a stunning blow to the

312 VETERINARY SCIENCE IN AMERICA.

new enterprise, and for the time stopped further progress.
This blow, severe as it was, did not discourage my father.
He now directed his efforts in harmonising the graduated
and non-graduated veterinary surgeons, calling a meeting
of such at his office, April 5th, 1854, urging the formation
of a veterinary association for mutual improvement, T. J.
Corbyn, W. W. Fraley, G. W. Bowler, M. Roberts, John
Scott, Robt. Jennings, A. Tegtmeier, and R. Evans being
present, Evans and Scott being the only graduated surgeons.
After discussing the merits of the question, it was resolved
to meet at the same place on the evening of May 7th, for
the purpose of permanent organisation. At the appointed
time there were no absentees. Professors Wm. Gibson and
James Bryan were present as patrons of the new society, to
be known as the American Veterinary Association. The
meeting was called to order by Prof. Bryan taking the
chair, and M. Roberts acting as secretary, when the
following officers were elected : — President, T. J. Corbyn ;
Vice-Presidents, James Bryan, M.D., and W. W. Fraley ;
Secretary, M. Roberts; Corresponding Secretary, John
Scott ; Treasurer, R. Jennings ; Librarian, A. Tegtmeier.
The objects : the cultivation of fraternal feelings among
veterinary practitioners and the elevation of veterinary
science. Ere the infant was six months old it was recognised
by the Pennsylvania State Agricultural Society awarding it
a silver medal for its fine display of anatomical and patho¬
logical specimens at the State Fair, September 29th, 1854,
an engraving of which I send you. Notice of this organi¬
sation will be found in the first volume of the American
Veterinary Journal , published in Boston in 1855, p. 242. In
the same volume, p. 341, Dr. C. M. Wood, of Boston, says :
“ I noticed an article on p. 242 by Mr. Jennings, V.S. I
subscribe to most of the opinions and views expressed by
Dr. J., and unite with him in the satisfaction he manifests
for the recent progress of veterinary science in this country/’
He says further, p. 342; “ Dr. Jennings, the writer of the
paper named at the head of this article, has done much
towards dispersing the popular delusion in regard to the
treatment of our domestic animals.” Again (same page) :
“ We rejoice to find by Dr. R. Jennings’ paper that a spirit
of emulation animates all parts of our country at this time
in regard to this subject. That in the great State of New
York efforts are making to establish a veterinary college. In
Philadelphia there has been formed an * American Vete¬
rinary Association,’ which is already distinguished. Boston
is ahead of New York at the present, but that giant city

VETERINARY SCIENCE IN AMERICA.

313

has only to will it and she surpasses all others.” In the fall
of 1854 my father was called to Cleveland to fill the vete¬
rinary chair in the State Agricultural College of Ohio,
which position he held until the suspension of the college in
the spring of 1857, w'hen he returned to Philadelphia again
to engage in the interest of the college movement. Shortly
after his return he presented to the board of directors the
following faculty : — W. W. Fraley, Prof, of Materia Medica
and Therapeutics ; J. J. Corbyn, Prof, of Pathology, Sur¬
gery, and Practice of Medicine, in reference to all domestic
animals ; G. W. Bowler, Prof, of Medical Chemistry and
Pharmacy ; R. Jennings, Prof, of Anatomy, Physiology, and
Operative Surgery ; which was accepted. A building was
rented at the corner of Sixth and Master Streets, fitted up
with a spacious museum, in which was deposited nearly
2000 specimens, among which was an articulated skeleton of
a horse, a pony, a mule, a cow, a hog, and a dog, a lecture
room, library, laboratory, dissecting room, and infirmary,
which were thrown open to the public on Tuesday evening
of each week, at which time free lectures were delivered in
the lecture room during the winter months. Free clinics
were held at the infirmary every Wednesday and Saturday,
from November 1st to March 1st. Unfortunately for the
institution Drs. Fraley and Corbyn resigned from the faculty
before the first course of lectures were over ; my father and
Dr. Bowler, however, continued the course to the end,
delivering lectures which should have been done by others.
There were no fees attached to these positions, the current
expenses being paid by the faculty and trustees. The fol¬
lowing year an appeal was made to the Philadelphia Agri¬
cultural Society, which was referred to the executive com¬
mittee, who at the following meeting of the society made
the following report : — “ That they had visited the museum
and library of the Veterinary College and were surprised to
find it so valuable and interesting. They were so favorably
impressed that they ceased to doubt the propriety of the
application,” and therefore offered the following resolution: —
fS That the use of the rooms of the Agricultural Society be
granted to the Veterinary College of Philadelphia for holding
their lectures the coming winter.” Dr. A. L. Elwyn,
seconded the resolution, and spoke earnestly in favour of
inviting the faculty of the college to deliver their ‘‘course
of lectures upon horseology, under the auspices of this
Society,” which received the unanimous vote of the Society.
Dr. Bowler resigned after the session of 1859-60 ended,
returning to Cincinnati, where he left a lucrative practice to

314

VETERINARY SCIENCE IN AMERICA.

assist in this worthy enterprise. Robt. McClure was then
appointed to fill the vacancy. In 1860 the following letter
was received from the Veterinary College of Alfort, Prance,
addressed to my father, which I have had translated :

Imperial Veterinary School Alfort, March Ith, 1860.

of Alfort.

Dear Sir and Brother, — My colleagues, the Professors
of the School of Alfort, and I are very thankful to you for
the honour that you are well pleased to do us in proposing
us to be members of the Veterinary College of Phila¬
delphia.

Therefore it is with pleasure that I send you, as you
wish it, my name, giving the names also of the five pro¬
fessors, my colleagues, who are sending to you and to
your honorable brothers their best respects and most sin¬
cere thanks.

Please accept, dear sir and brother, the expression of my
own gratitude and of my most distinguished feelings.

(Signed) Eng. Renault,

Director of the School of Alfort .
Messrs. Renault, Eng. Thos. Eli . Director.

Delafond, Henry Mam. On. . Professor.

Bouley, Henri Marie . . „

Magne, Jean Henry . . „

Goubaux, Arm. Chas. . . ,,

Sannier, Jos. ... „

The college enjoyed the privileges extended by the Phila¬
delphia Agricultural Society until 1866, when it suspended
further operations, retiring from active service without a
stain upon its character, the graduates of which hold legal
diplomas, which are protected by law, as are those legally
issued by other medical institutions. My father was the
principal of the college from its commencement to the end,
in which no irregularities were known, and to say : “ Prof.
McClure , M.D., V.S., who was the Veterinary College of
Philadelphia , as the Officers and Prof, of the School by the
authority vested in us by the sovereign power of the State
of Pennsylvania confer the degree of veterinary medicine and
surgery.” Unfortunately he appended to the diploma an¬
nouncing this a signature not his own, and so experienced the
sovereignty of his state under the form of a visit from a
constable , and resulting in incarceration.” The impartial
reader will fail to recognise the above statement as true,
when it bears upon its face the fact that “ incarceration ”
was not the result of issuing bogus diplomas, but from the
fact of one of the officers of the college having his name

VETERINARY SCIENCE IN AMERICA. 315

upon the worthless sheet without his having put it there,
upon which the conviction took place, proving the charge as
above, that he, 44 McClure, was the Veterinary College of
Philadelphia/’ false, if not malicious. At the time these
irregularities occurred the college doors had been closed ten
years, therefore such statements are not only unjust, but
grossly untrue. The name of A. L. Elwyn, M.D., was upon
all legal diplomas issued by the college, as was also my
father’s, but his name did not appear upon the worthless
sheets, neither was the seal of the college upon them, but
instead a seal purporting to be of the Merchants’ Veterinary
College, an institution unknown to the veterinary profession.
The above facts Prof. Liautard ought to have known, and
not unjustly stigmatise the graduates of a college labouring
under difficulties which had been removed previous to his
coming to the United States. The first effort to establish a
veterinary college in the City of New York, though backed
by many and energetic professors, Capt. Polston, and Dr.
John Busteed, proves this fact.

44 Philadelphia has an unenviable notoriety in veterinary
history in connection with the 4 bogus degrees/ the fame of
which, extending to this side of the Atlantic, has rendered
us suspicious of qualifications/’ This conclusion appears
more in the form of gossip or malice than of fact. Had
the writer connected the 4 bogus ’ reputation with human
medicine he would have been correct. It was from this
source, and not the veterinary, that Philadelphia became so
notorious. The proof is given as follows in the Philadelphia
Record: — 44 There is a badge of fraud in the very selection of
the name of the bogus diploma factory recently exposed in
these columns. It is so closely similar to that of the Uni¬
versity of Pennsylvania, known and honoured throughout
the world, as to be easily confounded with it in the minds of
the unwary. The title of the fraudulent institution now
commanding so considerable a degree of public attention
was probably adopted with a deliberate purpose of deception.
Like colourable imitation of trade marks and copyrights, it
is a manifest counterfeit. The University of Pennsylvania
is located in Philadelphia, and it annually graduates a large
number of physicians. The 4 Philadelphia University of
Medicine ’ might easily pass for it at a distance from the
city, and a degree given by this miserable make-believe
concern might readily be mistaken for the imprimatur of
what is recognised as one of the foremost ot the great
medical schools of the United States. Evidently the main
object of this swindle, apart from the pecuniary purpose it

316

VETERINARY SCIENCE IN AMERICA.

subserves to those who run it, is to supply credentials to
intending quacks, by which these villainous cheats may be
heloed to impose upon the public. The wickedness of such
a fraud it is not needful to enlarge upon. The injury done
to properly instructed and reputable practitioners of the
healing art and the disgrace brought upon the fair fame of
this city by its existence here are sufficiently bad results ;
but worse than these is the sending forth to work havoc
upon the community at large of licensed murderers, whose
pills and powders are potent only to kill such patients as
may fall into their hands. A sad feature of this discredit¬
able business is the connection with it of several ministers
of the Gospel. Some of these are perhaps amenable rather
to the charge of thoughtlessness and indiscretion than of
deliberate and conscious criminality. The facility with
which names of the highest respectability are obtained as
‘trustees/ ‘visitors/ &c., of unworthy institutions and
enterprises of questionable character has become a great
abuse. It would be a point gained if the easy-going gentle¬
men who lend their credit to these improper uses could be
made to realise their responsibility, and an occasional recoil
upon them of their good-natured folly is not altogether to
be regretted. The ecclesiastical authority to which the
clergymen alluded to are answerable has already taken steps
towards an investigation of their connection with the counter¬
feit ‘ degree 5 mill. There is no reason to suspect that there
will be any whitewashing in the case. Such of the persons
implicated as are found to have a guilty knowledge of the
fraud will, no doubt, be duly punished.” Is the above evi¬
dence sufficient to prove the error made in placing the “ bogus
diploma ” business at the closed doors of the veterinary
schools of Philadelphia?

The Pennsylvania College of Veterinary Surgeons, char¬
tered in 1866 to take the place of the old school, was in
the interest of and under the exclusive control of veterinary
surgeons. The name of McClure does not appear among
the corporators, neither will it be found associated with the
faculty of the college, as you will see by the announcement
and a copy of the charter, which I send you. These facts
should prove his unpopularity among the veterinary profes¬
sion in the City of Philadelphia. This institution fitted up
a hall at No. 256, North Fifth Street, where two winter
courses of lectures were delivered by the faculty. The
finances of the college being in a healthy condition, it was
decided to fit up a building better adapted to the purposes
of a veterinary college. A building was rented and fitted up

VETERINARY SCIENCE IN AMERICA. 317

at the corner of Sixth Street and Columbia Avenue, which
exhausted the treasury, compelling a direct tax upon each
individual member. Two courses of lectures were delivered
in this building, when to save expense the doors were closed
in 1870, since which time quarterly meetings have been
held in Diligent Hall. No effort as yet has been made to
reorganise the college. In connection with this college the
writer says : “ In 1866 the Pennsylvania College of Veteri¬
nary Surgeons was granted a charter. It announced six
officers, among them Isaiah Michener, one of the leading
men of his state. It had no buildings, gave few, if any,
lectures ; we may, therefore, conclude all Pennsylvania vete¬
rinary diplomas as worthless.” To refute such slanderous
statements I have only to say that the veterinary colleges of
Philadelphia held their annual commencements in public ;
the exercises, together with the names of the graduating
classes, were regularly reported in all the daily papers in
Philadelphia, as are those of other legitimate medical
colleges. If such evidence is not sufficient to wipe out the
infamous charges made by the enemies of the Philadelphia
veterinary schools, I can furnish recorded evidence from
other sources, which are too voluminous to offer at this
time. No charge was ever made in the City of Philadelphia
against either of these institutions, the charges being
wholly of an individual character against McClure. From
these facts, which we assert to be true in every particular,
the impartial reader will readily acknowledge the injustice
done these schools, but more particularly to their gradu¬
ates. The first or January number of the American Vete¬
rinary Review I did not see, or I would have answered the
calumny at once.

In the list of American veterinary works mentioned by
the editor of the American Veterinary Revieiv I notice
“ works by Jennings and McClure.” Now, I do not wish
to charge Prof. Liautard with maliciously associating these
names, but rather attribute it to want of information upon
the subject. My father’s works, ‘ The Horse and his Dis¬
eases,’ published in 1860, ‘ Cattle and their Diseases,’ in
1862, f Sheep, Swine, and Poultry/ in 1863, and e Horse
Training made Easy/ in 1865, have no other name asso¬
ciated with them, nor is my father’s name associated in any
manner with any of McClure’s publications. The works
themselves prove the assertion. A review of my father’s
first work, by Prof. John Gamgee, will be found in vol. iii of
the Edinburgh Veterinary Review , 1861, in which he says:
“ The above work favorably contrasts with other American

318 VETERINARY SCIENCE IN AMERICA.

publications on veterinary science. It indicates care in pre¬
paration and knowledge on many subjects connected with
veterinary science. It is not quite up to the day when com¬
pared with many European works, and on some subjects
remarkable deficiencies are observed.” It is quite as re¬
markable that Prof. Gamgee should expect an humble
author in a new country, where veterinary colleges hardly
had a foothold, to compare with European authors, who
have the advantage of more than half a century. He
finishes his review as follows: — “We repeat that, on the
whole, Mr. Jennings has proved in advance of his country¬
men.” Considering that Prof. Gamgee is one of the most
severe critics known to the world, I regard it as very com¬
plimentary to my father. The United States Veterinary
Medical Association was also planned and organised through
the efforts of my father, proof of which is at your own
door in an article that appeared in the North American
and United States Gazette of Philadelphia , March 5th,
1863, and copied in the Edinburgh Veterinary Review of
1863, page 253. As the article is a long one, we simply
make one or two quotations. It reads as follows: — “The
faculty and graduates at the commencement of the Phila¬
delphia Veterinary College met afterwards at the Wetherill
House to partake of a collation and indulge in social con¬
sultation. Though the subject was ‘ Horseology,’ it was
full of interest. The college is the first in this country;
its faculty are men of superior intelligence — Robert Jennings,
Robert McClure, Charles M. Wood, and A. S. Copeman.
For this reason the Agricultural Society of Philadelphia
recognised and encouraged the institution from its inception.”
An error occurs in the above regarding Profs. Wood and
Copeman. At the time the college was negotiating with
these gentlemen to place their names with the faculty, their
decision not yet having been received, is where the mistake
has been made. Continuing: “Mr. Jennings suggested
that this college, with its graduates during the last five
years, should establish a national veterinary association, and
ultimately establish a veterinary journal.” Thus recording
the facts in advance of its organisation. Dr. C. M. Wood
writes :

Boston ; June 2>0lh, 1859.

Friend Jennings, — Yours of the 11th of April, un¬
answered, is now before me. As to the “ National Associa¬
tion,” I fully agree with you, and both myself and friends
here will hold ourselves in readiness to attend a meeting- in
New York City, for the purpose of such an organisation, at

VETERINARY SCIENCE IN AMERICA.

319

any time that will best suit the convenience of parties
desirous to unite with us in the cause. Perhaps you had
better consult with your friends on the subject and inform
us of their views, either Copeman or myself, and we will
attend to it in our parts of this union. “ Union” did I say ?
Yes, that is just what we want.

I remain, with respect.

Yours truly,

Chas. M. Wood.

Boston; May 14 th, 1863.

Dr. J ennings. {Four years later.)

Dear Sir, — Your letter of May 2nd has come to
hand, and reminds me of a previous one which has been
accidentally laid aside and forgotten. I am aware of
the necessity of co-operation of all the veterinary practi¬
tioners to give strength and efficiency to their order, but
permit me to say that I beg to be informed as to what are
the qualifications required in such as may form the proposed
convention. There are many persons who have taken up
the practice of veterinary medicine and surgery who have
had no proper instructions in those subjects, and are entirely
ignorant of the principles on which they are founded. They
have assumed the title and duties of professional men only
for the name and the living which may be received from it.
Now, my dear sir, these are such men as I do not desire to
associate with. I do not say this to depreciate your efforts
in the cause of veterinary medicine and surgical science,
but there are such men as I have described, and you know
there are. At a meeting of our vets, here last evening it
was voted for several to come. But we must wait your reply
to this for information.

I remain, friend Jennings,

Yours truly,

Chas. M. Wood.

Oyster Bay, Long Island ;

May \2>th , 1863.

Friend Jennings, — I have just returned from New York.
I called upon Chas. Stetson, Esq., of Astor House, and
communicated to him our proposed plans for the National
Convention to be held on the 9th June. He is a great
admirer of the profession, and is willing to lend us all
the assistance that may lay in his power. He offered me
gratuitously the use of a large parlour, to accommodate
seventy-live or one hundred gentlemen. 1 now submit his
kind offer to you. I called upon Dr. Busteed. He thinks
well of this. To give the thing tone and respectability, we

320

VETERINARY SCIENCE IN AMERICA.

must go to a respectable place, and the Astor House has a
wide-spread reputation as such. Bring all the vets, along ;
do not let one of them back out. Answer by return mail,
and give me your views, but do not have the call published
until I make the arrangements with Mr. Stetson.

Yours truly,

Wm. J. McConn.

New York, March 28M, 1863.

407, Fourth Avenue.

Dear Sir,— I observed in a recent number of Wilkes 1
Spirit of the Times that at a meeting of veterinary sur¬
geons lately held in Philadelphia, it was proposed to form
a “National Veterinary Association;” that resolutions to
try and effect that purpose had been adopted ; that Mr.
Wisdom and yourself were requested to correspond with
te such members of the profession as they may be acquainted
with, soliciting their aid in support of the proposed measure
and their attendance at the Convention when held.” The
wording of the resolutions would seem to debar all who are
not veterinary surgeons from taking any part or interest in
the formation of the association. Although not a veterinary
surgeon, I am deeply interested in all that pertains to that
much (in this country) neglected and important science. I
have been for some years trying to elevate that branch of com¬
parative anatomy to a more eminent position than it occupies
at present. It will afford me much pleasure if I can in any
manner assist you or your associates in perfecting the object
proposed. I think with you that the time has come for
veterinary surgeons and others practising or interested in
the art to claim for themselves a status to which they are,
when properly educated, entitled. I think New York would
be the most appropriate place for the first meeting, and that
Agassiz would be the most suitable person to deliver the
introductory lecture. I believe my suggestion would meet
the views of our mutual friend Mr. Copeman. Hoping that
your “ long cherished desire ” may be speedily accom¬
plished,

I remain, very respectfully,

&. Jennings, Esq., John Busteed.

Veterinary Surgeon.

124, MacDougal Street ;

New York, May 4 th , 1863.

Dear Sir, — In answer to your letter of May 2nd for your
kindness in appointing me as one of a committee for forming
a National Association to advance veterinary science in this

VETERINARY SCIENCE IN AMERICA.

321

country, where it is greatly needed, I am obliged to decline
the honour, as my health is very much impaired by close
attention to the duties of my profession, and 1 think of going
to Europe with the hope of recuperating myself by a little
rest. I must convey to you my best wishes for your success
in so praiseworthy an undertaking even at this late date.

I remain.

Yours truly,

11. Jennings, Y.S. Chas. C. Grice, M.R.C.V.S.

Utica, N. Y. ; April \th, 1863.

Dear Sir, — In acknowledging the receipt of your favour
of yesterday I beg to present for the earnest consideration
of yourself and associates the propriety of making some
alteration in the name or title, “ National Veterinary Asso¬
ciation.’5 You too well know the bitter enmity, strong
prejudice, and mean petty jealousy now existing among
veterinary surgeons in the V. S. Now it occurs to me that
a plan can be devised by which all opposition may be
neutralised, if not entirely overcome. The title, “ National
Veterinary Association/5 in my humble opinion, is another
specimen of “ lofty tumbling,55 of which we have already
had too many. I know the delicate nature of this matter,
and shall content myself with a simple statement of fact. If
the gentlemen would consent to change the title of the
association, say to the “ National Society for the Advancement
of Vetermary Science ,” or knowledge, a door would at once
be opened for the admission of all competent and honorable
workmen, all true patrons of our art as well as those who
admire knowledge simply for its real worth and power. By
adopting such a name all petty feeling and strife may be pre¬
vented. Doctors know the value of this term ; proper rules
would effectually exclude all unworthy persons. “ I for one 55
am anxious to see “ free trade ” principles adopted. The
number of veterinary surgeons, “ graduates ” of European
colleges, are but a mere fraction of those practising under
that title in our cities and towns, and to be candid I must
admit that some of these “ home-made vets.,” by years of
patient study, close and untiring observation, added to a long
and extensive experience, in many respects are better
“ qualified to practise” than some of the “ two lesson”
(graduates) from “ abroad.55 Let a liberal code be adopted
that will bring together a large portion of the “ working-
class ” of our profession. By all means hold the first
meeting in. New York City. Before preparing any remarks
for the public, I should be pleased to get the views of your¬
self and colleagues upon the c( amendment 55 to title herein

822

VETERINARY SCIENCE IN AMERICA.

advocated. Trusting that you will favour me by an early
notice, I remain.

Truly yours,

To Robt. Jennings, V.S. A. S. Copeman.

179, Lexington Avenue,

New York ; 1 5th May , 1863.

Dear Sir, — I received yours of the 14th inst. appointing
me to confer with the members of the veterinary profession
in this city in making arrangements for a meeting to be
held here on the 9th of June next. My acquaintance with
my professional brethren is exceedingly limited, having been
myself but a short time resident in America. I will, how¬
ever, be most happy to confer with them upon any subject
pertaining to the advancement of veterinary education and
science. I remain, dear sir,

Yours obediently,

R. Jennings, Esq. A. Liautard.

College Place, Brooklyn, N. Y.

R. Jennings, Esq.

Dear Sir, — I have just received your letter, the
objects of which I highly approve, but as I have been
out of practice some years, and am much engaged in
other business, 1 am compelled to decline serving on the
committee, at the same time I would suggest my adopted
son, Alfred Large, veterinary surgeon and member of the
R.C.V.S. of London, in my place. If this alteration meets
the views of yourself and friends, write me by return of
post, and he will attend to the matter without delay.

Yours very respectfully,

R. M. Curtis.

May 1 hth, 1868.

98, East Thirteenth Street, New York ;

R. Jennings, Esq. May 1 5th, 1863.

Sir, — I am in receipt of your favour of the 14th
inst., and would most respectfully decline the honour
you would confer upon me by appointing me upon a
committee for the diffusion and advancement of veterinary
knowledge. My business and other engagements are such
at this particular time that it precludes me from taking
any active share in this very meritorious work. Hoping
my refusing to act may not seriously incommode you in your
undertaking, I am, yours very respectfully,

W. W. A. M. Lockhart, V.S.

The preceding letters are copied verbatim. Many others of
a similar character were received by my father upon the

RARE LUSUS NATURE.

323

same subject. My object in offering them is to give credit
to whom it belongs, which our New York and Boston
friends would rob Philadelphia of, which I presume they
will not attempt to deny.

Very respectfully yours,

Robert Jennings, Jun.

Pittsburg, Pennsylvania.

RARE LUSUS NATURAE.

Case communicated by J. S. Darwell, Y.S., Leigh,

near Manchester.

I have this day forwarded to you at the Royal Veterinary
College a monstrosity, thinking it worthy of a place in the
College Museum, and the publication of the particulars in
the Veterinarian. I was called to deliver a cow a day or
two ago, which had been in labour for twelve hours prior to
my visit, and found she had twin calves. The first I delivered
was perfect in form and fully developed, but it was dead,
and was lying in the uterus with its head turned towards its
side. The second was the lusus naturae which I send ; the
fracture of the limb I caused in extracting it. After extracting
the dead calf I found one hind leg of the remaining one, and I
tried to secure the other leg and deliver by the breech, but
without success. I then corded the leg within reach with
the intention of dismembering it ; but owing to the traction
on the leg it fractured, which, altering the position, assisted
in its delivery, the throes being also very strong. Nothing
was known of the nature of the case before my visit. The
mother is doing well ; indeed, she is convalescent.

We are indebted to Mr. Steel, Lecturer on Anatomy,
R.V.C., for the following account of the monstrosity :

The specimen consists of two fairly-formed hind limbs,
united together by an oval mass, which is flattened from
above downwards. The upper surface is uniformly smooth
and covered with brown curly hair. The under surface presents
posteriorly a smooth hairless space, extending downwards and
forwards until it terminates in a rounded opening, which
has long hairs around its lower margin, and seems to be the
urino-generative aperture. In front of this, on each side,
may be observed rudimentary mammae, with two small teats
on each side. The remainder of the under surface bulges,
and presents centrally an umbilicus, from which an umbili¬
cal cord hangs. Length of the specimen six inches ; thick¬
ness at centre three inches ; width from one stifle-joint to

RARE LUSUS NATURAE.

324

the other nine inches. An incision having been made
longitudinally from before backwards on the under surface,
it was found that a small peritoneal sac, of about two ounces
capacity, existed in front of the brim of the pelvis. All the
muscles were in a state of fatty degeneration ; their nerves
had disappeared or never been present. The inferior ex¬
tremity of the femur has normal condyles, but only a single
non-articular, prominent ridge. There is no patella ; upper
extremity of the femur very small, firmly bound into the
acetabulum by the remains of the muscles. Pubis, ischium,
and lower part of ilium well formed, but proportioned in
size to the upper extremity of the femur. Crista, spinous
processes, and superior third of ventral surfaces of ilia united
together by a very firm, fibro-cartilaginous union, the an¬
terior part of which forms a flat and rounded prominence of
about the size of a florin, while from the posterior an inde¬
finite fibrous band passes a short way backwards, affording
attachment to the imperfectly-formed sacro-sciatic ligaments.
The pelvis, as formed by these ossa innominata, is fairly
wide posteriorly, but anteriorly presents an inlet of about
three inches from above downwards, and not half an inch
wide. The viscera consist of a sac extending inwards for
a little more than an inch from the urino-generative aperture ;
from it a muscular band, representing the bladder, extends
to the umbilicus, where it forms the urachus, which, with
the umbilical artery and vein, extended into the umbilical
cord. On the floor of the aperture, about half an inch in,
are two small openings terminating in closed extremities.
The umbilical, femoral, and two vesicular arteries meet at a
large triangular dilatation, the walls of which seemed rather
red. This was situated at about an inch above the umbilicus.
Further careful dissection showed the remnants of the uterus
and ovary situated above the bladder, and partially sur¬
rounded by peritoneum. The veins corresponded in every
respect to the arteries.

In this remarkable specimen we see the following defects
of formation : — The epiblast , it may seem, did not become
unfolded to produce a cerebro-spinal nervous centrum ; it
simply produced a well-formed cuticle, investing the hind
limbs and the central mass. The hypoblast developed only
at its extreme posterior part, where it, however, is only doubt¬
fully present, as the lining of the urino-genital aperture may
have been derived from the epiblast. The mesoblast seems to
have undergone development, in so far as the state of the
other layers would allow it, to have produced bones,
muscles, blood-vessels, and probably nerves, and also, in so

INTESTINAL CALCULI AND RUPTURED INTESTINE. 325

far as it could, a peritoneal sac, by splitting up into
somato-pleure and splanchno-pleure. The muscles developed
fairly so long as they were independent of the central nervous
system, but, failing the latter source of stimulation, de¬
generated. The nerves still earlier disappeared, for want of
central connection. The blood-vessels, after the manner of
these useful nourishment-carriers, adapted themselves to
circumstances. A special part of the arteries (perhaps)
developed red muscular fibres, and took upon itself the duties
of the heart; but it seems that capillary influences in the
tissues of the foetus and the foetal membranes sufficed to
bring about the slight circulation necessary to the existence of
the monstrosity. Thus, it seems, we can trace this perversion
of development back to the early changes of the blastoderm
before the production of the mesoblast. At that time some
influence apparently led to the removal of much of the
hypoblast, and of the anterior part of the epiblast, with
obliteration of the primitive groove. This influence may
have been pressure obliquely backwards and outwards on the
area germinativa, perhaps as a result of development simul¬
taneously of another ovum, or from the twin foetus and the
monster being produced from a double egg, the monstrosity
being worsted in the struggle for existence.

Respiration can only have been performed by the foetal
membranes. Birth, therefore, meant termination of its ex¬
istence; of course, the monster could not breathe. Cutaneous
excretion must have purified the small amount of blood
present in its body.

INTESTINAL CALCULI AND RUPTURED IN¬
TESTINE.

By Samuel Gill, M.R.C.Y.S., Hastings.

Having attended professionally from time to time a bay mare
for the last three years for what appeared to be attacks of or¬
dinary colic, generally administering antispasmodic draughts
during the repeated attacks, I have had the satisfaction
again and again of affording her relief, and sending her to
work for a few months. The last attack, in 1879, was ex¬
ceptionally severe ; but after her recovery she again fed well
and was put to her usual hard work. My last visit a few days
ago was, however, the climax. I found the poor animal in a
profuse perspiration, with a running down of the pulse, and
in such violent pain that it was most difficult to get near
her. Applications of mustard to the body, in addition to the
Liu, 23

326

COMMENTS ON PASSING EVENTS.

usual anodyne draughts, proved of no avail, and in a few hours
she commenced throwing herself several times violently on
the ground, seemingly unconscious, till at length she was
totally unable to rise. My opinion was, that the symptoms as
a whole indicated the existence of calculi.

The result of xhe post-mortem examination showed that the
large intestine was ruptured, and a round dung-ball ”
was found in the abdominal cavity, having escaped through the
laceration. As the mare expired almost directly she fell the
last time, I am inclined to attribute the rupture to the fall
rather than to the pressure of the calculus. The kidneys
were enlarged and inflamed ; but no lesion of any other part
existed. The other calculi which I send you were found
within the intestine. Her age was eleven.

COMMENTS ON PASSING EVENTS AND VETE¬
RINARY PRACTICE.

By “Trebble Ex.’*

[We print the following extraordinary production ver¬
batim et literatim, as it contains matter for thought.]

Dere Mr. Hedditer, — I daresay youl be verry much
surprised to receve a note from me, stil no mattur, I must
first tell you Ime a verry hold reder of your verry valabel
work & look forrard heverry month for is comeing hout, I
verry much wish your Hopponent the Vetenary Jurnal wud
not print at same time as yourn, if one cum on the 15 the
month twoud be better for vure readers and no wos for
neither of ye :

I ave red your book a grate many yers and ave got a good
dele of good from out of it :

I must tel you ime a hold member of the perfesshun and
I sometimes blush wen I think how you as all ben lookd in
the Mouth by that yankey, farmer Mills, he certanly as
hopperated for rigs wich our qualifide members didnt serve to
think abote afore, but Mr. Hedditur he gives advise abote wat
the hold members of tbe Perfesshun aught to now sumthing :

I shud verry much like to se him hopperate and also use
the crasur, I thote sum of hour hold members wuld tell us,
wich his the best way of hopperating, I se in hontaryo the
yankeys dont now wich his the best, one rekummens one
plan & one a nother, and one says do wat you think best :
I ham gettin a hold man and hopperate on a good number
of hanin.als every year hoccasenly loosing one, has I suppose

COMMENTS ON PASSING EVENTS.

327

all hopperators do, and wen I see Letters abote the crasur
and a lad of 8 or 10 yers hopperating on hunnards and never
loosing heny, I think that his Bosh. I hopperate with the
Hirons and Clams & altho a grate many of my Colts hav
never been alterd I think of aving them doun and hup agane
in abote 5 minutes : I shud like to se farmer Mills andle
sum of my pashents, I can tell you Mr. Hedditur ime verry
fond of hopperatin, and if i ad more hedecashun, I shud ave
made a valeble member of hour perfesshun : I alwus huse
a rope made a purpus and ave a lap at the middel and shud
like to see farmer Mills or eney other Perfesser puting
hobles on sum of my pashents :

I ham aferd Mr. Hedditur that Mr. Flemming, & sum
tothers are thinking to much of hedicashun and to littel
of practise ; hall oui members cant live in touns and who
his to doctor the hold wimmens Cows ? les time at hede¬
cashun and more Practise that his my motto.

I now Mr. Hedditur that Ime short of a medikel hedde-
cashun still I try to himprove mysel, I keep a medikel
Wokabbelary and wen I see what I cant make hout I serch
in the Book ; Ive been rather pusseld how to use the
barometur ; I see it helps to dyagnose disese, so horderd
one from my drug man, it cum in a smal box, I thote I wuld
try to use it the fust hoppertunity, it did not anser my ex-
pextashuns; I had a Bullock bad under my care & thote
now his the time for to try the barometur, I had herd hit
must be put hup behind, one man held is nose and another
is tale, the man with the Tale laffed and said twas a quere
clyster I proceded to hexplane to him the use of the hin-
sterment ; the man with the nose thote I was giving him
Quicksilver backherds, the bruit kiked out and I thote wuld
spile my hinsterment, I hat last got it in and lost it and had
a dele of trubble to get it out agin, and sinse that time I
have given up the use of the hinsterment and dyagnose
without it :

I se sum ar cumplaning abote the running Doctors hand
the Quaks, there is no many abote here, I wuld certenly
put um done altho has I sed in the lattter part of my letter,
who is to Doctor the hold Wimmens Cows ? Ime sure Mr.
Hedditur has a famely man you now how nessesary it is to
plese the Wimmen as well has to Doctor the Cow : but Sir,
hafter workin hard hat the Cow and makin her alright, one
has a wash and sets done and as a cup of bo-he with her
and then she generally purduces a Bottel of temperrance
creme and I can tell you Mr. Hedditur that his not to be

328

COMMENTS ON PASSING EVENTS.

despiced ; I used to smoke but giv hit hup has considerd
it louring the dignety of the Perfesshun wich I try to hup-
hold, and I do think if I dont now who shud ?

I have practisd 35 yers in 1 Distric & think I have ob-
tanid the respex of my naybours, as well as my payshents
and clyents :

I have a hopponent who his a member of our Perfesshun
who Ime aferd his not much respected, our County hawtho-
ritis tuk is hoffice from him ; the chefe cunstable and 2 or S
more of my neybering Magistrates wated on me and haskd
me to hallow myself to be kall’d in by the hinspecturs in
Kases of Plura, wich I did, hand me hand the hawthoritis
have never had but one falhout sinse Ive had the honner of
bein kall’d in :

I never bled now in influensa ! I used to bled a dele and
make huse of a spring Flem & it looks well when you kan
hopperate well and kwickly hand has I sed afore, Ime fond
of hopperating ; I now make use of stimmelants I find most
payshents do best with stimmelants :

! Belly-ake agin! — yes II hattend drectly; I hattended find
a Kase of Flattelent Colic, give a Dose of my Mixture, hand
sundry clisters, happlied ot Cloths to his habdomen (has
rekummended by my frend Gamgee) hand he was curd ;
hand Ime sure the howner will think no other can cure
Flattellant Colic like yure umble Servant :

I nede not tell you Mr. Hedditur that Flattellant Colic
looks a verry serus cumplant, hand by lookin serus the
howner thinks he as had a narrer escape and will think
& speke well of yure umble Servent, has a grand currer of
Flattellant Colic :

I send with this heffushun of mine a coppy of a bill put
hout some yers sinse, a hopponent of mine and it tuk sume
time to drive him away, Ive ad it framed and hung in my
Surgary for the Members to see what Quakery wuld do, still
his plan was not a bad un, if you had but one payshent ; he
usd to stop with the payshent and borro money from the
howner to pay for Physic & etc. & etc. & drink till the beast
dide.

I shud like to see Quakery dun away with, hand wen
we have the penel Clawse hadded to hour Charter twil be a
bad time for them Quaks: but we havt to drive them hout
by our superier attanements and show the Payshents and
Howners who thay shud employ : If Mr. Hedditur you
think my heffushun will be of use to the yunger Members
of the Perfesshun & that my idears are not to much in
hadvance of the times, I culd give you a ceres of Papers, on

COMMENTS ON PASSING EVENTS. 329

Kweer Kases and ardships gone thro, wilst labering for
the Perfesshun : a wurd from you in yure next number will
be enufF for your Frend XXX. Trebble Ex.

P.S. — Ime in-cog !

Verbatim Copy,

John Larvin, Farrier and Cow Doctor, better known as

the Irish Cow Doctor.

John Larvin begs to inform Cowkeepers, Farmers, and
Publicans generally that he has received a valuable mixture
for the cure of cattle suffering under Milk Fever, Dry
Murrain and other diseases. Any Cow dying while under
his treatment, will pay for the damage, if he does not tell
the cause of death, before examination by opening.

Why don’t you Farmers set a working-man to mow yourmea-
dows, and do good work, and charge for his time ? No, the
working-man must tell you what he will do it for before you
set him on, and do good work. Why should you set College
Men, Farriers, Cow Doctors, or Skilful Men on your dumb
animals without knowing what you are to pay for doing
good work ? It is enough for you to lose your time and
rest, to lose the food, and the dumb animal at the end. If
he wants too much for doing it, pay him off ; — there are
plenty more in the country.

May 18th, 1872.

This is to certify that I had a cow very bad of the turn in
the head and inflammation of the kidneys. In this case I
applied to John Larvin, Farrier and Cow Doctor, who
resides at the Bull’s Head, St. Edward Street, who made a
perfect cure of her in a short time.

Mr. Robert Bagshaw , Ferry Hilly Cockitt.

June 2nd, 1872.

This is to certify that I had a cow bad of the Diarhea and
relax. In this case I applied to John Larvin, Farrier, and
Cow Doctor (better known by the name of the Irish Cow
Doctor), who resides at the Bull’s Head Inn, .... who has
made a perfect cure of her. She can be seen by applying to
Mr. - , Barn Field , near Station.

April 26th, 1872.

I had a cow that had been down three days and three
nights, by what the skilful men called milk fever. They
applied brandy, and other medicine by other skilful men,
which was of no use, but still worse. In this case I applied
to John Larvin, Farrier, and Cow Doctor, at the Bull’s

330

PLEURO- PNEUMONIA.

Head Inn, St. Edward Street, who said that the cow had no
more the milk Fever than the Dog had ; but that she was
uncoupled. He applied a cart rope, and lapped it round
her, and tightened it in a form that no man who stood by
had ever seen before. She jumped up and ran out of doors,
and has been well ever since.

Mr. Charles Smith , Lask-edge, Holbein .

April 9th, 1872.

This is to certify that I had a cow with inflamation of
the lungs and relax. In this case I applied to John
Larvin, Farrier and Cow Doctor, who resides at the Bull’s
Head Inn, St. Edward Street, who has made a perfect cure
of her.

Mr. John Forster , Bluestone Farm , Brown Hedge .

March 16th, 1872.

I had a cow very bad of relax and diarhea. In this case
I applied to John Larvin, Farrier and Cow Doctor, who
resides at the Bull’s Head Inn, St. Edward Street, who has
made a perfect cure of her in a short time, and can be seen
on application to

Mr. James Bourne3 Bemersley , Newton-in-the- Moors.

Take Notice. — Farmers, Cowkeepers, and Publican’s
generally, who have Cattle suffering under any Farrier, Cow
Doctor, or Skilful Men, are requested to observe, that John
Larvin’s principle is. No Cure , No Pay.

Pathological Contributions.

CATTLE PLAGUE.

This disease continues in those provinces in Russia which
were mentioned in our Journal of last month. The
Austro-Hungarian dominions still continue free from cattle
plague.

In Turkey in Europe the cattle plague has appeared in
two places in Thessaly.

PLEURO-PNEUMONIA.

For the first time for many years pleuro-pneumonia is
reported to have appeared in Denmark. The disease was
detected among a herd of sixty cattle. The whole herd was
slaughtered, and exportation of cattle was prohibited from
the Island of Fiinen when the outbreak occurred.

In the Netherlands this disease appears to be confined to

FACTS AND OBSERVATIONS.

331

the Province of South Holland ; but an outbreak was de¬
tected in the Province of Friesland, in a herd of sixty-four
cattle. The whole of the herd was forthwith slaughtered.

In England returns of the existence of pleuro-pneumonia
have been received from twenty counties during the first
quarter of this year, while nineteen have remained free ; no
case has been reported from Wales. There have been 210
outbreaks, making 522 cases in all, of pleuro-pneumonia
which have occurred during this period in England. This
is a considerable diminution on the number returned during
the corresponding quarter of last year.

FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE.

During the first quarter of the year the reported outbreaks
of foot-and-mouth disease amounted to four: four animals only
being attacked. In the corresponding quarter of last year
the outbreaks were sixteen, and the attacks numbered 2312.

Facts and Observations.

Appearance of (Estrum in a Mare shortly before
Parturition. Mr. Richard Bell, of the Cobham Stud Com¬
pany, writes : — The thorough-bred mare, Lady Gower, foaled
on April 12. The foal was a very small one, and only lived
for a short time. During the period of utero-gestation there
was nothing to call for remark until March 5th, five weeks
before the mare was delivered of the foal. On this date
the symptoms of oestrum were most marked, and she was
put to the horse, no suspicion being then entertained that
she was in foal. What is still more remarkable, however,
is the fact of the recurrence of oestrum on April 7 and
April 11, on both of which dates the mare was served, par¬
turition taking place the day after the last service.

Composition of Grains ” from Malt. By A. Markl
{Bied. Centr ., 1879,388). — Malt, weakly dried ; gives “ grains”
richer in starch than when it has been more strongly dried. 100
parts of grains obtained by the infusion process contained : —

Fresh.

W ater

From gently.

. 79 3

Stronger.

79*1

Strongly dried

78-6

Albumin .

4*1

4-7

54

Fat .

04

0 3

0-4

Fibre

62

7-8

9-4

Starch

95

6-7

53

Ash .

11

1*3

1*2

K. C. — Journ.

of the Chemical

Society.

333

THE VETERINARIAN, MAY 1, 1880.

Ne quid falsi dicere audeat, ne quid veri non audeat. — Ciceeo.

DEVELOPMENT OE THE ELUKE.

Any experiments which would throw light on whatever
mystery remains in the life-history of the parasite which
has been and is now doing such serious mischief to our
flocks, would be accepted at their full value by scientific
and practical men. Helminthologists have demonstrated
that certain varities of flukes pass through stages of
development before they become sufficiently advanced to
occupy the alimentary organs of warm-blooded animals, and
although it has not been shown that the liver fluke which
infests the sheep undergoes the same series of transition in its
progress from the egg to the tailed cercarian form and final
maturity, as other members of the family, there is nothing in
its habits or constitution to suggest a doubt that the crea¬
ture is subject to the developmental laws which govern its
fellows. At any rate the contrary cannot be lightly assumed.

Public interest has been exercised to an unusual degree by
the accounts of severe losses which our flock masters have re¬
cently sustained, and every one has been anxious to suggest a
remedy for the evil. As Mr. Howard recently said at an
Agricultural Meeting : a If the farmer does not know his
business it is not for the want of teachers from all classes
of society.” There is, however, the consolation that no one
is compelled to take the advice which is so very liberally
offered on all sides.

Opinions as to the cause, nature, treatment, and preven¬
tion of “ rot,” have been freely scattered in the pages of
the daily press, and generally they have been of the usual
haphazard character, and have doubtless been received by
those for whose benefit they were intended with the usual
amount of inattention, but a statement contained in a letter
to the Times a few weeks ago, by Dr. John Harley, deserves
a passing notice, on account of its contemptuous disregard of
the results which have been arrived at by the distin-

EDITORIAL OBSERVATIONS.

333

a

guished savants who have made parasitism a special
object of study and research.

Referring to the theory, as he called it, of the develop¬
ment of distoma, Dr. Harley adds : “ This error may be
recognised by any farmer who will take the trouble to feed
a new-born lamb with a few flukes taken direct from the
body of a recently killed sheep, and before they have dis¬
charged their eggs, and keeping the lamb free from further
infection ; in a few weeks then examine the alimentary canal
and liver, when he will find the parasites in increased num¬
bers in the body of the lamb.”.

We pass over the suggestion that the farmer should un¬
dertake such an inquiry as the writer probably intended to
be figurative and not literal. He must have known that in
the event of flukes being developed from the ova of the
parent worm they would be necessarily minute objects at
the end of a few weeks, and therefore not discoverable by a
person who was unaccustomed to pathological investigations.
But we feel justified in remarking that the statement ought
not to have been made by a scientific man on any less
positive ground than that of his own observations. We tried
the experiment repeatedly many years ago, and, as a matter
of course, without result ; but the statement of a medical
authority would be accepted without question by people who
knew nothing about the subject, and if no harm is done, no
good can possibly arise.

Dr. Cobbold, in his letter of reply to Dr. Harley, simply
contents himself with flatly denying the writer’s statement,
apparently not deeming the matter worth discussion. Dr.
Crisp refers, we presume, ironically to Dr. Harley’s im¬
portant discovery, and asks for details of his experiments,
which, it is needless to say, he does not get. Meanwhile one
professional friend is conducting some experiments in order
to determine whether or not lambs may be infected by the
droppings from the dams, and another has arrived at the
astounding conclusion that flukes are the growth of a day, a
simple consequence, he solemnly assures us, of the very
magnificent law which regulates the world — the law of
spontaneous development !

334

ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY OF ENGLAND.

Monthly Council, Wednesday, April 7th, 1880. Present, the Duke
of Bedford, President, in the chair.

CHEMICAL COMMITTEE.

Mr. Wells (chairman) presented the quarterly report of the committee,
and recommended that it be published in the agricultural newspapers.
Among the cases of interest was the following :

Poisoning of Animals by Castor Cake.

Mr. Rowland Taylor , M.R.C.V.S. , Queen Street, Colchester, on the 8th
December, sent a sample of linseed-cake, stating at the same time that
he had lost several sheep fed on the cake, and attributed his loss to a
poison in the cake.

The subjoined report shows that the cake was adulterated with castor
bean cake, and extremely poisonous. No information respecting the
vendor and price of this cake could be obtained.

Laboratory, 12, Hanover Square,
December 19 th, 1879.

Dear Sir, — I have the pleasure of enclosing an analysis of the
sample of cake which you sent to me a short time ago. The cake, I
regret to say, is not a genuine linseed-cake, and contains niger cake and
castor-bean cake, and in my judgment is rank poison to sheep or cattle.
It has a foul smell, like that of rotten tea-leaves and similar vegetable
substances, and contains dark -coloured bits of vegetable matter, not
found in genuine linseed cake. Unlike good linseed-cake, it does not
get nearly as mucilaginous when mixed in a powdered state with water
as linseed-cake of fair average quality, and it has a nasty taste and dis¬
gusting smell.

The most serious contamination of the cake is that with castor-cake,
the presence of which I have unmistakably verified by repeated micro¬
scopical observations. I have also found castor-cake in the meal or
powdered cake which accompanied the bits of cake you sent me, and as
far as I can judge the powdered cake is of the same character as the
unbroken cake. Castor-cake might have been accidentally mixed with
linseed-cake in shipping, in which case the powdered cake would contain
castor-cake powder, whilst the linseed-cake itself might be free from
castor. As the determination of this point is of importance, I examined
the meal and the unbroken bits of cake separately, and find castor-bean
husks in the interior of the unbroken pieces of cake ; it is clear, there¬
fore, that in the making of the cake castor-beans have been crushed
along with the linseed, and that castor-cake did not merely accidentally
get mixed up with linseed-cake in the shipping.

My experience with regard to castor-bean cake is that, whilst castor
oil, as you well know, is a purgative which may be given to man or beast
in considerable quantities, the expressed bean is a most virulent irritating
poison. A single bean is enough to cause vomiting, purging, and utter
prostration, from which the patient does not recover for days. I have,
therefore, no hesitation in declaring the cake as very poisonous. Pro¬
bably less than 1 lb. will cause the death of a sheep. — Believe me, yours
faithfully, Aug. Voelcker.

R. Taylor, Esq.

Dr. Voelcker also directed attention to several samples of oats which
had been sent to him for examination, and which he found had been
subjected to sulphur fumes with a view of bleaching or brightening dis¬
coloured unsound old oats, and giving them the appearance of sound new
oats.

ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS.

835

VETERINARY COMMITTEE.

Sir Brandreth Gibbs reported that the Committee had received a letter
from the Secretary of the Royal Veterinary College approving of the
new schedule of veterinary privileges as approved by the Council ; and
the Committee recommended that the same be now printed, and issued
to the members of the Society in the usual manner. The Committee
had also received the following letter from the Highland and Agricultural
Society of Scotland :

“The Directors have to-day had the report of the Veterinary Committee
before them on the subject of joining with your Society in giving prizes
to veterinary students, and after careful consideration they have arrived
at the resolution not to alter the present arrangement of giving prizes
in the three veterinary schools in Scotland, and also at our examinations.
The sum required for these prizes in as much as the Society can devote
to veterinary encouragement, and, therefore, the Board determined to¬
day not to join with your Society in the scheme proposed in your letter
of the 30th January — at any rate, not till after our examinations cease,
viz. in 1881.”

Dr. Greenfield, of the Brown Institution, Wandsworth Road, S.W.,
had expressed his desire to have sent to him any animals or fowls suffer¬
ing from the epidemic diseases now so fatal in many districts, and Prof.
Simonds had also expressed a similar desire on behalf of the Royal
Veterinary College.

This report was adopted.

A letter was also read from the Foreign Office, transmitting a dispatch
from Her Majesty’s High Commissioner in Cyprus, respecting the
“ Sirivil” insect, accompanied by specimens of it preserved in spirit, and
asking for advice as to the best manner of destroying this insect.

On the motion of Mr. Wells, seconded by Sir Brandreth Gibbs, the
matter was referred to the Society’s Consulting Naturalist (Mr. Car-
ruthers).

ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS.

MEETING OF COUNCIL, HELD APRIL 9th, 1880.

The President in the Chair.

Present: — Professors Walley and Pritchard; Major-Gen. Sir F. Fitz-
wygram; Messrs. Blakeway, Taylor, Reynolds, Greaves, Freeman, An-
derton, Gowing, Whittle, Dray, Moon, Batt, Fleming, Morgan, Harpley,
Cartledge, G. Williams, Cartwright, and the Secretary.

The minutes of last meeting were read and confirmed.

The Secretary read a letter from Prof. McCall regretting his inability
to attend the meeting. Also a letter from Mr. John Roalfe Cox,
acknowledging with thanks the honour of his election as a member of
the Court of Examiners.

The Secretary announced that Gen. Sir Frederick Fitzwygram had
presented to the museum some specimens of grasses, which had been
classified and arranged by Dr. Cobbold.

On the motion of Mr. Dray , seconded by Prof. Walley , a vote of
thanks was accorded to the donor.

Mr. Fleming presented to the museum a fractured os corona of a
pony and some amphistomes from the stomach of a horse, received^
India.

On the motion of Mr. Dray, seconded by Mr. Gowing, a voj^^
was accorded to Mr. Fleming for his presentation.

336

ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS.

A letter was received from a chemist residing in Boston, Lincoln¬
shire, accompanying some specimens of oegrophiles, said to be from the
stomach of a ewe sheep.

On the motion of Mr. Cartledge , a vote of thanks was awarded to the
donor.

The Secretary announced that a letter had been received from Sir
James Gell, Attorney-General, Castletown, Isle of Man, in which he
expressed a wish to be furnished with a register of qualified members ;
and that a copy of the register had been sent to him accordingly.

The Secretary also intimated that a long letter had been received from
the same gentleman with reference to the sale of poisons. Some con¬
versation arose on this subject, and it was considered that it had more
reference to the Pharmaceutical Society than to the College of Veterinary
Surgeons.

On the motion of Mr. Reynolds, seconded by Prof. Pritchard , it was
resolved to refer the subject to the Royal Pharmaceutical Society.

The Retiring Secretary.

Mr. Pray , referring to the retirement of Mr. Coates, said that after
his long services as Secretary, which had been very faithfully per¬
formed, and looking to the high moral integrity characterising Mr.
Coates, he would propose that £30 be granted to him annually for the
term of his natural life.

Mr. Fleming said he had great pleasure in seconding the motion.

Mr. Gowing explained that Mr. Coates’s salary was £150, and that
the salary of the new secretary was fixed at £120; according to this
arrangement, therefore, he thought that the pension for the retiring
secretary could be amply provided for.

Mr. Morgan questioned whether it would be legal for the Council to
grant an annuity. He had nothing to say, except in favour of Mr.
Coates and the manner in which he had performed his duties ; but it
would be dangerous to establish a precedent such as was now proposed.

Mr. Pray said he was quite willing to modify his resolution. If the
Council thought proper to grant a sum annually, he would be quite
willing to agree to it.

Mr. Fleming pointed out that there was nothing in the charter to
prevent the Council granting an annuity. It rested with the Council
whether it should be an annuity or an annual grant. Perhaps it would
be safer to make it an annual grant.

Mr. Harpley suggested that it would, perhaps, be better to make a
grant to Mr. Coates at once of a hundred guineas, by way of bonus.
He merely threw out that suggestion for discussion. He had a desire,
as he had no doubt the other members of the Council had, to do some¬
thing for the benefit of Mr. Coates on his retirement, considering that
he had served them so well.

Mr. Morgan seconded Mr. Harpley’s proposal.

Professor Walley said he was anxious that something should be done
in recognition of Mr. Coates’s services, but if he were granted an annuity
of £30, the new secretary would stand no possible chance of improving
his position as time went on.

Mr. Fleming pointed out that a hundred guineas was a very small
sum to award to the secretary, considering his long services.

Gowing said that he would willingly hold up his hand for
^^>ut the question was whether or not the Council could afford it.

^^Taylor thought that long and faithful services were worthy of
He wished to ask on what ground the late Mr. Gabriel
whether it was annual ; and he should like to know

ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS. 337

whether Mr. Coates would wish a certain sum presented to him at
once, or whether he would desire an annual presentation.

Mr. Dray pointed out that, for some years, Mr. Coates performed the
duties of secretary at only £100 a year. This, he thought, ought to be
taken into consideration in considering what remuneration the Council
should give to Mr. Coates on his retirement.

Mr. Harpley deprecated taking the allowance to the retiring secretary
from the salary of the incoming one. On the last occasion it was an
annual vote, and not a vote for life.

Sir F. Fitzwygram thought the feeling of the Council seemed to be in
favour of an annual grant to the secretary ; but he suggested that
counsel’s opinion should be taken whether the Council could legally
make such grant.

The President then put Mr. Harpley’s amendment, “ That the sum of
one hundred guineas be given to Mr. Coates on his retirement.”

On a show of hands being taken, four voted for the amendment.

The President then put the motion, “ That the sum of £30 per annum
be given to Mr. Coates for his long services, if such a grant can be made
legally.” The motion was carried.

Mr. Coates, the retiring secretary (who had been absent during the
discussion), was called in and apprised of the result. He expressed his
gratitude for the kindness shown to him by the Council, and said that
they had granted to him more than his past services gave him any right
to expect.

Letters were read from several applicants for the post of secretary ;
and a report was read from the committee appointed to consider the
subject recommending the appointment of Mr. Arthur Wm. Hill. On
the motion of Prof. Walley, seconded by Mr. Gowing , the recommenda¬
tion of the committee was agreed to.

Mr. Dray said, that in severing the connection of the Council with
Mr. Coates, they ought not to separate without giving an unanimous
expression of their approval of his long and faithful services ; and he
begged to move a resolution to that effect.

Mr. Gowing seconded the motion, which was supported by Mr. Greaves ,
and carried unanimously.

Mr. Hill, the new Secretary, was called in and informed that he had
been elected by the Council. He briefly returned thanks for his election.

Royal Agricultural Society.

The Secretary read the following report in reference to the examina¬
tions in connection with the Royal Agricultural Society :

To the President and Council of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.

Gentlemen, — We have the honour to report that the examination for
the prizes offered by the Royal Agricultural Society took place on
Thursday, the 22nd inst., at the Islington Cattle Market, and the Royal
College of Veterinary Surgeons, 10, Red Lion Square.

Six candidates were eligible for competition. Of these one declined;
one, in consequence of the regiment in which he holds his appointment
having been removed from Aldershot to Leeds, did not receive his notice
until too late, and one sent no reply,

Three presented themselves, and these having afforded such proofs of
their practical acquaintance with the subjects brought under their
notice, we adjudicate the prizes in the following order:

1st prize . William Alston Edgar . 1000 marks,

2nd „ . William Frank Smith . 875 ,,

3rd „ . Nicholson Almond , . 735 „

out of a maximum of 1200 marks.

33B

ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS.

It is a subject for great regret that the liberal inducements offered
by the Royal Agricultural Society have not been more appreciated by
the recent graduates of the profession ; possibly this may in some measure
arise from the expenses occasioned by a journey to London, and we
should therefore suggest that some allowance for travelling expenses
might overcome the difficulty.

(Signed) Thos. Walton Mater.

D. Gresswell.

Jan. 23rd, 1880. Wm. Duguid.

The President said that in connection with this matter he had called
on Mr. Jenkins, the Secretary, and he was agreeable to do all he could to
further the arrangements between the Highland Society and the Royal
Agricultural Society. He had also called on Mr. Menzies, in Scotland,
and he believed that the matter was now before the committee of the
Highland Society. He expected that before the next meeting some
arrangements might be made.

Mr. Hartley said he had attended a meeting of the Royal Agricultural
Society, and he was sorry to say, from what he had observed, that the
scheme had for the present broken through.

The Secretary reported that at a special meeting of the Court of Exami¬
ners for the Fellowship Degree, held February 7th, 1880, the candidates
present underwent their examination and were admitted Fellows of the
Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.

At a meeting of the Court of Examiners for the Pass Examination,
held on March 30th, March 31st, and April 1st, thirty-three candidates
were passed and one was rejected.

At a meeting of the Court of Examiners for the Second Examination,
held April 2nd, 3rd, 5th, and 6th, thirty-one were passed and seven were
rejected.

At a meeting of the Court of Examiners for the First Examination,
held April 7th and 8th, fourteen candidates were passed and seven
rejected.

A question arose as to the qualifications of one of the candidates, Mr.
Simmons.

After some discussion it was arranged that the Medical Diploma of
Mr. Simmons’s qualifications should be obtained through one of the
schools.

The Secretary stated that twenty-two candidates holding the Highland
and Agricultural Society’s certificate had paid the required fee, and a list of
names had been submitted to the Principals of different schools ; and he
asked for the sanction of the Council that these candidates should obtain
the diploma of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.

The sanction was granted.

The Secretary said that he had received three certificates, dated
April 7th, 1880, from the Principal of the Edinburgh Veterinary College,
of candidates holding the Highland and Agricultural Society’s Certificate,
and proposing to remit the fee of seven guineas to the Royal College of
Veterinary Surgeons. It was agreed that the three applicants should be
admitted members of the College as asked by them.

On the application of the Secretary, it was agreed that 200 diplomas
be printed between now and July next.

The obituary notice was read.

Mr. Bray referred to the death of Mr. Cuthbert, one of the members
of Council, and proposed that a letter of condolence be sent to Mrs.
Cuthbert and family, sympathising with them in their bereavement.

Mr. P. Taylor seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously.

The Secretary read a letter from Prof. McCall, in which he asked, with

ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS.

339

reference to Mr. Crozier’s examination, whether the first half of his
examination under the old rules would be accounted to him, or whether
he would have to stand a first, second, or third examination.

The President said that if the applicant failed under the old rules he
must commence de novo.

The Secretary stated that a letter had been received from Mr. Glover,
from the Veterinary College, Camden Town, stating that in consequence
of illness he was prevented from coming up for examination in January
last. He was told he could not come up again until the following
Christmas, which he considered a great hardship.

It was decided that unless a certificate was received from the Principal
of the Veterinary College in which Mr. Glover had been educated he
should go up in July.

The Secretary announced that a letter had been received from Dr.
Dunsmure, asking to be furnished with the requisite diplomas and papers
for examination commencing April 9th, and that they should be ex¬
tended to the 14th, 15th, 16th, 19th and 20th.

The Secretary intimated that the diplomas had been sent.

The Secretary announced that a letter had been received from Mr.
Moore, dated the 3rd of February, 1880, in answer to a letter from the
President of the Royal College, in which the writer stated that the letter
had been laid before the Practitioners’ Committee, and that they con¬
sidered it a most evasive answer to the requisition to call a meeting in
the rooms of the Royal College.

Another letter, dated April 2nd, referring to the same subject, was
read from Mr. Moore.

A letter was read from Mr. J. C. Rutherford, asking his name to be
entered as a candidate for the Fitzwygram prizes if it was not too
late.

Sir F. Fitzwygram said that as soon as he knew the date of the Scotch
Examinations lie would fix the date for the Fitzwygram Prize Examina¬
tions.

Finance Committee.

The vouchers and receipts for payments during the preceding quarter
were examined and found correct. The present liabilities amounted to
£110 18s. 7d., which the Committee recommended should be dis¬
charged.

New Register.

The Secretary asked permission for a new Register to be printed, so as
to include the new members of the profession.

On the motion of Mr. Fleming , a committee, consisting of Mr. Collins,
Mr. Harpley, and Mr. Fleming, was appointed to look into the matter
prior to the new Register being printed.

The Annual Report.

The President and Mr. Dray were appointed, with the Secretary, to
draw up the annual report.

Mr. Batt and Mr. Banham were appointed auditors.

The Secretary read a list of names that had been proposed as members
of Council.

A new financial journal was ordered to be purchased.

Mr. Fleming moved a resolution, of which he had previously given
notice, “That steps be immediately taken by the Royal College of
Veterinary Surgeons to obtain an Act of Parliament for the protection
of the title of veterinary surgeon, or other title conferred by Royal
Charter.” Mr. Fleming reiterated his views in regard to the motion^
which views he explained at length on a former occasion.

340

ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS.

Professor Walley seconded the motion, and, in doing so, expressed his
entire concurrence with the ideas set forth by Mr. Fleming.

Mr. Greaves and Mr. Blakeway supported the motion, which, on being
put to the vote, was carried.

This concluded the business of the Quarterly Meeting.

A SPECIAL MEETING

was afterwards held.

Sir Frederick Fit zwy gram brought forward a motion which, he said,
was not carried at the last special meeting, in consequence of there not
being a quorum. It was for the purpose of amending the rules in
relation to the appointment of scrutineers. It was felt desirable to
appoint the scrutineers prior to the meeting, so that, after their business
was finished as scrutineers, they could take part in the transaction of
any subsequent business. His proposal was to expunge the words that
required the scrutineers to be appointed at the General Meeting, and to
add, “ At the meeting prior to the Annual Meeting the Council shall
choose from among the members of the profession not less than six
persons, to act as scrutineers in the election of members of the
Council.”

Mr Whittle seconded the motion.

On the motion of Professor Pritchard , seconded by Mr. Reynolds , and
supported by Professor Walley , an amendment was carried to the effect,
“ That the scrutineers be the first parties to deal with the voting
papers.”

Sir F. Fitzwygram observed that this would throw a great burden on
the scrutineers, and that he did not see the slightest objection to the
secretary arranging the papers.

Mr. Fleming, on behalf of Mr. Collins, brought forward a motion for
the amendment of a bye-law, submitted on a former occasion, to enable
veterinary surgeons abroad to vote for members of Council at the
annual meetings. He explained that Mr. Collins did not wish the
motion to be put that evening ; and he would move, in accordance with
Mr. Collins’s wish, “ That a small committee be formed to take into con¬
sideration the best means for enabling the members of the profession
who are abroad to vote for members of Council.”

Mr. Whittle seconded the motion, which was carried.

A committee, consisting of the President, Sir Frederick Fitzwygram,
and Mr. Fleming, was then appointed to carry into effect the spirit of
the resolution.

Mr. Fleming then moved the adoption of the following resolution,
which he said had been discussed some months ago, viz, “ That in
case any student, after having attended the prescribed course, is pre¬
vented by any cause — the fault not being his own — from presenting
himself for the first or second examination, he shall, after having
passed that examination, be allowed to present himself for the one
immediately following, by studying one term less than he would by
the Bye-laws 31 and 32, provided the full number of terms shall have
been complied with.”

Professor Walley seconded the motion, which was carried.

Mr. Fleming then moved a new bye-law, “ That no student receive
the diploma of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons until he
shall have attained the age of twenty-one years.” He explained thaf
the effect of the bye-law would be that no student could receive a
diploma unless he was twenty-one years of age, and gave his views
on the subject to the same effect as he had given them at a previous
meeting of Council.

ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS. 341

Mr. Whittle seconded the motion, which was opposed by Mr. P.
Taylor and Professor Walley.

Mr. Taylor moved an amendment, and Professor Walley seconded it,
“ That no student shall receive the diploma of the Royal College of
Veterinary Surgeons until he shall have attained the age of twenty years.”

The motion and the amendment were put to the meeting, when four¬
teen voted for the amendment, and four for the motion. The amend¬
ment was therefore declared carried.

Professor Walley moved certain alterations in Bye-laws 32, 33, 35, and
47 ; but, after discussion, amendments were carried, allowing the bye-
lav/s to remain as they were at present.

The proceedings then terminated.

SPECIAL MEETING OF THE COUNCIL, HELD 16th APRIL,

1880.

In the absence of the President, on the motion of Mr. Coates , seconded
by Mr. Batt,

E. C. Dray, Esq., Vice-President, took the Chair.

Present : — Professors Pritchard and Axe ; Messrs. Batt, Coates,
Collins, Dray, Morgan, Proctor, Williams, and the Secretary.

The minutes of the last quarterly and special meetings were read and
confirmed.

The Secretary stated that letters expressing regret at their inability
to attend the meeting had been received from Mr. P. Taylor, Mr.
Whittle, and Mr. Moon.

On the motion of Mr. Moryan, seconded by Prof Pritchard , the
amended Bye-law No. 7, proposed by Sir Frederick Fitzwygram, was con¬
firmed, signed, and sealed, in accordance with the provisions of the charter.

On the motion of Mr. Morgan , seconded by Mr. Batt, the new “ Bye¬
law,” to follow No. 32, proposed by Mr. Fleming, was also confirmed,
signed, and sealed, in accordance with the provisions of the charter.

The Secretary announced the receipt of a letter from Mr. C. A. Green-
Army tage, Durban, Natal, acknowledging the arrival of a certificate in
lieu of his original diploma which he had lost.

The following letter was read from Major-General Sir Frederick
Fitzwygram :

“Dear Mr. Coates. — I fix Tuesday, May 4th, for the competition for
my prizes. The examination will be held as usual in London and
Edinburgh.”

The Secretary stated that a letter had also been received from Mr.
Archer, who stated that he had passed his first examination, and
requested to be informed whether he must attend both a summer and a
winter session to be eligible for the second examination next April.

The subject was directed to be referred to the principal of the Royal
Veterinary College.

The Secretary read the draft annual report.

On the motion of Mr. Batt , seconded by Mr. Collins , the report was
received.

Mr. Collins asked if it were intended to act on the resolution passed at
the last annual meeting, and circulate the report prior to the next
annual meeting.

Mr. Coates said it was intended to act in accordance with that
resolution.

Prof. Axe said he doubted whether that was a matter with which the
annual meeting had power to deal.

LI1I. 24

342 ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS.

Prof. Pritchard said the distribution of the report entailed expendi¬
ture, and therefore was solely a matter for the consideration of the
Council. The annual meeting could only make a suggestion to the Council.

Mr. Collins said although no formal resolution had been passed by the
Council with regard to this matter, the decision of the annual meeting
had been tacitly accepted by the Council.

Prof. Axe thought that nothing should be taken as accepted. It ought
to have come before the Council.

Mr. Collins moved “ That the report, including the treasurer’s annual
balance sheet, be adopted.

Mr. Williams seconded the motion, which was agreed to.

Prof. Pritchard moved, and Prof. Axe seconded, “ That the annual
report be printed and circulated with the voting papers.”

The resolution was agreed to.

The Secretary stated that letters had been received from Prof.
Williams and Prof. McCall nominating scrutineers for the annual
meeting. Prof. M’Call nominated Mr. Archibald Robinson, Mr. Robert
Mitchell, and Mr. Win. Anderson ; Prof. Williams nominated Prof.
Vaughan, Mr. R. Rutherford, Mr. E. Grey, Mr. Reekie, and Mr C.
Cunningham.

Mr. Coates said he had written to the principals of the three Scotch
schools, asking them to nominate some gentlemen resident in Scotland,
who would officiate as scrutineers at the annual meeting.

On the motion of Mr. Collins, seconded by Prof. Pritchard, the eight
gentlemen nominated were appointed scrutineers.

The Secretary read the house committee’s report, which, on the
motion of Prof. Axe, seconded by Mr. Proctor, was received.

Prof. Axe said he should be glad to contribute interesting specimens to
the Museum if the College would provide the necessary cases and
accommodation.

Mr. Collins said he thought that a proposal to provide cases was
agreed to months ago*

Mr. Coates said Mr. Harpley did propose such a resolution, and it was
carried, but in consequence of the proposed removal to Fitzroy Square
the matter remained in abeyance. As a member of the Council he
would move that a sum of money not exceeding £50 should be laid out
for the improvement of the Museum.

Mr. Collins thought that a detailed estimate of the costs should first
be prepared.

Prof. Axe suggested the appointment of a Museum Committee. At
present there were no specimens by which students could be examined.

On the motion of tfie Chairman , seconded by Mr. Bait , a Museum
Committee was appointed, consisting of Prof. Axe, Prof. Pritchard, and
Mr. Fleming, with instructions to prepare an estimate of the necessary
outlay.

On the motion of Prof. Axe, seconded by Mr. Collins , the house com¬
mittee’s report was adopted.

A cheque was ordered to be drawn for £12 to meet the cost of
fixtures, &c., paid by the retiring secretary.

Mr. Coates said he had about twenty guineas in hand, consisting of
fees paid by the Highland and Agricultural Society’s members. He
wished to know whether he should pay the money to the treasurer or
to the bankers.

It was decided that it should be paid into the bank.

A vote of thanks to the Chairman was proposed by Prof. Pritchard ,
seconded by Prof. Axe , and agreed to.

343

ROYAL VETERINARY COLLEGE.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE APPOINTED TO CONFER
WITH A DEPUTATION OF VETERINARY SURGEONS.

Your Committee, by appointment, met to-day, Feb. 9th, a Deputation
from the London and Provincial Veterinary Surgeons, who feel aggrieved
at what they term “the unfair competition of the Royal Veterinary
College with them in their ordinary practice.”

The Deputation was numerous, and comprised, among others, Messrs.
J. Moore, T. Moore, J. Howe, J. I. Lupton, W. Hunting, W. Helmore,
and R. Ward.

The Committee invited the members of the Deputation to express,
either collectively or individually, their grounds of complaint and the
remedies which they would suggest.

It soon became obvious that the grounds of complaint were divided
into two heads, viz. — 1st. The injury done to private practitioners by
the privileges enjoyed by Subscribers, as sanctioned by the Rules of the
Royal Veterinary College ; and 2nd. The injury also done to them by
the alleged practice of the Professors of the College among the public.

The Committee beg to state that the complaints were very temper¬
ately and fairly stated.

With regard to the first ground of complaint — namely, the privileges
of Subscribers — it was urged by the Deputation that though the great
majority of the Subscribers did not avail themselves of their privileges
to any unfair extent, yet there were a certain number of dealers and
large firms who did so, and who thus received advantages at the expense
of the College, at great loss of time to the Professors and to the injury
of private practitioners, which was not warranted by the amount of
their subscribtions.

The Committee think that this complaint is not unreasonable, and
suggest, for the consideration of the Governors, that the privileges of
Subscribers should not be taken advantage of to such an extent as to
afford fair grounds of complaint.

The object of the College is not profit, but the promotion of Veteri¬
nary education. It is right that those gentlemen who are kind enough
to subscribe towards this desirable object should receive in return some
advantages. But it is certainly not the object or wish of the Governors
to injure or interfere with the fair rights of the Veterinary Profession.

The Committee think that these abuses might be checked without
any detriment to the Subscribers by restricting the number of horses to
be examined in a year to five without fee, or to ten on payment of an
additional sum of £2 2s., or at a charge of 10s. 6d. for each horse above
five.

The Committee also recommend that the charges per night per horse
should be raised from 3s. 6d. to 4s.

The Deputation complained of the very low charge made for the visit
of a Professor in serious outbreaks of disease, viz. £2 2s.

The ground of this complaint was not that such visits interfered with
the practice of the Local Veterinary Surgeon, for in such cases his daily
attendance would, of course, be still required 3 but the fact that the
services of an eminent Professor from London could be obtained for
£2 2s. caused much discontent, and interfered with the usual and indeed
proper charge of the Local Veterinary Surgeon.

There is no doubt a good deal of truth in this argument, but, on the

344 CONFERENCE WITH VETERINARY SURGEONS.

other hand, it is desirable, in the best interest of Agriculture, that
Farmers and others should be supplied at a low charge with the best
professional advice on the occurrence of serious outbreaks of disease,
and the Committee therefore do not recommend any alteration in the
charge either to the Subscribers to the College or to the Members of the
Royal Agricultural Society ; but to Non-Subscribers the Committee
recommend that the charge should be raised to £5 5s.

The Committee think that the Profession would be satisfied with these
changes ; and as they will not affect injuriously, but rather otherwise, the
financial interests of the College, they recommend them to the favor¬
able consideration of the Governors.

It will be observed that the complaints are not directed against the
College generally, but against certain abuses, or, if abuse be too strong
a word, against undue advantage being taken by certain individual
Subscribers.

As regards the College generally, the data collected by Mr. Collins
and the Secretary from the books show that there is no ground for any
charge of “underselling” the Profession.

CD O

It appears from those data that in the year past 2052 patients were
treated, and 1447 Horses were examined. In addition to the charge for
keep, the subscriptions paid gave an average of £l Is. for each Horse
examined, and 9s. for cost of medical treatment for each case.

As regards the second ground of complaint, viz. the practice of the
Professors in visiting and examining animals outside the College, which
was stated to be frequent, no specific instances were brought forward in
a way so as to admit of immediate investigation.

The Committee could only assure the Deputation that any such
practice was most strictly prohibited by the terms of the engagement of
the Professors, and that any cases which they could prove would be
visited with the severest penalty. With this assurance the Deputation
appeared perfectly satisfied.

The Deputation also objected to the Professors constantly appearing
in Law Courts as witnesses or experts, as interfering with the legitimate
practice of the Profession.

The Committee assured the Deputation that the Governors were much
opposed to the valuable time of their Professors being taken up, some¬
times for days together, in the Law Courts ; but that a subpoena
compelled attendance.

The Committee recommend, with a view of discouraging this practice,
that the fees received for such attendance be paid into the College Fund.

The Deputation likewise objected to the employment of the Pro¬
fessors at the Smithfield and Royal Agricultural Shows at a low fee ;
but on explanation that it was for the good of the public service that
the inspectors at these shows should be totally unconnected with
breeders and dealers, and also specially skilled in a knowledge of den¬
tition of animals, so as to command public confidence, the Deputation
withdrew their objection.

The Deputation then pressed their objection to the employment of
the Professors at the Islington and Alexandra and other Horse Shows.

As these Shows are private speculations of Limited Liability Companies,
the Committee think that the Profession have fair grounds for their
objection. When a Company make a profit, they may fairly be called on
to pay the usual rates. Where a Society makes no profit, as the Smith-
field Club and Royal Agricultural Society, it is right that the College
should afford them every assistance.

The Deputation did not in any way object to the cheap practice
lately instituted by the Governors.

ROYAL VETERINARY COLLEGE.

345

The Deputation made a suggestion that private Veterinary Surgeons
should be allowed to send interesting cases into the College Infirmary
free of charge. It was stated that there were many interesting cases
which would not pay the owner to have treated on the chance of re¬
covery/ and which would therefore be sent to the knackers ; but which
would be most interesting to keep for further treatment.*

The Committee think that there would be a difficulty in doing this,
but they are also of opinion that it would be very desirable if it could
be arranged. As a matter of fact, there are very few severe cases in
the Infirmary. The horses belonging to gentlemen are generally treated
before the cases become serious, and again, this class of horse seldom
meets with the severe accidents so common among a lower class.

The Deputation spoke throughout in a very fair and friendly manner,
and expressed a cordial wish to work with the Royal Veterinary College.

F. W. Fitzwygram, Chairman.

Arthur Somerset.

M. J. Harpley.

Adoption.

At a meeting of the Governors on March 16th, 1880, this Report of
the Committee was presented and agreed to, subject to certain necessary
alterations in the Bye-laws and Regulations.

By Order. Richard A. N, Powys, Secretary.

ROYAL VETERINARY COLLEGE.

The usual Quarterly Meeting of the General Purfoses Committee
was held in the Board Room of the College on Tuesday, April 13th.

Present. — Sir Paul Hunter, Bart. (Chairman), Col. Kingscote, C.B.,
M.P., Sir P. Fitzwygram, Bart., Mr. R. B. Berens, Lord Arthur Somerset,
Sir James Tyler.

After the Accountant had read the Quarterly Statement of Receipts
and Expenditure, the names of fifty-seven new Subscribers were submitted
to the meeting and declared elected.

The Principal’s Quarterly Report was then read, from which it
appeared that, owing to the resignation of Professor Pritchard, it had
become necessary to make provision for conducting the Infirmary and
Establishment duties hitherto undertaken by him — and also for filling
the vacancy in the Scholastic Department of the College. The Principal
reported that satisfactory arrangements had been made.

It was further reported that 226 horses and 10 dogs had been admitted
nto the Infimary during the three months ending March 31st.

Of the 226 horses, 92 were affected with lameness of various kinds, and
22 were admitted for special examination as to their general soundness,
71 suffered from illness mainly affecting the respiratory or digestive
organs, 16 were the subjects of lacerated wounds, 9 were affected with
farcy or glanders, and 8 with diseases of the skin.

The dogs were mostly the subjects of distemper, skin diseases, or
injuries.

With regard to the School, the Report stated that the attendance and

* All animals so admitted will become the property of the College ;
but any animal, if cured, may be reclaimed by its former owner on
paying for its keep while under treatment.

3 16

CENTRAL VETERINARY MEDICAL SOCIETY.

conduct of the Students had been, on the whole, satisfactory ; and that
at the Examinations just concluded out of thirty-four Students, who
presented themselves for the Diploma of the Royal College of Veterinary
Surgeons, thirty-three had passed, fifteen having done so with great
credit.

The Report, which concluded with a statement of the professional
services rendered to members of the Royal Agricultural Society, was
considered in every respect satisfactory.

After some further business of a formal character had been transacted,
the meeting terminated.

CENTRAL VETERINARY MEDICAL SOCIETY.

THE ADVISABILITY OF ESTABLISHING SUITABLE AND
ADEQUATE CONVENIENCE FOR VETERINARIANS TO
MAKE POST-MORTEM EXAMINATIONS, &c *

By George A. Banham, M.R.C.V.S.

Mr. President and Gentlemen, — As there is little business or
matter for discussion to-night, I beg, with your permission, to bring
before you a subject which has more or less occupied my thoughts
ever since I entered the veterinary profession. It is one, I have no
doubt, which will meet with strong disapproval, but I hope you will ex¬
cuse me for venturing to bring it before you, for if you approve of the
idea, and consider it worthy of discussion, I shall be satisfied, and if you
think it useless and unprofitable I shall have the satisfaction of knowing
that what I think as useful others much better able to judge than
myself consider otherwise, and I shall have learned something, and hope,
therefore, that if one member only profits by a meeting it cannot be said
to be wasted. Moreover, I consider we are all bound as members of this
Society, to lay before the meetings any suggestion that we consider worthy
for the members to hear, and obtain the value of their opinions on the
matter, and so arrive at satisfactory conclusions. Therefore, gentlemen,
with this apology I will lay the subject in question before you for
discussion. It is mainly based upon the following questions : — lsta What
convenience have the London practitioners for properly carrying out a
'post-mortem, examination ? 2nd. What means is therefor the destruction
of animals suffering from contagious diseases ? 3rd. How may these
objects best be obtained.

I may say that ever since I have had any connection with veterinary
science I have always found a difficulty in being able to obtain proper
and adequate facilities to educate myself to recognise the appearances
and post-mortem lesions of diseases in our patients. May I ask, whether
we have learned sufficient morbid anatomy and know all the post-mortem
lesions presented in our animals at the end of our collegiate education ?
Answering for myself I say decidedly no, but that we are only then in
the position to profitably commence making autopsies. Therefore, in
order that practitioners may become thoroughly acquainted with post¬
mortem lesions, the utility of which, I think, few will deny, we ought
to continue our microscopic examinations of ail the subjects which die

* Read before the Fellows of the Central Veterinary Medical Society
on April 15th, 1880. The discussion was adjourned till next night of
meeting.

CENTRAL VETERINARY MEDICAL SOCIETY. 347

under our charge so far as we possibly can, and “follow up” our case so
that ultimately we may arrive at some satisfactory conclusions.

This, gentlemen, would not only educate us to recognise the lesions,
and be more in unison with each other relative to those found, but,
I think we should also find that, in some cases at least, our treatment
would be materially altered, and it would tend to increase our diagnostic
and prognostic power for similar cases in future. It is useless for me to
comment further upon the utility of the subject, for it is better
known to you, perhaps, than myself ; so I will pass on to consider what
conveniences practitioners have for educating themselves in this direction
after they have left their Alma Materr These are very few and incon¬
venient. Thus the only three sources open to us are — 1st, the knacker’s
yard. 2nd, our client’s stable or yard : and 3rd, our own. The knacker’s
yards are not very enticing, as far as 1 know them. We usually find
the knacker puts as many obstacles and objections in our way as
possible. For instance, I have frequently sent word that I would call
at a certain time to look at a certain horse, and when I have called, I
have invariably found the animal already cut up, and in the copper, and
a few pieces which looked “ rotten” and “black” saved for my inspection,
with the epithet, “ That’s what’s amiss, Sir.”

I know that a great number of post-mortem examinations end in the same
way ; and I will leave you to say how much the wiser we are for such
information. Even if the carcase is saved, we have to stand about in a cold,
draughty, wet yard, and be very careful how long we keep the men, and
what we ask them to do, or we are censured for wasting the men’s time on
the one hand, and for spoiling the carcase on the other ; and if we are not
extremely careful what we say, we are scarcely treated with civility,
and, finally, we have to pay the men well into the bargain, which to most
practitioners is so much lost ; for I am told few practitioners charge for
post-mortem examinations. Moreover, by resorting to such places we are,
in my humble opinion, lowering ourselves in public estimation. This we
cannot very well afford to do at present ; this seems to be an age
when people like to see things done nicely and how much nicer it would
sound if we told our client, that if he would allow his animal to go to
the “ veterinary ; post-mortem room” or “ mortuary” (or whatever name
you care to give it) we would make a 'post-mortem examination.

As far as using our clients’ or our own stables or yards for such pur¬
poses is concerned, I will simply leave it to your own consciences to
say whether either place is adapted for the purpose. These, then,
gentlemen, are the means at our disposal for our work.

Now, must we continue in this dirty, cold, wretched manner, and be
always dependent upon these uncivil horse-slaughterers for any little
aid we require in scientific investigation ? or has the time arrived
when London practitioners, at least, should begin to see a way to
improvement ?

Looking at the second question, viz. the means for destroying animals
affected with contagious diseases, I must say, so far as I am acquainted
with them, they are very inadequate. If a horse, for instance, suffering
from glanders, is taken to the knacker’s yard, he is killed, boiled, and sold
for cats’ meat, in the usual way, and, I believe, the hides and bones
are also utilised. If I am wrong in this matter I ask you, who have
had more experience in these matters than I have, to correct me. I will
not dwell upon the good or evil effects of this method, but I ask you to
give free ventilation to your valuable opinions upon this matter for the
benefit of our members. I believe the Privy Council orders are that
they should be burned, or subjected to air of a certain temperature for
a fixed time ; but is this ever done ? If not, ought we not, for example’s

348

CENTRAL VETERINARY MEDICAL SOCIETY.

sake, to establish such a furnace, where animals affected with contagious
diseases could be “ cremated” at a nominal cost to the owner ?

We have already too often seen that Government authorities seldom,
if ever, take up our cause. If this could be done would it not bring us
under their notice, by showing them that we have the good of the public
at heart, and endeavour to advance without their aid, if we can only
do so without a great pecuniary loss ?

These, gentlemen, are the points I wish to discuss with you to-night,
and I will provisionally draw your attention to the following questions,
which I hope I shall be able to show you are fully substantiated, and
worthy of your consideration.

The questions are, Are there any means by which the London prac¬
titioners can provide a suitable room and convenience for carrying out
their 'post-mortem examinations ? and also for the proper destruction of
animals affected with contagious diseases? I will, for argument’s sake,
answer both these questions in the affirmative, and will endeavour to
substantiate this answer by picturing an establishment which might be
formed, and then point out the pro et con arguments as they present
themselves to me.

Thus, a limited company could be formed and a suitable piece of land
(or even one of the existing knacker’s premises) purchased, upon which
suitable buildings should be erected, and filled with all the necessaries
for properly conducting and carrying out the business of horse¬
slaughtering. It should also be fitted with proper conveniences for the
destruction of animals affected with contagious diseases, and a room
where practitioners could make a 'post-mortem examination with all the
comfort that such circumstances will allow.

The arguments in favour of such an establishment as this are
numerous, thus :

a. Practitioners would have a convenient and properly-fitted place for
examining dead animals.

b. It would also serve as a place for procuring pathological and phy¬
siological specimens, both for veterinary and human medical science and
teaching schools.

c. It would serve as a place where the veterinary students at the
Camden Town School could be brought by their teachers to have
practical demonstrations on morbid anatomy, and learn what to look for and
how to find post-mortem lesions — a branch of veterinary science which, I
think, you will all agree with me, is too much neglected.

d. It would serve as a place where subjects could be obtained and
students brought to have practical lessons in operative surgery upon
the dead animal. This would be the means of teaching them how to
handle and use their instruments, and properly perform most of the
ordinary operations — a branch of science which, in itself, is well worth
erecting a building for, and I am sure it would be well appreciated by
our younger members and students.

e. It would be a place where students would be able to obtain any
bones or parts of the animal (such as brains, &c.) which they might
require for any special study at a nominal cost.

f. Such a place would render us independent of the present wretched
knacker establishments, which, to my mind, would be a great
advantage.

g. For the purpose of properly destroying all contagious diseased
animals (especially glanders), and it would be well to petition the local
authorities to enforce persons to send such to this establishment, and
that only ; thus forming a centre for their destruction.

h. Last, but not least, I think it would be a very good establishment

CENTRAL VETERINARY MEDICAL SOCIETY.

349

for practitioners to invest their money in, for, if properly conducted, it
could not help paying a very good per centage, especially if members
of the profession would make it a point to advise their clients to send
their dead animals to the establishment, which, of course, they would do
if they wished to make a post mortem , or had shares in it.

i. There is one other addition which might be added with great benefit,
and I may say it would not be complete without it, and that is, that a
paid veterinary post-mortem examiner should be connected with it, whose
duty would be to communicate the post-mortem changes to any of the
shareholders who particularly asked him to do so ; and in this way prac¬
titioners who were unfortunate enough to live a great distance from the
establishment would be able to have the autopsy made for them, and
also to take notes of any extraordinary pathological or other changes
which attracted his attention in the animals brought during the daily
routine of business.

These, gentlemen, are most of the advantages which at present strike
me that might acrue from such an establishment.

We will now look on the other side of the question, and see what
disadvantages such an institution might present.

Thus, some may think that our connection with such an establish¬
ment would be degrading to our profession, and lower us in public esti¬
mation. If I thought this for one moment I would give up all idea or
hope of our having anything to do with such a scheme, but when I
look on the matter in its proper light all such drawbacks vanish, and
I think it would be the same with the public at large, or, at any rate,
with unprejudiced thinking men, who, in my humble opinion, would
neither think it degrading nor useless to the profession, but would, on
the contrary, praise and give us credit for the steps we had taken to
advance pathological research, &c., in veterinary science. Again, some
might say, as it was suggested to me, that it looks rather like a “ doctor
settingup as an undertaker and, I must confess, when viewed super¬
ficially, it does; but when we consider what inadequate means there are
for veterinary surgeons and students to obtain conveniences for veteri¬
nary research, and that such bad regulations are in existence for the
destruction of animals affected with contagious diseases, I think most
people would forgive us, and look at it in the same light that we do.

We might even be accused of killing animals for the purpose of ob¬
taining the carcase for its pathological value, and so forth ; but here,
again, I must say this is only a supposition, and requires to be authen¬
ticated before we ought to entertain such ideas, and, if we found such
to be the case, I have not the slightest doubt we could face and correct
the difficulty with just as much efficacy as those who promulgated such
accusations against us, although I am fully aware that such false
statements are often very difficult to rectify.

Lastly, some of the local practitioners might say that they would be
put to a great deal of inconvenience by their local horse-slaughterers
refusing them the use of their yards, especially if the knacker happened
to find out that the veterinary surgeon was a shareholder; but this, I
think, is a very paltry excuse for withholding such a useful establish¬
ment, for there can be little doubt that such petty enmity would soon
be overcome by time and custom.

Now, gentlemen, I have given the reasons for and against the esta¬
blishment of such an institution or company, and my reasons for bringing
this matter before you ; therefore I hope you will give free ventilation
to your opinions. Of course, those who care little about making post¬
mortem examinations, pathological research, and providing means for

850 LANCASHIRE VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION.

teaching our students, or places for our younger members to learn it, will,
I have no doubt, pooh-pooh the idea, and say it is useless ; these I would
ask to keep their eyes steadily on the pecuniary side of the question.
But, gentlemen, I hope there are none of our members who entertain
such ideas of advancement in our profession, and, therefore, I trust that
those gentlemen who have their profession at heart, and are willing to
provide, and be provided with, suitable and adequate premises for such
investigation will side with me, and assist in solving the problem I have
laid before you to-night, or suggest a more professional and profitable
plan to supersede it, by which we could overcome our difficulty and
advance veterinary pathology in this country.

Thanking you, Mr. President and gentlemen, for your kind attention,
and I hope that my efforts may lead to a profitable discussion, although
I must own they are rather short and insufficient; but yet I trust I have
sufficiently conveyed my meaning and ideas.

LANCASHIRE VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSO¬
CIATION.

The usual quarterly meeting of the above Association was held at the
Blackfriars Hotel, Manchester, on Tuesday, the 13th April, 1880.
W. Dacre, Esq., President, in the chair.

The following members and friends were present : — Messrs. T. Greaves,
P. Taylor, A. Lawson, W. A. Taylor, J. B. Wolstenholme, T. Taylor,
E. Faulkner, of Manchester; W. Woods, Wigan ; Messrs. T. & A. W.
Briggs, and A. Polding, Bury ; Mr. C. Challinor, Pendlebury ; Mr. Litt,
Bolton ; Messrs. Morgan, Elam, and Reynolds, of Liverpool; Mr. Bunnell,
Oldham; Mr. W. Whittle, Mosley, Mr. Fergusson, Warrington; and
the Secretary.

Letters of excuse were received from Prof. Pritchard, Messrs. John
Lawson, W. G. Schofield, and M. E. Naylor.

The minutes of the last meeting were duly read and confirmed, after
which

Mr. C. ~E. Challinor proposed as a member of this Association Mr. T.
Stone, of Walkden. Mr. Litt , of Bolton, seconded the proposition,
which was carried. Mr. Challinor also nominated Mr. A. W . Briggs, of
Bury. Mr. A. Folding nominated Mr. James Folding , of Burnley.

An adjourned discussion then took place on the president’s address,
bearing principally upon the penal clause ; exemption from serving on
juries ; and the desirability of students serving an apprenticeship.

The discussion was very animated, in which the following gentlemen
took part : Messrs. P. Taylor, T. Greaves, T. Taylor, W. A. Taylor,
W. Whittle, W. Woods, C. Elam, G. Morgan, R. Reynolds, and the
president, all being of opinion that the carrying out of such measures
would be to the advantage and advancement of the profession.

The following resolution was then proposed by Mr. W. A. Taylor ,
seconded by Mr. T. Taylor , supported by Mr. T. Greaves , and passed
unanimously :

“ That this Society views with great pleasure the action already taken
by the Council of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, in order
to endeavour to obtain for the profession a penal clause ; and further,
this Society hereby wishes to record its willingness to render hearty
support, pecuniarily (if necessary) and otherwise, to the Council, in
their efforts to procure the object in view,”

LANCASHIRE VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. 351

Mr. T. Briggs then read an interesting paper on “Some of the Pro¬
ducts of Inflammation.”

Mr. President, Vice-President, and Gentlemen, — At the last
meeting of this Association our energetic secretary, Mr. Locke, in¬
sisted upon my reading the paper of this evening as an earnest of wil¬
lingness to contribute my quota.

As a junior member of the society I decided upon a scientific subject,
in the belief that the selection of a treatise of such principles as underlie
our daily experiences would be an appropriate method of calling forth
the valued observations and experiences of our senior members in the
subsequent discussion. At first I mapped out more than I have since
thought it wise to attempt to exhaust.

I propose to describe and illustrate to you the anatomy of inflamed
tissues as generators of pus, together with a brief sketch of the nature of
repair by inflammatory new formations. At the outset I must acknow¬
ledge the assistance of my brother, Mr. A. W. Briggs, who undertook to
illustrate the subject by this series of diagrams.

In discussing suppuration as one of the products of inflammatory
action, it is necessary to allude briefly to the properties and composition
of pus.

Healthy or laudable pus is defined as a creamy, thick, opaque, and
homogeneous fluid, communicating an unctuous feeling when rubbed be¬
tween the fingers, and to be of a yellowish tint, sweetish taste or insipid,
and while warm to give off a peculiar mawkish smell. If allowed to
stand in a test-tube it separates into an upper thin, clear layer, and a
lower yellow sediment. The latter consists chiefly of pus-corpuscles, the
former being a fluid intercellular substance.

On examination under the microscope, pus-corpuscles assume an
appearance of finely-punctated globules, containing three or four dark
nuclei. Ascetic acid dissolves the pale granules of the protoplasm, and
brings into view the nuclei which are not acted upon by the acid. Alka¬
lies readily dissolve the pus-globules, and afford a confirmatory test of
the nature of urinary and other purulent deposits. Von Recklinghausen
described the above characters as exhibited by dead pus-cells under the
microscope. Max Schultze observed, however, that pus-cells in a moist
heated chamber exhibited amoeboid movements, like other clumps of
living protoplasm.

The diagram No. 1 is intended to show the three different conditions
of pus-cells. The chemical examination of pus has proved that it consists
of water, proteid substances, fatty matter (including cholesterin), salts,
and so-called extractives. Dr. Walshe remarks the peculiar property of
pus in resisting decomposition, and that while it retards the putrefaction
of substances immersed in it, it would appear to actually dissolve a piece
of muscle without putrefaction.

In treating of the source of pus I must again refer to the separation
on standing into serum and corpuscles. The agreement of the former, or
liquor puris, with blood serum in its characters, has led authorities
to regard it as exuded liquor sanguinis. The origin of pus-corpuscles
has been the subject of much controversy.

I will not enter into a lengthy discussion of the theories advanced by
the different pathologists. In our search for the origin of pus-corpuscles
it is well to take a comprehensive view of the tissues in which cells, agree¬
ing more or less with many of the characters of pus-corpuscles, are to be
found. For example :

Firstly. — Corpuscles largely circulating in the blood-vessels, known as

352 LANCASHIRE VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION.

white blood-corpuscles, and in lymphatics as lymph-corpuscles, present
characters closely resembling pus-cells.

Secondly. — Connective tissue, bone, and cartilage, consist of cellular
and intercellular elements, the former are granular nucleated masses of
protoplasm with or without branches, known in connective tissue as
connective-tissue corpuscles, in cartilage as cartilage cells, and in bone
as osseous corpuscles. In addition to these, in the fixed or stationary
corpuscles, there exists in connective tissues certain cells named wander¬
ing cells, first described by Recklinghausen. The so-called wandering
cells are identical with blood- and lymph-corpuscles.

Thirdly. — There are also entering into the formation of skin and
mucous membranes cells constituting a distinct layer on the surface,
known in the skin as epidermis, and in mucous membranes as
epithelium.

Fourthly. — The cells occurring in the various glandular organs forming
the actively secreting or excreting elements, in many cases of the
epithelial type, should be enunciated amongst groups presenting some
points of resemblance to pus-cells.

In 1876 Professor Cohnheim, of Berlin, minutely described the process
of emigration of leucocytes or white blood-corpuscles. In the diagram
No. 2, which is copied from one by Dr. Caton in the Journal of Anatomy
atid Physiology , 1871, a blood capillary and small veins are represented,
and you observe the white blood-corpuscles in contact with the walls of
the vessels ; some of them with small processes, others with larger pro¬
cesses, piercing the wall uutil at last the whole corpuscle becomes extra
vascular. Thus we have introduced into inflamed tissue cellular emi¬
grants from the blood-vessels.

Although two Englishmen, Dr. Addison, in 1842, and Dr. Augustus
Waller, in 1846, had detailed similar phenomena, it was not until after
Cohnheim’s investigations that this migratory process occupied an im¬
portant place in pathology.

Inflammation of connective tissue tending to suppuration has been
long known as phlegmonous inflammation. Direct anatomical exami¬
nation has disclosed certain naked-eye characters presented by the
affected part when superficial, but to these I need not do more than
cursorily allude, such as swelling, redness, &c. Microscopic investiga¬
tion has shown that the cells increase in number at the expense of the
fibrillar intercellular substance, which gradually disappears.

This diagram, No. 3, will render the formation of abscess in connec¬
tive tissue more clear. You notice that the young cells are collected
in patches corresponding to the site of the original connective-tissue
corpuscles, and that in the middle of the drawing the smaller collections
have become fused. It can be readily seen how these groups may extend
irregularly in their circumference.

Formerly Virchow, in his cellular pathology, asserted that the groups
of pus cells were produced by the multiplication of the previously
existing connective-tissue corpuscles, but, taking into consideration
Cohnheitn’s researches, we can now assert that many, if not all, of these
cells are leucocytes escaped from the blood-vessels of the tissues. I may
here allude to the circumstance, of which I shall speak more fully here¬
after, that by artificial injection capillary vessels have been shown to
exist in the form of loops around these collections. Thus is demon¬
strated the practical fact that the pyogenic membrane of the older
writers consists of the circumferential layer of young cells or leucocytes
lying amongst loops of capillaries. By the aid of diagrams 4 and 5, you
may gather more clearly what I wish to convey. The pyogenic mem¬
brane,^ short, consists of granulation tissue.

LANCASHIRE VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. 3f)3

The best illustrations of proliferation of tissue corpuscles can obvi¬
ously be obtained by studying the process of inflammation in the least
vascular tissues, such as cartilage and cornea. Redfern, in the Edinburgh
Medical Journal , 1849, described in minute detail the changes observed
in ulceration of articular cartilage. He recognised that after the
introduction of a seton, the first departure from health consisted in an
enlargement of the cartilage cells, which became five or six times their
natural size, at the same time they became irregular in their distribu¬
tion in the cartilage. The diagram, No. 6, representing the changes
seen in inflamed cartilage, is copied from one by Corned and Ranvier.
The normal cartilage cells are represented at the left hand corner, and
a little to the right the cells enlarged with many nuclei ; still further
you see the cells multiplied within their capsules; at the extreme right
hand a mass of young cells are illustrated, now occupying the extent of
the original corpuscles and matrix. The matrix, represented with a
bluish tint in the diagram, gradually breaks down and disappears.
Redfern thought that the young cells thus produced did not become
pus cells, but Weber subsequently showed that pus cells may thus be
generated. The series of changes I have briefly sketched, constitutes
an important step in the doctrine of parenchymatous inflammation.
Similar phenomena have been recorded in inflammation of the non-
vascular cornea by Strube and His, also by Virchow.

Acute catarrhal inflammation, or inflammation of a mucous membrane,
has afforded examples of suppuration on epithelial surfaces. This
diagram, No. 7, after Rindfleisch, is intended to represent the appear¬
ances presented by inflamed conjunctiva on a vertical section. You
recognise the epithelial elements tinted yellow, and underneath these
the submucous connective tissue. The generation of pus from the
actual elements may have a double source. If the pus cells on the
free surface of the epithelium in the diagram are produced by prolifera¬
tion of the epithelial cells themselves, it is evident that pus may be
formed without abrasion of the surface. If, however, the pus cells owe
their origin to multiplication of the deeper connective-tissue corpuscles
ulceration of the superjacent epithelium must ensue. It is now main¬
tained that pus cells take origin by proliferation of the deeper epithelial
cells. In the same diagram some large so-called mother- cells are dis¬
played with their contained broods which are expelled as pus corpuscles.
It has been suggested by Volkmann that these mother-cells have simply
derived their contents from the young cells of the underlying connective
tissue. The mother-cells, therefore, are capable of a double interpretation,
that is to say, the young cells are taken up by an epithelial cell from
without, or produced by endogenous multiplication in the epithelial cell
itself.

The origin of pus in glandular abscess has been ascribed to multiplica¬
tion of the proper glandular cells, and to the connective-tissue corpuscles
having a similar double source, on which I need not dilate.

Having brought before you some points in connection with the forma¬
tion of pus in abscess, and on mucous surfaces, I will now allude to the
connection of pus with granulation tissue, as seen in wounds. Before
commencing this portion of my subject, let me shortly describe the
structure of granulation tissue.

Inflammatory new formation, or ordinary cellular tissue, as observed in
the healing of wounds, was designated by Virchow “granulation tissue,5’
and by Rindfleisch “ germ tissue.” It consists of a greater or less number
of cells agreeing with the leucocytes of the blood or the wandering cells
of connective tissue. By a reference to the diagrams 4 and 5, you notice

354 LANCASHIRE VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION.

the round cells surrounding fine capillary loops tinted red. The bright
redness of granulation tissue is due to the blood shining through the
transparent young cells. The tissue is very vascular. A granulating
surface is not even and smooth, but presents minute granular or papil-
ary eminences due to miniature heaps of the cells. Let us now inquire
whence these young cells come ? Cohnheim made some interesting
observations with the view of determining this point. I have spoken of
the migration of white blood-corpuscles as illustrated in diagram No. 2.
Cohnheim introduced aniline into the lymph sac on the back of a frog,
and after cauterising the cornea of the animal, he found at the irritated
spot, wandering cells exhibiting the aniline staining. He, therefore, came
to the conclusion that the inflammatory cellular infiltration consists of
emigrated white blood-corpuscles.

It now remains for me to direct your attention to certain connections
between granulations and the healing process. Let me recall to your
recollection some of the chief naked-eye appearances which are observed
in a gaping wound, or a wound attended with loss of substance. After
the first twenty-four hours the margins are slightly reddened, somewhat
swollen and sensitive to the touch, the same symptoms as in closed
wounds. For the first day or two the surface looks grey and gelatinous
with, perhaps, a trace of redness. Small fragments of dead tissue are
adherent to the surface. On the third day the wound “ cleans off,’* and,
if examined with a lens of low magnifying power, fleshy warts, or granu¬
lations are seen. For the few subsequent days the granulations become
greatly developed, and the fluid flowing from the surface of creamy
consistence presents the characters of pus already described, and in the
words of the old authors — pus bonum et laudabile.

The changes I have just enumerated are susceptible of great varia¬
tion, according to the size of the dead masses of texture, the loosening
of larger masses requires a longer time, but the pathological process is
in all cases the same, the line of separation exhibiting groups of small
cells. In diagram No. 8, which illustrates the separation of a slough,
you recognise by difference in colour the living textures below, the dead
textures above, and in the boundary line between the two the active
cellular elements which, by a process of absorption, loosen the dead from
the living. I cannot do better than ask you to inspect the diagram
No. 4, ‘which is taken from Billroth’s work on ‘ Surgical Pathology.’
A section of a granulating wound is shown, and, in order to bring out
the distinctions between the pus and the granulation tissue cells, the
former are represented as having been acted upon by acetic acid, and
forming a layer on the surface of the granulation cells. You observe
the capillary loops are tinted red, and groups of young cells are seen
lying amongst them.

From these remarks you will gather that pus is one of the products of
granulation cells. When granulation tissue grows rapidly, owing to
irritation or other causes, pus formation is more marked. Early in my
paper I followed the mode of formation of abscess in connective tissue.
May I ask you to compare the appearances presented by the so-called
pyogenic membrane and the healthy granulating surface by reference to
diagrams 4 and 5. The pyogenic membrane has the similar small-celled
structure and the similar capillary loops. In the main the great practical
difference is this, that the pyogenic membrane in the recent condition
forms a complete retention sac, whereas the granulation surface of a
wound is open.

We naturally ask ourselves, How is it that an abscess continually
grows larger by increase of contents ? Unless some foreign or dead body,

LANCASHIRE VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION.

355

as dead bone or slough, is present, the irritation of the granulation tissue
of the pyogenic membrane is kept up principally by the tension of its
contents. Of this we have proof by the physical signs and the pain of
which the animal gives evidence. The young cells exert a disintegrating
action on surrounding structures following the direction of least resist¬
ance until the abscess “ points55 at some free surface. Poultices and
other forms of moist heat favour the dissolution of the textures by ren¬
dering them more permeable to fluids. Antiseptic surgery, by its results,
has shown that when such a collection of pus is laid freely open and the
tension removed, the granulations of the pyogenic membrane behave
as do those of the ordinary healthy healing wound to which I have
directed your attention. That is to say, where the sac-like pyogenic
membrane is opened out its purulent discharge gets free vent, and it is
reduced, somewhat imperfectly, to the condition of an ordinary granu¬
lating surface, as in a healthy ulcer.

The opening of an abscess removes the irritation produced by tension,
and if external irritating conditions be kept out, as by appropriate anti¬
septic dressings, granulations have been seen to grow without the
production of an atom of pus. So far, the cells of granulation tissue
have been conclusively shown to be derived from emigrated blood-
corpuscles and proliferated tissue-cells. The relation of granulation
tissue to the healing of wounds and the secretion of pus, together with
the modifying influence exerted by irritation on pus formation has been
established.

A question now arises : Is pus the only product of granulation tissue ? *
Granulation tissue grows ; and suppose the process of growth went on we
should find a fleshy tumour, consisting of small round cells like white
blood-corpuscles, with little intercellular substance ; in fact, we have in
granulation tissue an identity in structure with what is known as a round-
celled sarcoma. It is needless for me to draw your attention to the fact
that these round cells of granulation tissue are of the same structure as
the embryonic cells, from which all tissues are primarily developed. In
the diagram No. 9 these young spherical cells are represented in a healing
sore, and at the right hand corner you observe coloured yellow a forma¬
tion of cuticle or epidermis ; deeper you notice some of the cells of the
tissue become spindle shaped, and develop into fibrous tissue ; simulta¬
neously with these changes the secretion of pus commences to disappear.
At the right hand corner the cuticular formation is represented.

Why does epidermis in places where the skin has been wholly destroyed
form only at the edges ? This has been a tedious problem to most
observers. The fact that a successful graft leads to an island of develop¬
ing epidermis is capable of two explanations. The newly-planted
epidermic cells, like those at the edges of the wound, may themselves
proliferate, and develop a progeny of scales by their multiplication, or,
to speak more definitely, epithelial scales arise by multiplication of
previously existing epithelial cells. The second interpretation suggests
that the young cells of the granulation tissue are influenced by the nature
of the surrounding texture. The skin graft acts, we may say, as a
decoy, leading the young cells of the granulation tissue to develop like
unto it into epidermic scales of the cicatrix. Similarly, the deeper con¬
nective-tissue elements may be looked upon as exerting the influence of
their presence on the deeper cells leading to the development of them
into connective tissue.

It is extremely interesting to find that granulation cells, formed to
repair a breach of osseous tissue, such as after fracture, necrosis, or
abscess, develop into bone. In the development of granulation cells into

356 WEST OF SCOTLAND VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION.

bone, however, it is of the highest importance that absolute immobility
be maintained by some suitable means ; the reason seems to be that bone
normally is inflexible and passive, and that, so to speak, unless the
natural condition of texture be maintained the decoy influence is not
exerted. This is well illustrated in fibrous union after a fracture of bone
where the two ends have not been kept in quiet apposition.

Fibrous tissue is essentially a flexible and yielding structure. Under
circumstances, therefore, encouraging mobility, granulation cells develop
into fibrous tissue, even in the immediate neighbourhood of bone.
Granulation cells are incapable of reproducing muscular and active
glandular tissue. In these situations the ordinary fibrous cicatrix, such
as is represented in diagram No. 10, is developed.

Gentlemen, in this brief outline of the microscopic anatomy of sup¬
puration and granulation tissue it has been my endeavour to put the
matter clearly before you. I do not claim for my paper anything more
than an embodiment of many of the current views on the subject. To
be conversant with the nature of the material with which we have to deal
in these processes should be our aim. Underlying our successful treat¬
ment — of most, if not every one, of those surgical cases in which pus and
granulation tissue are important factors — is a correct appreciation of
these principles, so far, at least, as they lead us.

I know that my subject is deserving of careful attention, and that it
has a great interest, in its scientific aspect, for the practical man. I
know, too, that whilst I have hardly touched upon some important
points I have overlooked others equally important. I have done my
best to please you ; and I hope you, gentlemen, will do your best to
please me by taking up an instructive discussion, and that you will fill
up the gaps I have left.

The paper gave great satisfaction, and led to an interesting discus¬
sion.

A hearty vote of thanks was accorded the essayist.

The usual vote of thanks to the chairman closed the meeting.

Sam. Locke, Hon. Sec.

WEST OF SCOTLAND VETERINARY MEDICAL

ASSOCIATION.

A meeting of members of this Association was held in the Veterinary
College, Glasgow, on Wednesday, the 31st. ult. : — Principal McCall,
President, in the chair.

The following gentlemen, amongst others, were present : — Professor
Walley, Edinburgh; Messrs. Robinson, Greenock; Mr. Constable,
Inchture ; Mr. McConnell, Coatbridge ; Mr. Kerr, Beith ; Messrs. Robb,
Mitchell, Mitchell, Anderson, Macqueen, and Anderson, Glasgow.

Professor McCall , in opening the meeting, spoke as follows :

Gentlemen, — Twenty-two years ago, in this same city, and while
connected with the Edinburgh Veterinary College, I had the honour of
assisting at the birth of this the first Veterinary Medical Society, and of
delivering the first Inaugural Lecture which had been delivered in any
Veterinary Medical Society in these kingdoms. That honour, however,
was conferred upon me at the request of and as the substitute for my
dear old friend and instructor, the late Professor Dick. That meeting
was held within the Athenaeum, and included the principal veterinary

WEST OF SCOTLAND VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. 357

surgeons in the West of Scotland, and among the number, Messrs.
Cockburn, Anderson, McLean, Marshall, Bryce, Aitken, Steel, Moir,
Robinson, Donaldson, and many others. Of the few names mentioned,
sad to say, very many have fallen by the hand of death, and few of us
are left to reassemble this day, nay, I think, with the exception of Mr.
Anderson and Mr. Donaldson (who have retired from the labours of
their calling, to enjoy, as we hope, a few years rest in the bosoms of
their families), Robinson, Moir, and myself — all are gone. Then I
stood forth the stripling in arms — the youngest soldier in the ranks;
now I appear the veteran in arms — the oldest general in the field.
Such, gentleman, is life, and morals innumerable might be drawn from
the consideration of what I have stated ; but in the meantime I will not
in that direction trespass on your time.

To-day, gentlemen, the object we have in view, in gathering ourselves
within these walls, is to resuscitate the society inaugurated in 1858, and
then denominated the “West of Scotland Veterinary Medical Associa¬
tion.” And in “ awakening it to life,” I shall probably handle it a little
roughly ; but, as I assisted at its birth, and have regularly watched its
growth (although it must be confessed, for many years at a distance),
and am well aware that it is not so lifeless as it appears, trust me, a
little plain speaking will do it good. In awakening it to life, I shall
briefly refer to a few of the advantages which may be expected to arise
out of its resuscitation and continuance in active life, provided the
energies of its members are concentrated and harmoniously displayed.

It is a familiar expression and true to life, “ No man liveth to himself,”
yet, how very apt are we in the battle of life, so to push forwards as if
the aphorism were false, as if each individual lived for himself and for
himself alone. Now, to my mind, we could not have conceived a more
certain means of recognising and developing the principle referred to,
and of demonstrating that we live for the good of each other as well as
ourselves than by resuscitating this society. Here we meet on common
ground and with common interests, and the rights and the privileges of
each member ought and shall be equally respected. This I am sorry to
say has not hitherto been the guiding principle of the society inaugu¬
rated in 1858; and with all deference has been the principal cause of
the apathy exhibited by many, its best friends. But, turning from this
unpleasant aspect of the subject, the times in which we live are pro¬
verbial for the formation of societies, associations, and such like
kindred institutions ; and if for no higher reason than keeping pace with
the times, and continuing the good example first set by those who first
inaugurated this society, and which has been imitated in so many other
towns and cities; it were high time we had again enlisted under one
common banner. In the arts and manufactures the benefits of co-opera¬
tion are admitted on all hands, and to come abruptly to the point I am
aiming at, may co-operation not as much benefit veterinary science ?
There are many aspects in which we might view and answer such a
proposition, but time will only permit me to select two. Firstly, as
benefiting the pecuniary interests and elevating the status of the pro¬
fession ; and secondly, as advancing our knowledge of the science and
the art. As regards the first, I think it will be freely admitted, that
according to the present constitution of our country, with a few excep¬
tions, the pecuniary emolument derived from the practice of a profession
is an index, so to speak, of its social standing. Now, co-operation has
invariably proven itself, directly or indirectly, to be a certain means of
securing the pecuniary interests of parties. “ The labourer is worthy of
his hire,” and however laudable may be our desires, we can neither

25

L1II.

358 WEST OF SCOTLAND VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION.

benefit the public nor ourselves, by tendering our services at less than their
value. But, it may be asked, what is their value, pecuniarily expressed.
I should not like to appraise them. It is a matter so far of conscience with
each member of the profession, and of policy with the body collectively ;
but, under any circumstances, surely a sum considerably greater than is
asked and obtained by a city porter for carrying a parcel, say the same
distance from our places of business, as we make a professional call.
Yet we all know that there are persons in our profession who travel
about, and charge fees, sometimes less than a city porter. I would be
the last to advocate a policy which would press hard upon our clients, but
by all means let us charge a fee becoming a professional man in all cases
where our clients can afford to pay, and where they cannot from poverty,
let us bestow our services ungrudgingly and without a fee. I am
not given to charge high for my services, nor do I put stress upon my
position, and frequently I have a cheque for a larger amount than my
account enclosed to me ; nor do I refer to the subject of charges,
because I have felt the pressure of such upon my business, not at all ;
but I have heard others deplore it, and moreover, I have seen its bad
effects. It has yet to be proven that a reasonable charge is counter
to the interests of our employers and the welfare of our patients,
for services poorly requited, as a general rule, are grudgingly performed
and imperfectly discharged. It is a question, however, how far societies
formed for the sole and direct purpose of fixing fees to be charged for
services rendered have been productive of good, either to the individuals
themselves, or the public at large. Indeed, I incline to the opinion that
they have done more harm than good ; nor do I wish this society to
infer that I desire that its members should fix a scale of fees to be
charged for their services. In this and similar matters the society can
only appeal to the feelings and honour of each of its members, and sug¬
gest the urgent necessity there exists for its members being more inti¬
mately linked and acquainted with each other. As professional men, we
do not cling sufficiently to each other ; the chain which binds us is not
sufficiently strong. By periodically calling you together, and thus
affording an opportunity for drawing out the sympathies of brotherly
love, which we in common, in a greater or less degree, possess ; and by
guardedly exercising a spirit of charity towards each other in our inter¬
course, this association is eminently suited to advance the pecuniary
interests of the profession and elevate its status.

And now let me direct your attention to the second aspect of the
subject, or proposition, viz. the power or influence this society may
exert in advancing our knowledge of veterinary science and art. The
science which we profess, as all of you are well aware, belongs to the
class termed Inexact , as distinguished from the Exact, it has also its art
as well as its science. These relations are frequently but ill-defined in
the mind of the practitioner, and, as a consequence, in practice and
other ways they are confounded. If this society is to assist in ad¬
vancing the studies of our profession, inquiries must be conducted on a
liberal basis, and with due regard to all conditions. It will not do to
ignore theory at the dictum of practice, as some minds in the past his¬
tory of this society have unsparingly done.

1 do not anticipate that this society, or others of a similar character,
will revolutionise the theory and practice of veterinary medicine;
inquiries tending to such results are more within the province of our
colleges ; but, as the teaching institutions are imperfect in many re¬
spects, and unable, from pecuniary and other causes, to conduct experi¬
ments and researches on a sufficiently extensive scale, it is wonderful

WEST OF SCOTLAND VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. 359

what an amount of assistance the colleges might derive through the
co-operation of veterinary medical associations. In particular, I think
provincial veterinary medical associations might be the means of shed¬
ding much light upon the diseases of cattle and sheep. Country prac¬
titioners have daily opportunities of studying the diseases of cattle and
sheep as they affect them in a state of nature ; whereas, town practitioners
have few such opportunities. In prosecuting your studies, you have also
the benefit of the previous history of the animal, with its idiocrasy, and
many other little details which, when placed together, make not only a
very interesting and connected account of the case, but further, from its
accuracy, it forms the basis from which sound deductions may be drawn,
and clever views promulgated, as to the pathology and treatment of such
affections. I would, therefore, strongly urge the provincial members of
this society to bestow special attention upon the diseases of cattle and
sheep, and, as far as practicable, prosecute researches bearing on their
origin and nature. Proclaim the results of your inquiries after they
have been subjected to the ordeal of discussion at our meetings, and in
doing so you will confer a favour upon the whole body of the profession,
and in no inconsiderable degree advance the knowledge of the science
and the practice of the art. Through the kindness and impartiality of
the editors of the Veterinarian and Veterinary Journal , you will always
find the columns of our professional journals open to receive your con¬
tributions, and I would suggest that you take greater advantage of this
boon than hitherto has been the case. A paragraph of a meeting, with
the mention of members present, and the name of the subject discussed,
will do little for any cause, and is neither creditable to the member in¬
troducing the subject, nor to the gentleman acting as secretary for the
society.

But to return, there is scarcely a disease, regarding the pathology and
treatment of which, two opinions may not be entertained. These
opinions may be founded upon principles widely different, or so closely
allied, that to some minds they appear a distinction without a difference.
But, as no two of us can look through the same pair of glasses at one
and the same moment of time, and even, although we could, as vision
differs in degree, we might fail in recognising the same object ; and, as
reason, like vision, differs also in degree, and at most is an index of the
capacity of the mind in that particular direction, we should not be in
haste condemning the opinion of our fellow, as the defect, if one, may
after all be our own and not his. In discussion, there are some minds
very rabid and intolerant of the opinions of others, and, with all defer¬
ence, I have observed this condition as frequently in the old as in the
young. Such a condition of mind is most disagreeable, and apt to make
the possessor believe that when you challenge his theory you attack his
veracity and honour, and thus insult his dignity. Now, I beseech of
you, above everything, if you desire or expect the society to be a means
of cementing you more closely together — if you wish it to be a mutual
benefit and pleasant retreat from the cares of business, if you wish it
(as it is calculated to do) to send you home better friends with your
professional brethren, and better friends with yourselves, abstain and
eschew all tendency to that nasty and unhappy condition of mind I
have termed rabid and intolerant. Let your discussions be conducted
with calmness, singleness of purpose, and in a spirit of tolerance ; and
while striving to enforce the claims of your doctrine, let your language
and your manner prove that yott are speaking to a point, and not for
argument’s sake, or a desire to differ.

With these few hurried and disjointed remarks, and thanking you,
which I now beg to do for having placed me in the presidential chair

360 NEW MEMBERS OF THE PROFESSION.

and for the spirit in which you have evidently accepted my suggestions,
I shall now offer a few remarks upon Stricture or Hour-glass contrac¬
tion of the Stomach of the Horse, and vomition in the same subject.

A short report of which will be contributed to the next number of
the Veterinary Journal ; also a description of two ingenious compound
instruments devised and introduced to the members by Prof. Walley.

James Anderson.

Secretary.

MEMBERS OF THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF
VETERINARY SURGEONS.

The following candidates, holding the Highland and Agricultural Society’s
Certificate, have obtained the Diploma of the Royal College of Veterinary
Surgeons :

Black, Jas. Barrowman . Howgate by Roslin .... 1870

Campbell, Angus . . Galashiels ...... 1867

Campbell, Thomas . . Kington, Herefordshire . . . 1859

Copeland, Henry . . Poulton-le-Fylde, Lancashire . . 1853

Cunningham, Cornelius . Slateford . 1859

Donald, Joseph . . Newton Arlosh, Cumberland . . 1880

Frost, Thomas Allen . Derra, Co. Clare ..... 1879

Heard, William . . Tavistock, Devon . 1850

Ireland, Edwin . . Bridlington . 1872

Keane, Patrick . . Killarney, Co. Kerry .... 1877

Kelly, Andrew John . Beresford Place, Dublin . . . 1876

Kirke, John Hamilton . Rose Street, Edinburgh . . . 1878

Lees, Robert . . Careilian, Tarbolton, Ayr . . . 1862

Little, John . . Abbey Town, Cumberland . . . 1863

Marking, Chas. Rider . Toppesfield, Essex .... 1873

Mavor, Frank Frederick . Park Street, Grosvenor Square, London . 1880

Mclnnes, Benjamin Jn. . South Carolina, U.S . 1871

Prentice, Robt. Bouchier Longford, Ireland .... 1879

Reid, Andrew . . Auchtermuchty, Fifeshire . . . 1859

Sandford, William . Moneymore, Co. Derry -. . . 18 77

Smith, Andrw. (Principal) Ontario Vet. College, Toronto, Canada . 1861

Storie, John . • . East Linton, Prestonkirk . . . 1875

Thomson, Samuel . . Canniesburn, Maryhill, Glasgow . . 1850

Tuite, Thos. Gavin . Old Castle, Co. Meath .... 1869
Woods, Joseph . . Kirkkam, Lancashire .... 1880

NEW MEMBERS OF THE PROFESSION.

At the several meetings of the Court of Examiners of the Royal College
of Veterinary Surgeons, held during the week commencing March 30th,
the following students from the Royal Veterinary College received their
Diplomas, and were admitted members of the profession :

Mr. Thomas John Keecli

— Wm. Henry Beach

— John Trevor Jones

— John Jas. Crowhurst

Blandford, Dorset.

Woodfield Oaken, Wolverhampton.
Rhyl, North Wales.

Amersham, Bucks.

NEW MEMBERS OF THE PROFESSION.

361

Mr, Edward Geo. Johnson

— Walter Wm. Gulleford

— Geo. Gartside Mayor .

— - Chas. St. Lo. Wilkinson

— Walter Jas. Palmer .

— Edward Slipper

— Harry Carrickley Talbott .

— Herbert Alfred Towlson

— Stephen Marsh Smith

— Thomas Wm. Cave

— Frederick Leeds Gooch

— Arthur Wm. Briggs .

— Geo. Richard Griffith ,

— Donald Gregory

— Thos. Jarvis Rippon .

— Geo. Henry West

— Thomas Skilton.

— Arthur Samuel Anger

— Ernest Robert Harding

— Wm. Frederick Garside

— George Deveson

— Theodore Charles Toop

— Sidney Villar

— Frederick Francis Woolcott .

— Alfred Harris

— Henry T. W. Salmon Mann .

— William Caudwell

— Charles Taylor. .

— Thomas Wm. Lepper .

South Anston, Rotherham.
Islington, London.

Kirkham, Lancashire.
Ballycumbe, King’s Co., Ireland.
Tavistock, Devon.

Catfield, Norfolk.

London.

Alfreton, Derbyshire.

Margate.

Nottingham.

West Longville, Norwich.

The Wylde, Bury, Lancashire.
London.

Tonbridge, Kent.

Donington, Lincolnshire.
Newent, Gloucestershire.
Ashtead, Epsom.

Walpole, Suffolk.

Fisherton, Salisbury.

East Leamington.

Brondesbury, Middlesex.
Sherborne, Dorset.

Staplegrove, Taunton.

Bishop’s Lydeard, Taunton.
Maidstone, Kent.

Leeds.

Worksop, Notts.

Nottingham.

Aylesbury.

Messrs. John Jas. Crowhurst, Edward Geo. Johnson, Geo. Gartside
Mayor, Walter Jas. Palmer, Edward Slipper, Thomas Wm. Cave, Arthur
Wm. Briggs, Donald Gregory, Henry Thos. Wm. Salmon Mann, George
Deveson, Theodore Chas. Toop, Sidney Villar, William Caudwell, Charles
Taylor, and Thomas Wm. Lepper, passed with Great Credit.

The following students of the Royal Veterinary College passed their
Second Examination at the Meetings of the Court of Examiners, held

April 2nd, 3rd, 5th, and 6th : —

*Mr. Walter Francis Day.

— David Evans.

— James Hall Brown.

* — Charles Jas. Vyner.

— Thos. Arthur Huband.

— Thos. Bower Cockshoot.
— Sydney Bright Price.

* — Robt. James Smith.

* — George Edmundson.
f — Wm. James Williams.

* — William Louden.

* — Arthur Broad.

* — Robt. Samuel Barcham.
— John Varney.

* — Richard Ephraim Liston

Penhale.

fMr. John Sibary Wheatcroft.

* — Tom Cooper Fletcher.

— John Albert Bown.

* — John Penberthy.

— Chas. Edwd. Cockram.

* — Thomas Pottinger.

— Thos. Joseph McGuinness.

* — Wm. Freeman Barrett.

* — William Davidson.

— Alfred Chas. Wild.

— Evan Wynne Williams.

* — Charles Humphreys.

— Chas. Curson Clark.

— John Thos. Holmes.

— Henry Chas. Harrison.

— Wm. Turner Simmons.

*

t

Thus marked passed

>y w

with Great Credit.

„ Very Great Credit.

362

GLASGOW VETERINARY COLLEGE.

The following students, also of the Royal Veterinary College, passed
their First Examination on April 7th and 8 th :

Mr. Jeffrey John Dawtrey.
— William Langdon.

— Jn. Daniel Arnfield.

— Albert Hassall.

*}- — Chas. Henry Williams.

— Henry Jas. Skinner.

* — - Henry Ballard.

Mr. Alfred Barrett.

— Archie Jn. Mullen.

— Edward Lawrence.

— Albert Herbert Archer.

— Tom Hawley Greatbatch.

— Harry Abrey Spurgin.

— Herbert Wm. Pickworth.

# Thus marked passed with Great Credit.
f „ ,, „ Very Great Credit.

GLASGOW VETERINARY COLLEGE.

» ♦

The winter session at this institution terminated on Friday, 9th inst.,
and on the 12th, 13th, 19th, and 20th, the oral examinations of the
Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons were conducted within the theatre
of the college. The candidates for diploma were also subjected to a
rigid practical examination on horses, cattle, and sheep, selected and
brought to the college for that purpose. The Board of Examiners in¬
cluded — Professor Turner, University, Edinburgh ; Dr. Dunsmore,
Edinburgh ; Mr. Benjamin Cartledge, F.R.C.V.S., Sheffield ; Mr. George
Fleming, F.R.C.V.S., London ; Mr. M. J. Harpley, F.R.C.V.S., London ;
Mr. Wm. Robertson, F.R.C.V.S., Kelso; and Mr. A. Robinson,
F.R.C.V.S., Greenock. The following gentlemen were also present as
ex officio members : — Principal APCall ; Professors Knox, Cooke, and
MacQueen, Glasgow Veterinary College.

The diploma of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons was obtained
by the following candidates : — Mr. W. J. G. Johnson, Belfast ; Richard
Hughs, Llanarmon, Denbighshire ; Mr. Allan P. Blue, Mearns, Renfrew¬
shire ; Mr. Thomas Bowie, Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire; Mr. Alex. Milli¬
gan, Corwall, Wigtownshire ; Mr. Robert Stevenson, Newcastle-under-
Lyme ; Mr. George H. Pollock, Glasgow ; Mr. William Stevenson,
Howwood, Renfrewshire ; Mr. James Wyper, Glasgow ; Mr. Jeremiah
M‘Carthy, Leap, County Cork ; Mr. Thomas A. Douglas, Fenwick, Ayr¬
shire.

Twenty-five students were also examined for the second professional
examination, of which number the following passed : — Mr. Henry Rogers,
jun., Bombay; Mr. John Freeman, jun., Dublin; Mr. James A. Gosling,
London; Air. Robert Roberts, Colwyn, Wales ; Mr. Wm. Pettigrew,
Lesmahagow ; Air. Michael Y. Lees, Glasgow ; Mr. Fred. Foster,
Glasgow ; Air. Robert Glass, Glasgow ; Mr. James M. Howat, Pollok-
shaws; Mr. Wm. Watt, Stirling; Mr. Hugh Bradley, Hilltown, County
Down ; Air. Alexander Macadam, Paisley ; Mr. Richard Ebbitt, Dunleer,
County Louth ; Mr. John Blakley, Ballymena, County Antrim ; Mr. John
Smith, Ulverstone, Lancashire ; Mr. John Taylor, Cathkin, Rutherglen ;
Mr. Robert Black, Lundie, Forfarshire ; Air. James Nesbit, Galston,
Ayrshire ; Air. Thomas APLay, Glasgow ; Air. Alexander Creighton,
Irvine, Ayrshire.

Medals granted by the Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland,
Professor Allen Thomson, London ; Professor Cleland, Glasgow Uni¬
versity ; Robert Walker, Esq. of Lethamhill ; and Principal M’Call; and
certificates of merit by the College were awarded in the different branches
of study as follows :

DICKS VETERINARY COLLEGE, EDINBURGH.

363

Horse Pathology (written examination) — Gold medal (Principal M’Call).
Mr. J. Wyper ; silver medal (H. and A. S. of S.), Mr. R. Hughes,
First-class certificates, Messrs. Mountney, Stevenson, and Bowie ;
second-class certificates, Messrs. Blue and Douglas.

Cattle Pathology (written examination) — Gold medal (Principal
M’Call), Mr. R. Hughes ; silver medal (H. and A. S. of S.), Mr. J.
Wyper. First-class certificates, Messrs. Douglas, Stevenson, and Blue;
second-class certificates, Messrs. M‘Carthy and Bowie.

Practical Examination of Horses as to Soundness, Age , Spc. — Gold
medal, (Principal M£Call), Mr. R. Hughes. First-class certificates, Messrs.
Johnson, Blue, and Pollock.

Practical Examination of Cattle as to Age , Operations, 8pc. — Gold medal
(Robert. Walker, Esq.), Mr. R. Hughes. First-class certificates, Messrs.
Pollock, Douglas, and Blue.

Histology and Physiology. — Gold medal (Prof. Cleland), Mr. Henry
Rogers, jun , silver medal (H. and A. S. of S.), Mr. James A. Gosling.
First-class certificates, Messrs. Freeman, Taylor, and Creighton ; second-
class certificates, Messrs. Roberts, Glass, Nesbit, and Macadam.

Anatomy (special and comparative'). — Gold medal (Prof. Allen Thom¬
son), Mr. John Freeman, jun.; silver medal (H. and A. S. of S.), Mr.
James A. Gosling. First-class certificates, Messrs. Roberts and Rogers ;
second-class certificates, Messrs. Taylor, Bradley, and Hunter.

Anatomy (junior). — First-class certificates, Messrs. John Renfrew and
P. D. Kelly ; second-class certificate, Mr. Wm, Shand.

At the close of the examination the President intimated that Mr. John
Freeman, junior, had passed with “very great credit,” and Messrs.
Hughs, Blue, Glass, Watt, Gosling, Rogers, Bradley, Macadam, and
Taylor with “ great credit.” — Glasgow News.

DICK'S VETERINARY COLLEGE, EDINBURGH.

Prizes were distributed to students attending Dick’s Veterinary
College, in the Council Chambers on Wednesday, 14th April. The
Lord Provost presided, and mentioned that during the session the
progress which had been made had been even more satisfactory than
hitherto, and there had been a very keen competition for prizes. It was
very gratifying, he said, that while for several years there had been a
constant increase in the number of students attending the College, the
numbers last year showed a greater increase. The Chairman concluded
by complimenting Messrs. William Ryan and William Calvert on the
number of medals they had gained. The prizes were then presented as
follows :

Prizes Competed for during Sessions 1877-8.

Chemistry. — Gold Medal and Highland Society’s Silver medal — William
Ryan.

Materia Medica.— Highland Society’s Silver Medal — Joseph Donald.
Botany. — -Highland Society’s Silver Medal — Wm. Ryan.

Prizes Competed for during Sessions 1878-9.

Anatomy. — Gold Medal and Highland Society’s Silver Medal — William
Ryan.

361 NEW VETERINARY COLLEGE, GAYFIELD, EDINBURGH.

Physiology. — Gold Medal and Highland Society’s Silver Medal —
William Ryan.

Councillor Waldie's Prize (Case of Instruments) for best Practical Ex¬
amination of Horses — William Calvert.

Prizes Competed for during Sessions 1879-80

Veterinary Medicine and Surgery. — Gold Medal — Wm. Calvert. High¬
land Society’s Silver Medal — Alex. Grey, jun.

Comparative Pathology. — Mr. Alex. Harris’s Gold medal — William
Calvert. Highland Society’s Silver Medal — Joseph Donald.

Practical Examination of Horses. — Professor Baird’s Prize (Case of In¬
struments) — John Roberts.

Best General Examination. — Highland Society’s Gold Medal — Wm.
Calvert.

Amateur's Prizes. — Silver Medal — A. M’ Walter. Certificate of Merit
— H. Bell.

Veterinary Medical Association Prizes. — Silver Medal for Best Essay of
Session — Alex. Grey, jun. Certificate of Merit — Alex. H. Gentle.

Before the meeting terminated, Bailie Hall said they were all much
indebted to the Lord Provost for the kind interest he had taken in their
Institution, and the great amount of trouble he was always willing to
undertake on behalf of the education of the students. He proposed a
vote of thanks to him for the kind manner in which he had presided over
them to-day, which was given with enthusiasm.

NEW VETERINARY COLLEGE, GAYFIELD,

EDINBURGH.

PRIZE LIST.

The distribution of prizes to the successful students of this college
took place on Friday, 16th of April, at the college. Dr. Young, Professor
of Physiology, presided. He congratulated the students upon the high
degree of success attained by them during the session. All the exami¬
nation papers which had come under his notice this year were, he was
glad to say, above the average ; there was not a single bad paper.
Professor Williams, Principal of the College, in distributing the prizes,
said the last session had been a very successful one in every way. They
had had the largest class that ever was in the City of Edinburgh.
The number on the roll was 104 students, and the number of entrances
was 57. The work of the session had been carried on very satisfactorily,
and the results of the examinations had come fully up to their expecta¬
tions. The Principal then distributed the prizes as follows :

The Highland Society’s Gold Medal for the Best Practical Examina¬
tion, open to the competition of students from all the Scotch colleges, was
awarded to Mr. Yorston, Manchester; and the Society’s Gold Medal for
the Best General Examination was gained by Mr. Ingram, Manchester.

The £20 prize given for the Best Middle Examination by the Principal
was divided between Mr. Ingram and Mr. Sandeman, Kirreimuir, each
receiving a cheque for £10.

The Horse Pathology Medals were won by Messrs. Nash, of Carperby,
Yorkshire, and Ingram, of Manchester ; and Certificates of Merit were
awarded to Messrs. Chalmers and Michaelis.

MONTREAL VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. 365

Cattle Pathology — Medal, Mr. Ingram; certificates, Messrs. Nash,
Richmond, Fraser, and Canty.

Ariatomy . — Medal, Mr. Woods, of Wigan; certificates, Messrs.
Graham and Leather, Liverpool.

Physiology. — Medal, Mr. Woods; certificates, Messrs. Graham and
Leather, Liverpool.

Botany. — Medal, Mr. Graham, Dunsford ; certificate, Mr. Leather, of
Liverpool.

Materia Medica. — Medal, Mr. Woods; certificate, Mr. Leather.

Chemistry. — Medal, Mr. Horrocks, Manchester.

Educational Medals. — Mathematics, Mr. King, of Coventry; languages,
Mr. Bradshaw, Mauritius.

Medal for best collection of Anatomical Preparations. — Mr. Fraser,
Keith, Banff.

The Edinburgh Veterinary Medical Society's Medal for the best essay
on “The Preservation of the Horse’s Foot,” Mr. Fraser; certificate,
Mr. Thompson, of Aspatria.

MONTREAL VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSO¬
CIATION.

The usual fortnightly meeting of the above association was held on
Thursday evening, April 4th, Mr. C. J. Alloway, V.S., in the chair.

The members expressed their pleasure in seeing Mr. Alloway once
more among them, after recovering from his late severe illness.

The following resolution was also passed: Moved by Mr. Wm.
McEachran and seconded by Mr. J. B. Green, “ That this association
deeply regret the untimely death of the late John S. Thomas, an active
and earnest member of the association, and much respected by his fellow-
students. The circumstances of his death are peculiarly sad, and we
sincerely sympathise with his sorrowing family in their sad bereave¬
ment.”

Mr. William Jalceman , Boston, Mass., read an interesting report of a
case of cerebral meningitis in a horse treated by him under the direction
of Professor McEachran. The symptoms described were those of dul-
ness, stupidity, nervous twitchings, gradually increasing to complete
stupor, alternated by violent fits of excitement, pressing the head into a
corner, delirious movements, during which galloping was simulated.

The treatment consisted in laxatives — large doses of bromide of
potassium, and in the latter stages nux vomica. At the outset cold
applications to the head, subsequently changed to counter irritation.

The recovery is not complete, though nearly well, slight nervous
twitchings continue.

Mr. Peter Cummings , Quebec, read an interesting paper on Auscultation
and Percussion as diagnostic aids in Veterinary Practice. Mr. Cummings
described the various sounds discovered on auscultating (applying the
ear) and percussing or tapping the chest. He said it was impossible for
any one to hope to be able to examine diseased lungs or heart unless
they were perfectly familiar with the sounds emitted by healthy organs.
None of the lungs or heart sounds could be recognised from description
any more than any particular musical instrument or any individual tone
of that instrument ; they must be listened to both often and carefully.

£66

ONTARIO VETERINARY COLLEGE.

He would, therefore, urge upon all students never to miss an opportunity
of examining the respiratory and circulatory organs whilst at college
when they could do so under the supervision of their clinical teachers.
However well versed they might be in Physiology and Pathology, unless
they could readily recognise a healthy from a diseased note they would
have wasted many valuable years. It was absolutely essential to every
practitioner’s success that auscultation and percussion should be to him
really and truly diagnostic aids.

In the discussion that followed, Dr. James Bell, Surgeon of the
Montreal General Hospital, fully corroborated Mr. Cumming’s views as
to the necessity of becoming familiar with all chest sounds. He, in a
few well-chosen remarks, gave the students some valuable ideas on the
subject.

After a vote of thanks to essayists, the meeting adjourned till March
18th, when papers by Mr. E. J. Carter and Mr. Donald Campbell will
be read.

ONTARIO VETERINARY COLLEGE,

TORONTO, CANADA.

The closing exercises of this Institution for Session 1879-80 took place
on April 1st and 2nd.

The large attendance of students during the past session must have been
exceedingly gratifying to the Principal, Professor Smith, and all connected
with him, in his efforts to elevate the profession in Canada. The position
which the Ontario College has attained on the American Continent, and the
success in practice of its numerous graduates, are the best test of the
teaching students receive.

The Board of Examiners were composed of the following gentlemen,
appointed by the Council of the Agricultural and Arts Association of On¬
tario, viz. Messrs. Coleman, Caesar, Duncan, Wilson, Sweetapple, Elliot,
Cowan, McNaugkt, and Dr. Thorburn, who, after a most rigid examination,
awarded diplomas to the following gentlemen :

Diplomas.

S. Brenton, Belleville; A. Bell, Sharpton; W. Burt, Simcoe ; J. Burnett,
London ; G. Dunphy, Salford ; G. Coulter. Islington ; P. Z. Colsson, Mobile,
Alabama, U.S. ; J. B. Eretz, Pennsylvania, U.S. ; E. L. Groff, Ohio, U.S.;
H. G. Hawley, Brantford ; Thos Meredith, Jamestown, N.Y. ; J. Loughman,
Montreal; B. B. Page, Illinois, U.S. ; P. Stevenson, Aurora; R. Riddle,
Cobourg ; D. H. McFadden, Allanford; U. Springer, Waterloo; C. P.
Smith, St. Mary’s ; J. Taylor, St. Catherine’s ; J. P. Whitehead, Dela¬
ware ; B. Way, Belleville; L. A. Severcool, Ohio, U.S. ; P. Shalliol, Ohio,
U.S. ; E. P. Westell, Arkona ; D. Young, London.

Primary. — G. Bell, Westbrook; G. Howell, Carlow; J. Donelly,
Palmerston.

Prize and Honour List. — Seniors.

Pathology. — Silver medal, G. W. Dunphy. Honours, W. Burt, H. G.
Hawley, J. Loughman, B. B. Page, U. Springer, C. P. Smith, P. Stevenson,
B. Way, J. Whitehead.

Chemistry. — First Prize, C. P. Smith ; second, U. Springer ; third, J.
Whitehead. Honours, G. Coulter, B. Way.

ONTARIO VETERINARY COLLEGE. 367

Entozoa. — First Prize, G. W. Dunphy. Honours, C. P. Smith, U.
Springer, J. Taylor, B. Way, J. Whitehead.

Dissection. — Prize, P. Z. Colsson.

Anatomy. — Silver medal, J. Whitehead. Honours, S. Brenton, W.
Burt, P. Z. Colsson, G. Dunphy, J. Loughman, C. P. Smith, U. Springer,
P. Stephenson, B. Way.

Physiology. — First prize, C. P. Smith ; second, G. Coulter, G. Dunphy,
J. Whitehead. Honours, B. B. Page, B. Biddell, P. Shalliol, E. P.
Westell.

Materia Medica. — First prize, C. P. Smith, B. Way, equal. Honours,
G. Dunphy, B. B. Page, P. Stevenson, U. Springer, D. Young.

Gold Medal for the best General Examination. — C. P. Smith, St. Mary’s.
Honours, W. Burt, G. Dunphy, B. B. Page, U. Springer, P. Stephenson,
B. Way, J. Whitehead.

Juniors.

Physiology. — First Prize, J. A. Dell; second, W. E. Langford.

Pathology. — First prize, J. S. Butter; second, J. A. Dell. Honours,
D. L. Devone, S. L. Honiford, — Logan, W. E. Langford, S. Maguire.

Chemistry. — First prize, J. A. Dell. Honours, W. E. Langford, A.
Maguire.

Anatomy. — Silver medal, J. A. Dell. Honours, J. S. Butter, A. Logan,
A. Maguire, — Shaw.

A numerous company assembled to witness the presentation of the above
prizes, which took place in the museum on Friday morning. At the con¬
clusion of the exercises Professor Buckland, on behalf of the Board of
Agriculture, stated that in his department, breeding and management of
stock, the following prizes were awarded : — G. W. Dunphy, books to the
value of 20 dolls. ; J. W. Litehead, 15 dolls. ; B. Way, 10 dolls. He also
said that he had the authority of the Commissioner of Agriculture for say¬
ing that that gentleman sincerely regretted his unavoidable absence. He
expressed the full confidence that, great as had been the success of the
college in the past, it would be greater in the future.

The following students attended during session 1879-80: — Messrs.
William McCormack, London, Ont. ; Willis Powers, Port Hope; J. John¬
ston, Teeswater; G. A. Dallimore, Minn., TJ.S. ; W. J. Byers, Lloydtown:
Geo. J. Howell, Carlow ; Jas. Donelly, Palmerston ; Geo. Dunphy, Salford ;
Wm. Burt, Lynn Valley; L. A. Severcool, Ohio, U.S. ; D. McFadden,
Owen Sound ; C. P. Smith, St. Mary’s, Billa Way, Belleville ; S. Brenton,
Belleville ; P. TJ. Stevenson, Aurora ; J. Loughman, Montreal ; J. P.
Whitehead, Delaware; T. Groff, Ohio, U.S. ; P. Shalliol, Ohio, U.S. ; J.
Burnett, London, Ont. ; Geo. W. Bell, Sydenham, Ont. ; A. Bell, Sharpton,
Ont. ; D. Young, London, Ont. ; B. B. Page, Dustin, Ill. ; Geo. Coulter,
Weston; P. Westell, Arkona; H. G. Hawley, Brantford; U. Springer,
Waterloo ; P. Z. Colsson, Mobile, Alabama ; Tlios. Meredith, A. G.
Douglas, Perth; J. B. Fretz, Penn., U.S. ; B>. Biddell, Cobourg ; A. Bad-
gerow, James Furgeson, D. Burt, W. Cain, L. Carley, E. Wells, John
Sommerville, W. Rose, W. Shaw, W. A. Labron, W. E. Langford, D. L.
Devore, E. L. Bartram, Jesse A. Dell, A. Logan, G. W. Thomas, John
Butler, A. Tanner, W. J. Tanner, William Steele, L. Lorean, W. Preston,
J. White, A. J. Jeannin, H. Ovens, H. McElroy, A. D. Matthews, W.
Langtry, C. C. Crane, L. T. Honiford, C. M. Gustin, F. E. Brooks, C. A.
Woodford, Alex. Maguire, C. A. Delter, J. Sterling, J. Ottewell, F. Dailey,
Wm. Parkin, G. W. Bowyer, W. Huntsberger, D. Courtney, F. Ashe,
W. F. Kidd, J. Kime, F. Calder.

368

Veterinary Jurisprudence.

BATH COUNTY COURT, Feb. 28th, 1880.

Walker v. Snook.

Before His Honour, Judge Caillard.

Robert Walker, a farmer, sought to recover from the defendant, George
Snook , farrier, of Bath, £27 125. 6d. for a breach of warranty of a horse.

Mr. Bartlett appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr. J. C. Benson , of Bristol,
for the defendant.

The plaintiff deposed that, on the 10th of January, he was in Bath
Market, where he saw a brown gelding in the charge of the defendant.
He asked if it was for sale, and the defendant replied that it was, and he
wanted £45 for it. Eventually he gave a cheque for £42 for the horse,
warranted sound. On Monday the 12th, when using the horse for the
first time after purchase, he did not like its action, and sent it to Mr.
Broad for his opinion on the following day.

Mr. Broad stated that he examined the horse on the 13th, and found it
lame in both fore feet from chronic navicular disease.

James Morgan , a coachman, said that the horse had belonged to his mis¬
tress, and he as her agent sold it on the 22nd Dec. last to the defendant,
after he had been blistering and treating it for lameness in the feet, for £13,
out of which he deducted the defendant’s bill for treatment. Witness
noticed that the horse was lame in May soon after his mistress bought it.

John White, farrier, stated that he had examined the horse with a view
to purchase before the defendant bought it, but finding it was lame in
the feet, would not purchase it.

Mr. C. W. Gregory, veterinary surgeon of Bristol, said he had examined
the horse since the Court had been sitting. He found it lame in the fore
legs, but had not sufficiently examined it to form an opinion as to the
cause of lameness. He saw nothing about the legs to account for it.

James Mason Broad , veterinary surgeon of Bristol, said that he had also
examined the horse since the Court had been sitting, but not with Mr.
Gregory. Pie found the horse was lame in both fore feet from chronic
navicular disease; the horse pointed, and it was in other respects a clear
case of navicular lameness.

Mr. Benson , on behalf of the defendant, said that the evidence on the
part of the plaintiff respecting the warranty was so clear that he should
not attempt to dispute it, although the defendant did not remember
giving such a warranty. He would, however, call witnesses to prove the
soundness of the horse.

Nathaniel Leigh deposed he had practised as a veterinary surgeon at
Bristol for forty-five years. He examined the horse in question on the
3rd of February, at Bristol, and found no defect. He trotted it both with
and without its shoes, and did not discover any lameness whatever. If
the horse had been suffering from navicular disease it would certainly
have shown symptoms which he should have noticed. He had not, he said,
ever seen a sounder horse, and would have bought it. The feet were so
good looking that they were not likely to be affected with navicular disease.

William Jermyn, veterinary surgeon of Bristol, said he also examined
the horse at the Bristol Repository on the 12th of February. Before
he examined it he made it stand still for several hours, in order that it
might get stiff and easily show its lameness, if lame it was. It had good
shaped feet, and such as were not likely to be affected with navicular
disease. On cross-examination Mr. Jermyn stated that he never saw
navicular disease in a good shaped foot.

TESTIMONIAL TO PROFESSOR PRITCHARD.

369

The defendant and other witnesses were examined and the solicitors
on both sides left the matter in his Honour’s hands without further
comment.

In giving judgment his Honour, said he too should be very brief.
He was of opinion that the evidence as to the unsoundness of the horse
was perfectly conclusive, and that, therefore, there had been a breach of
warranty. The horse was lame in August, lame in January, and lame
to-day. The verdict would be for plaintiff for the full amount claimed.

TESTIMONIAL TO PROFESSOR PRITCHARD.

On Wednesday, March 23rd, there was a large assembly of students
in the theatre of the Royal Veterinary College, on the occasion of pre¬
senting an address to Professor Pritchard on his resignation. The
address was written in old English characters, and bore the signatures
of (180) one hundred and eighty students. Silence being restored after
the prolonged cheering which greeted the Professor on his arrival, the
secretary, Mr. W. H. Bartrum, rose and said : Professor Pritchard — I
have, sir, been deputed by my fellow-students, to present you with an
address, which will express more forcibly than any words of mine the
peculiar interest felt and the unanimity will be seen by a reference to
the number of signatures and the appearance of this theatre. It has
been brought to our knowledge, sir, that for motives, into which we are
not justified in entering, and for reasons on which we are not jus¬
tified to express an opinion, but which we deeply regret, you are
about to sever your connection of over twenty years with this institu¬
tion. During that time it has almost become a matter of history the
zeal and devotion which you have used as a teacher, and the success
which has attended your efforts — efforts, sir, which have not alone been
used to the advantage of students, but to the advancement of science.
The value and success of those services have often been recognised, and
deserving tributes of praise have, we believe, been tendered to you. In
the trying period of our studentship we cannot but too deeply regret
the loss of your services, although we are not unmindful of the fact
that this step has been taken with due consideration for your personal
feelings, and which no doubt will ultimately prove to your great advan¬
tage, in the future, in which we all wish you “ God speed.” Although
you will be in private practice, we shall with difficulty sever ourselves
from the old association of teacher and pupil, and shall no doubt in times
of difficulty and uncertainty desire to avail ourselves of your great
knowledge and extensive practical experience which, from your kindly
aid and advice in the past, we are sure that you will readily afford. It
only remains for me now, sir, to say that you carry with you in your
new sphere of life the esteem of your pupils, and their best wishes for
your welfare ; and in order that this may be present to your memory, I
have to inform you that, in addition to the address which I now present,
an artist of considerable renown, “Air. Gogin,” has been commissioned
to paint your portrait, and we have to request, sir, that you will place
yourself at that gentleman’s disposal, with the view of giving effect to
our wishes, and we hope and believe that it will be regarded by you as
one of the pleasant associations of your Professorship in this institution.
It may also interest you to know, sir, that the Committee have arranged
for this portrait to be photographed, in order that the students might
hang copies of the same in their surgeries, to be to them an example of

370

TESTIMONIAL TO PROFESSOR PRITCHARD.

the position to which study, application, energy, and perseverance will
attain, and the esteem which follows the faithful performance of duty.
The address which I have to present you is as follows :

TO WILLIAM PRITCHARD, ESQ., MR.C.V.S,

Professor or Anatomy and Equine Pathology in the Royal

Veterinary College, London.

Dear Sir, — We, the undersigned Students of the Royal Veterinary
College, desire to express our deep regret at the loss we sustain by your
retirement from a position which you have so long and so ably occupied.
We ask you to accept a portrait of yourself as a slight expression of our
respect and esteem, as an acknowledgement of the uniform kindness,
and ever ready assistance you have always afforded us, and as a token of
our best wishes for your future success. To this, sir, is appended, I
believe, the signature of nearly every student of this College.

In reply, Professor Pritchard rose and said : Gentlemen, on this
occasion I address you with mingled feelings — my mind somewhat in a
maze, indeed, to be expressed in one word “ Chaos/5 so that while I try
to respond to the very handsome address just delivered, I do so under a
certain amount of difficulty ; but allow me to assure you such is more to be
attributed to the workings of the flesh than the promptings of the
spirit. I have been a teacher in this institution for twenty years, and
from what has taken place before, and especially that of to-day, it is
gratifying to me to think, in fact, I cannot help coming to the conclusion,
that my efforts to please have been crowned with success. Some of you
may consider it egotistical to say so, but when I tell you that I first
begun at this College at the bottom round of the ladder as Demon¬
strator, and when appointed Deputy Professor I was presented with a
Testimonial. Again a Testimonial awaited me when elected to fill the
place of a Professor, and I was also met with one when I entered into
my present position. I came here with the view of finishing my days
“ that is, my useful days,55 in this institution, and I have worked with the
view of improving the position of the Veterinary Student and the future
Veterinary Surgeon. You have no idea of the amount of work I^have
had to do, the correspondence I have had, the advice I have given to
young gentlemen, and to old one’s too, helping the profession, as I still
hope to help it. But, gentlemen, although my duties have been labo¬
rious, let me tell you I look back upon them, with more than pleasure,
as there is no grander feeling, no greater happiness, than that of helping
one’s fellow-man. You will, I am sure, excuse the pride I feel in taking
this your very handsome Testimonial with me on resigning my position
in this College. If it had been simply a sheet of paper with your names
on it, and the words, “We are satisfied,55 I should have been proud of
it, but this beautiful scroll, and the way in which the signatures have
been appended to it, puts me in a position to show it to my friends, and
not only to my friends, but to my enemies, for I suppose that I am
like other people, and have them ; but their comments upon me now
must be made with their backs turned on this address, which expresses
your opinion of me ; and although you think I have done something
for you, I look upon it as doing my duty. We are now about to
separate, but it is only a separation as far as my going out of this
College is concerned, and whether in this College or elsewhere vou still
carry with you my sheerest wishes ; and if my advice can be of any
service to you, I pray you will call upon it. And, gentlemen, I now
have to thank you. Shakespeare said, “ I am poor in thanks, but I
thank you.” I thank you too on my wife’s account, who will be pleased

UNQUALIFIED INSPECTORS.

371

with this as I am. Her heart is with yours in the matter, and she will
thank you from the bottom of her heart, a somewhat hackneyed term,
but one that conveys a good deal. I am obliged to your Committee who
worked out the details, as I know the trouble involved in getting up a
Testimonial; and as to giving me my portrait, allow me to say that you
could not have given me anything I like better, and when 1 say it is
acceptable to me, I must also tell you that my friends in Wolver¬
hampton are delighted with the idea ; so that if you had considered the
matter for twelve months you could not have selected anything that I
should have appreciated more. Such, gentlemen, is the story, and now
I shall give you the moral. Very early in life I came across these few
lines, which I have seen the advisability of acting up to — they were
thus :

“Weigh well the end.”

“ Deem nothing small or mean.”

“ For steps have a strange fatality.” And

“ Many a ponderous gate hangs upon a little hinge.”

Take my advice, “ Weigh well the end,” and see if there is not some¬
thing in the future that can be worked out. I had it when I came here,
and up to the present time that future has been a grand one. I have
already reached a point which at first I did not think possible, and let
me tell you it is a sore, and sorry point to me, to leave this Institu¬
tion, but I am satisfied I have taken the right step ; and, gentlemen,
wherever I am, whether in the West End or in the Country, you can
always be assured of the advice of your old teacher.

Professor Pritchard, whose speech was frequently interrupted by the
acclamation of his audience, then left the theatre amidst tumultuous
applause.

BUYING DIPLOMAS.

Gentlemen, — I was very glad to see the letter of “ Pro Bono
Publico” in last month’s Veterinarian , for I consider it most unfair that
Students or Practitioners should, after obtaining the Highland and
Agricultural Certificate, be allowed to buy the Diploma of the Royal
College of Veterinary Surgeons, and immediately add L. and E. to
their cards and brass-plates, leading the public to believe they are
doubly qualified. I can assure you that the above-named arrangement
has given much dissatisfaction to the majority of veterinary surgeons.
I enclose my card. Yours, &c.,

London Only.

To the Editors of the Veterinarian.

UNQUALIFIED INSPECTORS.

Gentlemen, — As we always look to our friend the V eterinarian to
state our grievances, will you allow me a small space to ask whether
some steps cannot be taken to prohibit Local Authorities from appointing
cow-leeches and other unqualified individuals, as Inspectors under the
“ Contagious Diseases Animals Act.” 1 need not tell you it is both
annoying and hurtful to a veterinary surgeon to have a class of men
parading about in their practice, whose ignorance is only exceeded by
their impudence. Yours, &c.,

To the Editors of the Veterinarian. M.R.C.V.S.

872

ARMY APPOINTMENT.

Veterinary Department, War Office,

April Qth.

Veterinary Surgeon, First Class, James Lambert, from the 17th
Lancers, to be Veterinary Surgeon, First Class ; Veterinary Surgeon
Stuart Murray Wilson, from the 12th Lancers, to be Veterinary
Surgeon.

The Army and Navy Gazette , of April 17th, says that no fewer than
seven regiments, viz. the 1st Dragoons, 3rd Hussars, 5th Lancers, 12th
Lancers, 16th Lancers, 17th Lancets, and 21st Hussars, are now without
veterinary surgeons.

OBITUARY.

We deeply regret to have to report the death of Professor Sharpey,
by which event England has lost one of its most eminent physiologists.
For many years Dr. Sharpey held a foremost place among scientists at
the Royal Institution and the London University, with which institutions
he was officially connected.

The science of veterinary medicine owes him a deep debt of gratitude
as a physiologist, and the profession itself is no less indebted to him for
having, amid all his investigations, found time to act as an Examiner of
Veterinary Pupils. In this latter capacity he officiated from Dec., 1356,
until May, 1875, when from impaired health he retired from the Board of
Examiners.

He died on the 11th of April, at his residence at Torrington Square,
in the 79th year of his age. He was unmarried.

On Thursday, April 15th, his remains were removed from his residence
to University College, where the funeral was met by a large gathering
of professional friends and others, who accompanied it to Euston Square
Station, whence the body was forwarded to Arbroath, his native town, for
interment.

The Daily News, alluding to his death, says, that the deceased gentleman
graduated M.D. at Edinburgh in 1823, was a Fellow of the Royal
Societies of London and Edinburgh, L.L.D. Edinb., a Trustee of the
Hunterian Museum of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, an
institution in which he always took a great interest ; he was also
Emeritus Professor of Anatomy and Physiology in University College
Hospital. The catalogue of Scientific Papers, published by the Royal
Society of London, furnishes a long list of his contributions to the
advancement of science, one of the most important being his “ Obser¬
vations and Experiments to Purkyne and Valentine’s paper on the Dis¬
covery of a Continued Vibratory Motion, produced by Cilia, as a general
Phenomenon in Reptiles, Birds, and mammiferous Animals,” published
in the Edinburgh Philosophical Journal.

We have also to record the death on Feb. 9th, 1880, at his residence,
T ickenhall, near Derby, of Willi am Garrard, M.R.C.V.S., aged 60. Iiis
diploma bears date May 29th, 1844.

And of George Edward Cooper, M.R.C.V.S., late of Yeavely, Derby¬
shire, who died in London, January 14th, 1879, aged 32 years. His
diploma bears date April 30th, 1867.

THE

VETERINARIAN.

VOL. LIII.
No. 630.

JUNE, 1880.

Fourth Series,
No. 306.

Communications and Cases.

PARASITIC DISEASE IN BATRACHIA AND

SALMONIDiE.

By T. Spencer Cobbold, M.D., F.R.S., Professor of
Helminthology, Royal Veterinary College.

In the pages of the Midland Naturalist I have recently
recorded a curious example of Parasitism in the Toad, show¬
ing the destructive effects of dipterous larvae ; and in The
Field I have likewise had an opportunity of recording an
instance ofcestode tuberculosis in a trout, to which, as will be
seen below, I have attached a special name. After the
recent discussions that have appeared in the Times and in
the Lancet respecting Trichinosis and Fluke disease, I think
it high time that a better nomenclature for parasitic dis¬
orders should be introduced. At present I do not propose
to enter fully into this question, but, as bearing upon the
general question of epizooty affecting all classes of animals,
I think it desirable to give increased publicity to the follow¬
ing remarkable facts. :

Just forty years ago I remember, as a lad, to have been
painfully struck with the distress of a toad, as shown by its
outstretched fore limbs firmly planted in the soil, and by an
otherwise peculiar attitude. The victim was in a plantation
of my father’s Rectory grounds, Wortham, Suffolk. Noticing
the constant outward and inward movement of several para-

26

LIII.

374 PARASITIC DISEASE IN BATRACHIA AND SALMONIDiE.

sites which occupied the cavity of the nose, my chief thought
was how I could best put the unfortunate batrachian out of
its misery. I killed the toad ; but the parasites were neither
removed nor preserved. It was, in fact, my earliest observa¬
tion in helminthology. From that time onward the circum¬
stance continually recurred to me as one worthy of scientific
notice ; but as, until recently, I had received no confirma¬
tion of the correctness of the observation, the matter was
allowed to pass. During my prolonged absence from town
last autumn, a letter arrived from Dr. C. A. McMunn, of
Clarence House, Waterloo Road, near Wolverhampton,
describing something very similar. Writing on the 6th of
August, 1879, Dr. McMunn records the following incident : —
“As I was returning home from the country yesterday I
noticed a toad slowly crawling across the road, and on
taking it up I found two holes in the front of its head,
evidently the nostrils, very much increased in size. They
were filled with moving bodies. To-day the animal died.
The two holes have coalesced into one, and the cavity formed
by this coalescence is filled with the same parasites I saw
yesterday. I enclose the toad, as I know you are interested
in such matters.”

For the reason above stated, it was not until the expira¬
tion of three months that I had opportunity to read Dr.
McMunn’s letter, and to open the paper-box containing the
toad. After explaining this by letter, my correspondent was
kind enough to furnish me with some additional particulars.
Writing at the close of the year, he observes : — “ On ex¬
amining the toad more carefully, I found each nostril filled
with whitish small worm-like bodies, which would amount,
I should say, to fifty or more in each nostril. They kept
appearing at the outside of the nostrils, and then receding,
these movements being probably due to the respiratory efforts
of the toad. They also had a rolling motion, individually.
After some hours the septum between the nostrils was quite
eaten away, and a large hole appeared in the animal’s head,
the toad being then quite dead.” Dr. McMunn did not
observe any rings or hooks, but in a postscript he expresses
the opinion that the parasites represented “ the larvae of
some insect.”

I must here mention that the envelope and box had
arrived in a torn state. When I examined the contents of
the box, there was nothing but the skeleton of the toad, the
remains of numerous pupae, from which the perfect insects
had escaped, and the wool and notepaper in which the toad
was packed. The surface of the writing paper was plainly

Parasitic disease in batrachia and salmonid^e. 375

marked with impressions of the smooth-skinned pupae.
These are distinctly ringed, and when magnified about forty
diameters show a large number of minute spines. From a
sketch supplied by Dr. McMunn, the living larvae would
appear to have been fully a quarter of an inch in length. I
found that one of the dried, shrivelled, and empty pupae
skins measured exactly one-fifth of an inch in length. The
remains of a rather small beetle that had evidently gained
access to the box were found lodged in the skeleton. This
had certainly nothing to do with the parasitism, about which
not a shadow of doubt could exist.

These facts were recently communicated by me at a private
meeting of the London Entomological Club held at Dr. E. H.
Vinen’s house, and I solicited this privilege, as I was unable
to determine the species of fiy causing the disorders without
the assistance of entomologists, or, as I might more correctly
say, dipterologists. The result was most gratifying, as
in the very lively discussion which then followed, Mr.
Robert McLachlan, F.R.S., drew attention to recent notices
in the Zoological Record for 1877-78, and he stated that
not improbably the larvee in question would be found to
belong to the genus Batrachomyia of MacLeay. In the
reports I find that reference is made by Mr. E. C. Rye to
a note by Herr Boie, on the larvae of a Dipteron attacking
the soft parts of the mouths of toads in Bohemia. M. Girard
also gives “ instances of batrachians attacked in a similar
manner.” Mr. Rye quotes also the opinion of MM. Colin
de Plancy and E. Taton, that ff the flies ( Batrachomyia )
attack only sores already existing.” It appears that M.
Moniez had previously referred some dipterous insects, pos¬
sessing these habits, to the genus Lucilia , one species of
which (L. hominivorax) proves, as everybody knows, so
terrible to the convicts at Cayenne. The new fly, L. bafoni-
vora} Mon., lays its eggs “ in the eyes of frogs, and the
larvee eat into the living batrachian.” Mons. Lelievre refers
it to L. regalis or L. illustris , Meig., but the opinion is
disputed by M. Girard. It is also stated that ^larvae of this
species have been discovered in the head of a toad, near
Maurenne ; and also, in another instance, near Paris.
From these observations it appears that the instances of
dipterous parasitism in the nasal chambers of toads, as re¬
cently witnessed by Dr. McMunn, and by myself some forty
years back, are perfectly genuine.

Every year it becomes more and more apparent how
largely parasites are concerned in the production of epi¬
zootics.

376 PARASITIC DISEASE IN BATRACHIA AND SALMONIDJE.

In my recently published treatise I have sought to give
expression to this fact, more particularly in relation to our
ordinary domesticated animals. By-and-bye more significance
will be attached to this matter by professional men, who,
instead of rolling together a variety of parasitic affections
and calling them by one name will demand some special
nomenclature, such as I am desirous of introducing. Recently
a human disease, which I believe to be strongylosis has been
confounded with trichinosis, and, similarly, olulaniasis and
psorospermosis have been confounded with trichinosis. We
ifiust keep these and many other distinctive affections, such
as anchylostomosis, widely apart. This brings me to notice
the following remarkable instance of parasitism in one of
the salmon trihe.

On the 30th of April I received from Mr. Robert J. Simpson
some interesting parasites, together with portions of the skin,
gills, and muscles of a lake trout. The specimens were
accompanied by a letter, written from Rothay Cottage, Am-
bleside, only the day before, and in it Mr. Simpson records
the following particulars :

“On Tuesday last a dead Salmon ferox was found in the
river Brathay, a female fish, in good condition (for a spawned
fish), twenty-four inches in length, four pounds in weight.
The fish had evidently died from the salmon disease, though
this is the first victim yet seen in the rivers running into
Lake Windermere. On making a post-mortem examination
I found the fish, I may say, one mass of parasites, all seem¬
ingly of one kind, and, from the egg, as minute as can be
seen, to worms two inches long. One of the gills was dis¬
eased; the part I have cut off and enclosed in bottle. I also
enclose a piece of skin that had the salmon disease ; also a
lot of the parasite at its different stages of growth. To my
surprise, in cutting into the flesh under the diseased skin, I
found the parasite at fully one and a half to two inches at
full length. I enclose one bit of skin and flesh with a large
parasite in it. I hope you will be able to see it. When put
into the spirit its white body was clearly seen, stretched at
full length, in the pink flesh. On cutting into the flesh,
and examining it more thoroughly, I found the whole flesh
more or less alfected with the parasite, some at full length,
others in cells curled up. I have not hitherto met with this
parasite, nor have I had a specimen with the salmon disease
to examine. I have not heard whether this parasite is
common to fish killed by the disease. Do you know this
parasite? Can it have anything to do with the disease?
The cause of death did not appear clear, looking only at the

PARASITIC DISEASE IN BATRACHIA AND SALMONIDAC. 3 77

head, gills, throat, and heart, as, with the exception of the
bit of gill sent, these organs seemed right.”

On May 1st, and again on the 3rd, I submitted Mr. Simp¬
son’s specimens to microscopic, investigation, and although
neither the long “ white body” in the muscles, nor a similar
filamentous band two inches in length, and loose in the
bottle, turned out to be tapeworms, it was soon perfectly
clear that the mass of parasites from the “ flesh” were
cestode worms. Some were in capsules, whilst others had
been liberated, but all, whether encysted or free, were
sexually immature. At first I thought they might be cap¬
suled Trisenophori, but, after soaking in glycerine (by which
simple device their characters were better brought out), I
became satisfied that they were very young examples of
Ligula cligramma. Practically it is, perhaps, of little moment
as to what species of adult cestode these larvae may be re¬
ferred, but I regard L. digramma as a synonym of L. sim-
plicissima, both of these cestodes being sexually imperfect
worms.

Now, the beautiful researches of M. Duchamp have shown
that the larval Ligula residing in the bodies of various fresh¬
water fishes are the young of the Ligula monogramma of
water birds. Thus, by experiment, M. Duchamp succeeded in
causing the larval forms which abound in the tench ( Tinea
vulgaris) to become sexually mature in the common duck.
He says: “ Cette evolution est extremement rapide : quatre
jours suffisent pour que les ceufs soient aptes a la repro¬
duction.”

I have examined a considerable number of Ligules from

different fishes and birds. What has occurred in this in-

«

stance is probably as follows : The trout either captured and
killed or found a dead water-bird, which it ate, together
with the Lingulae it contained ; or, possibly, it swallowed
part of the strobile of a Ligula which had escaped a living
bird per anum, as not unfrequently happens. The ingestion
of the Ligulae set free the contained ciliated ova. The six-
hooked scolices in their interior migrated from the intestine
into the flesh beneath the peritoneal membrane, and there
underwent the usual transformation into young Ligulte.
These cestodes were so numerous as to seriously incon¬
venience the fish, thus giving rise to the disease which I
call ligulosis. Here was a form of piscine epizooty which,
though not hitherto so called, has already been recognised
as capable of affecting fishes fatally. This, as M. Duchamp
has pointed out, was the case with the trenches in the ponds
of La Bresse, In the present instance I think Mr. Simpson’s

378 SYNOPSIS OF CONTINENTAL VETERINARY JOURNALS.

dead trout (Salmoferop) came to grief partly from the effects
of the fungus on the gills, and partly, as well as more imme¬
diately, from the irritation due to the presence of the very
numerous young Ligules. I think, therefore, with Mr.
Simpson, that the amount of fungus development was not
of itself a sufficient cause of death, though, had there been
no entozoa present, there can be little doubt but that the
fungus disease would have gone on extending its ravages
until the piscine host finally succumbed. Death from
ligulosis is probably an exceptional occurrence.

In conclusion, I may state that there is abundant evidence
to prove that all vertebrates are liable to succumb to
parasitic disease ; and the only effectual way of checking
these outbreaks is to adopt some means of destroying the
entozoa and ectozoa in one or other of their phases of life
development.

SYNOPSIS OF CONTINENTAL VETERINARY

JOURNALS.

By John Henry Steel, M.R.C.V.S., F.Z.S., Demonstrator
of Anatomy at the Royal Veterinary College.

M. Corneyin’s Italian Review, as given in the Journal de
Medecine Veter inair e for April, 1880, is most interesting and
needs no apology for reproduction as follows :

Progressive Paralytic Muscidar Hypertrophy or Pseudo-
hypertrophic Lipomatous Muscular Disorder in a Calf , by
M. E. Perroncito. — Since Duchenne, of Boulogne, published
the first case of hypertrophic paraplegia of childhood, due to
cerebral causes, observations in human medicine have multi¬
plied and medical literature is now rich in information on this
subject. Veterinary pathology, on the other hand, has
nothing relating to it, unless we consider as this disease that
which Rolff has described under the name “ Fatty degenera¬
tion of the muscles of young swine,” which, indeed, seems
to differ from it neither in its mode of origin nor in the
lesions to which it gives rise. Nevertheless, many experi¬
menters, among them Mantyazza, Vulpian, Bizzozero, and
Golgi, have produced it in animals. Mantyazza observed
that on section of the ischiatic and crural nerves there
occurs diminution in size of the muscular fibre, together
with increased production of sarcolemmatous nuclei, and
more rapid growth of the interfascicular connective tissue,

SYNOPSIS OF CONTINENTAL VETERINARY JOURNALS. 379

with abundant deposition of fat in its meshes when the
animal survived for a long time. Vulpian, after section of the
ischiatic, hypoglossal, lingual, and facial nerves, together
with hyperplasia of the connective tissue, deposition of fat,
and multiplication of nuclei, observed an increase in the
diameter of the muscular fibre. Bizzozero and Golgi, who
repeated Mantyazza’s observations, asserted that they, as he
did, observed diminution of the same diameter. Whatever
conclusion may be arrived at on this particular point, we
learn from the above-mentioned work that in the first stage
of hypertrophic paraplegia there is an excessive develop¬
ment of connective, in the second stage of fatty tissue. M.
Perroncito relates a case which he observed in a yearling
calf which was slaughtered in the abattoir of Turin, in
December, 1877. It was of the Piedmontese-plain breed,
and since birth had retained the recumbent position. When
any attempt was made to raise him, after many efforts he
would kneel, but could not retain that position without
support, nevertheless he was to all appearance in a state of
flourishing health, and became so fat that he weighed 325
kgrms., and gave 182 kgrms. (56 per cent.) as carcase weight.
When he was opened all the viscera of the abdomen and
chest were found to be normal ; there was considerable ac¬
cumulation of fat around the kidneys and in the omentum
and mesentery. All the muscles, instead of the usual red
colour, were of a fine pinkish wrhite. The muscles of the
interior of the body were whiter than those of the
exterior, especially those of the buttock and longissimus
dorsi. In examination of the muscular system one seemed
rather to have to do with lard than with meat ; the density
of the muscles was increased. The marrow in the long
bones was abnormally white. When M. Perroncito was in¬
formed of this animal being in the slaughter-house it had
been already cut up and the quarters taken apart, so that
the professor was unable to examine the nerve centres. The
butcher who purchased it assured him that he had observed
nothing special about them. Microscopical examination ot
specimens, either fresh or preserved in alcohol or in Muller's
fluid, showed that of the primitive bundles -some were
atrophied, the others increased in size, that in two or three
they were surrounded by fatty cells which compressed them.
The nuclei were very abundant, but the sarcolemma con¬
tents did not seem to have undergone change. Between the
nervous tubules at the terminal part of the ischiatic nerve
were found fatty cells, similar to those between the fas¬
ciculi. When cooked and prepared as for food the meat

380 SYNOPSIS OF CONTINENTAL VETERINARY JOURNALS.

was found insipid and devoid of juice. After this de¬
scription M. Perroncito asks if a butcher to whom such
an animal is handed over can have any claim for com¬
pensation on the seller. Then he reminds us that in
human medicine Cavagnis in such cases advises adminis¬
tration of iodide of potassium, long continued, and seconded
by faradisation and good feeding. Remuell and Benedikt
obtained good results from galvanisation alone. We regret
that this observation, interesting as it is, was not rendered
more so by more extended observation, which would surely
have thrown some light on the hitherto little studied
organic modifications which result from fattening animals
for slaughter. It would have been particularly interesting
to have made a qualitative and quantitative examination of
the blood, and especially an analysis of the muscles. It is
almost impossible to conclude, by microscopical examina¬
tion, whether or not a muscular fibre has undergone change
of diameter, since the least difference of tension may cause
error. Chemical analysis would have solved the difficulty
by showing either increase or diminution of myosin and
syntonin — Annali della Beale Accademia d' Acjricoltur a di
Torino .

On the Parasites termed Trichina of Birds, by MM.
Hi volta and Delprato. — Since the Trichina spiralis (Ow.)
and the disease which it occasions have been well known, the
attention of physicians and naturalists has been directed
to the way in which it gains entry into the system, and it
has been asked whether the flesh of animals other than the pig
can by consumption be a means of transmission. Attention
has been especially directed to barn-door fowls, and recourse
has been had to microscopical observation and experimental
research. Unfortunately the work hitherto done in this
matter, far from conveying information, has been the source
of confused discussions and prejudiced mutual affirmations
and negations. Has not the Trichina of Owen been con¬
founded with analogous but not identical nematodes since
1838? Yon Siebold, in his memoire on the sexless parasites
of birds and mammals, said that there must be more than
one species of Trichina, and Pagenstecher also came to this
conclusion after an examination of birds of the genus Anas.
But Herbst, more especially, established different species
and gave the following as a result of his researches : — (1) A
Trichina spiralis (Owen) in the cat. (2) A species peculiar to
birds. (3) A species transmissible from the mole to the pigeon.
(4) A species transmissible from dog to dog and from the do°-
to the badger, and vice versa , Wedl demonstrated the ana-

SYNOPSIS OF CONTINENTAL VETERINARY JOURNALS. 381

tomical difference between Trichina spiralis and that of birds,
and Pagenstecher has recently stated that according to his ex¬
periments the dog cannot be attacked by true Trichina, but has
a form special to him. M. Diesing, in his Sy sterna helminthum ,
distinguishes two species of the genus Trichina, T. spiralis
(Owen) and T. affinis (D.), placing under the latter heading
provisionally all the species enumerated by Herbst. The
former had been found encysted in the peritoneum and
pleura of Cheiroptera and the following birds : — Vespertilio
auritus et noctula , Strix bubo , otus , et flammea, Gypselus
apus, Lanins minor , Sylvia rubecula , Vanellus cristatus ,
Numenius arquatus, Lams fuscub, ridibundus et argentatus,
JButeo vulgaris , Grus cinerea , and also in the dog, cat, mole,
and wild boar. Allowing, as we must, the existence of
T. affinis of Diesing, it remains to be decided whether
Trichina spiralis , the <f true Trichina,” as we may call it, can
he transmitted to fowls, and from them pass to men. Dr.
Bakodes, of Pesth, has found it in the walls of the ven-
triculus succenturiatus and of the intestines of two fowls,
without having met with it in the muscles. M. Demarchi,
in 1865, announced that he had found it disseminated in
the thigh and the left leg of a fowl ; finally, the special
journals have reported, after Spallanza?ii, who first gave
notice of it, that in 1878 German soldiers of the garrison
of Thionville, became affected with Trichinosis, and two of
them died. It was affirmed that the disease had its origin
in consumption, not of the flesh of the pig, but of that of
the goose. These three are the only cases hitherto recorded.
Those of M. Damarchi and of Thionville do not admit of
discussion, for the details are wanting. But we may observe,
as regards the food of German soldiers, that it is more often
composed of American preserved meats than of goose, and
every one knows that Trichina is not rare in American
bacon. Dr. Bakodes’ case remains, but Linstow, who closely
examined his work, did not hesitate to say that Bakodes
committed an error, and only found a spiropter. He says,
reasonably, that Trichina spiralis is never found encysted
in the walls of the digestive tube ; it only traverses them to
enter the striated muscles. Thus, we must accept this result
with some doubt. Besides, the experiments of Fuchs and
Pagenstecher, Davaine and Colin authorise doubt. They
have shown that by making some birds ingest Trichina
capsules the parasites are promptly set at liberty, increase
in size rapidly, develop their sexual apparatus and copulate.
But generally the females were expelled from the intestine
before the escape of the embryos, or when the latter entered

382 synopsis of Continental veterinary journals.

the digestive tube they become likewise expelled. Their
migration into the muscles was never shown. The paper
in hand says the description of the supposed Trichina of
fowls only shows the difference between it and the same true
Trichina which passes from the pig to man. The authors
proved this on fowls in the neighbourhood of Pisa. The
parasites were enclosed in a spherical oval cyst, of about a
millimetre in diameter, principally in the peri-oesophagean
areolar tissue or in the thickness of the intestinal walls of
the mesentery. Though the greatest care was exercised
they were never detected in the muscles or in the inter¬
fascicular areolar tissue. It is striated transversely and
averaging 2 mm. in length ; it is curled up like Trichina
spiralis , but it may be distinguished at once from the latter,
since it is agitated directly the cyst is opened, but Trichina
spiralis is always motionless, and as though dead (?) The
anterior part of its body is very narrow, the posterior is
larger than that of the Trichina of Owen. But the true
specific character is that its mouth presents two very marked
conical papillae. The oesophagus and intestine are lined
by large and very distinct cylindrical epithelial cellules.
Around the oesophagus may be seen two cylindrical masses,
which are perhaps glands. Zoologically the confusion of
the parasite which has just been described with T. spiralis
ought to cease. But ought we to accept the name of T. affinis
suggested M. Diesing ? We must remember that the author
has only suggested it as provisional. Now we know more
about the matter we may, without inconvenience, adopt the
names proposed by different authors to distinguish parasites
which differ in their habitat, and slightly in their forms.
Thus, T. agilissima (Molin), inhabits the peritoneum of some
lizards ; T. anguilla (Bowman) is found in the eel ; T. cypri-
norum (Diesing) is found in many species of fish ; T. circum-
flexa (Palonis) encysted in the peritoneum (and not the
muscles) of the rat ; and lastly, the parasite which is the
subject of MM. Bivolta and Delprato’s present study,
which they propose to call T. papillosa, on account of the
formation of its mouth. Its habitat is the connective tissue
of different parts of the body of birds. — Giornale di A?ia-
tomay Jisiol. et pathol. degli Animali , 1879.

Note on a Discomyces of Sarcomatous tumours , by M.
Bivolta. — In the course of 1875 the author found in sar¬
comata of the ox special products, which attracted his atten¬
tion, but which he scarcely dared, in spite of their reactions
with caustic potash, to consider of a vegetable nature. Two
years later Dr. Harz, with greater assurance, did not liesi-

SYNOPSIS OF CONTINENTAL VETERINARY JOURNALS. 383

tate to consider them a species of fungus, which he called
Actinomyces bovis. Since then the microphyte thus desig¬
nated has been again found in the same conditions, and
more thoroughly investigated. M. Rivolta considers it
ought to be ranged in the family of Discomyces. When
examining a sarcomatous tumour from the scrotal region of
the horse which had been sent to him by a veterinary
surgeon of the Italian army, M. Rivolta saw a parasite,
which though closely resembling that found in the ox,
differed from it in some particulars. After this the Professor
of Pisa proposed to establish a new genus, Sarcomyces,
which would comprise the species S. bovis and S. equi. He
announces that he is about to study the development,
culture, and inoculation of this parasite. — Giornctle di Medi-
cina, V eterinaria e Farmacia of Pracenza .

First Congress of Tuscan Breeders. — On the 6th Decem¬
ber last this Congress was opened at Firenze (Florence).
Sixty members representing the different agricultural com¬
mittees of the country were present. Marquis Ridolfi,
senator, was elected president. General Baron V. Ricasoli
was sent by the Minister of Agriculture to represent his
department. The first question discussed was that of the
Maremma breed of horses. The assembly was of the opinion
that it could not approve of the crossings with English
horses which have been made for some time past. That it
would be preferable to modify the race, such as it is, by
selection, or to use only stallions of Oriental breeds, if foreign
stock must be utilised. The second question referred to
horned cattle. Two races, tribes, varieties, whatever we
choose to call them, are found about this part of the country,
that of the Val di Chiana and that of Pisa. Professor
Zanelli, Director of the Zootechnical Establishment of Reggio
d’Emilie, endeavoured to establish that (whatever has been
said on the matter) the Val de Chiana cattle are a pure,
indigenous, uncrossed race. After this the Congress unani¬
mously decided that the said breed being the best found in
Italy, as far as propensity to fatten and to fetch a high price
in the markets, it is advisable to promote its spread as much
as possible, and especially to substitute it for the Pisa
breed whenever agricultural conditions and food supply
render it feasible; that it is necessary to appeal to breeders
to remedy the defects it at present presents by a good choice
of breeding beasts. The practice of working bovine animals
was then considered, and the meeting expressed the opinion
that it must be maintained, in order to prevent any other
animal taking the place now filled by cattle. As for

384 SYNOPSIS OF CONTINENTAL VETERINARY JOURNALS.

reserving it for the ox to the exclusion of cows, the Con¬
gress decided that when the work is not excessive, and is
performed on level ground, there is no inconvenience in
employing cows, and there is great benefit derivable from
utilisation of animals destined to reproduce the race. With
regard to an improved method of feeding animals for fatten¬
ing, working, and milking purposes, the Congress could not
do more than hint vague concessions, for this depends so
much on the various influences of surrounding circumstances,
the prices of food stuff, and local industry. Thus, the only
matters decided on were the good effects of green forage
with oil cake, and of cooked and fermented food. With
regard to the ovine species, which is so much at home on the
slopes below the Appenines, the Congress decided that what
especially prevented rapid increase of sheep is the want of
food supply in bad seasons. We must obtain from the
agriculture of the future a modification of this state of
things. The Congress, then, with unanimity and acclama¬
tion, voted as follows : — “ Considering the delay in the com¬
pletion of the system of canals and of irrigation of the
valley of Chiana, which risks the fertility of a country
whence the best race of Italian cattle is derived, the Con¬
gress votes that the government of the Kingdom of Italy,
shall continue the works of water supply commenced before
the autonomy of the country.” The meeting terminated its
sittings, after examining the measures of sanitary police,
which should be adopted to arrest extension of epizootics, and
especially to prevent fairsand markets being, as now, the prin¬
cipal centres of contagion. — II Zootechnico , January, 1880.

Bibliography. — Forage Plants, or the Vegetable Consti¬
tuents of Meadows and Pasture Lands of Italy, by M. A.
he Silvestri ; Traite de Zootechnie , by M. Sanson, trans¬
lation bv MM. Lemoigne and Tampelini. — Whoever has
even a slight acquaintance with Italian literature will
be struck with the great number of its publications. On
considering the matter, we find an explanation in the cha¬
racter and proclivities of the Italian people, which preserves
them from the excessive centralisation which affects us so
much and considerably to our prejudice. We, in France,
have only one capital, which is at once administrative and
pre-eminent in intellect. Italy, ever since its unity, continues
to have many which dispute artistic, literary, and scientific
supremacy — Rome, Florence, Milan, Venice, and Naples.
This is the secret of the productive power of the Italian
people. These reflections, which I first made long ago, were
forcibly recalled to my mind; when examining a beautiful

VETERINARY SCIENCE IN AMERICA.

385

volume, enriched with five hundred engravings, which has
just been published at Turin, by M. A. de Silvestri, pro¬
fessor at the Veterinary School of that town. Its title is
given above. It is a kind of agricultural and medical botany,
similar to that of MM. Rodet and Baillet, which we have
in France, and will be particularly useful to agriculturalists,
veterinarians, cavalry and administrative officers. The
text is good, and the plates are well worked. We are well
aware how difficult it is to obtain even passable engravings
in the provinces, and must congratulate our Italian colleagues
on having, thanks to the absence of centralization, good
workmen at hand to illustrate the good books they produce.
Two other professors of Zootechny, M. Lemoigne, of
Milan, and M. Tampelini, of Modena, have happily thought
right to translate the work of M. Sanson on economy
of live stock. The detailed analysis which we gave last
year of this work, by the Professor of Grignon, renders it
superfluous to enter into further particulars about it, and
we must content ourselves with congratulating the trans¬
lators on their happy thought, and the author for the
patriotic satisfaction with which we see French work spread,
by its writings, beyond our frontiers.

VETERINARY SCIENCE IN AMERICA.

Communication from Mr. J. H. Steel.

Gentlemen, — In your number for May I notice a letter
from Mr. Robert Jennings, jun., of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania,
in which he alludes to my paper on “Veterinary Science in
America/’ which you did me the honour to insert in your
January number. I trust you will excuse me if I consider
I am able to treat with contempt Mr. Jennings’s observa¬
tion that my paper contains “calumnies,” “infamous
charges,” and “ slanderous statements.” Allowing to him
good faith in professional writings, and simple honest desire
for truth (which he denies to me), I shall consider a few of
his remarks. He says “errors and omissions are readily
detectable ” in the paper. With regard to omissions, I did
not presume to undertake the very ambitious task of record¬
ing every futile attempt to inaugurate veterinary studies in
America. Had I done so I fear I should have overtaxed your
patience, and should have found few readers. Acknowledg¬
ing freely that there are omissions, I am also most willing

386

VETERINARY SCIENCE IN AMERICA.

to admit that Mr. Jennings has informed us of some very
important ones, due to my limited sources of information,
and to the fact that some of them are now for the first time
placed on record by him. Thus, I was unaware that Mr.
Robert Jennings, sen., was “ the first to publicly advocate
the cause of veterinary science ” in America. I respect that
gentleman all the more now I am informed of it, and admire
his determined efforts in this direction, prolonged through
many years, culminating in the planning and organization of
the United States Veterinary Medical Association, which is
now doing such good work. What I marvel at is that we
have no more evidence of these efforts than those enumerated
by your correspondent. My paper will have done some good
if it has rescued this worthy name from even temporary
oblivion. Also I am most happy to retract my remark that
“ all Pennsylvanian diplomas are worthless ” now I am
informed that four winter couises of lectures were delivered
by the Pennsylvania College of Veterinary Surgeons. Still,
some of the graduates ought to let us know exactly what
courses of lectures were attended by them at Philadelphia,
to what examination they were subjected, and who were
the staff of their alma mater. I ask this, for we should
know the truth of the matter. We are not quite assured
that attendance at free lectures delivered once a week during
the winter months, and free clinics twice a week for four
months, suffices as a professional education. Nor do we
quite see that the fact of an agricultural society offering the
use of its room (which could hardly have been required
wffien a lecture-room, library, laboratory, dissecting-room,
and infirmary were already available) and allowing the
delivery of a “ course of lectures on Horseology under their*
auspices ” is any proof that the institution thus honored
turned out fully qualified veterinary practitioners. Still,
taking into consideration the fact that everything must have
a beginning, we are willing to allow that there are Phila¬
delphia graduates , and to hope that from these small
beginnings may arise a professional body potent for scientific
progress. But I have been misled in this matter “ by the
unjust, unfair, and prejudicial statement of the Editor of
the American Veterinary PeviewP This gentleman, there¬
fore, comes in for a share of abuse, and I am not always
able to determine from Mr. Jennings’s paper who is the
malicious ” and “ calumniating” person. I confessed my
indebtedness to Professor Liautard’s writings, and they
have been sufficiently long before the profession to warrant
my doing so. If the statements of American veterinary

VETERINARY SCIENCE IN AMERICA. 387

history made by this author were “unjust5* and “unfair/’
where was Mr. Jennings, the planner of the United States
Veterinary Medical Association, at the opening meeting of
which the paper was read ? Again, when the first number
of the only existing American veterinary periodical appeared,
were the Pennsylvania graduates so indifferent to their
status that no one would rise to refute any statements
which were inaccurate, or did they all, like Mr. Jennings,
“ not see the first number ? 55 At any rate, we were warranted
in accepting as facts, statements made thus publicly and un¬
questioned, and we are glad to be instrumental in clearing
up any misunderstanding on this matter. We now come to
the “bogus diploma” question! on which we are taxed
with having lapsed into gossip or malice, because we said
“ Philadelphia has an unenviable notoriety in veterinary
history in connection with the f bogus degrees/ the fame of
which, extending to this side of the Atlantic, has rendered
us suspicious of qualifications, even sometimes more search¬
ing than those to which we subject our own graduates.”
Here we must really protest against Mr. Jennings’s treatment
of us. He has quoted our remarks incompletely, has
perverted our sense by inattention to punctuation, and has
given us the credit of statements of which we are guiltless.
One thing he seems, however, to have made very evident,
that a Robert McClure was, in 1860, appointed a professor
of the Veterinary College of Philadelphia, as a colleague
of Mr. R. Jennings, and a Robert McClure, M.D., V.S.
was the man who, in my paper, is mentioned in connection
with bogus degrees, and as acting as the “ Veterinary
College of Philadelphia ” in issuing diplomas.' Are these
one and the same man ? We are pleased to hear that the
true college had closed its doors ten years before, but we
now for the first time know this ! Until Mr. Jennings’s letter
appeared, certainly the McClure episode was that best
known in connection with the checkered career of veterinary
science in Philadelphia. Finally, gentlemen, it can be
scarcely doubted that Mr. Jennings has enlarged our infor¬
mation in informing us that the “Veterinary College of
Philadelphia” was the first institution of the kind chartered
in America, as we were previously of the opinion that
Dadd’s School at Boston was the first, though the latter was
chartered some three years later.

I am, gentlemen, yours truly.

To the Editors of the * Veterinarian

ON PLANTS IN RELATION TO ANIMALS.

By Professor James Buckman, E.G.S., F.L.S., &c.

(Continued from p. 306.)
PAPILIONACEJE.

As there is probably no more important order in relation
to animals than the one whose name heads this paper, we
would direct attention to some of the facts connected with it
at the present time, because the summer months will yield
us so many interesting native species for our study.

Properly speaking, the plants with the true papilionaceous
corolla are arranged as a suborder of the Leg menifer^e,
of which most of our native species are examples ; and as
the suborder is so well described by the late Professor
Balfour, we have great pleasure in transcribing his
remarks :

“ Papilionace^e. — A suborder of the leguminous plants,
characterised by having the flowers papilionaceous, and the
petals imbricated in aestivation, the upper one exterior. The
flowers are like those of the pea, and consist of five irregular
petals, the upper being the vexillum or standard, which
covers the rest in the bud, the two lateral being alae or
wings, and the inferior the carina or keel, consisting of two
petals, more or less completely cohering.

“ The plants of this suborder have frequently beautiful
flowers, as in Cytisus, Laburnum , Wistaria , Lupinus ,
Clianthus , Erythrina , or coral-flower, &c.

“ They are often nutritious, as in the various kinds of
clover, bean, pea, medick, lucerne, sainfoin, melilot, &c.
Many are used for their medicinal qualities, as in the case
of Glycyrrhiza glabra , the liquorice ; Astragalus verus ,
creticus, gummifer , and others, which yield gum-tragacanlh ;
Myeospermum peruiferum and M. toluiferum , which yield
balsam of Peru and balsam of Tolu ; Pterocarpus marsu-
pium and P. erinaceus, which furnish kino, &c. Broom-
tops procured from Sarothamnus scoparius are used as a
diuretic; the hairs from the legumes of Mucuna pruriens ,
in the West Indies, and of M. prurita in the East, under the
name of cowage or cowitch, are used as anthelmintics.

“ Others are valuable in commerce and the arts, as furnish¬
ing food, dyes, fibres, timber. Various species of Indigofera, as
I. tinctoria and I. coerulea , furnish the indigo of commerce ;

ON PLANTS IN RELATION TO ANIMALS. 389

Pterocarpus santalinus yields red sandalwood, which is used
as a dye ; P. draco yields gum-dragon ; and P. dalbergioides
is said to yield Andaman redwood; Bablisia tinctoria gives
a blue dye, and is the wild indigo of the United States ;
Crotalaria juncea supplies fibres, which are known as Sunn
or Bengal hemp ; the fragrant seeds of Dipterix odorata
are known as tonka beans ; a similar fragrance is given out
by some species of the Melilotus ; Arachis hypogcea produces
its legumes under ground, and hence receives the name of
ground-nut ; Robina pseud-acacia, the locust-tree, yields a
hard, durable wood ; according to Bertoloni, a kind of ebony
is the produce of Fornarinia ebenifera ; rosewood is the
timber of Dalbergia , Machcerium and Triptolemcea .

“ There are certain poisonous plants in this group ; thus,
the seeds and bark of Gytisus and Laburnum are narcotic ; the
roots of many species of Phaseolus , as P. multiflorus (the
scarlet-runner) and P. radiatus , are poisonous ; the branches
and leaves of Tephrosia toxicaria and the bark and the root
of Piscidia erythrina are employed as fish poisons ; Phy-
sostigma venenosum yields the Calabar ordeal bean ; Gona -
pholobium uncinatum and Gastrolobium grandiflorum are
deadly sheep poisons in the Australian colonies. The sub¬
order contains about 350 genera and about 5000 species.”

The plants arranged under the more extended Legu-
minosse are very numerous and highly important, but if we
look to the more limited Papilionacese we shall find that
we shall have some most useful plants to deal with, nay,
more, our native list of these, which Syme has put down at
eighty-four species, will afford for our study a series of
useful, interesting, and beautiful plants.

For the present we shall direct attention to the following
genera :

1. Ulex. — Densely thorny shrubs, flowers yellow.

2. Genista. — Shrubs, sometimes spinous, flowers yellow.

3. Sarothamnus . — Shrubs, rarely spinous, flowers yellow.

4. Ononis. — With viscid hairs, rarely spinous, flowers

pink.

Each of these genera possess but few species; they are all
showy plants, so much so as to be for the most part favourites
in our gardens and shrubberies.

1. Ulex. — Is well known by its English names of furze
and gorse, and the Scotch title of whin. It is by some
classed under no less than three specific names, as follows :

LI1I*

27

390 ON PLANTS IN RELATION TO ANIMALS.

TJlex Europceus , common furze.

„ Gallii, planchons furze.

„ nanus , dwarf furze.

Perhaps, however, these are but mere varieties, and, at
all events, our business is more particularly with the
U. Europceus. This is one of the commonest plants in our
island, and, indeed, it would seem, to be more plentiful with
us than in any other part of the world, notwithstanding that
the spread of agriculture and the extended enclosure of
commons and waste grounds have done so much to lessen it
from one end of England to the other.

At the present moment the furze is in the full blaze of its
beauty, verifying the words of Cowper —

“ The common, overgrown with fern, and rough
With prickly gorse, that shapeless, and deformed,

And dangerous to the touch, has yet its bloom,

And decks itself with ornaments of gold,

Yields no unpleasing ramble.”

The common furze is the largest form, and it is likewise
the most spinous, but its spines are not like those of so many
other spinous plants, but many of them are abortive leaves,
probably a midrib ending in a spine representing a leaf
without its lamina. It is interesting to watch the germina¬
tion of a seed of the furze, which begins life like so many
trifoliate plants, first with the two rounded cotyledon leaves,
next a single more or less heart-shaped haft, then a true
trifoliate leaf, which, as the plant gets older, is converted
into unifoliate spines, while the branches all take on the
armature of spinous terminations.

We have said that just now the gorse is in all its glory,
but, curiously enough, it is really difficult to find a month
in which some few of its showy flowers may not present
themselves, which has given rise to the common saying
of —

“ When gorse is out of bloom,

Then kissing’ s out of tune.”

A gorse-common or a furze-brake will be well known
everywhere. It is a welcome covert for the fox and various
kinds of game, and the bushes form a home for very many
insects.

The gorse is used for various economic purposes ; when
old it is useful for fuel, and in some parts is rnueh employed
by bakers for heating their ovens. The cottager also finds
it useful, especially in summer, its short-lived heat being
just enough to boil the tea-kettle.

ON PLANTS IN RELATION TO ANIMALS. 891

It is also in vogue in the furze districts for walls of sheds
and outbuildings.

It has been much recommended for cultivation, especially
on soils almost too poor to grow anything else. In the
Cyclopcedia of Agriculture we find it thus noticed :

“When regularly cut down every year the annual shoots,
mown as wanted, and bruised to deaden the prickles, supply
a green food throughout the winter, which all animals, and
especially horses, are particularly fond of. When cultivated
the seeds are either collected from the wild plants or from
a variety which, by successive cultivation, has become rather
more succulent and productive.”

Our own observations, on both the wild and cultivated
furze as food for cattle, lead to the conclusion that its
feeding properties are too low to render its gathering and
preparation at all a remunerative matter ; still less does its
value at all warrant the purchase of crushing machinery,
which has been invented for bruising the prickly plant.

At one time some extensive plantations of gorse were
made in the Cotteswolds, and very costly machinery employed
for utilising it, but we believe it was soon abandoned ; still,
we are in favour of a gorse brake in some situations, especially
where not too thick, as it not only affords shelter for sheep,
but, as they browse upon it greedily, it often aids the small
and wild grasses.

2. Genista , like the furze, is partial to poor soils, but while
the former get on on poor clays the latter is fonder of a less
stiff soil. Our species are three, as follows :

Genista tinctoria.-— Stems shrubby, erect ; leaves smooth,

sometimes pubescent.

,, pilosa. — Stems shrubby, procumbent ; leaves

silky.

„ anglica — -Stems wiry and spinous.

Of these the first species is the most common, and is,
besides, the one in which we are mostly interested. It
usually occurs on poor, wet clays, such as the marls of the
Lias and the Fullers’ earth, and is the most useful of the
species, the other two being merely occasional forms.

The dyers’ green weed is so called from its use in the art
of dyeing, for which it was extensively used. Once it was
employed as a medicine, and was esteemed as a diuretic, but
at present the next genus takes its place. It is largely
collected in some parts of the country for use as a dye.
It is called dyers’ green weed, wood, or woad waxen.

Mrs. Lankester says of it that—

392 ON PLANTS IN RELATION TO ANIMALS.

“ All parts of this plant yield a yellow dye, and have long
been used by dyers for producing this colour, especially for
wool that is to he dyed green with woad. In some parts of
England the plant is collected in large quantities by the
poor, and sold to the dyers. The ashes form an alkaline
salt, which has been used as a remedy in dropsy and other
diseases.”

There is no doubt but that the presence of alkalies in many
of the family is the cause of the diuretic properties with which
so many of the order are endowed.

3. Sarothamnus, formerly called Cytisus scoparius , or
butchers broom, has the latter common name from the fact
that butchers formerly used rods of it to beat flies from their
meat.

At one time broom ( Planta genista ) was celebrated in
song and story, and the Plantagenet line is supposed to
have got the name from the assumption of the Planta
genista as a badge by Henry the Second.

Broom at one time was supposed to possess very strong
medicinal powers, thus sheep were supposed to become in¬
toxicated by eating the seeds of the plant. The plant and
its seeds were formerly employed in brewing. There is no
doubt but that it possesses a quantity of alkaline salts, and
hence its diuretic action ; it is, however, not much employed
in the present day.

4. Ononis. — Of this we need only refer to the single
species, Ononis arvensis (rest-harrow), distinguished by its
beautiful pink flowers and viscid herbage. Its common
name of rest-harrow is doubtless due to the poverty of the
soil in which it delights to grow, it being recognised by
the farmer as a plant which indicates such poverty of soil
that cultivation is of little use.

Mrs. Lankester says that —

“ By old writers this plant is called cummuck furze or
petty Avhin. Gerarde says 4 it is sooner found than desired of
husbandmen, because the tough and woodie rootes are
cumbersome unto them, by reason they do staie the plough
and make the oxen stande ; whereupon it was called rest-
plough or rest-harrow/

“ It seems difficult to destroy it by fallowing, and is
called by old herbalists Arresta bovis and Remova aratri.
Gerarde says : f Pliny reporteth ff that being boyied in
oxymel (or the syrup made with hony and vinegar) till the
one half be wasted, it is given to those that have a falling
sicknesse. The tender sprigs or crops of this shrub, before
the thornes come forth, are preserved in pickle, and be very

PRACTICAL HINTS ON STABLE MANAGEMENT IN INDIA. 393

pleasant sauce to be eaten with meat as a salad, as Diosco-
rides teacheth.” ’ ”*

At present the rest-harrow is of no repute for any good
quality, except its beauty ; it is not, however, of the size in¬
dicated in the extract just quoted that it should stay the
operation of agricultural implements, so that we incline to
the modern farmer’s belief that its name of rest-harrow
rather applies to the fact that the harrow may rest where
such poor soil as produces it occurs.

PRACTICAL HINTS ON STABLE MANAGEMENT

IN INDIA.

A Second Edition, revised and enlarged, of a Lecture written
by J. B. W. Skoulding, Veterinary Surgeon First
Class, Royal Horse Artillery, the prototype having
been written and delivered by him when in charge of
B. F. R. H. A. at Campbellpore, in November, 1875.
Meerut, 1878.

[Continued from p. 310.)

G. Kind treatment . — Having described in detail the principles
laid down for our guidance by all medical authors of note for the
preservation of the health of man and animals, viz. fresh air,
cleanliness, good food, pure water, with a judicious amount of
warmth and exercise, I will offer a few suggestions relative to the
further comfort of horses in particular, for all the care in the
world may be wasted if comfort be not studied also.

On the right of the line in this matter stands kindness, and
you may receive it as a fact that many a young horse, which
would otherwise have turned out a quiet, obedient, and useful
servant, has, through the brutality of an ignorant groom or
master, been converted into a sullen, dangerous, useless brute;
it is, therefore, an important matter that we should always be
gentle, though firm, in handling them, and such a cruel relic of
the barbarous ages as that instrument of torture, the twitch,”
should never be allowed to form a portion of any right-minded
man’s stable or infirmary equipment. The use of it is a cruelty,
the infliction of which degrades and proves how utterly careless
a man is of giving pain, so that he himself escapes, or how little
he can know of the anatomy of that sensitive appendage, “ the
lip,” in which the nerves are peculiarly numerous. It is also a

* c English Botany,’ vol. iii, p, 16,

394 PRACTICAL HINTS ON STABLE MANAGEMENT IN INDIA.

wrong that may never be forgotten or forgiven by the victim,
who will often on subsequent occasions give striking proofs of
his unwillingness to have his head handled, fearing a repetition
of the suffering. There are many, I regret to say, who apply
the twitch on every available opportunity. Some men are not
content with placing it on the lips, but include each ear in
the coils of this horrible invention. Now, as far as my ex¬
perience has gone I have found that when even a young horse
rebels, it is generally from fear, and would point out that
should we at once proceed to torture him we confirm what
he has already dreaded, that he would be hurt by us ; whereas
if, on the other hand, we send for a little grass or a feed of corn,
and let it be given to him by his usual attendant, his fears are
quieted, and he will usually allow us to perform any minor
operation that we may wish. If, however, this fails to quiet
him sufficiently, strapping up one fore foot and giving him a
run on three legs for a while, still feeding him when halted, will
invariably succeed, and for all important operations we can
hobble or cast him ; or, where we have such an appliance, we
can put him in the travis or stocks, as they are sometimes called,
and thereby secure to ourselves an immunity from any danger
whatever.

Horses (or any other animals) should never be beaten, kicked,
or maltreated in any way. If the horse requires correction
while under tuition or subsequently, it should be administered
with judgment, and not extend beyond reducing him to obedi¬
ence, and one should make friends with him again as soon after
as possible.

Harness. — By ensuring the fit of the head collar with the eye
fringe, and taking care that the clothing and the body roller or
surcingle be properly adjusted, also that the head and heel ropes
are of a comfortable length (of the use of the latter I disapprove
as a rule) one can add materially to their comfort when in the
stable.

Of the harness, the fit of the collar, pad, saddle, bridle, breech¬
ing, breastplate, crupper, and kicking strap, should also be care¬
fully attended to, for this will enhance the comfort of the horse
when at work, and keep him serviceable, by in this manner pre¬
venting chafes and galls that would on their occurrence throw
him out of work.

Marching . — During a long march the rider often injures the
back of his horse, by lolling and rolling about in his saddle,
especially if the pace be so slow as to tire both man and animal
from sheer monotony.

I would at this portion of my subject impress on the minds
of all the necessity that always exists for heedful supervision in

PRACTICAL HINTS ON STABLE MANAGEMENT IN INDIA, 395

tlie matter of clmfes_, galls, and other slight wounds, for it is of
the greatest importance that these lesions or abrasions be care¬
fully dressed and protected from the air, dirt, flies, &c., as soon
as possible after occurrence, to prevent them from assuming an
unhealthy character, and running into troublesome sores.

Tartar . — There is a cause of discomfort to the horse that
frequently arises, and is as often overlooked. I mean an accu¬
mulation or collection of tartar deposited from the saliva on the
tushes ; this should be watched for, and removed at once.

Clipping. — The operation of clipping is one that has, since
its introduction, found almost universal favour amongst horse
owners, as by this process the long heavy coat of the winter
months is removed, from which horses in fast or severe work are
found to benefit largely, for while that covering remains on the
horse he is weak or foggy, as it is termed, and sweats so pro¬
fusely under exertion that it is impossible to dry him without an
immense expenditure of time and labour, and when dried he is
liable to break out a second time into a state of profuse perspira¬
tion. To obviate this clipping was introduced, and has proved
of great service, for horses improve in condition and pluck, work
with more life, and are known (if well clothed and protected
when at rest) to be less liable to take cold, as the term goes, than
when wearing the coat provided by nature for his comfort when
under however diametrically opposite conditions of life.

Horses should be clipped entirely, but not till the coat is thick
and long, and they should be carefully clad afterwards. Singeing
supersedes clipping with some, and is of equal benefit (in fact I
prefer it), while others singe after clipping.

Shoes. — The condition of the shoes should be carefully watched,
and if any of them be lost or loose, or a single clinch started,
it should be reported and rectified at once, and any stone or
mould removed from the feet as often as circumstances may
demand.

Saddlery. — The saddlery and harness with their appendages,
the bits and stirrup irons, &c., should be clean and bright. Bar
soap has been found by many to be the best application for
cleaning and preserving the integrity and softness of the leather,
and the burnisher to be most useful in polishing the steel and
brass accessories; in addition to these, we may supply wash-
leathers, sponges, dusters, and Bath brick.

Syces. — The native atendants on the horse, the syce and grass-
cutter, both of private and public stables, should be regularly
paid, treated with due consideration, and encouraged to work at
their respective callings with regularity and promptitude, but
should be exempt, as a rule, from all other labour.

Conclusion . — In conclusion. I would ask one and all to bear in

396

PLEURO-PNEUMONIA.

mind that my views on the subject of horse management in the
abstract are :

I. That he should be stabled in airy, clean, commodious, well-
situated buildings, and that when with others it would be
better should the number in each building not exceed twelve or
fifteen.

II. That care should be exercised to prevent the sacrifice of
the protection of the animals from draughts, &c., to exaggerated
ideas of ventilation, or vice versa.

III. That he be well fed, watered, clothed, cleaned, harnessed,
shod, and judiciously worked.

IV. That kindness, tempered with firmness, be shown to him
on all occasions.

Y. And, lastly, that we should divest ourselves of the thread¬
bare idea that it is a wild animal we have to manage and provide
for, for the horse writh which we have to do is one removed from
his original haunts (certainly for the benefit of mankind, if not
for his own), an animal requiring the greatest care and attention
to breed and develop in the highest form (and I would ask,
where is the animal which does not need the same?), but one that
will repay us tenfold for our labour and kindness by his useful¬
ness, coupled with his willingness to work for us in the end.

Pathological Contributions.

CATTLE PLAGUE.

This disease, although existing in the provinces of Bes¬
sarabia, Warsaw, Yhlhynia, Ekaterinoslav, Podolia, Kherson,
and Taurida, in the Empire of Russia, has not again extended
into that of Austro-Hungary.

PLEURO-PNEUMONIA.

The annual report of the Veterinary Department of the
Privy Council, which has been recently issued, contains an
account of the extensive prevalence of this disease in the
United States of America. The statements are based on
the authority of the Commissioner of Agriculture of that
country, who, in a report dated November, 1878, remarks
that, “ since the appearance of this affection on our shores,
it has prevailed at different times in the States of Massa¬
chusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania,

FACTS AND OBSERVATIONS.

397

Maryland, Delawar, Virginia, and in the district of Co¬
lumbia and this report of the very unsatisfactory condition
of the health of the United States cattle has been con¬
firmed by the Inspectors of the Privy Council stationed at
the various ports of Great Britain, for it would appear
that, during the year 1878, 137 cattle affected with pleuro¬
pneumonia were landed in this country from the States.

Very great efforts are being made in some of the States
to extirpate this disease, but it appears that no beneficial
result has as yet been obtained, inasmuch as during the
first five months of this year upwards of 153 cases have
been detected by the Inspectors of the Privy Council in cattle
landed here.

In the Netherlands, during the first sixteen weeks of this
year, pleuro-pneumonia appears to have been confined to the
provinces of South Holland, Friesland, and Groningen, and
only twenty-six cases have been reported.

During the first three months of this year the disease
has declined to a very considerable extent throughout
Great Britain, having been reported from only twenty-three
counties in England and seven in Scotland ; no cases have
been returned from Wales.

During the three months ending March £7th, 1880, 733
cases were reported in Great Britain. In the corresponding
period of last year the number was 1034.

FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE.

This disease is but little heard of now. Isolated out¬
breaks have been reported during the first three months of
the year from Hunts, Somerset, and the Isle of Ely.

Facts and Observations.

Horse Distemper. — A “ distemper ’’ is reported to be
attacking horses, generally, in McLean County, U.S.A. The
disease, whatever it may be, is said to have appeared “ in an
unusually malignant form.”

Liver Fluke. — The liver fluke is spoken of by the
Sydney Mail as being prevalent amongst flocks in some parts
of the northern districts of the Colony of New South Wales,

398

THE VETERINARIAN, JUNE 1, 1880.

Ne quid falsi dicere audeat, ne quid veri non audeat. — Cicero.

TRICHINOSIS AND TRICHINOSIS.

Under the title above quoted, the Lancet of May £0th
refers to Mr. Power’s report on the outbreak of trichinosis
among the boys of the training ship ff Cornwall and the
remarks which appear in the pages of our contemporary
suggest some not altogether satisfactory reflections as to the
kind of evidence which is deemed necessary to establish the
existence of a disease which we had thought could be de¬
termined with absolute certainty by any expert who was
familiar with the general characters of the parasite on which
it depends. For our own part, we had, until now, enter¬
tained the conviction, based on many observations, that
among nematodes Trichina spiralis was easily recognised ;
it is not, therefore, reassuring to be told by a high authority
that trichinosis, as we have hitherto understood the term,
may after all only be “ trichinosis of a particular sort.”

Most of our readers will remember something of the
circumstances attending the outbreak on board the “ Corn¬
wall,” to which public attention was called at the time of its
occurrence. At first the disease was believed to be typhoid
fever, but certain difficulties which arose out of this assump¬
tion demanded investigation, and the whole matter was
ultimately placed in the hands of the Local Government
Board, who directed one of their most experienced medical
officers, Mr. Power, to make an inquiry.

In the course of the investigation certain facts pointed
Mr. Power’s attention to the food as a possible cause of
disease ; and, as the evidence became more and more com¬
plete, the suspicion assumed the character of certainty.
Salted pork, which had been imported in barrels from
America, formed a considerable item in the meat supply ;
and it is impossible to peruse Mr. Power’s report without

EDITORIAL OBSERVATIONS.

399

being struck with the connection wrhich appears to exist
between the phases of the disease and the consumption
of the pork on certain days. American pork, it is known,
sometimes harbours Trichinae, and with the evidence before
him, which was the outcome of the inquiry, Mr. Power
almost inevitably accepted the idea that the disease was not
typhoid fever, but trichinosis. It only remained to put
this last conclusion to the test of experiment, and for this
purpose the body of the boy who had died on board the “ Corn¬
wall ” was exhumed, and some of the muscles submitted
to microscopic examination, in the course of which nume¬
rous small nematodes were discovered, some of them still
living. None of the parasites were encysted, and none of
them wTere spiral in form ; and the drawing of one of the
wTorms which is given in the report is, in plain terms, quite
unlike the very familiar Trichina spiralis.

Of course, the differences in the anatomical characters of
the nematode worm which was found in the muscles of the
boy, as compared with those of Trichinee, did not escape
Mr. Power’s notice, in fact, he comments on them in his
report; nevertheless he retains the term trichinosis as the
proper designation of the disease from which the boys on
board the “ Cornwall” suffered.

Our colleague, Dr. Cobbold, to whom a copy of Mr.
Power’s report was sent by Dr. Buchanan, did not endorse
the writer’s views, as will appear from the letter which he
addressed to the Times of May 3rd, in which the following
passage occurs : — “ I wish to state that there is not in the
said report a particle of evidence that the outbreak in ques¬
tion had anything to do with trichinosis.”

The Lancet of May 8th, in an article headed “ Trichino¬
sis and Trichinosis,” makes the following curious remarks :

“ What Dr. Cobbold apparently wishes to state is that in
his opinion the nematode parasite discovered by Mr. Power
in the fatal case of illness on board the tf Cornwall ’ was
not the Trichina spiralis writh which the profession is toler¬
ably familiar, and to which Mr. Power’s conclusions seem to
point, but some other seemingly unknown form of nematode

400

EDITORIAL OBSERVATIONS.

parasite* for the source of which* as it affects man* we
should look to an indifferent water-supply. Dr. Cobbold’s
opinion upon a question of helminthology will properly carry
great weight, but something more than even his opinion, its
absoluteness notwithstanding, will be needed before it can
be received that the parasite figured by Mr. Power is not
Trichina spiralis. Mr. Power himself hesitates, from the
microscopical character of the parasite alone* to affirm that
it is so, but the tendency of the evidence to be derived from
the outbreak of illness is to this conclusion.

" Dr. Cobbold’s statement that ‘ we ought rather to look
to an indifferent water-supply than to diseased meat as the
primary cause of the outbreak5 will excite amazement in
the face of the evidence advanced by Mr. Power. The
water-supply of the ‘ Cornwall ’ was and is common to the
ship and a considerable population on shore* but the disease
was confined to the ship. The succession of the cases ad¬
mitted of explanation if the cause were assumed to be con¬
nected with some article of food consumed on board* but not
otherwise* so far as the seemingly exhaustive examination
by Mr. Powder went. Dr. Cobbold would substitute the
vaguest of suggestions for the results of a careful investiga¬
tion !

t( Dr. Cobbold is not happier when he touches upon the im¬
portant question raised by Mr. Power of the possible relation
of certain febrile seizures to the wanderings of as yet un¬
detected and undetermined parasites. Mr. Power’s sugges¬
tions are already bearing fruit in the meetings of the Patho¬
logical Society ; Dr. Cobbold’s observations simply go to
raise an undefined but disquieting if not alarming spectre in
the columns of a daily paper! As between f trichinosis ’
and the existence of hitherto unsuspected f wandering rhab-
ditiform parasites,’ we apprehend that the public will not
be apt to consider the latter as the more consolatory phrase*
particularly when they come to know that their effects upon
the human system may be quite as correctly described as,
and actually constitute* a f trichinosis.’ When Dr. Cobbold
writes that there is not f a particle of evidence 5 to show

EDITORIAL OBSERVATIONS.

401

that the outbreak on board the Cornwall ’ was ‘ trichino¬
sis/ he merely means trichinosis of a particular sort, and
at present we have only the bare statement of his opinion,
unsupported by ‘ a particle of evidence,’ in confirmation
of it.

Knowing something of trichinosis in man and animals
from observation and experiment, we confess that we were
not prepared to see in the columns of the Lancet the state¬
ment which implies that what has for years past been fami¬
liar to the profession as trichinosis may, after all, be only
trichinosis of a particular sort , and that the wanderings of
other parasites may be quite as correctly described as, and
actually constitute, a “ trichinosis.”

The state of the case is not improved by an article which
we find in the British Medical Journal for May, in reference
to a report by Dr. Armistead on the health of the D unmow
Rural Sanitary District during 1879, in which an account
is given of an outbreak of trichinosis (?) at Thaxted in Essex
in June of last year. Dr. Armistead states that, on June
18th, he examined fifty-two persons who had eaten some
sausages purchased at eightpence per pound from a man
who had a stall in the street at Thaxted on June 14th. Of
these persons forty-four showed symptoms of irritant poison¬
ing, three others were slightly ill, and only five escaped
without any ill effects. The cases were suspected, from the
symptoms, to be due to the presence of Trichinae, a conclusion
for which there does not appear to be any warrant. The
symptoms varied but little, diarrhoea prevailed in all the
cases and in some was very severe; vomiting; thickly-
coated tongue ; pain in the stomach and back and in the
muscles, sometimes extending to the ends of the fingers ;
pain in the head and, in some cases, double vision and
swelling of the eyes likewise existed. More or less fever fol¬
lowed, with perspirations, thirst, and loss of appetite. In
four of the cases vomiting and diarrhoea, with pain, began
within twelve hours after eating the sausages. In one case
sixteen hours elapsed. In twenty cases the symptoms were
very violent at about the twenty-fourth hour. In four cases

402 SHEEP ROT— tHE FLUKE EPIDEMIC IN SUSSEX.

there were no symptoms for thirty-six hours, and in nine
cases for sixty hours. In one case three days elapsed, in
five cases six days, and in three cases the symptoms were
so slight that no notice was taken of the commencement.
Age seems to have had some effect, for children were much
less severely attacked than adults, which is contrary to what
might have been expected. Some of the pork used in
making the sausages is said to have been salted, and pro¬
bably of foreign origin.

We may remark here, in respect of the symptoms described,
that most of them did not indicate trichinosis at all; that
Trichinae do not cause any disturbance to their host a few
hours after they have been swallowed ; and, lastly, that all
the symptoms might have been expected to arise from the
consumption of bad sausages, without the influence of the
Trichinae, which are said to have been found only in certain
portions of them, unless, indeed, they were Trichinae of a
sort which have not yet come under the notice of helmintho¬
logists.

Extracts from British and Foreign Journals.

SHEEP ROT.— THE FLUKE EPIDEMIC IN SUSSEX.

At the West Sussex Quarter Sessions, on Thursday, April
8th, Sir W. Barttelot, M.P., brought under the notice of the
Duke of Richmond and Gordon, who was present, the subject
of the fluke in sheep and cattle. So many animals had been
lost through the disease that many people were of opinion
that the disease was absolutely catching; yet nothing had
been devised to prevent the spread of the disease; and now,
at the present critical time, it was devastating ihe flocks and
herds of the country. There was hardly a bullock went into
market without a fluke, and as for the sheep, there was
hardly a sound one to be found in any market. As an
instance of this, one had only to visit the Horsham market
on the previous day, where sheep were selling at 1 3s,, 15,?,,
and l6>. each. This, in these years of depression, was a

THE BLOOD IN ANJSMIA.

403

disastrous state of things, and what he wanted to know was
whether something could not be done to prevent the further
spread of the disease.

The Duke of Richmond and Gordon said he was very much
afraid he could say nothing that would throw light on the
matter or give comfort to the farmers. If his hon. friend
would look back, he would find that the disease had been
more or less prevalent, after such wet seasons as they now
had. If he looked back for years, he w^ould find the same
thing had happened. But he was astonished to hear him say
it was a contagious disease, because he had never heard that
admitted, although his attention had been occupied by the
subject on several occasions. With regard to preventing the
spread of the disease, he thought it impossible. There was
no power to declare a district infected where the disease was
prevalent, and this, he believed, would be very much objected
to, were it done. As to what should be done in future, he
was unable to advise them in any way that would give them
much satisfaction. As far as he could, however, he would
consider whether anything could be done, but, as it was not
a contagious disease, under the Contagious Diseases (Animals)
Act, they had no power to act in the matter.

THE BLOOD IN ANiEMIA.

At a recent meeting of the Paris Academy of Sciences,
M. Hayem read a paper on the anatomical characters of
blood peculiar to intense and extreme anaemia. In what
he calls aglobulie intense (the richness in red corpuscles vary¬
ing from 2,000,000 to 800,000), he notes that crystals form
in the dried blood, like those of dried lymph ; and in the
fresh blood, he finds -white corpuscles with coloured con¬
tents, and still retaining amoeboid contractility (such are
also found in lymph). In aglobulie extreme (800,000 to
450,000 red corpuscles), there are elements like the red
nucleated corpuscles of oviparous animals. In all cases, the
white corpuscles are much more numerous and smaller than
in normal blood. In anaemia, then, the blood approaches in
character to lymph. — The British Medical -Journal*

404

GLANDERS.

Report of the Health, &c., of Kensington, for the Four Weeks March 28th
to April 24th, 1880, by T. Okme Dudfield, M.D., Medical Officer of
Health.

On the 3rd March your Vestry requested me to “ report as to
the number of cases of glanders (in horses) that have occurred
in this parish during the past six months, and the bearing thereof
to the public health/'’ A statement had been made to the effect
that 116 horses suffering from this disease and farcy had been
slaughtered in Kensington during the period in question, and
the subject was referred to in Parliament. In my last report I
stated that the occurrence of glanders in horses appeared not to
have had any “ bearing on the public health in Kensington, as
no death had been reported from this disease, or from any cause
of a suspicious character which on any reasonable ground of
probability could be traced to the poison of glanders/'’ I stated,
moreover, that although I was unable to throw much light on
the subject, as to horses, having been unable to procure any
information as to the localities in which the disease had existed,
there was a serious error in the statement that “ 116 horses had
been slaughtered 33 in Kensington on account of glanders and
farcy within the period of six months, inasmuch as 44 cases,
which belonged to Hammersmith, had been included in the
Kensington list. Of the remaining 72 cases, it appeared that
26 had occurred in two stables of cab proprietors, leaving only
46 to be spread over the remainder of the parish. I added that
should I succeed in getting any additional information, I would
make a further report.

The subject being one of considerable importance, and having
a special interest for your Vestry, I have since ventured to place
myself in communication with the Metropolitan Board of Works,
the “ Local Authority 33 under “ The Contagious Diseases (Ani¬
mals) Acts,” with the view of ascertaining the actual number of
horses that had been slaughtered in Kensington on account of
glanders and farcy, not merely within the “ past six months,”
but from the beginning of 1879, as a means of testing the
accuracy of the allegation that there had been a great increase in
the number of cases reported since the outbreak at Colville Mews,
and as a result of the prosecutions which followed upon the
exposure your Vestry's officers had been instrumental in bringing
about.

I have now the satisfaction to acknowledge the receipt, this

GLANDERS.

405

day, of the official returns, from which it appears that the deaths
within the six months ended February 29, were only 64, viz.
from glanders 44, and from farcy 20. Moreover, it appears
that although there was a decided increase in the number of
cases disclosed after the outbreak at Colville Mews last April,
the horses slaughtered were not so many as represented, the
highest monthly total in 1879 having been 11, whereas we had
been led to understand that there had been a monthly average
of 20. The recorded deaths for the whole year were 81, viz.
from glanders 57, and from farcy 24, of which 76 occurred
between April and December, and only five in the first quarter
of the year. It will be remembered, however, that I stated in
my Third Report for 1879 (April 2nd, p. 19), that there were
grounds for believing that some 10 horses had been slaughtered
or had died of the disease in one man’s stables in those three
months, the cases having been concealed. In the first quarter
of the current year there was a marked increase in the number
of cases recorded , the horses slaughtered on account of glanders
being 85, and farcy 20 — total 55.

The subjoined table shows the monthly number of horses
slaughtered, and of infected places. The total number of in¬
fected places (separate stables) in the 15 months being 60.

Month.

Horses Slaughtered.

Infected Places.

1879.

1880.

1879.

1880.

Glanders

Farcy.

Glanders

Farcy.

January .

2

• « •

7

5

2

11

February

2

• • •

13

7

2

11

March .

• • •

1

15

8

1

15

April

2

5

3

May

6

4

8

June

8

2

8

July

8

1

8

August .

5

3

5

September

6

1

5

October .

6

2

7

November

6

• • •

5

December

6

5

G

57

24

35

20

The following table shows the localities where the disease
existed, the number of “ infected places 33 (i. e. stables), and
the total number of cases in each ; but in some stables there

28

Llll.

406

GLANDERS.

were cases of glanders and farcy, so that the total of infected
places was only 60. Period 15 months.

Locality.

Premises

Infected.

-

Horses

Slaughtered.

Glanders

Farcy.

Glanders

Farcy.

Total.

Archer Mews, Archer Street

1

« • •

1

• • •

1

Blechynden Mews ....

• • •

1

• • •

1

1

Bolton Mews, Bolton Road

• • •

1

• • •

1

1

Buckingham Mews, Portobello Road .

1

1

1

1

2

Chepstow Tavern Mews

• • •

1

• • •

1

1

Clarendon Road, Notting Hill

1

• • •

1

• • •

1

Colville Mews, Lonsdale Road .

5

3

6

5

11

Commerce Mews, Bolton Road .

1

1

2

1

3

Denbigh Mews, Portobello Road

1

• • •

1

• • •

1

Duke of Clarence Stables, Uxbridge Rd.

• • •

1

Ml

1

1

Golden Mews, Portobello Road .

1

• • •

1

1

Hesketh Place, Notting Dale

1

• • •

1

1

Hippodrome Stables, Notting Dale

1

• • •

1

1

Holland Mews, Holland Road

I

1

1

3

4

Kramer Mews, Richmond Road .

2

• • •

2

2

Lambton Mews, Westbourne Grove

1

• • •

3

3

Lancaster Mews, Basing Road

1

• • •

1

*

1

Latimer Mews, Manchester Road

1

• • •

1

1

Latimer Road (Railway Arch)

1

t • •

1

1

Ledbury Mews, Ledbury Road .

2

...

2

2

Ledbury Mews West, ditto .

4

2

12

3

15

Lonsdale Yard, Lonsdale Road .

1

1

1

Munro Mews, Golborne Road

2

1

2

1

3

Old George Yard, Church Street

• • •

1

• • •

1

1

Portobello Road, Notting Hill

I

1

1

1

2

Royal Crescent Mews ....

• • •

1

1

1

St. Katherine’s Road ....

1

1

1

St. Luke’s Mews ....

1

1

1

Silchester Mews, Silchester Road

i

• • •

2

• • •

2

Talbot Mews, Talbot Grove

3

2

18

13

31

Thomas Mews, Notting Dale

1

• • •

1

• • •

1

Thorpe Mews, Oxford Gardens .

3

• • •

5

5

Walmer Road, Notting Hill

2

1

2

1

3

Warwick Road, Kensington

2

1

7

1

8

Wellington Mews, Norfolk Road

2

2

2

7

9

Wellington Mewrs, Ledbury Road

2

• • •

11

• • •

11

York Mews, Bramley Road .

1

...

1

• • •

1

48

23

92

44

136

Of the 136 horses slaughtered in 15 months, 106 had been
the property of omnibus and cab proprietors, 12 of tradesmen,
and 12 of general dealers, &c., the remaining 6 belonged to
your Vestry’s stud.

The total number of infected places (separate stables) in the
15 months was 60. The majority of them are comprised within

GLANDERS.

407

two limited areas, of which Talbot Mews and Colville Mews,
respectively, may be taken as the centres. In the Colville Mews
area there are about 60 cases within a quarter of a mile square.

No case of glanders was reported in any gentleman's stable,
or livery yard, and the horses affected may be fairly described as
being of a low class.

A few illustrations may suffice to show the spread of the
disease in stables, the dates of slaughtering of farcied horses
being distinguished by figures in Egyptian characters.

Occupation of Owner.

Date of Slaughtering.

Omnibus and Cab Proprietor*

1879. — April 2nd, 2nd, 3rd, 14th; May 1st,

(3 contiguous stables)

2nd ; Oct. 14th.

1880.— Feb. 25th.

An Omnibus Proprietorf (in 3

1879. — May 5th, 10th, 28th; June 18th,

stables in the same mews)

2 1 st ; July 17th ; Aug. 2nd, Uth ;
Sept. 10th, 12th, 18th ; Oct.
2nd ; Nov. 8th, 23rd ; Dec. 6th,
9th, 16th, 29th, 30th.

1880. — Jan. 10th, 12th; Feb. 3rd, 24th;
March 16th.

An Omnibus Proprietor (in 4

1879. — Jan. 24th; July 5th; Nov. 25th;

stables in 4 mews)

July 26th; Oct. 20th.

1880. — Jan. 3rd; Feb. 14th, 19th, 21st;

Mar. 2nd, 3rd. Jan. 16th, 23rd;
Mar. 0th.

Cab Proprietor

1879. — Nov. 24th. 1880. — Jan. 2nd.

Cab Proprietor (3 contiguous

1879. — April 29th, 30th; May 12th; June

stables)

3rd, 21st; July 15th; Aug. 7th,
8th ; Oct. 20th ; Dec. 2nd.

1880. — Feb. 18th, 26th; Mar. 1st, 16th,
16th, 17th, 17th.

Cab Proprietor

1879. — Jan. 1 7 th.

Ditto (same stable) .

1880. — Mar. 1st, 15th, 18th.

Coal Dealer ....

1880. — Jan. 7th ; Mar. 27th.

Kensington Vestry, Warwick Rd.

1879. — Sept. 22nd; Oct. 15th.

1 880. — Jan. 1st ; Feb. 22nd ; Mar. 4th, 10th.

With reference to Warwick Eoad, it may be observed that only
two cases are known to have existed there, excepting those in your
Vestry's stables; one (farcy) was slaughtered four months before,
and the second (glanders) three months after the first horse
exhibited signs of the disease in your Vestry's stables. J

* There is ground for believing that several horses had died or been
slaughtered previously in these stables, the existence of the disease having
been concealed.

f At the stables of the proprietor’s father (another omnibus proprietor),
but in another parish, 44 glandered horses, it is stated, were slaughtered
in six months, ending February 29 th .

+ Since the report was written, I learn from a return published by
your Vestry that a case of glanders had occurred in your Vestry’s

GLANDERS.

408

The occurrence of case after case in the same stables is quite
as suggestive of aerial infection as of the conveyance of infection
from horse to horses by direct contact, or through the medium
of polluted stable fittings, sponges, buckets, &c.

It is worthy of remark that in more than one instance the dis¬
ease existed in two separate localities, on premises in the occu¬
pation of the same owner, pointing to the probability that
infection had been conveyed by people in the employ of the
proprietor. The way in which cases of glanders and farcy have
been mixed up in some of the stables, well illustrated as it is in
the preceding tables, will probably suffice to show the intimacy
of the relation that subsists between these two diseases, if indeed,
they be not varieties of one and the same disease. The spread
of the diseases points, I cannot but think, to the insufficiency
of the processes adopted for cleansing and disinfecting premises,
and which obviously were insufficient to destroy the special virus.
In connection with this subject, and in support of the view thus
expressed, it seems not unreasonable to point to the Omnibus
Company's stables, where one case only existed in a large stud
of horses, the presumption being that, by the measures adopted
for purifying the premises, the disease was stamped out without
loss of time.

To prevent misconception, it should be well understood that
the date of the death of any given horse, by no means furnishes
a clue to the date of attack. There are doubtless at the present
moment scores, it may be hundreds, of horses in the metropolis
affected with glanders — many of them at work — of which the
“ Local Authority " has no knowledge. Most of these horses
probably are employed in night cabs and omnibuses, and the
only way of detecting would be for the inspectors of the Board,
with the assistance of the police, to make raids at uncertain in¬
tervals on cab and ’bus stands, examine every horse on the rank,
and the stables from which diseased horses had come. The
dread of such inspections, and the consequences of detection,
would, I doubt not, lead to frequent disclosure of diseased
horses. As showing the inveterate tendency to concealment, I
may again refer to the outbreak at Colville Mews, where, in the
early part of last year, some ten horses had been killed or had
died before the disease was brought to light, and then only
owing to the spread of it to two human beings. Not long after,
moreover, wTe were instrumental in bringing to knowledge a
group of cases that had occurred at another stable, and there
was a race between the police officer and the proprietor of the

stables in October, 1878, and therefore seven months prior to the first
case of “ farcy ” in Warwick Load, referred to in the text of the report.
— May 7 th.

GLANDERS.

409

stables which should be the first in arriving at the Board In¬
spector’s surgery to report the occurrence of the last case. The
horse owner won ; but he did not save himself from successful
prosecution, the Local Authority having proceeded against him
on the ground that he did not immediately report the cases as
required by the Order of the Privy Council.

It would be interesting, did time permit, to discuss probable
modes of the. spread of glanders other than those obvious modes
to wrhich I have alluded. I shall only refer at this time to the
probability of infection being conveyed by virus deposited by
diseased horses in public drinking troughs. So strongly did I
feel on this risk that I ventured some time back to recommend,
among other precautions, that your Vestry's horses should be
separately watered each with its own bucket, and not suffered to
use a common drinking trough even in the stable yard. This
precaution was the more necessary because in the earlier stages,
and in the chronic form of the disease, it is highly probable that
the specific ulceration of the nostrils which characterises this
malady may be slight, or so high up as to be invisible to the
unassisted sight, though it is worthy of consideration whether it
might not be practicable to make an examination of any suspicious
case with the aid of a nasal speculum.

I may, in conclusion, repeat an observation made in my last
report, viz. that I have not “ any means of ascertaining whether
the deaths from glanders in Kensington have been more numerous
in proportion to the number of horses kept than in other parts
of the metropolis;” the Metropolitan Board of Works, more¬
over, being “ unable to state whether the disease has been more
prevalent in Kensington than in other parishes,” as they have
“ no means of knowing the number of horses kept, the attention
of the Board's officers being only called to those places upon
which disease appears."

We read, however, in the Annual Report of the Veterinary
Department of the Privy Council, for 1879 (p. 35), that “ more
cases of glanders and farcy have been returned in the metropolis
than in any previous year ; but that “ there is no evidence to
show that the disease is more prevalent than in former years ....
the increased number of cases returned being due to the activity
of the executive in carrying out the Act of 1878, and Orders of
Council relating to these diseases."

There can be little doubt, I think, that the prosecutions which
followed on the discovery of the cases at Colville Mews in April,
and the expressed resolve of more than one police magistrate to
inflict the full penalty of twenty pounds for offences under the
Act and Order, operated as a stimulus in promoting the disclosure
of cases by the owners of diseased horses. Be this as it may,

410 ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY OF ENGLAND.

however, it is eminently desirable that we should know the true
state of the case as regards the whole of the metropolis, and I
respectfully submit that the Local Authority might be invited to
publish a return, or that such a return might be asked for in the
House of Commons.

ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY OF ENGLAND.

Monthly Council, Wednesday, May 5th, 1880. Present — The Duke
of Bedford (President) in the chair.

VETERINARY COMMITTEE.

General Viscount Bridport reported that Professor Simonds had pre¬
sented to the Committee the following report, by Professor Axe, on an
outbreak of disease in a herd of cattle, the property of J. B. Lawes,
Esq., Rothamsted Park :

On the 10th of March I visited Rothamsted Park, and inquired into
the circumstances relating to an outbreak of pleuro-pneumonia and
anthrax. Mr. Lawes’ herd consists principally of shorthorns, among
which were forty-six milch cows and seventeen bullocks. The maladies
have up to this time been confined to these portions of the herd. The
milch cows were divided into two lots, of forty and six respectively, and
they occupied two sheds standing right and left of an open yard in which
the seventeen bullocks were confined. All the cows excepting four had
been in Mr. Lawes’ possession for periods varying from eight months to
two years. The four animals referred to had been purchased between
the middle of February and the 25th of March last, and were at the
time of my visit free from disease. It should be mentioned in reference
to these cows that, in the course of my inquiry, I was informed that one
of them had been purchased in a district where pleuro-pneumonia is
reported to have recently existed. An examination of this particular
beast, however, failed to develop any indications of pulmonary or other
disease.

The seventeen bullocks were purchased in Ireland in December last,
and had occupied the yard adjoining the cow-sheds since the beginning
of February. All of them, excepting one, were on the day of my visit
healthy. The animal referred to was reported as having been generally
unthrifty, and to have made only slight growth and improvement in
condition, since his arrival at Bothamsted. Disease was first recognised
on the 28th of March in one of the lot of forty cows, and was at that
time regarded as a common cold, and treated accordingly. On the 5th
of April this cow died, and Mr. Edwards, veterinary surgeon, of St.
Alban’s, after a careful post-mortem examination pronounced the disease
to be pleuro-pneumonia. The second case occurred on the 29th of
March, and was destroyed on the 6th of April. The third case appeared
suddenly on the morning of the first-named date, after the cow had
partaken of a full meal, and the animal died the same evening, having
in the meantime exhibited acute symptoms of choking. The fourth case
was seen on the 6th of April, and was destroyed the following morning.
The fifth case was observed on the evening of the 9th, and was found
dead on the morning of the 10th. Mr. Edwards made a post-mortem
examination of this cow, and failed to recognise the lesions of pleuro-

ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY OF ENGLAND.

411

pneumonia. I had an opportunity of examining the lungs, liver
stomachs, and intestines, and the spleen of this animal, and the lesions
presented by them were, as Mr. Edwards had previously expressed
himself, “ quite different from those of pleuro-pneumonia.” The his¬
tory of the case, as well as the 'post-mortem, examination, were both indi¬
cative of blood poisoning. Neither in the one nor the other were there
any evidences of contagious lung disease. On the contrary, everything
pointed to some sudden disturbance of the sanguiferous system. A
careful examination of the remaining portion of the herd failed to elicit
anything definite as to the existence of pleuro-pneumonia. On the fol¬
lowing day (March 11th) I again visited Rothamsted, and further exam¬
ined the cows, as well as the other portion of the herd, but without
being able to satisfy myself of the existence of pleuro-pneumonia.
On the experience now obtained, the following letter was addressed to
Mr. Lawes :

“ Sir, — From a careful consideration of all the circumstances connected
with the cow whose viscera I examined when at Rothamsted, I am of
opinion that death was the result of ‘ anthrax,’ a disease of the blood,
more commonly known as ‘ blood-poisoning.’ With regard to the
causation of the malady, I think the facts pertaining to the case point to
a too thrifty and plethoric condition of the body as the most reliable
explanation. The measures already adopted towards the herd fairly
anticipated the conclusion arrived at, and 1 yesterday further suggested
to your bailiff that the quantity of cake now being given should be
diminished to the extent of three pounds per day. 1 would add to that
suggestion the advisability of allowing the cows slow walking exercise
— say half an hour each day. For the carrying out of the latter object,
it would perhaps be found convenient to deal with ten animals at once
instead of the whole number. With reference to the cause of death in
connection with the first four cases, I am not in a position to speak with
authority, but it is highly probable that some of them, and notably the
third cow that died, succumbed to the same disease as the one referred
to above. Of the supposed existence of pleuro-pneumonia, I have not
been able to procure any evidence in the remaining portion of your herd.
As, however, Mr. Edwards, who has a large experience to guide him,
has certified to the existence of that disease in the case of the cow first
taken ill, the most scrupulous care and watchfulness should be exercised
in regard to the health of the herd in the immediate future.

“ I am, yours faithfully,

“To J. B. Lawes, Esq.” “ J. Wortley Axe.

In reply to my communications, favorable reports continued to be
received up to Saturday morning, the 17th April. In the afternoon of
that day Mr. Lawes telegraphed to Professor Simonds as follows : —
“ Cow died just after being turned out ; quite well before.” I was
again instructed to visit Rothamsted, and, on making a post-mortem
examination of the beast referred to, lesions of contagious lung disease
were found to be distinctly pronounced. There were, however, besides,
extensive lesions of the intestinal canal, liver, and lymph glands, of
such a nature as to leave no doubt of the existence of blood changes
other than those commonly associated with lung disease. On inquiring
into the state of the general herd, my attention was directed to one of
the seventeen bullocks, which was noticed dull and ailing the day pre¬
viously. An examination of this animal afforded further confirmation ot
of the existence of pleuro-pneumonia. The chief feature of pathological
interest in this outbreak is the existence of anthrax and pleuro-pneu-

412

ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY OF ENGLAND.

monia in the same herd, and even in the same animal at one and the
same time. The short period which elapsed between the commencement
of disease and the death of the animal was, in two of the cases at least,
altogether irreconcilable with what is known in regard to the course and
duration of pleuro-pneumonia ; and this fact rendered the inquiry
difficult and perplexing, and compelled me, while acting upon the evi¬
dence of blood disease present, to await the advent of positive information
respecting contagious lung disease.

J. Wortley Axe, Professor.

Royal Veterinary College, April 27th, 1880.

Mr. Duguid, of the Veterinary Department of the Privy Council,
attended the Committee and made the following Supplementary Report
on a subsequent visit to Mr. Lawes’ herd :

I visited Mr. Lawes’ farm, at Rothamsted, on Tuesday, April 20th,
in company with Mr. Edwards, Veterinary Inspector to the local
authority, and saw two animals, which had been previously isolated,
showing well-marked symptoms of pleuro-pneumonia. One of these
was a cow that had been some time on the farm, the other was an Irish
bullock purchased in December, and said to have done badly for some
time ; this animal had the disease in the chronic form. Both these were
ordered to be slaughtered. In addition to these a cow was ordered to
be slaughtered that showed the acute symptoms the same morning. I
saw the lungs of two animals that had been killed, and found the
characteristic lesions of pleuro-pneumonia. At a meeting of the
magistrates held at St. Albans the same afternoon (April 20th) the
question of slaughtering a number of healthy animals that had been in
contact with the diseased was discussed, and a sub-committee appointed
to value the stock, and, if they thought it expedient, slaughter a number
of the healthy animals that were in condition for the butcher. I was
present at the meeting, but have not heard what further action has been
taken by the local authority.

P.S. — With regard to the origin of the disease, suspicion attaches to
the Irish bullock above referred to, and also to a cow purchased from a
neighbourhood where the disease existed. This cow, I may add, appeared
in perfect health when I examined her.

Mr. Lawes had since sent the following statement :

On Saturday last (May 1st) the Contagious Disease Committee decided
that all the cows in the shed, and all the oxen which were in the yard
adjoining, should be killed. The following are the statistics up to the
present time : • 4

Cows in building .

Oxen in yard .

Cows died and buried .

Killed as diseased and buried .

Killed as healthy, but afterwards condemned and

buried .

Killed and sold ......

Still to be killed (healthy) .

. 45

. 19

3
8

4
16
14

Oxen killed and buried
Killed and sold .

Still to be killed (healthy) .

ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY OF ENGLAND.

413

The only animals which have been brought upon the farm this year
have been two cows ; both these have been healthy ; one was killed
yesterday, and had no disease ; the other will be killed to-morrow. The
cows first attacked had been on the farm for one or two years. At the
end of last year I received forty-nine head of cattle from Ireland ; they
were purchased for me by a friend ; nineteen of these I brought into
the yard next to the cow-shed about two months ago, and I think the
evidence points to the disease having its origin in one of these oxen.
The lungs were very bad from fresh disease, but the lower part of the
lungs, estimated to weigh 4 lbs., was “ quite dead,” and, according to the
opinion of the veterinary surgeon, it had had pleuro, from which it had
recovered. It had been previously noticed both by my bailiff and the
herdsman that this animal would not eat cake, and that he was hunted
about by the others ; but the bullock did as well as the rest. The
remaining Irish cattle, which have been in the fields since they came,
have had no disease.

This report having been adopted,

Mr. Rawlence said he felt so strongly on the agricultural calamity occa¬
sioned by rot in sheep and cattle that he considered the Society should
institute some inquiry as to the real cause of the disease. Professor
Simonds had written a very admirable paper, and his theory seemed to
be clear enough ; but he knew of cases in which three fat calves, vary¬
ing from eight to ten weeks old, the livers of which had been found, on
inspection, to be full of flukes, although the calves had never been out
of the house, had never sucked anything but from the mother, and had
had no access to green food, so that the mode of origin of the disease
described by Professor Simonds appeared to be entirely disproved. He
had been a very large occupier of water-meadows for the last forty years,
and he could feed them off with sheep up to Midsummer with impunity,
but not afterwards without running serious risks of losses by disease.
Nevertheless, in a neighbouring meadow a farmer could grass-feed his
sheep all through the autumn, although the sub-soil of his own meadows
was gravel, and of his neighbour’s clay. If any deputation were
appointed, he should be happy to take them over these meadows, and
show them the means of irrigation. The cows were now dying by
wholesale, and horses were also affected. If further investigations were
made as to the cause of the disease he thought we should get nearer
the facts.

Mr. Pain suggested that perhaps the theory of Professor Simonds was
not altogether wrong as to the bringing up of the snail from the grass.
The snail might be carried by the cow, and the calves might therefore
inherit the disease from their mothers. He would suggest that the dams
of the calves mentioned by Mr. Rawlence should be purchased and sent
up to London for examination.

In reply to inquiries,

Professor Brown stated that as this particular disease was not included
in the provisions of the Contagious Diseases (Animals) Act, he did not
consider it probable that the Government would make any inquiry into
it. With regard to the general question of an investigation, he thought
it quite important, provided the necessary funds were forthcoming.

The Earl of Ravensworth said this was a matter of almost national
importance. The ravages of the fluke appeared to be very extensive,
and not at all confined to the South and West of England. He thought
it would be very desirable that a question should be addressed to the
Government in both Houses upon the matter, in order to direct the
attention of the Privy Council specifically to it ; and also that the Counflj

ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS.

414

should appoint a deputation to wait upon the Privy Council at an early
date, to inquire what steps the Government are prepared to take.

After some further discussion, it was unanimously resolved, on the
motion of Mr. Bent, seconded by Mr. Pain —

“That the Veterinary Committee be requested to consider the desira¬
bility of making an investigation into the recent outbreak of the fluke
disease, and to report to the next Council how they can carry out such
investigation, and whether they are of opinion that local inquiries should
be carried out under the direction of the Council.”

Mr. Dent then gave notice of motion for a grant, not exceeding £500,
for such investigation, *in the event of its being recommended by the
Veterinary Committee.

ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS.

ANNUAL MEETING.

The thirty-seventh Annual Meeting of the Royal College of Veterinary
Surgeons was held in the Freemasons’ Hall, Edinburgh, on Monday,
3rd May.

Principal Williams, of the New Veterinary College, Edinburgh, Presi¬
dent, occupied the chair.

Present: — Professors McCall, Walley, McFadyean, and Vaughan;
Gen. Sir Frederick Fitzwygram, Bart.; James Collins, Esq., Principal
Veterinary Surgeon to the Army; Messrs. Jno. Aitken, Wm. Anderson,
J. W. Anderton, Archibald Baird, Colin C. Baird, R. T. Bell, Allan P.
Blue, Jno. Borthwick, Andrew Boyd, Hugh Brock, John R. Brown,
H. J. Cartwright, John Cameron, James Connochie, C. Cunningham,
Wm. Dobie, Thos. E. Dollar, David Dudgeon, George Elphick, J. H.
Ferguson, Jas. Fingzies, George Fleming, Jas. Freeman, Alex. H.
Gentle, Thos Greaves, Andrew Greig, Alex. Grey, junior, John E.
Grey, M. Hack, J. Hammond, Wm. Hunting, John C. Johnston, Alex.
Lawson, T. H. Lewis, Alex. J. MacCallum, A. J. McIntosh, Peter Moir,
George Morgan, John P. Prentice, Geo. Philp, Wm. Robertson, Alex.
Robinson, Archibald Robinson, R. Rutherford, James Scrymgeour,
Thos. H. Simcocks, Andrew Spreull, Jno. Storie, J. B. Taylor, Peter
Taylor, Tom Taylor, W. A. Taylor, Wm. Whittle, Wm. Woods, Jas.
Wyper, and the Secretary.

The Secretary (Mr. Arthur W. Hill) read the notice calling the meet¬
ing, and also the minutes of the previous meeting, which were approved.

Report of the Council.

The Secretary read the Annual Report of the Council as follows :

The Annual General Meeting of the Royal College of Veterinary
Surgeons was held on May 5th, 1879, in accordance with the provisions
of the Charter, when the following gentlemen were elected Members of
Council in the place of those who retired by rotation, viz. : — John
Wortley Axe, Wm. Robertson, Thos. Wm. Gowing, Jas. Beart Simonds,
Wm. Whittle, and J. Wilkinson Anderton.

The Council have to report that at their first meeting, held on
May 27th, Professor Williams, of Edinburgh, was elected President, and
the following gentlemen were elected Vice-Presidents : — Professors
^McCall and Walley, Messrs* H. J. Cartwright, G. Williams, Jas. Moon,

ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS. 415

and E. C. Dray. Treasurer, Mr. E. C. Dray, and Secretary, Mr. W. H.
Coates.

The Council have the satisfaction to announce that on the obtainment
of the Supplemental Charter granted by Her Majesty’s Government in
August last (a copy of which was submitted at the last Annual Meeting,
and circulars issued to those gentlemen holding only the Highland and
Agricultural Society’s certificate), 124 have availed themselves of the
opportunity offered, and have received the diploma of the Royal College
of Veterinary Surgeons.

It has been suggested that steps should now be immediately taken by
the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons to obtain an Act of Parlia¬
ment for the protection of the title of Veterinary Surgeon, or other
titles conferred by them or empowered by Royal Charter.

In order to give further effect to the Charter thus obtained, the
Council have found it necessary to make certain alterations and amend¬
ments in the Bye-laws.

The following are the new and amended Bye-laws :

7. At a meeting prior to the Annual Meeting the Council shall
choose from among the members of the profession not less
than six persons to act as scrutineers in the matters of the
election of Members of Council.

New Bye-law to follow “ No. 32 ” —

“ That in case any student, after having attended the prescribed
course, is prevented by any cause — the fault not being his
own — from presenting himself for the first or second Exami¬
nation, he shall, after having passed that Examination, be
allowed to present himself for the one immediately following,
by studying one term less than he would by the “ Bye-laws
31 and 32,” provided the full number of terms shall have
been complied with.”

“ 37. Bye-law annulled.”

The Council have to announce that the two years’ system of Exami¬
nation was brought to a close in January last, it having been extended
to that period in order to admit those who from various causes had been
unable to pass their Examination to the satisfaction of the Court of
Examiners.

The three years’ system is now in full force and has hitherto proved
successful. The Examiners find that there is a greater amount of pro¬
ficiency in the class of students who now present themselves for Exami¬
nation, and less re-examination of rejected candidates.

With reference to the changes in the Court of Examiners during the
past year, the Council regret to announce the resignation of Mr. Robert
Lewis Hunt, F.R.C.V.S., who, in consequence of failing health, was
reluctantly compelled to relinquish his duties at the Cattle Pathology
table.

The vacancy in the Examination Board has been filled up by Mr.
Jno. Roalfe Cox, who has been appointed to the “ Horse Pathology
table.”

The Council have to report that since the last Annual Meeting eighty
students from the different veterinary schools have received the diploma
of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.

The following students obtained Honorable Mention, viz. : — Messrs.
Ernest Ed. Batt, W. J. Malvern, E. Gowland Rugg, Nicholson Almond,
H. A. Rumboll, J. J. Crowhurst, G. Johnson, G. G. Mayor, Walter J.
Palmer, E. Slipper, T. W. Cave, A. W. Briggs, Donald Gregory, H. T.

416

royal college of veterinary surgeons.

W. S. Mann, G. Deveson, Theodore C. Toop, Sidney Villar, W. Caud-
well, C. Taylor, and T. W. Lepper (Royal Veterinary College), with
Great Credit.

The Council have had under their consideration a scheme for one
uniform Matriculation Examination to be adopted by the respective
schools. The scheme was generally approved, but as one dissented from
the arrangement the subject was deferred for further consideration.

The Council elected the following gentlemen as Examiners for the
Fellowship Degree, viz. : — Messrs. Fleming, Collins, Duguid, and the
Dean of the College of Preceptors.

A Special Examination for this Degree was held February 27th, 1880,
when the following were admitted Fellows :

Mr. Wm, Sheppard Wallis, Halstead, Essex.

„ M. Wiggins, Market Harborough.

„ Wm. Albert Russell, Army Veterinary Department, Dublin.

„ Thos. Simpson, Seel Street, Liverpool.

„ Isaac Vaughan (Prof.), New Veterinary College, Edinburgh.

Prizes.

The Fitzwygram Prizes. — In order to increase the number of candi¬
dates, and to offer further inducement for competition, the Donor gave
notice that the competition for these prizes would not hereafter be
limited to those who had passed with Great Credit , but would be extended
to members of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, who held
their diploma for not more than two years.

Six candidates entered their names for the competition of these prizes
in April, 1879. The written examination took place in London, and
the viva voce and practical examination in Lincolnshire. The only
gentlemen who obtained the required number of marks were :

Mr. Edward Simpson Shave, Royal Veterinary College,

First Prize ..... £50

„ Thomas Herbert Lewis, New Veterinary College,

Edinburgh, Second Prize . . . £30

„ Wm, Frank Smith, Royal Veterinary College, Third

Prize ...... £20

The Royal Agricultural Society again offered their Prizes for compe¬
tition, when the following was the award of that examination :

Mr. Wm. Alston Edgar, Dartford, Kent, £20 and Gold Medal.

,, Wm. Frank Smith, Bromley, Kent £10 and Silver ,,

„ Nicholson Almond, Great Clacton,

Colchester . . . £5 and Bronze „

The following letter was received from the Secretary of the Royal
Agricultural Society :

“ Royal Agricultural Society or England,

“ 12, Hanover Square, London, W.;

“ Dec. 1 6th, 1879.

“ Dear Sir, — I am instructed by the Veterinary Committee to ask
you to be so good as to ascertain from the Council of the Royal College
of Veterinary Surgeons whether they could undertake to nominate
Examiners for the Society’s Veterinary Prizes and Medals, so that
identical examinations might be held simultaneously in Edinburgh,

ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS.

417

London, and, if necessary, in Dublin. The object in view is to pro¬
mote a co-operation between the several agricultural societies, so that
the prizes might be equally open to graduates of the Royal College of
Veterinary Surgeons, whether they are resident in England, Scotland, or
Ireland, and whether they have been educated at the Royal Veterinary
College or at any other recognised veterinary school.

“ Your early attention to this matter will much oblige,

“Yours very faithfully,

“ H. M. Jenkins,

“ W. H. Coates, Esq. “ Secretary .”

Communications have been made with the Highland and Agricultura
Society in the hope that Scotland would unite in making the prizes
general among the students, and the Council purpose to appoint ex¬
aminers as soon as the agreement has been entered into between the
two societies.

Unfortunately, however, the Highland and Agricultural Society,
after due consideration, does not feel itself in a position at present to
come to such an arrangement, hence the scheme must remain for a time
in abeyance.

The House Committee.

During the past year the House Committee had their attention
directed to a freehold property in Fitzroy Square, which was to be sold,
and was considered might be made available for a college.

The Committee spared no pains or expense in interesting themselves
upon the subject. A surveyor was appointed to value and inspect the
property. It was considered, however, to be deficient in its appearance,
and the rooms unsuited for the requirements of a college.

On further deliberation, and after taking a legal opinion, the negotia¬
tions fell through in consequence of certain doubts having been ex¬
pressed with regard to the genuineness of the title.

The Committee, therefore, resolved to ascertain, by advertisements,
■whether suitable premises could not still be obtained. The replies
received were unsatisfactory, and failing to receive any assistance from
Her Majesty’s Government, the Council deemed it advisable that they
should not leave their present building until some more suitable premises
could be obtained.

In accordance with the terms of the lease, the house has been put
under thorough repair, and a portion of the back premises pulled down
and re-built, as it was considered to be dangerous.

The College Fund. — Some trifling subscriptions have been received
during the past year, the only real increase being the receipt of its
dividends.

The following is the amount of stock and balance at the bankers :

Amount of Stock standing in the names of the Trustees £1513 13 4

Balance at Bankers . . . . . 104 11 10

Dividends . . . . . . . 44 9 4

Total . . . £1662 14 6

The following is the statement of the attendance of members at the

cD

Council and Committee Meetings :

418

ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS.

Vice-Presidents.

Henry Joseph Cartwright
George Williams

tj

James Moon

6

4

3

James McCall .

E. Coleman Dray
Thomas Walley

Council.

Jn. Wortley Axe . . 4

Wm. Robertson . . 2

T. W. Gowing . . .3

Jas. B. Simonds . . 2

Wm. Whittle . . .5

Jn. Wilkinson Anderton . 6

Major- Gen. Sir F. Fitzwygram 4
Jas. Collins . . .6

Wm. Hy. Coates . . 8

Geo. Morgan . . .7

Jas. Freeman . . .5

Alf. B. Proctor . . 2

Peter Taylor .

John Cuthbert
Rd. Sam. Reynolds
Francis Blakeway
Benj. Cartledge
Matthew J. Harpley
Geo. Fleming .

Wm. Pritchard
Wm. Williams .
Hartley Thos. Batt
Thos. Greaves .

Geo. Thos. Brown

Committees — Finance, House, and Selection.

Hartley T. Batt
Henry Jos. Cartwright
Jas. Collins
E. C. Dray
Geo. Fleming .

Jas. Freeman .

Thos. Greaves .

6

1

3

5
2
1

6

M. J. Harpley
Jas. Moon
G. Morgan
W. Pritchard
J. B. Simonds
P. Taylor
Geo. Williams

. 1
. 6
. 3

. 6
. 3

. 6
•

. 4
. 7
. 5

. 7
. 5

. 8
. 7
. 1

. 4
. 3
. 2
. 3
. 2
. 4
.v 3

The Registrar has to report the death of thirty-five members of the
profession since the last Annual Meeting. Among them maybe men¬
tioned the death of Professor Varnell, F.R.C. V.S., late Professor of the
Royal Veterinary College. He was elected President of the Royal
College of Veterinary Surgeons in 1865, and was a Member of Council
for upwards of sixteen years. Also the death of Mr. John Cuthbert,
of Leeds, a Member of the Council, elected three years ago. He was
also a Fellow.

A new Register will shortly be published containing the names of the
new members of the profession, as well as those who have been recently
admitted holding the Highland and Agricultural Society’s Certificate, and
the many alterations which have been made since its last issue. Copies
may be had on application to the Secretary, price Is. 6d., or Is. 8 d. post
free.

Presentations.

Presentations have been made to the Library of the College by Pro¬
fessors Simonds, Williams, Walley, and Vaughan, and by Mr. E B.
Nicholson, of the London Institution ; also some interesting classified
specimen grasses to the Museum by General Sir F. Fitzwygram. The
skeleton of a pure Arabian horse and morbid specimens from India were
presented by Mr. G. Fleming. Mr. Harpley also forwarded a photograph
of the Veterinary Congress held in Hamburgh, containing a portrait of
the late Wm. Field.

During the past year, in consequence of failing health, the Secretary
has been reluctantly compelled to tender his resignation to the Council

ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS. 419

of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons after holding office for a
period of eighteen years.

The vacancy has been filled up by the election of Mr. Arthur Wra.
Hill.

The Financial Statement is annexed. The Balance in hand, after
defraying the expenses of the year, amounts to £553 2s. 5d.

E. C. DRAT, Treasurer, in Account with the Council of the Royal College
of Veterinary Surgeons, from April 1st, 1879, to March 31s/, 1880.

$r.

Cr.

£

s.

d.

£

s.

d.

To Balance at Bankers,

Examiners’ Fees and Ex-

April, 1879

330

0

5

penses

654

7

6

Examination Fees to

Examiners’ Fees for Fel-

March 31st, 1880

1349

5

0

lowship Degree

15

15

0

Highland and Agricul-

Rent

100

0

0

tural Society’s Certi-

Rates and Taxes

38

1

8

ficate Fees

212

3

6

Salary to Secretary

150

0

0

Fellowship Fees .

78

15

0

Insurances

1

18

9

Dividends

27

19

8

Printing

17

3

6

Copies of Register

3

7

6

Advertisements .

18

3

0

Registrar’s Fees

0

3

0

Stationery, Postage

Property Tax

2

1

8

Stamps, and Book-

Gas consumed by C.V.M.

binding

28

18

0

Soc.

1

17

6

Law and Parliamentary

Interest from Scottish

Expenses for Supple-

Bank .

0

2

9

mental Charter

161

1

11

Reporters

Diplomas, Printing and

11

11

0

Embossing

14

19

9

House Surveyor .

Drugs for Cabinet and

3

3

0

Museum

2

1

0

Coals, Gas and Wood
House Repairs, Painting,

12

1

1

and Rebuilding back
Premises

153

12

6

Furniture, Upholsterer,
and Gasfitter .

Petty House and Sundry

11

8

1

Expenses

30

3

7

Wages .

20

0

0

Messenger

7

15

0

Banker’s Commission
Balance at Bankers,

0

9

3

April, 1880

553

2

5

£2005

16

0

£2005

16

0

Amount of Stock standing in the names of the Trustees, £952 13s. 8 d.
Three per cent. Consols.

We, the undersigned, have examined the above accounts, and have round
them correct.

GEORGE A. BANHAM,
TOM G, BATT,

Auditors.

April 14, 1880.

420

ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS.

On the motion of Mr. P. Taylor , seconded by Mr. Greaves, it was
agreed that the report be received.

It was also agreed, on the motion of Mr. Morgan , seconded by Mr.
Cartwright, to adopt the report.

At the request of Mr. Whittle the number of meetings of the Council
and Committee which he had attended was corrected in the report, the
number being six instead of five. He expressed his opinion that a proper
register should be kept, so that there might be no mistake.

Mr. Morgan explained that the error had been made inadvertently, but
said that if sueh a record was to be kept it ought to be correct. He
thought that the number of summonses to attend ought to be given as
well as the number of meetings.

Mr. Taylor said he thought it was of importance that there should be
an accurate register kept, because it was seen from that how the various
members fulfilled their duty.

Professor Walley said that there were one or two things in the report
to which he wished to refer, and one of these had reference to the time
when the voting papers were sent out. He found that, in some in¬
stances, the voting papers did not arrive at their destination in time for
the members to vote. For instance, he had received from Aberdeen¬
shire a letter dated the 24th of April, in which it was said that the
voting paper was received only the previous day at three o’clock. Now,
they were all aware that in country districts a letter very frequently
could not be answered by return of post ; and it so happened that, in
this instance, a letter received at three o’clock could not be answered
the same evening ; in fact, it could not be answered till the Monday.
His own voting paper arrived in Edinburgh on the 22nd, which gave
him ample time to return it by the 25th. He did not quite understand
whether the bye-law on the subject meant that the voting papers were
to be at their destination three days from the date, or despatched from
London three days within the date. If the latter was the meaning of
it, then his voting paper did not reach him in time. He thought that,
so far as it could be done, ample time should be given to outlying mem¬
bers to send their voting papers back in time, especially in the case of
the members in Aberdeenshire (applause). There was another matter
to which he would refer, namely, as to those who had passed the exami¬
nation last year. On page 3 of the report there were a number of names
given of students having obtained honorable mention. Now, so far as
he observed, there was not the name of a single student from Scotland
who had obtained honorable mention. He did not know the reason of
that, but it was a matter that should be inquired into. Those that were
given were all from the London College. He wished to make another
remark, and that was in connection with the statement in the report,
<f that steps should now be immediately taken by the Koyal College of
Veterinary Surgeons to obtain an Act of Parliament for the protection
of the title of Veterinary Surgeon.” At the last Council meeting he
made the remark that he thought this matter should be brought promi¬
nently before the members of the profession, and he did not think that
he was out of place in directing particular attention to that matter, so
that they might discuss it amongst themselves, and when the time came
they might help them in the matter (applause).

The President asked if there were any further observations to be made
on the report.

Mr. Hunting , London, said he wished simply to remark that this their
first meeting in the Scottish capital marked a new era in the life of the
profession, and the successful result of a long struggle to improve the

ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS. 421

position of the profession (applause). He thought that they might con¬
gratulate themselves on having arrived at the stage of having obtained
such a good position that they could meet in Scotland without opposi¬
tion from another examining body. At the same time a healthy rivalry
was not a thing to be objected to, and he had just risen for the purpose
of stating that there was a chance of making a mistake in the other direc-
tion, and getting into a dead level of uniformity. Although one examin¬
ing body was a good thing, yet it was not a good thing that they should
have merely one governing body. He should be very sorry to see the
schools ruled entirely by the profession, and that was what he was afraid
they were approaching to. He thought that the schools and the manage¬
ment of the schools could not be too much separated from the profession
so long as the College had the power of granting diplomas. Of course
there was no reason why the schools should not combine voluntarily, and
select parties to examine ; but it would be a mistake for the schools to
hand it over entirely to the profession. It was the thin end of the
wedge, and they might possibly be interfering with the schools afterwards
in other matters. He would say, let the schools submit their students to
whatever matriculative examination they might choose, and if they did
not get proper men to do so, they would soon be shown in their true
colours, and free trade would very soon right itself in the matter. With
regard to the Museum of the College, he thought that any person who
had been in it would be of opinion that it was simply and solely a dis¬
grace to the profession. There were many really valuable specimens
hidden away in a manner that was not creditable to them. There was
hardly a provincial town that did not have specimens worthy of the
Hunterian Museum, and he believed that the veterinary surgeons
throughout the country would be willing to send up specimens to the
Museum of the College provided there was a decent place to put them
in. He must say that he felt almost sorry to read that somebody had
presented the skeleton of a pure Arab horse, as he did not know where
it was to be placed. He concluded by saying that he thought they
might congratulate themselves on everything having gone right lately,
and also on their present meeting in Edinburgh (applause).

In reply to Professor McFaydean, Edinburgh,

Major~ General Sir F. Fitzwygram explained that there was an error
in the report with regard to the regulations as to the Fitywygram
Prizes, but that the papers sent out in his name were correctly worded, so
that he did not think that any practical injustice had been done to any one.

Mr. Dollar , London, said that several members had received no
voting papers. He believed there had been some difficulty in issuing
the voting papers this year — first, on account of the members not notify¬
ing to the Registrar the alteration in their addresses, the great number
of fresh names appearing on the Register for the first time. He did
not stand up to find fault with what had been done ; still he thought
that making a note of the delay that had occurred this year would
have the effect of the papers being sent out better next year (applause).
He wished to take the opportunity of moving a resolution, and he would
do in connection with the Annual Report. The Report stated that
“ steps should now be immediately taken by the Royal College of
Veterinary Surgeons to obtain an Act of Parliament for the protection
of the title of Veterinary Surgeon.” He merely made that paragraph
the stepping-stone to bring forward what he wanted. The resolution
he was to propose, if it was acted upon by the Council, would not only
have a great influence on the profession itself, but also in connection
with the view that the public would take of them as a profession. If

29

LIII.

422

ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS.

they went to Parliament for a Penal Act, there were some members
who would ask, “ Who wants a Penal Act ? Are they more respectable
than the individuals whom they are asking the Act against ? ” When
he read Clause No. 12, of the Supplementary Chapter of the Regula¬
tions in connection with the Charter, he was surprised at the unlimited
power which the Council possessed over every one of its members.
But in reading further on in the Charter there was no line laid down
in any shape or way. They were, as it were, a body of men placed
body and soul in the hands of the Council (a laugh). He did not
object to that; he was satisfied that they should hold that unlimited
power, but he was anxious to know, as an individual member of the
profession, in what way they were ready to exercise that unlimited power.
He had no doubt that if it was exercised it would be exercised for the
benefit of the profession, but the clauses in connection with the matter
were in such a crude state that no one knew how the Council might
act for the benefit of the profession. In making these remarks he
referred to the getting of a Penal Act for the profession. Now, the
very first thing that would be said in the House of Commons, if they
went as a body, would be — How do they regulate the conduct of their
members ? There was nothing printed to show what these regulations
were; and although they could point to the clause showing that the
Council had unlimited power to expel any member from the profession
for a sufficient cause, there was no provision stating how the Council
should act in this matter. What he wished to propose in the shape of
a resolution was the following : — “ That the profession represented by
the members now present at their annual meeting consider that the
time has arrived when the Council should embody in a series of resolu¬
tions what derelictions of conduct on the part of any of their members
will subject them to the cognisance of the Council with a view to
putting Clause 12 in operation against them.” In his opinion, if that
were done, it would not only be a most beneficial thing for every
member of the profession as a profession, but it would have a great
tendency to raise every member of the profession if it was known that
the Council in connection with it had such unlimited powers, and that
they would exercise them in certain circumstances. He would be glad
if any gentleman would be good enough to second the resolution, and
make any remarks regarding it, and he would also be glad to answer
any questions in connection with it (applause).

Mr. Lawson , Manchester, said he had great pleasure in seconding Mr.
Dollar’s proposition, and he entirely concurred in all that he had said.
There was another matter that he wished to bring before the Council,
and he was enabled the better to do so as he had experienced that morning
the labour in connection with it, namely, as to the voting papers. He
would suggest to the Council respectfully that they should see that next
year the voting papers were sent out in a manner similar to the voting
papers in a Parliamentary election. The names were in larger print, and
those who voted put a cross against them, so that the scrutineers had
little or no difficulty, while the voters would also have less difficulty in
marking those gentlemen for whom they voted. There was considerable
difficulty experienced at present, and there were a great many bad
voting papers. He might say that he had had applications from a number
of people asking how they were to vote. He had no doubt that it would
be for the general welfare of the profession if this matter were taken
into consideration.

Mr. Mackintosh asked if Mr. Lawson proposed that in future they
should vote by ballot?

ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS.

423

Mr. Lawson said that the voting was by ballot now ; but he wished the
system to be entirely altered and reorganised. At present it was very
easy for a man to put a cross at the name after the one he intended to
put it, and often they could not tell for whom the vote was given.

Mr. Taylor. — You would still have each member to sign his paper with
his name ?

Mr. Lawson. — Decidedly.

Mr. Taylor. — And that the type should be larger ?

Mr. Lawson. — Yes; and that the way they voted for a Parliamentary
candidate should be followed in the voting paper. It was plainer and
more legible than the present system.

Mr. Greaves , Manchester, said that he saw the force of Mr. Lawson’s
remarks, but no system that could be adopted was perfect. The voting
papers sent out in the election of Members of Parliament were open to
the same objection as had been urged (cries of “No, no ”). There were
many cases where the cross was put between two names, and you could
not tell which party the cross was intended for. He thought he must
be a very stupid man who could not understand the directions given on
the voting paper ; but so it was, and there would continue to be mistakes.
With reference to one of the subjects brought before them, the sending
out of the voting papers, he had to complain that they had not been
sent out in that due form that they ought to have been. He had
a friend who had resided at the same place for forty years, and he
did not get his voting-paper till the 27th, while it ought to have been
returned on the 25th. Other members did not get theirs till the 27th.
He hoped the same thing would not occur at the next Annual Meeting.
With reference to Mr. Dollar’s resolution, the question was discussed at
the Council as to what should be the nature of the offence of the person
who should be excluded from the profession, and he might tell them that
it occupied a good deal of time. The various points were fairly dis¬
cussed, and it was thought best to leave it as it now stood in the rules.
They might depend upon it that it must be a heinous charge against a
veterinary surgeon that would exclude him from the profession. The
Council had guarded against it if it were to be carried out unfairly.
They must have two thirds of the members present before any action
was taken, and then three fourths of those present must be in favour of
any action being taken before it could be done ; so that it must come
before a full Board before action could be taken, and the Council was
not a body that would exclude a man if there was not sufficient reason
for doing so. Perhaps there might be two or three cases in a man’s
lifetime, where a person had proved himself to be a disgrace to his pro¬
fession. It was right that they should have power to exclude men from
the profession who were unworthy of the name (applause). There was
one other subject to which he would refer, and which had been alluded
to by Professor Walley — namely, the Matriculation Examination. He did
not take the same view of the matter that the professor did. Pie thought
it was right that the Council should have the power to examine or give
the subjects for examination before a student entered the College schools.
He had seen some instances of an absurd anomaly, where a student had
been examined at one college and rejected. His education had been
very limited, and he passed to some other college, where he was ad¬
mitted. Now, if the Council had the power of appointing the examiners,
such an incongruity as that could not occur. They were getting such a
position that they ought to improve themselves, if possible, and let them
get better educated men into the profession. The time was when any
man, let his education be ever so limited, was allowed to enter the

424

ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS.

colleges if he paid his fee. He remembered on one occasion, when he
had an opportunity of coming to Edinburgh on a deputation from the
Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, that he found that the Lord
Provost and members of the Corporation were in favour of a higher
standard of education than the College were then asking for. He
thought that the time had come for the student having a good position
in regard to education before entering the College schools. He was in
favour of the various schools placing the power in the hands of the
Council of appointing the examination of the student before he entered
the College. He hoped that an amicable arrangement would'be come to
by the principals of each college to give the power into the hands of the
Council (applause).

Professor McCall , Glasgow, said that as be was the principal of a
college that objected to the system of uniformity being carried out, he
thought it was right that he should make a statement. He was the first
to introduce an educational test before allowing a student to enter the
College, and he was in a position to say that no student had been
allowed to enter the College, who had been refused by some other
College, so that the statement that had been made to that effect
did not apply to him. He respected the Council, and he believed
that the very best talent that had been found in the profession had
been found in it. Hitherto they had conducted the duties devolving
on them with great efficiency, but he was not prepared to hand over the
power he possessed, so far as an educational test was concerned, to the
Council. He believed that if the Council adopted the same measures
with regard to the Scottish schools as to the schools in London, they
would empty the benches considerably. He was perfectly willing to
come to an understanding with all the three colleges, whereby the prin¬
cipals of all the colleges should have an equal representation as to the
changes that took place in the Council. He knew that his feelings in
regard to the matter were sympathised in by Principal Williams and
Principal Walley. Before he wrote the letter on the subject he con¬
sulted those gentlemen, and they also came to the conclusion that the
principals of the colleges should have a seat at the Board. He was per¬
fectly willing to come to an understanding with the College to have a
uniform test applied to all students entering the College, but he would
not hand over to the Royal College that power that he possessed
(applause).

Mr. Macintosh. — Is this before the meeting as a motion, or as an ex¬
pression of opinion ?

The President. — It is simply an expression of opinion.

Principal Walley said that Mr. Greaves referred to the fact that a
student was received at one college after being refused admission to
another. Now, such a fact had never come under his knowledge, and
as far as the school with which he was connected was concerned, he was
certain that no such admission had ever been made. He rather thought
that Mr. Greaves had mistaken the matter a little. This was what had
taken place. A student had been refused admission to the Royal
College of London simply because he could not pass the examination,
and at another college he had passed an examination, after which he
went back and entered the Royal College. The rule was that the
student should not enter the College till he had passed Latin or French,
but it went on to say that a Matriculation Certificate from another
school would be accepted. They would now allow students to pass
without Latin or French, but they might come to Edinburgh, pass the
Matriculation Examination there, and then enter the Royal College.

ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS.

425

However, he might state that they put a stop some time ago to anything
of the kind being done in the future so far as Edinburgh was con¬
cerned.

Mr. Cameron , Berwick-on-Tweed, said he had much pleasure in
being present at the first meeting of the Royal College in Edinburgh.
He was not living in Scotland now, but he had still the same feelings
as Scotchmen. He highly approved of the change which had been
made which enabled the meeting to be held in Edinburgh : but another
change would require to be made before the full advantage could be reaped.
It had not been taken into account that there were no trains running
in the north of Scotland on Sabbath. It was a matter of time and
money to those in the north who attended the meeting, and he
thought that an arrangement should be made so that meetings such as
the present, and even in London, should not take place on a Monday or
a Saturday. The present system also involved a good deal of Sabbath
travelling. Although he had no special objection to Sabbath travelling
which he did professionally, yet it ought to be done as little as possible.
They knew the source of England’s greatness, and they knew that it
was said, “ They that honour Me, I will honour.” If there was no
legal objection to it the meeting ought certainly to be held on any day
of the week except Saturday or Monday. He was sure that Scotch¬
men were highly gratified to see their English brethren in Edinburgh
(applause). With regard to the question of voting, he considered it
would be a very great improvement if Mr. Lawson’s proposal were
carried out.

General Sir F. Fitzwygram said he wished to make a few remarks.
Professor McCall, in the course of his speech, said that the Royal College
of Veterinary Surgeons were regulating or had regulated the Matri¬
culation Examinations. That was not the case. The Royal Veterinary
College had regulated its own examinations, and the Royal College of
Veterinary Surgeons had had nothing to do with it. Professor Walley
had mentioned that while the Royal College of London prescribed a
high standard, they allowed the admission of students surreptitiously by
coming down to Scotland. Now, there was no doubt that in the original
scheme in London they did accept certain examinations for certain places,
but it was found that there was an abuse, and the Governors stopped
it, and no one was now allowed to enter the College unless he passed the
full examination. The proposal of the College was not to establish a
uniform examination for the four schools, but to define a certain standard
below which no one should be allowed to enter into the veterinary
schools at all. What they endeavoured to do was to draw out a scheme
giving the lowest examination which a young gentleman must pass
before he could be fairly supposed to derive any advantage from enter¬
ing the schools. He thought that if the Principals of the four schools
would agree together, the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons would
gladly endorse any recommendations they might make. There would
then be no chance of the examination being altered without the accord
of the schools. He thought that some examination should be adopted
below which no young gentleman should be allowed to enter.

Principal McCall said that the alterations had taken place principally
with reference to the veterinary element of the London College. As
they were aware, Sir F. Fitzwygram, Mr. J. Collins, and Mr. Ilarpley,
were Governors of that Institution. Now, suppose that the other col¬
leges took a part in the Matriculation Examination of the students, these
three gentlemen would still have to do with the Matriculation Examina¬
tion for members of the Council ; so that, while the other three colleges

426

ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS.

in Scotland would have no voice at all, these three gentlemen, being
Governors of the Royal Veterinary College, would have a voice.

Mr. Fleming, of London, said that this was a very important question,
and he thought that the time had arrived when their educational status
should be improved. It must be confessed that the standard of educa¬
tion at the present time was very far from what it should be, and the
anomalies that existed pointed to the fact that if it was left to the schools
themselves there would be no uniformity, because it was imposssible
where they had competing schools to have that uniformity of standard
which was so necessary. The medical corporation of licensing bodies in
medicine had a standard of education laid down, which applicants
for admission to the schools had to pass before they were admitted. He
thought that, as the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons were re¬
sponsible for the status of the student, inasmuch as it gave him the
diploma, it was responsible, not only for the professional education of the
student, but also for his general education. Although some of those
present might dissent from what he said in regard to that, yet he was
sure they would agree with him that the general education of the veteri¬
nary student greatly required raising (applause). He had had conversa¬
tions with some of the teachers, and they had expressed themselves as
labouring under great difficulties from the simple fact that the men they
taught were unable to understand the language in which they were
taught. It lay with the Council to determine the amount of education
that was required for its members ; and now that the profession was
entirely responsible for its own position it should see that its graduates
were men who obtained such a fair share of education as would enable
them to study the science, as well as enable them to pursue it with ad¬
vantage, both to the public and to themselves (applause). Whichever
way that was done the profession would not be satisfied till this
reasonable amount of education was laid down. He thought that the
Matriculation Examination should be in the hands of the Royal College
of Veterinary Surgeons, because it was the only way that they could get
that uniformity of education that the profession and the public required.
As to the voting papers, he thought that the suggestion of Mr. Lawson
was a good one. He thought that the cross applied to the name would
answer very well, and that it was a mistake that the voter should sign
his name. He knew that a certain number of people would not vote
because the vote was public, and because the scrutineers could tell how
the voter had given his vote. He thought that where there were a
number of names to be voted for it was very invidious, and he had ab¬
stained from voting himself. He considered it would be a better plan
if the names of the gentlemen to be voted for were printed in the manner
indicated by Mr. Lawson.

Mr. Spreull said that they did not want any signature at all.

Principal Walley said that, with regard to Matriculation, he believed
that the schools were willing to agree amongst themselves as to a certain
uniform standard. He thought that that was the best way of solving
the difficulty, and that it was merely a matter of time. Although he
had no objection to the Council exercising some supervision over them,
still he thought they need not put the power entirely out of their hands.
As to the system of voting, he did not see that if they were to vote by
papers they should affix their signature. Personally he did not care
about the matter, and he was ready to put his name all the same, but he
thought that the voting should be carried on in the way it had been.

Mr. JF. A. Taylor said that if he was in order, as the discussion had
assumed a somewhat miscellaneous nature, he should like to offer a few

ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS.

427

remarks with regard to the voting papers. Having been unexpectedly
called upon to act as one of the scrutineers, he found that much time
was unnecessarily expended by the manner in which members of the
College had to vote for the respective candidates. It was, he thought,
an unnecessary and unwarrantable tax on the time of the scrutineers to
have to count and go through in a minute manner the names as at
present arranged in order to arrive at a correct conclusion. He cordially
supported the suggestion of Mr. Lawson, more particularly that the
names of the candidates be printed in larger type. There had been, he
believed, fourteen votes lost that morning, a majority of them from
absence of signature, and some others from mystification of the names
and residences of the candidates with the list of the present members of
Council. Some gentleman, unable to understand the Queen’s English,
had erased the names of the present members of Council instead of
voting for the candidates. He thought that was another suggestion that
might be taken into consideration in future by those who draw up the
voting paper. He did not know that it was absolutely necessary that a
list of the present members of Council should appear on it. If so, he
thought that it would be highly judicious that a plainer and more distinct
manner of discriminating between the two were applied in drawing out
the voting paper. He thought also that some better arrangement might
be made with regard to the appointment and the attendance of the
scrutineers. If gentlemen accepted an office, he thought they were
called upon and in duty bound to be there to do their duty. It was
exceedingly unpleasant for a member of the profession, after having
come a distance of between 200 and 300 miles, to be suddenly called
upon to act as a scrutineer. He might say that it had been so on this
occasion in several instances.

Mr. Dollar’s motion was then put to the meeting, and unanimously
adopted.

The President then said that he would endeavour to explain some
matters which had been under discussion that afternoon. In the first
place, as to the non-delivery of voting papers till late in the week, he
must confess that he was to some extent to blame in the matter. The
annual report was detained in Edinburgh for a day in consequence of
his absence from home. It could not be printed till he had revised
it after being sent to him by the secretary ; and, being from home, the
report did not get to London for another day. That would to some extent
account for the delay. He trusted, however, to have an opportunity of
moving in the Council, or that some one else would do it for him, that
more days would be allowed for sending out the voting-papers. He
hoped that by next year there would be no longer any cause of com¬
plaint. The Secretary told him that the reason why a great many
gentlemen had not received voting-papers had been on account of their
having changed their residences since the last publication of the Register.
The voting-papers were sent to the old addresses ; and, the new ad¬
dresses not having been given, the papers were returned. He hoped
that every gentleman who had changed his address would send the
new one to the Registrar of the College, in order that he might get the
voting-paper in due time. With regard to the matriculation question,
he must confess that he was quite willing that the Council of the Royal
College of Veterinary Surgeons should have at least the power of fixing
a minimum examination. That was to say, that, after due consultation,
and by arrangement with the principals of the colleges, power be granted
to the Royal College of fixing, as it were, the lowest standard below
which no one would be allowed to enter the College, and also of

428

ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS.

appointing examiners to conduct such examinations, leaving it open to
each individual college to elevate its standard of education if it thought
proper ; but at all times, there being a distinct arrangement between the
schools and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons that the Royal
College of Veterinary Surgeons should not be allowed to exercise their
power in raising the standard of education except by the consent of the
principals of the schools. If that was carried out it would meet the
views of all, and put the matter on a satisfactory footing. He had always
had a strong feeling that the power should be in the hands of the pro¬
fession. He quite agreed with the observation by Mr. Fleming as to the
College being not only responsible for the scientific training, but also the
educational training of those who became members of the profession ;
and when the matter came forward again, he would certainly support
the views he had expressed at the present time. He would not touch
much on the question of students coming from London to Scotland,
having been rejected at the college there, and afterwards returning with
a certificate. It so happened that he knew the gentleman referred to.
He was a good scholar, but did not know French or Latin, and was
excluded. However, he was in a position to say that the London
Veterinary College would not now allow any man to enter with a certi¬
ficate except it was equal to the standard required by the London
Veterinary College ; and therefore that little matter, which occurred a
year or two ago, could not possibly occur again. He was sorry that at
their first meeting in Edinburgh there should not have been a larger
muster of Scotch veterinary surgeons. They had for a number of years
agitated for what had happened that day. They had desired that the
profession should meet in the City of Edinburgh, and after having ob¬
tained their desire, he was afraid that they did not appreciate them, or
else the attendance would not have been so sparse on the present oc¬
casion. Considering that so many of their friends had come from Lan¬
cashire, Yorkshire, London, and other parts, he thought that the Scotch
veterinary surgeons might have come in greater force. Their friends
had come to do honour to veterinary science in Scotland on the
present occasion, and he was sorry that many living in neighbouring
parts were conspicuous by their absence. As to the point raised by Mr.
Cameron, regarding the day of the Annual Meeting of the Royal
College, he had to state that it was laid down in the Charter that it was
to be held on the First Monday in May. He did not think that the
objection as to Sunday travelling would have much weight with veteri¬
nary surgeons (a laugh). He did not, indeed, see why it should, for
they often had to travel professionally on that day, and it was just as
important that they should travel to the meetings of the College as it
was that they should attend a case of sickness on Sunday (laughter
and applause). He hoped, then, that if this obstacle had stood in any
one’s way it would in future be forgotten, and that they would have
larger attendances. As to the omission from the report of the names
of the gentlemen who passed with credit last year, he might say that the
names of the students who passed in April last would not be received in
time to be in the report ; but then they found that the names of the
men who passed with very great credit last year were also omitted.
That, he was inclined to think, was due to some omission on the part of
the. secretary in Scotland, Dr. Dunsmure. He trusted that such an
omission would not take place again, as it was a matter of professional
and general interest (applause). He would be glad if the Council
would support the view that there be a supplementary report published
in the Veterinarian and Veterinary Journal , so that people might

ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS. 429

not run away with the idea that no students passed with credit
on this side of the border (applause). As to the Museum, they all knew
that the building was not such as they required — that they needed a
larger and better building, but they were not so fortunate as to find
such a building in London last year. The matter was, however, receiv¬
ing due consideration, and a committee was appointed to consider the
whole matter. There was a room on the second floor, at No. 10, Red
Lion Square, that might be applied for the purpose, and he could say
that the matter would receive due consideration at the hands of the
committee that had been appointed. As to the alteration of the voting
papers, he thought that the present voting paper was a very good one,
that the directions were exceedingly plain, and that no man of ordinary
intelligence should make a mistake in regard to it. But he should like
to see the names of the candidates in much larger type, and much more
space between the names. He could understand the difficulty of separa¬
ting the names where they were so close together, and he trusted that
next year the names would be printed in larger type. For his own
part, he detested secret voting, and if it came before the Council to
discuss the matter, he should certainly go in for open voting. He did
not think that any man should refuse to sign what he had voted. He
had now to report the result of the election ; and he might state that,
notwithstanding the complaints about the non-receipt of voting papers,
about 900 had been received this year by the scrutineers — a larger
number than ever was returned to the scrutineers before, causing much
extra work on the part of the secretary (hear, hear). Mr. G. Fleming
headed the list with 625 votes ; Professor Brown obtained 609 ; Professor
Pritchard, 593; Principal Williams, 495; Mr. T. Greaves, 458; and
Mr. H. T. Batt, 398. Principal Walley was elected by 355 votes in
room of the late Mr. Cuthbert. The following were the votes given
for the other candidates : — Mr. Talbot, 309; Mr. Flanagan, 299; Mr.
Wragg, 297 ; Mr. Robinson, 282 ; Mr. Cartwright, 261 ; Mr. Dray,
197 ; Mr. Owles, 142 ; Mr. Moon, 98. The President then intimated
that the next Meeting of the Council would be held in London on the
25th of May, 1880.

On the motion of Mr. Robertson , Kelso, a cordial vote of thanks was
given to the President, and the proceedings were then brought to a
close.

The Dinner

Was held in the evening in the Waterloo Plotel, where seventy gentle¬
men sat down to a sumptuous and well-served repast. Principal Williams,
of the New College, Edinburgh, occupied the chair, supported on the
right by General Sir Frederick Fitzwygram, and on the left by Mr. J.
Collins, Veterinary Surgeon-General for the Army. Among the others
present were : — Mr. Imlach, President of the Royal College of Surgeons ;
Mr. F. N. Menzies; Major Kaye, 21st Lancers; Major Boulton, Prof.
Turner, Dr. Dunsmure, Dr. Dycer, Mr. T. Graves, Manchester ; Mr.
Fleming, London ; Dr. Stevenson Macadam ; and Mr. Munn.

On the removal of the cloth, the usual loyal and patriotic toasts were
duly honored. Some amusement was occasioned by the circumstance
that in the toast list the printer had appointed Major Kaye to reply
on behalf of the Queen. Major-General Sir F. Fitzwygram and Major
Boulton replied on behalf of the army.

Professor Turner , of Edinburgh University, in giving “ The Royal
College of Veterinary Surgeons,” said he had been attached to the

430

ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS.

Royal College for some years in a certain official capacity, which had
given him an opportunity of knowing a great deal of what the Royal
College had been doing, and of satisfying himself that it had been
doing excellent work in connection with the veterinary profession. The
Royal College could not boast of that antiquity which some Royal colleges
in the toast list could boast of. It only dated back some forty years ; yet
they might regard it as a very lusty infant — a child which could assert
itself, which possessed all the elements that conduced to vigorous
manhood. He knew of few institutions associated with educational
matters which had done so much good, from a professional point of
view, as the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons had done. Under
its auspices, under the examinations conducted by it for a series of
years, there could be no question that the tone and standard and spirit
of the veterinary profession had amazingly improved (applause). And
he was happy to say that the College was not disposed to stand still, but
was desirous of furthering the prosperity of the profession over which
it exercised so important a superintendence. During the years he had
been engaged as one of its examining body, a most important improve¬
ment had been instituted, namely, the lengthening of the curriculum.
Nothing, he thought, that the College had yet done had been more con¬
ducive of good than the addition of one year to the curriculum. He
had had an opportunity of comparing the acquirements of the candi¬
dates before this extension, and he could assure the members of the
College present that the change had been of a most beneficial character.
The candidates were now prepared to answer questions, and to display
an acquaintance with their various important departments of profes¬
sional knowledge which, prior to the extension referred to, it would
have been simply absurd on the part of an examiner to have expected.
The young men now in course of preparation for examination in its
successive stages were unquestionably more thoroughly prepared than
was the case formerly. But if he might be allowed at the meeting of so
manv influential members of the College to make a statement with
reference to veterinary education and examination, he should like to
say that he thought the College ought to make an additional step for¬
ward, and that before long. The step should not be in the direction of
extending the professional curriculum from three to four years — not at
least now, for he did not think the profession ripe for that ; and the
addition of another year of study added to expense of study, conse¬
quently many who would be disposed to enter the profession might not
have the funds to do so. The step he urged, and which he hoped would
be seriously considered, was the institution of an entrance examination.
Nothing, he thought, would add so much to the standard of attainments
in the veterinary profession as the institution of such an examination ;
and no one should be allowed to appear for professional examination
until he had passed that entrance examination. As an examiner, he
had constantly felt difficulty with candidates who came up absolutely
ignorant of the Latin language, on which was based so many of the
terms employed in veterinary medicine, and the sciences on which
veterinary medicine was founded. He would have an entrance examina¬
tion embracing not only Latin, but English, and the more ordinary arts
of education. This, he maintained, would increase the whole standard
of the profession ; and on this occasion of their meeting under the
presidency of one who had long been connected with veterinary educa¬
tion in Edinburgh, he thought it a fitting time to bring forward this
suggestion. Principal Williams had been selected to fill the high office
of Chairman of that College from his high attainments ; and with the

ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS. 431

toast, of the Royal College he coupled health and prosperity to their
worthy President (applause).

The President responded to the compliment which had been paid him.
Speaking of the gratifying progress made, he, nevertheless, thought the
College had not advanced quite so rapidly as was desirable. The ex¬
tension of the curriculum was the result of a great fight, in which they
had received the warmest support and encouragement from the High¬
land Society. He endorsed the views of Professor Turner regarding
the desirability of an entrance examination, which had also been ap¬
proved at their annual meeting. The test, in his opinion, should not be
high at first, but uniform, and should be governed and regulated by the
Royal College (hear, hear).

Major-General Sir F. Fitzwygram , Bart., in proposing “The Highland
and Agricultural Society of Scotland,” spoke of the fame of Edinburgh
and her medical and veterinary schools as having been largely due to
the disinterested action of the Highland Society. The present meeting
was the result of endeavours which had for several years been made to
bring to an end the asperities and animosities, he might say, which had long
divided and detracted from the usefulness and progress of the veterinary
profession. To the action of the Highland Society was it due that they
were now enabled to speak as a unity, and he trusted they might hope
for marked progress in the future (hear, hear). Every member of the
profession had now not only an equal right to vote, but equal power in
selecting representatives to sit in their Council, which now fairly and
truly represented the entire body of the profession (hear, hear). They
were now about to apply to the Legislature for a Bill to protect them
against unqualified and unlicensed practitioners. Protection of their
profession, if they simply asked it for themselves, might perhaps meet
with little sympathy at the hands of the new House of Commons ; but
if they urged it on the grounds of justice and humanity in the interests
of the lower animals of God’s creation, he trusted they would be able
to succeed. It was scarcely more than half a century since the late
Professor Dick instituted in the city the first veterinary school ever
known in Scotland (applause) — a school which lived and flourished and
still bore its honored name (hear, hear). Now there were in Scotland
no less than three veterinary schools, which could compare with any of
the kind in Europe (hear). And he was sure they would all hear with
pleasure that Her Majesty’s Government, in instituting a new Veteri¬
nary College at Aldershot, for the instruction of officers of the army,
and through them of others throughout England, had, on the recom¬
mendation of the Secretary of the War Department, selected for the
new institution a distinguished number of the old Clyde Street School
(applause). Thanks to the union now between the Royal College and
the Highland Society, they had now a thoroughly representative Council
of all the branches of their profession ; and the future was in their own
hands (applause).

Mr. F. JV. Menzies , Secretary of the Highland and Agricultural
Society, in responding, said he did so with some diffidence, not because
the task was new to him, but because it was the first occasion on which
he had been called upon to return thanks where the Highland and
Agricultural Society had divested itself of some of its privileges. At
the same time he thought he might say that the Society was in honour
bound to meet the views of the veterinary profession (hear, hear). The
Highland Society gave its patronage to the veterinary profession from
no interested motives. It was purely and simply from a desire to raise
that profession to the best of its ability ; and what the Society did to

432

ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS.

aid his late venerated friend, Professor Dick, had left a mark on the
veterinary profession which would long be recognised (applause). As
representing the Highland and Agricultural Society, perhaps the best
thing he could do was to wish the Royal College a genuine Highland
welcome, and to say that, having now come down to Scotland for the
first time, it was to be hoped they would feel so happy here that they
would not repent the visit, but resolve occasionally to visit the northern
metropolis (applause). The Highland Society, in giving up its veterinary
certificate, did so entirely at the wish of the veterinary profession, and
it was thought not proper for the Society, as a constitutional body, to
continue the granting of certificates in what was not perhaps a strictly
legal manner. At the same time they were not going to hold aloof
from the veterinary profession. They would keep up their veterinary
department ; and if by so doing they could benefit the profession, he
was sure the Highland Society would always come to the front
(hear, hear). The idea of the Society had been not antagonism, but
emulation; and if obliged to retire, it was not because they felt them¬
selves defeated, but because the step was dee.ned necessary to benefit
the veterinary profession. The Society’s prize would be continued,
along with other efforts, to further, as far as possible, the interests of
veterinary science (applause).

Among the toasts which followed were : — “ The Royal College of
Surgeons,” by Mr. G. Fleming, replied to by Mr. F. B. Imlach ; “ The
Veterinary Colleges,” by Mr. T. Dollar, replied to by Principal Walley ;
“ The Examiners,” by Mr. Whittle, and replied to by Dr. Dunsmure.

SPECIAL MEETING OE COUNCIL, HELD MAY 25th, 1880.

Present : — Messrs. Anderton, Batt, Blakeway, Cartledge, Coates, Collins,
Sir F. Eitzwygram ; Messrs. Fleming, Freeman, Greaves, Harpley, Rey¬
nolds, Robertson, Taylor, and Whittle.

On the motion of Mr. Greaves , seconded by Mr. P. Taylor , General Sir
F. Fitzwygram was voted to the chair.

The Secretary read the notice convening the meeting.

The minutes of the last Special Meeting were read and confirmed.

The Secretary stated that letters had been received from Professors
Williams and Simonds and Messrs. Morgan and Gowing, regretting their
inability to attend the meeting. Prof. Williams, in his letter, expressed his
best thanks to the Council for the honour they had conferred upon him in
electing him President for the past year, and for the kind support and assist¬
ance afforded him in carrying through the business.

Mr. P. Taylor proposed Mr. George Fleming as President for the ensuing
year. He did so on the ground that Mr. Fleming had been a member of
Council for twelve years, and had performed his duties in a faithful, honest,
and Englishman-like manner. His transcendant abilities would enable him
to fulfil the office with credit to himself, and he would be an honour to the
Council.

Mr. Greaves said he had great pleasure in seconding the proposition.

Mr. Fleming was unanimously elected.

Gen. Sir F. Fitzwygram said he wished not only to congratulate Mr.
Fleming, but also to congratulate the Council on the selection they had
made. Sir Frederick then vacated the chair in favour of Mr. Fleming.

ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS.

433

The V resident thanked the members of the Council most heartily for the
honour they had paid him in electing him as President of the Royal College
of Veterinary Surgeons. He must confess that he accepted office with a
large amount of diffidence. He was not sure whether the very high com¬
pliment they had paid him was altogether deserved. He himself was of
opinion that the office of President should be held by the senior members
of the profession. There were many worthy men whom he should have
liked to see President in preference to himself; nevertheless he obeyed the
call of the Council, and he trusted that in the coming year they should be
able to transact the business of the College satisfactorily. He should rely
upon their assistance. There was a great arrear of business and a large
amount of committee work especially. He trusted the members of the
Council would give him their active support, and he assured them he would
do all he could to further the interests of the Royal College.

The following gentlemen were nominated as Vice-Presidents : — Messrs.
Dray, G. Williams, W. Woods, Moon, Dollar, F. Dunn, Cartwright, Prof.
McCall, and Mr. Cox.

On the ballot being taken, the following was found to be the result :

33

Mr. Dray

Cartwright
Cox
Dunn
Woods
Dollar
Moon

G. Williams

33

Professor McCall

11 Votes

11

})

9

))

9

J)

8

33

8

i3

7

53

6

33

6

33

Messrs. Dray, Cartwright, Cox, Dunn, Woods, and Dollar, were there¬
fore declared duly elected.

On the motion of Mr. Taylor , seconded by Mr. Whittle , Mr. Dray was
unanimously re-elected Treasurer.

Mr. A. W. Hill was unanimously re-elected to the offices of Secretary
and Registrar.

This concluded the business of the First Special Meeting. A Second
Special Meeting was announced to be held, but

The President questioned whether it could be held legally, as the Vice-
Presidents for the past year no longer existed, and those who had been
just elected were not present. The Vice-Presidents were responsible for
their share of the business of the Council, and if they had not received
notice of the meeting they could not be held responsible.

Mr. Greaves thought it had been hitherto held that the Council was no1
complete unless the Vice-Presidents were in attendance.

The meeting, therefore, was not held, and the business that would have
been transacted was postponed till the next Quarterly Meeting.

Before the Council dispersed, on the representation of Mr. Coates ,
it was agreed that the Treasurer should be instructed to reimburse the
Secretary for the expenses he had incurred in connection with the Annual
Meeting at Edinburgh.

The Council then adjourned.

434

CENTRAL VETERINARY MEDICAL SOCIETY.

At an ordinary meeting, held at No. 10, Red Lion Square, W.C., on
Thursday Evening, May 6th, the President in the chair,

Mr. A. Broad introduced a specimen of hip disease. He was afraid it
would not present the interest it might have done, as he did not know
the history of the case, but simply came to hand on the horse being
slaughtered. He found masses of bone at the hip and on the femur;
also°a specific deposit in the lumbar region to an enormous degree,
pieces lying close to it in apposition to the rough surface of the femur ;
found the os innominatum and acetabulum quite healthy ; the pieces were
very closely kept together. The horse was a mere skeleton when he saw
the body ; it only showed what unsuspected disease might be going on.
Thought hip disease was looked upon as rare.

Mr. H. R. Shaw exhibited a piece of a lung taken from a two-year-old
ox ; it was from an English bullock ; the other parts were all healthy ;
there was nothing wrong with the liver or intestines ; only one side of the
lung was disordered, and that at the edges. The animal was slaughtered
at the market.

Mr. Banham brought forward a specimen of ulceration of stomach,
with enlargement of spleen, taken from a retriever dog. The animal
was brought to him twenty-four hours before death. Found extreme
growth of the bronchial glands and spleen ; the liver was also affected,
but the lungs and kidneys were quite healthy ; thought it was leucocy-
themia or leukaemia — lymphatic growth. It was an extraordinary speci¬
men, and, he believed, was rarely found in the lower animals, though
common in other subjects. Thought the actual cause of death arose from
ulceration of the stomach and rupture of the vessels. The intestines
were full of blood. After the animal died found a large pool of blood in
the room ; believed the growth had but little to do with the cause of
death. The dog had been vomiting for a fortnight or three weeks
occasionally. When he saw it, it could not keep anything on its stomach,
was much emaciated and very weak. He had brought the specimen
before their notice on account of the growth, as a characteristic case of
leucocythemia.

The Secretary had destroyed numbers of dogs, and had made post¬
mortems on them and others, but never remembered seeing anything like
the present specimen. There were generally some traces of the forma¬
tion ; did not see how it could be cured. The appearances would never
be suspected during life ; there might, perhaps, be a slight thickening
in the chest, but had found it in the back.

The Chairman believed it to be an ordinary case of gastric irritation ;
it was only the spleen that was enlarged.

Mr. Banham thought that was all one could diagnose. Could not tell
the cause the ulceration in the stomach or the actual cause of death; it
might have been through rupture of some of the vessels.

Mr. G. Gerrard thought the enlargement of the spleen was simply due
to the wasting away of the tissues of the body. Bennett discovered
white corpuscles in the blood, but gave no accounts approaching this.
They were very easily detected by the microscope. He knew the case of
a dog that died because it could not pass a small pebble through its
bowels ; it died from excessive vomition. In the present case the en¬
largement, pressing upon the intestines, might have diverted the nervous

CENTRAL VETERINARY MEDICAL SOCIETY.

435

action, and thus induced excessive vomition, and thereby caused ulcera¬
tion and ultimate death. In the case he cited the vomition seemed to
have continued until the animal was exhausted.

Mr. Banham held, in that event, he would have expected the ulcers to
commence in the mucous membranes, but probably Mr. Gerrard’s
theory was correct.

Mr. T. Moore remarked there had been extreme emaciation. No one
could suspect such a condition in life. Vomition could be caused by
irritation of the mesenteric, which presses on the pneumogastric of the
heart. Thought death was caused by a rupture, and the animal bleeding
to death thereby.

Mr. T. Moore then exhibited a horsecloth, made of a new material
composed entirely of raw silk ; had seen something similar a few years
since ; it was likely to be very useful, as it contained great warmth with
lightness, being much lighter than ordinary clothing. Thought they would
like to see it. He had had it made from a pattern head-cloth, ordinary
ones fastened down the front ; this one fastened down the side of the
neck ; the horse’s throat was thus kept warm and free from draught.
It cost 50s. Believed it to be very durable from what he had heard, and,
being porous, it allowed perspiration to evaporate.

The Chairman thought it a very useful and durable article, and was
very light and warm.

Mr. J. Woodger jun., then gave an account of a case of calculi occurring
in the bladder of a half-bred Scotch terrier bitch, six years old, and
weighing about 14 lbs. or 15 lbs. The animal was brought to him on
May 4th, and was under his treatment only a few hours before death.
Its owner give a slight history ; observed there was a difficulty in
urinating, and on examining her he found the bladder was enormously
distended. When the dog was on the point of death he tried, ineffectually,
to persuade its owner to have it destroyed. Never expected calculi, and
had never heard of a case until the one Mr. T. Moore mentioned some little
time since. He gave the animal some medicine to allay pain, and a few
hours after that it died. Previous to death its owner mentioned that it
passed about three and a half pints of water and blood, and saturated
the room with urine and blood. He made & post mortem, and found the
bladder contracted and full of calculi. There were hundreds of small
pieces ; many of them were lost in washing. The bladder was in a
dreadful state, and had been so for some time. The kidneys were
healthy. Thought when he saw the dog there was a calculus in the
passage, and on moving the animal home it got shifted ; it died after
passing the urine. The calculi appeared different to those Mr. T. Moore
had exhibited some time since, in not being so white. He had not fully
tested their composition, but sulphuric acid had no effect at all. In
reply to Mr. Gerrard, did not think it possible to have cured the animal,
as it was too far gone, and had not passed a catheter.

Mr. T. Moore said, with reference to the case he brought forward, he
had had another in a black-and-tan bitch, where he suspected calculi ; it
had been going on for twelve months, and at last was poisoned. In the
bladder he found a nodule or tumour, which acted like a valve to the
neck, as it covered about one eighth of an inch every time the animal
wanted to pass water; it came just on the top of it.

The Secretary said he never used a catheter. The best way to empty
the bladder of a dog or bitch was to lay the animal gently on the floor,
press the hand over the hips, and work it round over the flanks (the
speaker here described, by movements of his hands, the motion he in¬
tended) ; by this means the animal’s sense of relief was very great. He

436

CENTRAL VETERINARY MEDICAL SOCIETY.

believed the phosphates of lime or magnesia composed the calculi, some
of which he noticed sparkled considerably, and could see a number of
facets on some.

Mr. Shaw thought the dog must have been suffering from some
disease for a long time ; the mucous membrane was very thick.

The Chairman then requested their attention to the adjourned
discussion on Mr. Banham’s paper, read at the last meeting,
whereupon

Mr. A. Broad said he noticed the presence of several gentlemen who
did not attend the last meeting, and suggested it might be useful to give
a few of the heads of the paper in question. So far as he understood it,
it seemed to touch upon the idea of the formation of a company to enable
veterinary surgeons and others to have a yard of their own in which to
hold post mortems. He had already expressed his opinion that they would
never be able to accomplish this, but further facilities might be obtained
by using a portion of the existing slaughter-houses, and having that
portion set apart on purpose. He would get the opinion of Mr. Harrison
on the point. That gentleman had waste land, and was desirous of
meeting the wishes of veterinary surgeons. If they required a small
room fitted up for their convenience he felt sure Mr. Harrison would
do his best to meet their views.

Mr. E. J. Hancock stated he was not present at the last meeting, but
had glanced through Mr. Banham’s paper. He must say he endorsed
Mr. Broad’s opinion, and thought they were more likely to meet with
some success among the knackermen than by establishing a place of
their own, and he very much doubted if they would get the necessary
sanction of any vestry or Metropolitan Board or Corporation of London
to erect anyplace in the City; they were very jealous of the existing
knacker’s places, and would do away with them as soon as they could.
He thought it would be the best way to offer the knackerman a fee
whenever they used the houses, say 2s. 6d., and a certain sum to use
the yard, as if the masters had this fee instead of the men they would
get better served. If such a plan was adopted the fees the knackermen
would receive would be ample to keep one man employed in a post-mortem
house ; then they would receive proper attention.

The Chairman said he quite agreed with Mr. Hancock in his remarks
about the authorities ; he also thought there was not the slightest chance
of their having post-mortem premises of their own. One great obstacle
would be the expense, and the authorities were doing away with slaughter¬
houses as rapidly as they could; there was hardly one in the West End
now, whereas some ten years since he could count eight or ten.
Believed Mr. Hancock’s suggestion the only one they could adopt.

Mr. T. Moore thought they would never be able to have a mortuary of
their own. The best course would be to remunerate the knackermen,
but it would be invidious to select any one knackerman, as it would give
offence to the remainder. Believed that there were only three that would
answer their requirements. The Society had a large fund lying idle,
and arrangements should be made with three or four of the knackermen
to offer them better facilities, paying them for such, also for any interest¬
ing specimens which now found their way into the boiling-pot, but which
might prove to them very serviceable ; the men would keep them if paid.
If the masters received the fee, as Mr. Hancock suggested, the men
would expect one too. He thought a committee should be formed to
confer with these men to settle the question.

Mr. Hancock observed he agreed with Mr. Moore that the men would
expect something, but if they went to the places they would feel indepen-

CENTRAL VETERINARY MEDICAL SOCIETY. 437

dent, so to speak, if they paid for accommodation. Now they went hap¬
hazard, as it were, and were privileged beings. If the men said they
could not attend to them they had their journey for nothing.

Mr. Woodger stated he had made numerous post viortems. One objec¬
tion to the slaughter-houses was that, if one asked for a particular
part of an animal, one could not be certain of receiving it. Of late
years he had not visited any of these establishments, always making
post viortems at his own place ; gave the knackermen a few shillings to
bring the animal over. lie found knackermen obliging. If one place
was established they would not get one tenth of the veterinary surgeons
to support it.

Mr. F. IF. Wragg understood Mr. Banham desired them to have proper
vost viortems made, i. e. a scientific post viortem. Did *not see how those
made by knackermen could be called scientific. If they had a room at
any knackerman’s premises he would not pay for the carcase if it was to
be kept waiting for such post mortem, and he thought they had but few
clients who would forego the sum paid in order to have a post viortem
made in a scientific manner.

The Secretary thought Mr. T. Moore’s idea a novel one, which, if
acted upon, would necessitate the setting apart of one or two evenings
every year for considering subjects obtained from post viortems, as the
knackerman might think almost everything worth saving, and they
would become overstocked with specimens. The idea certainly had its
humorous side as well as a practical one. It was unpleasant to visit
the slaughter-houses, get besmeared with blood and dirt, and have no
accommodation for washing, and also feel that they for the time being
were self-invited guests or interlopers. Had never met with any in¬
civility, and was always furnished with the specimens he asked for.
There would always be a difficulty in approaching these places. Did
not like to make a post viortem at home, as it caused a crowd of people
to congregate as if it was a nine days’ wonder.

Mr. Shaw thought, as far as ablution requirements were concerned,
that might easily be remedied. The proprietors of these establishments
complained strongly of the veterinary surgeons keeping carcases waiting
so long for post mortems, thereby rendering them useless.

Mr. Hancock thought that was the exception rather than the rule.
Once he required a part from an animal that had died from hsemoglo-
binuria, and the knackerman cut out a large abscess and showed it to
him, and informed him that was the cause of death. He thanked him,
but looked elsewhere.

Mr. Banham said he was rather surprised at the turn the discussion
had taken. Pie could not see how any report given by a knackerman of
any disease could be instructive, whereas a veterinary surgeon’s report
would be useful. Had no very great objection to Mr. Broad’s sugges¬
tion of renting part of one of the present establishments to start with, if
the proprietor would fit up a room for them ; this he thought question¬
able. Mr. Gerrard he understood not to complain of the places, but of
want of time for investigation ; he presumed, therefore, that he con¬
sidered the conveniences afforded sufficient. The same gentlemen had
also suggested that the Boyal Veterinary College and the Brown Institu¬
tion are the proper places for carrying out post-mortevi examinations.
He did not agree with this view, and considered a hospital was not a
proper place. With'reference to Mr. Gerrard’s accusation against the
officers of the institutions just named — of either taking no interest in
their profession and work, or of neglecting their duty — he felt bound to
notice and reply thereto. He was unaware that the officers of either of

liii. 30

438 YORKSHIRE VETERINARY MEDICAL SOCIETY.

them were bound to examine specimens, much less report upon them,
and was sure due attention was always paid to specimens, if considered
sufficiently important, and the officers of these institutions gratefully
acknowledged any properly-preserved specimens. Town or country
practitioners sent them, but very many such, when they arrived, were so
decomposed as to be valueless. He did not consider tliere would be
any difficulty in finding a man qualified for the post of veterinary patho¬
logical anatomist, if a lucrative post were vacant. So far as the civility
of the men at the slaughter-houses was concerned his experience was
it was proportionate to the money they expected to receive ; but in the
establishment he had depicted the men would comparatively be bound
to be civil, and the practitioner might do as he pleased with the carcase.
Mr. Charles had uggested the difficulty of raising sufficient funds ; but
he believed, if their Council purchased a suitable building, funds would
not be wanting ; they could be raised by sending circulars round to
members, asking them to invest, but, before they contemplated difficul¬
ties, he thought it would be well to form a committee, and see what
could be done towards establishing such an institution.

YORKSHIRE VETERINARY MEDICAL SOCIETY.

The usual quarterly meeting was held at the Queen’s Hotel, Leeds,
on Tuesday, the 20th April, the President, Mr. W. G. Schofield in the
chair. The following members were also present, viz. Messrs. M. E.
Naylor, Jas. Freeman, J. W. Anderton, J. H. Ferguson, Peter Walker,
Parlane Walker, J. E. Scriven, D. Spillman, W. Lodge, and the
Secretary. Dr. Goldie, Medical Officer for the Borough of Leeds, and
Messrs. R. L. Robertson, and F. A. Cuthbert, Leeds, were present as
visitors. Mr. R. L. Robertson, Leeds, was nominated for membership.

The President, in referring to the death of Mr. Cuthbert, alluded in
feeling terms to the loss the Society had sustained through the death of
its respected Treasurer, and moved that a letter of condolence be sent
to Mrs. Cuthbert and family, expressive of the Society’s deep regret
at their recent bereavement.

The proposition was seconded by Mr. Freeman, and supported by
Mr. Naylor.

Mr. J. H. Ferguson was elected Hon. Treasurer, vice Mr. Cuthbert.

The Secretary read a letter from Mr. Greaves, stating that steps
were being taken to obtain a penal clause in a new Bill. After some dis¬
cussion, in which Messrs. Naylor, Freeman, P. Walker, the President
and Secretary took part, it was unanimously resolved “ That this Society
support its movement with all available means,” and it was also resolved,
on the motion of Mr. Naylor, seconded by Mr. Parlane Walker, “ That the
President and Secretary draw up a petition to memorialise the Council
to press forward the Bill without delay.”

Mr. Parla?ie Walker then read the following essay on “ Diseased
Meat

Mr. President and Gentlemen, — A short time ag.o our excellent Secre¬
tary (Mr. Broughton) did me the favour to come over to Halifax to give his
professional opinion on a peculiar case, which was then in my hands; and I
should not now have presumed to obtrude myself upon your attention were

YORKSHIRE VETERINARY MEDICAL SOCIETY.

439

it not that, at the instigation of our friend, who, possibly having in his mind
the exigencies of his position as Secretary, to provide something at least for
your consideration, suggested that I should return him a quid pro quo for his
able assistance by giving you a paper on the subject of the case, a discussion
on which, in his opinion, would be useful to the Society.

Simply for the sake of raising the discussion, the case may be considered
under the head of

What is Wholesome and what is Unwholesome Meat?

On the 4th February last I was requested to visit the farm of the defendant
in this case, and on my way to the farm I got to know, from disinterested
parties, that the cow whose carcase I was going to examine was really hanged,
but had been stuck before it was dead. On my arrival I examined the car¬
case and internal organs minutely, and smelt it all over, and, from the condition
of the carcase, the characteristic appearance of the internal organs, as well as
from both horns having been knocked off, the whole place bespattered with blood,
and that the animal was in a perfect state of health the night before, coupled with
the straightforward tale of the defendant, his brother, and sister, I was fully
satisfied the animal was strangled, and was stuck before the heart had ceased its
functions. On the face of these facts I gave a certificate that it was fit for
human food, and the man took it to Halifax Market, and on its arrival it was
condemned and burned, and the man summoned. He duly appeared before the
magistrates, and was confronted by a member of the sister profession, the
medical officer of health for the borough; a M.R.C.V.S. ; an empiric ; a ruling
butcher and a markets meat inspector. The owner of the animal produced
my certificate, and, after some discussion, the magistrates adjourned the case
for me to appear and defend the certificate. I did appear, in company with
my friend Mr. Broughton and my brother Peter from Bradford, The line
that the prosecution took was that the flabby nature of the carcase, and the
congested appearance of the lungs and softness of the heart and liver, in¬
dicated that, in their opinion, the animal had been diseased for some time.
The medical officer of health went the length of saying that the lungs, heart,
and liver were in a rotten state. This was the kind of evidence we had to
refute, and the prosecutor’s cross-examination assumed the following shape.
I may say, in the first place, we proved that the animal was in a perfect state
of health at 10.30 the night previous, and was found almost dead from stran¬
gulation at 3*30 a.m.

In cross-examination by the town clerk, assisted professionally by the
M.R.C.V.S.—

Question. Did you examine the lungs, and what method did you adopt ?
Answer. I did, in the customary method, with my hands and eyes.

Question. Did you make a section in the lungs ? Answer. I did not con¬
sider it necessary to make a section, being so conversant with the unmistak¬
able appearances of congested lungs from strangulation, having had two
cases immediately preceding this one ; when once seen, can never be
forgotten.

Question. Would you believe the lungs to become dark in colour ?
Answer. I would, from the fact that glandular substance, highly congested
with blood and exposed to the atmospheric influences for a short time, soon
assumes a different aspect, and might have the appearance and consistency of
tar when cut into.

Question. Was the heart flabby ? Ansiver. Yes.

Question. Do you consider a flabby heart fit for food ? Question. It
depends on the predisposing causes and the surroundings of the case.

Question. What are the predisposing causes in this case ? Answer. This
poor animal was hung by the neck, probably for a number of hours, struggling
with pangs of death to relieve itself, and in the greatest state of excitement
and perspiration, until eventually it had to succumb to its fate, almost tho¬
roughly exhausted, is sufficient, in my mind, to soften the heart of any animal,
and for it to remain so.

440

YORKSHIRE VETERINARY MEDICAL SOCIETY.

Question. Did you examine the liver, and how did you find it ?
Answer. I found it congested, in like manner as the lungs.

Question. Would you believe it to be watery when you examined it ?
Answer. Quite possible that the blood had begun to break up, and the liquor
sanguinis had left the solid parts, and might even be oozing through Glisson’s
capsule.

Question. Would, in your opinion, the carting of the carcase nine miles
have a tendency to soften it ? Answer. Very possibly.

Question. Do you consider soft meat fit for food? Answer. It depends on
the predisposing causes.

Question. Can you give any predisposing causes in the case in question ?
Answer. Yes ; this cow was in milk and lean, and every one knows that the
principal stiffening agent is the adipose tissue or fat it contains, the great
exhaustion the animal suffered. It is an authenticated fact that a hare run
to death is not so firm or valuable in the market as the one that has been coolly
shot. In a man strangled the rigor marks are very mildly developed, and this
might also hold good in the lower animals.

Question. Don’t you know that this animal died of pulmonary apoplexy ?
Ansiver. We have no such disease in cattle.

Question. Suppose we call it, instead, congestion of the lungs ? Answer. I
have never found congestion of the lungs as an independent disease in cattle ;
it is always accompanied with some mechanical agent, such as a potato or turnip
in the throat, or from strangulation; and the only case I know on record of
congested lungs, as an independent disease, arose at Smithfield Show, London,
and which was caused by plethoric animals inhaling a dense foggy atmo¬
sphere. Of course, we have congestion of the lungs on the first stage of
inflammation.

Question. Do you consider dark- coloured meat fit for food ? Answer. It
depends on circumstances.

Question. Suppose this animal was dead a few hours before it was stuck,
would you consider it fit for food. Answer. I do, inasmuch as in a few hours
there is no time for diseased products to get developed in the blood; if other¬
wise, why do not hares, rabbits, and other animals that are trapped and ginned
come under the category of unwholesome food ?

Oral confirmation of this evidence was given by Mr. Broughton and my
brother, and written confirmation of our position was produced in court from
Professors Williams and Axe ; Messrs. Greaves and Taylor, Manchester, and
Robinson, Greenock ; and the case against the owner of the animal was dis¬
missed. You will see from this cross-examination that the evidence in support
of the case against the owner was altogether lame.

What did the medical officer of health know about congested lungs from
strangulation and the appearances they present when for some time exposed
to atmospheric influences? In his cross-examination he said the appearances
of the lungs in question were not what he would expect to see from strangula¬
tion. I infer from that — and I have it on good authority too — that he never
saw congested lungs from strangulation in his life, either in the human
subject or any of the domesticated animals.

When we returned from court the carcase of another animal was in my yard
to be examined, which had been slaughtered at my suggestion owing to pro¬
lapsus of the uterus; the history of it was well known and a certificate was
given that it was wholesome. This case, too, would have been fought, but the
animal belonged to a gentleman so that they did not care to encounter;
consequently it was passed. A great deal of misconception obtains as to what
is wholesome and unwholesome food, and of course it very much depends upon
the antecedents of the case, and these two cases only indicate on what slender
hypotheses meat is condemned, and how necessary it is to defend your own
well ascertained convictions » these two carcases were undoubtedly fit for
human food. The prevailing method of judging meat is to have it firm,
bright, and clean, and to examine the internal organs and see that they are
free from disease. This is a very safe system, but it does not hold good at

YORKSHIRE VETERINARY MEDICAL SOCIETY.

441

all times, inasmuch as an animal that has suffered from some purely me¬
chanical lesion, and undergone more or less exhaustion, the meat of such
will be more or less soft and moist, but still fit for food. I maintain the
more an animal suffers from irritative fever and exhaustion that you have
a corresponding amount of softening of the muscular and other tissues.
Take, for example, a horse which has been over-driven, and dies from sheer
exhaustion. On post-mortem examination, we find the whole of the internal
organs and muscular tissues soft, hence the wisdom of allowing animals to
rest after a fatiguing journey before slaughtering them. Another erroneous
practice of condemning mentis from its dark colour. Now, meat may have a
dark appearance and yet fit for human food, inasmuch as an animal that has
been chased and heated, and then immediately killed, will be more or less
flabby and dark coloured. Again, an animal which has suffered from irritative
fever or any internal lesion, the carcase will have a tendency to be dark
coloured. I believe it sometimes happens that as soon as the animal
is struck with the pole-axe, death takes place at the heart, consequently,
bleeding under such circumstances will not be favorable, and the meat
will have a dark appearance. Even under the most favorable circum¬
stances of bleeding the blood is not all expelled from the system ; it is the
blood which gives the reddish colour to the flesh, and why should a little extra
blood left in the vessels constitute unwholesome meat? So long as the blood
is pure the blood is the life thereof, and a commodity that is in daily use.
It was affirmed in court by the veterinary surgeon for the prosecution that
no correct judgment could be given until the animal had been dead twenty -
four hours. This seems to me a wild proposition. Rather ought we to be
able to give a sound opinion immediately after the carcase is hung up and
the internal organs examined, providing the history of the case has been also
ascertained. Without this it would be impossible in many cases to give a
correct opinion whether it had been dead twenty- four hours or not. And
here I might advance that it would be a wise precaution to give no certificate
without having first either seen the animal suffer or ascertained reliably its
previous history ; and further, asking your forbearance in going a little wide
of the declared object of this paper, how necessary it is that we should pre¬
pare ourselves, with all the care and support that our profession offers, in
defending our position and opinion. We have to encounter medical gentle¬
men with all their distinguishing titles, and the weight that those titles too
often impart, when the bearer of them trespasses upon our domains, the
experiences of all of us will bear witness to this. How many times have
medical gentlemen come into court, and given evidence on things they clearly
do not understand touching our pi’ofession, and where, if the least prepara¬
tion had been made by members of our profession, the opinion of these
medical gentlemen would be shown to be fallacious ? There are some things
in animal pathology that they may be able to speak accurately upon from
their experience of the human subject ; but there are more things in heaven
and earth than even they dream of in their philosophy. Let us, then, be
undaunted even though we have to encounter a physician or two. It is aston¬
ishing what ignorance prevails amongst them when they get out of their own
groove, and you would laugh were I to give you the manifestations of this
that have come to front in my town. I have already trespassed upon your
time more than I intended, and my object is not to offer you a scientific
paper, and I should therefore content myself by suggesting a few practical
hints on the reverse side by shortly enumerating what I think constitutes
unwholesome meat. It is a prevailing practice here to certify as wholesome
food animals that have suffered and even died from parturient appoplexy.
This I consider highly reprehensible, because it is evidently a blood-poisonous
disease, which is highly contagious in the human subject, and in my humble
experience in the lower animals also. Again, an animal suffering from
phthisis in my opinion is unfit for food, for how often have we found fat,
well fed animals, when killed, positively full of tubercles, and no purer meat
in appearance came into the market, the adipose tissue as white as snow ?

412 WEST OF SCOTLAND VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION.

I would go the length of saying that the milk of such animals is injurious. Yet
who will say that such animals do not find their way into our butchers’ shops ?
It is a disease that is very prevalent in this district, and I think it calls for
a stamping-out process in any animal as soon as it manifests itself, for I
believe it to be contagious. And, not to weary you, should it not be admitted
that all animals suffering from blood-poisonous disease are unfit for human food?
Also braxy in sheep and typhoid fever and measles in pigs come under the same
head. These opinions are not advanced in any dogmatic spirit, but simply
to excite discussion and to strengthen ourselves to meet these knotty cases
which must from time to time confront us. In conclusion, I thank you for your
kind attention, and I trust the homely character of this paper may be of
some use. I shall be glad to hear an animated expression of opinion and
find that the subject matter is not under noticed.

In the discussion which ensued Mr. Freeman made some remarks on
tuberculosis or calcareous deposits, stating that, in his opinion, the
deposits were often caused by the nature of the soil upon which the
animal was grazed.

Dr. Goldie said that he was pleased to be present upon this occasion.
He thought that medical officers of health were fully qualified to
examine and determine as to the condition of the internal organs of
animals, and whether the flesh of animals was fit for human food. He also
detailed the different modes of slaughtering animals as practised in this
country. He also exhibited some specimens of diseased lung tissues, and
pointed out the different pathological appearances presented.

The discussion was carried on by Messrs. Peter Walker, Freeman,
Anderton, and the Secretary.

Mr. Freeman exhibited a remarkable specimen of osteo-porosis.

A vote of thanks was unanimously accorded to the essayist, proposed
by Mr. Naylor , seconded by Mr. Freeman.

A vote of thanks was also accorded to Dr. Goldie for his able remarks
upon the subject matter of the essay.

WEST OF SCOTLAND VETERINARY MEDICAL

ASSOCIATION.

{Continued from p. 360.)

Professor M‘Call afterwards offered the following remarks upon stricture
or hour-glass contraction of the stomach of the horse :

With stricture of the oesophagus veterinarians hare for long been inti¬
mately familiar, as also with various abnormal conditions preventing the
free passage of food into and out of the stomach ; but with the form and
site of stricture to which I am about to refer it is otherwise, and, indeed, it
is highly probable that it has to be described for the first time. As it is
my desire to appropriate the support which this case gives to my ideas upon
the subject of vomition in the horse, I shall, at the outset, refer to a few of the
anatomical peculiarities of the oesophagus and stomach of the equine species.

(Esophagus. — The oesophagus is composed of muscular tissue and mucous
membrane. The former is arranged in two layers ; the superficial fibres run
in a longitudinal, the deep in a spiral and circular direction. A little an¬
terior to the point where the oesophagus terminates in the stomach, or

WEST OF SCOTLAND VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. 443

rather, is formed into the anterior or left half of the organ (for I think there
can be no doubt as to thq anterior half of the stomach of the horse being a
continuation and a dilatation of the oesophagus), the muscular fibres become
increased in number and thickness, and the tube itself considerably nar¬
rowed in its calibre. This narrowing at the cardiac end is so marked that
the loose folds of mucous membrane in the non-dilated or quiescent state of
the tube fill it to repletion, and, moreover, to the extent that neither fluid
nor solid can enter from the stomach into the oesophagus.

If, for example, we introduce — as I have repeatedly done — the nozzle of
a water-pipe into the oesophagus, the stream of water will wash out the
contents of the stomach into t he duodenum ; but when we reverse the order
of procedure — that is, insert the nozzle into the duodenum — neither liquids
nor solids can be forced into the oesophagus. In short, if we tie the pipe
within the duodenum, the pressure will rupture the walls of the stomach,
and yet not a drop of liquid has forced an entrance through the cardiac
orifice into the oesophagus. In all other of our domestic animals, and in
the human subject, the oesophagus is as wide, if not wider , at its cardiac
extremity as elsewhere, distinctly funnel-shaped , and the contents of the
stomach can be washed into the oesophagus, or vice versa, as desired.

Stomach. — The stomach of the horse is a single organ, but at the same
time it might be affirmed, with equal truth, that this animal has two
stomachs as that the ox has four. Veterinarians are familiar with the fact
that internally the one half of the mucous membrane of the organ differs
from the other; that the anterior half does not secrete gastric juice’; beyond
this, little more has been recorded.

If we carefully dissect and trace out the arrangement of its muscular
and other structures, several important additions reveal themselves. When
we distend the walls of the stomach with water or air, and ligature the
cardiac and pyloric orifices, we observe that the organ is constricted in the
middle , divided into two compartments, and the line of cleavage almost
corresponds to the points where the cuticular and villous portions of the
mucous membrane blend with each other. In some stomachs this line of
division is very marked ; in all it exists and divides the stomach into a left
and right cul-de-sac, or cardiac and pyloric fundi. This division of the
stomach into two parts results from a difference being observed in the dis¬
tribution of the muscular fibres forming its walls, and is the reason for the
statement made — that the left, or cardiac portion of the stomach is a con¬
tinuation of the oesophagus, and nothing more. Now, what is the arrange¬
ment F If we boil a stomach, macerate another, and have at the same time
a fresh stomach at command, with care we make out that the muscular
tissue is arranged in three layers, or planes, as most accurately described in
‘ Chauveau’s Anatomy,’ and to which I refer those members who may
desire to study the subject in detail. The superficial plane is a continua¬
tion of the longitudinal fibres of the oesophagus, or, if you prefer it, they
are continuous with it. This layer more or less envelopes the whole
organ, and is thickest upon the cardiac portion. In the middle layer
the fibres run in a circular direction, and spread over all the
stomach, and are thickest around the pylorus to form the sphincter.
The deep layer is by far the thickest of the three, and is principally
concerned in forming the cardiac portion. The structure and distribution
of these muscular fibres, and their lacing and interlacing, explains
why the stomach is and must be constricted in the centre ; how the walls
of the cardiac compartment are thicker than those of the pyloric fundus,
and distinctly points to the conclusion that considerable more muscular
power is needed to press or propel the food through the cardiac orifice, and
along the left than the right cul-de-sac. In support of the inference which

44 L< WEST OF SCOTLAND VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION.

I have drawn from a study of the arrangement of the fibres of the organ, I
now produce the stomach of a horse which, as you will observe for your¬
selves, is divided into two'distinct compartments in the line of division to
which I have just referred. The case being unique in many respects to me,
I have consulted all the literature which is to be found in veterinary works
oil diseases of the stomach, and upon which I could place my hands, but
nothing akin to this stomach has been referred to. In human medicine, as
an abnornality, “ hour-glass contraction ” of the stomach has been recorded,
and apparently I would be justified in classing this as “ hour-glass con¬
traction 55 of the stomach of the horse ; but, be this as it may, I prefer
speaking of it as stricture of the stomach in the median line.

The following is the history of the case :

At the date- of the animal’s death he was nine or ten years of age, had
been in the possession of his owners for upwards of three years, and was
employed drawing wood. Tor the first eighteen months or so he did well,
and to all appearances was a sound, healthy animal. About eighteen months
prior to his being slaughtered, Mr. Mitchell, M.R.C.V.S., Cranstonhill, was
desired to pay the animal a visit. Upon that occasion he found the horse
presenting symptoms of colic, with attempts to vomit, but which were in¬
effectual, inasmuch as the food did not make its appearance. Fancying
that a pin or some body might be lodged about the base of the tongue or
pharynx, Mr. M. explored the parts, but failed in discovering a cause for
the unusual symptoms of vomiting. Medicinal agents were administered,
and in due course the animal got well. About a month after this Mr. M.
was again desired to attend the horse, and upon this occasion he found his
patient vomiting food by the mouth and nostrils. The food had a bad
smell, and in the act of vomiting the abdominal muscles were powerfully
contracted, the neck arched, and the head drawn towards the chest.
Under treatment, the animal again recovered ; but, at irregular periods of
time, he had renewed attacks of abdominal pain, with vomiting of food.
Gradually he fell off in condition, lost spirits and appetite ; the vomiting
and emaciation becoming more pronounced, he was at Mr. Mitchell’s desire
slaughtered.

Morbid Anatomy. — The stomach larger than usual, and upon its exterior
presenting an appearance as if a ligature had been applied so as to divide
it into two compartments in the median line, the line of division corre¬
sponding to the natural raphae, to which I have referred at some length.
A section of the wall of the cardiac half or compartment of the organ
demonstrated enormous hypertrophy of the muscular fibres, but a similar
section of the pyloric half demonstrated no increase of tissue. At a
glance, the conformation of the oesophagus as it ends in the stomach is
observed to be abnormal. Instead of being narrower, it is wider than at
any other portion of its course, and is funnel-shaped and not unlike the
appearance presented by the oesophagus of the pig and dog — animals
which are known to vomit with facility and without pain or nausea. Con¬
tinuing our investigation, we find that the line of constriction, so pro¬
nounced upon the exterior of the organ, corresponds to a hypertrophy of
muscular tissue in an annular direction, and that hypertrophy is so great
and complete as to divide the interior of the stomach into two distinct
compartments, communicating with each other through a circular orifice
only six inches in circumference. The cardiac half is the larger of the
two compartments, and its cuticular investment is deficient in irregular
patches all over its surface, but ulcerative disease has not' commenced.
Professor M’Call promised to report further when he had completed his
examination of the stomach.

Professor Walley next introduced an instrument, which may be called a

WEST OF SCOTLAND VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. 445

“ Compound Puncturator, Irrigator, Aspirator, and Drainer,” and in doing
so said :

Some time ago I directed the attention of the members of the Scottish
Metropolitan Association to the beneficial effects of deep and repeated
puncturing of indurated glands and fibromata. The good to be derived
from the same operation in orchitis, mammitis, and parotiditis, is, I pre¬
sume, well known to most of you. Hitherto, the instrument employed by
me for the purpose indicated has been a fine exploring needle, a suture-
wire director, or a narrow-bladed bistoury, the use of either of these
instruments necessitating frequent introduction and withdrawal, in order
to accomplish the desired end. While puncturing a fibroma in the levator
humerus of a horse, one of my students, who was assisting me (Mr. Wm.
Calvert), asked if an instrument could not be constructed for the purpose
of inflicting several punctures simultaneously. My answer was in the
affirmative, and on thinking the matter over, I determined to utilise the
same instrument for several other purposes. After a short correspondence
with a London firm (Messrs. Evans and Wormull), I succeeded in convey¬
ing my ideas to them with sufficient clearness to enable them to manufacture
the instrument which I now introduce to your notice. Before describing
it I must assume that you are all acquainted with the benefits to be
derived from irrigation with stimulants of certain forms of growths, and
with antiseptics of sloughing erysipelatous and carbuncular tissues, as
also with the use of drainers (canulse) for the dispersal of oedematous
swellings. The instrument consists of a brass rose, into which are fitted
seven short tubular projections ; these again being provided with seven
(movable) tubular needles, each having three or four perforations, at
short intervals, a little distance from the point. By the use of small pings,
one only of these needies, or as many as may be desired, can be employed
at once. Eor the purpose of puncturing, the rose is fitted on to a large
ebony handle, and for the purpose of aspirating, or of irrigating, on to a
four-ounce brass syringe. When required to act as drainers, the needles
may be introduced separately, and allowed to remain in situ as long as
may be thought necessary. The syringe is also provided with a movable
nozzle, so that it may be utilised as an ordinary syringe. The instrument
is not yet complete, as I intend to have it fitted with a much larger tubular
needle, so as to admit of its being used for intravenous injection, or for
aspirating the bladder of small animals, or superficial cysts of any kind.
Further, a graduated piece of glass introduced into the side would be of
great advantage, as would also several other nozzles of different sizes.

He then showed another instrument, which may be properly named
“ W alley’s Compound Tubular Brace, with Surgical Bits,” and in explain¬
ing its uses said :

In operating upon the rectum for fistulae, abscesses, haemorrhoids, &c.,
of large animals, in operations in the uterus, cervix, or os uteri, as for
removal of tumours, in operations on the soft palate and posterior part of
the mouth, and in embryotomy, I have sometimes felt much inconvenienced
by not having a concealed instrument sufficiently large aud powerful to be
manipulated from the outside, without having to carry a small instrument
into the cavities mentioned concealed in the hand. Reasoning upon the
matter, I resolved to attempt the construction of an instrument which
might be utilised in a variety of ways. I have here, then, a flattened tube
composed of German silver and brass, with a chequered ebony handle, the
whole measuring eighteen inches long. The handle conceals a screw, and
the tube a steel staff (the screw and staff being continuous) ; the former
attached to and worked by a small brass wheel at the end ot the handle,
the latter being provided at its free extremity with a movable slot, for the

446 NORTH OF IRELAND VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION.

purpose of receiving any instrument which the operator may desire to use ;
into the slot I can introduce a straight, probe-pointed Chassaignac, convex
or round-pointed bistoury, a vulsellum forceps, a blunt and sharp-pointed
hook, a saw, a hook-knife, a seton needle, a wire or chain ecraseur, a spa¬
tula, trocar and canula, or any other instrument I choose ; all the above
mentioned, with the exception of one or two, can, by the aid of the screw,
be drawn into and concealed by the tube, and projected to any length
required. If it is thought desirable, the blade may be made much stronger ;
and further, I intend to have a short handle made so as to utilise them —
with drawing knives — in other ways.

I also introduce a small instrument for the pocket-case, so constructed
as to enable it to be used as an exploring needle, wire suture director,
small trocar and canula, and milk syphon. The last two instruments were
manufactured by Mr. Tennant, Teviot Row, Edinburgh.

James Anderson,

Hon. Secretary.

THE SCOTTISH METROPOLITAN VETERINARY
MEDICAL ASSOCIATION.

A quarterly meeting of the Society was held in the London
Hotel, Edinburgh, on Monday, the 3rd May, for the purpose of hearing
a Paper read by Mr. Fleming on the “ Spontaneous Development of
Contagious Diseases.” This being also the date of the Annual General
Meeting of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, there was a very
large attendance of members and other veterinary surgeons from a
distance.

In the absence, through illness, of the President, Mr. Connochie
Selkirk, the chair was occupied by Mr. Borthwick, Kirkliston. Mr.
W. S. Low, V.S., Burntisland, was elected a member of the Association.

Mr. Fleming then proceeded to read his paper, but press of matter
obliges us to defer the paper and the disccussion thereon till a future
number.

On the motion of Professor Walley, a vote of thanks was accorded to
Mr. Borthwick for presiding, and the meeting then terminated.

John McFadyean,

Secretary.

NORTH OF IRELAND VETERINARY MEDICAL

ASSOCIATION.

A meeting of the North of Ireland Veterinary Medical Society was held
in the Thistle Hotel, Belfast, on April 22nd, 1880, J. B. Duncan, Esq.,
M.R.C.V.S., in the chair.

Present : — Messrs. Doris, Brown, Drummond, Kernshaw, Giffen, Sim-
cocks, Dunlop, W. J. Johnson, and the Secretary. Visitors : — Professor
Williams, T. Greaves, E.R.C.V.S., W. S. Core, M.D., H. Torrens, M.D.,

NORTH OF IRELAND VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. 447

H. B. Murray, Surgeon, and Iv. J. Urquhart, Veterinary Student. A large
number of letters of apology received by the Hon. Sec. were read to the
meeting.

The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and affirmed, Mr.
Dunlop vacated the chair in favour of the incoming President for the
current year, J. Doris, Esq., Cookstown.

The President read his inaugural address, dealing with several of the
leading questions now on the tapis in a masterly manner. The President
afterwards exhibited an unique specimen of scirrhous cord.

An interesting discussion followed, in which Professor Williams, Messrs.
Chambers, Simcocks, Dunlop, Greaves, and Kidney took part.

Mr. J. B. Dunlop then related a most interesting case of puncturing the
bladder per rectum.

Professor Williams, Mr. Greaves, and others, criticised the case as
recounted by Mr. Dunlop, the general opinion being very favorable to the
successful operation as performed by Mr. Dunlop.

Professor Williams next addressed the meeting on the practical treat¬
ment of disease, &c. The professor exhibited Volkmann’s instrument, which
he specially advocated as being efficacious in the surgical treatment of
splint. He also exhibited Chassaignac’s drainage tube, and especially recom¬
mended its use in obstinate cases of quittor, &c. In the treatment of wounds
Professor Williams prefers as a deodoriser carbolised water to carbolised
oil. The professor next touched on the subject of constipation, expressing
his opinion that the removal of constipation by forcible means was often
calculated to defeat its own ends, aloes, for example, being often eliminated
from the system by the kidneys. He believed in the non-purgative treat¬
ment in enteritis, and said, to secure a beneficial result by the administration
of opium, it must be exhibited in large doses, say — Pulv. Opii 5j, or Tinct.
Opii 3viij, or in injection of morphia gr. viij to be used. Professor Williams
also referred to tetanus as being peculiar to certain districts and drew
attention to the different methods of treatment now adopted — nitrite of
amyl, Calabar bean, subcutaneous injection of morphia, and drew special
attention to the good results which he had seen follow the administration
of bromide of potassium.

Dr. Core, Dr. Torrens, Messrs. Greaves, Simcocks, Dunlop, and the
Secretary having spoken to the address by Professor Williams,

Mr. Greaves , P.R.C.V.S., read a paper on “ Veterinary Medical Asso¬
ciation,” drawing special attention to the “ penal clause,” compulsory
apprenticeship, preliminary examination in hands of council and examiners
to be veterinary surgeons only. Mr. Greaves spoke on veterinary medical
associations as follows : — In rising to make a few observations on veteri-
naey medical associations, although to many of you I am personally un¬
known, I am not really so to all, since it will be remembered that I had the
honour to take part in the inauguration of another, in fact, the only other
veterinary medical association in Ireland in 1869. I may remark that I
entertain strong opinions of the great value and importance of these asso¬
ciations, having taken a deep interest and an active part in them from the
first, i.e. over twenty years, by being either a member or an honorary asso¬
ciate of every association in England and in Scotland. I may, therefore,
be permitted to feel that I can speak of them with some authority ; and at
my time of life, having been actively engaged nearly forty-six years in my
profession, much of this time I have occupied (as President of the Royal
College of Veterinary Surgeons or member of Council) a leading position,
acting a part which has in some degree given a tone and direction to my
profession, I hope and ask that I may be excused if I assume to myself a
standpoint which will enable me without egotism to offer some advice to

448 NORTH OF IRELAND VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION.

my professional brethren generally, and to this Association in particular.
In the term of life I have indicated I have in all my writings, addresses,
and votes endeavoured to ventilate and keep prominently to the front the
various subjects and reforms which the more advanced thinkers have con¬
sidered were necessary to the wellbeing of our common profession. We
have carried during the last few years to a successful issue ten important
measures, which I have enumerated in one of my papers ; we have four
other important measures, as I have also shown, and which I am anxious
to see if possible carried to a successful issue before I die. They are : —
1st. “ The Penal Clause 2nd. “ The Apprenticeship Clause 3rd. “ The
Preliminary Examination of the Student when he enters College placed in the
hands of the Council 4th. “ The Court of Examiners composed of veteri¬
nary surgeons only.” Hope is strong within me that these things will be
done, but in respect to what has been done, allow me to say we are much
indebted to our late President, Sir Frederick Fitzwygram, and to the
various veterinary medical associations in developing public opinion, and
bringing a sort of pressure from without upon the Council, and we shall
look to you to lend us your powerful aid in future. At this very moment
they are exercising this power (and let me tell you here they are a power,
and a great support to those members of Council who urge on popular
measures) by memorialising the Council to at once apply to Parliament to
obtain an Act of Parliament to secure for the profession the penal clause !
At the last meeting of Council, a fortnight ago, Mr. Fleming moved that
we apply to Parliament for this Act, Mr. Whittle seconded it, and I
supported it. A committee was appointed to draw out a form, and a rough
draft will be laid before the Council at our next meeting in July, when it
will be discussed. I feel little doubt there will be severe opposition to it,
and it will materially strengthen the hands of those members who are in
favour of progress if this and every other association will petition the
Council to apply and if possible obtain for our profession this just and
long-desired measure. The Lancashire Veterinary Medical Association,
at their meeting last week, took action. They unanimously decided to
memorialise the Council to this effect, and offered to contribute their quota
of the expense ; the Yorkshire Association has done the same. You will
perceive by this that you can serve your profession in more ways than one ;
but this is when an influential body like you decide resolutely to act your
part. I wish here to remind you that there are many ways in which
these associations can render important services to the profession generally,
as well as to each member individually. They create a better opinion and
feeling within us towards each other ; they tend to beget and develop a
more correct knowledge of each other’s disposition and intellectual status ;
this fosters a better acquaintance, a greater confidence and friendship.
They have a great power in restraining within us any desire for detraction
or a feeling of animosity arising from envy or jealousy ; they often bring
about a better understanding between competitors, changing enmities for
fast friendships ; they give opportunities to correct false and unjust im¬
pressions or opinions of each other’s character, and which may have rankled
in the breast and tended to embitter each other’s life; but besides all this
we improve one another, become better practitioners, and more useful mem¬
bers of society. This must follow as the day does the night when we frequently
meet, discuss, and interchange ideas on scientific and practical subjects in a
frank and proper spirit. I have never attended a single meeting without de¬
riving some information which has benefited me, and I could take home with
me and apply it to some useful purpose, and in this way the associations
have laid me under a deep debt of gratitude to them. In conclu¬
sion, Jet me beg of you most earnestly to remember— that every-

VETERINARY BENEVOLENT AND DEFENCE SOCIETY. 449

thing depends upon ourselves individually to make our profession what
we wish it to be ; let us never show a carelessness, an indifference
in the performance of our duties; let us be diligent and industrious,
cultivate kindly, pleasant, and agreeable manners, be gentlemanly
and honorable to each other, and in all we do, avoid above all things
making charges out of all proportion to services rendered ; and then I say
it must follow, as the day does the night, provided always that we possess a
thorough practical knowledge of our business, that we shall be able to make
and sustain a character and position for ourselves which will be everything
we can desire.

An animated discussion followed the reading bv Mr. Greaves of his highly
interesting paper, after which it was proposed by Mr. Kidney , seconded by Mr.
Bradshaw, supported by Messrs. SimcocJcs and Dunlop , and carried unani¬
mously, that the North of Ireland Yeterinary Medical Society do petition
the Council of the Royal College of Yeterinary Surgeons in favour of the
penal clause.

Yotes of thanks having been accorded to the outgoing office-bearers, to
Professor Williams, Mr. Greaves, and the other visitors, a most successful
meeting was brought to a close. A pleasant time in fraternal gossip
was enjoyed after dinner, whilst inhaling the soothing properties of the
fragrant weed.

Geo. Kidney, Hon. Sec.

THE NATIONAL VETERINARY BENEVOLENT
AND MUTUAL DEFENCE SOCIETY.

A general meeting of the members of the above Society was held in
the Medical Institute, Liverpool, on Friday, 14th May.

Present : — The President, Mr. P. Taylor ; Messrs. Thos. Greaves,
A. L. Gibson, R. S. Reynolds, Jas. Storrar, R. C. Edwards, Wm A.
Taylor, E. Faulkner, Wm. Whittle, and the Secretary.

From the reports of the Secretary and Treasurer, it appeared that
the Society now consists of 200 members, and the accumulated funds to
upwards of £1500 clear of all liabilities.

Since its formation, the Society has pecuniarily and otherwise assisted
in a great number of cases, and the necessity for such a society abun¬
dantly proved. It was especially urged on the members the necessity
of their paying in their subscriptions as early as possible, and saving
the time of the officers (who are all honorary) being applied for the pur¬
pose of dunning.

Yotes of thanks having been passed to the officers for their past ser¬
vices, the following gentlemen were appointed trustees, and instructed
as to the investments of the funds : — Messrs. P. Taylor, Greaves, R. S.
Reynolds, and Whittle.

The other officers were unanimously re-elected : — President, Mr. P.
Taylor; Yice-President, R. S. Reynolds; Treasurer, Thos. Greaves;
Hon. Secretary, Geo. Morgan ; Council, Thos. Taylor, Wm. Woods,
Wm. Whittle, Jas. Freeman, Wm. Broughton, J. S. Carter, Jas. Storrar,

Francis Blakeway. .

Considerable discussion arose as to the correct meaning of Rule 8,
referring to the powers of the Investigation Committee, and an amend-

450 NEW MEMBERS OF THE PROFESSION.

ment of this rule proposed, by Mr. Greaves , was ultimately carried, in
advocating which he made the following remarks :

Your officers have an authority to interview the defendant and hear
from him his statement of the case before we form our opinions. In
some cases we had an opportunity to interview the plaintiff, and then
found our first opinion was an incorrect one. I maintain, therefore,
that it is your duty to authorise us to seek an interview with the
plaintiff if possible, and thus be better enabled to lay the true facts
before the Council. In one case in which your officers acted thus, they
saved the funds of the Society £40, in another, in xvhich they were pre¬
vented doing so, although they had a strong inclination, the Society
was mulcted upwards of £90, which might have been saved had we
possessed such a rule as follows: — “That in every case the officers shall
have the power to seek an interview with the plaintiff as well as the
defendant, and if in their opinion it will be for the interests of the
defendant and the Society, to endeavour to arrange terms of settlement,
subject to the approval of the Council.” I am emboldened the more to
urge this in consequence of the fact that in every case we have had an
interview with plaintiffs, we have found them open to reason and
desirous of settlement. I am aware few solicitors would advise this
course ; their cry would be you are sure to win, while the opposition use
precisely the same argument, but I say it is by far the best for these
cases to be fairly considered, and decided by the common sense of a
council of experienced veterinary surgeons.

After an expression of opinion by the various gentlemen present, the
amendment was ultimately carried, to be read along with Rule 8.

After a vote of thanks to the President for his services in the chair,
the meeting terminated. George Morgan,

Ron. Sec.

NEW MEMBERS OF THE PROFESSION.

At the meetings of the Scottish Section of the Court of Examiners of
the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, held in Glasgow, on April 13th,
the following students from the Glasgow Veterinary College received the
diploma, and were admitted members of the profession :

Mr. Allan Pollock Blue

— Tlios. Cunningham Bowie

— Thos. Anderson Douglas

— Richard Hughes .

— Wm. Jas. Gray Johnson

— Alexander Milligan

— Jeremiah McCarthy

— George Hill Pollock .

— William Stevenson

— Robert Stevenson

— ■ James Wyper
Messrs. Blue and Hughes were
Great Credit.

Eastfield, Mearns, Renfrewshire.
Kilbarclian, Mearns, Renfrewshire.
Fenwick, Ayrshire.

Llanarmon, S. Wales.

Eountainville, Belfast.

Cornwall, Wigtonshire.

Leap, Co. Cork.

Bridgeton, Glasgow.

Howwood, Renfrewshire.

Hassall Street, Newcastle, Stafford¬
shire.

Vincent Street, Glasgow,
distinguished by having passed with

The following students passed their Second Examination at the meetings
of the Court of Examiners held on April 19th and 20th :

NEW MEMBERS OF THE PROFESSION.

451

Mr. Michael Yeats Lees.

— Alexander Macadam.

— Frederick Foster

— James Arthur Gosling.

— Robert Glass.

— William Watt.

— Henry Rogers.

— Richard Ebbett.

— Robert Roberts.

— Hugh Bradley.

•Mr. John Freeman.

— Jas Morton Howat.
— William Pettigrew
— John Blackley.

— John Smith.

— John Taylor.

— Robert Black.

— James Nisbet.

— Thomas Maclay.

— Alexander Crighton.

Mr. John Freeman passed with Very Great Credit , and Messrs. Macadam,
Gosling, Glass, Watt, Rogers, Bradley and Taylor, passed with Great
Credit.

At the several meetings of the Scottish Section of the Court of Exa¬
miners of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, held in Edinburgh, on
April 14th and 15th, the following students passed their Final Examination,
end received the Diploma of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons :

Edinburgh New Veterinary College.

Mr. James Wood Ingram .

— Alfred Moritz Michaelis

— Frederick James Richmond

— John Richard Simpson

— Arthur Joseph Dobbyn

— William Swithenbank .

— James Johnston Fraser

— George Sandeman

— Archibald Munro

— Thomas Caldecott

— George Whitehead

Manchester.

Old Trafford, Manchester.
Blackpool, Lancashire.

Bedale, Yorkshire.

Waterford, Ireland.

Moorside, Oldham, Lancashire.
Keith, Banffshire.

Kirriemuir, Forfarshire.
Salisburgh, Holytown, Lanark.
Knutsford, Cheshire.

Barnsley, Yorkshire.

Messrs. Ingram, Dobbyn, Swithenbank, Fraser, and Whitehead, passed
with Great Credit.

Edinburgh Veterinary College.

Edinburgh.

Middleham, Yorkshire.

Limerick.

Houghton Regis, Beds.

Batterstown, Co. Meath.

Edinburgh.

Messrs. Grey, Calvert, Ryan, Hill, Black, and Gentle, passed with Great
Credit.

Mr. Alexander Grey .

— William Calvert .

— William Ryan

— William Hill

— Christopher Black

— Alexander Henderson Gentle

The following students passed their Second Examination :

Edinburgh New Veterinary College.

Mr. William Woods.

— Thomas Green.

— Isaiah Leather.

— Fredk. Huntington Osgood.

— Frederick Whittaker.

— Henry Cooper.

Mr. William Graham.

— John Jones.

— Charles James Martin.

— John Francis Healy.

— Arthur Frederic AppletOD.

— Fred. Eugene Rice.

Mr. James George Bell.

Messrs. Woods, Green, Leather, Whittaker, Graham, Healy, and Rice,
passed with Great Credit.

452

VETERINARY JURISPRUDENCE.

Edinburgh Veterinary College.

Mr. Richard William Burke.

— Thomas Gilchrist.

— James Gibson.

— John Joseph Doyle.

— George Marks Davey.

— Clement Burston.

— Thomas Wright.,

— John Bull.

— Wm. Watt Dollar.

Mr. Robert

Mr. Lionel Llewelin Leach.
— John Alex. Thompson.
— William Eairbairn.

— Robert Beech.

— Patrick D unden.

— John Beattie.

— William Cassells.

— Peter Manuel.

— Wm. James Powell.
Wm. Powell.

Mr. Wm. Watt Dollar passed with Very Great Credit. Messrs. Burke,
Gilchrist, Gibson, Doyle, Davey, Burston, Bull, Thompson, Eairbairn,
Beech, Cassells, Wm. Jas. Powell, and Robert Wm. Powell, passed with
Great Credit.

The following students passed their First Examination :

Edinburgh Veterinary College.

Mr. Geo. William Tennant.

— Tom Harrison.

— William Iiackett.

— Wm. Johnston Smith.

Mr. Bernard Martin.

— Patrick Daniel Reavy.

— Thomas Cunningham.

— John Rowland Dykes.

Mr. Geo. Wm. McArthur.

Messrs. Harrison and Smith passed with Great Credit.

Edinburgh New Veterinary College.

Mr. George Phelan. Mr. Joseph Abson.

— Jas. Eraser Murray. — William Keing.

— John Brizill. — Eredk. Percy Carter.

Mr. Colin Campbell.

Messrs. Phelan, Murray, Brizill, Abson, and King, passed with Great
Credit.

Veterinary Jurisprudence.

John Arnott, of 13, Torriano Mews, Torriano Avenue, Camden Road,
was recently summoned for not giving notice to a police constable of the
fact that he had in his possession or under his charge a horse affected
with glanders and farcy. He was further summoned for leading or
driving on the highway the horse so affected. The case having been
proved, Mr. De Rutzen fined the defendant £15 and £l 12s. 6d. costs
in one case, and Is. fine and 2s. costs in the other.

John Hales, of 13, Early Mews, Arlington Road, Camden Town, was
fined £15 and 12s. 6d. costs for not giving notice of aglandered horse in
his possession.

ARMY APPOINTMENTS.

Gazette, May 25th.

Veterinary Department. — Vet.-Surg. James Edward Elphick has retired
on temporary half-pay. The under-mentioned gentlemen to be Vet.-Surgs. on
probation : — Henry Thomas William Mann ; George Richard Griffith.

OBITUARY.

We have to record the sudden death of Mr. Douglas Winter, M.R.C.V.S.,
Enfield. Diploma, April 27th, 1866.

THE

VETERINARIAN.

VOL. LIII.
No. 631.

JULY, 1880.

Fourth Series,
No. 307.

Communications and Cases.

REMARKS ON HAY POISONING.

By T. Spencer Cobbold, M.D., F.R.S., Professor of
Botany, Royal Veterinary College.

Until I recently perused Professor E. Semmer’s brief
notice in the May number of the Revue fur Thierheilkunde
und Thierzuckt it never occurred to me that any deleterious
properties resided in the nearest allies of our little caryo-
phyllaceous chickweeds. The subject is so important in rela¬
tion to hay-poisoning, and it is so likely that injurious effects
from this source may have been overlooked in this country,
that I think it desirable to call the attention of the vete¬
rinary profession to the matter. According to Semmer (who
quotes from observations by Renelt and Paljuta, those by the
former authority being recorded in the Archiv. f. Thierheilk. 3
published at St. Petersburg, 1879) Mr. Renelt describes
several cases of poisoning from hay which contained much
Stellaria (starwort). It is not expressly stated that the ani¬
mals affected in Renelt’s cases were cattle, but the title of the
paper implies as much ( Ueber den Einfluss des Sternkrautes
auf die Hausthiere ). The motion of the animals was awk¬
ward, their hinder parts weak and the extremities oedematous.
There was fever, sweating, redness of the conjunctiva, a stupe¬
fied condition, with frequent inability to stand or walk. The
liii. 31

454 OBSERVATIONS ON A NEW TAILLESS CERCARIA.

treatment adopted consisted in changing the food, cold appli¬
cations to the head, and the administration of saltpetre inter¬
nally.

Professor Paljuta, of Charkow, described in a separate
brochure the pernicious effects of Stellaria graminea of the
South Russian steppes. A number of oxen of a drove which
were fed with hay containing a quantity of Stellaria became
affected with colic, and seven died. It appears to have been
noticed that beasts were frequently ill on pastures where
Stellaria abounded ; but it is added that the plants when
dried in hay lost their pernicious properties in six months.

Of still higher interest is the statement that out of 300
artillery horses, which, during the Crimean War, were fed
with hay containing Stellaria , no less than seventy fell during
the first twenty-four hours, whilst the others remained ill for a
long time. It was also further observed that colonists’ horses,
which had refreshed themselves whilst marching over the
wastes abounding with Stellaria , were continually ill. As
regards the particular starwort at fault, it seems that the
especially hurtful form is Stellaria graminea , var. hippoctona.
This is very prevalent in the Cherson, Ekaterinslaw, and
Taurischan districts, being particularly hurtful to animals that
have not been previously resident in these localities. Renelt
supposes that the poisonous properties of Stellaria are due
to the presence of a narcotic principle which, in course of
time, becomes volatilised in dry hay and consequently loses
its poisonous effect.

In the June number of Alois Koch’s Revue Professor
Semmer gives an interesting account of the noxious effects
of various species of Equisetum. These plants, it is needless
to say, are rarely present in good upland hay.

OBSERVATIONS ON A NEW TAILLESS CER¬
CARIA (C. INCISTIDATA) PROM THE LIVER
OF THE ESCULENT FROG.

By Professor Edward Perroncito, M.D., Turin.

In 18T4 I found in the liver of a large esculent frog a
white-yellowish spherical nodule, equal in size to a hemp
seed. Having opened it, a little white-yellowish worm
came forth, which was endowed with very brisk contracting
and stretching movements.

OBSERVATIONS ON A NEW TAILLESS CERCARIA. 455

On examining it with the microscope, it was seen to be a
not fully-developed distoma (tailless Cercaria), the de¬
scription and drawing of which I here subjoin. It has an

Cercaria incist iclat a , Perr.

approximative shape to Siebold and Bilharz’s distoma
Heterophies, a maximal length of 3*496 mm., and a maximal
breadth of 1*596. Two suckers, one anterior, the other
ventral. The transversal diameter of the superior sucker is
0*404, the longitudinal 0*352 ; the longitudinal diameter of
the opening 0*168, the transversal one 0*152. The ventral
sucker, too, has an ovular shape, with a longitudinal diame¬
ter of 0*500 mm., the transversal one of 0*448 ; the trans¬
versal diameter of the opening 0*260, and the longitudinal
0*188. For its inferior part, and on the right side, is situated
an organ, tortuous at its basis, which continues horizontally
and on the same side, then rises aloft and becomes thinner
and thinner, till it loses itself in proximity to the semi¬
lunar body.

Between the two suckers is found a yellow body of a
peculiar form, probably representing a very large, strong,
and muscular pharynx. It has the transversal diameter of
0*272 mm., the minimal longitudinal one 0*160, the maxi¬
mal 0*184.

Laterally, on the right of, and above the ventral sucker.

456 OBSERVATIONS ON A NEW TAILLESS CERCARIA,

is perceived a similunar body, transversely placed like a
gland, formed with a membrane and some cells contained in
it. This semilunar body has a total breadth of 0*216 mm.,
a length (starting from the tangent of the anterior point of
the superior curvature to the tangent of the posterior edge
of the swellings) of 0T44. The internal swelling has the
transversal diameter of 0T08, the internal one of 0*080.

On both sides, laterally to the ventral sucker, issues an
apparently globular tube, that extends in forming a curve
with its convexity outwards, in the ventral part of the animal.
The left ventral lateral tube is long, 0*820 mm. ; it presents
nearly at the beginning a swelling measuring 0*168 ; after
the swelling it gets a diameter of 0*096, and ends in an
obtuse point. The right ventral lateral tube is long, 1*200 ;
it is destitute of a prominent swelling, and has a maximal
bigness of 0*120. These tubes consist of elements analo¬
gous to those of the above-mentioned semilunar body ; they
have, however, a darker-yellowish colour, and likely repre¬
sent the beginning of the two branches of the digesting
tube.

In the anterior ventral region, behind the sucker and
somewhat on the left, are visible two spheroidal bodies,
formed by a capsule and some cellular contents. The cap¬
sule is of a connective nature, studded with a great many
little round nuclei, brightly reflecting the light, and of the
diameter of 1 — 2 ft. The contents are formed by round
cells with a finely-granular protoplasma, with a nucleus and
some nucleola.

These two spheroidal bodies very probably represent the
testicles. Of these, that which lies below and more on the
left, is the larger, and has a transversal diameter of 0*208 mm.,
the longitudinal of 0*192; the right one, on the contrary,
placed almost in the middle line, measures transversely
0*192, longitudinally 0*160.

Now, it is very difficult to detect what species of distoma
this Cercaria belongs to, and I never met with any others
to try experiments for the purpose. Should, perhaps, this
larva have fully developed itself in some animal species
feeding on frogs ? It is highly probable.

Note by Dr. Cobbold. — This little trematode, of which
Professor Perroncito has already given some account in the
Annali della 11. Accad. d* Agricolt, di Torino , forcibly
reminds one of the Distoma lateum of the common water-snail
( Paludina vimpara) ; and, but for the circumstances that
l)r. Pagenstecher failed to rear sexually mature flukes in
frogs fed with the pupal flukes from the snails, I should have

SYNOPSIS OF CONTINENTAL VETERINARY JOURNALS. 457

been inclined to suspect some genetic relation. Comparing
Pagenstecher’s and Perroncito’s figures of Cercaria incisti-
data and Distoma luteum respectively, the resemblance is
very striking ; and, moreover, the size of the sexually
immature fluke from the water-snail only about one fourth
of the worm from the frog. Obviously, also, Perroncito’s
pupal trematode, though only called a tailless Cercaria, is
structurally somewhat more highly differentiated than the
so-called Distoma lateum of the snail. It might be worth
while to compare Perroncito’s Cercaria with the larval Dis¬
toma squamula, which resides in capsules in the muscles and
beneath the skin of the common frog {Dana temporarid).
If these forms be identical, then, I suppose, that the sexually
mature worm resides in the intestine of the polecat. On
this subject Zeller’s paper in Siebold and Kolliker’s Zeit-
schrift (Bd. xvii) should be consulted.-— T. S. C.

SYNOPSIS OF CONTINENTAL VETERINARY

JOURNALS.

By John Henry Steel, M.R.C.V.S., F.Z.S., Demonstrator
of Anatomy at the Royal Veterinary College.

Summary . — M. Jolly on “The Treatment of Charbon by
Intravenous Injection of Iodine.” Herr Feser on “The
Transmissibility of Charbon to Fish.” MM. Arloing ,
Thomas, Cornevin, and Perroncito , on “ Quarter Ill in its
relation to Arthrax.” Prof. Perroncito on “Fowl Cholera.”
MM. Toussaint and Bollinger on “The Transmissibility of
Tuberculosis bovina.” Dr. Willems of Hasselt, “ Prelimi¬
nary Note on the Bacterium of Pleuro-pneumonia Contagiosa
Bovina.”

M. Jolly has recently attempted the treatment of splenic
fever by means of intravenous injection. M. Bouley sum¬
marises his work in the Chronique of the Pecueil for 15th
May, 1880. A typical outbreak of splenic fever took place
in the Commune of Gien. In one case M. Jolly observed a
black swelling surrounded with serous engorgement occupy¬
ing the whole of the intermaxillary space. The true nature
of these cases was proved by inoculations conducted by
MM. Jolly and Chauveau independently.

In 1875 the Pecueil contained the results that Stanis
Cezard obtained by means of iodine medication in charbon ;
this determined M. Jolly to experiment similarly. In

458 SYNOPSIS OF VETERINARY CONTINENTAL JOURNALS.

February, 1875, a case presented itself, a heifer exhibiting
all the signs of charbon. The disease had already lasted
six hours. Intravenous injection apparatus not being to
hand, M. Jolly endeavoured to introduce a solution of iodine
into the jugular by means of a small funnel, but this became
blocked up by clots, so at last it was determined to admi¬
nister the iodine solution in drench. Immediately after
administration the animal fell as if thunderstruck, and was
expected to die every moment, until at the end of an hour
her distress ceased. She got up and returned to her stable.
A second dose (less by one half) having been given hex-
similar but less intense effects followed. That evening the
state of the heifer was much improved. The following
morning she was lively, active, and greedily devoured her
food ; and, having been separated from the rest, bellowed
constantly, and made efforts to break her fastenings and
return to her original quarters. This did not last. On the
afternoon of this day of apparent convalescence the heifer
died, in spite of the administration of another dose, which
was followed by effects similar to the others. Autopsy
showed the presence of false membranes, the result of peri¬
tonitis, besides the ordinary lesions of charbon. In 1876
the disease again broke out in the same place; an empirical
remedy which had proved successful in one case, and gene¬
rally caused a temporary remittence of symptoms, was tried
in association with iodine preparations administered by the
mouth. (This remedy consisted of vinegar, salt, and mus¬
tard.) This outbreak caused the loss of twenty-one animals.
Then M. Jolly obtained the apparatus of Dieulafoy for intra¬
venous injection. The disease again appeared in 1877.
When M. Jolly was called in six cows were affected ; of these
three were just dead, and two were in articulo mortis . On
these latter he tried the intravenous injection of ten grammes
of solution of iodine in ten grammes of warm water. This
was done as an experiment, for the state of the animals gave
no opportunity of benefit. A slight temporary amendment
followed the operation, but the next day the animals died.
But in another stable on the same farm eight affected ani¬
mals, treated by means of intravenous injection of iodine and
administration of the same agent in drench, recovered. A
cow in calf, from a third stable, having been violently
attacked by the same disorder, the farmer and proprietor,
with whom M. Jolly had left full directions, resolved to try
injection of iodine by the jugular. They gave larger doses
than had been administered to the other animals, and iodine
also was given in drink. The success was complete, the

SYNOPSIS OF CONTINENTAL VETERINARY JOURNALS. 459

cow recovered, and in due time gave birth to a calf, which
was sold at a maximum price. The same results were
obtained in another case. The animal was a heifer, and
again the farmer and proprietor were the operators. In
December, 1877, the disease again appeared, and M. Jolly
tried the injection of iodine as a preventive means on twenty-
nine beasts. Of these he found afterwards that three be¬
came affected, and with them he repeated the injection, and
all three recovered. On the other hand, out of five animals
(adults and heifers), all affected except one, on which the in¬
travenous injection was tried, the symptoms became so greatly
aggravated that recovery of the affected beasts was given up
as hopeless. On the following day, however, they were out
of danger, and all recovered. The disease manifested itself
in a fortnight’s time in three of the twenty-nine inoculated
animals, and terminated in death, though intravenous iodine
injections were tried on one and iodine drenches on another.
The disease was so rapid in the third that there was no time
for treatment. M. Jolly repeated the injections for the sur¬
vivors on 14th January, 1878. Three of them were already
affected at the time of operation, and for them the dose was
increased, doubtless excessively, for two of them suddenly
fell. But ihe effects were evanescent, and they recovered,
not only from the medicine, but also from the disease. In
spite of these injections which were intended to be preven¬
tive, almost all the remainder of the herd fell ill, but only
one of them died ! Thus, where death used to be the rule
during an outbreak of charbon, it has now become the ex¬
ception, but it must not too hastily be inferred that this is
due to the iodine. M. Jolly has observed the behaviour of
the disease on this farm since 1878. It did not appear for a
period of nearly two years, from the commencement of 1878
to December, 1879. If during that period M. Jolly had
resorted to his preventive injections, he might reasonably
have attributed the immunity to this, whereas facts show
that the causative influences had simply ceased to act.

M. Jolly thus describes his method of procedure : — “ I
place the animal as for bleeding, having previously prepared
the apparatus and the fluid for injection. The instrument,
the canula, and the trocar, are tried with tepid water, to
ensure their proper working. That done, I place in a clean
glass, warmed by means of a stew-pan, equal parts of very
pure tepid water and of solution of iodine prepared according
to the formula of Sfanis Cezard (16 to 100). I fill the instru¬
ment with it, and this I have held by an intelligent assistant.
Then the animal being supported as for bleeding, I place

460 SYNOPSIS OF CONTINENTAL VETERINARY JOURNALS.

myself on his right, since the needle can be most readily
introduced here. The vein being well raised, I make a
small button-shaped opening through the skin with the
point of a straight bistoury. This prevents the effort
which would be otherwise required in piercing the vessel.
I then, having thus exposed the vein, take a trocar, No.
3 or 4, and plunge it by a single thrust into the vessel and
from below upwards. As soon as the needle has penetrated
the vein, the escape of blood through the canula will in¬
dicate the trueness of its course. I then rapidly remove
the cord from the vein and adjust the injecting tube to the
mouth of the canula. Then the assistant, at my word of
command, forces in the dose, measured by the degrees marked
on the instrument; this I vary according to the age and
strength of the animal and the severity of the attack. Thus,
I use the following doses :

Grammes. Iodine.

Animals weighing 400 kil. (20 kil. of blood) 40 — 45 . (3x — 5XJ = 3*10 — 3"50
„ „ 250 — 300 kil., 3 years old

(15 kils. blood)

. 30 .

(5viiss) = 2-35

18 mos. to 2 years old .

. 20 .

(5V) = 1-50

1 year to 18 months

. 10 .

(5iiss) = 0’78

1 year and less

. 5—8 .

(Say 5j) =0-39-0-58

As a preventive means, I reduce the dose to one-half.
(We have inserted the approximate English doses. The
method of intravenous injection will be familiar to students
of the 4 Handbook for the Physiological Laboratory’).
Feser, of Munich, has attempted to resolve the question
of the transmissibility of charbon to fish. It has been sup¬
posed by some that cold-blooded animals cannot convey the
contagium of this disorder nor afford a nidus for growth
and multiplication of Bacillus anthracis. We have recently
been informed of a case in which fish died in large numbers,
and where they were thrown up on the banks of the river
the cattle became affected with anthrax (Mr. T. C. Toop,
M.R.C.V.S., in a paper on “Anthrax”) ; Jessen states that
in 1826, during the excessively warm summer, while char¬
bon raged among horses, many fishes with malignant ulcers
were taken in the River Wolcho. Forel, Duplessis, and
Ogle affirm that a disease resembling charbon, in 1867-68
destroyed a large number of the fishes in Lake Leman, but
that disease, although associated with Bacteria in the blood,
was not transmissible to other fish. Corti describes an out¬
break which was observed in the Po, notably among eels.
But, in spile of the mortality which these epizootics have
occasioned, we are not warranted in positively considering
them anthracoid. Oemler’s inoculations show that carp

SYNOPSIS OF VETERINARY CONTINENTAL JOURNALS. 461

and dorys resist repeated inoculations as well as ill-effects
from a liberal supply of fresh charbonous material as food.
These fishes, without exception, remained unaffected, even
when made to live in water containing the anthrax parasite.
Feser inoculated twenty-five fish (pike, carp, and tench) by
injecting cub. centimetre of anthrax blood (fresh from a
horse, and proved efficacious by its destruction of two rab¬
bits) underneath the skin of the bellv of each. These
fishes were shut up in a chamber, and placed in an arm of
the Tsar, the water of which had an average temperature of
5° — 70 C. All the fish were examined daily, hut showed no
signs of disorder, and were sold after ten days* observation.
This negative result did not suprise Feser. The internal
temperature of these fish being but little above that of the
surrounding water certainly did not allow the Bacteria to
develop and multiply, which is essential to charbonous in¬
fection. According to the researches of the learned Dr.
Koch, it is quite the exception for Bacteria germs to develop
in a temperature below 18° C ; if the temperature remains
below 12°, they undergo no change. Feser thinks that to
arrive at a definite result as to the transmissibility of char-
bon to fishes, it will be necessary to make many attempts to
inoculate fishes kept in water of a temperature above 18° C. ;
and, therefore, to experiment on species capable of support¬
ing high temperatures (JVo chens chr if t f. Thierheilkunde , fyc.,
Augsbourg , No. 5. 1880, and Journal de Med. Vet. de
Lyon , Mar., 1880). Emphysema infectuosum , “ Black¬
leg,” has been recently alluded to by us in our “ Synopsis ”
as a subject of investigation by French observers. MM.
Arloing , Cornevin , and Thomas are working most ener¬
getically in their endeavour to trace the true relations of
this disorder to splenic fever. In their name, M. Bouley
presented to the Academy of Sciences at its sitting of olst
May, 1880, a paper in which are embodied the results
obtained by them hitherto.

“ In Germany, Feser and Bollinger call this disease
emphysemato- gang venous tumour , and Feser says he has repro¬
duced the disease by inoculating with the soil of the marshes
near which live the cattle liable to its attacks. In France,
MM. Boulet, Josse, and Vernant have supposed, from clinical
facts, that there is a difference in nature between splenic
fever and black-leg; but a careful demonstration of this has
not yet been given.”

“ In the blood of animals which die from ‘ symptomatic
charbon 5 (the name with which Chabert designated ? black¬
leg ’) generally no foreign element is visible. Sometimes we

462 SYNOPSIS OF CONTINENTAL VETERINARY JOURNALS.

see a few granules, which are isolated, mobile, and difficult
to determine histologically, and rod-like bodies, which are
still less frequent. But, under conditions other than those
of ordinary observation, the blood is full of corpuscles, ovoid,
highly refractive, separate, or aggregated into chains of
two or three, and of short and freely movable rod-like
bodies. These are very numerous in the serosity of the
tumour, but also are present in considerable number in the
inter- and intra-muscular connective tissue, as well as within
the contractile fibres of the tumour. They also may be found
in the lungs, spleen, kidneys, and lymphatic glands. The
Bacterium stationed in these organs, whence it may be re¬
moved by scraping, differs from the anthrax Bacterium in
its objective and biological characters, and in its pathological
effects. It is shorter and larger, is freely movable, rounded
at each extremity, and has near one of them, but never at
the centre, a bright nucleus, which is not invariably present.
With the tissues of the tumour and distilled water we have
obtained a pulp rich in Bacteria ; when injected into the
thickness of the muscles or into the subcutaneous areolar
tissue it causes disorders which vary in characters and im¬
portance, according to the seat of inoculation and the species
of the animal inoculated. Our inoculations constantly pro¬
duced death of the calf and the sheep in thirty to sixty hours.
They produced warm and painful oedema of the part when
injected subcutaneously, the swelling being crepitant, espe¬
cially in the calf, and extending gradually into the dependent
parts ; injection into the muscles caused the appearance of a
tumour resembling that which occurs spontaneously. Guinea-
pigs inoculated almost always die. We have seen one de¬
velop an enormous swelling, which ended in the sponta¬
neous bursting of two abscesses, the virus having already
passed through the system of several subjects. It produces
local effects (gangrenous eschars) on white rats; life is jeo¬
pardised, but generally the animal survives. The rabbit,
inoculated with the pulp of a tumour of an ox, collected
some hours before death, died, presenting the local signs of
quarter ill ; but the pulp prepared from the tumour of an ox
two days after death, or from the fresh tumour of the sheep,
generally produced only abscess and sometimes pyaemic
accidents/’

“ The ass and horse resist inoculations ; they only have a
local engorgement of the muscles, and the neighbouring
areolar tissue painful and warm for a few days, but which
thoroughly disappears. The dog and the fowl seem to en¬
tirely resist the microbium of quarter-ill. The pulp filtered

SYNOPSIS OF CONTINENTAL VETERINARY JOURNALS. 463

after Pasteur’s method gives a reddish liquid, which produces
no effect oil inoculation.55

“ Conclusions . — 1. The ( symptomatic charbon5 of bovines
is communicable by inoculation to the ox and to some other
animals. 2. It is transmitted by a microbium which de¬
velops in the muscular and connective tissues of the tumour,
but is rare, or even absent from the blood. Therefore it
must be sought for, in the tumour especially, for purposes of
inoculation. 3. This microbium is retained by the porcelain
filter. 4. By its characters, the effects it produces, and the
species of animals adapted for its support, it differs much
and sharply from Bacillus anthracis. 5. Hence black-leg of
the ox must not be confused with splenic fever in the group
of anthracoid disorders.5"’

“ We will pursue our researches, and in a later note will
make known our results with regard to the histological cha¬
racters of the microbium and its importance from a medical
point of view.'5 It will be satisfactory to those of us who
remember that recently M. Perro7icito was superseded in his
determination of the true nature and pathological value of
the microbium of fowl cholera by Toussamt, to find that
that excellent observer, in the same number of the Recueil
which contains the paper by the French worker, advances his
claim to the discovery of the Bacteria of quarter-ill as long
ago as 1872. It will be seen that he observed and described
this organism as accurately as MM. Cornevin, Thomas, and
Arloing. He noted that it is distinct from Bacillus an¬
thracis, but failed in transmitting the disease by inoculation.
He also claims to have seen organisms in the blood. This
organism, which he names Bacterium carbunculare , has un¬
doubtedly been made known to science by the labours of
Perroncito, as the following extracts from his paper will
show :

These are the observations which I published on the
\0th January , 1873, in the first number of the Economia
Bur ale, of Turin, being at that time attached to the public
abattoir service of that town .... On 20th May, 1872, a calf
suffering from black-quarter was slaughtered, and in the
blood-plasma we observed almost round granules, few in
number, and with a well-marked movement .... The
blackish liquid expressed from the diseased parts, and ex¬
amined twenty-five minutes after the death of the calf, con¬
tained a great number of Bacteria, presenting special
characters, and worthy of note. They were shaped like
short fine rods, unjointed, and most of them bearing, at one
of their extremities a rounded granule, of the same diameter

464 SYNOPSIS OF CONTINENTAL VETERINARY JOURNALS.

as the Bacterium, highly refractive, and yellowish. We
observed also others, which, in place of being cut off
sharply, presented a rounded contour at their extremities.
There was present in great abundance a molecular substance
intermingled with fatty drops, and containing numerous
granules with sharply-defined outlines, and also a kind of
Cryptococcus. The movements of the Bacteria were singular,
and by certain characters they differ from the charbon Bac¬
teria of Delafond .... The movement was not undulatory,
like that of vibriones, but rather, as we might say, f leaping 5
in the thickness of the fluid of the microscopic preparation.
Much struck with this, I have made many observations, and
always found this to be correct. These special elementary
forms are closely allied to the Bacterium cuneatum of putre¬
fying blood observed by Professor Pivolta, of the University
of Pisa, in septic metritis of a bitch, and in a mare, which
died after a similarly prolonged disease ; but the refractive
granule is at the larger, not at the smaller, extremity.”

Did space permit, we would give Perroncito’s paper at
length, but the above passages are the pith of it, and, it seems
to us, are quite sufficient to substantiate his claim. But
Perroncito — also in the same paper — has something to say
on “ Cholera of Fowls,” and urges that he not only saw
granules in the blood of animals which had succumbed to
this disease, but also appreciated their Bacterian nature, and
communicated the disorder by inoculation with the blood.
He admits the inaccuracy of the plate attached to his
memoire, but urges that this is due to error by the engraver.
He is willing to show “M. Toussaint and any other French
colleagues, as many as will honour my humble laboratory
on the occasion of the Congress of Hygiene, which will
shortly take place in Turin, the original drawings
which I made of the microbium or micrococcus, whether
isolated or united into chains.” Again, he urges that
throughout his paper he used “ granule” as synonymous
with “ micrococcus.” Thus, the legend of the plate
appended to the memoire is : “ Preparation of the blood of
a fowl, in which are found normal elliptical red globules,
red circular globules variously developed, and others in the
act of proliferation, or showing buds of various size and form ;
free nuclei ; free, numerous, rounded or elongated granules
(micrococcus)”

The learned professor continues : “When we desire to con¬
vince the adversaries of the doctrine of living virus it is ne¬
cessary, in my opinion, to progress, in these observations and
experiments with the greatest scientific exactitude, and

SYNOPSIS OF CONTINENTAL VETERINARY JOURNALS, 465

never to pronounce on a fact unless it has been absolutely
demonstrated. Faithful to this principle, although I had
observed, described, and even figured the microbium of
fowl cholera, though convinced of its pathological signifi-
gance, as may be perceived on perusal of my observations, I
did not feel authorised to particularise it as the sole cause
of the disease before completion of more experiments similar
to those which have been undertaken with so much success
by MM. Pasteur and Toussaint. But I desired as a pre¬
liminary measure to go to Paris, consult with M. Pasteur,
and work in his laboratory, in order to attain sufficient
acquaintance with the methods of culture of virus. I, in¬
deed, made the journey in September, 1878, but family
misfortunes recalled me to Turin in a few days, and later
materials were wanting, so I found myself unable to try the
experiments on the culture of virus which I had seen carried
out in the laboratory of Pasteur. To continue the special
observations of which I speak it would have been necessary
to find a method of complete isolation of the microbia, such
as M. Chauveau did long ago with glander corpuscles, to
wash them well, and finally to inoculate with them to see if
they would reproduce the disease. But even supposing I
had attained my aim, would I have been able to affirm,
from this single result, that the granules or morbid germs
were microbia or micrococci in the true sense of the term as
used by Hallier ? In spite of my private conviction that
they are truly germs, that they might be termed micrococci
after Hallier’s definition, it would have been necessary to
cultivate them to obtain not only other identical microbia,
but also the development of a higher micromycete. But
those who have tried cultures even of the sporules of Tricho-
vhyton tonsurans know how very difficult it is to exclude
specimens from invasion by foreign germs, and they know
also that the results of Hallier’s experiments have been very
rarely confirmed in a solid manner. In my descriptions of
the microbium having the form of round or ovoid granules
isolated or in pairs, I named it micrococcus to indicate a
microscopical coccus , a germ corpuscle, rather in the sense
of Chauveau and Pasteur than after Hallier.” With re¬
gard to M. Toussaint’s observation that the memoire of Per-
roncito was published only in April, 1879, the author shows
us that in June, 1878, Dr. Baron Ungern Sternberg, trans¬
lated the paper into German, and it appeared in the October,
1878, number of Muller’s Archiv fur Wissenschaftliche und
practise! ie Thierheilkuncle. i( The real state of affairs is
that my most careful observations on the typhoid epizootic

466 SYNOPSIS OF continental veterinary journals.

or cholera of fowls commenced on the 15th October, 1877,
and I presented my me moire to the Uoyal Academy of
Agriculture of Turin, on 2nd February, 1878. Since, then,
my Toulouse colleague discovered the parasite in question
on the 16th October, 1878, we must conclude that he
observed it one year after I did so.”

M. Toussciint has not been idle lately. A paper of his,
Contribution to the Study of the Transmission of Tuberculosis
was presented by M. Bouley to the Academy of Sciences, and
appears in the minutes for 29th March, 1880. The conclusions
are thus summarised by the author : — “ These experiments
show that the lesions in the pig are those of acute tuber¬
culosis and that they involve death in a very short space of
time — a few weeks. Tuberculosis of the pig is analogous to
“ Galloping Consumption ” of the human subject (bovines,
on the contrary, are most frequently affected with chronic
tuberculosis). From this it results that young pigs from
tuberculous parents bear up only for a short time against
the disorder and die young, and that in adults which become
tuberculous the rapid progress of the disease prevents repro¬
duction. With regard to contagion the experiments also
confirm the view that tuberculosis is transmissible with the
greatest facility. (1) By ingestion of tuberculous material.
(2) By hereditary transmission or milk supply. (8) By in¬
oculation with tuberculous matter or blood. (4) By simple
cohabitation. — Revue Veterinaire , June, 1880.

In the Wochenschrift f. Thierheilhnde und Thiersucht , I,
1880, and the Journal de Medecine Veterinaire et de Zoo-
techine de Lyon, May, 1880, are recorded observations by
Bollinger , of Munich, on tuberculosis resulting from in¬
gestion of the uncooked milk of tuberculous cows. In this
are mentioned the experiments made by this observer some
time ago and noted by us. He also says : — “ If bovine
and human tuberculosis are not identical, at least they
have many points of similarity. The introduction by in¬
oculation of bovine tubercle into other animals almost
always leads to phenomena analogous to those of bovine
tuberculosis. Of a lot of six pigs, two were fed on cooked
milk, two were kept as check animals, and two fed
on raw milk. The two of the first set, on autopsy, were
found to be highly tuberculous. In the subjects of the third
category intestinal inflammation was met with ; the glands
of the neck and of the intestine were caseous. The check
animals were healthy. Two experiments made on monkeys,
as well as two on a goat and a guinea-pig, failed. Thus
Bollinger considers that the milk of tuberculous cows given

ON PLANTS IN RELATION TO ANIMALS. 467

for a long time as food must always cause miliary tubercles
and tuberculous degeneration, but it must be admitted that
the danger of transmission is not so great as might be
thought ; if it were otherwise, this disease would be more
frequent in pigs. In these animals it is very exceptional,
though they are often given the milk of phthisical cows.
With regard to the danger of transmission of tuberculosis
of the ox to man we know nothing positive, but we cannot
absolutely deny it. In 1846 Dr. Klenke described many
cases in which children became affected with scrofula after
having been fed with milk from tuberculous cows. Experi¬
ments made at the Veterinary School of Dresden, in the
same direction as those of Bollinger, failed without exception.
Dr. Willems , of Hassalt, in a letter to M. Bouley, dated
23rd April, 1880, states that he has succeeded in cultivating
the special corpuscles which he mentioned in his memoire on
Pleuro-pneumonia epizootica (1852.) This he has done
by Pasteur’s method to the eighth generation. They were
especially lively in an extract of beef. He says, “ I am going
now to inoculate horned beasts with this product of culti¬
vation and to submit others to the influence of the liquid
vaporised to lead to its introduction through the natural
channels ”

ON PLANTS IN RELATION TO ANIMALS.

By Professor James Buckman, F.G.S., F.L.S., &c.

[Continued from p. 393.)

In continuation of the P apilionacece we now direct atten¬
tion to the three following genera, namely :

1. Trigonella . Herbs, with curved, many-seeded pods.

2. Melilotus . Herbs, with straight, one- or few-seeded

pods.

3. Medicago . Trifoliate herbs, with pods more or less

curved or spirally coiled.

1. The Trigonella is better known to the horse- or cow-
leech than to the educated veterinarian practitioner. Its
seeds, which have a smell not unlike that of the pig, from
which the herb has got the name of u Old Sow,” have some¬
what of the aromatic flavour of the Cottmarine. They are
much used in the various nostrums of horse-doctors and
grooms, and lately it has come much in vogue as part of

468 ON PLANTS IN RELATION TO ANIMALS.

the various mixtures known as cattle spices. In fact, no
seed has been more employed for quackery of all kinds than
that of the Trigonella fcenum-grcecum or Foenugreek. At
best it can have no active medicinal principle ; at the same
time, if it acts as a spice in flavouring vapid or washed-out
hay, so as to make it more palatable, it may be of some
slight service, but when used for flavouring inferior, meals,
under the name of concentrated cattle food, it is a delusion
and a snare.

The T. ornithopodioides , Bird’s-foot Foenugreek, is a some¬
what uncommon native species, of which Mrs. Lankester
says :

“ It is placed in the same genus as Trigonella fcenum-
gr cecum , the common Foenugreek, which was formerly cul¬
tivated by the Homans, and is still employed in the agricul¬
ture of the South of Europe. The seeds have a medical
reputation, not as given internally, but as poultices, fomenta¬
tions, and emollient applications. An old remedy in the
Pharmacopoeia, f Oleum e mucilaginibus contained these
seeds, but they are now no longer used, except by grooms
and farriers, in veterinary medicine.”

2. Melilotus. — Has a strong but a more agreeable flavour
than the Fsenugreeks. We have three doubtful natives,

as follows :

Melilotus officinalis . Flowers bright yellow.

,, arvensis . Flowers light yellow, sometimes

inclining to white.

„ alba . . Flowers white.

The first of these is the common melilot, which is some¬
times so abundant, and especially on sandy and gravelly
banks by the sea-side ; it is called the common melilot,
as it is the more common form in England.

The following is an interesting account of the general uses
and folk-lore of this species :

“ At one time this plant was cultivated in England for
fodder, but it is now seldom seen, having, like the mediek,
given place to the clover. In Switzerland and the neigh¬
bouring countries it abounds in the pastures, and is an in¬
gredient in the green Swiss cheese called Schabzeiger, which
is made in the Canton of Glarus, and is by many persons
highly esteemed. It is stated in many books that this plant
enters into the composition of the Gruyere cheese, which is
altogether erroneous. The Schabzeiger cheese is made by
the curd being pressed in boxes, with holes to let the whey
run out ; and when a considerable quantity has been collected

ON PLANTS IN RELATION TO ANIMALS.

469

and putrefaction begins, it is worked into a paste with a
large proportion of the dried herb melilotus reduced to a
powder. The herb is called, in the country dialect, f Zieger
kraut/ curd herb. The paste thus produced is pressed into
moulds of the shape of a common flower-pot, and the putre¬
faction being stopped by the aromatic herb, it dries into a
solid mass, and keeps unchanged for any length of time.
When used it is rasped or grated, and the powder, mixed
with fresh butter, is spread upon bread. It is either much
relished or much disliked, like all substances of a similar
taste and smell. The whole plant has a peculiar scent,
which becomes more perceptible when it is dry, and has
some resemblance to Anthoxanthum, the sweet-smelling
vernal grass.

“ The flowers are sweet-scented, and a water distilled
from them is used for giving flavour to various substances.
In medicine this herb has had its day. It was at one time
considered emollient and digestive. It is recommended by
Gerarde in all manner of disorders — for a poultice the
juice to be dropped into the eyes to f clear the sight;’ alone
with water, to heal wens and ulcers ; and also, mixed with a
little wine, it Gnitigateth the paine of the eares, and taketh
away the paine of the head.’ That the melilot was at one
time a very common crop in England we have Gerarde’s
testimony, for he says: ‘ For certainty no part of the world
doth enjoy so great plenty thereof as England, and especially
Essex, for I have seen between Sudbury, in Suffolk, and
Clare, in Essex, and from Clare to Hessingham, very many
acres of arable pasture overgrown with the same, insomuch
that it doth not only spoil their land, but the corn also, as
cockel or darnel, and is a weed that generally spreadeth
over that corner of the shire/ ”*

3. The Medicago. — -Medick is a genus nearly allied to the
clovers, being, indeed, trifoliate, with small flowers ; the
corollas, however, in decay, do not cover the fruit, which
latter, instead of being a straight legume, is spirally twisted
in some species, so much so as to present the aspect of a
coiled univalve shell. There are several species, or so-called
species, but those with which we are more particularly con¬
cerned may be described as follows :

Medicago falcata . . Pods linear, curved.

,, sativa . . Pods reniform, coiled at the tips.

„ lupulina . . Pods slightly curved, reticulate.

„ maculata . Pods with double coils and a double

row of hooked spines.

* See Syme’s New Edition of the ‘ English Botany.’

32

L II I.

470

ON PLANTS IN RELATION TO ANIMALS.

The first of these is rarely met with. It is, however,
recorded as having been found in several counties, and we
have met with it at Bradford Abbas, Dorset, near to a grist
mill, so that we have no doubt of its having been intro¬
duced in foreign corn.

The M. sativa is found on railway banks and on the
borders of arable fields, doubtless the result of cultivation, as
it was formerly much more grown as a forage plant than it
is at present. Why it should not increase in cultivation,
rather than diminish, is beyond our comprehension, as at
the present moment we are cutting a second crop this season
from a patch on our own farm, where we have found it to
be very productive, and to be much relished by horses,
cattle, and sheep, all of which animals eat it greedily, indeed,
too much so, which is perhaps one cause of its want of
favour, as it often disagrees with animals, but we have
heard that, if cut the day before being used, and given in
moderation, it is a highly salutary soiling plant, and we
recommend a patch to be grown near every stable, if only
as an alterative and occasional laxative for the horses.

The M. lupulina is found everywhere, and is, perhaps, our
only truly native species. It is known on the farm by the
name of hop trefoil, but it should be distinguished from the
hop trefoil of the botanist, which is really the Trifolium
procumbens. We grow it largely in shifting pasture crops,
mixed with one of the ray grasses, such as Lolium italicum ,
in light sandy fields, and L. perenne, in brashy or more
mixed soils. It is a very prolific seeder, so that its seed is
cheap, and, as it is a really good feeding plant, it is a general
favourite with the farmer.

Medicago maculata is the larger of a series of species cha¬
racterised by a black dot in the centre of each leaflet, and a
spinous or pectinate seed-pod. They are all of them intro¬
duced plants, having probably been brought from the Medi¬
terranean region and a portion of Central Asia.

We may, then, take the medicks for our present purpose
as representing a series of agricultural plants, differing
greatly in their details, but all more or less useful. They
may be summarised as follows ;

Medicago. — The medick genus, one of the Papilionacese,
and distinguished by its more or less spirally-twisted legume.
The more important series are the following :

M. sativa , the purple medick or lucerne. This, though
found apparently wild on the borders of fields, has, doubt¬
less, escaped from cultivation ; it is distinguished by its
purple flowers and upright growth. Its herbage is green

VETERINARY SCIENCE IN AMERICA.

471

and succulent, and has the advantage of being early, on
which account it has been highly extolled as an agricultural
plant. It yields two rather abundant crops of green food in
the year, of a quality highly relished by horses and cattle.

M. lupulina , the black medick, or nonsuch, is, at first
sight, so much like the yellow trefoils as to be generally
known by farmers as the hop trefoil or hop ; it is, however,
distinguished by its naked black legume. It is used in
farming to mix with grasses and clovers for artificial or
shifting pastures, in which it often assumes a luxuriance of
growth well befiting it for this purpose.

M. mciculata , remarkable for its spirally-coiled, prickly
legumes, has, from the quantity of herbage which it grows,
been recommended for cultivation as a green fodder plant ;
but it is scarcely equal to the former, while in hay the long
prickles to its seed-vessels render it very objectionable.

In the present series of plants we seem to have a set of
more or less importance, for while the trigonellas and
melilots may be considered as adapted for flavouring pur¬
poses, for which a small sprinkling of their seeds may be
added to the clover-field to give perfume and stimulating
qualities to artificial grasses, the seeds of others may be
mixed with meals of different kinds for feeding purposes.

In the lucernes and medicks we have a series adapted as
soiling plants, but, from their laxative properties when in
the green state, they should be used with caution. When,
however, they are made into hay their medicinal action is
very much diminished.

VETERINARY SCIENCE IN AMERICA.

By “ Examiner.”

In an article published in the January number of the
Veterinarian , 1880, John Henry Steel, demonstrator of
anatomy, gives a resume of veterinary matters on this side of
the Atlantic for the benefit of English readers. The article
will be found interesting, although there are many veteri¬
narians in the United States who will not agree with some
of the opinions expressed. Leaving them, however, to
correct the article, in so far as that country is concerned, if
they feel so disposed, it is necessary to point out the grave
errors into which the writer — evidently through ignorance- —
has fallen in regard to Canadian colleges. The article in

472 VETERINARY SCIENCE IN AMERICA.

question shows very clearly the importance of writers for the
public press — and especially such a reliable journal as the
Vetermarian — obtaining full and correct information before
dealing with a subject, or expressing an opinion thereupon.
For, in this case, an injustice has been done, although quite
unintentionally on the part both of the writer and the editor
of the journal.

In writing of the Quebec and Ontario veterinary colleges,
Mr. Steel expresses a preference for the former institution,
his information being derived, evidently, from the head of
the Montreal school. The unfairness and gross prejudice
which marked Professor McEachran’s articles in the Review
excited attention at the time, and he was publicly corrected,
but Mr. Steel has entirely overlooked that fact.

We will now briefly examine the grounds taken by Mr.
Steel in preferring the Quebec over the Ontario College ;
eaving it to the unprejudiced public of our profession to
say whether any such “ preference ” is warranted, as ex¬
pressed in the article under consideration.

First, in regard to matriculation. The Montreal College
claims a higher standard in this. If the truth be told in
regard to it, the test is little more than “ nominal *J at either
place. That it is so in Ontario is not denied, that it is so in
Montreal we have the assurance of those who know. This
being the case, we submit that the institution which pursues
the straightforward course is the more worthy of public con¬
fidence — even though its printed announcement be not so
flashy, and does not read so well to parties at a distance —
who have no other means of judging.

The next point, and one on which the advocates of the
Quebec College lay much stress, is that the students may
attend the lectures given in McGill’s University on chemis¬
try, physiology, &c. By implication, and for all that appears
in the article under consideration, the students at Toronto
have no such privilege. Only deficient or one-sided infor¬
mation could have caused Mr. Steel to make so misleading:
a statement. As a matter of fact the students of the Ontario
Veterinary College attended the lectures on chemistry
delivered by the foremost exponent of the science in the
dominion, Professor Croft, of University College. Recently
the Ontario Government, recognising the national importance
of the college, has made arrangements whereby another
Professor of University College, Professor Ellis, delivers a
course special to veterinary students. In no other institu¬
tion, then, can the students have better facilities for the study
of chemistry than at Toronto.

VETERINARY SCIENCE IN AMERICA.

473

Then, as to physiology. The lecturer on that subject in
the veterinary college is the lecturer on the same subject in
Toronto Medical College. Unprejudiced minds will at once
admit that in this regard the Toronto students occupy the
better position. For, however excellent the lectures on
physiology are at McGill’s College, they are and must be
lectures on human physiology, not calculated to supply the
special needs of veterinary students. While the Toronto
students are guaranteed by the fact of the two lectureships
being filled by the same gentlemen of the same ability,
being at their service as that commanded by medical stu¬
dents, they have a course of lectures more suitable than can
be got at any medical college.

For what may be termed veterinary physiology has many
points of difference from human physiology. To claim
credit for this method of teaching physiology to veterinary
students is only a little less absurd than to claim credit for
teaching anatomy in the same way. What would be thought
of a veterinary college which made no provision for special
instruction in anatomy, but whose students had “ the great
privilege of attending the lectures on anatomy delivered in
a medical school or even university ? ” A proper knowledge
of veterinary anatomy could not be gained thus, nor can a
proper acquaintance with the physiology we require be
obtained without special provision therefor. At the same
time, if any veterinary student in Toronto wishes to attend
the lectures given in the medical college, he is at perfect
liberty to do so.

In the next paragraph, Mr. Steel — again through ignor¬
ance we cannot doubt — implies that while the Quebec Col¬
lege has written examinations, the Ontario College has not,
the fact being that for years the latter institution has put its
students to the above test, as well as the customary oral one.

The only other point of preference as stated is that the
college located in the Province of Quebec asks three ses¬
sions instead of two. In an old country like England this
is very desirable. But it must be remembered that our
country is new, and that the demand from all parts of the
continent for good veterinarians to take the place of char¬
latans is very great. Remembering this, and the fact that
Toronto requires her graduates to spend their vacation with
a veterinary surgeon, it is not surprising that many parts of
the country prefer the services of a gentleman from loronto
to one who has passed through the more ornamental (so far
as the curriculum is concerned) course at Montreal.

Reference is made to the somewhat unpleasant feeling

474

VETERINARY SCIENCE IN AMERICA.

between the colleges. It is quite true that such exists, but
it may he truly said that it has not originated with the
authorities at Toronto. The principal, Professor Smith, has
too much at heart the interests of the profession at large to
be a party to this were it not forced upon him. Through
the college which he controls he has done more for the pro¬
fession than any one on the continent, elevating it from a
degraded state to the excellent position it now holds. The
credit for this achievement cannot be taken from him by
others ; for the graduates of other institutions are so exceed¬
ingly few that their influence is scarcely felt. The very
greatness of the work done by Professor Smith, however,
and his success in it have roused jealousy in the minds of
some who, although common gratitude should have im¬
pelled them to a different course, take opportunities to
depreciate instead of assisting them.

Through a sudden change of government the authorities
of the eastern institution have just now some patronage at
their disposal. Considering their high-sounding professions
it might be expected that their influence would be used for
the benefit, not the disgrace of veterinarians. But this fact
— incredible as it may appear to the profession in Britain —
is that in districts where a Quebec graduate could not be
had, the authorities of this professedly model college used
their influence for the appointment of non-professional men,
vulgarly known as quacks, as port inspectors rather
than allow the employment of well qualified Ontario gra¬
duates. Can professional jealousy further go ?

Such things are not pleasant to write ; not pleasant, it
may be supposed, for the Fellows of the Royal College to
hear of, for they, as a body, are gentlemen jealous of their
professional standing and honour. Whether unworthy con¬
duct on the part of one of their members involves the whole
in disgrace is for them to consider. In the mean time it
will not seem strange to British veterinarians that there is
little cordiality between the institutions under considera¬
tion, one of which is so “progressive” as to encourage char¬
latanism in its worst form.

It does, however, seem strange, and is somewhat annoy¬
ing to the readers of the Veterinarian on this side of the
water to find that those connected with the metropolitan
college can be misled into making the serious mistakes we
have had under consideration.

[We have preferred to insert this communication without
note or comment. — Eds.]

475

Pathological Contributions.

CATTLE PLAGUE.

This disease has made its appearance at several villages
in the Province of Sharkich, Lower Egypt. A veterinary
surgeon was despatched to inquire and report as to the ex¬
istence of the disease, and in his report he stated that the
disease had prevailed for at least six weeks, but its existence
had been concealed by the villagers, who had been utilising
the flesh, hides, and bones of the dead animals.

Orders have been issued to isolate the infected district as
completely as possible, and to adopt proper hygienic and
other measures to stamp out the disease.

The Kingdom of Hungary remains free, but cattle plague
exists in Croatia, Slavonia, and in the military frontier.

Doctor Heidenstam has presented a report on the cattle
plague. From Cyprus we learn that to the end of May,
1540 animals had been attacked and 1447 had died. The
disease continues.

In a communication just received from Mr. S. Wiltshire,
Colonial Veterinary Surgeon, Maritzburg, Natal, alluding
to cattle plague in the Mauritius and Madagascar, he says
that “ the latter place is now thought to be free from the
disease ; but that in the former it is still believed to be exist¬
ing. ” No importations take place into Natal from infected
countries.

In addition to his other appointments, Mr. Wiltshire
now holds that of Chief of the “ Cattle and Sheep Depart¬
ments,” so that all matters relating to the diseases of these
animals, the nominating of inspectors, and receiving returns
from the “ sheep inspectors,” are superintended by him.

PLEURO-PNEUMONIA.

During the four weeks ending May 15th, only two cases
of this disease were reported in the Netherlands. Both the
animals were in South Holland where the disease appears
to be still lurking.

In Ireland most satisfactory reports have been issued by

476

FACTS AND OBSERVATIONS.

the Veterinary Department in reference to pleuro-pneumonia.
D uring the week ending June 20th, forty-seven case were
returned, while for the corresponding week in last year
seventy-nine animals were reported as affected.

In Great Britain the disease still continues to decline.
Daring the nine weeks ending May 29th this year, 453 cases
were returned. In the corresponding period of last year
734 animals were slaughtered or died affected with this
disease.

SWINE FEVER.

This disease was reported to exist in thirty-three counties
in Great Britain during the five weeks ending May 29th, and
1088 animals were returned affected. Daring the correspond¬
ing period in 1879 the number was 1970.

FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE.

We have no information of the existence of foot-and-
mouth disease in any part of the United Kingdom.

Facts and Observations.

Testing for Nitric Acid in Presence of Nitrous
Acid. By A. Piccina ( Gazzetta , 9, 39 5 — 396). — This method
is useful for detecting minute quantities of nitrates in the
presence of large quantities of nitrites, and is founded on
the property urea has of decomposing the latter in acid
solution. Urea is added to the solution containing the
nitrate, and it is then gradually added to another solution of
urea in dilute sulphuric acid. As soon as the evolution of
nitrogen due to the decomposition of the nitrites has ceased,
some iodised starch is added, and then a fragment of zinc,
when a blue coloration is produced if any nitrate is present.
— C. E. G. — Journ. of Chem . Soc.

477

THE VETERINARIAN, JULY 1, 1880.

Ne quid falsi dicere audeat, ne quid veri non audeafc. — ClCEBO.

NATIONAL VETERINARY CONGRESS IN BELGIUM.

We have received an invitation from the Committee of
Organisation of the National Veterinary Congress to assist
at the meeting which is to be held on July 8th at Cureg-
hem-lez-Brussels, and at the same time we are asked to
refer to the principal regulations under which the Congress
is to be carried on.

The rules provide that, in conformity with the resolution
of the General Assembly, convoked by the circular from the
office of the Veterinary Association (dated March 12th), that
a Congress should be held at Cureghem, near Brussels, on
July 8th, and should continue for at least three days, with
the object of strengthening the fraternal bonds which ought
to unite the members of the body corporate, and of submitting
to discussion some questions, professional and otherwise,
relating to the subject of veterinary medicine.

The Congress will include —

An Honorary President, M. Rolin-Jacquemyns, Minister
of the Interior.”

“ Honorary Members,” viz. those who, although not
veterinary surgeons, have been invited to assist at the
Congress in recognition of their talent and position.

u Effective Members,” a title which implies that its holders
belong to the professional body of the School of Veterinary
Medicine, or members of the veterinary profession resident
in Belgium, and having the right to practise in the
country.

“ Associated Members,” veterinary surgeons who, being
resident in other countries, have, nevertherless, studied in
the Belgian veterinary schools.

“ Aggregated Members,” foreign veterinary surgeons who
do not fulfil the conditions relating to associated members,

478

EDITORIAL OBSERVATIONS.

but who may be presented to the Congress by two associated
or effective members.

After the institution of the Congress by the President or
his delegate, assisted by the Committee of Organisation, the
election of the necessary officers will be proceeded with, and
then the subjects which have been proposed for discussion
will be considered, viz. :

1. Deontology of Veterinary Medicine.

2. Inspections of Alimentary Substances of Animal
Origin.

8. Legislation on the subject of Hereditary Vices.

4. Organisation of the Veterinary Civil Service.

It cannot be denied that the range of subjects is a wide
one, and includes matters of importance to the profession.
Our professional brethren on the Continent are more familiar
with the arrangement of such meetings as the one to which
we have referred than we in this country are, and it is to be
wished that our members were more apt to take advantage
of the opportunities which occur to associate themselves to¬
gether for the discussion of matters connected with veterinary
science and politics.

There are many points which are constantly made the
subjects of private communications, and occasionally of public
comment in our professional Journal, which might be all the
better for the more thorough consideration which they
would receive at a regular congress.

Quite recently the Royal Agricultural College held a
Congress, at which many of the old professors and students
assisted, and the results were most satisfactory ; and we
cannot help thinking that such meetings, whether they are
held for the discussion of grievances or the mere exchange
of compliments, are calculated to promote, as our Belgian
confreres say, the strengthening of those bonds of fraternity
which ought to unite the different members of our body
corporate.

479

Extracts from British and Foreign Journals.

DISEASES OE SHEEP.

(Paper read at the British Pharmaceutical Conference.)

By "VP. W. Stoddart.

At the end of the year 1877 a fanner residing in the
neighbourhood of Bristol requested me to investigate the
death of some sheep which had taken place every autumn
without any assignable cause, so much so that a heavy loss
was annually incurred. Many visits were consequently paid
to the farm for the purpose of finding out the cause of
disease. I noticed that the sheep were fed only on the
natural herbage grown on the spot. It consisted of two
kinds of clover, the ordinary Dutch ( Tr folium repens, L.),
and the common purple (T. pratense, L.). With these were
the ray grass (Lolium perenne , L.), or, as it is commonly but
erroneously spelled, (e rye ” grass. A strict inquiry being
made as to the symptoms, the farmer informed me that they
were always the same and generally supervened in the
month of August, when this very peculiar illness on the farm
became prevalent. It took the form of dysentery, inflamma¬
tion of the bowels, diarrhoea, the evacuations resembling
coffee grounds, afterwards succeeded by exhaustion, collapse,
and death.

Analyses of water and the soil were made for the purpose
of detecting any deleterious metal or other irritant poison.
No satisfactory result followed, and the cause of illness
seemed to be mysterious and inexplicable. At length I
heard that the ewes sometimes slipped their young, which
gave a remote suspicion that the cause of all might be due
to ergotism. An inquiry was then made as to the presence
of gangrene, when the unexpected but significant remark
was made that, although the farm was on a dry, porous, sandy
slope, yet the sheep always had the “ foot rot,” even in the
summer, which defied all the remedies that usually proved
effectual. With this idea in my mind, and while watching
the lambs feeding, I noticed that they avoided the old
mature plants, while they greedily devoured the young green
ones.

On examining more minutely the former, I noticed several
well-formed, purplish, dark-coloured ergots were projecting
from the paleae, but could not discover a single specimen on

480

DISEASES OF SHEEP.

the younger fresh plants. Several of these ergots were then
taken home for chemical and microscopic examination. I
made a considerable number of sections which exactly coin¬
cided with the beautiful and truthful engravings in the paper
by Tulasne, in the Annates Sc. Nat. for 1853, “ Sur kErgot
des Glumacees.” While here I must stop to express my
admiration both at the accuracy of these microscopic deli¬
neations and the description of the metamorphoses of this
curious fungus. I thought that this would be a good oppor¬
tunity of studying the growth of this vegetable, and that the
result of my observations during the following year may
prove to be of some service in the cause of pharmacy.

During the next few months I had only the old and nearly
dead stems of the Lolium on which I could work, but on the
12th of April I obtained some specimens of the Lolium
perenne in which the commencement of the inflorescence was
just to be observed. Soon afterwards I made several sec¬
tions of caryopsides, on which were many thousands of
conidia, which seemed rapidly to multiply and to completely
fill some of the grains till they protruded far beyond the
blumes. In two or three days the sclerotium state of the
mycelium began to change colour and assumed a purplish-
brown tinge. The sclerotium seemed now to have arrived at
what wras formerly termed the t( sphacelia ” condition, and
was soft, while the upper portion wras wrinkled. The ex¬
terior was white from the growth of the hypliae, which
seemed to grow with marvellous rapidity till at length only a
small portion of the pistil remained free. Although the
conidia w7ere so numerous, I never noticed any on the an-
droecium, even when examined with a one sixth of an inch
object-glass, while close to them four or five of the caryop¬
sides were completely filled with the little conidia, w hich are
blunt and ellipsoid- bodies, about ToVo mm. to t-otto mm. in
length, and from --0V0 to -noVoo- mm. in breadth. They are
curved and divided into two parts, each part containing a
nucleus. On touching them with a cirop of diluted sul¬
phuric acid, a cilium or minute flagellum wras extruded, and
when placed in water had a vibratile motion. On examining
suspected flour, bread or pastry, the microscope wTould
always show these conidia, especially with the addition of a
little chromic acid.

In the third w eek of May several small drops of a syrupy
substance made their appearance on the stem near the spike-
let. If dissolved in a little distilled water and placed under
the microscope the solution would be seen to contain the
conidia, and hence, I suppose, gave rise to the supposition

DISEASES OF SHEEP.

481

that the honeydew was intimately connected with the for¬
mation of ergot by aiding the growth of the mycelium. But
it most probably only attracts and adheres to insects, who
by this means convey the conidia to other spikelets, and thus
spread the infection to other grains. This saccharine mixture
instantly reduces the copper solution of Trommer’s test, thus
showing the presence of sugar. When boiled, a slight
milkiness is produced and not removed by nitric acid in
excess, pointing out the presence of albumen. At this
period the ergot attains its full development and gives no
blue with iodine, because by the well-known metastatic
power of fungi all starch is removed and an oil substituted.
Of this oil, ergot sometimes contains about a third part of
its weight.

At this period of its growth each sclerotium gives off the
odour of trimethylamine when treated with potass, and pro¬
duces a red colour. With spontaneous evaporation, after
mixing the honeydew with alcohol and a little ether, minute
octahedra of mycose are formed and may be seen with the
lens.

On July 18th I first gathered fully formed and mature
ergots, which I now produce. They have a dark exterior
with a white interior, and give the ordinary red infusion.

On August 1st one of the lambs was taken ill with the
usual inflammatory symptoms. The feet also in a few days
had a gangrenous appearance, which did not seem to be
alleviated by any of the usual applications of silver nitrate,
carbolic or cresylic acids. The affection of the feet strongly
reminded me of “ clavellisation,” so destructive among the
flocks of Italy, France, and Moravia, and has frequently been
supposed to have been a variety of variola.

The fungus has now reached the limit of its vegetative or
myceloid growth, which plainly ends at the sclerotium stage
as our medicinal agent called ergot, by means of which the
embryo and most of the caryopsides have been destroyed.

The hyphae are now ready to spread in every direction,
and thus extend the vegetative growth, from which only we
derive the peculiar medical properties of the Claviceps in
their greatest intensity and power on the animal economy,
and it is now that the greatest effects are produced, which
are included under the name of “ ergotism.^

A joost-mortein examination of the sheep showed the pre¬
sence of the conidia among the “ coffee-ground looking
faeces. The fungus having now arrived at this stage awaits
for appropriate weather and other suitable conditions for the
fructifying metamorphosis.

482

DISEASES OF SHEEP.

At the end of August one or two of the ergots that had
fallen with the stems on the grass on the damp ground I
placed, for more convenient observation, on the moist soil of
a flower pot. In a few days I noticed on the dark cuticle
of the sclerotium several minute excrescences, from which
gradually emanated some stalks about 11 to 18 millimetres
in length, each supporting a minute round head about four
millimetres in diameter, in fact, furnishing good character*
istic specimens of Claviceps purpurea .

It is not to be wondered at that these fungi should have
received the names of sphaeria or torrubia, because they so
much resemble the growth so often described as being found
on the heads of caterpillars or larvae, and used as a medicine
in China and Japan.

A very remarkable change now took place in the oil that
was so noticeable so long as the condition of sclerotium con¬
tinued, but directly the mature Claviceps appeared the oil
oxidised, dried up, and was found no longer. The round
heads of the fungus now become covered with a large
number of brown dots, which eventually became the open¬
ings of pear-shaped sacs or asci of the perithecium. If a
section was made with a sharp scalpel each ascus was seen to
be filled with a glutinous substance containing seven or
eight spores. These last adhered to the ergot, looked like a
powdery coating, and causing the production of many
thousands of conidia on each ergot and ready for the evolu¬
tion of fresh mycelium.

This seems to me the true mode of development of Cla¬
viceps, It commences and proceeds with the vegetative
growth till it reaches the sclerotium stage, and at that period
possesses in the greatest vigour the medicinal characteristic
of ergot.

I have, I think, conclusively found that ergot has the
greatest medicinal power in the month of August, and that
the experience of six or seven years shows that the same
changes take place in the plant at the same period of every
year.

It has been known to medical men that the so-called
essence of ergot is so uncertain in its efficacy that many,
in order to ensure success, have determined to use the
powder itself. Dr. Kluge, of Berlin, observed some years
since that, for some reason or other, the properties of ergot
varied according to whether it was gathered before or after
the harvest. In the former case it had energetic action, while
in the latter it was frequently powerless.

The sheep were distinctly seen to choose the young green

INOCULATION OF FOWLS.

483

grasses and to particulai’ly avoid the older and ripe ones,
probably directed by the odour of trimethylamine, for I found
that I could not produce this odour till the sclerotium was
fully developed and the starch completely gone.

I therefore think the following conclusions may be safely
drawn :

1. — -That for all medicinal purposes, or pharmaceutical
preparations, ergot ought to be gathered in the months of
August or September.

2. — That ergot always attains its greatest intensity at the
end of the vegetation period.

3. — That the medicinal powers of ergot diminish or dis¬
appear as soon as the fructifying period commences.

I have chemically and microscopically examined the ergots
produced from the Lolium perenne while the plants have been
living. The infusion was first treated by the ether process
of Stas. On the evaporation of the ether an oily residuum
was obtained, containing a minute quantity of a resinous
substance. The extract was then dissolved in alcohol, after¬
wards mixed with water, and filtered. Chloriodide of mercury
caused a precipitate reminding one of a vegetable alkaloid.

I did not detect any crystals of cholesterine that are said
to exist in Secale cornutum , but phosphoric acid was clearly
show n by using molybdate of ammonia and nitric acid.

In toxicological investigations the microscope is the most
to be depended upon. The conidia are very abundant and
may always be detected in bread, pastry, or flour, especially
if acetic or chromic acids be used to make their presence
more evident. The one sixth or one eighth of an inch is a
sufficiently high power. I always find that this mode of
detection is preferable to the use of potass and distillation
alone. The little conidia may be generally observed in the
intestinal canal of a poisoned person or animal.

INOCULATION OF FOWLS.

The learned in fowl-farming are w ell aware wrhat a fatal and
disastrous malady is that which goes by the name of chicken
cholera. Remedies have been tried without avail for many
years, and it has required the scientific exertions of two
nations to discover both the nature of the disease and the best
method of dealing with it.

Signor Peroncito, of Turin, seems to have been the first to
establish, in 1878, the theory that the so-called cholera is due

484

PHYSICAL CONDITION OF SUPERPHOSPHATE.

to the presence of living organisms in the blood ; and M.
Toussaint, who practises as a veterinary surgeon at Toulouse,
has followed up the discovery by writing what is described as
“ a masterly treatise” on the subject. The microbe — such is
the title of the live creature which does all the mischief — has
been kept alive and propagated by these gentlemen by various
devices, and they have found it quite possible to prepare a
lymph containing specimens of this kind with which the
inhabitants of the hen-roost may be inoculated. Having got
thus far in their experiments, it was easy for the men of
science to give the cholera to any unsuspecting hen which
might fall into their clutches, and, as the malady is highly
contagious, nothing could be more simple than to spread the
infection through a whole yard.

Unfortunately, the first result of doing so by artificial
means was that 18 out of every 20 fowls inoculated perished
under the process. The difficulty was to find or prepare a
lymph which would not produce such dire effects ; and this
is what M. Toussaint now claims to have accomplished. He
is, however, for the present resolved to keep his secret to
himself, and not to let his system be discredited in the public
mind by allowing experiments to be conducted by ill-qualified
practitioners. He claims to be able, by performing the in¬
oculation with what he calls the “ modified virus,” to guarantee
the patient against cholera, and only to lose the lives of about
5 per cent, amongst the fowls thus infected. — The Globe.

INFLUENCE OF THE PHYSICAL CONDITION OF SUPER¬
PHOSPHATE ON ITS VALUE.

By P. Wagner {Tied. Gentr 1879, 336—339).

The soluble phosphoric acid in superphosphate on
coming into contact with the lime of the soil is converted
into an insoluble form, and consequently does not pene¬
trate into the soil ; this is especially the case with a
soil which contains much limestone, the author finding in
one experiment that 93 per cent, of the soluble phosphoric
acid had, after three hours’ contact with a calcareous soil,
become insoluble ; the more quickly this conversion takes
place the less is the penetrating power of the phosphoric
acid, and the more necessary it becomes to have the super¬
phosphate in as fine a state of division as possible, and well
mixed with the soil. — J. K. C. — Journal of the Chemical

485

A NEW SORT OF FORAGE,

One of the main difficulties encountered by our cavalry in
Zululand, and also, in a less degree, among the mountains of
Afghanistan, was the transport of forage. In European
warfare, the obstacle is not of such serious consequence, but
the German military authorities have, nevertheless, addressed
attention to the matter with a view to the discovery of some
less bulky sort of food for horses. Captain Bonde, formerly
of the 93rd Highlanders, and now colonel of artillery in the
Venezuelan army, claims, in a letter to a military contem¬
porary, that the required object will soon be attained by means
of meat meal,” a new manufacture of South America. This
meal is composed of shredded meat baked with leaven and
bruised oats into a sort of coarse bread, which horses readily
eat and thrive upon in a remarkable degree. The German
Government has already experimented with the compound,
and according to the report of their proceedings there would
seem fair reason to expect that meat meal will soon come
into general use for military purposes. A number of horses
belonging to the German cuirassiers were fed on meat meal,
instead of their usual ration of oats, previously to the last
autumn manoeuvres, and the report says that this squadron
showed marked superiority to the other horses throughout
the operations. So successful was the experiment, that the
Prussian War Office has given orders for it to be carried out
on a more extensive scale under the supervision of Professor
Dunkelberg, and should the results agree with the prelimi¬
nary test, the meal will become thenceforth a recognised form
of military supply. The Professor, who has already given
considerable attention to the matter, believes that the meal
would also be found very useful in racing stables, as it does
not produce fat, but goes to form hard muscle. Captain
Bonde supports this theory with his own personal experience;
Having served a good deal in South America in a military
capacity, he bears testimony to the superior hardiness of the
horses fed there with meat meal instead of ordinary forage.
In presence of this evidence, no time ought to be lost in the
institution of experiments by our own Government. England,
more than any country in the world, is deeply interested in
discovering some more portable forage than those on which
her widely-scattered forces have now to depend, and if meat
meal supplies this want, without being too expensive — on
that important head Captain Bonde is silent— our cavalry
ought certainly to be supplied with it as soon as possible. —
The Globe.

LIII.

33

486

ABORTION IN COWS.

Tiie following circular, which had been drawn up in compli¬
ance with a previous resolution, was then read, and adopted after
a short discussion on the advisability of publishing the last
question, Mr. G. F. Roumieu expressing his belief that the con¬
tagious nature of the disorder was a subject upon which reliable
conclusions could only be formed by scientific men. This view
was not, however, upheld by the Chairman and other speakers.

To tiie Members of the British Dairy Farmers'

Association.

In order to obtain a full inquiry into the causes of abortion in
cows, with a view to the publication in the Journal of a paper
on this subject, the following questions have been furnished at
the request of the Council by Professor Axe, of the Royal Vete¬
rinary College. Members who have had case of abortion among
their cattle, and who have paid any attention to the circumstances
connected therewith, are requested to kindly answer these ques¬
tions as fully as possible in the order in which they are given,
and to address replies to the care of the Hon. Secretary, British
Dairy Farmers' Association, 446, Strand, London, W.C. Each
answer should be headed with the number of the question it
refers to.

1. Give the number and breed of cows in stock at the time
when abortion prevailed, the proportion of pregnant animals, and
the percentage of cows affected.

2. At what season of the year did the malady occur, and at
what period of utero-gestation.

3. State the age of the cows having aborted, and the number
of calves they have previously had, and if in any it has occurred
more than once.

4. What was their condition in regard to flesh and general
health ?

5. State the condition of weather prevailing at the time and
previously to the event.

6. Were the affected beasts housed or at pasture?

7. State the nature, quantity, and quality of food used during
the three months prior to and at the time of abortion taking
place ; and note any sudden change that may have been made
immediately prior to the event.

8. Indicate the source and quality of the water used, and the
general system of management adopted.

0. Were all the cows that aborted in calf to the same bull,

ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY OF ENGLAND. 487

and is there any marked disproportion of size or age between the
former and the latter — or any want of vigour on the part of the
bull ?

10. Were any signs of ill-health, such as foot-and-mouth dis¬
ease, or any other ailment, noted before or after abortion ?

11. Can you refer abortion to any of the following causes,
viz : — Goring or squeezing, severe exertion, such as running or
leaping, or being leaped upon by other cows or young bulls, to
fright, sudden surprise or excitement, as produced by thunder,
hounds, &c., &c., to any offensive odour, or access to the cleans¬
ing of a recently calved cow, or to the cow herself.

12. Have you any reason to suspect as the cause of abortion
any plant, such as the horse-tails or sedges, savin, foxglove,
ergotised grain, or rusted straw, any medicament, salted food, or
roots grown with artificial manure ?

13. Do you consider it contagious? if so, state fully the fads
on which your opinion is based.

Mr, E. C. Tisdall observed that he hoped replies to the
questions wrnuld not be restricted to the members of the Asso¬
ciation, as it was essential, in order to effect a successful result
of the object aimed at, to obtain the opinions of as many
breeders as possible. He also hoped that some of the editors of
the agricultural journals would have a few words to say on the
subject.

The Hon. Sec. was accordingly instructed to write to the
papers to that effect.

A vote of thanks to Lord Chesham for presiding closed the
proceedings. — Mark Lane Express and Agricultural Journal.

ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY OE ENGLAND.

Monthly Council, Wednesday, June 2nd, 1880. Present, the Duke
of Bedford, President, in the chair.

REPORT OF VETERINARY COMMITTEE.

The Hon. W. Lgerton (chairman) reported that the committee had
received from Dr. Greenfield the following report on the investigation
into anthrax and allied diseases at the Brown Institution :

In my former report, published in the last volume of the Society s
Journal , I gave the results of my experiments so far as they were com¬
pleted to the middle of February.

It may be remembered that the chief results of the experiments,
briefly stated, were —

1. That splenic fever may be transmitted to a bovine animal by direct
inoculation from a rodent; that the disease thus given, though severe
and possibly fatal, is not usually so, and that the modified attack of the

488

ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY OF ENGLAND.

disease confers a certain degree of protection from subsequent attacks
communicated in the same way ; so far, at any rate, as the experiments
had been carried.

2. I showed also that the fungus which constitutes the essential con-
tagium, when grown in successive generations in a cultivating fluid, was
still capable of giving rise to the disease, being in one case fatal to a
cow in the first generation, in another fatal to a sheep in the fourth
generation. My experiments also showed that an attack thus commu¬
nicated, causing severe symptoms, appeared to be equally protective
against results from future inoculations with the disease given directly
from the guinea-pig.

I pointed out that, although I applied as severe tests as were at my
command to ascertain the degree of protection conferred, it was yet
desirable to perform the more crucial test of direct contagion from
another bovine animal ; and that, if the experiments were successful,
tbe precise method of performing the protective inoculation, and the
durability of the protection, would require further investigation. Having
regard, also, to the small number of animals as yet experimented on, it
would be desirable to repeat similar trials on others.

Keeping these points in view, I have continued the experiments, and
have inoculated two other animals with similar results. In one case
also which had just recovered from the first attack at the time of my
report, I have ascertained by further inoculations that protection had
been conferred. Thus in all, I have added three more to the cases of
success by this method. In one of these the disease was given by the
fourth generation of the cultivated fungus, and the symptoms were
severe.

So far as concerns the crucial experiment, that of exposure to direct
contagion from another bovine animal, I have not as yet had any oppor¬
tunity of making it, and am still waiting the occurrence of some outbreak,
of which I hope we may receive early information. But I have just
received some material from other animals which is known to be highly
infectious, and am about to make experiments with it.

Since my previous report another very interesting and equally im¬
portant point has become clear, which may, I hope, prove of great
value in future. It is that, when the virus of the disease (the fungoid
organism known as Bacillus anlhracis) is artificially cultivated in an in¬
different fluid, by the method of successive generations which I have
described in my report, each succeesive generation becomes less active
than its predecessor, and when inoculated, acts not only with less
intensity, but more gradually, and often in a somewhat different manner.
This modification takes place to such a degree that when the cultivation
has been carried to the 14th or 15th generation it may be introduced
with impunity into the system of a mouse, which is one of the animals
most susceptible to the poison.

Apart from its scientific interest, this fact will doubtless prove to be
of practical value, for by its means it will be possible to obtain a virus
of sufficient activity to produce an attack of the disease which shall be
protective, but not of sufficient severity to be dangerous, or in any way
injurious to the animal inoculated.

With regard to any apprehended ill-effect upon the animals thus inocu¬
lated, I may say that the cows which we have used have thriven
remarkably well, and none so well as that which has been more severely
tested.

I hope in a future report to give the details of these investigations,
which have necessary been extensive and complicated.

ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY OF ENGLAND.

489

I venture, therefore, to urge upon the Society the importance of
continuing these experiments so as to bring them to a complete and
decisive result. In order to this, further outlay in the purchase and
keep of animals and other expenses will be necessary, which will involve
the renewal of the grant for the ensuing six months.

Dr. Greenfield’s chief difficulty had been to obtain early information
of the outbreaks of splenic apoplexy and quarter-evil.

With reference to the resolution of the Council at the last meeting
concerning an investigation into fluke disease, Professor Simonds had
reported as follows :

Having in my capacity as Consulting Veterinary Surgeon been re¬
quested to consider the terms of this resolution, and advise the Committee
in reference thereto, I submit that such inquiry should be undertaken,
and that a commission should be appointed for the purpose.

1. It is desirable that an approximate estimate of the extent of the
loss which has taken place chiefly among cattle and sheep should be
formed.

2. That an explanation of the circumstances of the disease having
prevailed to the greatest extent in the Midland, South, and South-
Western Counties, and been comparatively of little importance in the
Northern division of the kingdom, and in Scotland should be given.

3. That correct information may be widely distributed as to the best
means to be adopted to prevent the fluke epizootic, more especially in
seasons of the greatest danger, such as that of 1879, and for the treat¬
ment of infected animals, with a view to arrest the progress of the
malady.

4. That fresh investigations be made into the life-history of the fluke,
doubts having been expressed by agriculturists and others of the correct¬
ness of the description given of the method of its development and
entrance into the bodies of animals.

5. That the statements in particular of sheep becoming affected in
some water-meadows and not in others in the same district and at the
same period of the year, be tested by direct experiment.

6. That investigations and experiments be also made to determine
whether embryos of flukes cannot be conveyed by other means, especially
by the bay cut from wet and low-lying meadows, as well as by the feed¬
ing of animals the on grass or partaking of the water in such situations.

The Committee recommended that, under head No. 3, a paper should
be written for the Journal on the practical treatment of the disease and
the conditions under which it is developed ; and under head No. 4, that
Professor Rolleston should be asked to write a report on the life-history
and development of the fluke, and to make local inquiries into the
subject. The Committee applied for a grant to be placed at their dis¬
posal to enable them to carry out these investigations.

Mr. Dent stated that the Journal Committee had considered the report
of the Veterinary Committee, and proposed to invite Professor Rolleston
to undertake the scientific portion of the inquiry into the nature of the
fluke disease, and a competent gentleman to investigate and report upon
the recent outbreak, and the best practical measures that have been or
may be carried out for its prevention and cure. With respect to the
practical portion of the inquiry, it was thought that the gentleman
selected should himself go into the districts which were particularly
affected, and also, if he considered it necessary, into the districts only
partially affected. From the reports already sent to the Secretary, it
was evident that any well-informed person would have no difficulty in
finding out much valuable information. Then there was the question

490

ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY OF ENGLAND.

raised by Mr. Rawlence of flukes being found in tbe livers of calves
which had never tasted anything but their mothers’ milk. It was im¬
portant that such matters should be investigated; and he might add
that Professor Simonds was ready to give any assistance that lay in his
power. Some gentlemen supposed that the disease might be transmitted
by the hay made in wet and low-lying meadows, and the botanical
authorities would also be glad to give their assistance to the practical man
who might be appointed. Mr. Dent added that he could not help think¬
ing they might get a paper which would interest agriculturists very
much, and be of considerable service in warning them as to treatment,
both preventive and curative. As Chairman of the Journal Committee,
he was chiefly anxious to get a paper which the farmers would read ;
but he hoped the Council would agree to an investigation of both the
practical and scientific parts of the subject.

Mr. Jabez Turner said he should like to say a few words on the prac¬
tical side of the question. He had that morning received information
which showed that the subject of flukes, in both sheep and cattle, and
their development, was very imperfectly understood in certain districts ;
and he thought that the proposed inquiry, if undertaken, should be a
very full one. He was in possession of particulars from the County of
Huntingdon of two young and valuable horses dying from the effects of
these creatures, and also a statement of flocks of sheep which has been
lost, in some parts to the extent of 70 per cent., and in other parts en¬
tirely, which have never been on water-meadows, but always kept on
high land. He trusted that if a commission were appointed it would
not entirely consist of scientific gentlemen and veterinary surgeons, but
that men of practical character would be associated with it.

Mr. James Rawlence , referring to his remarks at the last Council
meeting, said he was now able to incontestibly prove the accuracy of his
statement as to flukes being found in the livers of young calves which
had never had access to any food other than milk from the cow, as in his
presence the veterinary surgeon had cut out the flukes from the livers
of such animals.

Mr. Randell confessed that his business at the Council meeting wras
simply and solely to oppose the application for a grant of £500 to inquire
into the question of fluke disease, which, he saw from the agenda, was
about to be asked for. He was, however, very glad to find that the com-
mitte did not now think of expending so large a sum ; and he fully ad¬
mitted that one part of the inquiry which they proposed to make was
likely to be of great value. He denied the necessity of inquiring into
the extent to which flocks have been affected ; that was, unfortunately,
sufficiently known. He denied also that it was necessary to inquire into
the means of preventing rot in sheep. The means had been known for
generations. Sheep would be rotten iff put on water-meadows and un¬
drained clay land in wet seasons ; but he was quite convinced that the
disease might be prevented on other descriptions of land. This could
be done by getting sheep in the habit of licking salt, which they should
always be in a position to have free access to. Under these circum¬
stances it was only upon land where no man in his senses would put
sheep that there was any danger. He did not like to parade his own
practice ; but he might be pardoned for doing so on this occasion. The
farm which he held was a notoriously rotten farm before he took it.
Since it came into his occupation, which was more than forty years ago,
the number of sheep kept upon the farm had been more then quadrupled,
andjyet he had not had one rotten sheep during the whole of that time.
He could give instances of other farms where the same thing had hap-

ROYAL COLLEGE OE VETERINARY SURGEONS.

491

pened. He was very glad to see that it was not proposed to carry out
the recommendation of Professor Simonds, that an inquiry should be
undertaken as to the extent of the disease, and seeing the fact was
patent that rot could be prevented by using proper means, and had been
insisted upon in the agricultural journals for the last hundred years, he
thought they should incur no further expense under that head. The
theory that an abundance of salt was hurtful was contrary to his own
experience, which proved that no harm whatever occurred to sheep
which had constant access to salt from the time of their birth. The com¬
mittee having modified the proposed grant and altered the scope of the
inquiry, under all the circumstances of the case [he was inclined to coin¬
cide with their views, and he therefore begged to second the adoption of
the report.

Mr. Bowly thought the money would be very well laid out. An
instance similar to that mentioned by Mr. Rawlence had been brought
before the Cirencester Chamber of Agriculture on Monday. A ten-
weeks’-old calf, which had never tasted anything but milk, was found to
be full of flukes. He admitted that salt was a very gO)d thing, although
last year his own experience was that it perfectly failed.

The Earl of Ravensw or th said he had taken a little trouble, since the
Council last met, to inquire from really practical men the losses in their
experience. He hoped to obtain some more explicit information, but in
the mean time he should like to mention one curious fact. It was in
reference to the Border itself, and he could not find that where ordinary
caution and wisdom had been exercised in herding the sheep on hillsides
that one case of rot had occurred. As many members of the Council
were aware, on the borders of Northumberland and Cumberland there
were certain mosses or “ floes,” and great outbeaks had occurred in those
places. That in itself indicated that if fair and reasonable precautions
were taken these serious losses might be obviated. On his own estate,
in the case of two tenants, the land was very peculiar, being very strong
clay, where drainage was very difficult owing to the want of fall, and
almost the whole of the sheep had been lost. On other parts of the
estate the animals had not suffered. He mentioned this latter fact to
show the local character of the disease.

Colonel Kingscote said his only fear was that it would be found perfectly
impossible to accomplish what the Council wanted for anything like the
sum named. So many people would be anxious to give evidence ; and
if the gentleman chosen to conduct the practical investigation was ex¬
pected to go east, west, north, and south, he was sure he would not be
able to do it.

The Hon. IF Egerton said that the intention of the committee was that
the gentleman should have the assistance of all information coming to
the office of the Society, and that he should seek out such other facts
as would enable him to prepare a useful report for the Journal.

The report of the committee was then adopted.

ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS.

SPECIAL MEETINGS OF COUNCIL, FIELD WEDNESDAY,

JUNE 16th, 1880.

Present: — The President in the
Fitzwygram ; Messrs. Batt, Blakeway,

chair; Professor Axe; Sir F.
Cartwright, Coates, Collins, Cox,

492

ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS.

Dollar, Dray, Freeman, Greaves, Harpley, Morgan, Reynolds, Taylor,
Whittle, Woods, and the Secretary.

The Secretary read the notice convening the meeting.

The Secretary laid on the table the Attendance Book of Members.

The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed.

A copy of the Annual Report from the Veterinary Department of the
Privy Council was laid on the table, and a vote of thanks was awarded
for the same.

Application was made for the Diploma of the Royal College of Vete¬
rinary Surgeons by members holding the Highland and Agricultural
Society’s Certificate, which had been verified by the Principals of the
various Colleges.

Diplomas were granted.

Letters were received from Messrs. Cartwright, Cox, and Dunn,
acknowledging the honour of election as Vice-Presidents.

Letters were also received from Professors Simonds, Walley, and
Williams, and Mr. Robertson, of Kelso, regretting their inability to
attend the meeting.

The Secretary stated that he had received a letter from a Mr. H. Wand,
stating that, on account of an attack of congestion of the lungs, he had
been unable to pursue his studies in order to obtain the certificate from
his teachers.

The President said that Mr. Wand must be informed that he must
study the requisite number of terms, and forward the usual certificate.

'The President said that a letter had been received from Professor
Bentley, asking the date of the examination in July.

The Secretary said that, in a letter received from Professor Simonds,
he had fixed the 6th of July.

The President said it would be well to inquire of Professor Simonds
whether there was to be a first examination.

The Secretary said he had received a letter from Mr. W. T. Olive, of
Briton Ferry, Glamorganshire, asking what are the conditions of regis¬
tration in the Supplementary Charter of August last. He had been in
practice since 1860, but he was not a holder of the Highland and Agri¬
cultural Society’s certificate. He was informed, in reply, that registra¬
tion under the Supplemental Charter was only given to those gentlemen
who held such certificate.

A letter had also been received from Mr. Edward Davies, dated
18th May, in which he stated that he had attended four sessions at
Edinburgh, and that he came up for the minor examination under the
old rules twice, and was rejected. He asked on what terms he might
start under the new rules.

The Secretary was instructed to reply that Mr. Davies must commence
de novo.

The Penal Clause.

The Secretary , referring to the motion which had been brought for¬
ward at the end of the Annual General Meeting held in Edinburgh by
Mr. Dollar, in regard to the Penal Act, stated that he had since received
three letters from the Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Liverpool Veterinary
Medical Societies, in support of the above-mentioned Act.

The President said that, as Mr. Dollar was now a member of the
Council and a vice-President, he would be able to bring forward his
motion in the proper way.

The Secretary was instructed to acknowledge receipt of the three
communications.

ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS.

493

General Sir F. Fit zwy gram's Motion.

The consideration of the notice of motion given by Sir F. Fitzwygram
as to the advisability of appointing a second Examiner in each subject in
the Pass Examination was postponed on account of the absence of Mr.
Williams, who had expressed his desire to be present at the meeting,
but who had written to say he was unable to be present.

Mr. Fleming's Motion.

The President moved : “ That steps be immediately taken to obtain an
Act of Parliament for the protection of the title of Veterinary Surgeon.”
He had no doubt they were all acquainted with the terms of the motion,
and of the feeling of the profession in regard to it. He had nothing
more to say in the matter. He believed the Council had expressed its
opinion that steps should be taken to carry out the terms of the motion,
and it now remained for them to say what steps should be taken. He
would leave the matter in the hands of the Council, and he would
suggest that no time should be lost in taking those steps.

Mr. Greaves said he had always had a strong feeling in favour
of getting what would be a simple act of justice done to the veteri¬
nary surgeons of England. He was present at the Veterinary Medical
Associations when this matter was brought before them, and also at
another association in Belfast. He could assure the Council that the
feeling throughout the country had been strongly in favour of obtain¬
ing an Act to retain the penal clause to prevent men calling themselves
veterinary surgeons who were not veterinary surgeons. Up to the
present time they had had the difficulty of the Highland Society operat¬
ing against them, because the members of that Society were not mem-
bers of the College. Now that that difficulty had been superseded,
there seemed to be no obstacle in the way. He thought the time had
come when Parliament should be applied to for an Act, and that as soon
as possible. Pie asked the President what the possible cost of obtaining
the Act would amount to ?

The President said he could form no estimate.

Mr. Collins proposed the appointment of a small committee to consider
the matter, and to report to the next meeting what steps they proposed
to take.

Mr. P. Taylor seconded the motion.

The President suggested that the small committee should be merged
into the Parliamentary Committee. This being agreed to,

The appointment of the Parliamentary Committee was then proceeded
with, and the following gentlemen were elected as members :

The President, Sir F. Fitzwygram, Messrs. Batt, Collins, and Cox,
Mr. Dollar, Mr. Greaves, Mr. Harpley, and Mr. Woods (three to form
a quorum).

The following motion, of which notice had been given by the Presi¬
dent, also came up for consideration : — “ That before a medical gentleman
is allowed to appear for any examination, he shall furnish sufficient
evidence as to the legal qualification he holds in medicine or surgery.”

The President said it was well-known in different parts of the country
that diplomas were issued which conferred no legal status at all in
medicine, and the veterinary profession, with other bodies of a similar
kind, were exposed to be imposed upon by men who held the medical
diplomas. He thought that those who came up to receive a diploma
should give evidence that they were qualified members of the medical
profession in some part of the world or another. He, himself, had an
instance of one gentleman coming up for examination, and he did not

494

ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS.

know be was a medical gentleman until after he had examined him;
but the College had no evidence that he was a medical gentleman. He
thought it was necessary that such evidence should be furnished, in
order to make the College secure. He begged to move the resolution.

Mr. Reynolds seconded the motion.

Mr. Collins asked what constituted legal evidence. There were certain
universities and colleges abroad that were supposed to be recognised
or not recognised as the case might be ; but there was no definite rule
laid down. If the bye-laws were carried out strictly, it would not be
necessary to obtain legal evidence. If they were legally qualified
practitioners, what further evidence was necessary ?

The President pointed out that the bye-law did not lay down anything
with regard to presenting the legal testimony. It was only taken for
granted. It had been settled by the Council that the standard of the
Royal College of Surgeons, or the Royal College of Physicians, should be
taken as a guide in this matter. These were the bodies which were most
likely to know what schools gave a proper medical course of study, and
what schools issued a proper qualification. The motion he proposed
made it compulsory on the candidate to present his diploma of qualifica¬
tion in order that the Council might not be imposed upon.

Sir F. Fitzwygram thought there was a misunderstanding about the
matter. He did not think any man could present a medical diploma
recognised by law unless he was on the General Medical Register. Mr.
Loch had told him that no diploma whatever was recognised by law
except the diplomas of those on the General Medical Register. If a
man showed that he was on that Register there was an end of the
matter.

At this point the Secretary read from the Calendar of the Royal Col¬
lege of Surgeons the names of the recognised medical faculties in
foreign countries.

The President said it was well known that the Royal College of Phy¬
sicians and the Royal College of Surgeons recognised certain medical
faculties in America and the Continent as legal faculties, which were
qualified to give diplomas in medicine. He thought they would find in
the bye-laws that that was the case. The rules of the colleges he had
mentioned also recognised certain medical schools especially in America.
The Royal College had a case lately where, on inquiry, it was found
that the diploma was of no legal value.

Mr. Greaves wished to ask whether none but those whose names were
on the Register of the Royal College of Surgeons or the Royal College
of Physicians could be listened to. Although the name was not on the
Register, still he ought to be allowed to come up for examination if the
investigation into his case was satisfactory.

Sir F. Fitzwygram said that the present rule only allowed those whose
names were on the English Medical Register, and if they admitted
gentlemen with qualified foreign diplomas they would have to enlarge
their existing law.

The President said that the impression on his mind was that medical
gentlemen holding a qualification from a medical faculty recognised by
the Royal College of Burgeons or the Royal College of Physicians were
competent to study under the bye-laws of the Royal College of Vete¬
rinary Surgeons. If his impression was erroneous the Council had been
acting wrongly, because two American gentlemen had claimed and re¬
ceived the benefit of the bye-law.

Mr. Morgan proposed as an amendment : — “ That no gentleman be
allowed to escape the first term before he comes up for examination
whose name is not on the British Medical Register.”

ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS.

495

Mr. Collins seconded the motion. It was a clear and defined line. It
could thus be ascertained whether the applicant was a member of the
English Colleges or not. If he were a foreigner the information could
not be so well obtained.

The "President wished, before the amendment was put, to inform the
Council that it would place the Examining Board rather in a fix. Already
at Edinburgh there was an American gentleman studying who applied
to be exempted from the first term ; but it was discovered in reference to
the rules of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons that his diploma
was not recognised in this country ; therefore he had to study the full
term. And he thought there was another gentleman at the Royal Vete¬
rinary College, also an American, and that he was exempted from the first
term of study. When he came up for his final examination what was
to be done with him ? lie would have to go back to his first term of
study.

Mr. Collins said that in this case an exception might be made.

Prof. Axe said it was worth while considering if they, as a Council,
had power to reject a pupil who was presented to them for exami¬
nation.

Mr. Taylor asked whether if the applicant said he had the diploma of
some college he should forego the first term of study.

Prof. Axe said it seemed to him to be a question of arrangement
between the student and the College. He simply suggested to the Council
that it would be worth while to consider whether, on a student coming
up for his first examination, receiving his certificate from a college, the
Council had the power to reject him.

Mr. Cox asked what college was referred to.

Prof. Axe said he meant any college. Supposing a gentleman entered
himself as a student at any of the recognised schools in England or
Scotland, the College would admit him on certain terms, providing he
should attend two or three sessions as the case might be, on considera¬
tion that he had passed certain examinations abroad. If the colleges
admitted him, had the Council power to reject him or decline to examine
him.

The President said that the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
could not give a diploma to unworthy students. It had the right
to obtain the fullest proof that the gentleman who presented himself
was a legally qualified medical gentleman because he was exempted
from a very important period of study. This object in bringing the
motion forward was to furnish the Royal College with proof that a man
was really a well -qualified man at a properly legalised university or
faculty of medicine. He thought that the Royal College should exer¬
cise every care in ascertaining who those were upon whom they inten¬
ded to confer their diploma.

Prof. Axe said that the way in which the matter was put seemed to
suggest that there was an obstacle. He took it that it was not within
the province of the Council or of the Examiners to decide on the quali¬
fications of a man by his antecedents. If a gentleman presented him¬
self he thought it was for the Council and Examiners to decide on his
qualifications by the merit he manifested in his examination, and not by
the fact as to whether he had passed through any college or was
exempted or not at any school. It seemed to him that schools were
responsible for the gentlemen they received for teaching purposes. He
did not think, from the manner in which the matter was put, that the
Council was in a legal position.

Mr. Cox said that the Council surely had the power to determine

493

ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS.

under what circumstances the student might offer himself. It seemed
very important that there should be a rule for the College as to whom
they would present. The difficulty seemed rather to be in determining
as to which medical faculties, colonial or foreign, should be accepted.

The President then put Mr. Morgan’s amendment to the meeting.

Mr. Collins withdrew his seconding of the motion, because he said he
was not aware when he seconded it that so many different colleges were
recognised by the Royal College of Surgeons.

The amendment was lost, and the President’s motion was put and
carried.

The names of three members had been received as candidates for
Fellowship Degree.

On the motion of Mr. Cox, seconded by Mr. Freeman,

The President, Mr. Collins, Prof. Duguid, and a member of the Col¬
lege of Preceptors, were reappointed Examiners for the Fellowship
Degree.

It was resolved that the examinations take place in London on the 6th
of Juty, and that the examinations in Scotland would be held at the
usual period if there were any students to examine.

Flection of Committees.

The following gentlemen were elected members of the various Com¬
mittees :

Museum Committee. — The President, Professor Pritchard, Professor
Axe, and Mr. Coates.

Finance Committee. — Messrs. Cartwright, Greaves, Harpley, Morgan,
Taylor, and Coates.

House Committee. — Messrs. Batt, Greaves, Harpley, and Pritchard.

Register Committee. — The President, Messrs. Coates and Collins.

Sir F. Fitzwygram and Messrs. Collins and Dollar were appointed as
a small committee to take into consideration some better means as to
the mode of voting paper for the annual elections.

On the recommendation of Mr. Coates, it was resolved not to print
the Register until after the examinations, as it would be desirable to enter
the names of those who would then be admitted.

Library Committee. — Professor Axe, Mr. Blakeway, and Mr. Harpley
were appointed members of this committee.

New Building for the College.

The President again called attention to this subject and to the necessity
of some active steps being taken in the matter. He thought the pro¬
fession had some claim on the Farriers’ Company, who had plenty of
funds, and who would, no doubt, be willing to assist in the matter.

In the course of some conversation it was suggested that a deputation
should be appointed to wait on the Farriers’ Company in order to lay
the views of the Council before them. It was also suggested that re¬
presentations should be made to the Government on the subject, but
the feeling of the Council seemed to be that the present session would
be rather inopportune. It was subsequently arranged that Mr. Batt,
who was connected with the Company, should make inquiries privately
as to the feelings of the Company in regard to the proposal, and to
report the result to the Council at the next meeting. Also that next
Parliamentary Session a quorum of the Parliamentary Committee be
appointed to wait upon the Lord President of the Council in order to
present their views.

ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS. 497

The names of Professors Simonds, Brown, Pritchard, Axe, Walley,
and Williams, were added to the Parliamentary Committee.

The Secretary read the result of the Fitzwygram prizes, as follows :

The Fitzwygram Veterinary Frizes.

These prizes were open to all students who graduated at the Royal
College of Veterinary Surgeons, and to the students who had obtained
their diplomas during 1879-80.

The Examiners were Mr. H. J. Cartwright, of Wolverhampton, Mr.
Thos. Greaves, Manchester, and Mr. Falconer King, of the School of
Medicine, Edinburgh.

The names of three candidates only were entered on the list : one
from the Royal Veterinary College, one from the Edinburgh Veterinary
College, and one from the Edinburgh New Veterinary College.

The Written Examination took place in London and Edinburgh on
Tuesday, 4th May, and Wednesday, 5th.

The following is the result :

Materia

Anatomy.

Physiology.

Pathology.

Chemistry.

Medica.

Botany.

300

300

300

100

125

75

Total.

No. 35

. 235

. 215

200

. 46 .

84 .

44 .

824

„ 37

. 250

. 245

. 275

. 78 .

120 .

52 .

1020

„ 38

. 165

. 250

. 215

. 36

91 .

46 .

803

Mr. James Wood Ingram, No. 37, of the New Veterinary College,
Edinburgh, was the only one who obtained qualifying marks in each
subject ; the other two (Nos. 35 and 38) failed.

The First Prize (£50) therefore is awarded to Mr. Ingram ; there
being no other qualified competitor he was not required to go through
the examination in Part 2 (practical).

To No. 35 the Donor kindly presented £15 ; ditto to No. 38 £10.

The terms of the competition were : that each competitor should
obtain two thirds of the marks allotted to each subject.

Mr. W. II. Coates officiated as Superintendent.

A. W. Hill, Secretary.

Mr. Foliar moved “ That a committee be appointed to consider the
best steps to make Clause 12 of the Supplementary Charter available for
the benefit of the profession, and to report thereon.” He explained his
motives for bringing forward the motion, remarking that the present
clause was a “ white elephant,” and was of no use to the profession. He
was of opinion that a set of rules should be drawn up by the Council to
define their disciplinary powers, the same as were held by the other
professions.

After some conversation the subject was allowed to drop.

The President gave notice that he would move “ That on and after the
year 1884, no candidate for the diploma of membership shall be allowed
to present Himself for the final examination unless he shall have given
sufficient proof that he has served a pupilage of at least one year with
a duly-qualified member of the profession, and during that time has
conducted himself satisfactorily.

A SECOND SPECIAL MEETING
Was then held, to take into consideration the amendment of Bye-law
No. 4 by Mr. James Collins.

Mr. Collins said that this was a matter affecting the votes of members
abroad, particularly the army members serving in India, and asked leave

498

CENTRAL VETERINARY MEDICAL SOCIETY.

of the Council to refer the matter to the Committee that had already
been appointed in connection with the votes of scrutineers.

This was agreed to.

To suit the convenience of members from a distance it was resolved,
on the motion of Mr. BlaJceway , seconded by Mr. Dray , that the time of
the Council meetings should in future be 3 o’clock instead of 4.

The Council then adjourned.

CENTRAL VETERINARY MEDICAL SOCIETY.

At an ordinary meeting of this Society, held at. No. 10, Red Lion
Square, W.C., on June 3rd, in the absence of the President, Professor
Axe took the chair.

The Chairman introduced a specimen, together with a sketch made
during the process of bone production, more especially to show the
very perfect condition the limb exhibited, inasmuch as it appeared
a very material improvement upon the pathological changes which had
previously ensued upon an accident relating to it. In Mr. Olver’s
(Tamworth) communication he said: “In October, 1878, being in
attendance on some horses at a farm, I was asked to look at a yearling
heifer that had fractured its near hind leg a fortnight previously. The
owner of the animal had attempted to set it (but in an unsatisfactory
manner) by encasing it within four straight boards, and wrapping the
whole with bandages saturated in tar. The weight of the appliances
in themselves scarcely permitted the animal to move, and it was very
emaciated and suffering great pain. The owner expressed a wish to
have everything done that was possible. I removed the so-called
splints and bandages, dressed the wound at the front of the fetlock,
extending up the metatarsal bone, with carbolic acid, covering it with
a plaster-of-Paris bandage. Observed a change on October 25th, when
I again applied a plaster bandage higher up the front, leaving an open¬
ing for discharges, and dressed the wound and passage with carbolised
acid, in the proportions of one part to seven, regularly applied night and
morning, and ordered the animal to be kept quiet and well fed. On
November 29th I took off the bandage, when the whole lower third of
the metatarsal bone came away, which I kept and sent to Professor
Axe. At that time I applied another bandage on the previous one to
strengthen the leg.”

The Chairman said he asked to be allowed the leg for dissection when¬
ever the animal was slaughtered, which was just lately, when he received
the piece of bone, and heard from Mr. Olver that she had made a capital
carcase, and had grazed in the fields last summer, but was a little lame.
Mr. Olver had not examined the leg, and was curious to know how
nature had filled up the cavity. He concurred with Mr. Olver in be¬
lieving that, so far as the ox tribe was concerned, the specimen appeared
unique ; the portion of the leg was perfectly straight ; there was no
deformity in connection therewith. He received the specimen with a
portion of the plaster-of-Paris bandage upon it. He had made a careful
examination of the tendons and ligaments; they were in their natural
position, and seemed fused together by inflammatory growth. In
reference to the inferior part of the metatarsal- bone, it was perfectly rein¬
stated, and with the very slightest possible degree of deformity, which
only appeared in a slight bulging, due to original decay. Thought the
specimen exceedingly interesting, especially as Mr. Olver had detailed

CENTRAL VETERINARY MEDICAL SOCIETY. 499

the measures he adopted ; it served to illustrate, in a striking manner
how, under favorable conditions, when parts are placed in a state of rest,
they would become reinstated, notwithstanding that considerable portions
of the bone may slough away. He had known several instances of
broken bones of horses, but never saw anything like the present speci¬
men. In answer to inquiries, the Chairman further said the animal was
fed up fat for the butcher. The accident occurred about the 10th or
lltli; had then been lame a fortnight; it did not show whether it was
a tumour or a fracture. Five weeks after the event Mr. Olver removed
the piece of bone shown; on February 17th he removed the bandage,
on which date the animal, practically speaking, recovered. In four
months the bone was restored. The animal was killed only recently
(March 22nd), and he (the Chairman) received it to-day, about eighteen
months after the accident.

Mr. J. Moore doubted if one of the small bones originally came off the

leg-

The Chairman said the detached piece and metatarsal were just as re¬
ceived by him ; the latter had skin on, and a scar on the skin. The
small bone was taken out five weeks after the accident. New-forming
growths of bone increased very considerably ; it had been six weeks
altogether detached from the source of nutrition. The periosteum was
removed from it, severed from the blood-circulation, isolated from
nutrition, dry, and shrunk.

The Secretary said one could see the upper union.

Mr. Shaw observed there was ossification going on.

The Chairman said there was not the slightest doubt about the new
bone ; it bore every trace of having been fractured, or having a tumour.
He had stuffed the skin and the hoof; it was cumbersome or he would
have brought it that evening.

The Secretary said he presumed they were aware that in removing
diseased joints or other parts of bone in man it was very possible to
have a very free use of the limb again from the growth of fresh bone
that takes its place. He had witnessed an operation on a man where it
was expected. In horse practice there was little opportunity of seeing
how nature would recuperate the loss of bone, but in dog practice the
advantages offered were great, and nine cases out of ten do well ; in
some the growth of bone was incredible. A horse might do even better
than a dog if it would nurse its leg.

Mr. G. A. Banharn asked how the plaster was usually applied.

Mr. Hunting explained his method of applying it, and said he fre-
quently.used them; it was difficult to take them off. Seven or eight
years since he had a heiferwith a fractured metatarsal bone ; the animal,
which recovered, had had several calves since then-

Mr. Price had found a gutta-percha bandage better than the plaster-
of-Paris one. Cases of fracture should be bound round with cotton wool
or lint, and then covered with gutta percha, softened in hot water, right
round the limb ; it would then remain any length of time, and could be
removed easily by laying it open with a knife. In a few days, if the
limb swelled, a hot iron could be drawn round to expand the gutta
percha. lie thought it a capital thing ; it could be had any thickness,
and applied better than any other bandage.

Mr. Sheather observed it was better to apply a little oil to one’s
hands ; one could get the gutta percha on better .

Mr. A. Broad then read a paper on “Glanders and Farcy,” the dis¬
cussion on which was adjourned to the next meeting.

500

THE SCOTTISH METROPOLITAN VETERINARY
MEDICAL ASSOCIATION.

SPONTANEOUS DEVELOPMENT OF CONTAGIOUS

DISEASES.

A Paper read by Mr. Fleming.

Since the introduction of the experimental method of research into
the study of disease, great and striking progress has been made in general
and special pathology ; and while human medicine has been benefited
to a proportionate degree, veterinary medicine has largely shared in the
advantages it has conferred. And perhaps in no branch of medicine —
human or animal — have the benefits to be derived from the experimental
method been so marked as in the investigations into the nature of those
maladies we term “contagious,” “zymotic,” or “specific.” The spon¬
taneous origin of these disorders had, up to a comparatively recent
period, been a generally accepted notion — indeed, an article of faith or
doctrine which is, at least for some of these diseases, still held by
many medical and veterinary practitioners. But the doctrine of spon¬
taneous origin or generation did not alone find disciples among medical
men. Biologists and others believed that at least the more minute
organisms could be generated or developed cle novo , when circumstances
were favorable ; and only a few months ago a lively discussion agitated
the world of science as to whether microscopical germs might not be
created in particular fluids, under certain special conditions. This was
probably the last occasion on which we shall hear of spontaneous genera¬
tion ; for the admirably-conceived and well-executed experiments of
Pasteur, but more especially those of our own countryman, Tyndall,
appear to have set the question at rest for the present, if not for ever.
But it was not until the adoption of the experimental method in bio¬
logical research, by men of genius and unwearied industry, that the
question of so-called “ spontaneous generation ” obtained this definite
solution, and the doctrinal notions generally held up to the other day
only received so severe a blow that they may now be considered as
dispelled and defunct. These notions were certainly losing their hold
somewhat before the publication of the convincing demonstrations of
the experimenters I have just alluded to; and it is possible that the
increased intelligence developed by the rapid progress of scientific
research during the first half of this century did much to bring about
more reasonable opinions with regard to the generation of organised
bodies. From the very earliest times the most absurd ideas prevailed
with regard to the spontaneous creation of creatures — real or unreal—
and of the largest dimensions and most complex organisation ; and even
so late as the time of Spallanzani, the notion of spontaneous generation
was so fully and unreservedly believed in that it was popularly accepted
that creatures so large and perfect as mice could be developed cle novo.

But if the doctrine of spontaneous generation was in some respects
absurd in the extreme, yet it produced no very harmful results in a
general way ; and it was only when it asserted its sway in medicine that
baneful effects were observed. The desolating scourges of mankind
that swept over wide continents and carried off countless myriads of
people, were ascribed, in the earlier ages of the world, to an irate deity
or the vengeance of wrathful gods, whose murderous chastisements
could only be averted by sacrifices, charms, and incantations. In more
modern times, when superstition had less influence on the mind, these

SCOTTISH METROPOLITAN VETERINARY MEDICAL SOCIETY. 501

pestilences were sought for in, or attributed by the more learned to,
cosmical or terrestrial phenomena over which man had no control. The
doctrine of contagion was, it may be said, only very recently adopted
with regard to the most markedly transmissible of these disorders, and
it was far from being universally entertained by medical men or veteri¬
narians ; while even among those who most strongly favour it, it never
appears to have been doubted that these diseases could be spontaneously
generated through certain influences connected with atmospheric or
telluric phenomena. But it must be confessed that, among veterinary
surgeons in this country, up to a very late date, the doctrine of con¬
tagion was not received with much favour, if it was at all understood.
Certain it is, that when we were invaded by two of the most serious of all
the animal plagues, some forty years ago, their transmissibility from
diseased to healthy animals does not appear to have been suspected.
They were due to “ something-in-the air,” and as the action of this
“something” could not be controlled, or its effects averted, these
desolating pestilences were freely allowed to extend themselves every¬
where over the land, and to be carried to our colonies, where they con¬
tinue to ravage and destroy — a startling evidence of the results of
unacquaintance with their early history and lack of perception on the
part of those who then ruled in veterinary medicine in Britain. This
lack of knowledge, and stern belief of “ something-in-the-air ” theory of
disease, has been a source of terrible loss to the country during the
period mentioned, and has done more to bring our agriculture to its
present low ebb than almost any other cause which can be named. The
ever-memorable invasion of cattle plague in 1865 affords a painful
instance of the “ something-in-air ” and the “spontaneous-generation”
fallacy, when the public was misled, and the necessary measures neg-
glected, in order that these hobbies might be ridden. The lesson was a
most severe, but it was a useful one, and it did more to abolish these
fallacies, so far as they had reference to animal diseases of the contagious
class, than anything else that could have happened. Nay, even human
medicine reaped much benefit from the scourge, as it was most strik¬
ingly demonstrated how diseases which owe their existence to their
contagious properties only may be checked or completely suppressed.
Thus did public hygiene or state medicine receive one of its most potent
arguments for ample recognition by the country, and the advantages of
its application to the preservation of the health of mankind and animals
obtain its strongest proof.

I have alluded to the experimental method of investigation as that
which has done medicine most service in abolishing the spontaneous
generation notion of contagious diseases ; and it must be admitted that
we owe it to the microscope to having provided us with the clearest and
most satisfactory solution of the problem as to the cause of these dis¬
orders ; while the same instrument has lent invaluable aid in settling
the spontaneous development question.

To the microscope we are indebted for the establishment of the doc¬
trine of animate contagia, and for all the knowledge we possess as to
the physical characteristics of these contagia. It is true that, some
centuries ago, the most serious maladies of mankind were supposed to
be due to minute organisms, which invaded the body and produced the
disturbances that marked the course of the disorders. Thus ( Scrulimum
Physico Medicum C. Pestis dicitur , Rome, 1658), so long since as 1658,
asserted that animacules were the cause of malignant and pestilential
fevers, which differed in essence and symptoms according to the nature
and venoms of these creatures. The celebrated Dr. Mead {ftxposito
Mechanica Penenorum , 1749) entertained similar views with regard to

LUI.

502 SCOTTISH METROPOLITAN VETERINARY MEDICAL SOCIETY.

the plague; and in 1730 Dr. Thomas Fuller, who has given us the first
exact description we possess of sheep- pox in this country, is very
explicit. He writes : “ My settled opinion is, that in regard every
effect is necessarily such as its cause ; it must needs be that every sort
of venomous fever is produced by its proper and peculiar species of
virus. And that the manner and symptoms of every such fever is not
so much from the particular constitution of the sick as from the
different nature and genus of their specific venom which caused them.
And I conceive that venomous febrile matters differ, not in degree of
intenseness only, but in essence and toto genere also ; and that venemous
fevers are for the most part contagious.” {Exanthematologia, or an Account
of Eruptive Fevers, especially the Measles and Small-poo:: London, 1730.)
Dr. Fuller also speaks of the contagia as particulate, or consisting of
particles.

But it must be confessed that the notions regarding contagious dis¬
eases were hazy in the extreme, and it was not until the experimental
method and the microscope had been introduced into pathological re¬
search that our knowledge of them began to be exact and comprehen¬
sive. The idea that the active principles of the contagia were vital, and
that each possessed individual characters, was until then mere speculation.

I think the time has now arrived when the knowledge thus acquired
should be utilised in formulating something like fixed principles with
regard to these diseases, and deciding once and for all whether con¬
tagious disorders can or cannot be spontaneously generated. From
almost every-day evidence it would seem that no definite opinions are
held on this point; and in our own profession the preponderating
tendency is, perhaps, to consider them as capable of being originated,
at least in some instances, without any pre-existing contagium. This
appears to be the case, at any rate, with two diseases — rabies and
glanders. I have myself held this opinion, and am ready and willing to
confess that, whenever I am confronted with convincing evidence of
error, I am not ashamed to admit that I entertained erroneous ideas.
We may be wise at twenty, but we should be wiser at forty. For
certain other maladies of an exotic kind — as rinderpest, foot-and-mouth
disease, sheep-pox, and zymotic pleuro-pneumonia — I have never ad¬
mitted their possible spontaneous development, at least in this country ;
but with regard to glanders and rabies, I have, until not long ago,
remained in doubt. I am now entirely of opinion that no contagious
disease can be so generated, and the reasons for arriving at this opinion
I will give.

By the term contagious or infectious, I do not refer to those disorders
solely due to animal or vegetable parasites, of which scabies and tinea
may be taken as examples ; it is generally accepted, I believe, that the
acari and epiphytes producing these diseases cannot be developed except
from pre-existing organisms of the same kind. By the above terms I
mean maladies which are transmitted from a sick animal to a healthy
one by mutual touch or contact, or by particles of matter from the
former, suspended in the atmosphere or carried by various media —
particles which find admission into the system of the exposed animal
by one channel or another, and constitute what is designated the “ con¬
tagium ” or “virus ” of these diseases. What differentiates this poison
from other animal poisons, such as that of reptiles or septicaemia, is that
the minutest quantity will, when introduced into the body, produce its
effects as certainly as the largest, owing to its peculiar property of in¬
definite multiplication, and give rise to as marked effects in the
thousandth generation as in the first.

SCOTTISH METROPOLITAN VETERINARY MEDICAL SOCIETY. 503

With many of the diseases — according to some authorities, with all
— certain organisms have been discovered in the blood and other fluids,
which are looked upon as the special agents in producing the charac¬
teristic effects that mark each disease. These organisms are the so-called
“germs;” and the theory which now generally finds acceptance among
the more advanced pathologists, with the regard to the production of
these maladies, is named the “ germ theory.” This theory is certainly
the most satisfactory which has ever been proposed to account for the
production, course, and extension of these diseases ; and it is supported
by all the facts that present themselves in our study of these affections.
The particles or germs of a contagium may well and aptly be compared
to the germs in the seeds of plants. No plant can be produced without
seed, and the germ in this seed must be endowed with vitality — it must
be living. The seed requires a congenial or suitable soil, and other
accessory conditions, for the growth of its germ ; but when buried in
the soil, and placed in the most favorable condition for development,
it does not at once become a plant. There is a definite latent or germi-
native period in the evolution of every plant, during which nothing is
seen, but, nevertheless, germination is progressing; then comes the
eruptive period, when, certain changes having been accomplished, the
young plant becomes visible ; then arrives the stage of blossoming and
seed production — the seeds ripen, and every one of them can again,
under suitable conditions, reproduce the parent plant and multitudes
of germinal seeds. Every seed becomes converted into a plant exactly
like that which produced it : the seed of a carrot will not produce a
turnip, neither will an oat develop a thistle.

“Like genders like, potatoes Tatoes breed,

Uncostly cabbage springs from cabbage seed.”

The seed of each plant has its own special phases of evolution, which
are as peculiar to it as its physical or other attributes, and man can
effect but little in modifying these.

Zymotic or contagious diseases, such as those of which I am now
speaking, bear the strongest analogy to plants in this respect. Each, I
assert, has its own special germ, which can only develop its own parti¬
cular disorder — never any other. This germ can no more be spoil-
taneously developed than can the seed or the plant. It has a life, an
individuality of its own, which nothing can transmute or alter. As the
carrot seed will not grow into a turnip, nor the oat produce a thistle, so
neither will the germ of cattle plague develop foot-and-mouth disease,
or that of rabies give rise to variola. The germs of each zymotic malady
are as distinct and independent as different kinds of plants or different
kinds of animals ; and these germs can be no more transmuted into each
other than can the plants or animals. The organism of a susceptible
animal receives the germs of a particular disease as the ground receives
the seed — there is a characteristic period of latency or germination,
during which the most careful observer can detect no change; then
comes the eruptive period, with the manifestation and definite course
of the symptoms, which characterise the malady as distinctly as the
leaves, the flowers, &c., characterise the plant when the multiplication of
new germs has reached its maximum stage, and these can infect any
number of other susceptible creatures into which they may be sown.
Another feature in these zymotic diseases gives them an additional
resemblance to the growth of seeds. One attack protects against
another, for perhaps years, if not for life— the germs will no longer grow
in that soil, and the organism is endowed with immunity. We know
that the rotation of crops is an absolute essential in agriculture ; the

504 SCOTTISH METROPOLITAN VETERINARY MEDICAL SOCIETY.

soil will not for any length of time grow the same kind of plants, and some
exhaust it sooner than others.

If I am justified in asserting that zymotic diseases are due to the
action of specific germs, possessed of vitality and special characters as
absolute and marked as those which produce plants or animals — and
every fact with which I am at present acquainted supports this assertion
— then am I as justified in asserting from all the evidence before me
that these germs cannot be spontaneously generated. Life only springs
from preceding life — no combination of influences or conditions known
to man will produce a plant or animal without a seed or germ — the
causes so often invoked as operating in the production of specific dis¬
eases are utterly insufficient, as they can no more develop them without
the pre-existing germ than man can be developed without pre-existing
man. Zymotic disorders never spring up de novo. We might as well
admit the appearance of a plant where no seed had been sown, as the
advent of one of these disorders without a previous germ. I quite
agree with Sir Thomas Watson when he says, that “ a disease is supposed
to be generated de novo when the evidence is negative only, and consists
solely in our inability to trace with the eye the continuity of a chain
whose connecting links are known to be invisible.” To conclude from
this that no chain exists is palpably absurd. There are a thousand
unsuspected ways in which the invisible contagium of these maladies
may be conveyed.

Organic matter endowed with vitality, and composed of living particles,
cannot be created by man, nor do we know of their independent crea¬
tion. The chemist or mineralogist may form crystals of organic or
inorganic matter, but no one can create a seed, a blood-corpuscle, or a
secreting cell.

In adopting the argument I have done, the question may be asked,
and has been asked, “ How did these diseases first originate if they
cannot be developed independently now ?” Well, that question is no
doubt pertinent enough, but it is like many more of a similar kind —
more easily asked than answered. The answer will be forthcoming
when we know how man, animals, and plants originated. All matter
has had an unknown origin, and so have plants, animals, and specific
diseases. To assert that the latter may be spontaneously developed,
merely because we cannot explain how they first originated, is as absurd
as to maintain that a tree or an animal may appear without the pre¬
existence of parent trees or animals. Assuming that these maladies are
solely due to the presence of specific germs, and that these germs must
exist in order to produce them, then we need not bewilder ourselves in
. inquiring into the how and wherefore of their first production any more
than we need do into the origin of the first man, first dog, or first
elephant. These things are beyond our knowledge, and we can only
deal with matters as they present themselves to us.

Rinderpest is not a European disease, and I am not aware that any
but writers in the public papers in 1865-66 ever said it could be de¬
veloped here. When little was known regarding it, we were informed
many years ago that it was developed in Southern Russia. We now
know that it is an Asiatic disease, and that so far from being spon¬
taneously generated it is always traced to a contagious source. The
Russian veterinarians have tracked it into Central Asia, but they have
never been able to discover where it was generated. Its existence de¬
pends solely upon its contagious properties, and the violation of every
hygienic law will not produce it. When its contagium is destroyed in a
country it will not again appear, unless a fresh supply is introduced

SCOTTISH METROPOLITAN VETERINARY MEDICAL SOCIETY. 505

rom an infectious centre. This is one of the diseases which can be ex¬
tinguished, just as noxious plants or animals can be exterminated.

Contagious pleuro-pneumonia and foot-and-mouth disease belong to
the same category. They have been extended over the world solely
through their contagious properties, and they cannot be spontaneously
generated anywhere. We can trace their existence and diffusion for
more than a century, and their ravages and extension have been simply
owing to the fact that they were not looked upon as contagious, but due
to “something in the air.” For nearly thirty years they were allowed to
scourge this country unchecked, and we permitted our colonies to be
invaded by them, because we could not recognise their being purely
contagious disorders. Within the last few years this recognition has
taken place, measures have been adopted which should have been taken
thirty years ago, and now these two maladies are almost unknown
in the land. Sheep-pox is never seen here, except as an introduced
disease ; and it could be easily extinguished on the Continent if proper
measures of occision and isolation were enforced. In Denmark it is
unknown, because diseased sheep are never allowed to enter.

Rabies is a malady about which doubts might be entertained as to its
being always due to its contagious properties, but I am now convinced
that its speed, and indeed its existence, depends solely upon its conta-
gium. There are several parts of the world in which it has never been
seen, merely because it has not been carried to them ; and the dogs in
them live, and are subjected to exactly the same external influences as
in regions where this terrifying and fatal disorder is frequent. The
irregular, and oftentimes extremely protacted, period of latency, the
long distances travelled by rabid dogs, the readiness with which bites
may be inflicted by them on healthy dogs without the wounds being
detected, and some other circumstances attending the evolution- of this
disease — all conspire to render its origin sometimes obscure, and make it
appear as if it could arise spontaneously. 1 feel certain that rabies is
a contagious malady which could be stamped out by the adoption and
enforcement of special sanitary measures.

Tuberculosis is another cruel disorder which the evidence of every
day goes to prove is contagious and infectious, and that its exist¬
ence and spread depend upon its infective principle. It is becoming
more and more prevalent, simply because its infectiveness is not recog¬
nised, and it is all the more serious for the reason that it may be com¬
municated from the bovine species to man and other creatures. This
disease could also be extinguished by proper measures.

There are several other contagious maladies belonging to this category,
but I will omit noticing them, and come to one which is at present very
prevalent in London, and indeed throughout the country, and is causing
much loss and inconvenience. This is glanders — a notoriously contagious
disease of solipeds, transmissible to mankind and several other species of
animals, and nearly always fatal. While many veterinarians would be
disposed to admit the non-spontaneity of some of the other contagious
maladies, I feel inclined to believe that there are indeed but few who
would grant that this disease also belongs to the specific class which
cannot be developed through aught save its own special contagium. In
our text-books and in lectures, in our consultations and discussions, it
is set down as a malady capable of spontaneous origin, though it is also
admitted that it can be extended by contagion. The causes which are
supposed to produce it are said to arise — I quote from new edition of
one of our veterinary text-books — from debilitating influences, “ such as
old age, bad food, over-work, exhausting diseases, and general bad

506 SCOTTISH METROPOLITAN VETERINARY MEDICAL SOCIETY.

management; from specific miasmatic or animal poisons, such as those
generated in localities where large numbers of horses are congregated
together in camps, barracks, large cab or other establishments, even
where the stables are well ventilated, lighted, drained, and the animals
well attended to in every way, but more particularly where the stables
are ill ventilated, badly drained, dark and foul. Horses, when crowded
on board ship, are very liable to this affection, and the Arabs in trans¬
porting their horses from Arabia to India always choose that part of the
year when the passage is shortest, lest the accidents incident to a long
voyage might oblige the hatches to be closed, and want of ventilation
promote the development of glanders.” The writer continues : “I have
also observed that glanders is developed in new stables, where the walls
are not thoroughly dry, where, in fact, in common language, they are
said ‘ to sweat and, finally, glanders occur as a sequence to exhaust¬
ing diseases, more especially if the animal be old or of a bad constitu¬
tion. These causes, and a generally vitiated condition of the animal
system, may be said to produce glanders — (1) By causing the introduc¬
tion into the blood of vitiated or decomposing material generated in the
external surroundings of the animal; (2) by inducing the formation of
degenerated material within the animal system ; (3) by preventing the
excretion of the degraded constituents normally generated within it by
natural tissue changes, or excessively formed within it by various dis¬
ordered functions, or introduced into it from without. The most common
forerunner of glanders, more particularly of that form of it known as
farcy, is the disease commonly called diabetes insipidus or polyuria. It
cannot be said that in diabetes there is any obstruction to the excretion
of degraded tissue ; indeed, the reverse is the case, excretion of urine
being enormously increased. If we look deeper into the matter, we
shall, however, see the polyuria is but a result of rapid tissue changes,
rapid emaciation of the body being a most prominent symptom, with
debility arising from degradation of tissue and from the presence of the
degraded materials within the circulatory fluid. So apparent is this
condition that it has been truly said that diabetes, when arising from no
cognizable cause, is often indicative of a general breaking up of the
constitution.”

Now all this long string of supposed causes operating in the produc¬
tion of glanders is nothing more or less than mere hypothesis, destitute
of a single fact to support it. Glanders is not, and cannot be, produced
by anything save the glander contagium. It is a purely contagious
disease, and owes its production only to its contagious principle. Not
one or all of the causes combined will give rise to it, though they may
favour its evolution when the contagium has been introduced. Among
horses all my life, and for a quarter of a century in a position to watch
the genesis of disease, such as falls to the lot of few veterinary surgeons,
as a result of my experience and close study of this malady in particular,
I firmly maintain that none of the causes popularly supposed to develop
glanders will do so. It is mere theory to assert that they can, and the
existence of such a theory constitutes a standing danger to the public
interests; for as long as it is accepted so long will the scourge prevail.
It was the existence of a similar theory which kept zymotic pleuro-pneu-
monia and foot-and-mouth disease for forty years devastating the country,
and it is high time it was abandoned with regard to glanders. The
vitiated, decomposing, or degenerated material theory, the degraded
constituent notion, is baseless. Glanders is only produced from glanders,
and nothing else. A soliped will not have the disease unless he is
infected with it; and the maladies or morbid conditions which are

SCOTTISH METROPOLITAN VETERINARY MEDICAL SOCIETY. 507

said to develop it I have always found to be only indications of the
disease itself. In those parts of the world to which glandered horses
have not been carried it is totally unknown, though we find in these
countries all the causes enumerated as capable of producing it. Take
Australia and New Zealand, for example. Glanders has never been
witnessed there, and yet horses are exposed to all the influences to which
they are subjected in glander-haunted countries, such as our own ;
indeed, these influences are more pronounced, perhaps, there than here.
I have made particular inquiries among friends at the Antipodes who
are in a position to know, and they all assure me that, no matter how
severely horses are worked, or how much they may be crowded in foul
stables, or badly fed, this disease never appears, not even as a sequel of
disorders.

During the war in Mexico the French army horses were exposed to
terrible fatigue and privation, very many perishing, and yet glanders
did not appear. Tet the disease was not unknown in Mexico, for at
Yera Cruz in 1847 it was seen there for the first time. It appeared
among mules and horses placed in stables which, a few months before,
had been occupied by some squadrons of United States cavalry during
the war between the two countries. As is well known, glanders is a very
common disease in the United States, and no doubt the Union cavalry
horses carried the infection with them. The French veterinarians found
in Mexico all the causes which in Europe are said to develop glanders,
but no glanders occurred among the horses under their care.

Crowding on board ship is said to produce glanders, and especially
when the ventilation is bad or defective. A favourite illustration in
proof of the spontaneous development of glanders on board ship is that
afforded by the expedition to Quiberon. The cavalry horses had not
been long on board the transports before it was necessary to close the
hatchways during stormy weather, and after they were disembarked the
disease broke out among them. But it must be remembered in those
days few stables were free from glanders, and its prevalence among army
horses was very great. It is therefore more than probable that infected
horses were put on board these ships, and that the close confinement and
foul air not only developed it sooner, but accelerated its spread among
the other horses.

At one time I was a believer in this ship-board genesis of glanders,
but on reviewing the facts relating to the outbreaks which came under
my own immediate observation, I am now satisfied the infection had been
conveyed on board.

For many years a very extensive trade in horses has been carried on
between Australia and India — the Indian remount establishment drawing
largely upon the resources of the first-named country. The voyage is a
very long and heavy one, and sometimes — what from storms, bad venti¬
lation, and other causes — the mortality is large ; but there being no
glanders among the horses when embarked no glanders is developed
during the voyage, nor yet afterwards, unless they come in contact with
diseased horses.

The recent campaign in Zululand furnishes us with the same kind of
evidence. A very large number of horses were sent from this country
to Natal — perhaps the longest sea voyage ever made by troop horses.
There being no glanders among the horses of the British army, these
animal were embarked free from infection. One ship, the “ Borussia,” since
lost, encountered fearful weather in the Channel and the Bay ot Biscay.
The ship was badly adapted for the duty, and some of the hatches (those
not boarded up above the deck), and all the ports had to be closed, while

508 SCOTTISH METROPOLITAN VETERINARY MEDICAL SOCIETY.

she tossed about in the gale, with huge seas breaking over her. For four
days the weather was terrible, and when it is considered that each horse
had only about 320 cubic feet, the condition of the animals may be
imagined, especially as the voyage was partly in the tropics. Yet neither
in this instance, nor yet in any of the others, was glanders produced.

If we look at glanders from a pathological point of view, we shall find
that, unless we are ready to make admissions which are entirely opposed
by facts, we cannot believe in its spontaneous development. The malady
to which it is most closely allied, perhaps, is human Syphilis. Yet will
any one assert that this can be spontaneously developed ? Will any
amount of uncleanliness, overcrowding, bad ventilation, disintegrated
tissue, or polyuria, produce this horrible disorder ? Go to any medical
man, show him a hard or Hunterian chancre, and tell him it came of
itself. What would his answer be? And what should ours be with
regard to the maladies I have specified ? I leave you to judge. It must
ever be borne in mind that so long as we consider them capable of spon¬
taneous development so long will they be with us, harassing and de¬
stroying. It is only when we really believe them to be solely dependent
upon their contagious principles for their existence, and act accordingly,
that we can control them. Accept the doctrine that they cannot be
regenerated when once destroyed, and that their destruction is as pos¬
sible as that of injurious plants or animals, and we need not be troubled
with them for long. Destroy the germs which produce these diseases
and you have for ever rid the world of them. This is a grand result to
have attained, even theoretically ; practically, it is quite capable of
achievement. Sanitary science indicates the course to be pursued. It
is for enlightened governments to act upon those indications, and for
veterinarians to carry out the necessary measures faithfully and ener¬
getically, until germ-producing diseases shall no longer afflict the
animal world and rob mankind of pleasure and profit — (applause).

Principal Walley thought all present would agree in the main with
what Mr. Fleming had said with reference to contagious diseases, though
some of his conclusions might be dissented from. Mr. Fleming
acknowledged that at one time he believed certain diseases could be
generated de novo. So it was with him (Principal Walley), and to some
extent he retained that belief, notwithstanding the arguments of his
friend Mr. Fleming. Pleuro-pneumonia and foot-and-mouth disease
disease they might say were not spontaneously produced, but in splenic
apoplexy, for example, they found a disease which originated under such
circumstances that it was impossible to trace its connection to pre¬
existing disease. It broke out in districts far removed from the seat of
the disease, and under special circumstances of feeding — and sometimes
feeding alone — which the “ contagion ” theory could not account for, and
which seemed to indicate that an alteration of the system of feeding
would have obviated the disease. Another example militating against
the “contagion ” theory was the outbreak of gonorrhoea in cattle, which
often appeared among cattle where no trace of the disease formerly
existed, and where there was no proof that the animals had been in
contact with infected sorts. The majority of stock-breeders, as they
were aware, kept bulls specially set apart for their cows ; and they were
for the most part, he believed, entirely used for service in the owners’
herd. Yet every now and again they heard of outbreaks of this kind
among these cows. They could not say there was a specific virus
obtained from the progenitor, for it frequently broke out in herds under
such circumstances as that no argument could induce him to believe
that it had not generated spontaneously. He thought it was going a

LIVERPOOL VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. 509

step too far, and indeed begging the question, to ask them to suppose
that the germs of such diseases as gonorrhoea and splenic apoplexy had
been preserved and handed down from generation to generation. Still
in the majority of cases he believed the disease was due to contagious
generation. If, as had been said, the first germs were the evidences of
a higher than merely human power, then it must be admitted that the
same power existed still, and spontaneous generation need not therefore
be deemed impossible (applause).

Mr. Hunting, London, supported in toto the views of Mr. Fleming,
and, as a pupil of Professor Gamgee, contended that contagious diseases
could be stamped out by proper sanitary measures. In support of the
non-spontaneity theory, lie mentioned that prior to 1750 distemper in
dogs did not exist in this country, and was traceable to Peru, whence it
came to Britain via Spain and France.

Mr. Robertson , Kelso, expressed their indebtedness to Mr. Fleming for
his visit. With the general tenor of the excellent paper just read he
agreed. On particular points Mr. Fleming had thrown a firebrand into
the camp of veterinary surgeons. Especially in regard to glanders he
agreed with the paper, though his own experience was not so extensive
as that of some who had extended experience in large cities and centres.
He suspected, however, that when they came to put their finger on the
locale of a particular organism they would find that glanders originated
from glanders. For the germ theory, he thought there was a prepon¬
derating weight of evidence, though as to whether the organisms were
the entity of disease or merely the carriers there might be doubts. He
proposed a hearty vote of thanks to Mr. Fleming.

Principal Walley seconded the vote, which was carried with
acclamation.

Mr. Fleming, in reply, thanked the meeting for the kind reception
accorded to his paper. Ide knew of no subject of greater importance,
or more likely to elicit thought and discussion. They were in a transi¬
tion state in regard to the doctrines of contagion, and it was well
that the profession should keep itself alive to every improvement made.
Every step made in the way of progress concerned very materially the
national health and wealth. Contagious maladies had been a source of
national disease and, to some extent, of national discredit, as they had
been rather remiss in dealing with them. From neglect of opportunities
which should have been seized the country had already suffered largely.
In selecting the subject of his paper he had in view what concerned
the national welfare, and to raise a discussion on points which were of
great public importance.

LIVERPOOL VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSO¬
CIATION.

The sixty- third quarterly meeting of this Association was held at
the Medical Institute, Hope Street, on the 14th May, 1880. C. W.
Elam, Esq., President, in the chair.

There were present — Messrs. R. S. Reynolds, J. Welsby, E. Kitchin,
and Dr. Greenway, Liverpool ; P. Taylor, W. A. Taylor, Ilopkin, and
Russell (Dragoon Guards), Manchester; Dacre, Altrincham; Whittle
Worsley, Storrar, Lloyd, and R. C. Edwards, Chester; Gibson, Birming¬
ham ; Stone, Walkden ; and Barrow.

510 LIVERPOOL VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION.

Letters of excuse were received from Tom Taylor and S. Locke,
Manchester.

The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed.

Mr. R. C. Edwards, of Chester, was nominated by Mr. Whittle ; Mr.
Kitchin, Liverpool, by Mr. Lloyd; and Mr. Stone, Walkden, by Mr.
Morgan, for election as members of the Association.

A letter was read from the Secretary (Mr. D. Hutcheson), tendering
his resignation in consequence of having received an appointment under
Government at the Cape of Good Hope.

The President , on behalf of the society, wrote in reply, accepting
his resignation, expressing regret at the loss of his valuable services,
and wishing him every success in his new undertaking. It was proposed
by Mr. Greaves, and seconded by Mr. Reynolds, that Mr. W. Leather
be appointed honorary secretary in place of Mr. Hutcheson. Carried
unanimously.

The President took the opportunity of congratulating the members on
the success of their candidate, Professor Brown, who had been re-elected
a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.

It was resolved, “ That the members of this association view with
pleasure and satisfaction the steps that have been taken by the Council
of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons to obtain a Penal Clause,
and that this association will gladly render the Council every assistance
possible (pecuniary if necessary), in order to obtain the desired clause.

Mr. Faulkner , Manchester, then read a paper on “ The Use of the
Trocar and Canula in cases of Flatulent Colic.”

Mr. President and Gentlemen, — In introducing a subject for
discussion this evening, I feel that one emanating from an older or more
able member would prove more interesting and instructive, but when
requested by your energetic and industrious President to lend a helping
hand in the emergency arising from Professor Axe’s inability to be
present, I could not decline, more especially when, as a junior member
of this association, I considered it to be my duty to render what little
assistance I could as a small recognition of the much good and increased
knowledge derived by myself from time to time when attending these
meetings.

The use of the trocar and canula in cases of flatulency or tym¬
pany in horses, I am aware, is open to controversy, and although the
operation of puncturing the intestines has been known for a length of
time, yet at the present day it has not come into general practice.
Having ascertained its practical utility, I for that reason bring it before
you in order to elicit the opinions of those who may have given it a fair
trial, and in the hope that others may be induced to gain the necessary
confidence to follow up and test for themselves the use of an instrument
that to me has proved of incalculable service, notwithstanding that when
I commenced the operation I was aware that in many quarters it was
looked upon with suspicion and regarded as dangerous, but now I feel
satisfied it can be performed with impunity. When properly done there
is no danger of injuring any vital organ.

Some six years have elapsed since I first used the trocar and canula
in cases of flatulency, during which time I have had every facility for
thoroughly testing the operation, and, as a result, have come to regard
it as invariably successful when performed in time, when every other
known means have failed, being capable of relieving the sufferings of
our patients and restoring to health the animal placed under our care.
During this time I must have operated on over thirty cases, and not

LIVERPOOL VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. 511

in a single instance has the operation been productive of fatal or
dangerous results, and rarely has it been attended with any untoward
result.

Previous to my adoption of this practice it had frequently been my
misfortune to see valuable animals suffering from great pain, excessively
distended in their abdomen with gas, or tympanitic, breathing hurried
and difficult, surface of the body bedewed with cold perspiration,
stupid at times, at others almost delirious, pulse rapid and feeble, and
accompanied with a whole train of death-like symptoms, which in spite
of a speedy application of the best known remedies died. A 'post¬
mortem examination revealed a lesion of the diaphragm, stomach or
intestines, but in some cases an entire absence of any such lesion existed,
death being brought about by blood poisoning from absorption of noxious
gases or asphyxia. In such cases 1 have attended for hours, exerted
myself to the utmost, but unsuccessfully ; have felt powerless and dis¬
tressed in consequence of my inability to relieve the suffering patient ;
hence I came to the conclusion that a new departure was needed, and
as every fresh innovation is eyed suspiciously by unprofessional and
some professional people, I for a time practised in secret.

I will now, with your permission, deal with the subject more definitely
under the following heads, viz. : — I. The cases to be operated upon. II.
The trocar and canula to be used. III. Mode of operation, part
operated on, and why ? IY. The result.

I. — Whenever called to an animal presenting considerable distension
of the abdomen from accumulation of gas in the intestines, suffering ab¬
dominal pain, and otherwise urgent symptoms, I introduce the trocar and
canula at once (do not wait until you have great prostration), which
frequently affords immediate relief and renders further treatment often
unnecessary ; but I always administer an aloetic ball or 01. Lini, with
01. Tereb., thereby stimulating the bowels to remove the cause of the
flatulency. In other cases the tympany may not be excessive but the
protracted abdominal pain almost continuous. Here you may give exit
to the gas with considerable benefit to your patient.

I do not introduce the trocar and canula, unless it be an urgent or
protracted case, without first applying the usual remedies.

II. — The instrument I use is six inches in length and a quarter of an
inch in diameter, made by Messrs. Burgess, Willows, and Francis,
London; its length enables it to enter the bowels in extreme or slight
distension. The others I have here for your inspection, and are, in my
opinion, extreme in being too short or too long. The small one, in
some cases, will not reach the bowel; the other will, on account of its
length, pass into the ingesta, and become blocked.

HI. _ Invariably the right side is the most suitable from its prominency.

I have the animal bridled, placed alongside the wall or partition, and, if
of a vicious nature, a foot held up ; I then make ah incision a quarter of
an inch in length in the space midway between the external angle of the
ilium, the transverse process of the lumbar vertebrae, and the last rib,
viz. the right hypochondriac region. The trocar and canula being then
thrust in, slightlv downward and forward, enters the caecum ; the tiocar
is then withdrawn, giving exit to the gas, which you can hear rushing
through the canula. If the latter becomes blocked it is necessary to r e¬
insert the trocar. After the gas ceases to escape the canula may be
removed.

My reason for operating in this region is that you enter the caecum, a
bowel invariably containing much gas under these conditions, and lieie
you have the termination of the ilium and commencement of the colon,

512

LIVERPOOL VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION.

so that, under favorable circumstances, one puncture may possibly
relieve the pressure in the three intestines. In some cases the operation
on the right side does not entirely remove the distension, which is evident
by a fulness on the left side. You may here introduce your instrument
in the left side, which enters the single colon, liberating gas, but to the
same extent as on the right side ; the puncture may also be repeated on
the right side if necessary.

IV. — As a result of the operation, you perceive a sensible diminution
in the size of the parts. The animal is afforded, in severe cases, often
instantaneous and permanent relief, frequently evidenced by an expressive
sigh and favorable symptoms. In those other cases not of an extreme
nature the liberation of gas assists in promoting a favorable issue.

In all cases I am of opinion that the removal of gas, when distending
the intestines to any great extent, is productive of good, stimulating the
return of their peristaltic action, often preventing lesions and death. In
volvulus, under certain conditions, I am also inclined to think it may
possibly be of service, but at the present time have no decided data.
There need be no hesitation in operating, nothing more serious having
arisen with me than inflammatory action and small abscesses of the
external parts operated upon, subsiding without further trouble with
mild treatment. The parts operated upon, as a rule, need no after
treatment, usually healing without requiring any attention. Horses
killed immediately after the operation, the part punctured in the bowel
bears little trace, having become contracted and closed after removal of
the canula. Others, killed some days afterwards, showed no signs of
inflammatory action.

If your patience is not already over-taxed, or your interest wearied,
I should like to refer to several cases bearing on this subject

Case 1. — Black draught mare, five years old ; called to her about
6 a.m. ; suffering from abdominal pain with flatulency, which has existed
several hours. Pulse small and 56. Treatment usual in such cases was
adopted, and successfully for a time. Some three hours elapsed, when
she again became restless, and rapidly tympanitic, perspiring freely ; in
continual pain and distress. Respiration short and catching ; pulse
barely perceptible.

It was quite evident nature could not bear it much longer. In my
absence elsewhere my partner (Mr. Greaves) was attending, and, under
the urgency ol the symptoms, introduced the trocar and canula,
liberating a considerable quantity of gas, the exit of which afforded im¬
mediate relief, the mare progressing favorably without further treatment.

Case 2. — Grey draught mare, eight years old. In April, 1879, I
attended this mare ; she had been in abdominal pain for several hours
previous to my being called late at night.

She had, however, had suitable medicine administered with relief.
When seen she was in pain. Pulse small and feeble, 72. Slightly
tympanitic, lying down with great care, leaning to the wall, &c. Ex¬
ternal and internal remedies were adopted, and when again seen, in two
hours, all the symptoms were aggravated, more swollen and distended,
cold clammy sweats, &c. Pulse barely perceptible, pain continuous,
countenance haggard, mouth dirty. I at once introduced the trocar and
canula, after which she stood as if stupefied for a length of time, the
pain subsided, and the mare did well without further treatment. I ao-ain
attended this mare a fortnight ago ; she had been seized with abdominal
pain about 4 a.m., and although she had every attention and all that
treatment could do, she did not get permanent relief from pain under
twenty-four hours. The tympany here was not excessive, but consider-

LIVERPOOL VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. 513

able. She was punctured on the right and left sides, each time with
considerable benefit, assisting, 1 am fully persuaded, in effecting her
entire recovery, which at one time appeared exceedingly doubtful, her
pulse being 120, and barely perceptible, although she was then standing
tranquil.

Case 3. — An aged brown lorry horse. This horse I attended late at
night. He had been in pain several hours, and the usual remedies
applied. He was in much pain of a dull character, sweating, and much
swollen, breathing short, catching, and difficult, with a grunt. I had a
poor opinion of his vital powers. I at once punctured on the right side,
after which, in consequence of there being considerable distension on
the left, I operated there also. Each time gas escaped freely, after
which the pain subsided — he stood as if dazed — the severe symptoms
gradually subsiding. Further treatment not required. He entirely
recovered.

Case 4. — A valuable grey lorry mare. This mare was seized with
pain in the bowels in the early morning. A colic draught was adminis¬
tered, and the pain subsided ; afterwards it recurred. The pulse became
accelerated, small, and feeble, with every appearance of a serious case.
The pain was almost continuous for five hours ; her countenance hag¬
gard. As there was now considerable tympany, the case evidently
getting desperate, my partner (Mr. Greaves) punctured her on the right
side, liberating a considerable quantity of gas, after which the pain at
once subsided. For several days afterwards her pulse stood at 72, with
elevated temperature. Although she was lively, free from abdominal
pain, and eating well, ultimately it was found that there was considerable
inflammation about the punctured parts (external), which were much
swollen. This was lanced, a little pus liberated, the muscles having a
cartilaginous character in their internal parts. This inflammatory action
rapidly subsided. The mare now bears no trace of it, is working, and
doing well.

Having, I think, exhausted, so far as I am able, this subject, I trust
my remarks may be taken in the spirit they are offered — that is, to the
benefit of the suffering animals placed under our care, ourselves, and
clients.

Thanking you for your kind attention, I, in conclusion, would state
that what I claim for the operation of puncturing the intestines is its
power of removing flatulency when every other means have failed, and,
in virtue of this power, preventing those lesions and other unfavorable
issues arising from excessive distension of the stomach and bowels with
gas. Do not imagine for one moment my contention is that this opera¬
tion will prevent lesions of the diaphragm, stomach, and bowels, under
every circumstance, for these do and will arise without tympany ; but
what I say is, that by its judicious use you can save many horses which
you would otherwise lose.

I now close, desirous of eliciting your opinions, and of affording any
further information that you may wish.

An animated and very interesting discussion followed the reading of
the paper, in which Messrs. Greaves, Dacre, Gibson, P. Taylor, Ilopkin,
Welsby, Whittle, Dr. Greenway, and Russell, took part.

A cordial vote of thanks was accorded to Mr. Faulkner, and a
similar compliment being paid to the Chairman, the meeting
terminated.

William Leather, lion . Sec,

514

MONTREAL VETERINARY MEDICAL COLLEGE.

ANNUAL EXAMINATION.

The prizes and diplomas gained by the students at the Veterinary
Medical College were presented, in the Lecture Hall of the College, on
March 30th. Among those present we noticed Hon. Louis II. Beaubien,
M.P.P. ; Prof. McEachran ; Principal Dawson ; Messrs. A. W. Ogilvie,
D. Morrice, J. M. Browning, Hon. Gaudet, Vice-President Council of
Agriculture ; S. W. Blackwood, John L. Gibb, A. Somerville, Dr.
Osier, Dr. Leclere, Dr. Bell, Dr. Alloway, F. S. Billings and W. Bry-
don, of Boston, and G. H. Barnatt.

The Hon. Mr. Beaubien acted as chairman, and in brief terms addressed
the students, congratulating them on the success which they had attained
in their studies. He called their attention to the fact that those who
passed a successful course in the Montreal Veterinary College and re¬
ceived their diplomas were looked upon all over the world, and more
especially in Canada and the United States, as V.S. who understood and
were well grounded in the work of their profession. The College had
become so useful that not only private individuals, but he was glad to
say the Governments of the country were recognising the good, faithful,
and hard work which Dr. McEachran was performing (cheers). He
wished the College greater prosperity in the future, and trusted next year
the students would be double the number (cheers). He had now much
pleasure in presenting the prizes to the several successful competitors.

The following is the names of the winners and also the graduating
class of 1880 :

Third Session.

Best General Bxamination. — 1st prize, silver medal, Mr. William
McEachran, Montreal ; 2nd prize, A. P. Hinkley, Buffalo, N.Y.

Anatomy. — 1st prize, Mr. Wm. McEachran, Montreal.

Materia Medica. — 1st prize, Mr. Peter Cummins, Quebec.

Second Session.

General Pathology. — 1st prize, Charles H. Ormond, Milwaukee.

Anatomy. — 1st prize, Mr. Charles H. Ormond, Milwaukee.

Materia Medica. — 1st prize, Mr. Fred. Torrance.

First Session,

Anatomy. — 1st prize, Mr. Walter Wardel.

Best Practical Bxamination (medalist excluded). — 1st prize, a complete
case of instruments, presented by Mr. David Morrice.

Senior Class.

French. — 1st prize, Joseph Page, Lotbiniere.

Graduates.

Wm. McEachran, Montreal; Wm. I. Akerman, Boston; N. P. Hink¬
ley, Buffalo; A. W. Harris, Ottawa; Mathias S. Brown, Montreal;
Peter Cummins, Quebec ; Joseph Page, Lotbiniere.

The following gentlemen enregistered during the past Session, viz. :

M. S. Brown, Montreal, P.Q. ; William Jakeman, Boston, Mass., U.S. ;
William McEachran, Montreal, P.Q. ; John S. Thomas, Roxburg,
Mass., U.S.; Joseph M. Skally, Boston, Mass., U.S. ; Alex. Glass,
Philadelphia Pa., U.S. ; Paul Paquin, St. Andrew’s, P.Q. ; Richard

VETERINARY JURISPRUDENCE.

515

Price, Montreal, P.Q. ; Chas. H. Ormond, Milwaukee, Winsconsin, U.S. ;
Hilaire Bisaillon, St. Valentine, P.Q. ; John Chandler, Coaticoots, P.Q. ;
William Dundon, Salem, N.Y., U.S. ; Fred. Torrance, Montreal, P.Q. ;
N. P. Hinkley, Buffalo, N.Y., U.S. ; N. A. Trudel, St. Genevieve de
Batiscan, P.Q. ; P. F.- Labelle, St. Dorothee, P.Q. ; Walter Wardle,
Montreal, P.Q. ; H. Jolicoeur, Montreal, P.Q. ; A. W. Harris, Ottawa,
Ontario ; Ed. J. Carter, Montreal, P.Q. ; Peter Cummins, Quebec ;
Jno. B. Green, Yellow Springs, Ohio, U.S. ; Pierre Gadbois, Terre¬
bonne, P.Q. ; B. D. Pierce, Springfield, Mass, U.S. ; T. H. Bergeron,
Bord a Plouffe, P.Q. ; Donald E. P. Campbell, St. Hilaire, P.Q. ; Joseph
Page, Lotbiniere, P.Q. ; Olivier Maisoneuve, St. Francois de la Salle,
P.Q. ; Andrew Metcalfe, Hudson; J. B. Caverhill, Montreal, P.Q. ;
and D. A. P. Watt, Montreal, P.Q.

The following passed in the English Classes in

Botany (Prof. J. W. Dawson, LL.D., F.R.S., &c., McGill Uni¬
versity). — John Chandler, Walter Wardle, John M. Skally, A. Glass,
C. E. P. Campbell.

Physiology (Prof. Wm. Osier, M.D., M.R.C.P., Lond., McGill Uni¬
versity). — E. J. Carter, B. D. Pierce, Jno. B. Green, R. Price, C. H.
Ormond.

Chemistry (Prof. G. P. Girwood, M.D., McGill University). — B. D.
Pierce, Jno. B. Green, E. J. Carter, R. Price, C. H. Ormond.

Materia Medica (James Bell, M.D., Lecturer). — Fred. Torrance, E. J.
Carter, Jno. B. Green, R. Price, B. D. Pierce.

In the French Classes —

Botany (Prof. A. B. Craig, M.D., Victoria College). — Paul Paquin,
P. F. Labelle, Piere Gadbois.

Physiology (Prof. G. O. Beaudry, M.D., Victoria College). — Hilaire
Bisaillon, N. A. Trudell, T. H. Bergeron.

Chemistry (Prof. T. E. D. D’Orsennens, Victoria College). — Hilaire
Bisaillon, N. A. Trudell, T. II. Bergeron.

As each of the prizemen came up for his well- won honours his fellow -
students gave vent to their pleasure in loud applause.

Veterinary Jurisprudence.

HORSE WARRANTY CASE.

In the Dumfries Sheriff Court, Simon Beattie, Preston Hall, Annan,
sued William Craig, bank agent, Dumfries, in the sum of £65, being the
value of a horse sold by the pursuer to defender, but which proved un¬
sound, was rejected by defender, placed at livery, and sold by public
roup, at 40 guineas. After a lengthened proof and debate, the Sheriff-
substitute has pronounced the following interlocutor, in which he finds

for defender : ......

Dumfries, 9th June, 1880.— The Sheriff-substitute having considered
the proofs for both parties, and the whole process, after a debate thereon :
Finds in fact — 1. That on 20th January last the defendei bought fiom
the pursuer the horse in dispute for £65, and received delivety theieof
on the 30th of said month. 2. That the horse had then a slight swelling
on the front of his off hind fetlock, which was the result of an injury
received about two months before when he was jumping a wall. . 3.
That the pursuer represented to the defender that this was of no im*

VETERINARY JURISPRUDENCE.

516

portance, and before the bargin was concluded, warranted the horse
to be sound in every way. 4. That upon the day after its arrival the
horse was tried by being driven about fourteen miles. 5. That the effect
of this was that on the second morning after the trial, when the horse
was examined by a veterinary surgeon, the swelling was found to be
considerably increased and the horse slightly lame. 6. That on the
same day the defender intimated to the pursuer by letter, No. 10/1 of
process, that he would not take the horse as it had been pronounced
unsound by a veterinary surgeon. 7. That the pursuer having been
from home did not write a reply, but called on defender on 11th
February, when he refused to take back the horse, which was then put
up at livery, and subsequently sold by public roup by mutual arrange¬
ment of the parties. 8. That the defender has not paid the price of the
horse. Finds in law, 1. That the condition of the horse’s off hind fetlock
at the time of sale constitutes unsoundness. 2. That the horse being
disconform to warranty the defender was entitled to refuse to keep him
or to pay the price. Therefore sustains the first plea in law for the
defender. Refuses the prayer of the petition, and decerns. Finds the
pursuer liable in expenses ; allows an accoufit thereof to be given in,
and remits the same when lodged to the auditor to tax and report.

(Signed) David Boyle Hope.

Note. — Three persons were present when the horse was brought, viz.
the pursuer and defender and Mr. John Berwick. Two grooms who
were present when the horse was looked at were examined for the pur¬
suer, but their evidence on the question of warranty is of no moment,
because the sale took place in the house when they were not present, and
it is there the defender says the warranty was given upon the faith of
which he bought the horse. Both he and Mr. Berwick distinctly affirm
that the pursuer warranted the horse sound in every respect, and against
their word there is only that of the pursuer, who avers that he only said
the horse was sound so far as he knew ; and that even from that statement
he excepted the fetlock in question. Even if this were all the evidence
the Sheriff-substitute could not help finding it proved that a warranty
of soundness was given. But there are one or two circumstances which
give a coroboration derived from inference. The defender and his clerk,
John Clark, aver that when the pursuer called on the defender on 11th
February, the latter said that he had bought the horse as sound, and that
the pursuer did not deny this, but maintained that the horse was sound.
Further, John Craven, the defender’s servant, says that when pursuer
brought the horse to his master’s stable, he asked if he (Craven) could
get a veterinary surgeon, as he wished him examined before he left
Dumfries. He says he was about to go when the pursuer said he would
go himself, and that when he came back he said that Mr. MTntosh was
from home, and that the horse would be examined next day. The pur¬
suer denies that he said anything about getting a veterinary surgeon,
but admits that “ something may have been said” by Craven about
that. He does not, however, state what was said. Mr. MTntosh says
that a message was left at his house that day for him to come and ex¬
amine the horse, but that he was from home. He does not know who
sent or brought the message. The Sheriff-substitute does not think
that the inference necessarily is that the pursuer gave the message. He
rather thinks it must have been the defender (who was not asked if he
did so), because he says that when the pursuer called on him that day
along with Mr. Mather lie told him that Mr. MTntosh was from home.
Mather says that the defender told the pursuer that he was going to

VETERINARY JURISPRUDENCE.

517

have the horse examined by Mr. MTntosh, and sent him a cheque the
next day. He also says that before the horse came to Dumfries the
defender had told him that Mr. MTntosh was to examine the horse, and
that he “ may have told that to the pursuer.”

From all this it appears that the pursuer was quite aware that before
he got the price of the horse it was to be examined, and the irresistible
inference is that it was because there was a warranty. Further, when¬
ever the pursuer knew that the defender rejected the horse as unsound,
he got veterinary surgeons to examine it, a thing which there was no
occasion for him to do if he sold the horse without warranty.

It was urged for the pursuer that the warranty is not proved, because
the two witnesses do not state it in precisely the same words. Reference
was made to the Mercantile Law Amendment Act, and to the cases of
Robeson v. Waugh (2 Rette, page 68) and Mackie v. Riddell (2 Rette,
p. 115). The defender’s is as follows: “I then asked the pursuer if
lie would warrant the horse sound in every way, and he said that he
would warrant him sound in every way, and that if he did not know
him to be so he would not sell him to me.”

Mr. Berwick says : “ In the course of conversation in the house,
defender asked pursuer if he would warrant the horse sound and right
in every respect, and he said that certainly he would, and that if he was
not all correct he would not put him in his hands.” The Sheriff- substitute
is of opinion that these versions agree so substantially as to meet all the
requirements of law in reference to a verbal warranty.

It was also urged that even if a general warranty of soundness was
given the injured fetlock was necessarily excepted, because it was seen
and even pointed out to the defender ; and there is a plea on record to
the following effect : “ The defender having been made aware of the
thickening of the skin of the fetlock by the pursuer prior to the sale,
is barred from objecting thereto after having taken delivery of the
horse.” The answer to this is that the defender did not reject the horse
for the mere external blemish here referred to, but because the injury
was deeper than the skin, and such as he could not discover himself
either by eye or touch. And this leads to the second and most difficult
branch of the case, viz. the question of soundness. The conflict of
evidence is truly puzzling. The defender has produced eight veterinary
surgeons, including two principals of colleges, and a lecturer, and other
practitioners of eminence, who declare that the horse is unsound. The
pursuer has produced eight also, including a principal of a college, and
other men of eminence, who declare that the horse is perfectly sound.
It is alleged by defender’s witnesses that there is spavin in one hock
and some of them sav in both hocks. In the face of the evidence brought
for the pursuer, the Sheriff-substitute is unable to find out whether the
horse has spavin or not, and as the burden of proof lies upon the
defender he has failed to establish this cause of unsoundness.

But in regard to the injured fetlock, the Sheriff-substitute has had
less difficulty in coming to a decision, although, on this point also, the
evidence is most conflicting. He does not think it necessary to analyse
the evidence at any length, because he has not based his decision upon
anything except certain facts which he considers proved, and which
theoretic evidence, or evidence of facts applicable to a latter date,
cannot disprove.

The defender says : “ Mr. MTntosh came on the morning of 2nd
February, and found the thickness of the hind leg much increased. I
had noticed this myself.” John Craven says : “ I was again present on
Monday morning when Mr. MTntosh again examined the horse. The

35

LI1I.

518

VETERINARY JURISPRUDENCE.

fetlock was more swollen than it had been on the Saturday. The horse
had received no injury to cause this in the interval.”

Mr. MTntosh says : “ I found the fetlock-joint much enlarged, con¬
siderably more so than on Saturday, and the horse showed slight lame¬
ness in that leg. The lameness passed off after the horse had been run
for a short time.” And then he proceeds very minutely to describe the
symptoms of unsoundness which he found on examination. Now, here
are three witnesses who speak to a fact which requires no professional
skill to discover. If there had been no swelling produced by the ex¬
ercise, the Sheriff-substitute would have had to balance the professional
evidence alone, and the task would have been more difficult. It is to be
kept in view that the defender was pleased with the horse and meant
to keep it, provided it was passed as sound by Mr. MTntosh. There
was therefore no reason for either of them trying to make out a ground
for returning the horse. Defender was even willing to keep the horse
if afterwards Professor McCall had pronounced it sound. How does
the pursuer get over this evidence ? In the first place, he has called
veterinary surgeons, Mr. Paterson and Mr. Tait, who examined the
horse on the 3rd February, one day later than Mr. MTntosh. Mr.
Paterson’s evidence to some extent confirms that of Mr. MTntosh. He
says : “ There was a slight enlargement of the hind fetlock, which was
principally caused by a thckening of skin. I could not detect any injury
to the tendon, but there was a slight fluctuation under the skin indicat¬
ing the presence of synovial fluid.”

"This is spoken of by all the witnesses as an indication of inflammation.
Mr. Tait says that he saw no indication of this, and that the horse was
sound. Mr. Paterson at first said, “I considered the horse sound for all
practical work, and would neither have rejected him myself nor recom¬
mended a client to do so,” and afterwards that he was perfectly sound.
It must be remembered that neither of these gentlemen had seen the
horse before that day, at least after it came into defender’s pos¬
session, and therefore had no means of telling whether exercise had had
any bad effect, and neither of them saw the horse ridden or driven.
The next person who examined the horse on behalf of the defender was
Professor M‘Call, and he subjected it to a similar test as did Mr.
MTntosh. After examining him he declined to give a decided opinion
until he “ had the horse galloped, and seen what the result would be the
next morning.” This was done, and the next morning he “ found the
fetlock-joint more enlarged than on the previous day, and the horse
decidedly lame.”

None of the pursuer’s witnesses put the horse to any such test, at
least till long after this, and many of them examined it so long after that
their evidence is useless to contradict the evidence above referred to.
The dogmatic, conceited way in which some of them delivered their
opinions, and the testy manner in which they resented cross-examination
gave them more the appearance of partisans than skilled witnesses. The
question then, as the Sheriff-substitute views it, is this, was the defen¬
der, having received a warrant of soundness, obliged to keep a horse
whose injured leg became swollen whenever it was used, and who as a
consequence was stiff or lame the next day ? He thinks not. The
defender was entitled to have a horse of which he could get the full
use, and he was not bound to wait until he got better, which might very
likely be the case after rest and the use of remedies. It is mentioned
that the horse is all right now. That may be so, and the Sheriff-sub¬
stitute has given no decision upon that point. But the defender was not
bound to keep the horse to see if it got better. This principle was

veterinary jurisprudence.

519

affirmed in the case of Begbie v. Robertson (6, Shaw p. 1014), the rubric
of which is as follows : “ A mare being sold, warranted quiet in harness,
but proving liable to shy greatly at meeting stage coaches. Held though
she was completely cured in a short time after being returned, that the
purchaser was entitled to refuse her, and was not bound to break her in
for the use of which she was warranted fit at the time.” The Lord
Justice Clerk said : “ The horse must be fit at the time he is
bought for the work he is warranted to perform, and it is not the
duty of the purchaser to break him in, and though at the distance of
some months it is shown that the mare is quiet, yet that does not weaken
the prior evidence as to her unfitness at the time of sale.”

It is averred on record that the pursuer knew the horse was unsound
when he sold it. The Sheriff-substitute does not see that that is proved.
He very likely, as he said, believed it to be sound, and that was why he
gave the warranty. The horse had been under no professional treat¬
ment after its accident, and he probably did not knowhow much it had been
injured. It had been at rest, and probably was only exercised upon
grass land, or at all events but gently.

It is much to be regretted that so great expense should have been
incurred when the pecuniary interest at stake was so small, there not
having been a very heavy loss when the horse was sold by auction. The
pursuer’s claim in any event would have had to be restricted to one for
the difference between the prices. (Intd.) D. B. H.

Agent for pursuer, Mr. J. M. Gun; for defender, Mr. J. Geddes.

COWS, SWINE, AND SMALLPOX PATIENT, IN A COWSHED.

Edgeware Petty Sessions, June 2nd.

Present, J. E. B. Cox, Esq. (in the chair), A. R. Johnson, Esq., and

E. Noel, Esq.

Samuel Clark , of Church Lane, Hendon, was charged with unlawfully
keeping swine in a registered cowshed at Prince of Wales’ Road, Hendon,
in contravention of the Dairies Order of the Privy Council.

Mr. Offer , County Inspector, said, in consequence of information he
received from the police, he was directed to prosecute.

Dr. Cameron , Medical Officer of Health for Hendon, said he visited
the cowshed in question on the 22nd of May, and found there a man
suffering from the smallpox ; two cows and two pigs were in the same
shed. The man was removed the next morning.

Defendant, who appeared ignorant of the serious nature of the case,
said he gave the man leave to sleep in the shed, but he did not know he
was suffering from smallpox. He turned the cows out as soon as he
knew the nature of the case.

The Bench inflicted the very moderate fine of 30s., the cost bringing
the sum up to £4 5s. 6d.

Allowed a month for payment.

EAR-MARKING CATTLE.

At a recent Court of Petty Session, held at Bedale, Mr. Why lie,
steward to the Duke of Leeds, five of his assistants, and seven farmers,
were charged by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to

520

THE FITZWYGRAM VETERINARY PRIZES.

Animals with an offence under 12 and 13 Viet. ch. 92, for cutting and
punching the ears of 50 cattle about to be turned into Hornby Park, for
the alleged purpose of identifying them, the animals being the property
of several owners.

The evidence showed that this practice of marking cattle at Hornby
Park had prevailed beyond the memory of man, nevertheless it is a cruel
custom, because the blood-vessels and nerves of the ear are severed and
torn, and festering wounds are caused thereby.

On the occasion of this offence an officer of the society was present,
by direction, to protest against the usage ; but his remonstrances were
unheeded by the steward, who ordered his assistants to continue the
proceedings, declining to take the cattle into the park until the operations
were fully carried out. The prosecution contended that this mutilation
was unnecessary, as other measures of a humane character are employed
generally for a similar purpose.

The Bench took the same view of the matter and fined the defendants
£9, including costs.

THE EITZWYGRAM VETERINARY PRIZES.

These prizes were open to all Students who graduated at the Royal
College of Veterinary Surgeons and to the Students who had obtained
their diplomas during 1879-80.

The Examiners were Mr. H. J. Cartwright, of Wolverhampton,
Mr. Thos. Greaves, Manchester, and Mr. Falconer King, of the School
of Medicine, Edinburgh.

The names of three candidates only were entered on the list, one from
the Royal Veterinary College, one from the Edinburgh Veterinary Col¬
lege, and one from the Edinburgh New Veterinary College.

The written examination took place in London and Edinburgh on
Tuesday 4th May, and Wednesday, 26th May.

The following is the result :

Materia

Anatomy.

Physiology.

Pathology.

Chemistry.

Medica.

Botany.

300

300

300

100

125

75

Total.

No. 35 . 235

. 215 .

200

. 46 .

84 .

44

824

„ 37 . 250

. 245 .

275

. 78 .

120 .

52 .

1020

„ 38 . 165

. 250 .

215

. 36 .

91 .

46 .

803

Mr. James Wood Ingram (No. 37), of the New Veterinary College,
Edinburgh, was the only one who obtained qualifying marks in each sub¬
ject, the other two (Nos. 35 and 38) failed.

The first prize £50, therefore, is awarded to Mr. Ingram, there being
no other qualified competitor he was not required to go through the
examination in Part 2 (practical).

To No. 35 the Donor kindly presented £15.

,, 38 ,, ,, ,, 10.

The terms of the competition were that each competitor should obtain
two thirds of the marks allotted to each subject.

Mr. W. II. Coates officiated as superintendent.

Arthur W. Hill,

Sec., U.C.F.S .

THE FITZWYGRAM VETERINARY PRIZES. 521

FITZWYGRAM PRIZE.

Questions on Anatomy.

1. Describe the naked-eye appearances of the Dorsum of the Tongue
of the Horse, Ox, and Dog ; also the varieties and microscopic characters
of the Papillae.

2. Describe the mode of the formation of the “ Circle of Willis ” in
the Horse and Ox.

3. Describe the Anatomy of the Horse’s Foot.

4. Give the origin, insertion, action, and nervous supply of all the
Muscles attached to the Humerus of the Horse.

5. Describe the structure of the “ Hip-joint ” in the Horse and Ox
under the following heads :

(a) Articular surfaces ;

(b) Ligaments;

(c) Synovial membrane ;

(d) Movements.

6. Trace the Yagus Nerve and its branches of both sides, from their
origin to their termination.

Questions on Physiology.

1. Describe the naked-eye and microscopic appearances of the Mucous
Membrane of the Stomach of the Horse, Ox, and Pig.

2. Describe the structure of the Mammalian Ovary and the manner in
which the Ova are developed and discharged.

3. Explain the nature of “Reflex Action;” giving examples of the
different varieties.

4. Give an account of —

(a) The minute structure of Blood-vessels ;

(Jj) The functions of their elastic and muscular elements ;

(c) The influence of the nervous system on their calibre.

5. Give the Chemical Composition of the Urine in the Horse, Ox, and
Dog.

6. What are the Sounds of the Pleart, and how are they produced ?
State the influences of the Nervous System upon its action.

Questions on Pathology.

1. What are the characters by which you distinguish a malignant from
a simple or benign tumour ? and give the Microscopic Structure of the
varieties of the Cancerous and Sarcomatous tumours.

2. Describe the symptoms produced by a Stone in the Bladder ; the
chemical composition of the Calculi found in the horse, ox, sheep, and
dog ; and the operation of Lithotomy, what to cut and what to avoid.

3. Give the ( a ) Causes ;

(5) Symptoms ;

(<?) Pathological Anatomy ; and

(d) Treatment of the disease known as “Swine Plague”

and “ Pig typhoid.”

4. Give the varieties of Anthrax ; its causes and the organs in which
its lesions are more commonly met with in the horse, ox, sheep, and
pig.

5. Give the causes and treatment of haemorrhage during and after par¬
turition, and by what characters do you determine whether the blood be
arterial or venous.

6. Give a brief history of the parasites which attack the skin of the

522

THE FITZWYGRAM VETERINARY PRIZES.

horse, sheep, and swine, and describe the best method for their destruc¬
tion.

Questions on Chemistry.

1. State approximately the composition of the Atmosphere. Say
whether it is a mechanical mixture or a chemical compound, and give
the reasons for your answer.

2. Enumerate the compounds of Hydrogen and Oxygen, give their
composition by means of symbols, and state how they may be prepared.

3. Describe shortly the process at present employed in England for
the preparation of Carbonate of Soda.

4. Describe the effect of a red heat upon ( a ) Manganese Dioxide, ( b )
Sodium Chloride, ( c ) Calcium Carbonate, and (d) Potassium Carbonate.

5. You are given Ammonium Carbonate, Potassium Nitrate, Sulphuric
Acid, and Water, how would you prepare Laughing Gas therefrom ?

6. How would you detect Zinc in presence of Lead and Aluminium?

7. Describe Dumas’ method for the estimation of Nitrogen in organic
compounds.

8. Describe a process for the preparation of Alcohol from inorganic
substances.

Questions on Materia Medica.

1. Enumerate the preparations of Mercury contained in the ‘ British
Pharmacopoeia.’ Describe the preparation of the Perchloride or Cor¬
rosive Sublimate and the Subchloride or Calomel. State the physical
properties of these two substances and their reactions with lime water.

2. Name the preparations of Arsenic of the ‘ Pharmacopoeia ’ and
and state the doses.

3. Describe Iodine and Iodide of Potassium. How is the latter sub¬
stance prepared ? What are its occasional impurities and the mode of
detecting them ? What are its therapeutic uses, and in what diseases
and doses would you give it ?

4. Mention the chief preparations of Opium in the ‘ Pharmacopoeia,’
and what is the dose of the Tincture for the Horse, Ox, and Sheep.

5. Name the plant and order from which Castor Oil is obtained, and
state the diseases and doses in which you would give it. What other
plants belong to the order ? State their properties.

6. Enumerate the plants contained in the natural orders Leguminosm
and Umbelliferae. State the doses and actions of the most important
drugs obtained from these two orders.

7. What are the most important vermifuges, and mention the doses
which you would give ?

8. Name the chief purgatives, and state the doses in which they shoud
be administered. Mention those of mineral and vegetable origin, and
give a short history of three of the latter, mentioning the name of the
plant and natural order from which each is obtained.

Questions in Botany.

1. Give the leading characters of any two of the following natural
orders : — Rosaceae, Leguminosse, Cruciferae, Liliaceae.

2. Refer the following plants to their natural orders: — buttercup,
daisy, horsetail, dandelion, turnip, oak, ash, fox-glove, bramble, forget-
me-not, banana, Irish moss.

3. State briefly what you know of Insectivorous Plants.

4. Describe the minute structure of a green leaf.

o. What are the leading differences between Monocotyledons and
Dicotyledons ?

PARLIAMENTARY INTELLIGENCE.

523

6. What are Gymnosperms ?

7. How does a Fern arise from the spore P

8. What do you know about Bacteria and their relation to disease ?

PARLIAMENTARY INTELLIGENCE.

CATTLE PLAGUE IN CYPRUS.

House of Lords, Tuesday , June 8 th.

Lord Lilford asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs for
some information as to the reported outbreak of cattle disease in the Island
of Cyprus, and what measures had been taken for its suppression The
noble lord said that the question was an important one, mainly on account
of the great increase of the importation of cattle into the island for the
use of the European population, and pointed out that, whereas in 1878
there was scarcely any importation at all, in 1879 there had been a large
number of cattle imported. The Cypriotes themselves had an objection
to cows’ milk, but the cattle imported were frequently used for draught
purposes ; consequently, if diseased cattle were imported, it would speedily
spread throughout the country. He no had doubt that the subject had
attracted the attention of the administrators of the island, who, he quite
agreed with the noble lord who spoke on the subject of Cyprus last night,
had administered it most ably.

Earl Granville, in reply, said that at the close of last year an out¬
break of cattle plague or rinderpest in the island was reported to the
Government, and orders were given by the Privy Council to the Govern¬
ment of Cyprus to take all necessary measures to prevent the spread of
the infection. Those orders were carried out in February. Subsequently
the Government discovered that the cattle plague existed on the shores
of Syria, and they immediately took measures to prevent the importation of
cattle from there into Cyprus, and he was glad to say that they had since
received a report that the disease had not extended. (Hear.)

GLANDERS.

House of Commons, Jan. 10 th.

Mr. Mundella, in reply to Colonel Ivingscote, said the Veterinary
Department of the Privy Council were of opinion that glanders and farcy
had not increased in the metropolis of late years, but that the cases were
less prevalent. An increase in the number of cases reported was due to
the greater energy displayed by the local authorities since 1868.

ANIMAL VACCINATION.

June 11 th.

We extract the following condensed report on this important subject
from the Globe newspaper.

At the evening sitting, on the order for going into Committee of Sup¬
ply, Dr. Cameron called attention to the practice of animal vaccination,
and moved a resolution declaring that as cow-pock lymph direct from the
calf, or “animal vaccine,” is of at least equal value as a prophylactic against
smallpox with the ordinary humanised lymph, and as its use affords an
absolute guarantee against the propagation of^ those human diseases
which are occasionally invaccinated with humanised lymph, a supply of
animal vaccine should be provided by the National Vaccine Establish¬
ment for the use of those who prefer it to the ordinary lymph.

5.24

PARLIAMENTARY INTELLIGENCE.

Mr. P. A. Taylor, in a speech of considerable humour, protested
against “ grandmotherly legislation ” of this description, and pointed to
the present unsettled condition of medical opinion in regard to the safety
of using the ordinary humanised lymph, urging that it is inexpedient
and unjust to enforce vaccination under penalties upon those who regard
it as undesirable or dangerous. He complained of the “ conspiracy of
silence ” on the part of the medical profession and the press, which kept
the real facts of the case from being known, and ridiculed Dr. Cameron’s
proposal as an attempt, parodying a well-known street-cry, to get “ new
iymph from the cow.” He pointed out that the original cow-pox came
not from a cow at all, but from a diseased horse, and asked why Dr.
Cameron did not find out that horse, and thus get his matter from the
fountain head.

Considerable discussion followed, and in the course of it Mr. Dodson,
on behalf of the Government, expressed his readiness to see the question
silted and put upon its trial from time to time, and admitted that if it
had to be done over again a good case would have to be made out before
vaccination was made compulsory. But that had been already done, and
under the circumstances he thought it would require stronger arguments
than the opponents of the system had been able to adduce before Par¬
liament would permit the system to be overturned. As to the proposal
of Dr. Cameron, however, he showed that recent experience had removed
most, if not all, of the objections which used to be urged against the use
of animal vaccine, and that being so, there was no wish on the part of
the department to be a bar to any experiment which might be desired.
Arrangements would, therefore, be made by which animal lymph, as well
as humanished lymph, might he supplied as stock to those medical prac¬
titioners who might desire it, but care would have to be taken that the
start was made from one well-established case of cow-pox. lie was also
willing to lay down the rule in regard to prosecutions for the non-vacci¬
nation of children, that after the full penalty had been obtained in any
such cases, no further prosecution should be allowed to be undertaken.
Finally, he assured the House that there was no disposition in the de¬
partment to view with prejudice any fresh suggestion or information in
connection with the subject which could be obtained either in our own
country or from abroad.

Mr. Sclater-Booth confessed the satisfaction with which he had heard
Mr. Dodson’s statement, and hoped Dr. Cameron would be content with
it, and Mr. Hibbert stated in reply, to a question, that a bill would be
introduced to carry out the changes proposed by Mr. Dodson.

Dr. Cameron’s motion was then negatived.

ARMY APPOINTMENTS.

War Office, 25£A May, 1880.

12tii Lancers. — Veterinary-Surgeon F. Smith, from the Royal Artillery, to
be Veterinary Surgeon vice Wilson, transferred to the Veterinary Department.

8 th June, 1880.

Veterinary Department. — Veterinary-Surgeon J. E. Elphick has retired
on temporary half pay {May 2). The undermentioned gentlemen to be Vete¬
rinary Surgeons on probation : — Henry Thomas William Mann and George
Richard Griffith.

June 3rd.

T. Caldecott, gent., to be Veterinary Surgeon on probation.

June 22nd.

Veterinary-Surgeon J. Hammond, R.A., to be Veterinary Surgeon First Class.

THE

VETERINARIAN.

VOL. LIII.
No. 632.

AUGUST, 1880. FouUth ^enrQies

Communications and Cases,

SYNOPSIS OF CONTINENTAL VETERINARY

JOURNALS.

By John Henry Steel, M.R.C.V.S., F.Z.S., Demonstrator
of Anatomy at the Royal Veterinary College.

(Continued from p. 467.)

Summary. — From the Journal de Medecine Veterinaire ,
June, 1880: — M. Violet on “ Vitulary Fever.” M. Collin
on 11 Contagious Humid Eczema of Bovines.” Prof. Sanson
on “ Evolution of Teeth of Cattle,” from Professor
Cornerin' s Review of Agriculture and Zootechny. Notice
of announcement of a new work on “ Diseases of Birds.”
From the Annales de Medecine Veterinaire, July, 1880:—
Professor Arloing’s accurate diagnosis of a cerebral lesion in
a dog.

The Journal de Medecine Veterinaire et de Zootechme for
June last contains several papers of considerable interest.
M. Violet, Chef de Service of the Lyons School, has been
treating at some length the subject of i( Vitulary Fever,”
and he now concludes with the following summary :

“ (1) The disease termed vitulary fever, very rare in
working cattle, as well as in those out at pasture, is, on the
contrary, very frequent among cows permanently housed ; it
especially attacks good milkers more or less fat, and those in

liii. 36

526 SYNOPSIS OF CONTINENTAL VETERINARY JOURNALS.

which parturition has been rapid and free from compli¬
cations.

“ (2) These latter conditions not being met with exclu¬
sively in stabled animals, but also exerting their combined
effects on others, we may conclude that permanent housing
has more influence than the constitution of the animal — is
the main factor in the development of vitulary fever.

“ (3) To explain the predisposition which results from
this, and the encephalic congestion, it is necessary also to
associate plethora, the often sudden cooling of the skin, and
especially, and most frequently, the too sudden cessation of
the compression of the heart which results from the ex¬
cessive development of the abdominal contents towards the
latter stages of gestation. This is a direct consequence of
prompt delivery. Under that new influence the cavities of
the heart dilate and throw a stronger wave, whence results
a general congestion, which affects the brain more markedly
than other organs, because of the delicacy of its organisation
and of its functions.

“ (4) We consider as a rapid delivery not only the prompt
expulsion of the calf, but the expulsion in a short time of all
the products of the ovum ,* first the calf, then the various
fluids, and finally the membranes forming the after-birth
come away very soon. The expulsion in the inverse order
of the calf and the fluids, the retention of the placenta for
some hours, constitute conditions much more favorable ; for
the escape of liquids having taken place, the uterus must con¬
tract on itself before usefully exerting its action on the foetus,
and also after delivery the after-birth for some time supports
the uterus. The diminution of intra-abdominal pressure
thus occurs gradually, which allows all the organs, the
heart in particular, to adapt themselves to the new state of
affairs.

“ (5) In those females with ordinarily simple gestation,
mares and ewes, for instance, who are liable to no equiva¬
lent of vitulary fever, it may be as has just been described,
but the predisposition is not present, for these animals are
not kept unexercised as are cows. Besides enjoying this
advantage, small females hear more than one foetus, and this
is favorable to them as leading to gradual parturition.

(6) Vitulary fever may affect cows before parturition, as
well as within a certain time afterwards. It then presents
the ordinary symptoms.

<f (7) Its sudden invasion, its rapid progress, its prompt
terminations, the lesions which it leaves, the circumstances
under which it develops, the prophylactic means successfully

SYNOPSIS OF CONTINENTAL VETERINARY JOURNALS. 527

opposing it; and; finally, the treatment which hitherto, apd
in the hands of various practitioners who have tried it, has
proved the most successful, all lead us to determine that this
disease is congestive in its nature.

“ (8) The false paralysis always present in this disease
can be readily explained by the abolition of sensation and
volition, and also by an idiosyncrasy of the cow, ip conse¬
quence of which it keeps the recumbent position. In some
severe but non-paralytic disorders, as enteritis, Jisepiorrhages,
fractures, prolonged and laborious parturition ; man himself,
in such a position, finds not only the cessation of all fatigue,
but also relief from suffering.

“ (9) Nevertheless, in severe cases, there may be real
paraplegia, and perhaps even general paralysis ; hence we
observe loss of the function of fhe great sympathetic, as
shown by the almost total cessation of milk secretiop. and
of intestinal movements.

“ (10) The more or less marked coma, the diminution in
the activity, or the more or less marked abolition of con¬
sciousness and feeling essentially characterise vitulary fever,
or (to put it in other words) the encephalic congestion. If
they are wanting, if is not a case of this disease. Even in
cases accompanied by paraplegia or general paralysis, the
cerebral symptoms always predominate.

“ (11) The prognosis may be favorable if the stupor is not
very marked, and if voluntary evacuations take place.

“ (12) Even when coma is profound, the breathing being
stertorous, we must not despair so long as the lacteal secre¬
tion, although diminished, continues, and as long as the
bladder and the rectum again become filled after evacua¬
tion.

“ (13) But there is little hope if the teats are flaccid, if
the rectum and bladder remain very nearly empty, and if
there is an intestinal rumbling not associated with a state of
plenitude, in which case it ceases on evacuation, and if it
does not depend on lying too long upon the same side.

“ (14) Recovery is near when the respirations are not so
deep nor sonorous, and when the evacuations commence to
be again performed voluntarily.

“(15) Exercise, reduced diet, and sometimes feeding,
especially with cows which have not given milk for some
time, are excellent prophylactic means.

“ (16) The curative means must be antiphlogistic, and
ought to aim especially at the removal of the congestion of
the brain and the promotion of abdominal circulation. It
bught never to include the employment of medicaments

528 SYNOPSIS OF CONTINENTAL VETERINARY JOURNALS.

liable to impregnate the flesh and render it unfit for use
as food.

« (17) Thus we conclude that the disease with which we
have been engaged has a great similarity, a most complete
identity, with certain forms of cerebral congestion which
attack animals of different species and of the two sexes, and
even man himself.

“ (18) It has nothing vitulary in its nature, still less any¬
thing puerperal ; it is only a simple congestion of the
encephalon, with or without haemorrhage, and sometimes
with complications , the meninges or the spinal marrow
becoming involved.

“(19) Thus, the term vitulary fever does not serve to distin¬
guish a special disease, and, since it can only cause confusion
of the ideas and studies of veterinarians, ought to be erased
from nosological lists, or, at least, ought only to be considered
as synonymous with cerebral congestion developed under those
special circumstances we have endeavoured to indicate.”

It will be seen that these opinions differ remarkably from
the conclusions of other continental observers, but agree to
an extent with those which have received the sanction of
Barlow and Williams and some others in this country. They
are essentially opposed to the theory of the anaemic condition
of the brain in parturient apoplexy, and, as being the out¬
come of careful examination of the subject, are well worthy
of the attention of our readers. The paper upon which
they are based is by a practitioner well known to the
profession in France. M. Collins of Wassy, contributes
a paper on Contagious Humid Eczema of Bovines. On 25th
June, 1879, M. Matrion, veterinary surgeon at Doulevant-
le-Chateau, was called by M. Balbezier of Brachay, to attend
a heifer, fifteen months old, with appetite defective. Explo¬
ration of the mouth enabled him to determine that it was
affected with muguet (aphtha) ? Gargles with water strongly
impregnated with salines produced a marked improvement,
and on the 2nd of July the cure was nearly complete. On
the 10th of the same month the owner perceived that the
heifer showed in four situations, especially on the neck, thighs,
udder, and the base of the ears, a very profuse sweating. The
affected parts were the seat of an intense pruritus, and the
animal continually rubbed them. The state of the atmo¬
sphere seemed to exercise a marked influence on the progress
of the disease; from 10th to 24th of July the weather was
rainy and the temperature low, and the disease remained
in statu quo , but on the 24th the thermometer suddenly
rose several degrees, and the disease progressed rapidly,

SYNOPSIS OF CONTINENTAL VETERINARY JOURNALS. 5.29

the sweating became more marked and extended to healthy
parts bordering on those already affected. The affected
animal was dull, and with impaired appetite.

On the 27th the heifer communicated the infection to two
other cows with which it was turned out. At the end of
that day the profuse perspiration involved the whole surface
of the body, so that when the hand was passed over the
surface the fluid trickled down on the litter. M. Matrion
estimated the amount of fluid daily secreted at a litre. Then
the animal completely lost its appetite ; she died on the
1st August, three days after the disease became generalised.
It is a matter for regret that no autopsy was made, but
probably the fatal result ought to be attributed to suppres¬
sion of cutaneous respiration. A slow asphyxia was pro¬
duced similar to that which M. Bouley obtained in horses
whose skin, after having been shaved, was covered with
varnish. It is probable also that there would have been
found at the autopsy of that animal the lesions noted by the
eminent inspector of veterinary schools on autopsy of the
horses which he had asphyxiated by suppression of cutaneous
exhalation, namely, a gorging of the gastro-intestinal mucous
membrane with black blood, infiltration of the subcutaneous
areolar tissue, extreme congestion of the lungs, &c.

On the 9th August the cow, which had rested side by side
with the animal just mentioned on the same bed, presented
on the neck, at the base of the ear, and on the udder, some
small nodules, which became covered with a scab in two or
three days. The malady progressed daily, and M. Matrion
was called in on the 17th August. He found the skin of the
affected parts red and covered with serosity. At the base
of the ears the perspiration was slight, and ceased after a
washing with a solution of sulphate of zinc. The appetite
was already much affected.

Treatment. — Nux vomica and arsenic internally, and oil
of cade ( Juniperus oxycedrus ) and carbolic acid on the affected
parts. In spite of this treatment the disease progressed rapidly.
The patient was dull and the appetite considerably diminished,
and it was feared that on this beast, like the heifer, the disease
would become generalised and prove fatal. A consultation was
considered necessary, and I (M. Collin) was called in ; we met
on the 21st August and noted the following symptoms. At
the commencement the skin became red, then very soon the
epidermis rose, became soft, ulcerated, and ruptured, and gave
exit to a clear serosity which agglutinated the hairs and
jnatted them together into crusts, hard, and resembling dried
rind. On the udder the liquid secreted was thicker and

530 SYNOPSIS OF CONTINENTAL VETERINARY JOURNALS.

purulent, and hardened more slowly, giving rise to soft and
gelatinous crusts. This stage of the disease lasted three or
four days. On elevation of the crusts the dermis was found
to be of a violet-red colour and covered with an abundant
serosity, especially where the hairs are erect and aggluti¬
nated ; the subepidermic network is highly injected; softening
of the neighbouring epidermis and the formation of fresh
vesicles caused extension of the morbid state. In this cow,
as in the heifer, the disease progressed rapidly and became
generalised ; the regions bordering on the parts previously
affected became involved ; thus, from the udder it extended to
the belly, and then on the surfaces of the thighs. Also it
was found in fresh situations, as the sides and back, espe¬
cially towards the left, that is, on the side which came in
contact with the heifer. Here spots occurred in which the
hairs were erect and agglutinated by a secreted liquid ; and
if in these positions We detached with the finger the crusts
commencing to form the hair separated with them, and
denuded patches, of a circular form, varying in size from that
of a one-franc to a two-franc piece, resulted, the exposed
dermis being hypereemic and secreting an abundant serosity.
It is evidently the same disease which affected the heifer.
As for the second cow placed to the right of the animal
just described and separated by it from the heifer, it showed
also on the left side, behind the shoulder, a patch of a
circular form and of the size of a five-franc piece, with hairs
erect and agglutinated. On raising the crust as it was
forming we exposed the dermis, of a reddish-violet colour,
and covered with a clear serosity. In these three beasts the
disease presented exactly the same characters. At the com¬
mencement there are the circular patches formed by an
agglomeration of vesicles, these soon running together, and
the skin in the corresponding parts sweating in abundance.
Softening of the neighbouring epidermis and the formation
of fresh vesicles caused increased extension of the disease.
Under the influence of heat the disease increased in activity
and soon became generalised. The secreted liquid agglu¬
tinated the hairs, hardened, and produced crusts resembling
dried meal. The dermis, when exposed, is found to be of a
reddish violet colour, and to continue to secrete. A fairlv
acute itching is marked from the commencement. Some
days afterwards the secreted liquid is more abundant,
very fluid, and does not harden ; it consequently moistens
the hairs which are erect, and partly suppurates and rapidly
undergoes ammoniacal and putrid fermentations. It is
difficult to determine the exact nature of this disorder. The

SYNOPSIS OP VETERINARY CONTINENTAL JOURNALS. 531

nummular form which it affects at first may indicate its
cause as a parasitic cryptogam, it being, then, a humicl para¬
sitic eczema.

(Eczema is commonly considered to be non-contagious ;
nevertheless, it seems to be sometimes associated with para¬
sites. Zurn found the yeast fungus in eczematous lesions of
cattle of distilleries. We can in such cases understand how
transmission could take place, and it seems, indeed, that, as
in M. Collin’s cases, the disease was transmissible from one
animal to another. M. Cornevin and I (M. Violet) believe
we have found in the centre of the crusts forwarded by
M. Collin a fungus of which we have been unable to deter¬
mine the species. Always we failed in attempts to sow the
fungus, with the necessary precautions, on cattle ; but
these experiments were unsuccessful, perhaps, because of
tbe age of the parasite.)

We have examined the crusts with the micrograph of
Wassy, but found nothing definite, probably since we are not
accustomed to this form of research. The disease has some
character in common with herpes tonsurans. Thus, it affects
a circular form, and has a tendency to spread and propagate ;
but these are then only points of resemblance. Herpes ton¬
surans, which I had occasion to observe in September and
October, 1879, on more than three hundred animals, differs
from the disease of the cows of Brachay by its more marked
benignity, the nature of the secretion of the dermis, &c.
These maladies are very distinct, and confusion is hardly
possible. The owner was able to give us no further infor¬
mation on the origin and nature of the disease. The animals
were stall fed, and had been given green lucern and good-
quality hay of natural pasture. The persons attending the
cattle were not affected with any disease of the skin.

Treatment was necessarily such as best accorded with our
opinion of the nature of the disease. Since this was parasitic
and contagious, all such measures as would best serve to
prevent its propagation to other animals and its spread over
those already affected were adopted. The cow with only a
patch on the side was removed from the infected stable and
isolated ; the patient more seriously affected was left in its
usual place. We then disinfected the stable by destroying
all the parasites and their germs on all the objects on which
they had been deposited. After the dung had been removed
the place was thoroughly washed down, also the walls and
mangers dressed with alkaline lye-washes, and subsequently
whitened with lime. These precautions were all the more
necessary because the animal was left in the place, and thus

532 SYNOPSIS OF CONTINENTAL VETERINARY JOURNALS.

it was absolutely necessary to avoid all danger of reinfection. .
Equal parts of iodine and glycerine mixed were applied with
friction to the udder. The other affected parts were cau¬
terised with nitric acid (-|). This treatment was pre¬
ceded by a thorough washing of the whole surface with soap
and water by means of a brush, with the intention of re¬
moving scales, crusts, and germs from the skin. The fol¬
lowing day (22nd August) decided improvement was indi¬
cated by a return of the appetite and less profuse cutaneous
secretion. The treatment was continued, and on the 27th
the sweating entirely ceased, and the general state of the
animal’s health was entirely satisfactory. The other cow
was rapidly cured. On the 4th September, when the cure
seemed to be complete, over the whole surface of the body
occurred a profuse epidermic exfoliation under the form of
branny scales ; these, in falling, carried the hair with them.
This furfuraceous condition readily yielded to alkaline
lotions and whisping. The use of nitric acid was rather a
mistake, for on some spots it caused deeply-extending eschars,
and these parts remained permanently denuded of hair.

In reviewing the statements of authors who have treated
on the diseases of the skin of the ox we have found no de¬
scription of the condition above mentioned. The “ Num¬
mular Herpes,” described by Lafosse in his Treatise of
Veterinary Pathology , ii, p. 167, somewhat resembles it,
but especially differs in the nature of the secretion of the
dermis ; also its progress is not a gradual invasion. It is not
very serious, for it becomes cured spontaneously, and, ac¬
cording to Lafosse, is non-contagious. “ Humid tetter,” de¬
scribed by Cruzel in his Treatise on the Diseases of the Bovine
Species , is a disease which I have frequently observed in my
neighbourhood, but is entirely different. In his Treatise ,
iii, p. 188, Lafosse says, indeed, that in the later stages of
(< muguetf exanthemata of various kinds may appear on
the skin, but he says no more, and leaves us entirely in
doubt as to their characters.

This account by M. Collin, which we have given almost
vh extenso, will be appreciated by many of us who have
learned the complexities of study of cutaneous disorders.

M. Cornerin' s Revue , as usual, is highly interesting. It
this time treats of Agriculture and Zootechny. M. Dele’s
paper on the “Exportation of Cattle from, and the diseases
prevalent among them, in America ” is given and followed by
the observations of M. Laverriere on fat beasts at the last
cattle show, in which he urges that these exhibitions might
be made still more profitable if, instead of losing sight of

SYNOPSIS OF CONTINENTAL VETERINARY JOURNALS. 533

the animals immediately they leave the show grounds,, they
were followed to the shambles of the butcher. “ What good
is it/5 says M. Laverriere, “ to know that such an animal is
of such a race, and that it came to the Palais d5 Industrie
with a certain weight acquired in a certain time if we ignore
the practical bearing of all this — what it supplies to the
consumer, how it is adapted to his taste, &c. ? Do the
breeder and feeder derive from this any indication for the
future ? Do they learn whether the animal they pre¬
pare with so much trouble fulfils the requirements of the
consumer ?” Here we find put into words the general
thought suggested by the exhibition of fat cattle, and it is
the most interesting outcome of the labours of the author of
this paper that “ the meat of the most highly fattened prize
beasts is not liked by the consumer.”

In a note on the Involution of the Teeth of Bovidce M.
Sanson announces some observations made on animals at
Grignon, which confirm the uncontested fact that an abun¬
dant and regular diet promotes the rapidity of development
of the teeth. In six animals of different breeds, with known
date of birth and replacement of all the incisors, the develop¬
ment was completed in four years, the maximum time being
forty-six months and five days, the minimum forty-one
months and twenty-one days. From this M. Sanson con¬
cludes that it would be better at shows to classify the young
animals according to the state of their dentition, rather than
the declarations of age by the exhibitors. The control of
these declarations is impossible ; their correctness is very fre¬
quently doubtful, hence result inconveniences, which would
be avoided by placing in one category all young bovines with
permanent centrals ; in another with also permanent primary
intermediates, &c. To this might be reasonably objected
that it would be inconvenient, as preventing recognition of
that precocity which the show especially is designed to pro¬
mote; but the professor of Grignon thus meets this objec¬
tion : ‘It has no value, since the notion of the time which
has elapsed since birth, compared with the number of teeth
cut, is not the only measure of this precocity. By examining
the incisive teeth of any animal of any age it is easy to judge
whether or no it has developed hastily. In precocious
subjects the time elapsing between the eruption of the cen¬
tral and corner teeth is especially shortened. In ordinary
cases the interval between the evolution of each pair of teeth
is prolonged. During that period the pair which has been
cut is used to a certain degree by friction with the dental pad.
The enamel which ordinarily invests the tooth thus becomes

534 SYNOPSIS OP VETERINARY CONTINENTAL JOURNALS.

worn, and exposes to view a surface of dentine more or less
extensive, according to the amount of time which has elapsed.
Let us suppose the wear of enamel to amount to a demi-
millimetre per month. After six months the table of the
tooth would be three millimetres in extent. After a year six;
when, in the latter case, the second pair of teeth commences
its work and its wear, the first will thus show a table of
six millimetres in extent ; and when this pair, having in turn
worked for a year, shows an equal amount of dentine exposed,
the central will show double the amount, twelve millimetres
instead of six millimetres, they having worked for two years
instead of one; thus, to the end of the dental evolution, the
difference between the pairs will remain constant.’ This
reasoning, though logical, presupposes a regularity in the
shedding and appearance of the teeth liable to very many
exceptions. M. Sanson, who has so well shown individual
variations in his Treatise on Zootechny best knows, and
all who carefully examine cattle on a farm are also welt
aware of, the marked results of individuality. When I see —
to take an illustration from the cowhouse of the Veterinary
School of Lyons, and this is not very rare — beasts retaining
their milk teeth until they are twenty-five, and even twenty-
six months old, and then suddenly and simultaneously losing
four teeth, central and primary intermediates— when I see
others, whose central temporary incisors have been shed at
twenty-one months, and which remain to forty months with
six milk teeth persistent, and then four teeth, primary and
secondary intermediates, are shed together — when I see, and
it is the rule rather than the exception, one tooth, the right,
for example, shed and replaced two months before its left
correspondent tooth — I fear that, with Sanson’s system, the
disputes would not be less numerous than they are now”
(Cornevin). — From the Bulletin des Seances de la Societe
Nationale d' Agriculture, lltli December, 1878. The review
terminates with an extract from the Journal d' Agriculture
Pratique on the death of Mac Combie, of Tillyfour, “ whose
name will rest in the agricultural history of England beside
those of Colling, Bakewel, and Jonas Webb (sic).”

In a previous synopsis we have drawn attention to certain
works on the diseases of birds published by continental
authors. We are pleased to see, by a notice which has been
sent to us, that Professors Eivolta and Pietro Delprato are
about to bring out a work on Ornithiatria , or Medicine as
affecting Domesticated or Semi-domesticated Birds , which
will he published by Uebelhart, of Pisa, and brought out in
volumes at an extremely cheap rate. The scientific status

SYNOPSIS OF CONTINENTAL VETERINARY JOURNALS. 535

of the authors is a sufficient guarantee of the value of this
promised work, which is another illustration of the wonderful
strides which Italian veterinary literature is making in the
present day. The importance of the study of parasitic dis¬
orders of birds in relation to those of mammals, the frequency
of epizootics among our domestic fowls, and especially the
questions of intense importance to pathology, human and
comparative, now pending Pasteur's investigations on
fowl cholera, will doubtless lead to great success of this
work.

The Annales de Medecine Veterinaire of July, 1880,
extracts from the Revue Mensuelle de Medecine et de Chi -
7'urgie a most interesting case of “ Accidental Injury of the
Sigmoid Gyrus of a Dog,” by Dr. Arloing. The accom¬
plished professor at the Veterinary School of Lyons cites this
as “ the first observation showing, in a very evident manner,
the happy practical application which may be made of the
physiological information recently acquired of the effects of
electrical excitation and removal of certain portions of the
grey cortex of the brain to the diagnosis, prognosis, and
treatment of certain contusions and contused wounds of the
cranial region.” The patient, a King Charles’ spaniel, re¬
ceived a wound in the frontal region, and it was not possible
by exploration to determine whether the brain was injured
or not. But “ the local symptoms were complicated with
disturbances of motion and sensibility. When the animal
was resting or walking straight no appreciable change could
be observed in his attitude or gait, but if he was made to
run diminution in power of the right limbs was rendered
very evident. The fore right limb struck against the least
roughness of the ground. Often the radio-carpal articula¬
tion became sharply flexed, and the anterior surface of the
metacarpus and phalanges met the ground. When the dog
seemed to run normally attentive observation showed that
just when he lifted the right foot the metacarpo-phalangeal
articulation was thrown sharply upwards and forwards, as if
it oscillated at the extremity of the forearm. The hind limb
(right) is slightly abducted when the animal is standing still
or moving slowly, and the same limb yielded under the
weight of the animal when he moved towards the correspond¬
ing side. In jumping up for a tit-bit the dog often fell over
towards the right. Again, while he was occupied in drink¬
ing the right legs might be moved without him noticing
it, but any attempt to move the left legs led to resumption
of the original posture; also there was a certain loss of sen¬
sibility of the right half of the body, and an interference

536

ON PLANTS IN RELATION TO ANIMALS.

with vision (as shown by the patient hitting himself against
projecting points).” These observations sufficed to enable
Arloing to diagnose injury of the left sigmoid gyrus of the
cerebrum. This was confirmed on post-mortem examination.
Spicules of the cranial wall penetrated the brain at the
point indicated. This exact diagnosis leads the professor to
conclude —

“(1) This case shows the complete resemblance between
the results of experimental and accidental lesions of the
cortex cerebri, when free from complications.

“ (2) It proves that we can with profit apply physiological
knowledge to the diagnosis of lesions having their seat in
the cranial region.

(3) It shows, as M. Lucas-Champonniere has recently
remarked, that surgical intervention, when considered ad¬
visable, should be practised, not at the seat of the external
wound, but at that part of the surface of the cranium which
corresponds to that region of the cortex lesion of which gives
rise to the symptoms which are present in the case.”

ON PLANTS IN RELATION TO ANIMALS.

By Professor James Buckman, F.G.S., F.L.S., &c.

{Continued from p. 471.)

We shall devote a paper to an examination of the Clovers,
the generic description of which is expressed by Syme as
follows :

“ TRIFOLIUM, Linn.

“ Calyx bell-shaped or tubular, 5-toothed ; teeth elongate,
generally unequal. Corolla persistent and withering, some¬
times retaining its form, but becoming scarious after flower¬
ing; more rarely deciduous ; petals usually united ; standard
scarcely spreading, equalling or exceeding the wings and
keel ; wings free at the apex, often diverging ; keel obtuse.
Stamens diadelphous, more or less adhering to the petals ;
filaments slightly thickened towards the apex. Style fili¬
form, glabrous. Stigma terminal, capitate. Pod short, ses¬
sile, and included in the tube of the calyx, or stipulate and
slightly exserted, ovoid, not compressed, 1- to 4-seeded, often
indehiscent.

“ Herbs with leaves, digitately trifoliate (rarely pinnately
bifoliate), the leaflets often toothed, and the stipules
adnate.

ON PLANTS IN RELATION TO ANIMALS. 537

“ Flowers whitish, rose colour, purple, or yellow, in heads
or compound spikes, which are axillary or terminal and
generally many-flowered.

“ The name of this genus at once expresses its peculiarity,
coming from Ires, the Latin word for three, and folium, a leaf,
all the species having trifoliate or three-parted leaves. The
Greeks call it rpicjjv AAov, the French trejie , and the English
trefoil or clover.5’*

Our remarks will now be confined to two species of what
are commonly styled “ red clovers,55 which may, for prac¬
tical purposes, be distinguished as under :

Trifolium pratense. — Red Meadow Clover. Flowers all

shades of purplish red. Leaflets
more or less inclined to be ob-
cordate or emarginate, with a
semilinear white mark in the
centre of each.

,, medium. — Zigzag Clover. Flowers in large

bright pink heads. Leaflets ovato-
lanceolate, most without the white
spot, which is, however, sometimes
feebly indicated.

The red or meadow clover is generally met with all over
the country. It is common to all meadows and pastures,
road-sides, and wild, open fields, only, however, in its wild
state, favouring soils that have a fair proportion of lime, and
hence occasional liming or marling of pastures is of import¬
ance, as favouring the growth and continuance of clover.

This species is so commonly cultivated by the farmer that
it has spread all over the world, and hence in America it
has been introduced more especially as a soiling plant, and
some of the largest varieties are commonly used in the States
much as we employ vetches in England.

The wild meadow clover is a much smaller plant than the
cultivated forms, which latter are now so much used for
shifting crops that much trouble has been exerted in getting
such strains as will produce heavy crops.

As one of the very best popular accounts of the uses and
value of red clover has found its way into the grand, new
edition of f English Botany,5 as we expect, contributed by
Mrs. Lankester and her late talented husband, we cannot
resist quoting it :

# See ‘English Botany,’ vol. iii, pp. 35 and 36.

538

ON PLANTS IN RELATION TO ANIMALS.

“ Marl Grass, Honeysuckle Trefoil, Red Clover,

Honeystalks.

“ French, Trefle des Pres ; German, Roth Klee.

“ The red clover is, perhaps, the best known and com¬
monest of our field crops, and is most important to the
farmer as a fodder plant in this country. In its wild state
it is perennial, but when grown artificially it seldom lasts
many years. It is usually sown with corn in the spring, and
allowed to grow up after the crop is reaped, pastured by
sheep and cattle, and either cut for hay the following year,
or mowed several times like lucerne, and employed for soiling
or feeding in the farm-yard.

(t Rye-grass is commonly sown with clover, being con¬
sidered to correct the heating properties of hay made from
clover alone. Clover succeeds best on a deep sandy but rich
soil, which is favorable to its long roots; but it will grow on
any soil, provided it be dry. Marl, lime, or chalk, is very
congenial to clover, containing much alkaline matter and
lime ; it will not flourish on land that has been exhausted
of these substances, and which consequently becomes, in
agricultural phrase, f clover-sick.’ Hence, it ought not to
he grown without allowing some years to elapse between
each crop.

“ On good soils fitted for its production red clover will
yield upwards of three tons of hay per acre. Like most
plants of the kind, it is very succulent, and requires careful
drying before it is stacked. In some parts of Russia it is
allowed to ferment in heaps before drying, and cattle are
said to relish it in this condition. To obtain clover hay in
its most nutritive state it is desirable to cut it before it is in
full flower — a rule which applies to all similar crops. The
nutritive qualities of red clover, according to Sir Humphry
Davy, are as follows : — In 1000 parts he found thirty-nine of
soluble or nutritive matter, thirty-one of starch or mucilage,
three of sugar, two of gluten, and three of insoluble matter
or refuse. As a fodder plant the clover is very much esteemed
by all farmers, and, according to Loudon, one acre is equal
to three of ordinary pasture for feeding horses or black cattle,
and the hay is reckoned more valuable by from 15 to 20 per
cent, than the same weight yielded by the best meadow
land.

“In feeding cattle with green clover great care must be
observed to prevent the swelling or hoving, which is very
apt to take place when they are first put upon this food,
especially if it be wet with rain or dew, and the more luxu-

ON PLANTS IN RELATION TO ANIMALS.

539

riant the clover the greater is this danger. After being
accustomed to this rich food for a few days, during which it
should he given sparingly , the danger is less ; but it is never
safe to allow milch-cows to eat large quantities of wet clover.
The red clover appears to have been introduced into English
agriculture first in the year 1645 by Sir Richard Weston,
who had observed its large and successful cultivation in
Belgium. It appears to have been grown on the Continent
long before this time, the absence of the fine natural pas¬
tures which we possess having led the French and German
agriculturists to encourage the growth of those plants which
would form their best substitute. Owing to the moisture of
our climate it is somewhat difficult to obtain a supply of
clover seed, and much that we use is imported from Belgium
and Holland. The seeds and dry flowers of the red clover,
like those of the white species, have been occasionally used
as a substitute for flour in bread-making, and those of all the
native species might possibly be so employed.”

The growth of clover seed is a very important business.
Home-grown seed usually fetches a very good price ; but
sometimes our winters begin so early that it is difficult to
save the seed properly, and our home growth has to be sup¬
plemented from abroad ; yet the foreign, as a rule, is not so
clean as home-grown. Clover, especially in its green state,
is sometimes found to possess some rather strong medicinal
qualities, so that cattle and sheep put incautiously on
green clover are apt to become what is called blasted, by
an accumulation of carbonic-acid gas, as the result of the
fermentation of the green leaves, or else purgation proceeds
to such an extent as to often produce very serious diarrhoea
or scours. When this is the case it is as well to change the
pasture as soon as possible, and perhaps to administer doses
of hyposulphite of soda. The popular remedy, however, is
a strong solution of salt, which no doubt acts by checkingthe
fermentation.

There is not the danger where clovers are mixed with
grasses. Hence we prefer to sow ray grasses with clovers of
all kinds.

The red clover is particularly liable to the attacks of two
distinct forms of parasites belonging to the genera :

Oroibanche — Broomrape.

Cuscuta — Dodder.

Both these, though very distinct, would appear to start
into life much in the same manner.

The seeds of broomrape attach themselves to the young
rootlets of clover, and when the second shear of the plant is

540 ON PLANTS IN RELATION TO ANIMALS.

grown they send up their fuscous spikes of labiate flowers of
such great size that there is no wonder that the more deli¬
cate clover should he killed by it; but what is worst seems
to be that a somewhat delicate and mild-flavoured plant
should have its juices converted into a bitter and, perhaps,
narcotic plant. At any rate, the Orobanche is an ally of
the S 'crophulariacece , a somewhat powerful natural order, and,
therefore, we are not surprised that cattle do not touch the
parasite, and so the parasite kills the crop plant.

The Dodder belongs to a different set altogether. It is a
near relative of the Convolvulacese, and therefore allied to
scammony and jalap — highly purgative tribes of plants.
This, then, is not eaten by cattle, but it kills the crop.

The dodder we have in clover is clearly a foreign species,
and it is only after a fine summer and a mild winter that we
get its full development. Last year’s clover leas were full
of it, and it left its mark in the rounded patches of dead
clover plant; but this year it makes little sign of reappear¬
ance, and our wet spring has been much against it.

2. The zigzag clover is a plant which belongs more par¬
ticularly to the thicket and the hedge-row. It grows in
stiff and sandy soils, and is not so partial to lime as the
meadowr clover. It is on this account that it has been
recommended for growth on sandy soils, and where the last
is what has been called clover-sick; but, somehow, it has
got so hybridised with the meadow clover that the pure seed
of T. medium is not to be obtained, but a sort can readily
be got from the seedsman under the name of T. pratense-
perenne, which is highly esteemed in some districts.

These two clovers will wrell repay any attention to their
cultivation. New strains are easily produced, and we recom¬
mend work in this direction, as being capable of doing good
service.

Clover hay fetches the highest price in the market, and,
with the present low price of corn, a good and certain
perennial strain of clover would much diminish expenses in
cultivation, and furnish a good and useful food for our
stock, both in the shape of green soiling food, and preserved
in the shape of hay.

541

VETERINARY SCIENCE IN AMERICA.

Letter from R. Jennings, Jun., V.S.

Gentlemen, — In the June number of your very valuable
Journal, I read with much interest the reply of J. H. Steel
to my paper in the May number. He is evidently happy in
the assertion that 44 I am able to treat with contempt Mr.
Jenning’s observation, that my paper contains calumnies,”
44 infamous charges,” and 44 slanderous statements.”

I duly appreciate his happy feelings, and would advise
that he keep cool, as the weather is too hot to get excited.
If he will read my remarks carefully, I think he will see
that they were not intended to reflect upon him in any
manner whatever, hut upon those who furnished him the
information, which is untrue in almost every particular.

I feel perfectly assured that in the end we will come to a
fair square understanding, and neither be ashamed of his
record.

Some of our ambitious American Vets, may bluster over the
matter, but they cannot suppress the truths I have asserted.
You say, 44 What I marvel at is that we have no more evidence
of these efforts than those enumerated by your correspondent.”
That is no fault of mine. The benefits of a veterinary
journal in the United States we did not then enjoy, but the
doings of the Veterinary College was regularly noticed in
the daily and weekly papers of Philadelphia from its com-
mencement to its end. The files of the New York Spirit
of the Times, Porter's Spirit of the Times , and Wilke's
Spirit of the Times , will show many recorded facts which
appear in my communication.

In 1855 the American Veterinary Journal was published
in the City of Boston. My father was a regular contributor
to its columns, to which reference is made by C. M. Wood.
Its life was short, only three short years. Its most bitter
opponents was the New York and Massachusetts veterinary
surgeons, as letters in my possession will prove.

Every effort to advance Veterinary science in this country
previous to I860 was met at every turn with determined
opposition by those who should have given it a helping
hand. The regular courses of lectures were delivered daily
bv the Faculty, from the first Monday in November, con¬
tinuing sixteen weeks. The free course, delivered once a
week, was a special course for the benefit of friends and

liii. 37

542

VETERINARY SCIENCE IN AMERICA.

patrons of the school, not, however, with a view of making
veterinary surgeons. These lectures were upon general
subjects, such as would be interesting to horse and cattle
owners. The number of graduates of the Philadelphia
College, all told, were twenty-four, few of whom used their
pen, except to report some peculiar case of disease or opera¬
tion occurring in their practice, for which the local press
was usually selected.

Regarding the Agricultural Society, my subject was not
clearly stated, as I since discovered. The expenses of
maintaining the building at Sixth and Master Streets, had
been borne for two years by the Faculty, to lessen which the
appeal to the Society was made, the result of which has
already been stated. The Infirmary, however, was retained,
the balance of the building vacated. The Museum, being
private property, was removed to a private room, with the
exception of the skeleton of Ned. Forrest, the king of the
turf in his day, was articulated and presented to the College
by his owner, Gen. Geo. Cadwallader, one of the corporators
of the College, which, by his request, was deposited in the
Academy of Natural Sciences, until such time as the College
could provide a suitable place for it. The lectures, from
this time to the closing of the institution, were delivered in
the rooms of the Agricultural Society, with the exception
of those on anatomy, which were delivered in the dissecting-
room, built several years previous for the American Veteri¬
nary Association, and those of chemistry, which through
the kindness of the Faculty of the Pennsylvania Medical
College (one of the honoured institutions of Philadelphia),
gave free admission to these lectures to the students of the
Veterinary School.

The persistent efforts of the Faculty in consequence of
these difficulties has been misrepresented.

Though the courses of instruction were as perfect as the
circumstances under which they laboured could make them,
these “irregularities,” as some of our good friends chose to
call them, were approved by the Board of Directors, with
such men connected as Prof. James Bryan, of the then
Philadelphia Medical College, and A. L. Elwyn, M.D., the
honoured President of the Philadelphia Society for the Pre¬
vention of Cruelty to Animals. Few men would have
laboured with the same zeal as Drs. Bowler and Jennings
did, without pecuniary reward, besides bearing the taunts
of the graduates of Europe, who refused to lend a helping
hand in the hour of need. To the founders, St. Bell, Prof.
Coleman, and other early workers in England, due credit

VETERINARY SCIENCE IN AMERICA. 543

has been given, who laboured under difficulties scarcely less

favorable.

1 now believe I have made this subject clear, if not, I
must admit my inability to do so. “ If the statements of
American veterinary history made by this author were
‘ unjust’ and ‘ unfair,5 where was Mr. Jennings, the
planner of the United States Veterinary Medical Associa¬
tion, at the opening meeting of which the paper was read ? ”

Not knowing at what meeting the paper was produced,
I cannot answer the question. But I do know that the
graduates of the English and Fiench schools were not in
sympathy with American veterinary practitioners, nor have
they ever been ; as proof No. 1, J. Horsburgh, M.R.C.V.S.,
visited the United States in 1853; he says, “ I visited
the cities of Philadelphia, New York, Newark, Dunkirk,
Cleveland, Columbus, Covington, and Cincinnatti, and,
unless it be in New York, in all these places, and the sur¬
rounding countries, for a distance of 1200 miles there is
not one qualified veterinary surgeon/’ — Veterinarian ,
1854, p. 252.

Having said thus much, I will attempt an answer, pro¬
viding you, gentlemen, will bear with me a few moments,
by showing the one-sided turn taken by the U.S.V.M.A.
after the Convention of Veterinary Surgeons assembled in
the City of New York, in June, 1863. When the call for an
election of officers to serve one year was made, the following
names for President were presented : — Robert Jennings, of
New Jersey ; and J. H. Stickney, a graduate of the English
and French Veterinary schools, the youngest man, with
one or two exceptions, in the Convention. The graduates of
Europe urged my father to waive his right to the Chair for
the sake of harmony, which he willingly did (though A. S.
Copeman was his choice), at the same time receiving pledges
to sustain him at the next election.

One year passes round and another annual meeting is
held in the City of New York. Again he is asked to waive
his right in favour of A. S. Copeman, which he did under
the second solemn pledge of support at the next annual
meeting. In neither of these elections were there any
opposition to the candidate named. The third annual
meeting was held in the City of Boston ; a call for nomina¬
tion of officers was in order. The names of Robert Jennings,
of New Jersey, and Charles M. Wood, of Massachusetts,
were presented. New York and Massachusetts being fully
represented, which was not the case with Pennsylvania and
New Jersey. Again my father is urged to yield his right to the

544

VETERINARY SCIENCE IN AMERICA.

Chair for the last time upon pledges already twice broken.
His friends for the first time objected, and Wood and
Jennings were the candidates. The ballot was decided a
tie vote, the President, A. S. Copeman, was called upon to
give the casting vote, which is rulable in all such assem¬
blages. He said he had already voted, and for Wood ; this
acknowledgment gave the election to my father by one
majority. Quick upon the floor a Boston member moves
for another ballot, seconded by half-a-dozen. Pennsylvania
and New Jersey members protest, but no new ballot was
taken, and C. M. Wood, who had twice pledged himself to
support my father, was counted in by one majority.

These facts I can prove by members who were present.
If these facts are disputed I challenge the production of the
minute book.

Permit me to go back to that Convention once more. A
very worthy member of the Veterinary College of Phila¬
delphia, whose name was upon the roll with those who first
assembled together in the interest of this Association, was
not present on the first day of the Convention, but was
there on the second, was refused admission to the Conven¬
tion unless he made a regular application as a new member;
feeling aggrieved at such treatment, he returned home with
unpleasant feelings towards the new organisation.

Another party, whose name appeared upon the roll of the
Convention, but was not present, was admitted as a member
at the semi-annual meeting following, without the formality
of new membership.

These facts, I think, are sufficient to account for the
absence of the originator of the U.S.V.M.A. as well as his
friends. We now come to the “ bogus diploma ’’question,
on which we are taxed with having lapsed into gossip or
malice because we said “ Philadelphia has an unenviable
notoriety in veterinary history in connection with the bogus
degrees,” “ the fame of which extending to this side of the
Atlantic, has rendered us suspicious of qualifications, even
sometimes more searching than those to which we subject
our own graduates.” The fact is, the “ unenviable notoriety
in veterinary history,” is unknown in the City of Phila¬
delphia in connection with her Veterinary colleges, where
it is claimed by perverted minds outside of that city to have
originated. The bogus diploma reputation was made by
parties representing human medical schools, five of which
are now in the Courts, and will be for ever wiped out.

This reputation, by the acts of a single individual, years
after the colleges had ceased to exist, is imputed to the

CATTLE PLAGUE.

545

Veterinary College by the enemies of early veterinary
advancement in the city of medical colleges. Investigation
will prove all I have asserted to be true.

Please do not in the future charge corruption to the
Veterinary colleges of Philadelphia, which closed their
doors in honesty and good faith, and which are not respon¬
sible for the acts of private individuals.

If I have done you, Brother Steel, any injustice, I beg
pardon, and assure you it was unintentional. There was
no M.D connected with the name of Robert McClure
when he was connected with the Veterinary College of
Philadelphia. The American Veterinary Review , I am con¬
vinced, has a larger circulation abroad than at home.

Yours, very respectfully.

Pittsburgh, Pa., U.S.A.

To the Editors of the ‘ Veterinarian .’

Pathological Contributions.

CATTLE PLAGUE.

It appears that cattle plague still exists in the Govern¬
mental departments bordering on Austria and Germany, and
those adjoining the Black and Baltic seas.

The Mark Lane Express says, “ that according to a tele¬
gram, recently received, it has been officially announced that
the cattle plague has broken out in St. Petersburg and on the
shores of the Black Sea. In Bessarabia, Volhynia, and
Podolia, as well as on the Baltic shores. The disease, so
far as at present ascertained, is raging in forty-three separate
districts, and has even made its appearance in the St.
Petersburg Zoological Gardens, where it has already carried
off some rare and valuable animals, including stags, wild
goats, and a llama. ”

Cattle plague is also reported to exist at the present time
in Roumania. The regulations of 1874 have been adopted,
and the frontier is strictly guarded.

An outbreak of cattle plague has lately been reported in
the neighbourhood of Galatz.

This disease still continues in some provinces of Lower
Egypt, and has reappeared in two districts of Upper Egypt.

The Kingdom of Hungary remains free.

546

PLEUROPNEUMONIA.

During the four weeks ending June 12th, eight cases of
this disease were reported in the Netherlands. Three of
these occurred in the province of North Brabant, and the
other five in South Holland.

In Great Britain the disease still continues to decline.
During the four weeks ending June 26t.h this year, eighty-six
fresh outbreaks occurred and 215 animals were attacked.
In the corresponding period of last year the outbreaks were
143, and the number of animals attacked 353.

In Ireland for the week ending June 26th, forty-one cases
of pleuro-pneumonia were reported, while in the correspond¬
ing week of last year sixty-four animals were returned as
affected. Fresh cases in the North Island have been much
less numerous of late, and hopes are entertained that the
vigorous measures adopted have brought the disease well
under control.

In New Zealand, great efforts have been made to check the
spread of pleuro-pneumonia, and with some success ; but
much alarm exists amongst stockowners, and especially those
settled in the Auckland district.

SWINE FEVER.

This disease was reported to exist in twenty-eight counties
in Great Britain during the four weeks ending June 26th,
and 1280 animals were attacked. During the correspond¬
ing period of 1879 the number of swine attacked by this
disease was 2041.

FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE.

In Great Britain no cases of this disease have been re¬
ported since the week ending May 24th, when one out¬
break in which two animals were affected was returned.

During the month of June, 1879, there Were twelve fresh
outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease reported, and 603 animals
were attacked.

547

Facts and Observations.

Anthracoid Disease. — The British Medical Journal says
that M. Cohn, of Alfort, communicated to the Academy of
Medicine, at their last Meeting, some fresh experimental
researches on malignant pustule and anthracoid oedema. Also
that the French Government has allotted to M. Pasteur the
sum of 50,000 francs for the purpose of enabling him to carry
out his researches on the contagious diseases of animals.

Death From Glanders. — A report of the case of a
German officer who died of glanders, contracted through
using an infected handkerchief, has been published in the
Militdr Wochenblatt.

Variation in Price of Meat. — An increase of a penny
a pound in the price of meat costs the country, it is said,
about £ 5,000,000 a year ; and a fall of a penny or a half¬
penny a pound is tantamount to much increased health and
comfort to millions. — Times .

To Detect Aloes. — Aloes used in elixirs, liqueurs,
beer, and other liquids, may be recognised (says Hugo Born-
triiger in the Zeitsc/irift fur Analyt. Chem.) by shaking a little
of the liquid smartly in a test-tube, with twice its volume of
benzine, and adding to the layer of clear benzine a few drops
of strong ammonia, warming, and gently agitating. Aloes
causes a beautiful violet red ; fixed alkalies give the same
colour, but less intense ; other bitters and haematoxylin do
not yield a colour. One part of aloes in 5000 can be recog¬
nised by this test.

Solidified Bromine. — The utility of bromine as a dis¬
infectant agent is now well recognised; but, owing to its
liquid condition and difficulty of transportation, it has hitherto
been but little used for such purposes. Chlorine, which is a
gas, is always available by means of the solid commercial
chloride of lime; but a similar method of binding bromine in
a compound, which would readily yield it up, has heretofore
been a desideratum. A manufacturer of Charlottenburg
(Prussia), Mr. Frank, has conceived the idea to cause bro¬
mine to be absorbed by so-called “ kiesel-guhr,” that is,
the siliceous marl which Ehrenberg has shown to consist of
the microscopic shells of infusoria, and which is also used to
absorb nitro-glycerine, thus forming the well-known dynamite.
The inventor has given to the mixture the inappropriate name
<f solidified, or solid bromine.” In this condition it is easily
applied for disinfecting purposes.

548

THE VETERINARIAN, AUGUST 2, 1880.

Ne quid falsi dicere audeat, ne quid veri non audeat. — CiCEBO,

THE NEXT OUTBREAK OE “ ROT.”

All that has been said and written respecting the causes
of liver rot or, as it has become fashionable to call it, the
fluke disease, has need to he repeated under the present
circumstances. Farmers are naturally a hopeful race, or the
last six seasons must have crushed them out of all agricul¬
tural life, and notwithstanding the experience of years,
many of them are preparing to keep ewes which have suffered
from flukes through another lambing season, simply because
the treatment which we recommended through the Royal
Agricultural Society has been so far successful, that the dis¬
eased sheep have passed safely through the lambing time, and
have brought up the lambs without suffering in condition.

In our last report to the Society we referred to this
proposition, and gave reasons against its adoption, pointing
out that the flukes have in most cases done irreparable
mischief, which will become more apparent as the autumn
approaches, and the pastures become less nutritive. The
fact is that the disease is not capable of being radically
cured when it is once fairly established, and the partial
recovery of an animal must not be taken as evidence that
it is in a position to support itself under the influence of
further debilitating causes. If the flock master has suc¬
ceeded in carrying a diseased flock well over the lambing
season, and can get the ewes in moderate condition, he
ought to be content with the achievement, and at once
proceed to realise what he can by converting his sheep into
mutton.

Besides the question of the proper treatment, of a flock which
have to some extent recovered from the ravages of the flukes,
there is now the more pressing inquiry what is to be done to
avert the infection of animals which have hitherto escaped,
and those which have not yet been exposed to the causes of
the disease.

EDITORIAL OBSERVATIONS.

549

According to official announcement, the bad weather
of last season is being repeated, with the difference that
it began some seven weeks later. A cold, dry spring
was certainly unfavorable to the development of the fluke
in any of its stages, and had the promise of a warm, sunny
summer been realised, we might have had our pastures freed
from the germs of the parasites for some time to come, hut,
on the contrary, all the climatic conditions during June and
July have been eminently favorable to the development of
parasites, and, unless the greatest care is taken, we shall see
another outburst of the disease in a few months, as the results
of the return of the parasites which are now being swal¬
lowed by animals which are feeding on pasture, especially in
the low-lying and undrained districts.

No new means of combating the adverse influences
to which sheep and cattle are now being exposed present
themselves for consideration. The discovery of a specific
for “ rot ” has yet to be made, but there is a rational
plan of treatment which has been found to act so bene¬
ficially as to deserve a trial until something better is
found out.

In the first place, the more the sheep are kept off the wet
lands the better for their health and comfort ; but, as they
must feed on grass more or less, and in the act of feeding
infest themselves with flukes, it is desirable to supply them
at the same time with an antiparasitic in the form of salt,
with the object of killing as many of the germs as possible.
Manger food should he given as liberally as a due regard to
economy will permit, and salt should always be added to
whatever food is given in this way. The weakest animals
naturally go to the wall first and they should receive special
attention. To save time some such combination as we
recommended a short time ago for general use should be
kept at hand and given day by day.

Careful management of the flock and of the pastures on
which they feed will materially moderate the losses from
liver rot in the course of the next autumn and winter, but
it is to be feared that no care will entirely avert the calamity
if the heavy rainfall should continue.

550

APPOINTMENT OF MR. WIILLIAM ROBERTSON, F.R.C.V.S.,
AS PROFESSOR OF HIPPO-PATHOLOGY, AT THE ROYAL
VETERINARY COLLEGE.

We have authority to state, and it affords us much pleasure
to inform our readers that Mr. Wm. Robertson, F.R.C.V.S.,
Kelso, a gentleman who very deservedly ranks high in the
estimation of his professional brethren, both in England and
Scotland, for the extent of his scientific and practical acquire¬
ments, has been appointed to the vacant Chair at the Royal
Veterinary College.

Mr. Robertson, who has received the title of Professor of
Hippo-pathology from the Governors of the College, will
enter upon his duties as a teacher at the commencement of
the Winter Session in October. In congratulating our friend
on his appointment, we are at a loss to decide whether our
highest congratulations should be offered to our new and
respected colleague or to the students, who will have the
benefit of his matured experience as a scientist and practical
Veterinary Surgeon.

Extracts from British and Eoreign Journals.

SHEEP ROT.

The following letter has been sent out to flockowners :

2, Portland Place, London, W., July 5th.

Dear Sir, — The Royal Agricultural Society of England
have commissioned me to prepare a report on liver rot in
sheep. I understand that you have had considerable oppor¬
tunity of observing those cases, and you will greatly assist iu
clearing up some of the difficulties of the subject if you will
be so good as to answer the subjoined questions, and furnish
any other information bearing on this serious disease.

1. How many cases of rot had you during the past and
present year ? How many in former years ?

2. What is the number of your flock ? How are your

SHEEP ROT.

551

sheep managed at different seasons of the year as to feeding,
grazing over old pastures, or penning on the arable land ?

3. What is the extent of your holding, the description of
your land, the amount of pasture and arable, the proportion
of wet and woodland ?

4. What class of sheep chiefly suffer? If lambs were
affected, when did they first become affected ?

5. Can you explain why some of your flock suffered and
some escaped ? Can you explain why some flocks have been
extensively and seriously diseased, while those adjacent were
unharmed, or nearly so ?

6. Can you describe the meadows or other lands which
notoriously produce rot? Are there on them any open ditches,
stagnant pools, spouts, or boggy places?

7. Have you observed any particular plants or weeds on
the lands where rot is contracted ? Is there any greater
prevalence of the disease where the grass is allowed to get
rampant, or where it is close grazed ?

8. Have any cattle or horses in your farm or in your
neighbourhood been affected with flukes ? Amongst these
animals has there been any difference in progress or symp¬
toms of the disease, as compared with what is observed in
sheep ?

9. Have hares, rabbits, or other animals suffered from
flukes ?

10. Do you know of any calves or lambs reared on their
mother’s milk in houses or sheds being affected by flukes ?
In such cases has no grass or other food been furnished from
possibly infected land ?

11. In what months of the year do you consider liver rot
most likely to be contracted ?

12. What period elapses between the taking up of the
embyro of fluke — the cause of the disease — and the mani¬
festation of the first symptoms of rot ?

13. Can you state what snails or molluscs are common on
the lands liable to rot ? Have they increased of late years ?
Are the birds which might prey upon them as numerous as
formerly ?

14. What proportion of your sheep, having shown symp¬
toms of rot, eventually recover?

15. Have you found dry food, regular supplies of salt
doses, of iron salts, or other remedies, effectual in preventing,
checking, or curing liver-rot ?

Believe me, dear Sir, yours faithfully,

Finlay Dun.

552

3

THE FOREIGN CATTLE TRADE.

A very large and influential deputation, consisting of cattle
trade associations of the Midland Counties and North of
England, had an interview with Earl Spencer and Mr.
Mundella, at the Privy Council office, on Monday afternoon,
to urge upon the Government the desirability of taking off
the restrictions imposed by the late Government upon cattle
imported from abroad, and America particularly.

Mr. Jacob Bright, M.P., in introducing the deputation,
said that they came to state the strong objections they
entertained to the restrictions which now existed on the
importation of meat. They believed that those restrictions
limited the quantity, and, at the same time, deteriorated the
quality of this important class of food. There was a wide
feeling as to these restrictions, and particularly as to American
cattle. It was held that they came into this country in a
condition more healthy on the average than the cattle of this
kingdom. The disease of pleuro-pneumonia, which was the
reason why American cattle were not allowed to come in,
did not exist in America at all. The members of the depu¬
tation would speak upon these points. Mr. John Whitehead,
of Leeds, president of the Foreign Cattle Trade Association,
said he represented the butchers of more than forty towns in
the Midland Counties, and gave statistics to show why the
restrictions complained of should be removed. In 1879
there had been a decrease in the number of English sheep
and cattle of 1,322.865, and seeing that the British farmer
could not produce meat enough for the consumption of the
people, there was an absolute necessity that the Privy Council
should, if possible, remove undue restrictions upon foreign
supplies. Out of 76,117 cattle imported last year from the
United States, there were only 137 affected by pleuro¬
pneumonia, and in those cases the disease was not found till
the animals had been slaughtered. It was a great hardship
that all foreign meat had to be slaughtered at the port of its
arrival. Tons upon tons of waste was the result, and the
offal was utterly sacrificed, which was a grevious loss to the
poorer and to a large proportion of the middle classes.

Mr. Mark Price (Manchester) drew attention to the fact
that out of 76,000 cattle imported from America in 1879,
there were only 137 which were said, after a microscopical
inspection, to be affected by pleuro-pneumonia. The
Americans denied that the disease existed in their country, and
our own Professor Williams distinctly stated that the disease

THE FOREIGN CATTLE TRADE.

553

in those 137 animals was real pleuro-pneumonia. But the
great point was this — that 63,000 of the whole number came
over in steamers where no disease at all was found. What
they asked the Privy Council to do was to allow the cattle
brought over in steamers in which it was admitted that there
was no disease to be permitted to be sent alive to the inland
markets. With regard to sheep, there were thirty-three found
to be suffering from foot-and-mouth disease, but there were
535 steamers carrying 11 1,000 sheep in which no trace of
that disease could be found. The gross amount of the loss
occasioned by the ravages of pleuro-pneumonia a few years
ago was calculated at £8,000,000; but the cost of these
restrictions to the consumer was one penny per pound, and
that meant £ 16,000,000 per annum. They might well run
a little risk to save such a sum to the people of this country.

Other gentlemen having addressed his Lordship,

Earl Spencer, in reply, assured the deputation that he felt
the deepest interest in the questions brought before him.
He also appreciated the questions so far as they related to the
food of large centres of industry. He warmly sympathised
with the feelings which prompted them to wait upon him.
He had frequently had to deal with the subject of the impor¬
tation of foreign live cattle, and had always endeavoured to
keep in mind the great and noble principles of free trade,
which had always guided the wisest statesmen, whether with
regard to meat or bread supply to this country. (Hear,
hear.) He also knew the requirements of farmers, whose
interests had to be considered as well as other people's, and
that their prosperity tended to the prosperity of the interests
which they specially represented. He had tried to do what
was right between all classes, and he had always urged
moderation on the farmers when they sought to introduce
protection for their industry. With regard to the matter of
dealing with the diseases of animals, he took on himself the
sole responsibility for that important branch of the Govern¬
ment w7hich the Privy Council represented, and he shielded
Mr. Mundella from any participation in that responsibility.
Having reviewed the history of the law7 bearing on the subject
of the importation of foreign cattle, his Lordship proceeded
to enumerate the list of countries which the latest reports to
his department made it necessarv for the Government to
schedule, and said that his office had no power of admitting
any cattle from any country unless satisfied that that country
was free from disease. With respect to the admission of
cattle from America, it had been found that diseased animals
were among those that were landed from that country, and

554

SANITARY NOTES ON POTABLE WATER.

the consequence was that that country had to be scheduled.
His Lordship read an extract from the report of the highest
veterinary scientist of America, who declared that pleuro¬
pneumonia did exist, and had done so for some time, through¬
out the States; and he declared, moreover, that the disease
would be in the cattle for six w^eeks or two months
without making its appearance, and that the disease was
was of the most insidious kind, and although it might escape
attention at first, would at last do the greatest destruction.
His Lordship reminded them of how difficult it wras in a
country situated as America was to secure proper protection
from the ravages of disease ; and even if the west was per¬
fectly free, there w?as no guarantee that the east would be. If
he w ere convinced that there were not sufficient regulations in
America to arrest the disease there, and they had shown that
there wras not proper legislation to prevent it, he really could
not under the Act of Parliament modify the Orders in Council
regulating the importation of cattle from abroad. He read
an extract from a Chicago newspaper to show how careless
the system for the prevention of the spread of the disease
wTas in America. Generally speaking, therefore, he could
not alter or reverse the restrictions wfiich the late administra¬
tion in its wisdom deemed it wise to impose, although he
should have been glad if he could have done so. He could
not help feeling, however, that they might develop the dead-
meat trade more than was done. He urged that upon the
attention of the trade. He should do all he could to make
the administration of the laws as little onerous as possible to
the meat consuming population of the country.

The deputation thanked his Lordship and withdrew. —
North British Agriculturist.

SANITARY NOTES ON POTABLE WATER*

By Gustav Bischof.

We have exhaustive treatises by such men as Albrecht
von Haller, Panum, John Simon, Arnold Hiller, Burdon-
Sanderson, J. Netten Radcliffe, and others, on the pathological
effects of common putrid matter when introduced into the
animal system by water or otherwise. Closely connected
with this question is another, which, probably on account
of the difficulty of direct investigation, has not, as far as I

* A paper read before the Society of Medical Officers of Health on May
1G, 1879.

SANITARY NOTES ON POTABLE WATER. 55 5

know, been the subject of separate inquiry, although numerous
investigators have here and there commented upon it.

This is the question whether ordinary putrefaction or fer¬
mentative processes, without being their original cause, may
yet have a bearing on the diseases which are commonly caused
zymotic. 1 have devoted a great deal of time to study indis-
crimately the views and opinions of a number of prominent
scientific gentlemen on this subject, which is of course largely
a matter of speculation. Considering that preventive sani¬
tary measures must to some extent depend upon its issue, I
think it may not be without interest to give a short summary
of my notes.

There are three possibilites. Fermentation may either
favour or it may counteract the virulence of the specific
contagia; or lastly, there maybe no connection at all between
them. To state a case let us suppose we are dealing with
typhoidal or choleraic discharges, which are in a state of
gradual fermentation. The question then is, will the viru¬
lence of the the contagia be increased or diminished, or will
it not be affected at all by being surrounded with putrid
faecal matter.

I have been able to discover only two statements to the
effect that fermentation and contagia are antagonistic. One
of them is made incidently in Dr. Maclagan's ‘ Germ Theory/
He says on page 22 : — “The fact that contagious fluids are
most potent in the fresh state, and that their virulence
diminishes in intensity as bacteria increase therein, is looked
upon by Dr. Bastian as fatal to the germ theory.” I have
not succeeded in tracing this quotation in Dr. Bastian's
publications, but think I shall presently be able to show
that he can scarcely hold such views without qualification.

The other statement is by Davaine.* He found that whilst
the disease, known by the name of " blood/' can always be
reproduced in a healthy animal by inoculation of fresh dis¬
eased blood, the latter loses its infective power whenever it
become putrid. In very hot weather he found this to be the
case, even after the blood had been kept for only thirty-five
hours.

We must first bear in mind that it is possible or even
probable that the specific contagion of different diseases may
exhibit a different behaviour under the influence of ferment¬
ing matter. Secondly, as a matter of course, fermentation
is capable of redissolving all organic matter without excep¬
tion into its more elementary inorganic constituents. If we
therefore suppose that the specific virus is of an organic, or
* Bastian, ‘ Beginnings of Life,’ i, p. 362.^

556

SANITARY NOTES ON POTABLE WATER.

perhaps even of an organised nature, there cannot be the
least doubt that it will also be subject to that general rule.
But this does not in the least exclude the possibility that in
the course of intermediate putrefactive stages, fermentation
may not be even favourable to the development or multipli¬
cation of the contagion. Do we not see every day that
plants feed and thrive on fermenting matter, and yet that the
same plants ultimately become its prey ? These considera¬
tions may explain apparently contradictory statements.

The probable absence of any connection between fermen¬
tation and contagia is suggested in my notes by only one
single statement, which is the result of an experiment by
Birch-Hirschfeld.* On injecting into the alimentary canal of
rabbits fcecal matter infected with the virus of typhoid, both
in the fresh state and after keeping it for several days, he
v/as not able to discover any difference in the virulence
of the symptoms. Considering the comparative immunity
which rabbits enjoy from the effects of typhoidal discharges,
th is experiment would seem to require further confirmation
before being accepted as a final proof that putrid matter has
no influence on the contagion of typhoid.

By far the largest number of statements is opposed to
the views to which I have hitherto referred, being more or
less favourable to the supposition that the virulence of con¬
tagia, generally speaking, is increased under the influence of
fermenting matter.

The views held by Professor Tyndall are well character¬
ised by the manner in which he endorses in his treatise
‘ Fermentation and its Bearings on the Phenomena of
Disease 9 certain experiments made by Dr. Sanderson. -f The
latter inoculated mice subcutaneously with the blood of an
animal suffering from splenic fever. The experiment was
then varied, the blood being dried, permitted to assume the
form of dust, the dust wetted, allowed to dry again, and left
“ in the midst of putrefying matter.” After thus keeping
the blood for four years, its action was as fatal as that of
blood fresh from the veins of an animal suffering from
splenic fever. These observations are of special interest in
view of Davaine's experiment, to which we referred before.

Dr. Bastian informs usj that epidemic diseases are fre¬
quently most fatal when they once break out amongst a
people who are in the habit of feeding upon diet contain¬
ing much putrid matter, as for example the Kalmuck Tar-

* Sander, ‘ Handbuch der Oeffeutlichen Gesuneheitspfiege,5 p. 5G.

t Fortnightly Review , November 1, 1876, p. 568.

J ‘ Beginnings of Life,5 ii, p. cxxiv.

SANITARY NOTES ON POTABLE WATER. 55?

tars, whose ordinary food, he states, to be raw putrid fish
or the flesh of carrion. This must be taken as very strong
evidence that putrid matter is favorable to the virulence
of epidemic diseases.

When reporting on the severe outbreak of typhoid in
Terling, Essex, in 1867, Dr. R. Thorne states* that at that
place all the nuisances which are “ generally 39 associated
with outbreaks of typhoid exist in great and unusual
abundance, the cottages being literally surrounded by every
species of nuisance, manure heaps, cesspools, and masses of
decaying vegetable matter.

From a report by Dr. Ballardf on the epidemic of typhoid
at Armley, in the burgh of Leeds, we are led to conclude
that the cause of the outbreak was milk, which had become
tainted by some highly polluted well water. A deposit of
mud and filth was discovered at the bottom of the well,
which gave abundant bubbles of gas on being disturbed.
The organic matter in the water was therefore in a state
of putrefaction.

In one of Dr. PettenkofePs pamphletsj we find the re¬
markable statement that from the very commencement
“ facts ” led always to the qualification that fresh discharges
of cholera patients were not infective, but only those which
are in a state of decomposition.

Similarly Hallier remarks that§ the most favorable con¬
ditions for cholera consist, as a rule, in the accumulation of
putrid matter, and he leaves it for the future to demon¬
strate whether all or at least most contagious diseases come
under the same rule.

Dr. Van den Schrieck, in his pamphlet, c Du virus
typhoide et de son role dans les epidemies,’ expresses the
opinion, which he considers confirmed by M. Pasteurs
researches, that decomposition or putrid fermentation of faecal
dejections singularly favour the development of the contagion
of typhoid.

A German sanitary authority of great experience, Dr. F.
Sander, observes|| that, as regards cholera and typhoid, he
looks upon putrefaction not as the original cause, but as a
necessary item in the chain of causes which co-operate to
multiply the virus. He also shares the opinion of those
who hold that cholera and typhoid find a favourable nidus

# Sixth Report of Rivers Pollution Commission, p. 167.

f Reports of the Medical Officer of the Privy Council, New Series,
No. 11.

X 'Was man gegen die Cholera tliun kann/ p. 10.

§ ‘ Gahrungserchinungen,5 p. 87.

|| c Handbuch der Offentlichen Gesundheitspflege,’ p. 49 — 52.

lui. 38

558

SANITARY NOTES ON POTABLE WATER.

solely, where soil, water, or air are contaminated by putrid
organic filth, especially by putrid human excrements. I
need scarcely remark that this is also the view held by Mr.
John Simon.

Again, Dr. Blaxhall expresses a strong belief * that foul
privy pits may, amongst other causes, be productive in ren¬
dering typhoid endemic ; in other words that putrid faecal
matter may be conducive to the propagation of the disease by
increasing the virulence of the contagion.

The opinion of Mr. J. Netten Radcliffe and Dr. Buchanan
is indicated in one of their reports. t There we read : — (e In
the present imperfect state of our knowledge of the con¬
ditions under which faecal diseases spread, we do not feel
ourselves entitled to say at what time, after being passed,
dejections are or may (under various external circumstances)
become dangerous to health. We cannot say this either in
regard of healthy excrement or of that passed from persons
affected with disease, specific or other ; but we think it may
probably be taken as sufficiently true for practical purposes
that there is little chance of mischief from the storage of ex¬
crement for a day, even though along with healthy excrement
that of persons affected, for example, by enteric fever should,
without proper disinfection, chance occasionally to be in¬
cluded. ^ This, therefore, implies that discharges containing
the specific virus of typhoid are not so dangerous in the
fresh state as " after fermentation has set in.

Dr. DuncanJ remarks that if the discharges of persons
suffering from typhoid are allowed to decompose on the
bedclothes, or in the chamber utensils, there may be danger
of infection. In his opinion, it has also been shown to
be probable that if these discharges are allowed to decompose
in the soil beneath and around human dwellings, the disease
may be spread by the poisonous emanations being drawn
up from the soil into the houses. Similarly, he thinks there
may be danger of infection by tainted drinking water.

It is well worth mentioning that even those who are on
principle opposed to the contagiousness of typhoid, as, for
instance, Drs. Bastian and Murchison, § have been led by
their researches to seek for “ some forms ” of putrefying
matter as the exciting cause. Sir Thomas Watson || suggests
that Dr. Murchison’s views may be so qualified without

* Reports of the Medical Officer of the Privy Council and Local Govern¬
ment Board, New Series, ii, p. 59.

f L. c. p. 142.

% ‘ Typhoid Fever, its Cause and Prevention/

§ Bastian, ‘ Beginnings of Life/ ii, p. cxl.

|| Nineteenth Century , May, 1877, p. 392.

SANITARY NOTES ON POTABLE WATER. 559

departing from his intentions, that the poison of enteric fever
is often generated during some part of the process of
decomposition of faecal matter.

Dr. Budd frequently connects in his reports the virulence
of enteric fever with manure yards, pigsties, and sewers, all
of which are more or less identical with putrefying matter.
This is another instance of the conclusions to which exten¬
sive practical observation will lead.

Of peculiar interest, on account of a very large experience,
extending over more than 1300 cases of enteric fever, are the
observations of Prof. A. Biermer, of Zurich, on the conditions
which are most favourable to the propagation of that disease.
Typhoid, I may remark, is endemic in Zurich. Speaking
of a certain house called “ Pelikan/* which came under Dr.
Biermer’s observation at Berne, and upon which he looks as
a “focus of infection,” he makes the following statements :*
“This house is situated close to the river Aare, and adjoining
a large storing reservoir, which received part of the faecal matter
of the towrn. Plere the liquid sewage was concentrated. The
solid parts were allowed to subside, and when the reservoir was
full the concentrated sewage was scooped out and spread over
the land in the neighbourhood, to be further concentrated be¬
fore being sold and carried away. The subsoil of the Pelikan
was by this means, as a matter of course, soaked with putre¬
scent matter and the air frequently infected. The result was
that the inhabitants of the Pelikan were from time to time
visited by typhoid, and indeed between 1858 and 1862 there
were every year a number of cases, making a total, within
that time, of twenty-eight, twelve of which ended fatally.
The proprietor of the Pelikan lost as many as three wives
through typhoid,”

In Zurich Dr. Biermer observed in a similar manner that
the accumulation of human excrements caused a local predis¬
position for typhoid and cholera, and that with the exception
of certain cases, which in all probability had been imported,
typhoid disappeared as soon as the faecal matter was regularly
removed. He thus arrives at the conclusion that there is
strong evidence of the development and reproduction of the
virus of typhoid outside the human body, mainly within
decomposing matter in the soil, or in sewers or other localities
used for the storage of decomposing matter. He believes that
infection of drinking wrater with sewage containing the virus of
typhoid may be instrumental in the spreading of the disease.

A striking practical corroboration of the preceding obser-

* ‘ Ueber Entstchung und Verbreitung der Abdominal- Typhus.’ Samm-
lung, Klinischer Vortrage von A, Yolkmann, No. 53, p, 424.

560 SANITARY NOTES ON POTABLE WATER.

vations has been the recent epidemic of enteric fever at
Caterham and Redhill. In this instance, an ordinarily very
pure water was contaminated exceptionally, not by typhoidal
discharges, mixed, as usual, with a very large proportion of
ordinary sewage matter, but by typhoidal discharges only.
The virus of typhoid was therefore surrounded by a com¬
paratively unusually small proportion of fermentable matter.
And what is the practical result ? An “ exceptionally mild
character of the disease.” As we read in Dr. Thorne's report
(p. 10), only 21 deaths, or 6 per cent, amongst 352 cases.*
This should be compared with the virulence of the preceding
epidemic to which we referred. In the Pelikan there was an
unusual accumulation of putrescent matter, and out of 28
cases of typhoid nearly 43 per cent, were fatal.

Without entering into more evidence I may, I think,
draw the inference from the preceding quotations that
experience has led, almost without exception, to the con¬
clusion that the virulence of the contagion of cholera and
typhoid, as also probably of other contagious diseases, is
increased whenever surrounded with putrid matter. This
would then also apply to specifically infected drinking water,
which contains fermentable matter. Those who look upon
fermentative processes as the original cause of the spreading
are obviously led to assume a still closer connection. Should
we accept the view that putrid matter increases the severity
of the symptoms of contagia, we arrive, like Dr. Biermer, at a
very important conclusion. Some suppose that the specific
virus of typhoid and similar diseases multiplies only within
the bowels of persons affected, lying dormant as soon as
it left them.

If this were correct, any influence of fermenting matter on
the specific virus outside the human or animal body could
hardly be satisfactorily explained, and we are therefore,
indeed, almost compelled to deny any such influence, or to
accept that multiplication takes place, or may take place,
as well without as within the animal body. The fact which,
amongst a number of other instances, was proved by the
well-known epidemic at Lausen, in Switzerland, that a com¬
paratively trifling polution of water by typhoidal discharges
may be instrumental in spreading the disease over a very
large area, is certainly most readily understood if we accept
that view.

* Dr. Duncan states in the pamphlet we quoted before (p. C) that the
average of deaths from typhoid in Great Britain is nearly 11 per cent, of
those attacked, but in the Army Medical Report, vol. xix, p. 11, we read
that it is 20*5 per cent.

SANITARY NOTES ON POTABLE WATER.

561

Beyond the general interest of the question I had another
object in view when I gave my attention to the bearing
of putrid matter upon the virus of zymotic diseases.

In two consecutive papers, which were read before the
Royal Society,* I have endeavoured to ascertain the com¬
parative and absolute value of certain purifying media of
water by what I may call a physiological test, that is to say,
by the action of the filtered water upon certain organic matter.
Supposing a water contains bacteria, or in fact any agencies
which are capable of inducing fermentation. Supposing
further that such filtered water, whilst all infecting atmo¬
spheric influences are excluded, be brought in contact with
fresh meat, the smell of the latter must after a time indicate
the presence or absence of such putrefactive agents.

As I then found in the course of these experiments that
meat in contact with water which had been purified in a
certain way remained fresh for weeks or months, the question
naturally arose, what sanitary conclusions might be drawn
from this phenomenon. We must first consider that the
purity of drinking water is of by far the greatest importance
when an outbreak of an epidemic takes place. Thus I see
no reason to alter the opinion which I have frequently ex¬
pressed, that even the water supplied to London from the
Thames, polluted as we know it is by all kinds of filthy
matter, is at ordinary times fairly wholesome. But as soon
as an outbreak of an epidemic, say of cholera or typhoid,
or perhaps, according to a resent notion, of diphtheria, takes
place, the aspect is at once changed. That same shallow
well or river water, which had been taken with apparent
impunity for years, becomes the vehicle, and increases
apparently in a ratio to the state of its purity the virulence of
the contagion. If then, I repeat, by some means or other,
the character of the water be so changed that it does no
longer contain fermenting matter, what is the bearing of
that result upon the specific virus by which it has been con¬
taminated ?

Assuming I had succeeded in showing the probability of
an increase of the virulence of contagia by surrounding fer¬
menting matter, the answer is obvious. But even should
that connection not be thought sufficiently established, those
who accept the germ theory of contagia will consider it not
unlikely that the agent which is capable of destroying one
form of the lowest organic life may be capable of destroying
another. Such was the line of argument leading to the ex-

* ‘Proceedings of the Royal Society, No. 180, 1877, and No. 180,

1878.

562

SANITARY NOTES ON POTABLE WATER.

periments upon the separation of fermenting matter from
water by filtration. I will now explain some further experi¬
ments which I made since reading those papers to the Royal
Society, to which I have alluded above.

The purifying media experimented upon were, as formerly,
animal charcoal and spongy iron. All former experiments
were based on the supposition that the meat, when being
exposed to the action of filtered water, must necessarily, in
the first instance, be disinfected by boiling. I proved in
this way that water, after passing through animal charcoal,
does not prevent putrefaction of the meat. The same water,
and even hay infusion, after filtration through spongy iron,
under otherwise like conditions, is incapable of inducing, for
many months at any rate, putrefaction of the meat, if brought
in contact with it under conditions which I have specified.

However, on consideration of those results, it appeared
probable that water, after passing through spongy iron, might
have itself antiseptic properties sufficiently strong so as not
only to be unable to support the existence of putrescent
processes in the water itself, but even to prevent without
preliminary boiling the putrefaction of meat.

To test this, similar vessels were employed to those de¬
scribed in the first paper before referred to. They were not,
however, for reasons which will presently be seen provided
with a perforated bottom, but some fresh meat which had
not been boiled was placed on the bottom of the vessel and
covered by a cup with perforated sides and a neck at the top.
From the neck a tube was passed through and made tight in
a neck at the base of the filtering vessel, being connected
there with a stopcock for regulating the flow of water. The
vessel was next filled five to six inches high with ordinary
spongy iron, and continuously supplied with New River
water, which at the time was in an unusually bad condition,
owing to floods.

The meat was, therefore, not in contact with the spongy
iron, but solely with the water which had passed through
that material. In this manner the apparatus was as far as
possible kept going constantly for three weeks, a volume of
water equal to the bulk of spongy iron passing through it in
about fortv-five minutes. The meat was at the end of that
time in a perfectly fresh condition. To about half an inch
from the exterior it was white, but the interior was still red.
A subsequent repetition gave a like result.

The experiment was at the same time modified in such a
way that the filter, otherwise arranged as before, was merely
kept full of water, any filtration through it being dispensed

SANITARY NOTES ON POTABLE WATER. 563

with. In this instance the meat had become putrid after
three weeks. The explanation of this difference of behaviour
is that the water* until the vessel has been filled* passes
very rapidly through the spongy iron* carrying with it putre¬
factive elements which had originally been contained in the
water or abstracted from the spongy iron. That the latter
in the dry state does not prevent putrefaction of meat was
proved by a separate experiment. Dry spongy iron may* there¬
fore, and probably does* contain bacteria of putrefaction*
so that it was hardly to be expected that the meat could
be disinfected when remaining in contact with the first water*
which had passed through the filtering material* the more
so as it filtered very rapidly without regulation.

Thus far the meat was brought in contact with water con¬
taining the small quantity of iron — about 10 milligrammes
per litre — which is always dissolved as ferrous hydrate or car¬
bonate* whenever ordinary water is passed through spongy
iron. We know that some compounds of iron have antisep¬
tic properties. It therefore appeared of interest to ascertain
what the effect would be if the iron were first separated
before the water reaches the meat. To this end two filter
cases were arranged as before* so as to have a continuous
flow of water* but underneath the spongy iron I placed layers
of pyrolusite and sand. Pyrolusite has the property of
oxydising the proto-compounds of iron* which are mentioned
above* converting them into per-compounds. They are thus
rendered insoluble* and retained mechanically by the sand
underneath. After the filters had thus been in operation
for three weeks* the meat in both was again found to be
putrid. Nevertheless* it did not appear to me likely that
this result should be due to the abstraction of the iron* which
had been in solution.

The filtering vessels contained in the course of this experi¬
ment a comparatively large bulk of pyrolusite and sand, both
of which cannot impart any antiseptic properties to the water;
on the contrary* they contained unquestionably putrefactive
matter* even to a larger extent, than the dry spongy iron in
the previous experiment. Such putrefactive matter was
carried down with the water for some time to the meat,
causing it* in addition to the putrefactive matter originally
adhering to the meat* to show incipient putrefaction before
disinfection could take place by agency of the filtered
water.

To prove the correctness of this argument I had to demon¬
strate that if the filtering apparatus were first kept in action
for some time before adding the meat* so as not to bring the

564

SANITARY NOTES ON POTABLE WATER.

latter in contact with the filtered water until all materials
might be thoroughly disinfected, the meat would remain
fresh. This led to the following modification.

Two vessels were charged with the three materials — spongy
iron, pyrolusite, and sand — as before, and water was passed
through them for ten days. Now it would have been im¬
possible to introduce the meat at its former place without
disturbing the filtering media or exposing them to reinfec¬
tion. Each filter was, therefore, after the washing had been
completed, connected with a glass flask, provided with an
inlet tube passing to the bottom, and an exit tube from the
top of the flasks. Otherwise the flasks were sealed air-tight
after the meat had been placed in them. The inlet tues were
connected by india-rubber tubing with the exit tubes from
the filtering arrangement. None of the usual precautions as
to disinfection of either flasks or tubing were employed, as
I concluded that if these minutiae were of consequence the
putrefactive matter adhering to the meat would certainly
do its work.

After passing water through the vessels and flasks between
three and four weeks, the meat in one of the latter was found
to be as fresh as the first day, but I feel hesitation in posi¬
tively asserting whether or not the meat in the other flask
exhibited a very faint putrid smell. If so, the explanation
may perhaps be that some of the india-rubber tubing I used
had certainly before been employed in connection with ex¬
periments on hay infusion. It might be argued that any
preservation had been due to inactivity of the bacteria owing
to the cold, the experiment being made in December and
January last. I do not believe this, for the vessels stood
in my laboratory only two yards from the fireplace ; and in
the course of the experiments immediately preceding these,
to which I referred before, the meat became putrid, notwith¬
standing that the temperature was then about the same as
during the succeeding experiments.

Nevertheless, another set of experiments was commenced
towards the end of January last, certain precautions being
taken to guard against any possible error.

One filtering vessel was, as before, filled with spongy iron,
pyrolusite, and sand, and another, for the sake of comparison,
under otherwise like conditions, with animal charcoal, as I
know' from my former experience that, unless the cold pre¬
vented it, the charcoal would cause the meat to become
putrid. A third vessel w7as lastly charged with spongy iron
in a modified manner,, namely, so that the filtered water
when leaving the vessel still contained some little oxygen in

SANITARY NOTES ON POTABLE WATER.

565

solution. This was in all other experiments not the case.
The object of this modification was to further confirm a result
which I had obtained before, that the physiological action of
spongy iron in preventing putrefaction is not dependent on
the absence of oxygen.

After continuing the passage of New River water through
through these filters at the ordinary rate for a fortnight, for
the sake of thoroughly washing the materials, the filters
were connected each with a glass flask containing some fresh
uncooked meat, and generally arranged as before.

The filtration of water was then continued for three more
weeks, at the ordinary regulated speed, when the several
samples of meat were taken out of the flasks. After being
placed on similar dishes, I had them successively handed to
me, blindfolded, for examination of their smell, so as to pre¬
vent any preconception on my part. It must be borne in
mind that fresh meat in itself has more smell than cooked
meat, therefore any slight putrefaction cannot be as readily
distinguished in the former as in the latter.

The following was the result of my examination : — The
samples which had been in connection with the two spongy
iron filters exhibited a peculiar slight smell, reminding me
of cheese, w'hich, however, was totally different from the
smell of putrid meat. The sample which had been in
contact with the water filtered through animal charcoal
was offensive, having a decidedly putrid smell. At the
same time, when the preceding experiments were com¬
menced, I immersed twTo other glass flasks which contained
some fresh meat for an hour ancl a half into boiling water.
One of these flasks was then connected with the spongy
iron filter which yielded w7ater containing oxygen in solution,
with a view of comparing the action of that filter with former
experiments when there was no oxygen in the filtered water.
Into the other flask, which contained boiled meat, I passed,
without opening the stopper, a small quantity of unfiltered
New River water, when at once the inlet and outlet
tube were closed air-tight. The object of this latter
experiment was further to test directly whether the com¬
paratively low temperature then prevailing had any sensible
influence on the result of the experiments in rendering
bacteria inactive. This w7as again decidedly negatived,
for that small quantity of unfiltered New River water sufficed
to render the meat, after three wTeeks^ standing, very offen¬
sive and putrid * whilst the corresponding sample, which
also coffiained boiled meat, and had been connected with
one of the spongy iron filters, exhibited only the smell of

566 SANITARY NOTES ON POTABLE WATER.

ordinary boiled meat after standing for some time under a
cover.

From all these experiments we may thus draw the follow¬
ing conclusions :

1. The results which I explained in this paper strongly
corroborate those communicated in my former paper on
similar subjects.

2. Ordinary water, after efficient filtration* through spongy
iron, does not contain any putrescent matter, or matter
capable of inducing putrefaction. On the contrary, such
filtered water possesses in itself antiseptic properties strong
enough even to prevent, to some extent at least, putrefaction
of fresh meat which has not been boiled before being exposed
to the action of the filtered water.

3. Contact between the meat and spongy iron is not
necessary to obtain that result.

4. Neither is the absence of oxygen in the filtered water
to all appearances an essential condition.

5. It thus follows that the action of spongy iron cannot
be wholly mechanical, but must be, in part at least, chemical,
or, as far as the action upon organised bodies is concerned,
physiological.

The researches by Drs. De Chaumontf and J. Lane
Notter/f of Netley, tend to corroborate my experiments
bearing on the action of spongy iron on living organisms
and its general purifying power as compared with animal
charcoal. These reports are also a strong corroboration of the
statements on the same subject in the Sixth Report of the
Rivers Pollution Commission, p. 220 and 221.

Only one attempt has, as far as I am aware, been made to
upset some of my conclusions. In vol. xiv, part iv, of the
‘Zeitschrift fur Biologie/ by Buhl, Pettenkofer, and Yoit, p.
503, Dr. L. Lewin says : — “ Now I can most positively
assert that if only 10 c.c. of urine which contains moving
bacteria be mixed with two litres of water, and passed through
a spongy iron filter, numerous bacteria may be found in the
filtered water.” Seeing the obviously unscientific manner in
which Lewin has treated the subject, I would probably have
passed over his observations without a reply were I not

* By efficient filtration is to be understood filtration at such a speed,
and generally under such conditions, as explained herein. The spongy iron
which serves as filtering medium must be of proper chemical and physical
quality.

f ‘ Army Medical Report/ vol. xix, 1879, p. 170, and Sanitary Record ,
vol. x, No, 248.

X Paper read before the section ‘ Public Medicine/ at the Meeting of
the British Medical Association, August, 1878.

SANITARY NOTES ON POTABLE WATER.

567

aware that his experiments have been made at the instance
of the German Imperial Board of Health. That official
connection with a central sanitary authority induces me to
make a few comments on Lewin’ s report.

Some two years ago an inquiry was ordered by the Im¬
perial Board into the merits of the spongy iron filter. The
report was unfavorable ; more I cannot say, as no details
were given to me. Shortly afterwards, meeting one of the
leading members of the Board, I complained that the report
in question, had been made after those charged with it
could not possibly have been in possession of the filters for
more than five days. This alone naturally suffices to deprive
it of any possible merit. It generally takes a few days before
the filtering materials have thoroughly settled, and until
certain chemical reactions upon which the purification by
spongy iron depends have been thoroughly initiated. Some
time is required to determine the result of an experiment;
and above all one of the most important questions in con¬
nection with any such inquiry is how long the filtering medium
remains efficient. Can this be decided within five davs ?

V

My representation led to the inquiry being transferred from
Berlin to Munich into the hands of Lewin. I will now as
briefly as possible explain the fate of this second attempt.

Lewin is a believer in Dr. Pettenkofer’s theories. The
extent to wrhich some of the latter’s followers go is shown by
Dr. Fliigge, who has actually propounded the viewT that the
relative freedom of water from animal contamination appears
in some way or other to be a predisposing cause of typhoid.*
Those who hold that pure water is an essential preventive
of certain zymotic diseases are, in his opinion, mere fc theo¬
rists.” Both Lewin and Fliigge look indeed upon the purity
of water as a desideratum chiefly if not solely from an
aesthetic point of view. You will of course understand
that any one holding such opinions cannot attach much im¬
portance to the examination of water, and thus we find
Lewin giving a report on the comparative purification of
drinking water by animal charcoal and spongy iron without
making one single analysis or other estimation of any kind
whatever of a water. This curious feat can only quite be
understood if we recollect the general state of water analysis
in Germany. I have not met there one single chemist, with
the exception of Dr. Hoffmann, of Berlin, who had any
experience of the method upon which, with all its draw¬
backs, I look as the most satisfactory known. I allude to
Frankland and Armstrong’s combustion process. Mr.

# * Zeitsckrift fiir Biologie/ xiii, iv, p. 502.

568

SANITARY NOTES ON POTABLE WATER.

Wanklyn’s ammonia method has also not met with much
favour.

What is the result ? One German chemist. Dr. Emmerich,
relying on the oxygen process, does not consider it in any
way extraordinary that the “ organic matter 5’ in some polluted
water should amount to nearly four times the quantity of the
total residue on evaporation,* whilst Dr. Fliigge, in a paper
“ On the Hygienic Value of the Examination of Potable
Water, ”f admits that Frankland’s method “ seems 55 the only
comparatively satisfactory one capable of determining the
organic nitrogen probably completely and the organic car¬
bon approachingly. Of course the reverse is the case, and
we can judge from this how far he is conversant with the
subject he lectured upon. “But this method/5 Fliigge con¬
tinues, “ takes up much time, and has not, on this account,
excited the interest which the relative accuracy of its results
may deserve.55 Taking everything into consideration, he
arrives at the conclusion that the determination of chlorine is
the most satisfactory way of ascertaining sewage pollution of
a water, t Although he bases very important conclusions

Organic Organic

Carbon. Nitrogen. Ammonia. Chlorine.

Deep Well ( Unpolluted . *067 017 '0 9*30

Water { Polluted . *821 T31 *011 1*75

on the indications by chlorine, which he obtained in a number
of cases, he finishes by saying that none of the methods
hitherto in use can afford information on the hygienic value
of a drinking water. Another chemist, Dr. Tiemann, of
Berlin, in his book on water analysis, § declares himself
unable (ausser Stande) to say whether or not the results ob¬
tained by Frankland5s method are in a ratio to the time and
trouble it requires.

Such being the state of water analysis in Germany, can
we be astonished at the backwardness of that country in all
matters relating to water supply? This also renders it in¬
telligible why Lewin hesitates to publish analyses which he
might be certain would be criticised here in England.

Instead of this he confined himself to the filtration of
urine through a spongy iron filter, determining the total
nitrogen in the filtered and unfiltered liquid. Starting with

* ‘ Zeitschrift fur Biologie/ viii, iv, p. 502.

f Ibid, xiii, iv.

I Dr. Fliigge might advantageously study the Sixth Report of the Rivers
Pollution Commission, where, amongst other instances, he would find the
following : ,

§ ‘ Anleitung zur Untersuchung von Wasser,’ by Dr. Ferd. Tiemannj
ii Ed., p. 99.

SANITARY NOTES ON POTABLE WATER. 569

what he calles “ dilute ” urine, and finding that, for reasons
which he did not understand, but which I will presently
explain, the result was unfavorable to the filter, he finishes
by using "more concentrated 93 urine, with a view of im¬
proving the purification by the filter. It is as difficult to
understand the logic of such reasoning as the analytical
fact stated by him that the " dilute” urine which he used
for his experiments contained before filtration as much as
8* 1625 grm., and the "more concentrated” urine only
6*1775 grins, total nitrogen per litre. Equally unintelligible
is the statement that ammonia could in no instance be dis¬
covered in the urine after filtration through spongy iron. I
cannot find any remark whether or not he was able to
discover ammonia in the urine before filtration.

The difficulty of determining ammonia in normal urine
consists, according to Neubauer and Vogel, # in its liability
to form carbonate of ammonia by decomposition of the nitro¬
genous compounds. They say that ammonia occurs always
in a distillate of urine obtained at the lowest possible tem¬
perature. It would thus be interesting to learn how Lewin
demonstrated the absence of ammonia.

Again, according to Gorup-Besanez,t urine contains on
the average of numerous analyses 04 grms. of ammonia
per litre. What can possibly have become of such an
enormous quantity, the more as it is well knownj
that even ordinary water, after filtration through spongy iron,
contains frequently considerable quantities of ammonia? I
will, in concluding, refer to only one more fatal mistake
which the reporter to the Imperial Sanitary Board made.

The purifying action of a filtering medium necessarily
depends upon the time of contact with the water. The
spongy iron filter is provided with a special arrangement for
regulating the yield of water with great accurracy, but the
regulation, at least of the passage of water through the
spongy iron, does not commence until a filter, as is always
the case in its practical use, is full of water. Until then
the water rushes through the spongy iron almost as fast
as it can be filled in. Now let us see how Lewin managed
his experiments.

He drained the filter, allowing the water to run off as
completely as possible, and then poured in between 50 c.c.
and two litres of the several liquids at a time. These small
quantities, therefore, passed through the spongy iron in an

# ‘ Analyse des Harns,’ p. 61.

f c Physiologische Chemie,’ p. 530.

X Chemical News , January 4, 1878, and following numbers.

570 SANITARY NOTES ON TOT ABLE WATER,

instant* excepting the portion which may have remained within
its pores. Again* we must recollect he did not employ “ water”
for his experiments* but urine* and thus had* to use his own
figures* a minimum of 15*000 and a maximum of 45*000
parts of nitrogen for every part of nitrogen in Thames water*
excluding from the latter the nitrogen as nitrates and nitrites.
Had I ever committed the absurdity of proposing that we
should render ourselves independent of our water-supplies by
allowing the water to circulate alternatively through our
body and the filter* Le win's experiments might have stood ;
but as it is everyone must form his own opinion of the merits
of his report.

I will here contrast Lewin's report with another which
reached me only yesterday. It is by the Royal Prussian
Military Administration at Coblenz* dated May 11* 1879.

Towards the latter part of 1877 an outbreak of an epidemic
of typhoid occurred in the Empress's own regiment* stationed
in one of the fortresses at Coblenz. It was stated to me* the
wife of a corporal had been visiting* and was laid up shortly
after her return with enteric fever. Subsequently the disease
spread so alarmingly that it was atone time contemplated to
evacuate those barracks, as it was considered impossible to
prevent excremental pollution of the water-supply. No doubt
could therefore exist that* typhoid having once gained a
footing* also specifically infected matter occasionally mixed
with the water.

At this stage one of the medical officers suggested to the
Empress that the spongy iron filter might perhaps be the
means of improving the sanitary condition of the garrison.
She at once ordered one* which was started in December*
1877* and another was ordered later on.

After referring* in the first instance* to the great difficulty
of tracing a direct connection between purification of the
water-supply and the disappearance of an epidemic* the report
contains the following passage* which I have verbally trans¬
lated :

“ Nevertheless* I cannot but attribute the prevention and
non-recurrence of new cases of typhoid in a great measure to
the improved state of the drinking water by the spongy
iron filter* the more so as a large number of chemical
analyses has proved undoubtedly that the organic matter*
nitric acid, and hardness* were considerably reduced after the
filtration."

After an outbreak of typhoid in Fort George* in Scotland,
in the early part of last year, a very large spongy iron filter
was ordered. Later on the filtering area was doubled. Acci-

DROPPING AFTER CALVING.

571

dentally I heard, through one of the medical officers stationed
at Fort George, that the water, as we know also from the
last Army Medical Report, had been in a very dangerous
state. After starting the filter it was again analysed, when
the condition was found to be “ highly satisfactory.” Now
this is only chemical evidence, but we may perhaps assume
that the result, as shown by chemical analysis, would
scarcely have given such satisfaction had not some beneficial
influence on health been at the same time observed.

Unfortunately it is, I am afraid, of no use applying for an
official report. I did this once before, when the Secretary
for War, “ to prevent precedents, declined to lay a similar
report on the table of the House of Commons. With all due
deference, I submit that this is to be regretted. Just as well
as the connection between pollution of a water-supply and
disease can only be proved by a large number of cases can
the influence of any system of water purification on health be
solely definitively settled by oft-repeated experience. This,
therefore, should not be withheld, but any such practical ex¬
perience relating to purely sanitary matters should at once
become the property of the nation. — Sanitary Record.

OBSERVATIONS ON THE DISEASE OF THE COW, COM¬
MONLY KNOWN AS DROPPING AFTER CALVING.

By James Beaut Simonds, Principal of the Royal Veterinary College.

Under various names, such as Drop, Dropping after
calving, Milk fever, Puerperal fever, Adynamic fever, Partu¬
rient apoplexy, &c., a fatal disease attacking the cow shortly
after or even occasionally before or at the time of parturition
has long been recognised.

In days gone by the pathology of the malady was very im¬
perfectly understood, and consequently the most conflicting
opinions thereon were promulgated by writers on cattle
pathology, as well as by practitioners of veterinary medicine.
Even in the present day it cannot be said that a uniformity
of opinion prevails, many persons still clinging to the views
which were first advanced by the late Mr. Youatt, in his
work on ‘ Cattle: their Breeds, Management, and Diseases'
(1834), viz, that “this disease is primarily inflammation of
the womb or of the peritoneum, but that it afterwards assumes
an intensity of character truly specific/' With more correct
views, however, other authors and practitioners now regard

572

DROPPING AFTER CALVING.

the disease as noninflammatory , and as being dependent on
functional derangement of the brain and nervous system.

The Name. — I abandon all other names to give preference
to parturient apoplexy , notwithstanding that some of them
may convey to the mind the existence of well-marked sym¬
ptoms of the disease, such as Dropping after calving . The term
Milk fever I also hold to be inappropriate, but by no means
so much so as Puerperal fever , which strictly means “ Child¬
bed fever/* and consequently ought never to have been used
in connection with parturition of the cow. Like dropping
after calving, Adynamic fever * — loss of power associated with
fever — points to the inability of the animal to rise, but
beyond this we learn nothing by the addition of the term
either of the symptoms or nature of the malady.

It was not until 1836 that an effectual effort was made to
get rid even of the name of Puerperal fever, then so generally
applied, and also of the disease being of an inflammatory
nature. In that year an animated discussion took place in the
Veterinary Medical Association, when the late Mr. Youatt
stated that his opinion of the nature of the disease had un¬
dergone a change, and that he took strong objections to the
name of Puerperal fever. Many of the speakers nevertheless
defended both the name and the inflammatory theory, while
others considered the digestive organs as being chiefly impli¬
cated. Some spoke of the secretion of milk being arrested,
but only one or two drew attention to the evident derange¬
ment of the nervous system. The most definite opinion,
however, of the nervous system being chiefly involved, was
at that time expressed by the late Mr. Friend, of Walsall,
who, in a communication to the Veterinarian , wrote as
follows : “ I consider the disease to be one originating in the
organic motor nerves/’ The dim light which was thus shed
on the pathology of the malady was, however, only discerned
by a few practitioners, and for three or four years longer the
pages of the Veterinarian continued to be occupied with con¬
flicting opinions, both on the propriety of the name and the
pathology of the malady. Progress, however, was made ;
and in 1840 the writer of the present paper went beyond
many members of the profession who even regarded the
nervous system as principally involved, and expressly stated
that such derangement depended entirely on an apoplectic
condition of the brain and spinal cord.

Experience has shown the correctness of this view of the

* In another part of this Essay I shall speak of Adynamic fever, in con¬
nection with an animal’s incapability to rise when pregnant.

l)E()PfING AFTER CALVING.

573

pathology of the disease, and hence the appropriateness of
the name, Parturient apoplexy.

Susceptibility. — No animal of the farm except the cow is
the subject of the malady, although all are liable to be attacked
with inflammatory and other diseases at the period of partu¬
rition. Even with cows, all are not equally predisposed to
parturient apoplexy, young being less so than aged. Heifers
producing their first calf when about two years and a half old
may be regarded as altogether insusceptible, and the same
may be said with reference to their second calving, as a rule.
Succeeding labours, however, are attended with greater
danger even up to the time that they may be rightly de¬
signated old animals.

Potent for evil as advanced age undoubtedly is, it cannot,
nevertheless, be affirmed that the oldest animals will be attacked,
for daily experience proves that many a middle-aged cow will
fall a victim to the disease, although there are older animals
in the same herd. The capability of a cow to yield a large
quantity of milk exercises considerable predisposing in¬
fluence, and bad milkers are, as a rule, found to be far less
susceptible to the disease. As the mammary glands may be
said to be at their fullest development, if not immediately at
their greatest activity, at the third calving, so it would appear
that adultism becomes more dangerous when combined with
the power to produce a full lacteal secretion at the time of
parturition.

Besides this combination, susceptibility is greatly increased
by breed; well-bred Yorkshire cows and English- bred Jersey
cows being most susceptible, thriving Suffolk and Ayrshire
and Dutch cows following in the rear. Well-bred animals
have, as is well known, an hereditary predisposition to early
maturity, and even plethora. And although it cannot be said
that “good milkers” are plethoric animals, still an innate
tendency, depending on breed, to accumulate flesh, materially
adds to their susceptibility to be attacked with the disease.
Generous feeding, more especially if associated with this
hereditary predisposition, and a capability of yielding a full
quantity of milk, will necessarily increase this liability. It
has often been observed that cows of this description, which
in the latter period of utero-gestation have ceased to give
milk, and are generously fed, and perhaps allowed to remain
at pasture in the summer when the rest of the herd are driven
home for milking, have their susceptibility thereby in¬
creased. These several things explain, in part, the well-
established fact of the disease being prevalent in some districts
and rarely seen in others.

1.1 1 1.

39

574

DROPPING AFTER CALVING.

Some persons have sought an explanation of this locali¬
sation of parturient apoplexy simply in the character of the
soil, the rich quality of the food, and the generous feeding of
the animals. It is true that on sandy and poor soils the
malady is rare; but its prevalence in other districts does not
exclusively depend on an opposite condition of the soil, nor
on the good management or richness of the grazing land, nor
on the high feeding of the cows ; nor, I may add, is it due to
the large number of animals which are kept within a limited
area. In many dairy districts, where these conditions exist,
but where well-bred and good milking cows are sparsely dis¬
tributed, very few cases of parturient apoplexy are seen. I
am practically familiar with many such districts, as with
others where the malady is exceedingly rife.

In speaking of the causes which favour predisposition, the
influence of the weather must not be lost sight of. In the
height of summer, although fewer cows may calve within a
given area, more cases will occur than in the spring, when the
larger number of calves are born. It is also noteworthy that
in some years the disease is comparatively rare, while in
others it is very prevalent.

In considering the predisposing causes of the attack,
attention may also be directed to the conformation of bovine
animals, their liability to great excitation at the time of par¬
turition, and their idiosyncrasy or natural tendency to brain
disturbance, especially when suffering from diseases which im¬
plicate the functions of the stomachs, and none the less also
of the uterus and other organs. Compared with simple-
stomached herbivora, and with many other ruminants, bovine
animals are short-necked, and are provided with a more ca¬
pacious venous system for the return of the blood from the
brain. This latter anatomical peculiarity probably depends
on the greater length of time which they naturally occupy in
grazing, and the necessary pendent position of the head
during the whole of such time.

The shortness of the neck may, however, exert an influence
also in the production of that excited condition of the brain
which is often observed both in cows and heifers immediately
after parturition in the defence of their young. Their ordi¬
nary docile habit is not unfrequently changed to such an
extent as to amount to parturient delirium, rendering it
dangerous to approach them, and not unfrequently leading
to their killing their offspring.

Conformation and advanced age in cows, as in the human
subject, are powerful agents in the production of apoplectic
attacks. Susceptibility is also increased by a previous attack.

DROPPING AFTER CALVING.

575

Cows which recover from the disease are exceedingly liable
to become victims to it at the next calving. Exceptions are,
however, now and then met with, but the danger is so great
that no risk of the kind should be run.

In the preceding observations I have endeavoured to explain
most of the causes which increase the susceptibility of an
animal to be attacked, and I here add that among such causes
is that of the period of utero-gestation being fully completed.
The malady does not attend, or very rarely, on abortion or
premature labour, nor even on protracted labour, especially
if manual assistance has been necessary to effect delivery.

Inflammation of the uterus, with which dropping has so long
been confounded, follows commonly enough on first births, and
in young and also impoverished animals and bad milkers, as well
as on cases of abortion , premature labours , and mechanically- .
assisted deliveries. These, indeed, are fruitful sources of inflam¬
mation of the uterus, but not of apoplectic attacks.

Another marked difference between the two affections is the
time which elapses subsequent to delivery and the occurrence
of ill-health. Inflammation of the uterus rarely shows itself
before the fourth or fifth day after parturition, and is always
preceded by febrile excitement and its concomitants, whereas,
as has been stated, the susceptibility to parturient apoplexy
has either greatly diminished or entirely passed away by the
expiration of the third, or fourth day at the furthest, after
delivery. Coma also does not necessarily belong to inflam¬
mation, but it is the leading diagnostic symptoms of
“ dropping.”

Again, in inflammation of the uterus, death rarely follows
in less than four to five days ; while in dropping forty-eight
hours, with very few exceptions, is the extreme period- of
duration. Cows which, as in-calvers,” are sent from
market to market, undergoing exertion thereby, are rendered
less liable to dropping, but not to inflammation. Lastly, I
may repeat that every variety of animal is liable to inflam¬
mation of the uterus, but the cow only to parturient apo¬
plexy.

Pathology. — From what has been advanced, it will be
seen that I regard “ dropping after calving” as true apoplexy,
due to the act of parturition. In what way the apoplectic
attack may be caused is not so easy to determine. Some
persons have spoken of its production by the throwing back
into the system of the access of blood which had been sent
to the foetus” in utero. Strictly speaking, no such throwing
back takes place, the foetus having its own independent set
of blood-vessels. It is quite true, however, that by the con-

576

DROPPING AFTER CALVING.

traction of the walls of the uterus after delivery its vessels are
closed against the passage of the blood to a very great extent,
and consequently for a time repletion of all the other vessels
of the body may be said to exist. Doubtless the rapidity
with which balance of the circulation is obtained will be in
proportion to the activity of the several secretory organs, and
perhaps by none more so than by the mammary glands A
free secretion of milk, especially charged as it now is with
colostrum , gives earlier and more complete relief to the vessels
than would be afforded by any other secretion, milk and
blood being so closely allied in composition. It is, however,
to be remembered that this secretion often precedes partu¬
rition, and continues until arrested by the apoplectic attack ;
and not only so, but until coma succeeds, and that during the
.same time all the other secreting glands are apparently in a
state of activity. Simple repletion of the blood-vessels, under
such circumstances, would be early removed, and doubtless
fairly completed by the third or fourth day, not until which
time , however, will the attack in many instances be found to
occur.

With reference to the relationship existing between the
nervous system and the secretion of milk, it may be affirmed
that no secretion is so much under the influence of nerve
force. It is not improbable that science may hereafter
establish a close connection between an attack of parturient
apoplexy and the capability of the mammary glands not
merely to secrete but to freely effect the formation of the
granulated cells of colostrum , with which the first milk is so
largely charged. By their free production, it may certainly
be affirmed that fatty matter is effectively and in a rapid
manner eliminated from the blood, thus reducing plethora of
the vessels and changing the character of the fluid, and pro¬
bably its action thereby over the entire nervous system.

The influence of nerve force upon the amount of the lacteal
secretion is doubtless best seen in the human subject, as is
that of the character of the secretion itself. Dr. Carpenter,
in his c Manual of Physiology,’ says : “ Under the influence of
grief or anxiety the secretion of milk is either checked alto¬
gether, or it is diminished in amount and deteriorated in
quality. The secretion is usually checked altogether by
terror, and under the influence of violent passion it may be
so changed in its characters as to produce the most injurious
and even fatal consequences to the infant.”

I quote this passage chiefly to show the probability of an
alteration in the power of the mammary glands in secreting
the first or colostric milk, as having an important and direct

DROPPING AFTER CALVING.

577

influence over the nervous system, or indirectly upon it
through the quality of the blood; this in turn depending
upon the amount of fatty matter the circulating fluid contains,
or, in other words, on the quantity of colostrum which is
secreted immediately before or after parturition. It is not
difficult to understand how, under such circumstances, the
blood and the nervous system can act and react abnormally
on each other.

So closely attendant on parturition is an attack of the
disease, that in a few instances the cow has fallen even before
the birth of the calf had been completed. Parturient apo¬
plexy, however, as a rule, occurs shortly after calving, and
may happen at any time, as before stated, between the birth
of the calf and the close of the fourth day. Why the liability
should cease so soon is not easy to determine. It may
possibly, as has been hinted at, depend on the excitability of
the nervous system being now removed by the mammary
glands having eliminated with the lacteal secretion a large
proportion of the fatty matter of the blood in the cells of
colostrum. In support of this view is the well-known fact
that by this time the milk has to a great extent lost the
characters of a colostric secretion.

Doubtless this theory of the pathology of the disease is
open to objection, and so, as it appears to me, is that which
fixes primarily the disordered nerve force on the ganglionic
nerves of the uterus. It has been supposed that some marked
but undefined impress is made on these nerves by parturition,
which is quickly conveyed to the cerebro-spinal and cerebral
systems. If this be so, it is not difficult to account for the
congested state of the vessels of the spinal cord and the brain,
of which apoplexy essentially consists. The remarkable
suddenness of the attack may also be said to favour the view
of the nervous system being primarily and directly impressed.
Thus a cow, in all respects in perfect health and exercising
her natural maternal interest towards her calf, will be
observed to suddenly stagger, fall, and soon to pass into coma¬
tose condition, which ends too often in speedy death.

Indications and Progress of the Attack. — Apart
from the very exceptional cases alluded to in which the attack
takes place even before parturition, I may here repeat that
immediately after her delivery the cow is likely to be affected.
The earlier the attack the more serious does the case become
as a rule.

In some instances premonitory symptoms are to be
observed, but not in the majority of cases. Indeed it will
be found that not only has the cow calved without difficulty,

578

DROPPING AFTER CALVING.

and labour been completed by the expulsion of the foetal
membranes but that she has yielded a fair quantity of milk,
partaken of her food with an appetite, has ruminated., digested,
and assimilated it, and voided the fseculent matter in its
natural condition, and given every other indication of unim¬
paired health. Suddenly, however, she is observed to cease
feeding, to stagger or assume a fixed position, seemingly
conscious that if she attempts to move she will fall. The
eyes becomes glassy and amaurotic, and with a bewildered
stare she recognises her calf for an instant, moans or bellows,
staggers and falls. With mouth half open, tongue protrud¬
ing, breathing laboured, and countenance expressive of intense
suffering, she will sometimes make two or three ineffectual
attempts to rise. As a rule, however, she remains down, and
either throws herself on her side or lies on the belly, with
the head carried backwards towards the flank, and resting on
the floor. The body becomes clammy, the extremities cold,
and the evacuations of faeces and urine cease. The pupilary
openings of the eyes are dilated, and the vessels of eyelids
engorged with blood, tears not unfrequently trickling down
the face. Perfect unconsciousness quickly succeeds, or, in
medical language, she becomes comatose, and one by one
the special senses are lost as well as all voluntary move¬
ments.

Coma has been rightly defined to be “ that condition in
which the functions of animal life are suspended, with the
exception of the mixed function of respiration ; while the
functions of organic life, and especially of the circulation,
continue in action. There is neither thought, nor the power
of voluntary motion nor sensation. Thus it will be ob¬
served that in the stricken cow the eyes are insensible to the
stimulus of light, the limbs to feeling, the ears to sound, and
the nostrils to the sense of smell. The taste also and the
power of deglutition are gone, the breathing is difficult and
stertorous, and the pulse indistinct, wavering, and irregular.
Besides the loss of swallowing, the implication of the digestive
organs in the morbid process is shown by the ingesta in the
rumen passing into a state of fermentation, producing that
distension of the viscus termed tympanitis. This condition
of the organ is accompanied with frequent eructations, and
what is most remarkable in connection with these is the
passing of ingesta from the rumen into the oesophagus, its
ascent up the tube to the mouth, and its descent therefrom
into the windpipe, and ultimately into the ramifications of

* Dr. Thomas Watson’s 'Lectures on the Principles and Practice of
Medicine.

DROPPING AFTER CALVING.

579

the bronchial tubes. In such cases death depends not
directly on the apoplectic state of the brain and spinal mar¬
row, but upon suffocation — asphyxia.

The tympanitic state of the rumen, apart from the eructa¬
tions, adds greatly to the animal’s suffering, by impeding the
breathing, and thereby adding to the difficulty of the circu¬
lation. Exacerbations of suffering are well marked through¬
out, and are accompanied with spasmodic twitchings and
often with painful convulsions. The cow no longer rests on
the belly, but struggles to get on her side, in doing which the
head falls heavily on the floor, and generally in a line with
the body. No effort on the part of those in attendance can
prevent these spasms. Convulsion succeeds convulsion, only
to cease with death. Such, in brief, are the symptoms which
mark the. existence and progress of parturient apoplexy.

The duration of the disease varies, and, as can be readily
understood, the recoveries are very few. The majority of the
animals are found to sink in twenty to twenty-four hours
from the attack. Life is rarely prolonged more than forty-
eight hours ; indeed, it often ceases within four to six hours
in cases wThich are accompanied with convulsions from the
beginning.

In some instances the disease assumes a less various type,
and the cow is found to retain consciousness for a short time
after dropping, to be followed, however, by coma, usually
within the first twelve hours, all the leading phenomena of
the malady following in due course. Such cases are none the
less fatal on this account; but in the still rarer instances in
which the animal does not exhibit a complete withdrawal of
consciousness the recovery is pretty certain. It would appear
that, in such cases as these, the vessels of the spinal marrow
only are in an apoplectic condition, those of the brain being
congested, but not to engorgement.

Occasionally, however, even in cases in which complete
coma is present for twenty-four hours or upwards, the animal
has been found to rally. Throughout the attack the cow has
lain quiet, convulsions have had hardly any existence, and
spasmodic twitchings of muscles have been only slightly
marked. Returning consciousness is the most favorable
indication of recovery, especially if associated with a tempo¬
rary recognition of the calf, a desire to partake of water or
other fluid, a passing away of the tympanitic state of the belly,
and a return of the functions of the bowels. In these cases
the warmth comes back to the extremities, the pulse becomes
distinct and regular, and the breathing unaccompanied with
stertor. The animal soon rises under such favorable con-

530

DROPPING AFTER CALVING.

ditions, and the secretions — manifestly that of the milk — as
well as the excretion are speedily resumed.

Not the least remarkable thing is the rapidity with which
a favorable change takes place. We have often left animals, de¬
spairing almost entirely of their restoration, and have returned
within three or four hours and found them standing with
scarcely an unfavorable symptom present. The only ex¬
planation which can be given of these cases is that the con¬
gested slate of the blood-vessels of the brain and spinal
marrow had quickly yielded, and a free circulation of the
blood been re-established.

Post-Mortem Appearances. — It may be correctly
affirmed that had veterinary surgeons earlier followed up their
observations on the symptoms and progress of parturient
apoplexy by searching post-mortem examinations, its true
pathology would sooner have been recognised. In bygone
days it was too much the custom for opinions to be drawn of
he nature of almost all internal maladies, simply from the
lesions which were to be detected either in the abdomen or
chest. In this way we account for the long existing opinion
that parturient apoplexy of the cow was of the same nature
as puerperal fever of the human female, viz. that essentially
it consisted of inflammation of the uterus and peritoneum.
Rarely, however, will it be observed that even the uterus
itself presents conditions which would not have been noticed
had the cow suffered no illness of any kind, but been slaugh¬
tered within the period of calving that the attack usually
comes on. Now and then a blush of redness will be seen on
its peritoneal surface, limited in extent, and due merely to a
hypersemic condition of its vessels. In no case have we met
with diffused inflammation of the peritoneum, nor of the
coats of any of the abdominal viscera.

The liver sometimes gives evidence of congestion, and the
mucous membvane of the fourth stomach, and also of the
intestinal canal, will not unfrequently present here and there
a slight inflammatory biush, which owes its origin in most
cases to the large doses of cathartic and other medicinal
agents which had been administered. Now and then also
the omasum — third stomach — will be found to contain an
unusual amount of ingesta, which is rather hard and dry —
a state of things simply due to coma having impaired its
function and led consequently to retention of its contents.

The viscera of the chest are more frequently involved in
morbid action ; but the pleura cannot be said to give evidence
of true inflammation except under peculiar circumstances.
The heart, and also the vessels of the lungs, are generally

DROPPING AFTER CALVING. 581

distended with dark-coloured blood, as the result of mere
passive congestion.

A most remarkable lesion is not unfrequently met with in
the windpipe and bronchial tubes, even to their smallest
ramifications, produced by the presence of ingesta which had
found its way from the rumen — the first stomach — into the
air-passages. In the spasmodic eructations which accompany
the comatose stage of the disease, portions of the contents of
the rumen — as has been stated in the description of the
symptoms — are forced into the oesophagus, and, ascending
into the fauces, pass with the tidal air directly into the wind¬
pipe. Nothing can more distinctly show the amount of
coma which is present than this, for the passage of the
ingesta from the fauces through the glottal opening and
larynx is unaccompanied with cough or any immediate dis¬
tress on the part of the animal. In such instances death
results from asphyxia, and it may be added that not only
ingesta, but even some of the medicine which had incautiously
been given — without the appliance of the stomach-pump to
secure its conveyance into the rumen — will not unfrequently
be found within the bronchial tubes.

As will be surmised from the foregoing observations, the
special lesions of parturient apoplexy will be found in the
brain and spinal cord. The vessels of both the cerebrum
and cerebellum are turgid with blood, and not unfrequently
blood extravasations are met with between the membranes of
the brain, within its ventricles or on its surface. A similar
state of the vessels will be found in the spinal cord, especially
in its cervical portion. Here both the turgescence of the
vessels and the extravasation of blood are often far greater
than in the brain itself. The sheath of the cord participates
in the morbid action, and in some instances its vessels, even
from the a ttys to the lumbar vertebrae, will be found engorged
with blood. In one remarkable case examined several years
since we found the spinal sheath throughout its full length in
such a hyperaemic condition that it appeared as if it had been
dipped in a deep red dye. In this case also softening of the
cord itself existed in the lumbar region. The animal was
attacked twenty-two hours after parturition, and survived
only about thirty-six hours. She was prostrate for a longer
time before coma became complete than is generally observed
in the disease.

In connection with the lesions of the brain and spinal cord
mention may be made of a remarkable case which happened
to a cow of our own. The animal survived the attack for the
long space of 1£0 hours ; and although the coma yielded

582

DROPPING AFTER CALVING.

somewhat during the time, she never became fully conscious,
nor rose from the recumbent position. On making a post¬
mortem examination the upper portion of the sheath of the
spinal cord, from its origin to the extent of several inches,
was found deeply stained of a red colour, and a considerable
amount of gelatinous exudation of serum existed between the
cord and its sheath.

Nothing can more satisfactorily prove the true nature of
dropping after calving than lesions such as these.

Treatment. — It cannot be expected in a disease like
parturient apoplexy that curative measures would prove effi¬
cacious except in very rare instances. Some practitioners
centre all their hopes of cure on being able by a free use of
cathartic agents to excite the bowels to increased action ;
others rely on unloading the surcharged blood-vessels by
bloodlettings ; and others, again, by the use of stimulants, to
rouse suspended nerve force, that the blood may thus be driven
through the congested and disabled vessels, and the balance
of the circulation re-established. Besides these means we
meet with practitioners who, regarding the disease as milk-
fever, direct their efforts mainly to restoring the lacteal se¬
cretion by frequent drawing at the teats. The value of these
measures may be said to consist rather in their combination
than in their individuality ; and it may therefore be said that
none of them should be neglected. With reference to the
withdrawal of blood, it may be stated that its advantages
will depend on the stage of the disease when the animal is
first seen. Should the cow be still standing, although sup¬
porting the position with the greatest difficulty, or even
should she be down, but not yet in a comatose condition, a
copious bloodletting should be adopted. If blood be
abstracted, it should flow until the pulse wavers from its loss;
but if coma should have set in, no justification can be found
for bloodletting. We have often known the abstraction of
blood in this stage to speedily bring about a fatal termin¬
ation.

As with the withdrawal of blood so v7ith the exhibition of
cathartic medicine, it should be early adopted. A compound
formed of sulphate of magnesia, powdered croton , compound tinc¬
ture of aloes, and a small quantity of calomel, will be found to be
as good as any. The dose should be a powerful one, consist¬
ing of three fourths to a pound of the sulphate of magnesia,
twenty to thirty grains of croton-seed, four to six ounces of
compouud tincture of aloes, and a drachm of calomel ; for if
an impress can be made on the nerves of organic life by
arousing the half-suspended peristaltic action of the intestines.

DROPPING AFTER CALVING.

583

great good will be done. We hold, indeed, that benefit
results more from quickening the peristaltic movements than
by the mere evacuation of faeces. Still, it must be borne in
mind that the administration of repeated doses of drastic
purgatives is not to be commended, for it frequently happens
that, should a favorable change in the symptoms take place,
a copious and continuous diarrhoea will set in, which will
prove fatal to the semi- convalescent animal, being the result
of inflammation of the mucous membrane of the stomachs
and intestines induced by the medicine. If any adjunct to
the cathartic first administered be required, it should consist
of enemas often repeated ; a stimulating one occasionally, but
mainly composed of a bland fluid like soap-and-water.

We take no objection to drawing at the teats if not too
perseveringly had recourse to, for such a proceeding does, in
our opinion, more harm than good, by disquieting the animal
by so frequently altering her position to get at the mammary
glands. Milking can only remove the fluid from the reser¬
voirs of the glands which had been secreted prior to the
attack ; and afterwards it can go but little way towards re¬
storing the secretion of the mammae when coma has set in.

As adjuncts to these means, as well as to others yet to be
named, the animal should be thickly clothed, and every effort
made to promote warmth of the surface. For this purpose
we have known warm flat-irons , as used in the laundry,
gently passed over the body from time to time, to be attended
with advantage. The legs should also be rubbed with a
stimulating liniment, such as turpentine and oil in equal
quantities, and wrapped in warm flannel bandages. Sinapisms
should likewise be applied to the abdomen. The spine may
be rubbed with a stimulating liniment, particularly over the
region of the back and loins ; but the head should be kept
cool by the application of cloths dipped in cold water. To
this extent and to no further should the so-called antiphlo¬
gistic plan of treatment be adopted. Contrasted with the
phlogistic, which consists of the exhibition of stimulating
agents even from the commencement of the attack, experi¬
ence has shown that it is less successful.

{To be continued.')

584

MICROPHYTES IN THE BLOOD AND THEIR RELATION TO

DISEASE*

Mr. T. R. Lewis contributes a paper of fifty pages on
this important subject, giving a critical resume of the work
of former observers, as well as the results of his own investi¬
gations.

Mr. Lewis, first of all, goes over the evidence for the
opinion that bacteria are the actual cause of the morbid
symptoms in splenic fever, septicaemia, infectious pneumo¬
enteritis of the pig, and recurrent fever, the diseases in which
there is the strongest evidence for a contcigium vivum. He
then recounts some observations of his own as to the occur¬
rence of bacteria in the blood of perfectly healthy animals,
and gives his reasons for thinking that the presence of
microphytes in the blood is a mere epi-phenomenon, having
no causal relation with the disease. The chief reasons ad¬
duced may be summed up as follows : —

1. It is by no means proved that the various forms of
Bacillus spirillum , &c., occurring in certain diseases are
specifically distinct from forms having no relation whatever
to any pathological conditions.

2. All the representatives of the Schizomycetes may be
and have been introduced into the blood without causing any
morbid symptoms. f

3. In the diseases supposed to be due to bacteria, the
microphytes are “ never to be detected in the earlier stages
of the disease, but only at a brief period before and after a
fatal termination/’

4. “ The poisonous properties of septinous blood and of
other decomposing animal solutions gradually disappear
toward the third or fourth day, a fact which is scarcely
reconcilable with the doctrine that the poison resides in the
almost imperishable f spores ’ of the bacilli, which existed
during the earlier stages of decomposition/’

5. Septinous fluids retain their virulent properties after
filtration through fine porous materials, the effect of the
filtration being to free them from the ie visible molecules of
every description/'

* ‘Quart. Journ. Micr. Sci./ xix (1879), p. 356.
t With. regard to these two points, cf. Koch, ‘ Wundinfectionskrank-
heiten/ ante, p. 754.

“ WOOLSORTERs' DISEASE/’

585

6. “ The coagulum produced by boiling a septinous fluid
is more virulent than the fluid itself.” Eleven hours' boiling
does not destroy the poisonous properties of such a fluid ; a
watery extract of the residue of such a fluid evaporated to
dryness has an intense toxic effect.

7. The poison (septine or sepsin) of some of these fluids
may be made to combine with acids so as to form salts, which
latter retain all the toxic properties of the original fluid. #

8. The living tissues, under the influence of a chemical
irritant (iodine or ammonia), may secrete a virulent fluid,
capable of communicating disease from animal to animal.

Mr. Lewis concludes “that the living tissue elements of
the body itself play a much more important part in the
elaboration of septinous and allied poisons than what has of
late been ordinarily ascribed to them/’ — Journ . of the Uoy .
Mic. Soc,

“ WOOLSOftTERS’ DISEASE” AND BLOOD-POISONING IN

CATTLE.

We are indebted to Mr. Horner, of Keighley, for the
following particulars, taken from a local paper, relative to
the connection existing between the “ woolsorters’ disease
and blood-poisoning in cattle ” :

“During the past few days fresh testimony has been afforded
of the virulent character of the poison, the effects of which
produce such dire results in what is known as f woolsorters’
disease/ Several weeks ago a cow belonging to Mr. Walter
Dunlop, of the Grange, Harden, died from causes not clearly
understood at the time, but upon which recent circumstances
have thrown some light. Since then two sheep belonging
to Mr. Dunlop have been found dead in the pastures grazed
by the defunct animal, and on Wednesday, June 80th, a
fine heifer, which had also been pastured upon the same
ground, died.

“ On Tuesday the last-named animal was observed by the
herdsman not to be f cudding/ i. e . ‘ chewing the cud,
otherwise it seemed not to be ailing. Towards evening,
however, after being housed in the shed, a manifest indis¬
position was observable, and Mr. Horner, veterinary suigeon,
Keighley, was sent for. Every attention was paid to the

* The possibility that the non-living contagium indicated in § | 5, 6, and
7, may itself be a result of organic action, should not be lost sight or.

586

" WOOLSORTERS5 DISEASE.*’

case by that gentleman and those in attendance, but the
animal died about 10 o’clock on Wednesday morning. The
circumstances of the case being of so singular a character,
and from a belief that the cause of death bore some affinity
to that found in f woolsorters’ disease,’ a post-mortem ex¬
amination of the carcase was made on the next day, when
Dr. Bell, of Bradford, Dr. Roberts, of Keighley, and Mr.
Collins, veterinary surgeon, of Bradford, were invited to be
present, and took part in the examination.

<e The result clearly demonstrated the cause of death to be
splenic fever, differing only in form from that usually accom¬
panying death in woolsorters and others coming in contact
with infected wool. Instead of the disease having been con¬
tracted through the medium of the lungs, as is usually the
case in men, it was found to have operated upon the bowels,
spleen, and heart of the beast, but death, within much less
than twenty-four hours from the commencement of illness,
resulted.

t( Dr. Bell, who made an analytic examination of the blood
taken from the animal, found it to literally swarm with the
minute organisms familiar to anthrax.

“ The discovery thus made materially tended to determine
the question as to how the animals had contracted the disease.
It appeared that the two fields in which the heifer, as well
as the animals which had previously died, had pastured,
received the ’sud-wrater from the Harden Mills, which, after
being conducted to them, was distributed in various direc¬
tions by means of extemporised trenches. At Harden Mills
Van and Cape mohairs are freely used, and it will be re¬
membered that only a month or two ago two woolsorters
employed there died from symptoms unmistakably identified
with blood-poisoning. The water in which these wools is
washed, however, seems to have been drunk by the heifer,
and presumably by the other animals as well, with the fatal
results described.

“ It is a question of some interest how far infection is likely
to be carried into the milk given by animals wrho thus refresh
themselves without contracting fatal consequences, or into
the flesh which is being fattened for market. Another
phase of the disease, to which attention has been directed
in previous cases, was very marked in the case of a sorter
of Persian and Bokhara wools, employed by Messrs. Feather
and Son, of Bradford. This was a case of anthrax in the
arm. A fornight ago a little spot on the left arm was all
that was perceptible, which becoming inflamed, increased the
man’s inability to follow bis employment ; otherwise, he felt

ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY OF ENGLAND. 587

no internal ailment. The eruption developed to about the
size of a shilling, and continued very painful. Mr. Mercer,
surgeon, attended the case, and has had charge of it until
convalesence has been restored.

“ A week ago, however, Dr. Bell saw the case, on which
occasion he took a small quantity of blood, and this being
ejected into the system of a guinea-pig, produced death in
fifty-four hours. Upon the blood of this animal being ex¬
amined, it also contained myriads of the organisms so fatally
present in anthrax or e woolsorters’ disease/ of which we
have the local form of development illustrated in the pustule
described above ; the intestinal form in which it attacked the
oxen and sheep ; and the pulmonary form, which has carried
off so many woolsorters. We are glad to hear that Dr. Spear,
the medical inspector of the Local Government Board, who
contracted the local form of the disease through absorption
into the system while taking part in the recent post-mortem
examination at Bradford, has nearly recovered from the
effects. There have been two deaths, however, attributable
to the terrible disease since that period, into which it was
not considered necessary to make special inquiry.”

ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY OE ENGLAND.

The Monthly Council of the Society was held in Carlisle show-yard,
July 14th. Mr. Dent in the chair.

VETERINARY COMMITTEE.

Mr. Davies reported that the Committee had received the following
report from Professor Simonds, Principal of the Royal Veterinary
College :

Since the last meeting of the Committee the consultations taking
place have had reference mostly to the fluke disease, and especially as
to the course which should be taken with a breeding flock among which
rot is known to exist. The advice so freely distributed by the Society
on the feeding and management of fluke-stricken sheep has had a most
beneficial effect, and in numerous instances in which the recommen¬
dations have been fully carried out, ewes have not only gone safely
through the lambing season, but have reared their lambs without any
serious loss of condition.

In consequence of this, many persons have been disposed to keep the
ewes on for another year, and on this point in particular, advice has
been sought. With the experience of past years before us, we could not
recommend the adoption of such apian. I he risk is great; the iule
being that as soon as autumn sets in, and the grasses begin to lose their
nutritive qualities, the sheep fall away in condition, became amcmiated
(weak from poorness of blood), and sink during the winter months. It
should always be borne in mind that emaciation does not exclusively
depend on the mere existence of flukes in the biliary ducts of the liver,

583

royal Veterinary college.

great as the drain on the system may be, but on the amount of structural
change and diseased function of the liver itself.

Persons have spoken of a security which they see in the life-history ot
the fluke, as influencing its indwelling within the biliary ducts, which
they believe to be short. Our knowledge on a point of this kind is at
present too limited to enable us to fix the period of the life of flukes ;
but it is not too much to suppose that this may be prolonged or other¬
wise by the quality of the bile on which the entozoa live — if fairly good,
they would longer survive than if the opposite conditions of the fluid
existed.

It may thus be seen that the very means which have led to the ewes
passing through their lambing in a satisfactory manner, are those which
would preserve the function of the liver in a fairly healthy state for a
longer time than usual, and thus they would become the cause of an
increased indwelling of the flukes, and probably also would produce a
prolonged life of the entozoa.

ROYAL VETERINARY COLLEGE.

FIFTH ANNUAL REPORT UNDER THE ROYAL CHARTER
OF INCORPORATION, ORDERED BY THE GOVER¬
NORS OF THE COLLEGE TO BE PRESENTED TO THE
SUBSCRIBERS.

General Government.

No alterations have been made during the past year in the Bye-laws
and Regulations relating to the Government of the Institution, those at
present in force having been found to work satisfactorily.

By the death of his Grace the late Duke of Portland, a vacancy has
occurred in the list of Vice-Presidents, and the number of Governors is
still incomplete. The election to these officers is in the hands of those
Subscribers who are qualified to vote at all General Meetings.

In October last, Mr. G. D. Whatman resigned the Chairmanship of
the General Purposes Committee, which he had held for upwards of
four years, and Sir C. S. Paul Hunter, Bart., was elected to the
vacant post.

According to instructions a short resume of the proceedings of the
Quarterly Meeting of the Committee has been forwarded to the leading
daily papers, and to the Principal Veterinary and Agricultural Journals.

Education.

It has been found expedient that certain alterations in the Regula¬
tions should be made, which will enable the Governors to better regulate
the attendance and conduct of the Students. These alterations have
been submitted to the Quarterly Meeting of the General Purposes
Committee, and will in due course come into operation.

No alteration has been made since July last in the subjects for the
Matriculation Examination, it will, however, be seen from the statistics
herein given that the reduction in the number of Students entering the
College still continues.

The “Cheap Practice” has been regularly carried out during the
year, and the number of cases treated shows a considerable and con¬
tinuous increase since its institution in May, 1879. The attendance of

ROYAL VETERINARY COLLEGE. 589

the Senior Students at the Deptford and Metropolitan Cattle Markets
has also been satisfactory.

The admission of all Students to the use of the Library belonging
to the Veterinary Medical Association has worked satisfactorily. The
Librarian reports that “ the Library has been freely used by all classes
of Students,” that the number of subscribers to the reading-room is
57, and that the subscriptions, 2s. 6d. per term, are expended in the
purchase of periodicals, sixteen of which are taken in.

By the resignation of Professor Pritchard, a vacancy occurred on
March 25th in the Professorial Staff, the Governors have great pleasure
in announcing that by the appointment of Mr. William Robertson,
F.R.C.V.S., a gentleman well known in the Veterinary Profession, and
a member of the Board of Examiners, a most competent successor has
been secured. Mr. Robertson will enter formally on his duties in
October next.

The increase in the number of successful Candidates for the Diploma
Examination, of which mention was made in last year’s Report, the
Governors are pleased to find has continued ; in the past twelve months
out of forty-seven Students who presented themselves under the new
system only one was rejected.

The Examinations for Students under the two years’ system came to
an end in January last.

Buildings.

During th'e past year a new Students’ room has been provided by
utilising four stalls in the stable next to the Pharmacy. A glass roof
has been erected for the accommodation of the “ Cheap Practice ”
patients ; and in compliance with a memorial on the part of the Students,
a lavatory has been placed in the dissecting room.

Finance.

From the Quarterly statements of receipts and expenditure, it
appears that the receipts from March 31st, 1879, to March 31st, 1880,
amounted to £10,546 16s. lOd. and the expenditure £10,191 19s. 4d.,
against £11,677 12s. receipts and £11,801 10s. lid. expenditure
during the previous twelve months. The receipts, however, during that
period include a temporary loan of £1000, which has since been repaid.

It will be seen from this that the receipts during the past twelve
months are in excess of expenditure by £354 17s. 6d., whilst in the
year before the expenditure exceeded the receipts by £123 18s. lid.

It must, however, be borne in mind that by the alteration in the
mode of payment of the pupils’ fees the amount received under this
head, viz. £2479 Is., is larger than it would otherwise have been, and
that unless the diminution in the number of admissions should cease, it
will in future years be materially lessened.

On the recommendation of a Committee appointed to confer with a
deputation of Veterinary Surgeons, the charge for Horses has been
raised from 3s. 6A to 4s. per diem , and the privileges of Subscribers
with regard to the examination of Horses for soundness have been
curtailed. Should no diminution take place in the number of Horses
admitted into the Infirmary for treatment, nor in the number of Sub¬
scribers, both these measures will increase the revenue of the College.

Royal Agricultural Society.

The Governors are pleased to be able to report that their relations
with the Society remain in every respect satisfactory.

Liii0 40

590

ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS.

During the past twelve months, twelve outbreaks of disease in animals
the property of members of the Society have been investigated and
reported on ; in addition to which several consultations have taken place,
both personal and by letter.

An investigation into the disease termed “ rot M has been ordered to
be made by the Council of the Society, partly in accordance with a draft
scheme which the Principal of the College was requested to prepare.

Statistics.

During the year ending June 30th, 1880, 248 new Subscribers have
been added to the list, and 186 have from death and other causes been
removed. There are at present 77 Life- Subscribers and 1099 Annual,
being an increase of 60 Annual and 2 Life- Subscribers.

Since 1875 there has been a total increase of 380, showing an average
annual increase of 76.

The average number of horses daily in the infirmary during the past
year has been 80, and of dogs 10, against 87 and 8 respectively last
year ; and the total number of horses examined for soundness has been
1363, against 1447. The number of cases treated in the “ Cheap Prac¬
tice ” has been 784, of which 353 were fresh cases.

The number of Students who have entered the College during the
past year has been 49 against 65 and 84 respectively during the past
two years, showing a falling off of 16 this year against 19 last, and of
35 in the two years.

The total number of Students to whom Diplomas have been granted
during the year is 52, 46 being under the New, and 6 under the Old
System.

Scholarship and Coleman Medal.

The Principal recommends that the Scholarship be awarded to Mr.
James Smith, and the Coleman Silver Medal to Mr. E. G. Johnson, the
Bronze Medal to Mr. G. Gartside Mayor, and the Certificate of Merit
to Mr. A. W. Briggs.

Conclusion.

In conclusion the Governors think that on the whole the results of
the past year may be looked upon as satisfactory. The number of Sub¬
scribers continues to increase, and the work done in the infirmary has
been up to the average. The only cause for uneasiness is the continued
yearly decline in the number of students entering. This is doubtless
attributable to the increased stringency of the Matriculation Examina¬
tion. The Governors, however, hope that as time goes on this falling
off will to a great extent disappear. "

C. N. Newdegate,

Chairman.

ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS.

THE EXAMINATIONS.

At the several meetings of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
held from the 6th to the 10th of Jiily, the following students froln the
Royal Veterinary College passed their respective examinations <

LANCASHIRE VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. 591

First Examination.

Mr. Frank Glover.

— Henry Edgar.

— Tlios. Ashton Smith.

— Jno. Sutcliffe Hurndall.

— Henry Sumner.

— Richd. Hutton McRaith.
t— Jno. Warden Edwards.

— James Smith.

— Thos. Bolton.

— Albert Edw. Michell.

— Sydney Howard Slocock.

Mr. Sydney Thos. Daidge Symons

— Jno. Buscomb.

— James Mark.

— Richd. Barker.

— Harry Astley Young.

— • Chas. Pack.

— James Brodie Gresswell.

— Alexander Edw. Richardson.

— George Thomas Pickering.

— Frederick Albert Moss.

— Herbert Ernest Pinel.

The following passed with “ Great Credit ” :

Mr. Henry Sumner. J I Mr. John Buscomb.

— Richd. Hutton McRaith. | — Richd. Barker.

And James Brodie Gresswell.

Second Examination.

Mr. Henry Redford.

— John Wm. Barford.

— Edward Henry Scott.

— Arthur Everard Barlow.
Messrs. H. H. Roberts and J. R.

Mr. William Green.

— William Tavener.

— Henry Hubert Roberts.

— Joseph Rowtham Kinsey.
Kinsey passed with Great Credit.

Third, or Diploma Examination.

Mr. Edward Harvey Kelly

— Fred. Frank Elworthy

— Wm. Frederick Wright

— Johnson Wm. Carlisle
Wm. Francis Mulcahy

— Fred. Wm. Whitney

— J ohn Darby

. Aldershot.

. Crediton.

. Yexford.

. Hetton, York.

. Ballydonough, Clonmel.
. Tiverton.

. Rugby.

LANCASHIRE VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSO¬
CIATION.

The usual quarterly meeting of the above was held at the Blackfriars
Hotel, on Tuesday, June the 29th, 1880. Wm. Dacre, Esq., in the chair.

Present — Dr. A. Gamgee, M.D., F.R.S., Professor at Owens College,
Manchester; Messrs. T. Greaves, Peter Taylor, Tom Taylor, W. Whittle,
T. Hopkin, C. W. Elam, B. Taylor, Geo. Darwell, W. Leather,
E. Faulkner, T. W. Moore, W. A. Taylor, Hugh Furgusson, J. B. Wol-
stenholme, J. Bunnel, A. Lawson, John Lawson, T. A. Dollar, J. W.
Ingram, E. Yorston, Messrs. Cooke, Harrison, Lingard, Marshall, and
Smelt, Dr. Renshaw, and the Secretary.

The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed.

Letters were received from Messrs. Reynolds, Liverpool; H. Thomp¬
son, Aspatria; R. Roberts, Kendal; P. Walker, Bradford; J. Marshall,
Knutsford ; Geo. Fleming, London ; and Principal Walley, Edinburgh,
regretting their inability to attend the meeting.

The Secretary read a letter from the Couneil of the Royal College of
Veterinary Surgeons expressing their thanks to the society for their
hearty support and co-operation in regard to the Penal Act.

592 NORTH OF ENGLAND VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION.

The Secretary stated that in accordance with the alteration of Clause
II in Rule XVII, with regard to the election of Honorary Associates, he
had forwarded voting papers to all members, with the names of the follow¬
ing gentlemen affixed (who had been proposed and seconded) : — Sir F.
Fitzwygram, Professor Williams, and Mr. Geo. Fleming. Thirty papers
had been returned by members, all voting in favour of the gentlemen
named.

The President then said he had great pleasure in informing the meeting
that Sir F. Fitzwygram, Prof. Williams, and Mr. Geo. Fleming were
unanimously elected Honorary Associates of this society. (Applause.)

Mr. C. E. Challinor proposed as member of this Association Mr. A.
W. Briggs, of Bury. Mr. Hopkin seconded. Carried.

Mr. A. Lawson proposed Mr. James Polding, of Burnley. Mr. B. Taylor
seconded. Carried.

The Secretary nominated Mr. J. W. Ingram, of Manchester.

Prof. Arthur Gamgee, M.D., F.R.S., of Owens College, Manchester,
delivered the second of two lectures on the c‘ Physiology of Digestion.”
After recapitulating the substance of his first lecture, Dr. Gamgee pro¬
ceeded to consider the changes which the food undergoes in the small
intestines, devoting particular attention to the action of the bile and
pancreatic juice, the second of these fluids, he pointed out, possesses, as
recent researches have shown, remarkable powers, containing three
ferments, capable respectively of digesting— 1st, proteids or albuminous
bodies ; 2nd, starches ; 3rd, by emulsionising and decomposing the neutral
fats. These actions were experimentally demonstrated by the lecturer.
In the case of the pancreas, the lecturer pointed out that changes in
secreting cells may be observed to be associated with the condition of
rest and activity. After pointing out the function of the bile (which
while aiding pancreatic digestion by the part it takes in neutralising the
acid chyme, is mainly a substance carrying away from the blood excre-
mentitious matter) the lecturer examined the remaining changes
which take place in the alimentary canal, and concluded his lecture by
a brief sketch of the views now held of the function of the liver.

Mr. P. Taylor proposed a vote of thanks to Dr. Gamgee, seconded by
Mr. T. Greaves and supported by Mr. Elam , which was carried by accla¬
mation.

Dr. Gamgee , in response, said it gave him great pleasure to come before
the members of the Lancashire Veterinary Medical Association to give
a lecture, as every one seemed to take such great interest in the
matter, and he hoped on some future occasion to have the opportunity
of again lecturing before them, and advised all to read the leading
scientific subjects, especially recommending Dr. Foster’s physiology.

A vote of thanks to the chairman closed the meeting.

Sam. Locke, Hon. Sec.

NORTH OF ENGLAND VETERINARY MEDICAL

ASSOCIATION.

The annual meeting of this Association was held in the Turk’s Head
Hotel, Newcastle-on-Tyne, on Friday, May 28th, the President, Mr. D.
Dudgeon, occupied the chair. There were also present Messrs. J.
Gofton, C. Stephenson, G. Elphick, W. F. Mulvey, W. Awde, A.
Hunter, H. Hunter, D. Macgregor, F. Corbett, W. S. Pringle, F. Mal¬
colm, A. Chivas, F. Temple, Prof. Pritchard, W. Grieve, C. Hunting,
— Wilkinson, junr., — Whitfield, Dr. Armstrong, and the Secretary.

NORTH OF ENGLAND VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. 593

Apologies were received from Profs. Walley, Williams, McCall, and
Axe ; also Messrs. F. B. Nisbet, and C. Shorten.

The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed, and the
following gentlemen were elected members : — G. Fanow, junr. (Durham),
A. Chivas (Corbridge-on-Tyne), and F. Temple (Chester-le-Street).

The Treasurer’s account, which showed that £12 5s. Id. had been
received during the year, the outlay had been £7 Os. 6d., leaving a
balance in hand of £5 4s. 7d. The report was adopted.

Professor Pritchard read a paper on “ Some of the Contagious Dis¬
eases affecting Cart Horses.” The Professor dwelt more particularly
on hereditary diseases, and defined hereditary predisposition as the
transmission of the seeds of disease or a predisposition to disease from
the parent to the progeny. He next gave a list of hereditary diseases,
then showed that the disease might often disappear for a time ; he said
a horse which was a “ roarer ” might breed and the disease might not
show itself until two or three generations afterwards. If a horse had
been bred of a roarer and had not shown any of the disease when young
they might depend upon it if the horse was subject to some great exer¬
tion or some fright, it would become a roarer at once.

A discussion on the paper followed, in which Messrs. Mulvey, H.
Hunter, D. Macgregor, Elphick, Gofton, Corbett, the President, Ste¬
phenson, A. Hunter, and W. Awde took part.

The President next delivered his inaugural address ; amongst other
remarks he said, “ He thought the tendency of the present age was to
overdo everything, and he sometimes thought the Council of the Royal
College of Veterinary Surgeons were not exempt from that tendency.
He wished it to be distinctly understood that no one valued education
more than he did, and in one sense no one could educate a man too
highly. But it must be borne in mind that they could not all be army
veterinary surgeons, they could not all be located in large cities and
have large and lucrative practices. There must still remain a great
number of quiet practitioners. Nevertheless, those men were as useful
in their sphere as their more fortunate brethren. Referring to the Con¬
tagious Diseases (Animals) Act, the speaker said that one of their local
papers a short time since devoted a leader to what he described as
“The Dear Meat Act.” Its whole scope and tendency was the very
reverse. It had been the means of almost completely stamping out
those devastating contagious diseases which only a few years ago proved
fatal to their flocks and herds, and cost the country millions of money.
He had no hesitation in saying that the firm and judicious action of the
veterinary department of the Privy Council, aided by the local authori¬
ties and their veterinary inspectors, had done more to keep down the
price of butcher meat than all the free importation of foreign stock.
He congratulated the members upon the amount of success which had
attended this association during the past year. The good feeling and
good fellowship which was developing amongst them he hoped would
continue to develop, and that their membership would be largely
increased. In conclusion, he thanked the members for having twice
elected him president.” (Applause.) He proposed a vote of thanks to
Prof. Pritchard for his trouble in coming from London, and giving
them such an interesting paper. Mr. Mulvey seconded the motion,
which was carried with acclamation.

Afterwards the members and guests sat down to an excellent dinner,
at which all the loyal and other toasts were ably proposed and responded
to, a very enjoyable evening being spent. G. R. Dudgeon,

Hon. Sec.

594

ESTABLISHMENT OF A VETERINARY MEDICAL
ASSOCIATION AT MELBOURNE, VICTORIA.

A meeting of veterinary surgeons took place on the 1st inst. at
Menzie’s Hotel for tlie purpose of forming a veterinary medical associa¬
tion for Australia; Mr. Graliam Mitchell, F.R.C.V.S., presided.

The chairman stated that this movement had been started by Mr.
Kendall, and read a letter written by that gentleman, which appeared
in The Leader a few weeks ago, pointing out the unsatisfactory state of
veterinary science in these colonies. He then went on to show that the
profession had met with so little encouragement either from the
Government or the public that many good scientific men had left the
ranks of the profession to follow occupations of a more thankful nature.
The prevailing diseases of stock were then briefly alluded to, and it was
stated that the regulations of the Stock department, as at present exist¬
ing, were totally unfit to cope with the spread of disease.

Mr. Mitchell also observed that tuberculosis (consumption) was a very
serious disease in cattle, as instances had been known of the disease
being produced in children by drinking the milk from affected cattle.
The hydatid disease in sheep is now very prevalent, and as numbers of
sheep are pasturing on the watersheds supplying the Yan Yean, the
water may possibly become impregnated with the larvae of these ento-
zana, which in the adult form become developed into tape worms in the
human subject and the dog. Many other diseases were mentioned
which it will be the duty of the association to inquire into.

The chief objects will be to promote veterinary science by encourag¬
ing the united action of members of the profession throughout these
colonies in the investigation of diseases of animals and the important
effects they have upon the health of the community.

To draw the attention of stockowners to the necessity of rendering
all the assistance they can in these investigations, by describing out¬
breaks of disease and noting their progress, and by forwarding, whenever
opportunities occur, morbid specimens for examination, &c.

To watch the general interests of the profession, and to protect it
against the frauds and impositions of unqualified persons.

To facilitate these objects it is intended to hold monthly or quarterly
meetings, at which papers will be read, pathological specimens exhibited,
and subjects brought forward for discussion.

Several letters were then read from members of the profession in dif¬
ferent parts of the country regretting their inability to attend, and
expressing their sympathy with and approval of the movement.

It was then proposed by Mr. Kendall and seconded by Mr. T. C.
Dobson, that a Veterinary Medical Association for Australia be formed,
which was carried unanimously.

Mr. Kendall was then elected hon. sec. pro tern , and the following
gentlemen appointed as a provisional committee to draw up rules for
the working of the association, to be submitted at the next meeting, to
be held at Menzie’s Hotel on the 1st July next : — Messrs. J. P. Vin¬
cent, G. Mitchell, T. C. Dobson, and W. T. Kendall.

GLASGOW VETERINARY COLLEGE.

The summer session of this institution terminated on Monday, and
yesterday the examinations for the Diploma of the Royal College of

A MILITARY VETERINARY SCHOOL.

595

Veterinary Surgeons were conducted within the museum of the College.
The Board of Examiners included the following gentlemen : — Professor
A. Crum Brown; Dr. Andrew Wilson, University, Edinburgh; Dr.
Dunsmure, Edinburgh. The following gentlemen were also present as
ex officio members : — Principal M‘Call, Professors Knox, Cooke, and
Macqueen, Glasgow Veterinary College. Twenty-four students pre¬
sented themselves for their first professional examination, and of this
number twenty-one were successful in passing a highly-creditable ex¬
amination. Messrs. W. A. M'Gregor, Freeland, Kelly, Renfrew, and
Martin passing with “ great credit.” Medals granted by the Highland
and Agricultural Society of Scotland, Principal M‘Call, and certificates
of merit by the college were awarded in the different branches of study
as follows :

Botany. — Gold medal, Mr. John Renfrew, Hurlet, Renfrewshire ;
silver medal, Mr. J. F. Hayes, Portroe, co. Tipperary. 1st class certi¬
ficates — Mr. dames Martin, Glasgow ; Mr. W. A. M'Gregor, Pollok-
shields. 2nd class certificates—Mr. J. Dickie, Paisley ; Mr. P. D.
Kelly, Cooraclare.

Materia Medica.— Gold medal, Mr. Hayes ; silver medal, Mr. Ren¬
frew. 1st class certificates — Mr. A. Brown, Neilston ; Mr. Martin and
Mr. J. Hughes, Ivnockbridge. 2nd class certificates — Messrs. Kelly and
W. A. M‘Gregor.

Chemistry. — Gold medal, Mr. Kelly ; silver medal, Mr. Renfrew. 1st
class certificates — Mr. Martin and Mr. Freeland, Glasgow. 2nd class
certificates — Mr. A. Brown, Mr. Reid, Beith ; and Mr. W. A.
M‘Gregor. — Glasgow Herald, July 17th, 1880.

A MILITARY VETERINARY SCHOOL.

By a General Order just issued, a new educational department has
been established in the Army, viz. a Military Veterinary School at
Aldershot. The school is to provide for the training of officers in the
mounted branches of the service in the proper care and management of
horses and other animals, including a knowledge of their forage, shoe¬
ing, and stable management in camp, barracks, and on board ship.
Farriers and shoeing smiths are also to be trained as veterinary assist¬
ants, so as to render them available for the veterinary charge of
detached parties ; careful instruction in the principles of shoeing will
also be given to these non-commissioned officers.

A class will also be opened for veterinary surgeons on probation,
where instruction will be given in the routine of military veterinary
duties, the sanitation of barracks and camps, and the diseases and acci¬
dents peculiar to animals employed for military purposes both at home
and abroad.

The Veterinary Department of the Army comprises 63 veterinary
surgeons, and the total cost of the department, including the cost of
medicines, is somewhat over £21,000 a year. The number of horses,
exclusive of officers’ chargers, is 14,365 at home and in the Colonies, and
10,924 in India. Curious as it may seem, the Artillery possess more
horses than the Cavalry by nearly 500, a fact in which the British Army
is probably unique.

A Royal Warrant, issued on the 1st ult., provides that “the officer
appointed as instructor, to take charge of the Military Veterinary
School, shall receive, besides the pay of his grade in the Veterinary
Department, extra pay at the rate of £150 a year.”

596

COLEMAN PRIZE AWARD.

It will be seen by reference to the Annual Report of the Governors
of the College, held July 5th, that they made the following award, on
the report of the Principal, of the Coleman Prizes.

1st prize. Silver Medal to Mr. Edw. George Johnson, South Austen,
Rotherham.

2nd prize. Bronze Medal to Mr. George Gartside Mayor, Kirkham.

3rd prize. Certificate of Merit to Mr. Arthur Wm. Briggs, Bury.

SCHOLARSHIP AWARD AT THE ROYAL VETERINARY

COLLEGE.

At the same meeting the Scholarship of £25 for two consecutive years
was awarded to Mr. James Smith, Louth, Lincolnshire. Honorable
Mention was made of Mr. Jno. Buscomb, Bodmin.

EDINBURGH UNIVERSITY EXAMINATION.

Summer Session.

Mr. A. Grey, junr., M.R.C.V.S., of the Dick College, obtained a
Bronze Medal in the class of Practical Pathology.

PARLIAMENTARY INTELLIGENCE.

CATTLE MARKING.

House of Commons, July 19 th.

Sir W. IIarcourt, in reply to Mr. Storer, said, that having regard to
the professional evidence that the ear-marking of cattle by order of the
steward of the Duke of Leeds caused great harm and sometimes pro¬
duced festering sores, he could not interfere with the fine of 4s. 6d. and
9s. costs inflicted by the Bedall magistrates.

GRAIN FOR FEEDING CATTLE.

Mr. Gladstone, replying to Mr. R. Power, who had put a question
respecting the preparation of grain for feeding cattle in Ireland, said,
that under the new law the generality of restrictions on the malting of
grain would, he hoped, be abolished both in Great Britain and Ireland.

OBITUARY. — Erratum.

[In the June number of the Veterinarian, a notice of the death of Mr.
D. Winton, MR.C.V.S., Enfield, was inserted on the authority of the
writer of a letter to that effect. We have since learned that the state¬
ment was without foundation, and we much regret having been made
the means of publishing false information, and causing both Mr. Winton
and his friends so much anxiety.]

THE

VETERINARIAN.

EIL SEPTEMBER, 1880.

Fourth Series,
No. 309.

Communications and Cases:

VACCINE AND CALF VACCINATION.

As the obtainment of primary vaccine lymph from the cow
has now become a great desideratum, in consequence of the steps
which have been taken by the Government with reference to
so-called animal vaccination, we deem it important that any
efforts which are made in this direction should, whether
successful or not, be recorded in our pages. For this pur¬
pose we give insertion to the following particulars relating
to a supposed outbreak of natural vaccinia and the experi¬
ments which were had recourse to to determine the nature
of the eruption.

In the last week of June we were informed by Mr.
Wallis, a student at the Royal Veterinary College, that
his father, an eminent veterinary surgeon, residing at
Halstead, Essex, whom we knew to have had considerable
experience in ovine variola , had just been called to some
cases of vaccinia . With a view to obtain lymph for experi¬
mental purposes, we at once forwarded some points to Mr.
Wallis, with a request that he would carefully and abundantly
charge them with lymph from the vesicles in their earliest
but well-developed stage. The request was kindly and
promptly complied with.

The history of the outbreak is thus given by Mr. Wallis :

Halstead, August Qth, 1880.

Dear Prof. Simonds. — I most cheerfully comply with
your request to furnish data and some particulars with regard
to the supposed cases of natural cow-pox which, within the

LIII. 41

598

VACCINE AND CALF VACCINATION.

last few weeks, have come under my notice at Mr. Jacob
Evans’, Bois Hall, in this parish. I regret, however, that,
owing to circumstances over which I had no control, I am
unable to give you definite information as to exact time of
the occurrence of the disease, and also as to the successive
stages which marked the progress of the first cases.

I gathered from the cowman,' who is the only milker,
that he first noticed a sore on the udder of one of the cows
on June 1st, and that he then applied to my assistant for a
box of ointment with which to dress it. After this other
cows were similarly affected, and on June 19th I was re¬
quested to see them. This I did, and found one cow with
several papulae on the udder somewhat flattened and of a
slightly red colour. Only one of these papulae subsequently
developed a well-formed vesicle, and fronfl this, on June 26th,
I charged some points with very nice limpid lymph and for¬
warded them to you.

The other cows then affected were evidently recovering.

On the 24th of June, in consequence of a communication
made by Dr. Hinds, surgeon of this town, to the Local
Government Board, Dr, Stevens came and examined the
herd with me, when hvo fresh cases in the papula stage were
discovered. One of these, on the 26th, seemed likely in a
day or two to afford lymph; but the papules afterwards
assumed the brown colour of desquamation.

On June 30th Drs. Buchanan and Burdon Sanderson and
Mr. Ceely visited the herd with me and my friend Dr. Hinds.
There icere now tivo or three other fresh cases in the papula
stage. Mr. Ceely regarded the disease as spurious and par¬
taking of an eczematous nature. Drs. Sanderson and
Buchanan expressed no opinion on the matter.

After this two other cows were attacked, but failed to
develop vesicles of a size sufficient to yield lymph.

From another case, however, I charged some points and
forwarded them on July 3rd to Dr. Buchanan and Mr.
Ceely. You will easily understand, as the cows were all
turned out, that many of the vesicles were prematurely rup¬
tured by their lying down in the pasture, as well as by the
friction of their legs against the udder.

After this date I saw the cows daily for a time, and then
at intervals. They all gradually recovered, and in a week or
two all indications of the malady had passed away. In
no case was there any marked disturbance of the general
health, nor, as far as could be ascertained, was there any dele¬
terious quality imparted to the milk. I continued to visit the
cows up to July 10th, when they all appeared to be doing well.

VACCINE AND CALF VACCINATION.

399

I feel that what I have been able to report is very meagre,
and I only wish it had been in my power to send you a better
and practically a more useful description of the disease.

I am, &c.,

W. S. Wallis.

Experiments.

V accination of a Calf with the reputed Primary Vaccine

Lymph.

July 2nd. — A well-bred, healthy, red-and-white male calf,
about fourteen weeks, was vaccinated at the Royal Veteri¬
nary College with the Halstead lymph. The place selected
was the under part of the abdomen in front of the scrotum,
where the skin was very thin and white in colour, being de¬
void of pigment. Previously to the punctures being made
the hair was removed by shaving, so as to leave the part
perfectly nude, that the effects of the vaccination might be
more closely and satisfactorily observed. Twelve punctures
were made, from half to three fourths of an inch apart,
and four sets of scratches. Fully half an hour was occu¬
pied in the vaccination, and the quantity of lymph employed
was large, not less than three well-charged points being used
in each of the punctures, with a corresponding quantity on
each set of scratches.

The animal was examined day by day, and with the ex¬
ception of a little diffused redness, which on the day follow¬
ing the vaccination was present on the part generally, but
chiefly on the site of the punctures and scratches, no effects
whatever ivere produced. One puncture, on the third day
looked as if a bulla might form ; such, however, did not
take place.

On the sixth day, of the vaccination the failure of the
experiment was forwarded to Dr. Buchanan and Mr. Ceely.

Vaccination of the Human Subject.

On July 9th Dr. Buchanan, in acknowledging the receipt
of the report, stated that some experiments were being made
on the human subject by the lymph ; and on July 11th Mr.
Ceely wrote as follows :

Aylesbury.

My dear Sir,— Many thanks for your obliging, note and
especially for the care and pains you have taken with the
reputed “ primary vaccine.”

I fully expected that the result of the insertion of the points
would prove the spurious character of the eruption. 1 he utmost
that I looked for was the reproduction of the vesicle or bulla

600

VACCINE AND CALF VACCINATION.

commonly yielded by the affected udder, but it appears that
no result has occurred, proving that the serous fluid of the
vesicle or bulla was neither specific enough to irritate the
hand of the milker, nor to be reproduced on the calf by inocu¬
lation. I introduced some points into the arm of a child with¬
out any result , and rubbed three points on a cluster of
scratches on the bach of my left hund , with the same result .

In cases where the fluid of such vesicles or bullrn has
become acrid, I have several times reproduced a vesicle on
that part of the hand in perfection ; and some years ago I
made an old man very ill by inserting some serum of the same
kind into his arm. Some day I will show you the drawing of
that inoculation, and drawings of casual vesicles and bullae
on the hands of milkers. ' Yours truly,

Robert Ceely.

J. B. Simonds, Esq.

In a subsequent latter received from Mr. Ceely, he says
that no result folloioed the use of some of the points charged
at Halstead which I gave to Dr. Cory, the vaccinator at
the Local Government Board’s station at Rowland Hill’s
Chapel, Blackfriars Road. I was prepared to expect nothing
more from their use than what ordinarily results from the
spurious vesicle, as I did not see any indications of the
source of the fluid being of the nature of true vaccine.

The spurious vesicle will sometimes reproduce itself, as I
have proved on myself and others, but not always. I was, there¬
fore, not disappointed in the trials with the Halstead points.

Addendum.

In connection with the subject of variolous affections of
domestic animals we insert an extract from the Mark Lane
Express , August 8th, relative to the affirmed transmission
of equine variola to the calf.

“ According to the Gazette Medicate , among the horses of a
German horse-dealer, on May 5th, M. Alexander showed
to M. Le Blanc a case of horse-pox in a well-bred animal
from Germany. Lymph from this animal was inoculated
by M. Chambon, on a three months’ old heifer, by three
punctures on the udder. These inoculations were most
successful, and from this heifer another was as successfully
inoculated on May 13th. On the 19th there was a very fine
vaccinal eruption, no fewer than sixty pustules being present.
With the lymph from these two other heifers were vacci¬
nated, and from them the vaccination department of the
Socidte de Hygiene was amply supplied with lymph for
vaccination purposes.”

601

EXPERIMENTS WITH TRICHINA SPIRALIS IN

ITALY.

By Professor E. Perroncito, M.D., Turin.

With the view of resolving the question so important to
public health, as to whether the usual method of cooking
fresh and salted pork be sufficient to kill the animal parasites
that might, in using the meat, enter into the human body, I
undertook a series of experiments in my own laboratory, as
well as in the shop of a sausage-maker, who allowed me to
do so. Having already experimentally demonstrated that
the greater number of helminths and the larval forms
belonging to them die at a temperature of 48 — 50° C., if
only kept up for five minutes, the question was reduced to
seeing what time was necessary for a temperature of 50° C.
to penetrate to the middle of the largest pieces of meat, fresh
or salted, and if, with the usual boiling, this condition was
effected in different kinds of sausage and salted meats. Here
are the experiments made and their results :

1. A piece of veal from a calf one year old, about 7 centi¬
meters thick (or 2§ inches), and 94- decimeters broad (or
4 inches), after ten minutes' boiling was at 53° C. in the
centre. After twenty minutes’ boiling, in different parts it
was 63°, 65°, and 66° C.

2. A square-shaped piece of rump of beef, 8 centimeters
thick (or 3 inches), and 4 inches broad, put into boiling
water; after twenty minutes the centre was half raw, though
it showed a temperature of 47° C., and after thirty-five
minutes parts of it were found at 68° and 70° C. It is well
known that pieces of meat of this size are cooked at least for
an hour, so that the temperature would rise many more
degrees.

3. A ham, weighing over 12 lbs., put into cold water, was
found to have 25° C. of central temperature when boiling
point was reached. After thirty minutes the thermometer
indicated at different parts of the centre 35° and 403C.;
after two hours were marked 46°, 55°, 58°, 62°, 64°, and
67° C. In the centre of the thick stratum of fat covering
the ham the heat was 64° C.

4. Another ham, weighing 16 lbs., after two hours and a
half’s boiling, the centre part presented a tempeiature of
444° C.; after three hours and twenty-five minutes it was
62°, 63°, 74°, 784°, and 84° C. in different central points.

5. A third ham, of 14 lbs. weight, after three hours and

60S EXPERIMENTS WITH TRICHINA SPIRALIS IN ITALY.

twenty-five minutes’ boiling, gave the following degrees of heat
at different parts in the centre : — 67^°, 73°, 74°, and 75° C.

6. A fourth ham, weighing 14 lbs., after three hours’
cooking, was 51°, 59°, 61J°, 65^°, and 67° C. Ten minutes
after the ham was taken out of the water ; in the part where
it was only 51° C. it was found to be 58° C. Near the
middle part of the femur, it was 65|° C. ; in the middle of the
fat, 67° C. As hams are cooked for two and a half to three
hours and a half, according to their size and weight, it is
certain that cooked ham cannot transmit trichinosis.

7. A piece of rolled-up belly, weighing 500 grammes (or
about 1 lb.), of a cylindrical form, after twenty-two minutes
of boiling, in the centre was at 44° C ; after fifty-two
minutes the temperature had risen in the middle to 87° C.

8. A belly-piece not rolled up, weighing 12 pounds, after
an hour and a quarter’s cooking, in the inmost central
points was at 664° C. It is to be noticed that these parts
are usually cooked for one or two hours from the time the
water begins to boil.

9. Tongues put into the saucepan with the hams. Boiling
point was reached only after an hour. Eight minutes’ boil¬
ing having passed, the thickest muscular part of a calf’s
tongue was found to be 63° C. ; after twenty minutes an
ox-tongue (tried at the thickest part) was 58° C. ; after fifty-
five minutes’ cooking, another calf’s tongue was 89° C. ;
after an hour’s boiling, an ox- tongue was 81° C. ; and in
another tongue, of about the same size, after two hours and
a half’s cooking, it was 90° C., in less than three minutes
from the immersion of the thermometer in the thickest
part. A pig’s tongue, after an hour and forty-five minutes’
boiling, had also 90° C. in the thickest part. Calves’ and
pigs’ tongues are cooked two hours, ox-tongues two and a
half to three hours, counting from the time the water boils.

10. In a pig’s cheek, after an hour and three quarter’s
boiling, near the eye I found the heat to be 90° C.

11. In the snout, after two hours’ boiling, the heat was
96° C. Generally the head and snout are cooked for two
hours ; then the flesh is taken from the hones and put in a
cloth, thus forming the brawn, which is then cooked for
half an hour.

12. A salame di testa (brawn), after an hour’s boiling,
gave 86° C. in the centre portion. A second salame , made
of raw meat, weighing 4 J lbs., 9 centimeters wide (3 j inches) ,
after two hours’ cooking was 83° C. in the middle. A third
salame , over 4 lbs., made three months previously, was also
in the centre j arts heated to 83° C. after boiling two hours

SEROUS ABSCESSES IN THE DOG,

603

13. A sausage with garlic, 10 centimeters long (4 inches),
and weighing 120 grm., 17 minutes after being put in boiling
water, had internal heat of 65° C.

14. A piece of pig's lungs, after an hour and a quarter’s
boiling, notwithstanding the rapid cooking of so spongy a
part, gave a heat of 86° C.

All these experiments show that the usual way of cooking,
done diligently and carefully, is sufficient to raise the tem¬
perature beyond what is necessary to kill, not only the Cysti-
cercus of the Taenia capable of lodging in the human body,
as Cobbold has said, but also the Trichinae, which, according
to my experiments, would not resist the general law of heat,
as I have shown for the majority of helminths parasitic in
man and in animals.

Note. — The above interesting and highly instructive com¬
munication contains the substance of researches already
published in the Annali della R. Accad. d’ Agricoltura di
Torino. — Eds.

SEROUS ABSCESSES IN THE DOG.

By Harold Leeney, M.R.C.Y.S., Brighton.

The very frequent occurrence of serous abscesses in the
dog, and the scanty amount of literature on the subject,
induce me to make a few remarks upon cases that have
come within my own knowledge and occurred in my own
practice.

The majority of these cases occur in fighting-dogs, and are,
in my opinion, the direct result of injuries received in combat
or occasionally otherwise, proof of which statement may, I
think, be found in the fact that they invariably occur in those
parts where dogs are accustomed to seize one another, i . e. the
neck, ears, and brisket. Many of those which I have met with
have included all the parts mentioned, and, as a rule, those
occupying the largest space and containing the greatest
amount of fluid have proved the most rapidly amenable to
treatment. The owner of the dog has almost always a
battle to describe in which his dog was not victorious, and as
the animal seemed all right lor nearly a week afterwaids, so
that he (the owner) thinks that it cannot be due to the fight,
but that it was only right to mention it.

I will not describe more than three cases, foi fear of ties-
passing too much on your space, and as these aie xecent ones,

604

SEROUS ABSCESSES IN THE DOG.

and I have only my ledger instead of a note-book to guide
me, I trust you will not be hypercritical.

Case 1. A heavy-built black-and-tan terrier, with a trace
of bull blood, had always enjoyed the reputation of a bruiser,
and was much feared by dogs in his immediate neigh¬
bourhood.

Brought to me with a swelling on the left side of the
neck, immediately below the ear, and extending some three
inches down it. Finding it fluctuated on pressure, and had
the usual appearance of such abscesses, I punctured it, and
some five or six ounces of fluid escaped. The next day the
opening was sealed up, and more fluid than before had been
secreted. Fomented the punctured place, and with difficulty
squeezed out contents.

Third day. — Sealed up again, and accumulation as before.
Now introduced a seton from the superior to the most de¬
pendent part, and dressed it from time to time with Cupri
Sulph., gr. x; Ung. Besinse, 3ij. This treatment was con¬
tinued for nearly a week, and, as might be expected, the
discharge became gradually transformed from serum to good
healthy pus, and I then concluded that the sac was de¬
stroyed, and removed the seton. For two or three days fol¬
lowing pus continued to flow in decreasing quantities, and
the tumour became rapidly smaller, so that at the end of
three weeks no trace remained, and the dog completely re¬
covered. I should have said, that when first brought in, the
skin bore the mark of a somewhat recent bite.

Case 2. — A large yard-dog, of no particular breed, but
very pugnacious disposition, had been “ doctored” for
some time by “ a gentleman of the fancy,” who had feared
to use any means of evacuating the tumour, the walls of
which had become considerably thickened ; and a question
arose in my mind if a seton would now have the effect of
disintegrating it. I, however, tried one, making my dress¬
ing rather more of an escharotic than the last named, and
with the effect of having nearly removed the whole of it ; it
is, however, still under treatment.

Case 3. — A bull terrier, of about fifteen pounds weight,
and described by his owner as “ the hero of a hundred
fights,” was brought into my infirmary on July 28th last,
having an enlargement immediately over the thyroids, and
occupying all the throat from the submaxillary gland to
about three inches down the neck.

This tumour had been several times punctured by ama¬
teurs, and large quantities of serum had escaped. The
owner traced this swelling to a particular fight about twelve

PLEURO-PNEUMONIA.

605

months before. Finding the cyst of unusual thickness, I
made a large enough puncture at the most dependent part to
admit my finger, and after evacuating fourteen ounces of
sero-sanguineous fluid, besides some inspissated pus having
the appearance of millet-seed and almost its toughness, I
introduced a pledget of tow dressed with Ung. Resinse.
Examined the next day, the dog was found to have removed
the dressing, and the wound had sealed up and refilled with
the same fluid matter. Having reopened it, and passed my
finger all round the inside of the cyst, I determined on dis¬
secting out what appeared to me impossible to slough out,
and I think my decision was correct, for upon examination
I found that both jugular veins were in immediate contact
with it, and both thyroids attached to it; these I dissected
away, and with much care separated the tumour from the
veins without pricking them, the dog meanwhile struggling
and plunging.

At the deepest seated portion, and attached to the sterno-
thyro-hyoideus muscle, were two other sacs, about the size
of hazel-nuts, and containing a gelatinous fluid ; these also
I removed, and, together with the larger sac, weighed over
two ounces.

The subject of this operation is making a rapid recovery,
never having lost his appetite or his desire to escape from
my kennels.

Pathological Contributions.

CATTLE PLAGUE.

No further reports have been received relative to cattle
plague in Russia since the issue of our Journal of last
month; but serious outbreaks of Siberian plague have oc¬
curred among cattle in several districts of the Province of
St. Petersburg, as well as in the District of Yiborg and other-
parts of the Grand Duchy of Finland.

Cattle plague has appeared at Largaza in Turkey.

PLEURO-PNEUMONIA.

This disease continues to be reported from different parts
of the United States. Recently an outbreak occurred in the

606

FACTS AND OBSERVATIONS.

lower section of Elizabeth, a town in New Jersey, and
several cows have died.

In Great Britain there were, during the month of July,
seventy-six fresh outbreaks and 180 cattle attacked with
pleuro-pneumonia.

During the six months ending July 31st, 1880, there were
528 outbreaks and 1401 animals were attacked ; this is a
diminution in the number of outbreaks for the correspond¬
ing period of 1879, of 218 and of 721 in the number of
animals attacked.

SWINE FEVER.

During the three months ending July 31st, 1880, there
were 565 outbreaks of this disease reported in Great Britain.
In the corresponding period of 1879 there were 713 out¬
breaks. The number of animals attacked during this period
in 1880 was 3025, and in 1879 the number was 5064, being
a decrease of 2039 cases.

Facts and Observations.

Cattle Statistics. — According to the recent statement
of the President of the Foreign Cattle Trade Association, in
1875 the number of English cattle was 6,012,024, and in
1879, 5,856,356, showing a decrease of 155,668 ; while in
1875 the number of sheep was 29,167,438, and in 1879
28,157,080, a decrease of 1,010,358. The total number of
cattle imported in 1879 was (including the imports from
Ireland) 880,010, and the total number of sheep 1,6 17, 103.
The total import from all sources of sheep and cattle in 1879
was 2,986,251, as against 3,043,090 in 1878, showing a
decrease of 156,839. In the year 1879 there had been a
depreciation in the number of English cattle and sheep of
1,322,865.

New Test for Aloes. — Hugo Borntraeger has recently
described a test for the detection of aloes, which we have no
doubt will prove extremely useful. The liquid, or the cold
alcoholic extract of the suspected solid, is shaken up with
about twice its bulk of benzol. The benzol, which, in the
presence of aloes, assumes a yellowish-green colour, is taken
off with a pipette, and agitated with a little strong ammonia.
The ammonia will now assume a fine violet-red colour, even

FACTS AND OBSERVATIONS.

607

if not more than one part of aloes had been present in 5000
parts of the liquid. The red colour is destroyed by acids,
but restored again by alkalies. Other caustic alkalies may
be employed, but none yield such good results as ammonia.
In the case of beer, the presence of aloes can be demonstrated
without any previous preparation, provided about fourteen
grains of aloes had been added to the gallon.

Nature of the Albumins in Hydrocele. By J.
Bechamp ( Comt . rend., 88, 608 — 610). — In a former com¬
munication published in Compt, rend., 87, the author had
shown that in all hydroceles, the liquid contains an albumi¬
nous matter having a laevogyratory power of 70°. In the
present paper he states that he has succeeded in separating
from this albuminous matter two, if not three, distinct albu¬
mins. Of these one has a rotatory power of 65’8°, another
of 72’20. The first is precipitated by monoplumbic acetate,
and has no action on starch ; the second is precipitated by
hexplumbic acetate, and renders starch soluble after acting
on it for one or two hours at 40°. They both differ from the
albumin of the blood, for the highest rotatory power of any
of the blood-albumins does not exceed 63° ; moreover, the
albumins of blood are absolutely insoluble in water after
their precipitation by alcohol, whilst those of hydrocele, on
the contrary, are soluble. The author has never found the
albumins of the blood in the liquids of discharges. In
such cases, therefore, there is not merely a transudation, but
a transformation. — Journal of the Chemical Society .

Testing Drugs. By L. Siebold ( Analyst , 1879, 190—
191). — The method for the detection of mineral adulteration
in flour by means of chloroform (C. Himly, Year Booh of
Pharmacy , 1877) may be applied for the same purpose to
drugs. The powdered drug is shaken with chloroform when
the mineral matter sinks to the bottom, and in the cases of
acacia, tragacanth, starches, myrrh, Barbadoes aloes, jalap,
saffron, cinchonas, nux vomica, mustard, white pepper, cap¬
sicum, and guarana, the drugs float on the top. By pour¬
ing the chloroform off, the lower stratum of mineral matter
may be collected and weighed.

In some cases, however, such as gamboge, scammony,
opium, Socotrine aloes, liquorice root, ginger, colocynth,
coussa, ipecacuanha, cinnamon, and cardamoms, a portion
of the drug sinks with the mineral matter. The test may,
however, be applied qualitatively, since adulteration may be
detected by a careful inspection of the sediment. — L. T.
O’S. — Journal of the Chemical Society.

608

THE VETERINARIAN, SEPTEMBER 1, 1880.

Ne quid falsi dicer e audeat, ne quid veri non audeat. — Cicero,

SPLENIC EEVER AMONG CATTLE EROM AMERICA.

The landing of two cargoes of American cattle at Liver¬
pool, with splenic fever or splenic apoplexy among them,
naturally suggests the possibility of Texas fever, which is
often described as splenic fever or Spanish fever by American
writers.

There appears to be no doubt that Texas fever is charac¬
terised by an engorgement of the spleen and by haemor¬
rhagic patches on various parts of the body, as well as by
ulcerations or deep excavations in the mucous membrane of
parts of the alimentary canal. We do not find, however,
that the Bacillus anthracis , which is the distinguishing
mark of splenic fever in this country and in Europe gene¬
rally, has been detected in the blood of cattle which have
succumbed to Texas fever.

In the history of Texas fever, as it is recorded by Professor
Gamgee in 1868, and by previous and subsequent investi¬
gators, there are important details, which lead to the con¬
clusion that the disease is not the one which is known as
splenic apoplexy in various parts of the kingdom. This
malady is not confined to cattle, and the poison, which is
eliminated from the organism of an infected animal, acts
fatally on other animals and on man, as numerous deaths
from accidental inoculation prove. The infective energy of
splenic fever, so far from ceasing with the infection of one
set of animals, extends independently, and the infective
matter, it seems, may be transmitted from one system to
another, gaining rather than losing power in the process.

Texas fever is, according to all accounts, a malady of most
peculiar character. Starting with Texas cattle, in whose
system it appears to be latent, it extends with deadly effect
to other breeds of cattle with which the Texan may come in

EDITORIAL OBSERVATIONS.

609

contact, or which may feed on pastures over which Texan
cattle have passed. The precise source of the infection does
not appear to have been determined, but the general and,
we may add, reasonable idea is that the poison is contained
in the excrement of the Texan beasts, and that the roads
and lands along their route are, as a matter of course,
contaminated.

Cattle which take the disease from Texan cattle seldom
recover. Nine out of every ten attacked are looked upon as
lost, but the infection of the malady, oddly enough, dies *
with them ; indeed, neither living nor dead are they a source
of danger to other cattle. All this reads very much like a
romance in pathology, but the statements in support of this
view are so numerous that we could not offer any justifica¬
tion for doubting its truth; but we may remark that the
disease stands alone in this respect among maladies which
are communicable from sick to healthy subjects.

Notwithstanding the special kind of infectiveness which
belongs to Texas fever, it is evident that its fatal character
would result in an undesirable addition to our list of diseases,
already sufficiently long, and becomes the more necessary to
guard against its entrance. The evidence which we have
at present as to the wasted appearance of the American
cattle at Liverpool, is not sufficient to permit us to attempt
to determine whether the disease is Texas Fever or the
ordinary splenic fever of this country, hut it is worthy of
note that while the general indications were those of splenic
fever, no Bacteria have been found in the blood, a fact which
is probably due to the circumstance that the animals
which were examined did not die of the disease but were
slaughtered in the ordinary course by the butcher. Under
these circumstances it may be assumed that the normal time
for the appearance of the rods had not arrived. Experi¬
ments have been made with the object of ascertaining if the
rods could be cultivated from splenic blood, but up to this
time the results have been negative. Some of the morbid
parts taken from the intestinal canal presented the deep
erosions of the mucous membrane which are said to be

610

REVIEW.

apparent in Texas fever, and were certainly not usual in
splenic fever, so that there is at least room for questioning
with which of the diseases the cattle at Liverpool were
affected.

Review.

Quid sit pulchrum, quid tuvpe, quid utile, quid non.— IIor.

PROFESSOR COBBOLD’S WORK ON PARASITES.

The Live Stock Journal for the 16th of July last presents
its readers with the following review of Professor CobbokRs
recent volume ; and as certain portions of the critique seem
to us to require an answer, we have added some remarks
contributed by the author :

“ This is an exceedingly uncomfortable book to take up and
study, but it is one of immense importance, and on its
special ground is, we should not hesitate to say, the most
thorough and exhaustive of its kind. Dr. Cobbold pub¬
lished an elementary work many years ago on the Entozoa,
but that has long been out of print ; and the present volume,
though built upon the lines of the earlier work, is by no
means a simple reproduction of it. It is, in fact, an
ori ginal treatise of some considerable extent, with which
is incorporated fragmentary portions of the older work,
so far as they harmonise with the wider design of the new
book.

“ The author tells us his work is not professional — f that
is to say, it does not concern itself with the therapeutics or
the curative treatment of parasitic affections.5 It is popu¬
lar in its treatment, and might with advantage have been
a little more so in its phraseology. It is difficult to turn
away from a terse and exact scientific terminology, espe¬
cially when to us it has become familiar and easy; but
there are some subjects — and this is one of them — where
everything that has to be said could be put into simplest
Saxon, or good English at any rate, and so be understood
by all men. We are not finding fault with Dr. Cobbold ;
he sins less than most writers who claim to appeal to the
general reader often do ; but we put it to the Doctor whether
‘worms5 is not more to the common mind than ‘helminth¬
ology5 will ever convey.

He view* 61 1

“ Now, having entered a mild protest against style, let us
hasten to summarise the contents of the work.

“ Commencing with a general introduction which is un¬
commonly well done, Dr. Cobbold treats first of the para¬
sites incidental to human beings, and then of those which
are found in animals. In both sections his details are, whilst
full and exhaustive, given with a delicacy and dexterity that
make a repulsive subject attractive, if not absolutely fasci¬
nating reading.

“ The secret of this is not far to seek— -the writer is pas¬
sionately enamoured of his subject, and his enthusiasm is
catching. He brushes aside with serene contempt f the
puerile horror which even some scientific persons affect to
display in regard to these much-abused worms.’ To the
writer the entozoa are simply a peculiar fauna, destined and
designed to occupy an equally peculiar territory. What
our native country is to us the bodies of animals are to
them. And the study, definition, and knowledge of these
creatures is just as important and interesting, when taken
up seriously, as the more attractive branches of zoology in
its higher forms.

“ When we consider its bearing on health it is scarcely
possible to overrate its importance, but we are very pleased
to see Dr. Cobbold take the pains he does to dispel the
absurd superstitions which exist so extensively with regard
to parasites and their presence in the human form. He
says, f Most people, not excluding even the votaries of the
healing art, following tradition, regard the internal parasites
or entozoa as creatures either directly resulting from certain
diseased conditions of their hosts, or as organisms which
could not have existed if their hearers had been perfectly
healthy. Nothing can be more absurd. Such a conclusion
is utterly at variance with all logical deduction from known
facts/

“ Starting from such a sensible and scientific basis, it is
to be expected that the work before us is throughout a
practical rather than theoretical one. Its author declines to
flatter the prejudices of his readers, or to pander to their
predilections. He speaks from actual experience largely
his own, and, where not personal, culled only from reliable

authorities. # .

“ At the same time — -and from a literary point of view

this is most interesting— the bibliography of every known
species is most carefully given. We do not suppose this por¬
tion of the work has ever been equalled, or even attempted,
on any such scale before. To the students of all time Dr.

612

REVIEW.

Cobbold's careful and exhaustive list of books, essays, lec¬
tures, and papers, on every, even the most minute sections
of his subject, will be simply invaluable. They range over
not only our own language, but include everything that has
been written on this department of science in every language
of the known world.

“ The practical value of such a book as this cannot be too
highly estimated ; it suggests fields for further investigation
as freely as it supplies material for every-day application.
To breeders of every kind of domestic animal it is full of
valuable hints, and we shall endeavour to get the learned
author to favour us in a more familiar form with some of
the more prominent lessons his work teaches as to the
treatment of the diseases common to cattle, horses, dogs,
and poultry. Certainly no man living is more competent to
do so.”

Note by Dr. Cobbold.— In acknowledging the kind and
flattering terms in which the reviewer has spoken of my
efforts, I wish to say that, as I had already employed the
title c Worms' to a small professional work — embodying the
lectures on helminthology which ^delivered at the Middlesex
Hospital many years back — that fact in itself afforded good
ground for not repeating the title. Apart from this cir¬
cumstance, however, the term “ worms” would, I think,
have been eminently unsuitable for a treatise embracing
some account of numerous parasitic creatures which have
not the remotest structural relation to <e worms” or Vermes ,
properly so called. On the other hand, the fact that I had
already used the term for the title of a book dealing almost
exclusively with creatures coming fairly within the class
Vermes shows that, where I could possibly meet the require¬
ments of the general and professional reader, I was quite
willing to make the concession. The reviewer says that my
work is “ popular in its treatment.” I am much obliged to
him, but I certainly did not design that it should be so,
except in so far that it should plainly serve as a guide to
more substantial and pretentious works and monographs.
To be candid, I am entirely dissatisfied with the book ; yet
I do not see how (within the limits of time at my command)
I could have avoided some of the many errors and defects
which it contains. Through sheer haste and the necessity
of occasionally quoting authorities second-hand almost all
of the errors are fairly attributable. The science of hel¬
minthology makes such strides that to have spent more than
two years over the manuscript of the book would have ren¬
dered the earlier part of it out of date. To object to the

DISEASE AMONG AMERICAN CATTLE.

613

term “ helminthology’5 is natural, because, as yet, the science
is not generally cultivated ; but for several decades of years
the term helminthology has been employed on the Con¬
tinent No one objects to the terms botany and zoology,
yet the sciences of plants and animals are thus fittingly
spoken of.

Having regard to the fact that I had already dealt with
the subject of curative treatment of parasitic disease in
purely professional volumes, I did not repeat my experiences
on this head ; moreover, I did not wish to mislead people,
for I had retired from practice as a physician. However,
should a second edition of the treatise be ever demanded, I
shall bear in mind the friendly remarks of the reviewer, and
at the risk of being again annoyed with endless applications
for advice — both as regards the vermifuges suitable for par¬
ticular human and animal parasitic disorders — I will at least
say something concerning the general principles of curative
treatment. As regards prophylaxis, or the prevention of
parasitic diseases, on that point, as is generally admitted, I
have devoted as much space as could well be spared.

T. S. C.

Extracts from British and Foreign Journals.

DISEASE AMONG AMERICAN CATTLE.

The Detroit Post says that a Cattle Sanitary Com¬
mission has recently been appointed by the Governor of
the State of Michigan, which shall have power to use means
to prevent the spread of dangerous diseases among animals,
and protect the people of the state from the dangers arising
from the consumption of diseased meat. The first meeting
of the commission was held at the office of the State Board
of Health in Lansing ; the commissioners are S. B. Mann
of Adrian, J. B. Griswold, M.D., of Grand Rapids, and
A. J. Murray, Veterinary Surgeon of Detroit. The com¬
mission organised by the appointment of Mr. Mann as
President, and Mr. Murray as Secretary.

Among the topics discussed were the Texas cattle disease,
glanders, pleuro-pneumonia, hog-cholera, the dangers arising
from the sale of diseased meat, and the management and
feeding of cows in connection with the sale of milk. In
order that the commissioners may carry out the duties which
liii. 42

614 REPORT ON PLEURO-PNEUMONIA IN AUSTRALIA.

devolve on them, they request that farmers, physicians,
veterinary practitioners, and others, will inform them of any
facts which have come under their observation in regard to
the prevalence of Texas cattle disease, glanders, hog-cholera,
or any other contagious disease in the State of Michigan.
They also desire to be informed of any cases in which dis¬
ease has been transmitted by a contaminating element in
milk, or in which it has been occasioned by the consumption
of diseased meat.

As this is a matter of public interest the press of the
state is solicited to give publicity to the request of the com¬
missioners. Communications on the above subject can be
addressed to the Secretary of the Commission, A. J. Murray,
Veterinary Surgeon, 89, Congress Street East, Detroit.

REPORT ON PLEURO-PNEUMONIA IN AUSTRALIA.

The following communications with respect to pleuro¬
pneumonia, have been received by Mr. C. J. Coates, Secretary
to the Royal Agricultural and Horticultural Society, and
handed to us for publication : —

“To Mr. C. J. Coates — In reply to your letter, dated the
1 1th ultimo, asking that some action might be taken to prevent
the spread of pleuro-pneumonia, and recommending that a
number of cattle should be obtained for experimental purposes
in order to ascertain whether the disease is contagious, and
whether inoculation properly performed is a preventive, I
have the honour, by direction of the Commissioner, to forward
herewith copy of a report from the Chief Inspector of Stock
upon the subject, and to state that the Government agree
therewith. — H. J. Andrews, Secretary to the Commissioner
of Crow n Lands.”

“ To the Hon. Commissioner of Crown Lands — I have the
honour to report on the action taken in regard to the spread
of pleuro-pneumonia, recommended by the Committee of
management of the Royal Agricultural Society of South
Australia, for the Government to obtain a small number of
cattle for experimental purposes in order to ascertain whether
the disease is contagious, and whether inoculation properly
performed is a preventive. It appears from the course re¬
commended that the committee had failed to note the general
course of events in connection with the spread of pleuro, and
the action taken both in Europe and America and in the
colonies. Pleuro-pneumonia is described by the veterinary

REPORT ON PLEURO-PNEUMONIA IN AUSTRALIA. (315

authorities to be a c specific contagious fever, with extensive
exudations into the chest and lungs.’ Professor Gamgee
terms it a e malignant fever/ never known except following
the movement of cattle. It was introduced into England in
1842, into Australia in 1858, since which time it has flourished
in the colonies, destroying cattle by thousands, and always
spreading by contagion. These facts are so well known and
established by the highest veterinary authorities in the world,
that to quarantine cattle to prove a fact would be loss of
time and money. A number of experiments as to the value
of inoculation have already been tried in Europe and Great
Britain ; in Germany and France the experiments were in
favour of its value, and in the Netherlands compulsory inocu¬
lation is established. The veterinary authorities in England
are still undecided as to the value of inoculation as a preven¬
tive, but practical men, such as owners of dairies in London
and other large cities (places in which the contagion will
remain for a long term), have practised inoculation for years.
In the north of Britain a Mr. Rutherford has been inoculating
with great success, and many of the veterinarians in Great
Britain are now wavering in their opposition to the practice.
Can I quote stronger proof of the value of inoculation than
the practice of it by dairymen? At the Cape it has been
practised successfully for years. In the colonies thousands
of cattle are inoculated every year, and thousands are left
uninoculated to disseminate the disease, as has been done
and is still being done in the colony. Pleuro-pneumonia is
never found in the province unless it has been carried by the
movements of cattle. Professor Gamgee, in practising in¬
oculation, lost less than 1 per cent, out of the first 2000
cattle inoculated in his earliest trials, and after seventeen
years’ extensive practice, he also states that not once during
that term has contagion from inoculated animals been
witnessed. He is firm with many other celebrated vete¬
rinarians in belief of the efficacy of inoculation as a preventive
against pleuro-pneumonia. There have been several meetings
of veterinarians in Europe from time to time, and the opinions
were in favour of inoculation. All veterinarians agree that
medical treatment can do but little good. Professor Law
says : — ‘To preserve the sick is not less reprehensible than
to preserve cattle suffering from rinderpest. As the poison
is more subtle, and more diffusible through the atmosphere
than the disease, it is hidden unsuspected for a greater length
of time in the body of its victim; no treatment but the de¬
struction of the sick, isolation, and disinfection is of value.
Inoculation has been and is practised by cattle-holders

616 TRANSMISSIBILITY OF TUBERCULOSIS BY MILK.

throughout the colonies, as well as in other countries, but
like vaccination it has its opponents. It is a means of pre¬
vention within the reach of holders of both large and small
herds, and the operation is simple. To defer action now for
the purpose of experiments already tried — the very difficulty
of starting, which on a sound basis with cattle that could
positively proved to be healthy — is almost an impossibility,
and is delaying practical work to attempt to show what has
already been carried out for some years, viz. inoculation as
a preventive of disease. Professor Law, so late as 1879, says
of pleuro-pneumonia : — ‘ This is the most insidious of all our
animal plagues — the one which now most urgently presses
for active interference, and which if neglected will bring a
terrible retribution in the future.5 I have reported perhaps
rather more fully than you may consider absolutely necessary,
but in doing so I wished to show the course recommended
by the committee — although no doubt given with every in¬
tention of dealing with a most important matter — fails as
being actually of no practical value, and if followed would
put the Government to needless expense, and defer the prompt
and decided action necessary to arrest the spread of pleuro¬
pneumonia. I venture to hope that no such action as re¬
commended will be taken. — I have &c., C. J. Valentine,
Chief Inspector of Sheep.55 — South Australia Advertiser .

THE TRANSMISSIBILITY OF TUBERCULOSIS BY MILK.

M. Puech, having recognised the existence of phthisis in
a cow which was sold for killing, and yet continued to yield
three or four litres of milk daily, fed with the milk two
sucking-pigs and two rabbits. He has communicated the
following results to the Academie des Sciences. The animals,
when killed, showed tuberculous lesions in strict proportion
to the length of time the milk had been administered. These
facts, according to M. Puech, showed that phthisis is trans¬
missible by milk direct from the cow. It remains to be
determined whether this liquid loses its contagious properties
when it is boiled. M. Bouley afterwards submitted to the
Academy a jar containing fragments of the lung, liver, spleen,
the phrenic centre of the diaghragm, and the bronchial and
submaxillary glands of a pig, five months old, killed sixty-
seven days after an inoculation of two cubic centimetres of
meat juice, pressed with an hydraulic press out of a fragment
of the ischio-tibial muscles of the tuberculous cow mentioned
in M. Puech’s note. This experiment was made at Toulouse

THE GOAT AS A SOURCE OF MILK SUPPLY.

617

by M. Toussaint of the Veterinary College. Examination of
the fragments in the jar showed tuberculous lesions in a very
advanced condition. M. Bouley said that these facts, which
demonstrate beyond doubt the transmission of tuberculosis
from the cow by the alimentary use of unboiled milk and the
inoculation of the juice of uncooked meat, should not pass
unnoted. In addition, they are not unique, since, in Germany,
experiments of the same kind have been made, and have
yielded identical results, to which, however, it does not
appear that sufficient importance has been attached. The
danger is, according to M. Bouley, indubitably a real one ;
and it is well that the public should be warned of it, so that
they may take proper precautions, especially as the use of
raw meat is now often prescribed as a remedy for anaemic
disorders. The outcome of these facts is, that inspection in
regard to phthisis occurring in cows should be extremely strict
in the slaughter-houses, and that it would be prudent to make
use of boiled milk, especially for the feeding of infants, when
the source whence it is derived is not beyond suspicion.
Cooking, which destroys cellular and parasitic life, should
render both milk and meat harmless. — Brit . Med. Journ.

THE GOAT AS A SOURCE OE MILK SUPPLY.

At a meeting of the British Goat Society, recently held
at its rooms, 446, Strand, a letter was read from the Earl of
Rosslyn accepting the office of president of the institution.
The hon. secretary, Mr. H. S. Holmes Pegler, said he was
glad to be able to announce that the Baroness Burdett-Coutts
had become patroness of the Society, and that the Duke of
Wellington and the Earl of Shaftesbury had agreed to act as
vice-presidents. He said it was a well-established fact that
in rural districts the families of the poor rarely tasted other
than “ skim ” milk, in consequence of the difficulty of ob¬
taining the pure article, which was either sent wholesale to
London, or utilised at once in butter or cheese making. He
added that on the Continent and in Ireland the goat was
regarded as the poor man’s cow. The Society claimed that
the goat was especially adapted for such a purpose. It
supplied just milk enough for the ample requirements of an
ordinary household during the greater part of the year, and
as it ate almost every kind of herb and vegetable, and
possessed a hardy constitution, it wras kept with very little
trouble and almost nominal expense. Fifteen members were
elected, making a total of 100. It was resolved to give a

618 OBSERVATIONS ON THE LUNG PLAGUE OF CATTLE.

kid dinner, under the auspices of the Society, at the Agricul¬
tural Hall, during the forthcoming dairy show, in October,
the viands to consist solely of the flesh of the kid served in
different ways. Several letters were read from cottagers
desirous of purchasing a goat by instalments, in response to
an invitation issued by the society.

WOOLSORTERS’ DISEASE.

Our contemporary, the British Medical Journal , referring
to the recent case of “ Woolsorters' Disease ” at Bradford,
says that Mr. Spear has now sufficiently recovered from his
recent attack to be able to resume his investigations at Brad¬
ford as to the causation of this disease. Dr. Greenfield's
laboratory experiments have proved beyond a doubt that
“ woolsorters’ disease" in the human, and “ splenic fever ”
in cattle, are one and the same disorder. It may be added
as a matter of interest that, while this investigation is going
on in England, M, Pasteur has been continuing in France
his experiments into the same disease, under the name of
“ Charbon." Not deterred by a storm which he recently
raised in the Academy of Medicine, with regard to the
question of fowl-cholera, the eminent chemist, at the
Academy's last meeting, read a further memoir on the sub¬
ject of anthrax, in which he recapitulated the experiments
that have already been quoted in these columns. He wound
up by saying that, if farmers chose, anthrax would soon be
only a memory for their animals, their shepherds, for butchers
and tanners, because the disease is never spontaneous, but
exists where it has been imported, whence its germs are dis¬
seminated by the unconscious agency of earth-worms ; that,
in short, if in a particular locality the conditions for its
preservation did not exist, it would disappear there in the
course of a few years. A correspondent in another column
suggests an easy remedy, which does not involve the destruc¬
tion of the useful earth-worm.

OBSERVATIONS ON THE LUNG PLAGUE OF CATTLE
(PLEURO-PNEUMONIA CONTAGIOSA BOVINA).*

By Professor James Law.

As the writer has been engaged during 1879 in the direction
of measures for the extirpation of this foreign plague from our

* Extracted from the ‘First Annual Report of the Cornell University
Experiment Station, 1879 — 80.5

OBSERVATIONS ON THE LUNG PLAGUE OF CATTLE. 619

territory, it seems reasonable that this bulletin should set
forth a summary of what has been accomplished, and what lessons
have been learned from the experience. It must, however, be
premised that no means were provided for experimental observa¬
tion, so that questions of the deepest interest to the pathologist
and epidemiologist have had to lie unaffected by such crucial
tests as the experimentalist alone can apply. In some respects
this is to be regretted, as doctrines, which are now but the
deductions of empirical observations, might have been placed on
an irrefragable basis, and certain fields of pathological science
might have been illuminated with a clearer light.

Yet the observations inseparable from the daily application of
suppressive measures are far from being unimportant, and in
many respects the results obtained are no less conclusive than if
they had been the outcome of the most carefully devised experi¬
ment. The width of the field under observation, so far exceed¬
ing what could have been subjected to experiment, served to
give a conclusiveness to obvious causations and results that
appeared unvaryingly for an indefinite number of times in
succession, which could not have been obtained by a limited
number of experiments, liable as these are to be invalidated by
the introduction of an unsuspected disturbing element.

Question of the Generation de novo of Lung Plague. —
This is the fundamentally important question with reference
to the possibility of the final extinction of this disease here or
elsewhere. If the malady can and does originate on this Conti¬
nent no present outlay in money, and no effort for its present
extinction, can give us any guarantee of permanent immunity.
After we have rooted out the last existing contagious germ, new
germs will still continue to appear at more or less frequent
intervals, and in more or less remote localities, demanding in
every such case the repetition of the work of the outlay and
suspense that have already repeatedly taxed the energies of the
nation. And if such a spontaneous generation of the germs be
possible, new spontaneous outbreaks of the disease must become
increasingly common as our waste lands become more uniformly
settled, as our farms become more fully and carefully tilled, and
as the herds of cattle become more numerous. When our
present stock of cattle shall have been doubled, we shall have
just double the number of such outbreaks ; when trebled
quadrupled, and quintupled, so will the newly developed germs
and infected localities be three; four, or five times as many as at
present, and the question might well arise whether the nation
could afford to continue the suppression of such an uncertain,
intangible, and unconquerable enemy.

But if we can demonstrate that this plague has never been

620 OBSERVATIONS ON THE LUNG PLAGUE OF CATTLE.

shown to exist on the Western Continent except at points to
which we can clearly trace the germs from the bodies of infected
animals imported from Europe ; if we can show that wherever
such imported germs have been carefully destroyed the plague
has been definitely and finally exterminated ; and if we can
show that the testimony to this effect is not confined to America,
but that the long experience of Western Europe, and the more
recent history of the disease in the Southern Hemisphere, show
with equal clearness that this affection never appears in a new
country save as the result of imported affection, it follows that
national measures for its extinction are fully warranted, and,
indeed, imperatively demanded. In this case* the outlay of to¬
day is but a trifle as compared with the vast sums that the
present suppression of the disease will so certainly save to the
country in all future time.

This subject is placed first as furnishing the raison d’etre of
the law, which has been to some extent put in force during the
past year, and as being a matter which is apparently no better
understood by the general public to day than it was a year ago.
Those great public educators, the daily newspapers, still speak
of the plague as inseparable from feeding on distillery swill, and
in place of recognising the fact that the infection is restricted to
very limited area on the Atlantic seaboard, they affirm that “ it
has been found wherever it has been sought for.” (See New
York Herald , April 19th, 1880.

Origin of the Lung Plague in America. — Though the bovine
race represented by the buffalo have been undoubtedly coeval
with man on the Western Continent, and though domesticated
cattle have been in existence in all the settlements since first
introduced in the beginning of the sixteenth century, the Lung
Plague of cattle was unknown on these shores until 1843. In
that year Peter Dunn, a milkman, near South Perry, Brooklyn,
purchased a cow from an English ship, and placed her with the
rest of his herd. Some weeks later this cow sickened and died,
and infected other cows in his stable. Erom this the plague soon
spread to other stables in the vicinity, including the great dis¬
tillery stables in Skillman Street, and in a few years it had overrun
Brooklyn, New York, and Jersey City, and extended somewhat into
the country. Many are still living who recollect all the facts of
the advent of the plague, and of the ruinous losses that over¬
took many of the unfortunate dairymen.

Wm. Meakim, of Flushing,- informs us that his father,
William Meakim, kept a large dairy at Bushwick, L. I., which
was infected in 1849 by the carelessness of an employe, who
hauled a dead cow from a Brooklyn stable with his (MeakirAs)
working oxen. In a few weeks the oxen sickened and died

OBSERVATIONS ON THE LUNG PLAGUE OF CATTLE. 621

followed by forty of his dairy cows, in the short space of three
months. For the remaining twenty years that he remained in
in the business he continued to lose from six to ten cows yearly.

Twenty years ago (1859) Benjamin Albertson, of Queens,
L. I., purchased four cows from a herd from Herkimer Co.,
but which had been kept over night in the cattle market.
Sixth Street, New York. These cows sickened soon after, and
conveyed the plague to his remaining herd of 100 head, 25 of
which died in rapid succession, and 19 more slowly. He was
left with but 60 out of a herd of 104 animals, and these he
sold into already infected Brooklyn stables.

Hr. Bathgate, of Pordham Avenue and One-hundred and
seventy -first Street, New York, reports that in the same year
(1859) his father's herd of Jerseys contracted the Lung
Plague by exposure to infection, and that the disease pre¬
vailed in the herd for several years, and until the infected
buildings were accidentally burned. He reports further that
the plague has never been entirely absent from the neighbour¬
hood since.

Cases of this kind might be recorded indefinitely. Enough
has been given, however, to show that with the advent of
Peter Dunn's cow, purchased from the English ship, and of
the infection she carried, there came upon the cities clustered
around the port of New York a pestilence which has never
since relaxed its hold on the bovine population. In the
Skillman Street (Brooklyn) stables alone, which were infected in
1843, the plague prevailed as long as they stood, and its
prevalence there was reported by the Massachusetts Commis¬
sioners, who visited this city in 1861. Prom that time to this
it has been constantly extending, not only in the cities named,
but through the cities and villages of New Jersey, Delaware,
Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia, as the demand for
cows caused these to draw upon the market of New York, or as
the owners of infected herds saw fit to unload their dangerous
property upon unsuspecting purchasers in new and uninfected
districts.

Where the plague was introduced into herds on enclosed
farms, the unfortunate owners of which were not so selfish
as to sell out the herd and infection to a new victim, the
duration of the pestilence was necessarily limited. Sooner or
later all the cattle on the place had passed through the dis¬
ease, and become proof against a second attack, and if no
calves were raised, as is the rule on farms supplying the large
cities with milk, and if no new stock was bought in, the dis¬
ease expired for the lack of fresh cattle capable of contract¬
ing it. In the towns and villages the case was altogether

622

FISH AS CATTLE FOOD.

different. Here numerous herds mingled on open commons and
unfenced lots, so that infection spread easily from herd to herd,
and as fresh cows were being constantly purchased to replace
those that had become dry or fat, there was at no time any lack
of susceptible animals for the infection to lay under its malig¬
nant spell.

( To be continued.')

FISH AS CATTLE FOOD.

There are records nearly 50 years old showing that fish
was used a good deal as food for cattle upon portions of the
Massachussets coast. The Maine farmers, as early as 1864,
found fish pomice (from herring) a valuable food for sheep,
swine, and poultry. Mr. W. D. Dana, in the report of the
Board of Agriculture of Maine for that year, states that
“ sheep thrive well, get fat, and yield heavier fleeces when
fed upon this food than when fed upon anything else produced
in this section of the state.55 Careful and observing farmers
who fed it asserted that it was equal to good hay, ton for
ton, and that as a manure it lost none of its value by having
passed through this “ living mill/5

Experiments in feeding fish scrap to sheep, to test its value
as compared with corn meal, were conducted through 16
weeks of 1875 by Professor Farrington, at the State College
at Orono, Me., and he says the corn-fed stock gained 48 lbs.,
while the increase in weight of the stock fed upon fish scrap
was 47 J lbs.

In the fish commission report for 1877, Professor Atwater
states that “ the chief defect of our fodder materials, as a
whole, is the lack of nitrogen ; and this is true of forage crops
in general, and of poor hay, straw, and corn crops in
particular/5 He says further, that nitrogen is the one thing
most needed in profitable stock-feeding; that it will make
manure plenty and rich, and the crops large and nutritious ;
and that in fish products we find one of the cheapest, most
useful, and best forms in which it may be furnished.

Mr. Wilder, of Pembroke, Me., feeds his sheep upon thrashed
straw, with one half pound of dried fish scrap per day to each
sheep. He claims that the animals are more eager for it than
for grain, and come out in the spring in better condition than
when fed on corn and good English hay. — The Farmers3
Gazette , Dublin.

623

THE FRENCH EXPERIMENTS OE DEPRIVING HORSES

OE EOOD.

The Echo of August 9th, 'alluding to Dr. Tanner’s pretended
fast, quotes the following : — “ The Schweizer Militarzeitung ,
noticing the fasting experiment of Dr. Tanner, says that a
similar cruel attempt was made with a number of horses in
Paris, in the spring of 1876. There was, indeed, this
difference between the twro cases — that the fast was forced
upon the poor quadrupeds without their consent, and that
there was pretence of utility about the French experiment.
The aim, as it was stated at the time, was to discover how
long horses could go without food in the event of the scarcity
which accompanies a state of siege. The following results
were obtained from the inhuman experiment :

“It was proved beyond all doubt that a horse can hold out
for tw7enty-five days without any solid nourishment, providing
it is supplied with sufficient and good drinking water.

“A horse can barely hold out for five days without water,
even though it is supplied with regular food.

“ If a horse is well fed for ten days, but insufficiently pro¬
vided with water throughout the same period, it will not
outlive the eleventh day. One horse, from which water had
been entirely withheld for three days, drank on the fourth
day sixty litres of water within three minutes. A horse
wffiich received no solid nourishment for twelve days was
nevertheless in a condition on the twelfth day of its fast to
draw a load of two hundred and seventy-nine kilos.

“ We believe that such a set of experiments, if attempted
in England, w7ould be arrested in their course by the inter¬
ference of the law, and deservedly so, in spite of the miserable
plea of scientific and military utility. One fact comes out
clearly from them, and inferentially also from Dr. Tanner’s
feat — namely, a modern confirmation of the old Greek
saying, ‘ Water is the best of everything.’ The Paris Cor¬
respondent of the Bader Nachrichten says that Dr. Tanner
lias found an imitator in Lyons in the person of a young
physician. He has undertaken to fast for a fortnight. If
he accomplishes the feat he is to receive one hundred louis
d’ors. If he breaks down before the term ends he is to pay
a hundred francs a day from the day of his failure to the
close of the specified fast.”

624

OBSERVATIONS ON THE DISEASE OE THE COW, COM-
MONEY KNOWN AS DROPPING AFTER CALVING.

By James Beart Simonds, Principal of the Royal Veterinary College.

Continued from p. 583.

We may here state that it is of the first importance, nay,
imperatively necessary, that whatever is given either as medi¬
cine or as a dietetic agent, it should be administered by the
stomach-pump. Before coma sets in, the power of deglutition
is impaired, and afterwards it is lost, and even when consci¬
ousness is returning it is barely restored. Fluids poured into
the mouth will under such circumstances often pass into the
windpipe instead of the stomach. Again and again, in mak¬
ing post-mortem examinations, have we found medicine, gruel,
&c., in the bronchial tubes, and we repeat that many an
animal has been sacrificed — fatal as may be the disease — to a
want of precaution in the administration of remedial agents.

With reference to the exhibition of stimulants it must be
borne in mind that one of the earliest symptoms after the
animal falls is the rapid fermentation of the ingesta in the
rumen, producing that distended state of the abdomen before
alluded to. This condition of the rumen adds greatly to the
animal’s sufferings, being accompanied with painful eructa¬
tions. The gaseous matter evolved from the fermenting
ingesta practically consists of carbonic anhydride, to neutra¬
lise which ammonia is required. Aromatic spirit of ammonia,
in one-ounce to two-ounce doses, with a somewhat larger
quantity of tincture of ginger, should be given, and repeated
according to circumstances. The tympany may also be
relieved, and indeed should be, by occasionally passing the
tube of the stomach-pump into the rumen, thus mechanically
effecting the removal of the gaseous matter. This procedure
will not unfrequently be beneficial in another and no less
important way, for by it ingesta wdll be detected in the
oesophagus, which by moderate pressure, as in cases of
choking, can be thrust back into the rumen, affording con¬
siderable relief to the animal.

The list of stimulating tinctures and mixtures which are
admissible is great, and for the most part they may be
advantageously mixed with ordinary spirits, such as brandy,
whisky, gin, wine, &c. Good wrine is to be preferred to
spirit, especially in those cases where agents of this kind
have frequently to be administered. Its effects are more
lasting than those of spirit; besides which much less irritation

DROPPING AFTER CALVING.

625

of the mucous membrane of the stomachs and bowels will
attend its repeated exhibition. The agent, however, of the
stimulating class which in our hands has proved the most
useful is the oil of turpentine. It may be given conjoined
with the ethers, nitric or sulphuric, in doses of an ounce and
a half every three to four hours for the first sixteen or
eighteen hours, should coma continue so long.

Throughout the whole attack the cow must be well propped
up with bundles of straw, and kept lying as much as possible
on the belly. She should also be occasionally moved over
from one side to the other. This is of more importance than
may at first appear, for by it slight tympany will often be
removed, but what is even of greater importance is that
stagnation of blood in the parts of the body most pressed upon
is thereby prevented. A want of turning has led in several
instances to gangrene of the hind quarters, and ultimately to
death therefrom, of animals which had recovered from the
comatose condition, had risen, and had entered upon the con¬
valescent stage.

From the preceding remarks it will be inferred that medi¬
cinal agents will have been employed to their full extent wThile
the condition of the animal demanded their use. On a
favorable change taking place, and especially if the cow
should rise, recognise her calf, and present indications of
recovery, no more medicine should be given, but every care
and attention be paid to the animal by good nursing and a
careful selection of easily digested food.

Preventive Measures. — Thegreat fatality of the disease,
notwithstanding the best directed efforts of cure, gives an in¬
creased value to the means of prevention, as on them reliance
has to be placed for diminishing the number of attacks. The
basis on which prevention rests is that of bringing the preg¬
nant animal into as healthy and natural a condition as
possible, by the adoption of hygienic and dietetic principles.
Cows of a full habit of body or plethoric tendency are, as we
have seen, the most predisposed to the disease. To lessen
this, restricted diet, selection of food containing less nutritive
matter but good in quality and easy of digestion, daily walking
exercise, clean lairage, the occupancy of well-ventilated build¬
ings, and the keeping of the secretory and excretory organs
active by the exhibition of medicinal agents, may be said to
be among the most effective of these means.

The value of prophylactics, great as it may be, is sometimes
diminished by causes over which we seem to have little or no
control. This position may be illustrated by the following
particulars. For five years, 1838-42, we had under our care

626

DROPPING AFTER CALVING.

a very valuable herd of English-bred Jersey cows — twenty-
five in number — among which parturient apoplexy had pre¬
vailed to a most serious extent, the annual losses by death
averaging not less than 20 per cent. The animals, which
were the property of a nobleman, were well cared for, and
never allowed to leave the park in which the ducal mansion
was situated. Being a so-called self-supporting herd, the
annual losses were filled up by the bringing in of the in-calf
heifers. We had full authority to use any means thought
right for the purpose of preventing the occurrence of the
disease, and did not fail to make good use of the privilege.
Hygienic principles were adopted throughout the whole period
of utero-gestation, and these were added to by the exhibition
of aperient and other medicinal agents both immediately
before and after parturition. In selected cases bleeding was
had recourse to, and, when the state of the mammary glands
permitted or required, milking before calving was also adopted.
From the time of the birth of the calf till the expiration of the
third day a cowman was kept night and day watching the
animal, ready to take advantage of the slightest appearance
of ill-health by the exhibition of medicine with which he was
furnished. As may be supposed, many attacks were avoided
and more lives were spared, but it wras a remarkable circum¬
stance that, during the five years alluded to, the mortality
was never reduced below two a year, or 8 per cent, of the
whole herd. The saving of 12 per cent, was doubtless a
great gain, but it fnight have been supposed that the disease
w ould have been entirely annihilated by the precautions which
were taken.

Statements of the effective prevention of the disease by
simply administering aperient medicine within a few days of
calving, placing the animal on a restricted and less nutritious
diet, and giving a second dose of aperient medicine directly
after parturition, are frequently sounded in our ears. Many
persons speak as if it wrere an absolute certainty that the cow
would have dropped had not such measures been adopted.
It is right to take precautions with every herd ; but it must
be remembered that thousands of cowrs in high condition an¬
nually produce their calves, even in districts where the disease
is common, towards wffiom no measures of prevention are
adopted, and that they pass through labour unscathed. Put
these boasted means to the crucial test, as in such herds as
we have named, and they will unquestionably fail.

It may be asked — Are w7e then to conclude that parturient
apoplexy is as difficult to prevent as to cure? Certainly
not ; the lives of more cows may, we believe, be saved by the

DROFPING AFTER CALVING.

627

exhibition of sedative medicine immediately on the completion
of parturition, conjoined, of course, with the adoption of die¬
tetic and hygienic principles, than by the use of aperients.
We quote an instance in point. A dairy of fine Jersey cows,
the property of a gentleman, which were always grazed in a
park, suffered annually from the malady to a serious extent.

Thus, in 1868, out of a herd of sixteen, two died; in 1869,
three; in 1870, three, and in 1871, three.

We were then consulted, and suggested that the cows in
the latter period of gestation should be supplied with less
food, by being kept in the spring and summer for a few hours
in the sheds, be regularly exercised, milked if the state of the
mammary glands permitted prior to calving, take salines
occasionally, such as nitrate and bicarbonate of potash with
the hypersulphite of soda in moderate quantities, viz. from
two to three drachms of the nitrate and four to six of the
other preparations ; and that immediately on the completion of
labour a full dose of tincture of opium — an ounce and half to
two ounces — mixed with an equal quantity of spirits of nitric
ether should be administered. The result was even more
satisfactory than could have been hoped for, no animal having
died since 1871 in the herd from parturient apoplexy.

It is not to be expected that in all cases a result like this
will be attained, but we have no hesitation in saying that the
system of administering a sedative agent has answered our
full expectation, and succeeded far better than any other.

We may add to these remarks one other prophylactic
measure, but w hich would scarcely be carried out to the full
extent, unless, as was the case in the nobleman's herd, failures
continued to occur which it was determined to prevent if
possible. The measure alluded to is never to run the risk of
a fourth calving, but to fatten or sell all the cow7s in turn after
producing their third calf.

We may thus summarise prevention: part with all the old
cowrs milk late in utero-gestation, and resume it if possible
immediately before delivery; enforce daily walking exercise,
although the animals may be at pasture ; adopt means to lessen
the continued supply of rich food ; avoid over- repletion of the
stomachs after calving ; bleed before parturition in cases of
plethora; give aperient medicine and follow with salines;
keep the animals as free from excitement as possible after
delivery, and early administer a full dose of tincture of opium.
Other sedatives, such as chloral hydrate, might be combined
with the opium, and perhaps with advantage ; but of such a
combination we have had no experience.

628

ADYNAMIC FEVER.

ADDENDUM.

Adynamic Fever.

We append a few remarks on cases in which a pregnant
cow drops prior to parturition, for by many persons an attack
of this kind is viewed as being essentially of the same nature
as parturient apoplexy. A close investigation of the circum¬
stances under which the attack occurs, the symptoms by
which it is accompanied, and its general result, will show that
the affection is altogether of a different nature. The recum¬
bent cow, being incapable of rising until cifter parturition, has
led to the belief that the loss of power was due to that form
of paralysis termed paraplegia. We do not deny that para¬
plegia may exist in some cases of “ dropping before calving , 9 but
these are quite exceptional and of a somewhat different nature.
It will be found that in the affection we are considering,
paraplegia cannot be present, as both sensation and voluntary
motion exist in the hind extremities ; that no impairment of
the functions of the bowels nor of the urinary bladder is pre¬
sent ; that on the completion of the period of utero-gestation
labour-pains come on, and are as powerful and as regular as
in an animal which had not dropped ; and that the leading
symptoms, viz. the incapability to rise, is speedily removed
when parturition has been effected.

If the term adynamic fever be at all applicable to a prostrate
cow when pregnant, it would be in these cases. The animal
assumes the recumbent position at varying times before
calving, but never until the latter period of gestation, when
the weight of the foetus and the gravid uterus, which for many
weeks had gone on increasing, had arrived at a stage which
the animal is unable to sustain. This may happen even a
month before calving, and although at the commencement
of the attack indications of febrile action are present, they
are not accompanied with coma, nor with any of the ordinary
symptoms of parturient apoplexy. Usually within three or
four days the febrile symptoms pass off, and the animal is
simply the subject of adynamy. She lies, feeds well, ruminates,
passes the urine and faeces naturally, breathes freely, has no
decrease of external temperature, nor any increased pulsatory-
action of the heart and arteries.

It is not difficult to understand that the muscles of the
lumbar region in particular, having to support so great a
weight as that of a nearly perfected foetus, which, when fully
developed, we have known to weigh at birth as much as 112
lbs., tire under the strain, and lose to some extent their toni¬
city, as well as their active power of natural contraction. We

ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS.

629

refer these cases mainl}7 to such a cause ; and it is easy to
understand why cows should be affected with adynarny and
mares not, if a glance only be taken of the great length and
weakness of the loins of the cow compared w'ith the mare,
besides which the spine has to carry the weight of the capa¬
cious rumen filled with ingesta, together with that of the
other stomachs, bowels, liver, and abdominal viscera, in addi¬
tion to the gravid uterus.

Allusion has been made to cases in which paralysis to a
certain extent does exist ; and it is easy to understand why
such a complication should exist, by looking to the primary
cause and consequent diminished power of the lumbar muscles.
Impaired tonicity alone would necessarily be associated with
weakened nerve force, and may be also with passive conges¬
tion, to a certain extent, of the lumbar portion of the spinal
cord. Adynarny in these cases is accompanied with indica¬
tions of febrile action, such as disturbed breathing, increased
circulation, loathing of food, suspension of rumination, con¬
stipation of bowels, diminished external temperature, and the
other usual concomitants of pyrexia. The recumbent position
is, however, often sufficient to lessen the severity of the
symptoms ; but when not, they usually yield to the exhibition
of saline aperients, followed by mild febrifuges, warm clothing
of the body, stimulating the loins, and well nursing the
patient.

Treatment of a similar kind, but not carried to the same
extent so far as the exhibition of medicine is concerned, may
be demanded in those cases in which congestion of the vessels
of the spinal cord is not a necessary complication. Attention
to comfort is the main thing here, and above all it should be
remembered that under no circumstances must the animal be
allowed to lie for many hours together on the same side, but
be moved over from right to left and vice versa day by day, so
that the pressure upon the prominent parts of the body, and
the now enlarged mammary glands, may not be continuous.

ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS.

QUARTERLY MEETING OF COUNCIL, HELD 29tii JULY, 1880.

Present : — The President (in the chair), Sir F. Fitzwygram. Profes^
sors Pritchard and Walley, Messrs. Blakeway, Cartwright, Coates, Collins,
Dollar, Dray, Dun, Greaves, Ilarpley, Taylor, V hit-tie. Woods, and the
Secretary.

The Secretary read the notice convening the meeting.

The minutes of last meeting were read and confirmed.

LIII.

43

630

ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS.

The President called attention to the position which the Royal Col¬
lege held with the Conference that had lately been held at Brussels.
The Brussels veterinary surgeons determined this year to have an Inter¬
national Conference, and had sent invitations to all the veterinary
schools in Europe, America, and elsewhere, but he found that the Royal
College of Veterinary Surgeons was not known on the Continent, and
was not in any way recognised. An invitation was sent to him individu¬
ally to attend the Conference, and he attended and was well received
by the members. There were representatives from Germany, Holland,
France, and Belgium. The reception given to him by the Belgians
was most cordial. They did not know of the existence of the Royal
College of Veterinary Surgeons, and apologised for not having that
knowledge, thinking that their ignorance on the matter might be
taken as a slight.. He wished to draw attention to this, because,
although present at the Conference, he had no official status. He thought
the time had come when they should elect some of their professional
brethren on the Continent as Honorary Fellows of the Royal College.

Signatures were affixed to diplomas in favour of Mr. James Shivas,
Frith View, Invergordon, and Mr. E. J. A. C. Yorston, of Manchester.

The Secretary announced that letters had been received from Prof.
Williams, and Messrs. Robertson, Reynolds, Anderton, Freeman, Cox,
and Morgan, regretting their inability to attend the meeting. Mr.
Robertson stated that, owing to his accepting the appointment of Teacher
to the Royal Veterinary College in London, it would be incumbent on
him to resign his position as Examiner. In doing so, he begged to
convey to the Council his sincere thanks for the honour conferred upon
him, and for the uniform courtesy he had received during the period he
had acted in his official capacity.

It was proposed that a vote of thanks be tendered to Mr. Robertson,
for the manner in which he had carried out his duties as Examiner.

The President pointed out that it would be necessary to appoint a
successor to Mr. Robertson at the next meeting of Council.

Fellow ski]) Pegree Examination.

The President said, that at the last meeting of the Council there were
three candidates for this examination. Since that time there were three
additional names. One gentleman would leave for America in the
middle of August, and he was anxious to undergo the examination
before that period. He therefore thought it would suit if the 12th of
August were fixed for the examination.

The Secretary read the correspondence, and was instructed to reply to
the several letters.

Report of Examinations.

At a meeting of the Court of Examiners, held in London on the 6th
of July, 1880, for the Pass Examination, seven candidates passed, and
three were rejected. At a meeting held in Edinburgh on the 22nd
July, three passed from the Edinburgh Y'eterinary College ; and from
the New Veterinary College eight passed and one was rejected.

At a meeting for the Second Examination, held in London on July
7th, 1880, eight passed.

At a meeting for the First Examination, held on July 8th, 9th, and
10th, twenty-two passed, and seven were rejected.

At a meeting of the Scotch Section of the Court of Examiners, held
on July 23rd and 24th, for the Second Examination, seven passed from
the Edinburgh Veterinary College ; two passed and one was rejected

ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS. 63 i

from the New Veterinary College; and three passed and two were
rejected from the Glasgow Veterinary College.

The Report of the Museum Committee was read, and it was recommended
that the sum of £37 10s. should be expended on glass cases for the
preservation of the various specimens.

The report was received and adopted.

The Obituary Notice was read.

The Registration Committee Report , containing several suggestions, was
received and adopted.

It was pointed out by some of the Council, that if any mistakes were
observable in the Register it was the duty of those who noticed them
to point them out to the Registrar. In the course of the various
observations offered, Mr. Greaves spoke highly of the painstaking
care of the Secretary and Registrar in compiling the Register.

The President pointed out that the Register was largely at the mercy
of the members of the profession themselves for corrections.

Ultimately it was resolved that proofs of the list of members be sent
out to each member of Council, and that ten days be allowed to return
them.

Finance Committee.

The vouchers and receipts for payments during the preceding quarter
were examined and found correct. The present liabilities amounted to
£141 11s. 4d., which the Committee recommended should be discharged.
There was a balance left at the banker’s of £918 10s.

The President called attention to the item paid for police attendance
in Edinburgh during the examination of students, and expressed his
regret at such a state of affairs. The public, seeing policemen stationed
in the hall, would not make very complimentary remarks, and he hoped
the Professors would use their best endeavours to instil notions of order.
He also alluded to the untidy condition in which some of them appeared
as candidates for admission to a profession which ought to be held in
high esteem by them. He was convinced that the Principals of the
schools in Edinburgh had the welfare of the profession at heart, and
that they would see the necessity of his making these remarks. He
apologised for bringing the matter before the Council, but it was,
he thought, quite time that steps were taken to remedy the evil.

Professor Walley said that all the professors in Scotland were equally
annoyed at policemen having to be in attendance at these examinations,
and nobody could impress upon the students more than he himself did
the necessity of appearing before the Examiners as gentlemen in every
sense of the word. He suggested that if the students were allowed to
wait in a room, as in London, and not kept idling about, such disturb¬
ances would not occur at all.

The President said that two years ago the damage done to the walls of
the Masonic Hall was so great, and the students were so ill-behaved,
that the authorities gave notice that the hall would not be granted
in future unless there were policemen to guard the students.

Professor Walley said that the subject was one which had occupied his
attention for some time, but he thought that a notice ought to have
been given to the principals of the schools before the matter was
mentioned at the Council.

On the motion of Mr. Pritchard , seconded by Professor IF alley , the
Finance Report was received.

Cheques were ordered to be drawn for current expenses.

632 ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS.

Professor W alley moved that the Report be adopted, and that the
Treasurer be instructed to invest £500.

Mr. Blakeway seconded the motion, which was carried.

House Committee.

The Report was taken as read.

On the motion of Mr. Dray seconded by Mr. Pritchard , the Secretary
was empowered to purchase a safe in which to deposit the documents
of the Council, at a sum not exceeding £20.

Major-General Sir F. Fitzwygram moved that a second Examiner be ap¬
pointed in each subject in the Pass Examination. In doing so, he referred
to the present satisfactory state of the funds. It would be in their recollec¬
tion that four or five years ago the College was gradually drifting into
insolvency, and they were obliged to take some stringent steps in regard
to their fees. It was then conceded for the time, though it was con¬
siderably objected to then, that some portion of the two earlier exami¬
nations should be carried on by single Examiners, and that in the Pass
Examination, in which hitherto there had been two Examiners, there
should be only one Examiner. That system had gone on up to the
present time, but it was one which was open to objection, and he was
one of those who were responsible for moving that the old custom of
the College should be reverted to as soon as the funds would admit of it.
He was quite aware that this subject had become complicated in con¬
sequence of another subject having one Examiner, but he would ask
the Council that night, especially, as Professor Williams was not present,
to agree simply on the broad grounds of the question, if the funds
would allow it, to have two Examiners in each examination. He wished to
disconnect his proposal from anything that might have occurred outside.

Mr. Dray seconded the motion.

Mr. Harpley suggested that the motion should include the proposal
that an Examiner should be appointed at the next quarterly meeting.

The President said he had not urged the necessity of appointing a
second Examiner at his table, and that he was willing to perform the
duties as he was, single-handed. Pie could not, therefore, see the
necessity for having a helpmate. He should prefer to remain single-
handed until the Examiners in the First and Second Examinations
should sit double.

Mr. Dollar said that in his opinion the Pass Examination was of much
greater importance to the Examiners, to individuals, and to the profes¬
sion, than the First and Second Examinations. Speaking as an Examiner
of twenty years’ experience, he thought it was of the greatest importance
to the Examiner himself and the individual examined that there should
be some one to assist him. There was no one except those who had
sat eight hours Examining students right off — with no one to assist
them — who knew what a trying matter it was. He thought there
ought to be two Examiners at the Pass Examination table.

Mr. Greaves said he agreed with Mr. Dollar that there should be two
Examiners at the Pass Examination, and would support the motion.
Mr. Fleming had been an Examiner for a great many years, and had
given great satisfaction. If the students were not fit to pass Mr.
Fleming was just the man who would not pass them. The only desire
for having a second Examiner was to give confidence to the other
Examiner, and satisfaction to the table and the examination itself.

Prof. Walley said that on looking over the list of examinations he
had found the percentage of rejections by the Examiners to be pretty
well equal.

ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS.

633

Mr. Dollar rose to order, because he did not think they were sitting
there as a jury on Mr. Fleming.

Major-General Sir F. Fitzwygram said his motion was made with
the best feeling towards Mr. Fleming, who was a personal friend
of his own, and if Mr. Fleming had rejected more students than
the average of Examiners had done, he should consider, from what
he himself had seen of these examinations, that that was a very
high qualification for Mr. Fleming sitting alone. If any reports had
been circulated in regard to him because he had had the courage to
do his duty alone, that was a reason why he ought to have the assist¬
ance of a second Examiner alongside of him. The motion he had always
intended to make, and felt it his duty to make, on the distinct under¬
standing that the Council should appoint another Examiner as soon as
the funds would allow of it.

The President said he should prefer to wait for the appointment of a
second Examiner at his table until the Royal College could see its way
to increase the number of Examiners all round. In his professional work
he had not got any assistance in the other important matters he had in
hand, and he was willing to go on in this. He thought the appointment
of a second Examiner at his table alone would be a reflection on him.

Sir F. Fitzwygram said he should be willing to modify his motion.
He gave notice that at the next quarterly meeting he would move “ That
the Finance Committee be requested to report how soon the finances of
the College would admit of the appointment of a second Examiner at
each table in the First, Second, and Pass Examinations, and report
thereon.”

Mr. Hartley said, he wished to recall to the Council the circumstances
under which Mr. Fleming accepted the office of Examiner single-handed
for the Pass Examination. It was to oblige the College, in so far as
their finances were concerned. Mr. Fleming at the time personally
objected to such a proposal. He had, however, filled the position
allotted to him both with ci’edit to himself and with honour to the pro¬
fession, and had the confidence not only of that meeting, but of all the
Examiners serving with him. He (Mr. Harpley) was also asked to be
single-handed, but he said he could not be so, because there was a
Practical Examination in the morning. He did not think there was any
member of the Council who would have a doubt as to Mr. Fleming’s
integrity (hear, hear), and he thought that no student should have the
paltry excuse that he was sent back because he belonged to a particular
college. He (Mr. Harpley) did not know whether the students who
presented themselves before him belonged to Edinbui’gh or Glasgow,
and he thought Mr. Fleming occupied the same position. If Mr.
Fleming thought that, having two Examiners at his table, reflected in
any way on his integrity, as a body the Council could not pass the
motion. They must draw out new rules, and have additional Examiners
for the First and Second Examinations, rather than Mr. Fleming, as an
examiner, should be slighted in any possible way. He would propose,
therefore, a postponement of the question.

The President agaiix expressed his opinion that, at the present time,
he preferred that there should not be a second Examiner appointed at
his table.

Mr. Harpley proposed, as an amendment, that the discussion on the
question be referred to the next meeting.

Mr. Cartwright seconded the amendment.

Sir F. Fitzwygram s motion, as modified, was then put, which was
seconded by Mr. Dray , and carried.

634

BRITISH MEDICAL ASSOCIATION.

The President then read the following motion, which had been put on
the notice board for confirmation : — ■“ That before a medical gentleman
is allowed to appear for any examination, he shall furnish sufficient
evidence as to the legal qualification he holds in medicine or surgery.”

On the motion of Mr. Pray , seconded by Prof. Pritchard , the motion
was carried.

Mr. Walley asked for the interpretation of Bye-law 34, which was
explained by the President.

The President , again referring to the Belgian Conference, said that at
next meeting he should bring forward the names of certain gentlemen
on the Continent who were distinguished in Veterinary Medicine, and
move that they be, with the permission of the Council, elected Honorary
Fellows of the College.

Mr. Dollar gave notice of the following motion :

“ That the Third Examination will begin with the Practical and
Clinical, and any candidate failing to obtain a sufficient number of marks
in this part of the examination will be prevented proceeding to the
Final Examination.”

On the motion of Mr. Dray a vote of thanks was accorded to the
President for his very able conduct in the chair, and the Council then
adjourned.

BRITISH MEDICAL ASSOCIATION.

The forty-eighth annual meeting was held at Cambridge, commencing
on Tuesday, 10th August. On that day, at 4 p.m., the Bishop of Ely
delivered a sermon in King’s College Chapel, after which a collection
was made in aid of the British Medical Benevolent Fund. At 8 p.m.,
at the Senate House, where all the general meetings were held, the
President, Professor Humphrey, delivered his address. He traced
the relations of medical science to the English Universities, and ex¬
pressed his opinion that in no other branch of knowledge are true science
and sound practice so well combined as in medicine ; and he agreed with
Descartes that all grand movements in the world — of philosophy, morals,
and government, come out of medicine. He then urged the value of
unity in collection of facts illustrating the relations of natural pheno¬
mena, temperature, climate, &c., to disease.

Honorary degrees (LL.D.) were then conferred on twelve of the
leading members, including Brown-Sequard, Donders, Jenr.er, Gull,
Lister, Simon, and Ilaughton of Dublin. Professor Chauveau, of
Lyons, was also to have received this honour, but was prevented from
personal attendance. In this new honour conferred on the represen¬
tative of the veterinary profession in France, English veterinarians will
feel some satisfaction ; but this meeting has been noteworthy in the
annals of the profession, also, since veterinary surgeons received invita¬
tions to take part in the work of the Section D, Public Medicine. The
following were the officers :

President — Henry W. Acland, M.D., LL.D., F.R.S. (Oxford).

Vice-Presidents — Arthur Ransome, M.A., M.D. (Manchester) ; Thos.
Pridgin Teale, M.A., F.R.C.S. (Leeds).

Honorary Secretaries — William Armistead, M.B. (Cambridge) ; Thos
J. Walker, M.D. (Peterboro’).

BRITISH MEDICAL ASSOCIATION.

635

The list of papers was very long, and time prevented many of the
subjects being brought forward, as also so full a discussion of those
which were submitted as might have been possible. However, on
Friday, 13th August, Mr. Ceely, the veteran worker in comparative
pathology, demonstrated the true and false cow-pox in the animal and
in man, and some other eruptive diseases of the cow and the variola
bovina ; and the variolation of the cow, and the transfer of the resulting
lymph to man.” Though upwards of eighty years of age, he treated his
subject in a manner which commanded respect from his hearers, however
they might question the conclusions to which his observations lead.
Then Dr. Francis Vacher, Medical Officer of Health, Birkenhead, opened
the discussion on Diseases communicable to man from diseased animals when
used as food. He treated, then, in order the following diseases of lower
animals :

1. Rinderpest, which has been considered to become typhoid fever or
smallpox in man. There is no evidence to substantiate this idea.

2. Pig Typhoid has been compared with smallpox and enteric fever,
but seems not. to be either of these disorders. Professor Axe’s work on
this subject was alluded to, but not considered conclusive.

3. Pleuro-ptieumonia Epizootica. — Of this there are three fairly well
recorded instances by Livingstone, Letheby, and Gamgee. But it is
questionable whether these were true cases of lung disease, or anthrax.

4. Foot-and-mouth Disease is certainly communicable to man.

5. Erysipelas is very probably communicable to man.

6. Tuberculosis. — Creighton’s cases, as recorded recently in the Lancet,
were alluded to, and it was shown that they are even remarkable for the
entire absence of historical connection with bovine disease. The question
of the identity of bovine and human tuberculosis was discussed, and it
was stated that in the former disease there is no emaciation (!) The
difference alleged to occur between the position of the giant cell in the
two diseases was noticed, as also Virchow’s opinion of the sarcomatous
nature of tubercle. There is strong evidence that this disorder is com¬
municable to man.

Mr. George Fleming, who had prepared a paper, preferred to base
some impromptu observations on the remarks of Mr. Vacher. He noted
the omission of glanders in the opening discourse, and thought in these
days of progressing hippophagy this disease also ought to be con¬
sidered in this relation. He then treated of each of the diseases which
had hitherto been mentioned, quoting evidence for and against the views
previously advanced. He expressed his opinion that it is better to inter¬
dict all suspected meat, and alluded to a recent observation of M. Tous-
saint concerning the communication of tuberculosis to lower animals by
inoculation with serum of the blood of a phthisical man. This has a
most important bearing on the urgent question of animal vaccination.

Dr. Syson then in a few words gave his views on this subject, and
mentioned Dropping after Calving as a disease omitted from Dr. Vacher’s
list.

In the course of a short discussion, Dr. Cameron, of Dublin, urged
the deleterious properties of pleuro-pneumonic flesh.

The President expressed his sense of the importance of the question,
and a resolution was passed requesting the Council of the Association to
form a committee to inquire into the matter before the grand Inter¬
national Meeting to be held in London in 1881, when doubtless it will

receive all the attention it deserves.

The papers by Dr. J. II. Bell, On Anthrax from Mohair in IF ool-
sorters , and Anthraccemia from Mohair in IF oolsorters and Heifers , wrere

636

BRITISH MEDICAL ASSOCIATION.

read in the Pathology Section on Thursday, instead of at the Section
of Public Medicine. They were most interesting contributions to
comparative pathology. Here, also, after the profound and eloquent
address of the President of the Section, Sir James Paget, on diseases
of low organisms, Professor Lister opened a discussion on Micro-
Organisms ; their relation to disease , in which he touched on the recent
observations of French, German, and Italian workers on Bacteria,
such as those of anthrax and fowl cholera. A fowl, upon which the
method of “ anthrax vaccination,” recently discovered by Pasteur, had
been tried by the learned savant himself, was exhibited. Drs. Aiken and
Bell, among others, joined in the discussion, and the learned Professor
Toussaint, of Toulouse, whose recent work constituted the basis of the
greater part of Lister’s remarks, addressed a few words in French to the
meeting. Dr. Greenfield stated the results of the work in this direc¬
tion at the Brown Institution.

Among other interesting papers to be brought forward in this Section,
there were announced :

Julius Dreschfield, M.D. — The Histological relations of some forms
of Sarcoma and Carcinoma.

D. J. Hamilton, M.D. — A brief resume of pathological researches on
Tubercle and allied affections of the Ltcngs.

Frederick Eve, F.R.C.S. — Relation of Epithelium to Chronic Irrita¬
tion.

In Section A , Medicine , under the presidency of Dr. Paget, of Cam¬
bridge ; Drs. Marcet, McCall Anderson, Ferrier, Sturges, Mahomed, and
Tibbets, were announced as authors of papers.

In Section B, Surgery , William S. Savory, of London, President ; Sir
Henry Thompson drew attention to Lithotomy at a single sitting ; a
Subsection of Otology was also held.

In Section C, Obstetric Medicine ,]Dr. Playfair, of London, President ;
papers were announced from Drs. Matthews Duncan, Grailv Hewitt,
Mapother, Macnaughton Jones, and Lawson Tait.

In Section H, Ophthalmology , President, Dr. Bowman, of London ;
papers were announced from Messrs. Hutchinson, Power, Pridgin Teale,
Critchett, and Fuchs.

Section E. Psychology, was presided over by Dr. Crighton Browne, of
London.

In the Physiology Section, F, under the Presidency of Prof. Michael
Foster, in the absence of Dr. Rutherford, some most excellent work
was done. The following were some of the communications :

1. Dr. J. Hamilton, M.D. — Demonstration of Microscopic Sections of
the entire Brain, by means of the oxyhydrogen light.

2. Prof. Ranvier. — Demonstration of the mode of termination of
nerves in Epithelium and Muscles.

3. Prof. Marcy. — On Comparative Studies on the pulsation of the two
ventricles and Arterial Pulse.

4. Dr. Gowers. — Clinical Measurement of the Corpuscles and Heemo-
olobin of the Blood.

5. Prof. Gamgee. — Experiments with the Fibrine Ferment.

6. Prof. Preyer, of Jena. — Discussion on Sleep and Hypnotism.

7. Dr. Browx\-Sequard. — The effects produced by various lesions of
the Base of the Brain, on the excitability of the so-called motor centres.

8. Drs. Ferrier and Yeo on the Cerebral Visual Centres.

This, therefore, proved one of the most interesting of the Sections.
The address in physiology, by Dr. Michael Foster, on the Friday, was
most eloquent and masterly. Addresses were read also in Medicine and

CENTRAL VETERINARY MEDICAL SOCIETY.

637

Surgery by Drs. Bradbury and Timothy Holmes. Throughout the
meeting the good people of Cambridge exercised the most genial hospi¬
tality, and succeeded in making this one of the most successful meetings
ever held. The soirees, garden parties, and conversaziones were largely
attended and much appreciated after the severer work of the day was
finished.

The colleges and most excellent museums and curious old churches
were thrown open to the visitors, and every convenience was afforded to
facilitate the working of the officers of the Association. At the public
dinner in the hall of Trinity College about 370 members and visitors sat
down, and the subsequent speeches were interesting, though somewhat
numerous, and finally, on the Saturday, those members who could make
time joined in the excursions to Ely, Peterborough, and Audley End,
the latter being so arranged that those who wished could perform a
pilgrimage to the tomb of Harvey. This large and successful meeting
of the British Medical Association in the town of the largest of our
Universities has a special significance in connection with the recent
successful efforts, mainly of Dr. Humphrey, to promote the study of
medicine at Cambridge.

CENTRAL VETERINARY MEDICAL SOCIETY.

At an ordinary meeting of this Society, held at No. 10, Ked Lion
Square, W.C., on July 15th, in the absence of the President, Mr J.
Gerrrad took the chair.

Mr. G. A. Banham exhibited a specimen with vegetated growths on the
valves and in the aorta, supposed to arise from carditis, the surface
becoming roughened, and having blood on the roughened surface. The
animal had diarrhoea before death. The history ot‘ the case would pro¬
bably be given by Mr. Shipley, of Yarmouth, and appear in the
Veterinary Journals. The animal died from diarrhoea associated with
ascites, which might have been caused by congestion.

The Chairman introduced a specimen consisting of a portion of the
spinal cord of a cow that was killed while labouring under the disease
known as parturient apoplexy, which he thought might be interesting
to the Fellows, as showing the true apoplectic nature of that disease.
The part exhibited was the enlarged portion in the lower cervical and
commencement of the dorsal regions, where the brachial plexus is given
off. The membranes were intact when taken out, but on being cut into
a large clot was found along the whole length of the specimen, about
nine inches. It had been in spirits for two months, but the clot was
still easily seen. He said he had made a number of post-mortems of
this disease lately, and his conviction was strengthened that, in all bad
cases, not only serous effusion but blood-clot was to be found, showing
the fatal character of the disease and the hopelessness of any system of
treatment. In some cases killed he had failed to find distinct lesions,
and was frequently puzzled to account for it. He thought that post¬
mortem contraction of the arteries in slight cases, killed before effusion
went so far as in this case, might account for the absence of visible
lesions.

In reply to Mr. Samson, the Chairman said he had bled in nearly all
stages of the disease, and did not think it was of much use in any. In the
early stage he had frequently found it excite them more and make them

038

CENTRAL VETERINARY MEDICAL SOCIETY.

go down sooner. The idea was gaining ground that if bled before
calving it was beneficial. _ He had used the galvanic battery with good
effects in some cases, while in others, such as the specimen before them,
it was of no use, nor did he think that anything could be ; in fact, it
was an incurable condition. One might as well ask a medical man to
cure bis apoplectic fellow-creature, as to remove the clot from such a
subject.

He then asked the attention of the Fellows to Mr. Broad’s paper on
“ Glanders and Farcy,” read at the previous meeting, and said he
regretted more members were not present to favour them with their
opinions upon so important a subject, and trusted a good discussion
might ensue.

The Secretary observed he had but little to say in relation to glanders;
the disease did not occur in his practice once in six months. He
believed that if a compulsory examination could be made, any one night
of all the cab horses in London, and the result recorded, there would
soon be great diminution of the disease ; very many cab horses were
knowingly or suspiciously affected, and frequently when such was the
case they were laid by for a time awaiting the temporary appearance of
the symptoms, and then disposed of. There was an American or
German affection strongly resembling glanders, which had proved
rather troublesome to some practitioners ; he had had some such, and it
was with difficulty he persuaded the owners the animals were not attacked
with the contagious affection.

Mr. 8 heather felt convinced very little would be done in a curative
way as regarded glanders and farcy, and veterinary surgeons should
rather turn their attention to the prevention of such disease, for which
purpose he had brought an apparatus with him that evening for their
examination, which was of great utility for disinfecting stables. Many
stables were badly ventilated, and it was difficult to keep a current of
pure air through them. The apparatus consisted of a steam boiler, with
a separate lamp underneath ; the pressure could be regulated to thirty,
forty, or fifty pounds to the square inch ; when turned on full a spray
could be thrown out a distance of eight or nine feet (illustrating it), and
when suspended from a ceiling of a stable by a meat-jack and rotating
the spray went through the air all round. Anything might be used by it,
but for disinfecting purpose carbolic acid was necessary, and by being
emitted from the apparatus exhibited the air was thoroughly purified.
It was also very useful in cases of ophthalmia ; a horse would stand quiet
and permit a person to spray his eye, and one could follow the motions
of the animal’s head; thus, any lotion could be used, whereas in the
ordinary way most of it was wasted. Pie had never known a horse
refuse its application. The apparatus was rather expensive — costing
£5 5s., but was unlikely to wear out, and he believed it would amply
repay its cost.

Mr. Hancock said he heard an argument raised with reference to the
temperature of the discharge from the nostrils in glanders ; some asserted
it was cold, others that it was warm. He would like the opinion of
gentlemen present on this point, because if it was a positive fact that the
discharge was always a certain temperature, it would be of great assist¬
ance in dealing with the disease, concerning which one fact Avas of far
greater assistance than any amount of theory.

Mr. Hunting observed he hoped the discussion they would have might
elucidate some further points, and, if possible, give them a standard
work upon glanders and farcy. A great practical difficulty was to
decide what was glanders and what was not. Frequently there were

CENTRAL VETERINARY MEDICAL SOCIETY,

689

many different symptoms and complications due to other diseases, and
very few diagnostic ; in truth, there was no single symptom of glanders
but what might be found in other diseases, and a diagnosis could only be
made by considering the whole group of symptoms. Veterinary surgeons,
as a rule, were inclined to err upon the side of saving the animal’s life.
When called in by the owner they frequently expressed doubt and would
look for the ulcer in the nostril, without which many thought the animal
ought not to be killed. This idea should be exploded at once. It was very
difficult for one, as an inspector, to condemn a horse without risk of much
bother, especially if the owner produced some veterinary surgeon to say
the horse was not suffering from glanders, in which case one would run
the risk of having an action for damages brought against him. Accord-
ing to the Act of Parliament no man has a right to have a suspicious
horse about the streets, and a policeman is justified in stopping such a
case as much as if it was a most confirmed case of glanders. This was
an advantage, because one could order a suspicious case to be isolated,
and few persons cared to provide a place for that purpose, and pre¬
ferred having the animal destroyed instead. At times one meets
remarkable cases of glanders complicated by other diseases, or arising as
the result of accident. That either farcy or glanders could be originated
as the result of some other disease he would deny. In all cases where
glanders or farcy supervened upon another disease or injury, the poison
had existed in the system for some time, and would become developed
sooner or later, but accident or other diseases might tend to develop
the primary affection. Some time since he had a case in which the first
appearance the animal presented one would think it was a case of acute
farcy; the animal had farcy buds all over him. He set the case down as
nettlerash accompanying acute glanders. The buds varied in size from
a pea to a walnut. There were the usual symptoms of acute glanders —
the discharge of pus and blood from the nose with well-marked ulceration.

As regarded the temperature of discharge, he thought no faith should
be placed in it whatever ; had not used a thermometer to ascertain it,
but within a few degrees could trust to his hand. In cases of acute
glanders, with much inflammation, there was a higher temperature.
Sometimes the discharge was from the lungs and not the nostrils, in
which case, no doubt, the temperature was higher than in other nasal
discharges. He had seen a case which bore upon the question, in which
a horse, having no discharge from the nose whatever and no enlargement
of the glands, walked some distance. At the end of its journey it was
seen by the slaughterer to have a very considerable discharge from the
nose, and some enlargement of the glands. That was on a Saturday.
He saw the horse the day following and the swelling in the glands had
nearly disappeared, and there was no ulcer in the nostril. The horse
was killed. Upon making a post-mortem he found it had glandered
lungs, from a cavity in which there had, no doubt, been a recent escape
of purulent matter. This case also proved the incurability of farcy.
The animal was most undoubtedly suffering from an attack of farcy some
four years previous to death, when it had glandered lungs, but no
veterinary surgeon could have detected any disease in the animal.
There were many other cases met with which tended to prove that one
could not believe more in the curability of farcy than they could of
glanders. It was arguable that in some of the very slightest cases of
farcy, where there was very slight swelling and only one oi two farcy
buds some good might be done, but it would not hold good that it was a
curable disease. If farcy were curable there would be a very strong
argument against the Government in enforcing the slaughteiing of all

640

CENTRAL VETERINARY MEDICAL SOCIETY.

animals suffering therefrom, and given no compensation. He attended
the meeting that evening specially to bring this view before them. In
the year 1873, before the Parliamentary Committee, Professor Brown
gave evidence upon the subject of glanders and farcy, and he there (as
did also Mr. Hunting) recommended the allowance of compensation for
farcy ; they did so simply because it was a question whether some of the
very mild cases were curable or not, and if curable it was hard to receive
no recompense for the loss of an animal. In cases of pleuro-pneumonia
compensation was given for animals slaughtered ; in other words, the
animal is slaughtered in the public weal and the man compensated, but
in glanders and farcy no compensation is allowed. The argument
against allowing such would be — that farcy can by means of inoculation
produce glanders, and that a man is having a good turn served him by
the removal of such a disease. So long as uncertainty existed as to the
curability of these diseases, human nature would continue to treat them.
Many persons in London and the country treated farcy regularly. He
did not know whether to blame them. If compensation was given to the
extent of one half the value of an animal the incentive to treat cases
would be taken away, and sources of contagion would not be kept upon
men’s premises; the law should take notice of this, and try and hit
upon some expedient to induce a man to get rid of all cases of farcy in
the early stages ; it was quite possible to stamp out the disease in this
country just as much as the cattle plague. The Government should give
compensation in all mild cases of farcy, and then we should get rid of
farcy and glanders in about two years.

As to disinfecting stables for glanders and farcy, he would venture to
say he disbelieved in it as usually carried out. To properly disinfect
requires about two and a half per cent, of carbolic acid to destroy the
poison of glanders, and that strength is about four times as strong as
most disinfectants used. To think that the atmosphere of a stable can
be disinfected is litter nonsense, because the disinfectant, if used in suffi¬
cient strength to purify the air, rendered it destructive to animal life.
The plan he adopted was to see that the stable was thoroughly washed
first with boiling water and soda and then scraped down (the law
requires powder), and he used a bit of limewash afterwards, but never
permitted that to be done until it had been thoroughly washed with
carbolic acid of two and a half degrees ; then one had true disinfection,
but not otherwise.

Mr. Shaw had tried some experiments in relation to the temperature of
the discharge from the nostrils, and considered his own hand the best test,
and observed it was either deathly cold or very warm indeed ; some practi¬
tioners differed and asserted that the discharge was always cold. He was
aware diseased horses worked about London at night, and, in his opinion,
many diseases were brought about by drinking troughs, particularly
among horses belonging to market men. Several cases he knew of could
be distinctly traced to this cause. In reference to disinfectants, before
used the place should be thoroughly scrubbed and whitewashed ;
many stables were so old and filthy they were only fit to be pulled
down and burnt.

Mr. Sheather thought if compulsory slaughtering were introduced, fully
one third of the cab stables would be pulled down. If to disinfect the
air was a myth, as Mr. Hunting had observed, still an owner of a stable
is justified in adopting means to preserve ventilation, if there is no
draught ; one should purify the air in some way or other. With the
apparatus he had exhibited a spray consisting of steam and carbolic acid
could be thrown out ; it certainly was one method of keeping a stable

CENTRAL VETERINARY MEDICAL SOCIETY. 641

healthy. He believed farcy affected the whole animal tribe. He had
known many cases recover and work well, and apparently get quite well,
but some morning or other one’s attention was called to the animal ;
sometimes there is a discharge, and the symptoms return again. Cases of
farcy were never cured ; the disease still existed, and the secretions from
the animal would create the disease in healthy animals, and the one
diseased was rarely suspected as the cause. He knew a case where the
culprit escaped detection for a long time. Wherever there was a sus¬
pected case he would have it destroyed at once, it was the cheapest plan
in the end. He always advised his clients so, and if they refused he
would not undertake treatment. In cases of supposed cure one would
find that if the animal was galloped it would roar ; this also applied to
suspected cases (he would not say it was diagnostic). He had heard them
groan, and observed, in the majority of cases, that as the farcy dis¬
appeared the groaning diminished. Two or three years since, by way of
treatment, he injected into the jugular vein of an animal twenty or
thirty drops of carbolic acid dissolved in glycerine. It slowly recovered
and the limb returned to its normal size, but the acid produced atrophy
of the muscles, for which it had to be destroyed. It was beneficial for
farcy, but produced wasting away of the muscles and extreme debility.

Mr. Sampson said some years since he remembered treating and
recovering a valuable horse ; he personally attended him. He had
eighteen buds, cost no end of money, and ate a great deal. He galloped
him round the grounds and found he grunted ; since then he had
observed this symptom in other horses affected with farcy. Another case
of farcy he knew in which the animal had only one bud on the neck.
He was eight or nine years old. He made a post-mortem on him, and
could find no trace of farcy. Syphilis was a blood poison and was cura¬
ble, therefore farcy ought to be curable. It was worth while to con¬
sider farcy in this light.

Mr. Sheaiher could not see why the public should be compensated for
lung disease more than for glanders and farcy ; if compensation was
allowed more cases would be reported. He did not believe in white¬
washing stables, the infection was still kept there. He used small hoes
to scrape down the walls, and then scrubbed them with hot water and
carbolic acid, and unless that was done the whitewashing had no good
affect. He considered horse repositories a great source of infection ;
the inspectors should visit them before a sale, and inspect the horses.
Cabmen and omnibus proprietors having suspected horses instead of
killing them sent them to be sold. He knew it by having purchased
horses at sales himself. Such horses when bought spread infection
among others,

Mr. Shaw drew attention to the fact that frequently grooms used
brushes and combs that had been used to diseased horses to healthy ones,
thereby spreading the disease.

The Secretary said he would like Mr. Broad to give him his experience
of the mirror he produced on a former occasion to which he (the Secre¬
tary) took exception as being too flat. Also, was it possible to refuse
entry to any officer for the purpose of inspecting a case or supposed
case ? Also, if he advised a client to have a horse destroyed without
stipulating the disease, and the knackers on cutting the animal up for
meat discover it to be diseased, does the owner incur the penalty, or both
of us ?

With reference to stables, many of them were rickety and slovenly to
the last degree — broken doors, displaced boards, &c. It frequently
happened that the animal that caused the spread of the disease in a

642

CENTRAL VETERINARY MEDICAL SOCIETY.

stable escaped detection for a long while. One remarkable case he
remembered hearing detailed at a previous meeting. The disease had
broken out among the Duke of Salisbury’s horses, and a veterinary
surgeon was sent for. He minutely examined all the horses and stables
without detecting the cause. He then inquired if he had seen all, and
was informed he had. He could not account for the outbreak and
again made inquiry, and was told there was only one more horse, the
Duke of Wellington’s old charger, which was allowed to run out, and
was pensioned off. He asked for him to be brought, and found it to be
a most confirmed case of glanders.

Mr. Banfiam thought inspectors should have no other duties, and
that a private practitioner could not conscientiously perform the duty
of an inspector. As regarded stables, he agreed with Mr. Hunting.
Some persons believed glanders to be a fixed virus, others thought it
volatile. He thought it should be considered volatile.

The Chairman said he read with profit Mr. Broad’s paper in the
Veterinary Journal , and had enjoyed the discussion that evening. His
experience of glanders and farcy was rather limited compared to several
of the speakers. Since coming to the neighbourhood of London he had
unfortunately seen too much of these diseases, and from the facts brought
out in discussion it seemed to him London was the producing centre or
hot-bed for the disease. All the cases he had seen in his district could
be traced to its source in London, or from horses sent down to graze ;
felt convinced drinking troughs were a great source of its spread, the same
as it had been alleged drinking fountains are a source of disease to the
human family.

Regarding the question of temperature of the discharge in this disease,
as a means of diagnosis, he could not speak confidently, having never
tried it, but thought it would very much depend upon where it was
taken from and the exposure it had been subjected to, and great pre¬
cision would be necessary to enable a correct conclusion to be drawn
from this test, so as to form it into a diagnostic symptom. There was
another subject relating to the diagnosis of this disease, and one which
had been frequently regarded as diagnostic, that had not been referred
to that evening, viz. the density of the discharge. This was first noticed,
he believed, by the late Professor Barlow, who taught that the dis¬
charge from a glandered subject was very heavy and sank in water,
while the nasal discharge from a common cold or influenza would float
in water, the explanation being the excess of albuminous material in
the glander discharge. This test he had known to have been used in
courts of law to ascertain the presence or absence of the disease, but he
considered it rather misleading and not to be depended upon ; and, as
stated by Mr. Hunting, there were no thoroughly differential diagnostic
symptoms of the disease ; and frequently, if we wait until the nature of
the discharge or ulceration of membranes enables us to give a definite
opinion, the subject may have done any quantity of mischief to the
stable or the animals he may have been in contact with. Hence the
necessity of dealing early with a suspicious case, and acting as much
upon negative as positive evidence of the disease.

With respect to disinfectants, he believed good might be accomplished
by using such an apparatus as Mr. Sheather had exhibited in destroying
the germs or purifying the atmosphere of the stable, or, at least, some
stables, such as we find under railway arches and such like, where it
frequently breaks out, or where the air is still and no draught exists.
This principle Mr. Greaves, of Manchester, introduced to tlieir notice a
few years since, by burning large quantities of fuel in some of those

CENTRAL VETERINARY MEDICAL SOCIETY. 643

crypts and cul-de-sacs about Manchester called stables, where influenza
prevailed, not so much on the principle of burning the germs out of the
air as the induction of a current by means of heat and a better circula¬
tion of pure air.

As to the curability of farcy, he pleaded guilty to having attempted to
treat it, and with variable success. He had cured some cases which
remained well for years, while others resisted all the medicine in use,
even Mr. Moore’s specific kali bichromicum. Had not noticed the grunt¬
ing said to be present in those cases cured of farcy.

One point noticed by Mr. Broad had not been referred to that evening,
viz. the change of name he suggested for the disease. He (the Chair¬
man) did not think any of the names mentioned would be suitable, and
doubted whether a better could be found than that at present in use,
which, although it did not give any idea of the nature of the disease, was
sufficiently expressive for all practical purposes, especially when they
reflected upon the fact that so little was known of the essential nature
of it.

There was one point, he^aid, that he should be inclined to join issue
with Mr. Broad in, regarding the spontaneous origin, or whether it was
ever produced de novo in the horse. He believed that it could be, and
that it did arise in circumstances where, according to all human fore¬
sight, contagion was impossible, but as the subject had not been touched
upon by any of the Fellows, and it was rather late, he would defer
any remarks to some future occasion.

Mr. Broad} in reply, said he differed from the Chairman, who
believed the disease might be spontaneously produced, and Mr. G-.
Fleming had changed his ideas, as they would see by reference to
the number of the Veterinary Journal for June last. With reference
to the mirror alluded to by the Secretary, it was of assistance in
cases where a horse was fractious or given to sneeze; in several
cases lately he had found it extremely useful in discovering ulcers
highly situated. Any inspector could enter a stable if he suspected
a horse to be diseased. A veterinary surgeon was not compelled
to give notice of a case. It might be desirable if such were the law, but
he believed any opinion given by him would shield the owner from pro¬
ceedings ; the owner looks to him for advice, and if he can say the
veterinary surgeon would not give an opinion he would 1 e shielded. He
agreed with Mr. Samson as to horse repositories spreading the disease ;
there was not sufficient care taken in admitting horses to such places.
Mr. Sheather had drawn attention to groaning as a symptom that would
indicate lung mischief, which could only be detected by auscultation
and alterations in respiration. Temperature of discharge had been
touched upon by Mr. Shaw and Mr. Hancock. He had never made
examination with that view, but believed it mainly depended upon the
length of time the discharge had been exposed, but considered no value
could be attached to it as a diagnostic symptom. He agreed with Mr.
Blunting that there was not any symptom always present, but regarded
the ulcer in the nose as diagnostic. He considered that compensation for
farcy and glanders had much to recommend it, but would involve great
difficulty. If it were for farcy only it would be hard to draw the line of
distinction. Owners will treat farcy, and the authorities would do well
in the interests of the owners and the public, in preventing this. As. to
tubercles on the lungs as a symptom of glanders, theii pic^ence being
found on post-mortem examinations would not always enable us to say
that the horse was the subject of glanders. He believed it .was more
essential to disinfect the stables and walls thoroughly than it was to

644 YORKSHIRE VETERINARY MEDICAL SOCIETY.

attempt to disinfect the air ; thought the poison might be carried through
the air at times.

After some further remarks it was agreed to adjourn the discussion
until next meeting (specially appointed) to be held on August 5th.

The usual vote of thanks were then passed, and the proceedings termi¬
nated.

Present 11 Fellows, and 3 visitors. James Rowe,

Hon. Sec.

YORKSHIRE VETERINARY MEDICAL SOCIETY.

The usual summer quarterly meeting of the Society was held at the
Queen’s Hotel, Leeds, on Thursday, the 22nd July, the President, Mr.
W. G. Schofield, in the chair. The following members were present,
viz. Messrs. Naylor, Jas. Freeman, Anderson, J. S. Carter, Peter
Walker, J. M. Axe, Lodge, Leighton, and the Secretary. Messrs.
Robertson, Howard, and Lawson, M.R.C.V.S., Leeds, and Mr, Green -
halgh, student, likewise attended the meeting.

Apologies for non-attendance were received from Prof. Williams,
Messrs. Dray, J. and J. Freeman, T. Greaves, Danby, Patterson, and
Ferguson.

The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed.

A letter from the Secretary of the Council of the Royal College of
Veterinary Surgeons, thanking the Society for the offer of assistance in
obtaining a penal clause, was read.

The Secretary , on behalf of Mrs. Cuthbert and family, thanked the
members for their kind expression of sympathy which had been em¬
bodied in their resolution.

The President said that he deeply lamented to inform the meeting that
death had again visited their Society and removed from among them one
of their young and respected members. With a few well-chosen
sentences of sympathy he moved that a letter of condolence be sent to
Mrs. Murdoch and family, expressive of the deep sympathy of the Society
with them in their recent sad bereavement. Mr. Freeman seconded.
Carried.

The Secretary proposed, and Mr. Naylor seconded, the election of Mr.
Robert Lees Robertson, M.R.C.V.S., Leeds, as a new member.
Carried.

Mr. Deighton nominated Mr. Snarry, York.

Mr. Freeman nominated Mr. Wm. Chambers Lawson, Leeds.

• Mr. Howard then read the particulars of a case of violent injury to
the fetlock-joint in a mare, the parts being severely crushed and lace¬
rated ; and although Mr. Howard expressed his opinion that treatment
would be useless in the case, the owners persisted in a trial of recovery
beins made. The mare was placed in slings, where she remained for
many months, during which time the parts went through the various
phases of inflammatory action, until complete anchylosis, associated with
caries of bone-tissue, had taken place. After a period of twelve months
the animal was destroyed.

Mr. Howard exhibited the pathological specimen, which was exceed¬
ingly interesting and instructive. [See appended history of the case.]

Mr. Naylor stated that recently there had come under his observa¬
tion several cases of malignant sore throat in the low-lying districts of

YORKSHIRE VETERINARY MEDICAL SOCIETY.

645

Wakefield and Pontefract, and although the animals had mostly done
well, yet great care and attention had been requisite to carry them
through the low type of febrile disturbance which existed.

The 'President also related some cases of sore throat occurring
amongst the horses on a farm, traceable to the drinking of water im¬
pregnated with sewage.

Mr. Lawson narrated the particulars of cases simulating strangles,
arising from the drinking of impure water, occurring upon a large farm
in Herefordshire.

Mr. Freeman likewise mentioned some cases of throat disease, originat¬
ing through impure drinking water.

Mr. Lodge gave the details of a persistent and troublesome case of
abscesses in tiie parotideal region which he had under treatment. A large
tumour had originally formed on each side of the throat, rendering
deglutition difficult and the elevation of the animal’s head impossible.
The application of constant fomentations and poultices, with subsequent
use of blisters and setons, had failed to give relief.

The President related a case of obstruction of the bowels, in which
he had extracted a large calculus from the rectum, showing the
necessity of exploring that bowTel in these cases. The calculus was high
up in the bowel.

The President also exhibited a case of fracture of the sacral and lumbar
vertebrre. The mare had been thrown down an embankment, and in
the course of a week was apparently ready to work. She was, however,
at the end of that time found down and unable to rise, the true nature of
the injury being now apparent. She was consequently at once destroyed.

Messrs. Walker , Anderton, and Lav; sou made a few remarks upon the
treatment of fracture, after which the meeting broke up.

Wm, Broughton, Hon. Sec.

PARTICULARS OF THE CASE NARRATED BY MR. JOHN
HOWARD, M.R.C.V.S., ON COMPLETE ANCHYLOSIS OF
THE METACARPAL ARTICULATION IN A CHESTNUT
MARE.

On the 12th May, 1878, a fine chestnut mare, six years old, and
valued at ICO guineas, the property of Messrs. Lucas and Ail'd,
Silvertown, and North Woolwich, London, the contractors for the New
Victoria Dock Extension, met with a serious accident, by being
knocked down by a truck used in tipping on the new dock embank¬
ment. One of the iron wheels of the truck passed over her fetlock-joint,
crushing it severely between the wheel and the iron rail.

The injury presented the appearance of a very serious lacerated and
contused wound, the joint being completely opened on the inner side,
and, as may be supposed, the animal’s suffering was intense. W hen
seen by me she was at once placed in slings, and fomentations
applied as early as possible. A paste, composed of carbolic acid, flour,
and camphorated water, was applied, and over it a white linen bandage
was placed, which was kept continually saturated with carbolised cold
water.

The constitutional disturbance was severe, and the animal suffered so
much pain that in the early part of the case I anticipated that death
would result from irritative fever, inducing marasmus and general
wasting of the tissues.

L11I,

44

646 YORKSHIRE VETERINARY MEDICAL SOCIETY.

While this severe suffering existed I used an injection of muriate
of morphia three times a day, which proved extremely valuable, never
failing to afford temporary relief. When not under the influence
of the sedative she would place her head in the manger, and
resting it there by an hour at a time, would groan aloud, and occa¬
sionally raise her mutilated limb, although the act evidently was accom¬
panied with severe torture.

It was not until the expiration of six weeks that the severe constitu¬
tional symptoms had subsided, but the discharge from the joint had be¬
come so offensive that it was evident that internal caries and necrosis were
£oin£ on. Under these circumstances I recommended that the mare should
be destroyed, the case being quite hopeless. The firm, however,
determined on further treatment, regardless of the advice tendered,
being doubtless influenced by the fact that I had attended the stud,
which was a large one, for some years on contract, and therefore the treat¬
ment of this case involved no extra expense to them on the score of
surgical treatment.

The mare was kept on hand for twelve months, during the first six of
which the wound continually discharged large quantities of glairy fetid
lymph. By the end of the seventh month the external opening was
completely closed, and although an open joint no longer existed, yet a
low form of inflammation persisted in the interior of it. Slings were
continually used up to the end of the eighth month, when their use was
dispensed with, but only by day.

At the end of the tenth month, although still very lame, she was
turned into a field close by ter graze ; but she experienced so much
difficulty in walking that she began to lose flesh, and when she laid
down could not rise without assistance.

The affected joint had now lost all mobility, and as the lameness was
on the increase the owners ordered, at the end of twelve months, her
destruction.

Description.— -Mr . Howard said, I have here a beautiful specimen (or
rather an appalling one) of acute inflammation of bone. The compact
tissues of the epiphyses of the great metacarpal and os suffraginis, you
will observe, have thrown out numerous coral-like projections, which
completely envelope the joint, producing anchylosis. The inner condyle
and central ridge of the metacarpal are marked with porcellanous deposit,
while the corresponding articulatory surfaces of the os suffraginis are
almost covered with the same pathological product.

Again, the external condyle of the metacarpal, and the subjacent
socket of the os suffraginis appear to have suffered most from destruc¬
tion of their articulatory cartilages, the compact tissue being com¬
pletely removed by carious ulceration, which had been insidiously making
its way into the cancellated structures of both bones. You will observe
also that both the sessamoids are involved in the anchylosis.

I have introduced this case as a good illustration of the pathology of
open joint, for it is very rare indeed that one of the kind is per¬
mitted to run uninterruptedly through all the phases of disease for a
period of twelve months, and that in direct opposition to the expressed
opinion of the surgeon in attendance. However, the case owed its
existence for such a length of time to its being one of a contract,
which did not at all sensibly increase the annual outlay for professional
attendance.

647

NORFOLK AND EASTERN COUNTIES VETERI¬
NARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION.

At the meeting of this association held at the Norfolk Hotel, the
President (Mr. A. H. Sant.y, F.R.C.V.S.), presiding, the following
gentlemen were present : — Mr. W. Shipley, of Yarmouth, Mr. F. Low,
of .Norwich, and Mr. E. Barker, of St. Faith’s (Vice-Presidents); C.
Williams, Esq, F.R.C.S. (Norwich), Mr. J. K. Gooch (Holt), Mr. W.
Ellis (Hempnall), Mr. J. Hammond (Bale), Mr. T. Augur (Wy-
mondham), Mr. S. Smith (Lowestoft), Mr. H. Newson (Beccles), Mr.
G. Whincop (Norwich), Mr. J. D. Overed (Blofield), Mr. Findley, V.S.
(Inniskilling Dragoons), Mr. W. Bower, (East Rudham), Mr. L. Butters
(Norwich), and Mr. Santy, jun.

The minutes of the last meeting having been passed, the President
read letters from General Sir Frederick Fitzwygram, Bart, F.R.C.V.S.,
and other eminent members of the profession, stating their inability and
regret at not being able to be present on this occasion, but who ex¬
pressed their willingness and desire to attend at the next meeting of the
association. Mr. G. A. Banham of the Brown Institution (London),
wrote, suggesting that a paper upon the effects of lightning on animals
would be very desirable in connection with this society ; and subse¬
quently it was resolved, on the motion of the Vice-Chairman, seconded
by Mr. Bower, that Mr. Banham be thanked for his suggestion and that
he be invited to read a paper on this important subject at the annual
meeting to be held in January next, when it was anticipated there
would be a large gathering.

The accounts of the present date were presented and showed a
balance of £15 18s. On the motion of Mr. Hammond, seconded by the
Chairman, Mr. J. Carter, M.R.C.V.S., of Litcham, was elected a
member of the association, and Mr. G. A. Banham of the Brown Insti¬
tution, London, was also elected.

The President then drew attention to the desirability of terminating
the official year in December instead of July as heretofore, and the
election of officers at the same period, and moved that this alteration
be made forthwith. This was seconded by Mr. J. D. Overed, and
agreed to unanimously, the opinion being expressed that the annual meet¬
ing should be held in January if possible, and not later than the ffrst
week in February.

The President , who was heartly received, in offering a few remarks to
the meeting, congratulated the association on its position, and the manner
in which it was recognised by the profession and by other veterinary
medical societies. They had been called upon to assist in returning
certain members to the veterinary Parliament ; and he could not help
feeling proud and gratified that not only had the chosen of their com¬
bined associations been elected, but that Mr. Geo. Fleming, F.R.C.V.S.,
their especial nominee, had been returned at the head of the poll, and
had been unanimously chosen as the President of the Royal College of
Veterinary Surgeons for the ensuing year. As President, Mr. Fleming
had represented the profession at the Congress in Belgium. He (the
President) was very pleased that the question ot the penal Act, which
was mooted in this society two years since, was now receiving attention
from headquarters ; and that three of the principal Veterinary Associa-

648 EASTERN COUNTIES VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION

tions, the Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Liverpool, had forwarded letters
in support of the above act. He hoped that the members of this associa¬
tion would authorise him to forward a similar letter giving the act their
cordial support. It would doubtless be noticed by the members that
their worthy president had moved in council that steps be immediately
taken to obtain an Act of Parliament for the protection of the title of
Veterinary Surgeon; and he (Mr. Santy) as the principal officer of this
society had forwarded a letter of congratulation to the president on his
election, to which he most courteously replied. He earnestly hoped that
when they obtained the penal Act, that the members of the Council
would strictly enforce the apprenticeship clause, as he was quite sure
it was impossible to have good veterinary surgeons unless they learned in
early life the numerous details and delicate manipulations required in
general practice, and nothing could be more uncomfortable or detri¬
mental to the advancement of the individual, or more derogatory to
the profession generally, than seeing its members gradually educated
by their own blunders at the expense of the public. (Hear, hear). The
President then briefly alluded to the satisfactory character of the balance
sheet, and to the alteration of the period for the official year ; and in
conclusion expressed the hope that each member would individually feel
himself responsible for the welfare of the society and strictly adhere to
its objects, by doing which he would not only assist in advancing his
chosen profession, but would most assuredly rise in his professionaland
social status. (Applause).

Mr. J. D. Overed, M.li.C.V.S. (of Blofield) the hon. secretary of the
association was then called upon to read a paper entitled “ Cases from
my Note Book.” He commenced his remarks by expressing the opinion
that it was quite unnecessary, in the presence of gentlemen united as
one man for the express purpose of promoting veterinary science, and
who periodically meet tegether for open discussion and free interchange
of ideas on important subjects in connection with veterinary medicine
and surgery, to insist upon the necessity of each one being ready and
willing, as opportunity offered, to respond to the call of duty, but,
nevertheless, they must not forget that it was by individual effort, and
by personal interest alone, that success could crown their exertions.
Addison had said, “ ’Tis not in mortals to command success,” but he
significantly added, “ We can do more ; we can deserve it.” Let them
see in future, as those having the welfare of this association at heart,
and desirous of seeing it established on broad, firm, and permanent basis,
that their efforts and their motives should be such as to deserve success ;
and he believed the day was not far distant when they would be able to
congratulate each other on having attained it. On this occasion he did
not attempt to prove a pet theory, nor to illustrate a particular subject
by the composition of an essay; but his object was rather to give this
meeting a practical turn by relating a few cases which had been brought
under his own observation in the ordinary routine of his practice as a
country veterinary surgeon, which he trusted might be of interest. He
hoped that the discussion and the opinions expressed would increase
their knowledge and power in the exercise of their professional duties
to assuage the sufferings, to mitigate the sorrows, and add to the hap¬
piness of those domesticated animals with which the well-being, the
prosperity, and the pleasure of mankind were so closely identified. Mr.
Overed then proceeded with his paper, which was of an interesting
and gossipy character, including a variety of cases, among which were —
injury to the superspinous cervical ligament ( lig amentum nucha ) in a
colt; singular case of a horse falling through a railway bridge; two

EASTERN COUNTIES VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, 649

cases of ruptured bladder in a mare and bullock ; rupture of
diaphragm in a colt, &c. &c.

There was considerable discussion on all the cases cited, the first
one eliciting an hour’s instructive conversation.

Mr. L. Butters , M.R.C.V.S., followed, giving a case of tumours, in the
ventricle of the brain of a horse, and describing the symptoms of the
case up to the death of the animal. The diseased organ was submitted
to the inspection of the members, and some discussion took place in
regard to the progress and symptoms of this malady among horses.

The question was asked by Mr. Williams if the well-known disease of
megrims in the horse had any connection with the incipient stage of
these tumours.

The President , in reply, thought it very probable that such might be
the case.

Mr. Charles Williams was requested by the Chairman to give the
members the result of his examination of the animal’s brain. He stated
that the right ventricle contained a long oval tumour, half the size of a
turkey’s egg, having a smooth surface, being firm to the touch, and of a
dark-brown colour, similar to the external surface of a human spleen.
A smaller tumour existed in the opposite ventricle, attached to and
springing from the choroid plexus. On making a section of the tumour,
its inner aspect presented a number of yellowish spots of various sizes,
most of them being of the size of a pea. They were soft, and had the
appearance of tubercle in a state of caseification. The soft yellow
material could be enucleated from the cysts, aud when examined micro¬
scopically were seen to consist wholly of plates of cholesterine and oil
globules. A portion of the tumour, when allowed to dry, shrivelled into
small lumps of shining scales like minute plates of mica. Neither cancer
nor tubercle were found in connection with these tumours.

At the close of the discussion the Chairman proposed a hearty
vote of thanks to the lion, secretary for his paper, saying that it might
teach some of them the lesson of not arriving at a conclusion in a case
with too much haste. This was seconded by Mr. Bower , and carried
unanimously. A similar compliment was paid to Mr. Williams on the
motion of the Chairman , who alluded in terms of praise to the tact that
Mr. Williams took an active interest in this society, and also to his
kindness in giving information to the members on the present occa¬
sion. The Vice-Chairman , who seconded, expressed the hope that other
medical men would pursue the same course with regard to this
association.

A cordial vote of thanks was then accorded to the worthy president
for the able manner in which he had discharged his duties ; and sub¬
sequently a number of the members partook of tea, alter which the pro¬
ceedings terminated.

650

Veterinary Jurisprudence.

DISPUTED LIABILITY FOR LOSS OF SHEEP BY ROT.
Somerset Assizes. Nisi Prius Court. Before Mr. Justice Grove.

JONES V. BUTLER.

The importance of this trial, both to agriculturists and members ot
the veterinary profession, has led to our republishing it in extenso.

Mr. J. F. Norris , and Mr. G. Pill-Lewis, instructed by Messrs. Crutt-
well and Co., of Frome, for plaintiff, a farmer of Upton Scudamore ; and
Mr. A. Collins , Q.C., with whom was Mr. Prior Goldney , instructed by
Messrs. Keary, Stokes, and Goldney, of Chippenham, for defendant, who
occupies Bromham House Farm.

Mr. Norris , in stating plaintiff’s case, said that plaintiff attended Marl¬
borough Fair on the 24th November last, and made a deal with defendant
ior 100 ewes at 33s. each. Defendant had at first asked 40s., but sub¬
sequently they agreed upon the former price, defendant warranting the
soundness of the flock, and this fact was stated on the cheque by which
payment was made.

The sheep went back the same night to defendant’s farm, and on the
following morning they were driven to Upton Scudamore, and pastured
on down lands the same evening. On the road they were detained a
short while until some lambs were separated from them, which had to go
in another direction. This took place on the high road, and neither
here nor during the whole journey had the sheep any opportunity of
taking herbage that could have caused any mischief. The spot where
they were pastured on plaintiff’s farm was perfectly dry and healthy,
situate about 1000 feet above sea level, and there they remained till the
16th or 17th of February, when lambing commenced, in charge of a
shepherd named Carpenter. On the 14th February, one of the ewes
had died, but plaintiff' set it down to chill, and took no notice of the cir¬
cumstance. On the 6th of March, however, two died, and on the 15th,
three, and then one a day was lost on the 17th, 29th, 30th, 31st, two on
the 2nd, April, and one on the 9th. Plaintiff was now convinced that
something other than chill was carrying off the sheep, and on the 10th,
of April, he wrote to Mr. Butler, informing him that about 20 out of
the 100 ewes were dead, and he feared nearly the whole would die, and
he asked defendant to come and see the sheep. Mr. Butler replied that
“ he was sorry to hear of the loss Mr. Jones had had with the ewes, but
it was such a long time since he sold them. Pie knew several cases of
sheep bought at Marlborough Fair from other sound flocks, and all of
them had been dead some weeks, some in the neighbourhood of Seend.”
On the 15 th April, plaintiff went to Devizes Market, and had some con-
vervation with defendant about the sheep. At that time he had had one
of the sheep examined by Mr. Day, veterinary surgeon of Warminster,
who found the liver fluked. He told Mr. Butler at Devizes that he was
willing to put the matter into the hands of two friends — one to be
selected by each party, and he would accept their decision. Mr. Butler
did not give an answer to that proposal at the moment, but on the 20th
April, when at Devizes Fair, he told plaintiff that he had turned the matter
over in his mind, and he did not see he could do anything at all, and

VETERINARY JURISPRUDENCE.

651

upon that plaintiff replied, “ Then we must have a fair fight for it.”
Plaintiff subsequently instructed Messrs. Cruttwell and Co., Frome, who,
writing to defendant, informed him that a sheep had been ‘‘opened and
examined by two well-known veterinary surgeons, who find it to be a
most fearful case of flukes in the liver, and pronounce that the disease
must have existed long before the date of the sale by you to our client.”
Messrs. Cruttwell reminded him that he had warranted the sheep sound,
which he no doubt believed to be the fact at the time, but “about the
beginning of last month (February), the best of the sheep began to die
off suddenly, and the probability was that their client would lose every¬
one of them.” They asked him to go and see the sheep, and he did so,
accompanied by Mr. Beaslev, veterinary surgeon. One of the sheep was
opened in the presence of Mr. Beasley and Mr. James of Frome, and he
(the learned counsel) understood that some flukes were found in it one
and a half inches long. No satisfactory arrangement, however, was come
to between the parties, and plaintiff had been compelled to bring the
present action. At the time it was entered 62 out of the 100 ewes had
died, besides 70 of their lambs, and the remainder (38) were in a hope¬
lessly diseased condition, and were subsequently sold in Frome Market
with seventeen lambs for £38, less £1 expenses. Plaintiff had also in¬
curred expenses in the shape of milk, extra food, and labour, amounting
to £50, — two milch cows having had to be obtained purposely to provide
extra nourishment. The full amount sued for was £177. His learned
friend no doubt would contend that the sheep were sound at the time
they were sold, and when the warranty was given, and that they had
contracted the disease either upon plaintiff’s farm or upon the way there.
It seemed that after they were bought they were taken back to defendant’s
farm at Bromkam the same night, by defendant’s own man, along with
thirty lambs, and that on the following day the remainder of the journey
was completed, the flock having been detained for about half an hour in
Bratton drove, while the lambs were picked out to go in another direction
to Mr. Francis’s, who had bought them. It probably would be contended
that the disease was contracted by the sheep picking the herbage in the
lane. But it was a hard stone road, and there was no place where the sheep
could feed. The plaintiff’s farm was a perfectly healthy one, and it was
impossible that the sheep could have been baned after they arrived there.
The veterinary surgeon would tell them that sheep were not known to
become fluked after the month of October, and they would remember
that the ewes were not bought till November the 24th. It seemed that
when once the germs had been taken into the animal, though they could
not be exterminated, their development might be retarded by careful
treatment, and might not show itself for a long time. In the first stages
of the disease the animals fattened very rapidly, and if they were wanted
for the market, and were put into a wet meadow where they might pick
up the germs, they soon considerably improved. Mr. Norris then called
a large °amount of evidence bearing on the purchase and subsequent
movements of the sheep, and also as to the character or the fluke
disease

The plaintiff, Ishmael Jones, examined by Mr. Pitt- Lewis, said that
on the 24th November, 1879, he attended Marlborough^ Market and
made a deal with defendant for 100 ewes at 83s. a head. Defendant
warranted them sound and he paid him by cheque. It was ai ranged
that Edward Snelgrove should drive them back to Mr. Butler’s,
which was about fourteen miles from Marlborough, for the night, and
that they should go the remaining twelve miles to Upton Scudamore on
the following morning. His farm included one field ot 308 acres right

052

VETERINARY JURISPRUDENCE.

on the downs, a portion of Salisbury Plain in fact. It was a thousand
feet above the level of the sea, precisely on a level with Bratton Castle.
It was on the chalk, and very dry indeed. No sheep that he had ever
heard of had been fluked there. The sheep went on to that land the
night they arrived, and remained there till the 15th or 16th of
February, when they were taken away for lambing. They were then
put into a standing pen pitched for the purpose, and they were bedded
with wheat straw every day. That was also a very dry place. The first
ewe died on the 14th February. He thought it was a mere chill, and
paid very little attention to it, as they were supposed to lose six or seven
per cent, in lambing. Two more died on the 6th March, and up to the
9th of June he had lost 62 out of the ICO and about 70 of their lambs,
lie sold the remainder in Frome Market, and they realised £38, from
which £1 expenses had to be deducted. He was put to considerable
expense owing to the ewes having no milk, and having to get two
milch cows. Two extra men were also required, and with other expenses
he had lost about £50, besides the difference between the £164 paid for
the sheep and the £37 realised for the remainder in Frome Market.
The best sheep in the flock died on the 9th April, and he had it opened
and the liver sent to Mr. Day. On the 10th he wrote to Mr. Butler,
and on the 15th he saw him in Devizes Market, and told him the sheep
had the bane very bad.

Witness added that he told Mr. Butler that in the opinion of the
veterinary surgeon all the sheep would die, and that if he (Mr.
Butler) would appoint some person he would do the same, and they
would settle it in that way. He advised him to think it over till the
following Tuesday, which would be Devizes Green Fair day, and Mr.
Butler said he would do so. He accordingly saw him at the fair, and he
said, “He had made up his mind to do nothing; do as you like.”
Witness replied, “ If that is your mind we must have a fair fight for it.
It’s useless for us to stand here and argue the matter ourselves.” He
then put the matter into his solicitor’s hands, and the letters referred
to by the learned counsel passed between them. On the 7th May Mr.
Butler, accompanied by Mr. Beasley, veterinary surgeon, went to his
farm, and he (witness) had Mr. James, veterinary surgeon, of Frome,
waiting to meet them. Mr. Beasely removed a fluke one and a half
inches long from one of the sheep that had died. There was any
amount of them. Mr. Beasley then turned round to him and said, “ I
hope you and my friend will settle this matter.” Defendant made no
observation. He (plaintiff) had three other flocks on the farm. He had
had them longer. He invited Mr. Butler and Mr. Beasley to look at
them, and they saw one lot, which Mr. Beasley said were perfectly
sound. They had all been kept on the same land within a few yards.

In the cross-examination by Mr. Collins he said he had been a farmer
thirty years. He had also a farm at Swindon, on which he had lived
sixteen years, but that was not a sheep farm. He had about 400 sheep
altogether at Upton Scudamore, including 154 ewes, besides those
bought of Mr. Butler. He had two lots of tegs, about a year old now,
which were bought in September and October. He had lost thirteen
ewes before he complained. They were fed on the best hay that he
could obtain, and had as much as they could eat. He had not lost
one animal from rot except those of the flock he bought at Marlborough.
He was not a dealer in sheep, except as a farmer. He bought thirty
lambs and sold some of them again to a person named Morris. He
bought them at an agricultural repository auction at Frome, and he
meant to take them home, but some of them never got there. Many

VETERINARY JURISPRUDENCE.

653

of them could not walk home. This was at the latter end of February
or the beginning of March. He gave £12 15s. for them (8s. 6d. each),
and sold them for about 6s. 6d. a piece.

His Lordship. — Had these got the rot ? — No doubt about it.

Mr. Collins (to his Lordship). — They did not tell us this before.

Plaintiff. — I bade money and they were knocked down to me
immediately.

Mr. Collins. — They were tegs ? — You can call them lambs or tegs.

Witness remarked that he bought them because the price was
tempting.

Mr. Collins. — Where did you put them ? — In a little paddock.

Witness stated further that four or five of the ewes had been opened
since the 10th of April, and every one had flukes in it. He had no marsh
land on his farm. He had no land near the River Biss. He sold 124
out of the 154 ewes (one of the other flocks) to Mr. Smith, of M inter¬
bourne Stoke.

Re-examined. — The paddock was two miles away from Mr. Butler’s
sheep. He had lost no other sheep from fluke. He had had one out of
the 154 flock killed on the previous day, and the liver (which was in
Court) was perfectly sound.

By his Lordship. — He had had three’or four of Mr. Butler’s sheep killed
to see if the disease was latent, and though they showed no outward signs
of disease they were as full of flukes as they could hold.

Edward Snelgrove, who drove the flock from Bromham, stated that he
reached Bratton about six to a quarter past, and there met Carpenter,
Mr. Jones’s shepherd. He did not allow the sheep to stop on the road.
He had also thirty lambs.

His Lordship. — Are those the thirty that were diseased ?

Plaintiff was recalled and questioned on this point, as Mr. Collins
suggested that for anything they knew they might be those which
afterwards came into plaintiff’s possession. Plaintiff explained that
they were thirty that Mr. Francis had bought at Marlborough Fair. He
did not know whether they had the rot or not, but he heard him say he
sold them cheap. Mr. Francis was his brother-in-law.

Snelgrove then stated that he was in Bratton Drove separating the
lambs from the sheep for about half an hour. He had never told any¬
body that the sheep were feeding by the side of the road while
he was separating them. Of course he could not stop their mouths
(laughter). They picked as they went along. Fie kept them moving
all the time.

Mr. Francis said he bought thirty lambs at Marlbro’ Fair in November
at 16s. each. He scarcely thought that was the price of sound animals.
He was passing through the fair, and the owner asked 25s. a piece, but
he subsequently took 16s. They were driven home with plaintiff’s
sheep. One of the thirty died and the rest he sold. The farm they
were put on lay very low, and was very wet indeed.

By Mr. Collins. — Bratton Drove was a hard stone road, not a grass
lane. It was two miles from his farm. Last Christmas he said to Mr.
Morris that he was to take the lambs and give him what he made of
them.

Isaac Watkins , bailiff to plaintiff, said he had his doubts about the
sheep in the early part of January.

His Lordship.— Is the fluke disease infectious ?— No. If sound sheep
were put on good dry wholesome ground with sheep that were diseased
the sound ones would not take it.

Stephen Carpenter , shepherd to plaintiff, remembered the 100 ewes

654

VETERINARY JURISPRUDENCE.

being brought by Snelgrove. When on the down land they laid on
pea haulm which had never been cut, and after they were brought
down at lambing time to the lambing pen they laid on straw. Witness
grave evidence as to the milk and additional labour.

Cross-examined. — It was very cold weather. The sheep were not very
fat. Those of Mr. Butler’s were “ terrible thin.” He took some
sheep to Frome Market to sell, and somebody asked him What sheep
are those P You’ve got a rougish lot there, shepherd.” Tie replied
“ Yes,” but he never said “ They have been put on the hill where there
was nothing for them to eat.” He did not know whether the person
was Mr. Franks, of Rowde Farm.

Mr. Norris reminded Mr. Collins that it was not in the pleading that
the sheep had been killed of starvation.

Mr. Collins replied that it was alleged there had been want of care on
the part of the plaintiff in respect of the ewes.

Mr. Sydney James , M.R.C.V.S., Frome, said he had been in practice
twenty years. Fluke disease was not contagious. One sheep did not
get it from another.

His Lordship. — Not infectious in any way ? — No, my lord.

Witness said he had examined one of the livers at Mr. Day’s house.

His Lordship. — Is it disputed that they died of flukes ?

Mr. Collins. — We don’t know how many died of flukes or starvation.

Witness went on to say that the sheep had died from liver rot. He
examined the liver on the 12th April, and on the 22nd he examined
another at plaintiff’s house in company with Mr. Day. They had one of
the ewes killed, and he found the biliary ducts full of flukes. He said
positively that the sheep which he had examined had had the disease
previously to November. The germs were undoubtedly taken in before
that time.

His Lordship. — What is the general period of incubation, if it may be
so called? — The germ takes six or eight weeks to fully develop. After
that certain changes take place in the liver from the presence of the
fluke. The general structure of the liver is altered. I have no doubt
the disease had existed four or five months. The disease passes through
various stages of development. It may remain in a latent form if the
sheep are carefully tended. The disease is taken on low marshy lands.
Cold weather would not hasten the development. The disease is picked
up from July and not later than November. I have heard of a few
cases where lambs are said to have had flukes in their liver, but I have
never seen any in lambs myself. I should say it was impossible to bane
sheep on land where these had been kept. I was present on the 7th
May when Mr. Beasley took out the fluke one and a half inches long.
They very much resemble a sole in shape.

His Lordship. — That is the butterfly or imago state ?

Witness. — They lay eggs in that state. Witness added that he took
120 flukes from one sheep’s liver, and he believed the whole flock were
contaminated. He did not believe there was one but what had flukes
in its liver. If they had taken the flukes by the wayside one or two
might have been contaminated, but not the whole flock.

His Lordship. — The eggs are laid by the flukes on the grass ?

Witness. — They come from the dropping of sheep, and adhere to the
grass near the ground, and as sheep nibble close they get them.

Cross-examined by Mr. Collins. — Certain flukes (in spirits) which were
shown to witness were, he said, fairly developed. It was possible that
they might have been taken from a lamb of this year. When he
examined the sheep all the internal organs were in a state of

VENERINARY JURISPEUDENCE .

655

wasting arising from diseased liver. He did not think the sheep would
be likely to pick up the germs in the ditches and hedges by the road¬
side. A road with herbage along the side would be a different thing.
Before sheep could pick them up they must undergo a certain process
of washing, and be scattered about amongst the grass. The fluke
disease had been very general. If 50 or 100 sheep were taken from a
flock of say double the number, he should not expect to find one part
sound and the other portion diseased.

Re-examined. — A good many causes retarded or promoted the develop¬
ment of the disease when the germ was in the animal.

Mr. William Ray, M.R.C.V.S., Warminster, said he received a sheep’s
liver from Mr. Jones on the 10th April. It was in a very far advanced
stage of the disease. The biliary ducts contained numerous flukes
fully developed. The coats of the ducts were much thickened and
enlarged. The disease had existed five or six months. On the 12th
April Mr. James and he examined a liver, and he agreed with what Mr.
James had said. On the 22nd April a ewe was killed, and he examined
it in company with Mr. James, and he agreed with what Mr. James had
said with regard to it also. He had seen part of defendant’s land ; it
was heavy and marshy, and likely to bane sheep.

Cross-examined. — All the pastures he saw were marshy, and the fallow
ground adjoining was very heavy. The sheep were a mile or so otF.
There was no one to show him where the land was that the sheep were
on last winter. Some women in some cottages told him to whom the
land belonged. Mr. Jones and Mr. Harding were with him.

Mr. Thomas Dylce Broad , M.H.C.V.S., Bath, said he had examined
twenty-three of the sheep alive, and he had one killed on the 22nd June.
He agreed with the previous evidence. He knew the road over which
the sheep were driven ; it was an unlikely place for sheep to become
baned.

By Mr. Collins. — It was difficult to know the exact time when germs
were taken into the stomach. He never knew a case in which sheep had
become affected after October, though he had had much experience in
fluke disease. They began to take the disease in May, June, or July.
He believed they might be bred in the animal, the same as worms in many
other animals. The bile in the sheep was the natural food of the fluke.

Re-examined. — He had had fifty years experience in his profession.

Mr. Thomas Aubrey , M.R.C.V.S., Salisbury, saw twenty-two or twenty-
three of the sheep about the 23rd June. They were in a very emaciated
condition ; nothing but skin and bone. They were suffering from rot.
He made an independent post-mortem examination, and found the disease
in a very bad stage. The germs must have been in the creature many
months.

His Lordship.— What is the longest time of incubation ? — That depends
on the treatment they are subject to. I have known sheep live on two
years and breed two lambs.

Mr. Collins asked how he knew they were baned at that time ? but the
question was not answered.

Mr. Thomas King Harding , farmer, of Maiden Bradley, said that on the
6th or 7th of this month he went to defendant’s farm with plaintiff and
another gentleman. They examined two pieces of pasture land. -I hey
were very flat, and very wet he should say in winter, and such Lmd as
he should be very sorry to have had sheep on during last season.

Mr. Collins complained that an attempt had been made to show that
plaintiff had purposely kept out of the way, but this was not so, for when
he returned home about an hour later he sought for the parties all over

656

VETERINARY JURISPRUDENCE.

the farm, but they had gone. In addressing the jury for the defence
Mr. Collins admitted that some of the sheep had died from flukes. He
did not deny it, but how they got them would be for the jury to decide.
The sheep were warranted sound, and his case was that they were sound
when sold to Mr. Jones. Defendant’s land was light and sandy, with
the exception of two fields, and the veterinary surgeons whom he should
call would tell them that it was almost impossible for the sheep to have
contracted the disease, before they were sent to Marlborough Market.
But the strongest part of the case was this. That the sheep which died
were affected with fluke was undoubted, but Mr. Butler would tell them
that the remainder of the flock of 266, out of which the 100 were drawn,
were perfectly sound, had bred lambs, and had been recently sold for the
full price as sound sheep. All the sheep were folded together, not in
the pastures, but upon dry sandy down land, and they had all exactly
the same treatment. In November he picked out 100 ewes and sent
them to Marlborough, and the question was how they got from the fair
to Mr. Jones’s farm. He assumed they did not contract the disease after
they had got on to Mr. Jones’s land, because it had been proved to be
good and dry sheep land. But they would remember that they were
driven along with the 30 lambs which were bought at 16s. a-piece, and
which were all affected with rot, and afterwards sold for a nominal sum.
Then it would be folly to expect the jury to believe that sheep could be
driven so many miles without picking the grass by the road side, and he
should call witnesses to prove that they passed through a most infected
district. It also seemed rather hard on Mr. Butler, that though the sheep
were sold in November, he should have had no complaint till April.
After hearing the evidence which he should bring before them, he
thought the only conclusion they could come to would be that iu some
way or other the sheep got the fluke after they left Mr. Butler’s farm.
The veterinary surgeons -who had been called, and who had seen the
sheep, had given the opinion, to the best of their knowledge, no doubt,
that the sheep had been infected for at least six months, and if that were
so it would be just about the time when the sheep were brought from
Marlborough to plaintiff’s farm. In conclusion, he said he did not for a
moment deny that the sheep were warranted, but their defence was that
at the time they were sold they were sound sheep.

James Butler , the defendant, examined by Mr. Goldney, said he succeeded
his father on the farm at his death. His father occupied the farm about
40 years. It was a sandy soil, with a brash or light stony sub-soil. It
was a healthy farm for sheep. The two pasture fields that had been
referred to were not heavy, and he never saw any water there in his life.
He knew nothing of the plaintiff and the other gentleman coming. He
went in an hour after, and on hearing that some one had been he searched
the farm but they had gone.

To Iiis Lordship. — The farm was 460 acres.

Examination continued. — The flock numbered 266 originally. They had
been folded on turnips, and feeding on dry pasture for three months pre¬
viously. The turnips were at the top of the farm, and the pasture land was
round the house. It was very light and very dry — clean healthy pasture.
The biggest part of the flock were over four years, and some might
be a year younger. The 100 ewes left the farm on the 23rd November,
and were folded that night at Mr. Everett’s, at Overton, near Marlboro’,
and the next morning they went on to the fair. He had no doubt as to
their soundness. The sheep came back to Bromham the same night, and
were put in a field beside the house. He bought 118 lambs at Marlborough
* E’air. His man came back with the ewes plaintiff bought, and also 30

VETERINARY JURISPRUDENCE.

657

lambs that Mr. Francis bought. He retained 166 out of the 266 ewes
for lambing purposes, and had 156 lambs from them. He sold 155 out
of the 166 ewes on the 10th June to Mr. Rawlins. Of the other 11
3 died before lambing (they were giddy and were killed — not fluked), 1
died from chill, 2 died in lambing, 2 were killed for the purposes of
this action, and he had 3 still in his possession.

Cross-examined by Mr. Norris. — His father bred thjese sheep on the farm.
The land was well drained. There were a few rushes.

Mr. Norris. — They are kept as a curiosity just to show that the land
is light and sandy ? (Laughter.) — There was a place called North-Hills.
It was decidedly not damp. It was not the driest and not medium :
more dry than wet. There were very few rushes.

Do rushes grow on light sandy soil ? — They don’t grow on the
lightest.

Do they grow generally on light sandy soil ? — They do not.

Then 1 may take it the soil is heavy ? — Not heavy.

Is it light ? — It is not light.

Is it medium ? — It is not medium on my farm.

Can you explain how the rushes came there? — It is beyond my know¬
ledge.

Witness said there was also a field called Grass Meads which was in
clover stubbie all last year. His brother was at Marlborough Fair with
him. Mr. Rawlins, who brought the sheep was not now present, nor
his brother.

Had your brother any interest in these sheep ?— No.

Has he a farm near yours ? — Three or four miles away.

Were these animals ever on his farm ?-- No.

Has he had many sheep baned ? — All bailed.

500 or 600 ? — No, I should say about 200.

Witness was asked a number of questions to show in how short a
distance one farm could be reached from the other, and he explained
that about three miles was the shortest.

Is Mr. Curnick’s farm near yours? — It joins.

Has he had a great many baned sheep ? — Never had one that I
know of.

Don’t you know that sheep have been baned there by scores ? — They
have not.

You will pledge your oath ? — I will pledge my oath.

Have’nt they been killed and carried away in carts ? — They never
have.

Re-examined. — Mr. Curnick’s house is half a mile from mine. He has
lost some sheep this winter, but not by rot.

What did they die of? — Chill and other causes, but not rot.

Alfred Woodridge, Bromham, shepherd to Mr. Butler for three years,
spoke to taking the ewes to the fair ; and Mr. Everett, farmer of Over-
ton, was also called, but very few questions were asked either witness ;
in fact, Mr. Everett was not examined at all.

Mr. Thomas Beasley , M.R.C.V.S., of Hilperton, said he was an inspector
under the Cattle Diseases Act. He knew Mr. Butler’s farm, and had had
pointed out to him where the ewes were folded. He had heard defend¬
ant’s evidence, and knew the two fields that grew the rushes. They
both laid away from the farm. The farm was square, and these lay away
from the rest on the lower part. They were not so dry as the other.
The rest was perfectly healthy. On the 20th May he saw Mr. Butler’s
sheep looking very well ; they were all perfectly healthy, and very good
sheep indeed.

658

VETERINARY JURISPRUDENCE.

Cross-examined. — He had had a great deal of experience with regard
to fluke disease. He examined a liver and found it perfectly healthy,
and on killing another ewe he saw no sign of fluke whatever. In his
judgment, if the 1G6 sheep were infected with flukes they could not have
been in the condition in which he saw them. In the first week of May
he went to Mr. Jones’ farm and saw about seventy ewes in an orchard.
They were in a very weak and low condition. He saw the livers of some
of the dead ones, and they were fluked. He also saw a few tegs, which
were in fair condition except one, which, in his opinion, was rotten.

The Court then adjourned till the following morning.

Mr. Beasley’s evidence was then continued. — He said, 1 know Mr. Carter’s
farm and also Mr. Giddings’ — they are immediately adjoining the
plaintiff’s, and the animals there I believe to be healthy. I consider
all Mr. Butler’s sheep to be perfectly sound, and I have seen many of
them. As for flukes, it is my opinion they are to be observed at any
month in the year. On a visit to Mr. Butler’s farm I and some gentlemen
that accompanied me killed two ewes, and a teg, for the purpose of
examination. On one of the ewes we found very few young flukes ; in
the others we did not find any ; they were perfectly sound. The liver
was as sound as possible.

Cross-examined by Mr. Norris. — I have had eleven years professional
experience ; and I regard the work of Mr. Simonds as being very
eminent and authoritative, lie is the Principal of our College, and
Professor of Cattle Pathology. I don’t, however, agree with him when
he says, as regarding this disease, that at the end of October the danger
is really passed away, the cold weather and the frost removing the cause
of mischief. Consequently, of course, I don’t agree with the four
gentlemen yesterday. I agree, however, Avith the opinion of Professor
ISimonds that a combination of unfavorable circumstances may give rise
to the disease, whilst, on the contrary, the majority of influences being
favorable, even months may pass before rot is suspected to exist. I
don’t agree with the other veterinarians examined, in the opinion that the
germs of the disease must have been inoculated in the sheep they
examined many months previously. It is probable that the flukes might
not have existed more than a month or six weeks.

Mr. Nonis. — These sheep must have been baned on Mr. Jones’s farm
then? — Witness — Or in the transfer there.

Mr. Norris. — Only six weeks, you know ! If they existed only that
time they must have been baned only that time ? — Witness — I said,
might have existed six weeks.

Mr. Norris. — Well, had they existed six months ? — Witness — No
certainly not. 1 could not give as a limit more than three months.

Mr. Norris. — You pledge your professional reputation they existed not
more than three months ? — Witness — I do.

Mr. Norris. — Then according to that they must have been baned on
Mr. Jones’ farm. The sheep, you know, came to Mr. Jones’s farm on
on the 25th of November, and were examined in May, so they must have
been baned on Mr. Jones’s farm ? Witness— I think they might have been.

Mr. Norris. — They must have been according to your statement? —
Witness — I can’t say accurately as to the length of the existence of the
disease.

Mr. Norris. — Then why do you pledge your professional reputation
that it existed not more than three months ?

His Lordship.— 1 presume you wish to speak generally? — Witness —
Yes, my lord.

By Mr. Norris. — 1 know Mr. Curnick’s farm; but it is not within my

VETERINARY JURISPRUDENCE.

659

knowledge that slieep have been baned there, I don’t even know that a
great many have died there. I have heard it, however. I gathered
yesterday, too, that sheep had been baned on Mr. Butler’s brother’s
farm. The sheep I examined at Mr. Jones’s farm presented every
appearance of being baned, but, of course, I can’t say that they would
have died up to this time. They might live a month or two or longer
from hence.

His Lordship. — But the animal might recover? — Witness — Certainly,
your lordship j it does not of necessity die.

Re-examined. — I have seen Mr. Jones’ sheep, and they are in a very
low condition. With regard to the period of the existence of fluke it is
very difficult to speak.

John Rose , butcher, of Devizes, gave evidence as to killing the ewe in
Mr. Beasley’s presence. The teg he considered perfectly sound ; and
the liver of the ewe looked perfectly healthy.

Mr. C. LI. Parry, Chilvester Hill, Caine, said he was an auctioneer
and valuer, and had been in business about twenty years He had
had considerable experience in the farms of Wiltshire and the neighbour¬
ing counties. He knew Mr. Butler’s farm, and had valued the stock on
it twice within the last four or five years. The farm itself he had known
the last twenty-five years ; and he should say it was one of the soundest
farms in England. It was of a light, sandy soil, of high level, but
running across a valley. In his judgment, as an experienced man, it
was certainly not a likely farm to “ rot ” sheep.

Mr. Norris. — No part of it? — No.

Mr. Norris. — You say it is within six miles of Chippenham ? — Yes.

Mr. Coleman , veterinary surgeon, of Salisbury, a member of the Royal
College of Veterinary Surgeons, and who had been in practice for
upwards of thirty years, said he had had considerable experience in sheep,
and more especially as he was a farmer as well as a veterinary surgeon.
The fluke disease in the last year or two had been extremely prevalent.
On the 23rd of June he went to Mr. Jones’s farm, accompanied by Mr.
Beasley. He saw the flock of ewes there and a number of lambs, and, of
course, the animals, or those remaining, in question. He saw no dis¬
tinction as regards condition or disease between those formerly
belonging to Mr. Butler and the remainder of the flock. All were in a
low condition — very low indeed. He should say, as to the ewes, that
they had been badly kept, and the majority of them suffered more or
less from the fluke disease. Witness went over the road leading from
the plaintiff’s to the defendant’s farm, and he should consider it most
decidedly an unhealthy lane to drive sheep — it was absolutely dangerous
for sheep to pass along that road when the fluke was prevalent. It
would be very dangerous for sheep to stay there any time. The
character of the land on either side would tend to produce the disease.
He saw Mr. Butler’s sheep, both the ewes and the tegs. The tegs were
in a very good condition; and as to the ewes which remained from the
flock that Mr. Butler had sold, he had one of them killed, and on
examination he found it perfectly sound and free from disease. Witness
went over some portions of Mr. Butler’s farm, and found it perfectly
healthy, dry land. The land that he saw was certainly not likely to
rot sheep. He was in Court on the previous day, and with regard to
the opinion then expressed that sheep did not take flukes in October,
he was able to contradict it, and give a case in illustration. He sold
thirty-four lambs at Yarnborough Castle Fair on the 4th of October.
Six or seven weeks after, these animals commenced dying ; and he was
certain they never contained the germs of the disease previously. The

660

VETERINARY JURISPRUDENCE.

purchaser, at all events, made no claim upon him. Other cases he could
give in illustration.

Mr. Norris. — Are the other cases similar to this ? Witness. — They
are (laughter). Mr. Norris somewhat facetiously cross-examined the
witness on this point. “You sold thirty-four lambs in October, they
have commenced dying almost immediately, and because you were not
called upon for their value they were safe when you sold them. Ex¬
cellent reasoning truly!” — said the learned counsel.

Witness, continuing, said he knew Mr. Simonds’ book. Mr. Simonds
was a very able man, and he respected him. He, indeed, was at the
head of the profession. He certainly was a very valuable man, and
witness agreed with him in some cases. Certainly, when he agreed
with witness, witness agreed with him (laughter). He had as much
right to an opinion as Mr. Simonds (laughter). He certainly could
not agree with the statement — indeed, they had examples to the
contrary — that at the end of October the danger to sheep was really
passed away, the cold weather and the frost removing the cause of
further mischief. Such an opinion was held many years ago, but more
recent experience contradicted it.

Mr. Norris incidentally remarked that, at all events, the opinion had
been held “subsequent to the year 1879.”

Cross-examination continued. — He believed with Professor Simonds
that a combination of unfavorable circumstances might originate the
disease in five or six weeks. The ewes of Mr. Jones certainly appeared
to have been badly kept. He would admit that what it was stated the
animals were provided with was good and beneficial food. As to Mr.
Butler’s farm, he should say that no danger would accrue to sheep on
any part that he saw.

His Lordship. — How is this fluke produced ? Witness. — The animals
pick it up with the fruit.

Ilis Lordship. — How does it produce the new germ ? Witness. — It
passes to the stomach, and from the stomach into the liver.

His Lordship. — But the germs are something upon the plants which the
animal receives. How does the germ in the stomach come upon the
plant? Witness. — That is the question. It passes from the animal.

His Lordship. — Is there any particular season at which the germs
develop themselves? Witness. — Yes, generally speaking, from June to
the end of November. Last year, however, it should be remembered,
was an exceptional year.

Mr. John Davis Harford , a member of the Royal College of Veterinary
Surgeons, residing at Southampton, and who is Inspector to the Privy
Council for the Port of Southampton, said he visited Mr. Butler’s farm
early in July, and made careful examination of the character of the
greater part of the farm, and also examined the lambs and tegs. The
animals were, as far as appearance went, in a sound, healthy condition,
and he had no hesitation in saying the character of the soil — a red, sandy
brashy loam — was the least calculated of any he had seen to produce this
disease. He also visited the Bratton Drove, and from what he could
glean this was originally an open common run ; a considerable portion
of it was enclosed, but the drove was really an open road with green
sward each side. Consequent upon his observation, he had no hesitation
in saying that it was eminently calculated to produce this disease.
Witness came to the opinion, from a combination of circumstances — first,
the character of Mr. Butler’s soil ; next, the condition of the existing
animals, and other influences, that the ewes were sound at the time of
the sale.

VETERINARY JURISPRUDENCE.

661

Cross-examined. — It was a very difficult question to answer — the
length of the existence of flukes. He would not like to say those now
exhibited to him had existed three months. Last season, however, was
a very exceptional one, and the disease was developed in half the time
of previous years. Still it would not be correct to say that the land
which he had found incapable previously of producing it had been
capable of producing the disease. It was probably a fact that farms
which had been considered good previously last season baned sheep.

His Lordship suggested, at this point, that further evidence of this
character should not be called, and Mr. Collins acquiesced.

James King , who had been a shepherd on Mr. Butler’s farm for
upwards of forty years, deposed that he had never had a baned sheep
on the farm.

Mr. Charles Giddings, whose land adjoins the Bratton Drove, said he
lost fifteen cows from fluke in the last season. The animals commenced
dying in February, and were, when alive, constantly passing up and
down the drove.

Mr. Edward Carter , who is occupying the House Croft Farm, said
Bratton Drove led through his farm. He had unfortunately lost a
great number of sheep4from bane ; and it was some of his sheep that Mr.
Jones bought at the auction sale. It would be dangerous for sheep to
stop in the Bratton Drove. He agreed with Mr. Barford’s description
of it.

Cross-examined. — He sold his thirty lambs in December.

Alfred Rawlings , a butcher, who had bought several of the same flock
from which Mr. Jones’s sheep were taken, was called, but did not
respond. Mr. John Pound said he had personally that morning
served him with a subpoena at Stockbridge Fair, but he told him that
he should not attend.

Defendant was recalled to prove that he had sold the remainder of his
flock to Bawling at 30s. a head.

Cross-examined. — Defendant swore that he considered 30s. a head a
sound price, and that he did not consider that he sold the animals at
an unusual season.

This concluded the evidence.

Mr. Collins then, in a long speech, addressed the jury for the defendant,
and particularly called attention to the fact that the other animals of
the flock from which Mr. Jones’s hundred were taken were perfectly
free from the disease, with the exception of one animal. He suggested
that if the animals did not contract the disease on Mr. Jones’s farm it
must have been inoculated in Bratton Drove.

Mr. Norris replied in an effective speech. He called attention to the
state of the two fields on the defendant’s farm, which, from the fact of
rushes growing there, must have been in a wet, marshy condition, and
liable to originate the disease. Could not the germs of the disease
have been caught there ? Or, perhaps, they might have been caught
from the adjoining farms, upon which it certainly prevailed. As to
the suggestion that the animals contracted the disease in the drove, he
pointed out that the animals did not remain there but a few minutes,
and he characterised as absurd the suggestion that the animals could
all have contracted it by the slight “ nibbling” of the roadside.

His Lordship , in summing up, said that the sheep were warranted there
was no doubt, and accordingly what the jurj had to determine was
whether at the time they were sold they had the germs of the disease, of
which some of them ultimately died, or were killed because they were in
such a state as to be no use keeping them any longer. The warranty

lih. 45

662

VETERINARY JURISPRUDENCE.

alluded simply up to the time of the purchase. If the sheep were sound
at the time of the warranty the defendant was entitled to the verdict.
He was pledged to that, whether he knew not of their condition or
otherwise. The warranty being admitted, the plaintitf maintained that
it was broken, the sheep warranted sound being, at the time of sale,
unsound. The germs of the disease which ultimately proved fatal to a
considerable number, and lessened the value of the rest, were, it was
alleged, existing in the animals, and consequently considerable damages
were claimed. No doubt, the question to decide was a very difficult
one. It was a question on which veterinary surgeons on one side and
veterinary surgeons on the other could not agree in their views — indeed,
he was going to say in any of their views. As to the time this disease
could be originated in the sheep they did not agree ; as to the proba¬
bility of sheep contracting it on land they were driven over after the
purchase, they did not agree ; but though doctors disagreed gentlemen
of the jury were supposed to be able to come to a very careful and very
accurate conclusion. Personally, he could not regret that they and not
he had to decide it. Their twelve minds would unitedly arrive at an opinion
which one mind would probably not. The sheep exhibited, they might
take it, at the time of purchase, no sign of disease ; had they, they
would not have been bought. There was nothing, they may take it, in
the nature of fraud alleged ; no imputation was thrown upon the defen¬
dant ; it was not said he knew the sheep had the disease when he sold them.
If the defendant was liable he was liable from a likely result that was
dependent upon his warranty. Perhaps it would have been better had
these gentlemen met, after the disease had developed, and agreed to
divide the damages ; they would have been then, he was inclined to
think, much wiser men. It would have saved one of them a great deal
of money, and possibly would not have been injurious to the man who
succeeded in this action. Important questions devolved upon the jury
to consider. Really and substantially they had to determine what period
was this disease likely to remain latent in the animal before it became
perceptible. A sheep, however thin or ill, might have flukes or not.
It was not before the symptoms were absolutely perceptible, that with
absolute certainty they could ascertain the fact. Veterinary surgeons
for the plaintiff said that this disease incubated for a considerable time
before it became developed and fatal. The veterinary surgeons for the
defendant generally said it was not a very long time, and one of them gave
three months as the maximum period. A peculiarity in flukes in sheep,
as in scarlatina and other diseases, was that it varied according to circum¬
stances. But here, in the evidence, there was an eminent difference.
One side would put the period of incubation at about six months ; the
other at about three months. The animals were bought on the 24th
November, 1879, and the first sheep died on the 14th February following.
That was somewhere about eleven weeks ; that would be within the
maximum time of the defendant’s witness. On the other hand, they all
agreed it might be developed in a much less time — in six weeks, or even
less ; so that there was no certainty that the disease existed at the
time of sale. It might still have been contracted after the sale.

Mr. Collins. — It was not said the first sheep died of fluke ; a chill
was thought to be the cause.

Mr. Norris. — No ’post-mortem examination was made ; the witness said it
was chill, but afterwards maintained it had symptoms of flukes.

His Lordship, continuing, said other animals dying, an examination was
made on the 7th of May, live and a half months after. Then, at once, was
realised the importance of the question as to how long this disease might

VETERINARY JURISPRUDENCE.

663

remain dormant in the animal before it reached such a pitch as to cause
death. To an ordinary observer, whether the disease was caught on the
defendant’s or plaintiff’s land, or on land intervening, it would be
thought probable the effect of the disease would be experienced at one
time But the reason why it was not was that it was not infectious. It
might be contracted at different times. But if the disease was con-
traded anterior to the 24th of November, there was, indeed, a difference
of from eleven weeks from the death of the first to five and a half months
to the death of the last animal. But all this, of course, was not conclu¬
sive. If the disease had its origin in the animals before the sale, the
plaintiff was certainly entitled to the verdict. It was stated by one
counsel and admitted by the other that the plaintiff had to make out
his case. Still, he had not to prove it by mathematical demonstration ;
but the jury ought to act upon the case if a reasonable character of
evidence satisfied their minds that the plaintiff’s suggestion was accurate.
But was this so? Plaintiff maintained he had no sheep upon his farm
similarly affected, that his land was calculated not to engender the
disease, and that whilst these animals were dying from the disease his
now still remained free. That, no doubt, looked strong for the plaintiff.
But then came almost similar evidence for the defendant. Those
hundred, he said, were taken out of a flock of 266 sheep ; the remaining
166 he kept for a considerable time on his farm ; and ultimately he sold
them to a Mr. Rawlins. Then there were two observations which
affected the case somewhat materially. As to the thirty sheep that were
diseased, they were driven over the road, but they did not infect the
others, as the disease was not contagious. But defendant maintained all
his sheep afterwards were, with one exception, perfectly free. Three
were examined : two were found perfectly sound, but in the third there
were four small flukes discovered. This, too, the defendant added, was
only an incipent form of the disease, and could not have been contracted
earlier than the 24th of November. If Mr. Rawlins found the animals
all sound, or indeed any unsound, it was important that he should have
been present. Then all the veterinary surgeons agreed that this disease
was fostered if not induced by low, marshy ground. Plaintiff said his
was high, sandy land, where it could not exist. Defendant said the
same. Still he had two fields, where, however, he did not keep the
sheep, which were, as he said, “ a little worse than the others.” But
even these fields, he said, were not bad. And he further gave strong
and cogent evidence on the character of the farm, which was
strengthened by the evidence of the old shepherd. Here, then, were
almost parallel cases. There was only a third possibility. Defendant
suggested that the sheep might have contracted the disease in the course
of&being driven to plaintiff’s farm. The animals went through some
narrow °roads, and, it was suggested that in grazing— and he supposed
sheep would graze when being driven — contracted the disease. The
defendant maintained that this was the more likely, because there were
two farms in which the disease had more or less prevailed. However
important this question, come the argument — that though it might be
possible a few sheep might have contracted the disease in this manner, it
was not so with a large body. Another question the veterinary
surgeons for the plaintiff urgently pressed that the disease could not be
contracted after October. Of course, rare instances, there would be ;
but they substantially maintained the germ of this disease existing low
down in the grass, consequently the animals must bite close to the
ground to contract it. From June to October wras a propitious season
for the contraction of the disease ; afterwards it was of rare occurrence,

664

VETERINARY JURISPRUDENCE.

the frost and cold killing the germs. On the other hand, again, defen¬
dant’s witness said it might exist later, and then one gave what he called
an illustration of the fact, in which he supposed it must have been con¬
tracted after October, because certain sheep exhibited it after that
month and others did not, Then that same witness said as with
the whole animal and vegetable life so with the disease, the repro¬
ductive system went on and was developed at certain seasons of
the year. Animals — or many classes — were not artificially treated,
as were human beings. There generally were seasons at which —
in both animals and vegetables — they vegetated and germinated. There
was, however, practically speaking, a limited time, as the witness
had stated. These were, practically, the whole points in this case. He
was sorry he could give them but little assistance. This was pre¬
eminently a case on which much could be said on either side. Many
points had been enunciated, but they could not escape from the one
fact underlying the whole case, and which they had been unable defi¬
nitely to obtain. That was the period of incubation of this disease, and
when the full development of the fluke was arrived at. If the plaintiff
was entitled to a verdict they would consider damages. Sixty-two died,
and the others were sold for £37, which brought the amount lost, in the
first place, to £127. Then the plaintiff said, the amount of milk required
by the lambs, and which was lost, necessitating the procuring of two
cows for the purpose, with the attendance of two men, entitled him to
£50 as expenses. Probably they would not be inclined to give this
amount. The cows were still useful and valuable, and they might
consider that claim as requiring reduction. However, that was
secondary to the absolute verdict. Before they found for the plaintiff,
the jury must be fairly satisfied the sheep were diseased before the 24th
of November, and then they would consider the question of damages.

After a deliberation of about a quarter of an hour, the jury found for
the defendant, and on Mr. Goldney applying for costs they were granted.
— Devizes and Wiltshire Gazette.

GROSS CRUELTY TO A COLT.

A correspondent sends the following paragraph, cut from the
Birmingham Daily Post of Thursday, August 19th. It is scarcely to be
believed that in these days any man could have been found so ignorant
as to have recourse to such a cruel proceeding as therein recorded. W e
had hoped that the time had passed when such men could find support
from agriculturists or owners of animals. They evidently want educating
as much as the illiterate “ Farrier and Cowleech.”

At the Old Hall Police Court, James Colley, farrier. Great
Bridge, was charged with cruelly ill-treating and torturing a colt, the
property of William Cox, farmer, Tividale.

On the 24th July defendant performed an operation (castration) on
the colt, and the animal’s intestines protruded ; and being unable to
replace them, he cut away two yards from the intestines. The animal
died shortly afterwards. The defence was that the cruelty was not in¬
tentional, and that the operation was performed in ignorance of the
consequences.

Mr. Bassano (chairman of the magistrates) said the Bench were -quite
satisfied that the offence was proved. The defendant appeared to be
brutally ignorant, and being so committed a brutal act on the animal.

PARLIAMENTARY INTELLIGENCE.

665

The magistrates considered it a very bad case indeed, and should there¬
fore inflict the full penalty of £5 and costs, or in default, one month’s
hard labour.

PARLIAMENTARY INTELLIGENCE.

AMERICAN CATTLE IMPORTATION.

House of Commons, August Qth.

At the Evening Sitting, on going into Supply,

Mr. Arnold called attention to the restrictions upon the import of
foreign animals and the action of the Privy Council under the Act of
1878. Addressing himself specially to the supply of animals from the
Western States of America, he contended that no contagious disease
existed there to justify the requirement of compulsory slaughter at the
port of landing, and he moved a resolution calling for the modification
or removal of the restrictions.

Mr. J. Howard opposed any such relaxation, at least until the United
States Government had adopted effectual measures to prevent the
spread of disease, and pointed to the increase in the trade as a proof
that the restrictions had not injured it. He ridiculed the suggestion
that the removal of them would increase the breeding of cattle in the
United States, and he read from the recently-published Blue Book
numerous extracts proving the existence of disease in the States.

Sir IV. Barttelot referred to the ravages of the rinderpest as an illus¬
tration of the necessity of restrictions ; while Mr. Jacob Bright insisted
that these restrictions increased the price of the food of the people.

Colonel Harcourt showed from the reports of our Consuls that disease
abounded in the States, from which he said our cattle could only obtain
immunity by restrictions.

Mr. J. Barclay pointed out that there was one class of farmers who bred
cattle while another class bought store cattle for the purpose of fattening
them. The interests of these two classes were in some respects very
distinct indeed. The breeders desired that very few cattle should be
imported into this country, whereas the farmers who fattened store
cattle wanted a good supply of them, so that they might purchase them
cheap and make a good profit by the fattening of them. He had himself
visited the Western States of America, and his inquiries went to show
that disease was practically unknown among the cattle there. Those
States were better adapted for breeding than for fattening cattle, and he
believed that, were all vexatious and unnecessary restrictions on tran¬
sport removed, animals could be imported into this country and
fattened by the English farmer at a profit. This was a vital question,
not only for the farmer, but for the consumer, and he hoped it would
not be allowed to rest. No doubt there was a considerable amount of
pleuro-pneumonia in the Eastern States, but to say that no cattle should
be imported from any part of America because disease existed in certain
States was like saying that no cattle should be imported from Denmark
because disease existed in Spain. The truth was that cattle would be
brought hither from the West without coming within 500 miles ol any
infected State. He believed sufficient evidence had been adduced to
justify the Privy Council in, at all events, making inquiry into the pro¬
priety of removing the restrictions to which he had referred. It was
far from his intention to relax those restrictions to any dangerous extent,
but it was very important, alike to the farmer and consumer in this

666

PARLIAMENTARY INTELLIGENCE.

country, that they should not be maintained with greater severity than
was absolutely necessary. The agricultural interest had, he thought,
great reason to complain that the Privy Council did not take the neces¬
sary steps to make inquiries in different parts of the world as to the
existence of disease, and as to where store cattle of the best quality might
be obtained.

Mr. Chaplin regarded the motion as a wanton attack on the agricul¬
tural interest, and in the face of the facts disclosed in the recent Blue
Book it was a waste of time to discuss it.

Colonel Kingscote maintained that the Blue Books left no doubt as to
the existence of disease in the States, and that great uneasiness existed
there on the subject. Until the States could show a clean bill of health
he was strongly opposed to any relaxation of the restrictions. The
farmers, he said, were ready to meet dead meat competition, but they
objected to having disease introduced into their flocks and herds by the
unrestricted importation of live cattle.

Mr. Duckham said that it would be a national evil if cattle were allowed
to come into the country without restriction. The disease was of recent
growth, and until 1835 was unknown. It was first introduced in this
conntry in 1839, whence it found its way into Australia, and had ulti¬
mately travelled almost all over the world. He maintained that, when
free trade in importation was allowed, disease spread with fatal rapidity.
The increase in the importations from America in recent years showed
conclusively that no real loss was sustained by the nation in consequence
of the existence of the regulations on the subject of importation. In nine
months last year 76,1 17 head of cattle and 192,370 sheep were imported
into this country from the United States. He held that considerable
risk of contagion was run by animals in passing from the west to the
east coast of America and in the journey to England.

Mr. Mundella remarked that there was much misunderstanding with
regard to the working of the Act of 1878, which he held to be a most
satisfactory and valuable compromise. The existence of pleuro-pneu-
monia could not be doubted, but merely to slaughter the animals
affected would not destroy the possibilities of infection. The restric¬
tions complained of had enabled the Government in a great measure to
keep the disease under control, and, with regard to foot-and-mouth
disease, to stamp it out. Regarding this as a question of protection, not
for the farmer so much as the consumer, he said it was quite impossible
to relax the present restrictions.

Sir S. Northcote thanked the Vice-President for his speech, and ex¬
pressed satisfaction that the Act of 1878 would now be judged on its
merits.

Mr. R. Paget contrasted Mr. Mundella’s present attitude with his
opposition to the Act of 1878, while passing to which Mr. Forster replied
that it was the Act as amended by the opposition of the day of which
Mr. Mundella approved.

On a division, the motion was negatived by 194 to 20.

THE TEXAN CATTLE FEVER.

August 13 th

In reply to Mr. Barclay (on behalf of Mr. J. Howard) and Mr.

Arnold,

Mr. Mundella said that thirteen animals of the American cattle im¬
ported in the “Iowa” were reported to have been affected by Texan
fever. There were 804 head of cattle came by this vessel but only
those that came from one consigner had been affected. Their inspec¬
tors were remaining on the spot in order to see that everything

PARLIAMENTARY INTELLIGENCE.

667

which had been in contact with the animals was destroyed, and
to conduct a post-mortem examination. As to the question of con¬
tagion, he had made inquiries of Professor Brown, who said there
was no question that pure Texan fever would communicate disease.
He could not say whether the cattle had comeTrom Portland or Boston.

THE CARCASES OF SLAUGHTERED CATTLE AND THE

“IOWA” CARGO.

August Ylih.

Mr. Mundella, interrogated by Mr. Arnold with respect to the number
of carcases of animals which found their way to the markets undis¬
tinguished from healthy meat, pointed out that the function of the Privy
Council was to prevent the introduction of cattle disease, and that the
duty of preventing the sale of unwholesome food to the people devolved
exclusively on the local sanitary authorities.

Subsequently, in reply to Mr. Whitley.

Mr. Mundella , said he had made the statement that some of the cattle
landed from the “Iowa” were suffering from the Texan fever upon the
authority of Professor Brown. A post-mortem examination had shown the
ordinary indications of splenic apoplexy. It must be borne in mind,
however, that all the animals that died belonged to one consigner, and it
was an undoubted fact that Texan fever was taking a stronger hold
northward every year, and required to be watched with very great care
and anxiety, as it was a very dangerous and contagious disease. (Hear,
hear).

THE TEXAN CATTLE DISEASE AT LIVERPOOL.

In answer to Mr. Barclay. August 19 th.

Mr. Mundella said, — Mr. Moore, the Privy Council inspector at Liver¬
pool, is an experienced member of the Royal College of Veterinary Sur¬
geons, and the department have entire confidence in his professional skill.
This is warranted by the fact that, his reports on disease have in every
instance when an inquiry has been held been confirmed by the depart¬
mental inspector. He devotes the whole of his time to the duties of his
office, and is assisted by the central staff in cases of emergency. The
department is not of opinion that the services of a second inspector are
at present required.

THE IMPORTED AMERICAN CATTLE DISEASE.

August 26th.

Mr. Gurdon asked the Vice-President of the Council whether he was
able to communicate to the House Mr. Duguid’s report on the diseased
cattle “ ex Iowa,” and whether he had received any further communica¬
tions from America on the subject of cattle disease.

Mr. Arnold asked, with reference to that important communication
from America — he meant the report of Messrs. Read and Pell — whether
the attention of the Privy Council had been directed to the opinion of
these distinguished Commissioners that it was questionable whether
Texas fever was contagious; to their statement that there were no traces
of pleuro-pneumonia or of foot-and-mouth diseases in the Middle and
Western States ; and to their recommendation of “ some reasonable
quarantine.” He wished to know whether the Privy Council would
consider in the recess the best means of giving effect to this recom¬
mendation of “ some reasonable quarantine 5 in place of the existing
restrictions

Mr. Mundella said he should answer the question of the hon. member

668

MISCELLANEA.

for Norfolk first. He should be very happy indeed to communicate the
report referred to to the House. He had received further communi¬
cations with respect to this question, and among others one from Mr.
Victor Drummond, who was acting as the representative of England at
Washington. He would read the letter :

“ Rye Beach, August 10 th.

“ My Lord, — With reference to questions lately asked in the House
of Commons respecting the desired modifications of cattle quarantine
regulations, I have the honour to enclose herewith an extract from the
Boston Herald , giving a very succinct account of what has been gathered
respecting pleuro-pneumonia in this country, and of the remarks made
by Dr. Lyman, sent specially by the United States Department of Agri¬
culture to the United Kingdom to examine cattle imported from America
reported to be infected with pleuro-pneumonia, and to endeavour to ob¬
tain some modifications of the restrictions imposed by England on the
importation of cattle. He was, it appears, also instructed to represent
to the Privy Council and to persons of influence that cattle embarked at
Boston were entirely free from infection, and to show that a modifica¬
tion of restrictions in favour of Boston would work no injury to English
herds. On Saturday last, the 7th inst., however, the Agricultural De¬
partment at Washington received a letter from Dr. Lyman, declaring
that he could ask no more for Boston than for other ports, as he found
that three fourths of the cases of pleuro-pneumonia among cattle landed
in England from America came from Western cattle exported from
Boston. Thus, Dr. Lyman corroborates a danger which Mr. Mundella
showed still to exist from the infection of imported American cattle
without the present restrictions.

“ I have the honour to be, my Lord, with the highest respect, &c.,

“Victor Drummond.”

He had received a report stating that ninety-five cattle landed from
America had been slaughtered, and, without any wish to alarm the
House, this case appeared to him to be much worse than former cases.
In this instance prompt measures had been taken to destroy every¬
thing connected with the cattle. (Hear, hear.) He was glad to find
that the Americans recognised that they were doing right in this
country in providing that American cattle at present shall be slaughtered
on board.

ARMY APPOINTMENTS.

War Office, Aug. ‘lAth.

Veterinary Department. — First-class Veterinary Surgeon John
James Channan is granted retired pay.

The under-mentioned Veterinary Surgeons on Probation to be
Veterinary Surgeons: Frederick J. Short and Harry A. Woodrofle.

MISCELLANEA.

CHECK TO THE ELIES.

We republish a statement made a year ago that flies may be kept
from windows, mirrors, glass cases, &c., by washing the glass with
water in which an onion has been soaked long enough to give the water
a slight onion smell. A writer in a horticultural journal says that
green fly and other insects may be kept from plants by washing them
with an infusion of quassia 1 lb. to 1 gallon. — Chemist and Druggist.

THE

VETERINARIAN.

VOL. LIII.
No. 634.

OCTOBER, 1880.

Fourth Series,
No. 310.

Communications and Cases,

POLYDACTYLISM IN THE CAT.

By T. Spencer Cobbold, M.D., F.R.S., Professor in the

Royal Veterinary College.

TwENTY-sixyears back, when occupying the postof Curator
of the Edinburgh University Anatomical Museum, I pub¬
lished in the Edinburgh New Philosophical Journal some
remarks illustrative of an apparent law of deterioration
affecting the axial skeleton of fishes, the paper being chiefly
based on facts observed in the dissection of a remarkably
deformed trout captured in the river Jed, near Jedburgh.

The slight development of the appendicular skeleton in
fishes renders the study of malformations of their extremities
less striking than obtains in the case of the higher verte¬
brates. To be sure, as references given in the paper alluded
to were designed to show, distorted and otherwise malformed
fins are extremely common in the salmon and trout family,
and we all know how readily such abnormal characters are
propagated in goldfishes reared for ornamental purposes.

Teratology has generally been regarded as an unprofit¬
able study, at least, it was conspicuously so considered until
the publication of Mr. Darwin's well-known work, in which
he demonstrated its value and significance in relation to
questions of heredity. The facts I now place on record will,
Lin. 46

670

POLYDACTYLISM IN THE CAT.

at least, furnish an instructive example of the variation of
animals under domestication.

A few years back I became possessed of a female cat whose
feet were all abnormal as regards the number of digits. I
understood, but could not obtain an accurate statement of
facts, that she herself was one of a litter of five or six, two
or three of which were malformed in the feet ; and from this
circumstance I concluded that either the male or female
progenitor of them all (marked a in the table, p. 672)
was possessed of a similar deformity. My surmise was
correct. I may remark that the experiments of Brown-
Sequard long ago showed that the propagation of a defec¬
tive number of toes is just as possible as that of an
excessive number. At the Liverpool Meeting of the British
Association in 1871, that distinguished savant exhibited
a number of living guinea-pigs with digital deficiences, the
defects in question having been propagated from parents
some of whose toes had been removed by operation. Thus
it became obvious that artificially prepared malformations
might, under certain circumstances, descend from generation
to generation, affording apparent proof that the law of
redundancy in heredity is not necessarily more liable to
manifestation than the law of deterioration. According to
the late Professor Goodsir, the manifestation of these laws
is sometimes reciprocal in the same individual, as he showed
to be the case in goldfishes.

The cat, whose case I am now referring to, in place of
being pentadactylous in front and tetradactylous behind,
possessed seven toes on each of her fore feet, and six toes
on each of her hind feet. It was, therefore, a somewhat ex¬
treme instance of multiple digitation or polydactylism.

On the 3rd of May, 1879, I caused her to be destroyed.
As she was in an advanced stage of pregnancy I fully ex¬
pected that a post-mortem examination might reveal some¬
thing of scientific interest, and in this I was not disappointed.
I may mention that no other cat seen in the neighbourhood
was similarly malformed, and from other evidences I feel
quite sure that the father of the yet unborn kittens had
perfectly normal feet.

The result of the dissection was very curious, and to make
it more clear I have constructed a simple diagram, which is
reduced from a sketch of the parts made at the time.

Commencing at the extreme end of the right horn of the
uterus, the foetus marked No. 1 was a female, and had
exactly the same deformities as the mother. I regret to say
that I have lost the record of the sexes of the other foetuses.

rOLiOMCTYLISM IN THE CAT.

671

Reduced outline of the uterus, showing the position of the foetuses.

Viewed from above.

Foetus No. 2 had the ordinary number of digits.

Foetus No. S was also normal.

Foetus No. 4, the first of those occuping left uterine horn,
was also normal.

Foetus No. 5 possessed six digits on each of the fore feet,
being normal or tetradactylous behind.

Foetus No. 6 in like manner possessed six toes to each
fore foot, and four to each hind foot.

Foetus No. 7 was perfectly normal.

It thus appears that of the seven unborn kittens, one only
exactly corresponded with its multidactylous mother, four
being normal like their father, and two being slightly
abnormal in the fore extremity and normal behind.

To add to the interest of the above facts, I may mention
that in a previous breeding the mother had two kittens,
doubtless also begotten by a normal father. These two
kittens were both slightly abnormal. Both were females,
and both had six toes to each of their fore feet, and five to
each of their hind feet. One was considerably larger than
the other. In this larger one all the digits were pretty well
developed, but in the smaller kitten the right fore foot had
the second toe very large, whilst the first or innermost toe
was merely rudimentary. On the left fore foot these pecu¬
liarities were exactly reversed.

The larger of these two kittens having been retained by
ine (the other was given away) she in her turn became
pregnant by another normal tom cat.

As obtained in her parent’s case, her first pregnancy
resulted in the birth of two kittens only. These were both
hexadactylous in front and normal or tetradactylous behind.
Both were females. The mother was* exceedingly wild.
She and one of her offspring were destroyed before I had
completed my observations. The other kitten was given
away, and I have since ascertained that up to the present

672

POLYDACTYLISM IN THE CAT.

time she has not become pregnant. The female of the
generation marked a is still living, and has had several
litters. Such of the kittens as have become polydactylous
have always been in great request. Notwithstanding the
fragmentary character of this record, its publication may
have interest for teratologists, and the facts will be the
better available for comparison if the principal features are
tabulated.

Generation.

Bather.

Mother.

Remarks.

A. — One of the la¬
ter pregnancies.
Mother still liv¬
ing

Digits

probably

normal

Digits 7 on each
fore foot and 6
on each hind
foot

Said to have had 5 or 6
kittens, some being poly¬
dactylous. One of the
progeny is represented by
B. One of males was si¬
milarly malformed.

B. — First preg¬
nancy. Mother
under observa¬
tion

Second pregnancy.
Mother since des¬
troyed

Digits

normal

Digits

normal

Digits 7 on each
foot in front and
6 on each be¬
hind

Had 2 kittens, both of them
being malformed. One of
these is the mother in
generation C.

The uterus contained 7 foe¬
tuses, of which three were
polydactylous.

C. — First preg¬
nancy. Mother
since destroyed

Digits

normal

Digits 6 on each
fore foot and 5
on each hind
foot

Had 2 kittens, both of which
were hexadactylous in
front and normal behind.

But for other occupations I should have prevented the
destruction of any of the members of the last generation, and
thus have pushed the investigation further. Teratologically
speaking, the anatomical facts can hardly fail to present
points of interest. To add completeness, therefore, to the
record of the results of the post-mortem I requested my
colleague, Mr. Steel, to dissect out the muscles and
tendons. This he obligingly consented to do and also
supplied me with the following important “ notes” of the
facts observed.

It will be understood that the details here added refer to
the female cat of the generation marked b in the table above
given. Her malformed foetuses have been handed over to a
practical microscopist, Mr. J. J. Hunter, who is skilful in
mounting anatomical sections.

POLYDACTYLISM IN THE CAT.

673

Anatomical Notes by Mr. Steel.

Fore foot.

Each fore foot has six well-developed digits, and one
rudimentary one. We shall designate these numerically
from within outwards, thus : — 1, 2, 2a, 3, 4, 5, 6. 2a is
very small, and attached by ligament against the outer side
of the distal phalangeal articulation of 2 ; it has a rudi¬
mentary claw and a small digital pad, and consists of a single
small unequal phalanx. Two palmar pads are present, one
common to 1 and 2 ; the other, the larger, common to 3, 4,
5, and 6. Each digit has a well-developed digital pad (except
1, which bears a very small pad). Each digit bears a well-
developed claw, and of these 1 is the largest.

Muscles.

Oblique extensor of the metacarpus sends an extra extensor
band, which runs to the ungual phalanx of 1.

Extensor communis digitorum sends main extensor tendons
to 3, 4, 5, and 6.

Extensor digitorum lateralis sends a tendon to 3, as well
as to 4, 5, and 6, which it usually supplies.

Flexor metacarpi obliquus gains the supero-posterior part
of metacarpal 5, after being attached to trapezium.

Flexor digitorum perforatus inferiorly divides into five
tendons, and of these one passes to each of 1 and 2 , none
to 6.

Flexor digitorum perf or ans gives off short palmares, which
run to sesamoids of 2, 3, 4, and 5. The terminal tendon is
attached by its divisions to 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.

Extensor proprius pollicis etindicis is attached only to 2.

Analysis of muscular variations.

No. 1 seems to be the superadded digit for : — (a) Perforans;
is generally attached to all the digits, and is not to this.
((3) Extensor communis digitorum runs to 3, 4, 5, and 6,
hut not to 2, which thus seems the pollex, 1 being accessory
to it. (y) The special median extensor tendon of extensor
metacarpi obliquus runs to 1, and seems something quite
superadded. (S) The anterior extensor of the metacarpus is
attached to the metacarpals 3 and 4. (e) Also extensor pro¬

prius pollicis runs to 2.

6 seems to be the superadded digit, for : — (a) Extensor
digitorum lateralis ; has an extra division to 3, hut this is
mall comparatively. (f3) Perforatus sends no tendon

674

POLYDACT YL1SM TN THE CAT.

directly to 6, the place of its usual division being occupied
by a special small muscle.

Thus, it seems from the myology of the region that
1 is the extra digit, and results from proliferation of
the pollex (2), a tendency of which in this direction
is proved by the presence of the above-mentioned rudi¬
mentary digit. No. 1 is the smallest of the developed
digits ; its metacarpal is very slight, but superiorly enters
into the formation of the carpo-metacarpal joint, and is
united to metacarpal (2). The joint between the first and
second phalanx is anchylosed, and the union between the
latter and the ungual phalanx is incomplete. Altogether the
general rudimentary condition of this digit confirms the
above opinion* Thus, we must consider as correlated varia¬
tions those characters, which we have above noted, as
seeming to indicate that 6 is the superadded digit.

Hind foot.

Each hind foot has six well-developed digits, which may
be designated, from within outwards, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6; of
these 6 is small, but 1 is smaller. The palmar pad is com¬
posed of several lobes arranged in series, increasing in size
from within outwards to the largest, opposite Nos. 4 and 5,
externally to which is a medium-sized lobe. Each digit
bears a digital pad corresponding directly wdth its size ; also
each bears a well-developed claw.

Muscles.

Tibialis antieus consists of two parts : — a, with short, stout
tendon, terminating at supero-anterior part of metatarsals 1
and 2 (of which the division to 2 is much the smaller) ; /3
forms the main extensor tendons passing to ungual phalanges
of 1 and 2.

Extensor longus communis digitorum is attached by its
terminal tendons to 3, 4, 5, and 6.

Flexor digitorum perforatus runs by its terminal tendons
to all the digits, except 1.

Flexor digitorum perforans terminates inferiorly by six
stout divisions, one running to each digit ; it receives the
well-developed tendon of one of the divisions of flexor
accessorius below and behind the tarsus.

Tarso-prephalangeus has four tendons passing to act as
accessory extensors to digits 2, 3, 4, and 5.

Analysis of muscular variations.

Nos. 1 and 2 seem to represent a double hallux. Thus,

SYNOPSIS OF CONTINENTAL VETERINARY JOURNALS. 675

tibialis anticus is double to give attachment to each of these
digits by both of its portions. Also extensor communis
digitorum sends a division to all the digits but these. The
correlated variations thus are —

Perforatus has a tendon passing to 2, one division of hallux.
Perforans .... 1 and 2

Tarso-prephalangeus . . 2

We observe that the distal phalangeal articulation of 1 is
not thoroughly developed.

SYNOPSIS OF CONTINENTAL VETERINARY

JOURNALS.

By John Henry Steel, M.R.C.V.S., F.Z.S., Demonstrator
of Anatomy at the Royal Veterinary College.

{Continued from p. 536.)

The National Congress of Veterinary Surgeons, organised
under the august patronage of His Majesty the King and
the honorary Presidency of the Minister of the Interior, has
just terminated. Inaugurated on the 8th July by Director
General Romberg , who was elected by the Minister of the
Interior, since he was himself unable to attend on account
of indisposition, the Congress, after the preliminary
announcement and vote, was addressed by M. Moreau , in
place of the Burgomaster Van Lint , who, also, was detained
by sickness. After this welcome, the history of the organi¬
sation of the Assembly was explained by M. Wehenkel, a
member of the committee. The Congress next proceeded to
the nomination of its officers, who were selected by acclama¬
tion, as follows :

President , M. Thiernesse, Director of the School of
Veterinary Medicine.

Vice-presidents , M. Aerts, Veterinary Inspector of the
Army, and M. Jacobs, of Termonde, President of the
Veterinary Medical Federation.

General Secretary , Professor Wehenkel, of Brussels.

Treasurer , M. Crevecceur, of Louvain.

Adjunct Secretaries, Messrs. Reul, of Brussels ; Stubbe,
of Louvain ; Hughes, of Tournai ; Bastin, of Burdinne.

The programme of the proceedings had been arranged as
follows :

1. Inspection of alimentary matters of animal origin.

676 SYNOPSIS OF CONTINENTAL VETERINARY JOURNALS.

2. Legislation on tlie questions of soundness and unsound¬
ness ( vices redhibitories .)

3. The moral aspects (Deontolgie) of veterinary science.

4. Organisation of the civil veterinary service.

Although the Congress was an essentially national as¬
sembly, representatives of the neighbouring countries
assisted at it. Alsace- Lor raine was represented by its
Senior Veterinary Surgeon, M. A. Zundel; England, by
Mr. Fleming, Veterinary Inspector of the English Army ;
Germany, by M. Vogel, Professor at Stuttgard; France, by
Messrs. Delalande, of Bourges, formerly a pupil at the
Belgian School, and Bossignol, of Melun ; Holland, by
M. Thomassen ; the Grand Duchy of Luxemburg , by
Messrs. Buffett, Fischer, and Siegen, formerly pupils at
the Belgian School.

The delegate of the Minister, M. Romberg, invited M.
Thiernesse to replace him in the President’s chair and
declared the Congress opened. On taking in hand the duties
which devolved upon him, M. Thiernesse thanked the
meeting for the honour done to him in his being called upon
to direct its proceedings, and stated that he would endeavour,
as much as possible, to show that their confidence in him
had not been misplaced. He then stated the aim of the
meeting of this Congress, and that it had begun its work
under good auspices. He showed that His Majesty the
King had designed to extend to it his patronage, and that
the Minister of the Interior, in accepting the presidency,
and in charging the Director-General of Agriculture and
Industry to inaugurate it in his name, had acknowledged
all the importance which is to be attributed to its delibera¬
tions on the subjects of the programme. He then expressed
the sincere thanks of the assembly for these marks of ap¬
proval, and finished by proposing a vote of thanks ; first, to
the honorable delegate of the Minister, M. Bomberg, for
this fresh mark of interest in the veterinary profession ex¬
hibited by him, and second, to the organising committee of
the Congress for the zeal and intelligence exhibited by it in
the performance of its work (loud applause).

After the correspondence had been dealt with by the
secretary, the discussion was opened successively, from two
points of view, by M. Van Hertsen and Professor Laho on
the Inspection of Alimentary Matters of Animal Origin .
This important question gave rise to an animated debate,
at the end of which the Congress voted : — 1. That inspection
of all meat destined for food should be rigorously carried
out on an organised system. 2. That inspection offices for

SYNOPSIS OF VETERINARY CONTINENTAL JOURNALS, 677

all meat coming from abroad should be organised. 3. That
slaughter-houses especially should undergo inspection. As
for milk, the Congress is of opinion that the administrative
bodies of large centres of population would do well if they
entrusted to a special committee the preparation of sanitary
police regulations based on the transmissibility of certain
diseases from animals to man. The Congress also voted on
the necessity for establishment and working of laboratories
for the analysis of all provisions, milk included ; similar to
those which are at present in agricultural places for the
examination of manure, &c.

The second sitting was devoted to the much debated ques¬
tion of legislation in reference to defects sanctioning return
of a purchased animal. After a profound discussion on this
question, treated in the lines indicated by Professors Hardy
and Lorge , the Congress was appealed to for a statement
whether there is reason for maintaining the present law in
full vigour. This remained undecided, as the voting was
evenly balanced for and against. Considering the maintenance
of the law as settled, the Congress then voted as follows :

1. That in a case of exportation of a recently sold animal,
the warranty ought to cease, in so far as contagious diseases
are concerned, as soon as the animal has crossed the frontier;
that it ought also to cease for other defects, at any rate when
the buyer brings the animal again into Belgium, where the
examination ought always to be made.

2. That the minimum of price, enabling the buyer to
return in case of defect, should be raised to, for horses, 300
francs, and for animals of the bovine species, 150 francs.

3. That the delay for commencement of the action ought
to receive some moderate limit, such as the time of incuba¬
tion allowed for contagious disorders.

4. That the delay for periodical ophthalmia should be, as
now, thirty days.

5. That thick wind (? pousse) should be erased from the
list of returnable defects.

The Congress next considered the Deontology of the Vete»
rinary Practitioner , on which question, M. Ungues, mili¬
tary veterinary surgeon of the first class, of Tournai, made a
report. Messrs. Stubbe (Louvain) and Eraers (Lean) also
made interesting communications on this subject. On the
third day , the sitting was devoted solely to the question of
the Organisation of a Veterinary Civil Service , which was
introduced by a report contributed by M. Eraers. In the
discussion raised on this question the meeting insisted — (1).
On the urgent necessity for the law of sanitary police, a

678 SYNOPSIS OP CONTINENTAL VETERINARY JOURNALS.

project of which has long been before the Chamber of Repre¬
sentatives. (2). On the desirability of appointment of a
consulting committee on veterinary affairs, similar to that
which exists in other countries. (3). On the necessity for
the nomination of a certain number of veterinary practi¬
tioners as sanitary inspectors, with a suitable salary and
■without permission to practise privately. (4). On the suit¬
ability of according, in the absence of such inspectors,
similar advantages and duties to all duly qualified Belgian
practitioners. (5). On the advantages, both from the point
of view of agricultural interests and public hygiene, which
would result from organisation of a veterinary civil service
as above indicated. After an exchange of observations on
•some points of secondary importance, the programme having
been completed, the Congress voted, by lively acclamations,
thanks to the Corporation of Anderlecht, for the splendid
hospitality which had been accorded to it, and the Presi¬
dent declared the meeting closed amidst cries of et Vive le
Roi/* enthusiastically reiterated by every member of the
assembly. During the Congress the members were enter¬
tained with great splendour by the municipal authorities of
Anderlecht-Cureghem, and by other notabilities. Alto¬
gether this National Veterinary Congress seems to have been
a grand success, and must have proved in every way satis¬
factory to its promoters. We are glad to see that
the editors of the Annales de Medecine Veter inair e (from
which Journal we extract the above), promise us more
full accounts of the matter discussed at the sittings. Thus,
each continental country in turn shows us how union
among members of the veterinary profession is conducive to
professional progress. France, Germany, Italy, assemble
their veterinary practitioners, and their voice is heard by
governments and the public; and, as France shows us, the
Governments listen to them and gladly utilise their sugges¬
tions on veterinary subjects. In Italy and Belgium we see
that their meetings receive royal recognition. It must be
with satisfaction that every medical man (human or veteri¬
nary) hears that in the former country, amidst rumours of
wars and other political complications, King Humbert
finds time to preside in person, and to deliver addresses at
the Congress of Hygiene at Turin.* In the Annales for

* The Royal Veterinary College of Dresden announces its Centenary
Anniversary Celebration for the 7th October of the present year, which will
also be under official patronage ; the Minister of the Interior undertaking
the duties of President. Professor leisering , of the Dresden School,
will perform all professional duties of this post. The proceedings will
terminate with a “ Pest commens ” for students at 8 p.m.

SYNOPSIS OF CONTINENTAL VETERINARY JOURNALS. 679

August, 1880, is the first part of Dr. Willems' (of Hasselt)
communication, “New researches on Exudative Pleuro-pneu-
monia of the Bovine Species, and on preventive Inoculation
for that Disease,” as read before the Royal Academy of
Medicine of Belgium. He shows how the question of in¬
oculation as a preventive for this disease is “now more
urgent than ever, interesting from the highest scientific
point of view, and as concerning the agricultural industry of
all nations/5 He then recalls how, in 1855, the Academy
adjourned the discussion of this subject for further experi¬
mentation and practical observation, and in 1864 it was
again discussed but not decided. “ Since then time and
experience have spoken on this subject, and facts observed
during more than a quarter of a century prove the correct¬
ness of the conclusions of the Belgian Official Commission
as expressed in its seventh and last report to the Minister
of the Interior “ Inoculation possesses evidently
a true prophylactic value. And in infected places the
number of beasts inoculated with success and subsequently
have been attacked by this plague is insignificant as
compared with those of beasts not inoculated, especially
if rve remember the prolonged period of incubation of
the disorder. We must, therefore, recommend to breeders
and graziers the practice of inoculation.” These conclu¬
sions were arrived at after thirteen years’ observation and
seven successive reports submitted to the Belgian Govern¬
ment by men of high standing in science, agriculture, and
commerce. They are the same conclusions as in 1866 were
very eloquently defended before you by two of our honor¬
able colleagues, MM. Croeq and Thiernesse, the former pre¬
sident, and the latter secretary, of the Government Commis¬
sion. And I must not neglect to accord my public thanks,
so well deserved, to those honorable members who previ¬
ously received the discovery of inoculation with a certain
amount of defiance and doubted its value for many years, but
after experimenting on a large scale, after having availed
themselves of every means for ascertaining the truth, have
proclaimed fthe prophylactic value of inoculation.’ Now, I
have undertaken the task of proving to the Academy that
the doctrine which I proclaimed in 1852 has been. verified
in all countries, that the evident facts on which it is based
are allowed, and have been confirmed by the most compe¬
tent men and the most rigorous experimenters.” <c A consider¬
able movement in favour of inoculation has taken place in
France, Belgium, Italy, Germany, England, America, Africa.
Australia, and especially in Holland, and from all these

680 SYNOPSIS OP VETERINARY CONTINENTAL JOURNALS.

results the conclusion that inoculation has a preservative
virtue sure to fortify the organism of the ox against that
formidable scourge — pleuro-pneumonia.

Before recounting the number of facts observed in different
parts of the world, I feel I ought to answer one objection
always advanced by the opponents of inoculation. “ The
disappearance of pleuro-pneumonia from sheds must not be
attributed to inoculation, for we often see that the disease
suddenly becomes arrested as well in establishments where
inoculation has been performed as in those where it has
not, after making one, two, or three victims only. Besides,
pleuro-pneumonia has not the same virulence as formerly,
being now on the decrease.” All observation shows us that
this objection is baseless. When once pleuro-pneumonia
has been introduced into a herd by contact with a sick
animal, it does not lose its intensity, and, instead of stopping
after it has attacked two or three beasts, destroys 25 to 30
per cent, of them, and still more, according to the French
Official Scientific Commission, which rates at 80 per cent, the
loss of animals exposed to contagion. “ When the disease
ceases, after having made two or three victims, we may well
ask whether we really., have to do with pleuro-pneumonia
contagiosa.” “ All the brewers of Hasselt have proved this.
If sometimes, for some reason, any of them has ceased the
practice of inoculation pleuro-pneumonia has returned with
the same intensity as formerly, and the number of its
victims has been very considerable.” “ The disappearance of
pleuro-pneumonia depends so little upon chance, on a caprice
of nature, that in sheds where inoculated animals are mixed
with uninoculated, and placed in absolutely the same con¬
ditions, the contagion having been once introduced amongst
them, we can prove a constant relation of cause with effect,
that is to say, that the inoculated resist the contagion, but the
uninoculated succumb.”

M. Willems next proceeds to the enumeration of his
“ facts.” As far as France is concerned, he quotes the
views of the Governmental Commission of that country,

Inoculation with the liquid obtained from the lungs of an
animal affected with pleuro-pneumonia has a prophylactic
value. It endows the organism of the majority of the
animals thus operated on with an immunity from the con¬
tagion of lung disease, which lasts for an indefinite time.”
And strengthens his position by the opinions of MM. Bouley,
Sanson, Prince, Saint-Cyr, Mathieu, Viseur, Senglen,
Boulay d’Avesnes, and many others. His paper then con¬
tinues as follows :

SYNOPSIS OF CONTINENTAL VETERINARY JOURNALS. 681

“Italy. — In no country of the world has inoculation been
more appreciated than here. Since 1852 different official
commissions have been appointed, in the different provinces,
to study and test the question of inoculation as a preventive
means against pleuro-pneumonia. The new method espe¬
cially made way in Upper Italy, where agriculture is most
intimately concerned with live stock. Multiplied experi¬
ments were everywhere made, and the conclusions of the
official commissioners were all favorable to the practice of
inoculation, which gradually and unobtrusively at length
became an established custom with stock owners. In 1856
the Society of Agriculture of the Sardinian States adjudged
to a savant, who had honored me with his precious friend¬
ship, and who shall never be forgotten by me. Dr. Ponza,
Chief Physician of the Foreigners’ Hospital at Alexandria,
a gold medal, f as having been the promoter of the Willems’
method in Italy.’ The Official Commissioners of the Society
of Agriculture of the Sardinian States and of the Pavia
Chamber of Commerce and Industry have always spoken
well of the process, but the Academy will excuse lengthy
extracts from their reports. Though I am diffident in
putting my personal proceedings on record I must do so now,
since I do not better know how to give proof of the true
favour which the discovery of inoculation enjoys in Italy
than by giving some details of the reception accorded to the
inventor of the process during a visit in 1872. The agri¬
culturists of Lommelline, where before 1852 pleuro- pneu¬
monia raged with the greatest intensity, and regularly
devastated the herds of their rich and well-kept farms,
causing incalculable losses, tried inoculation, and at the end
of some time their cattle were freed from this epizootic scourge.
These agriculturists and cattle owners, having learned that I
was about to visit their country, spontaneously and eagerly
seized the opportunity thus afforded them to personally testify
their thanks. They prepared a brilliant fete, and invited me
to Mortara, the chief town of the country, and there the Agri¬
cultural Society, the Medical Committee, and the Munici¬
pality, gave me a most brilliant reception. I was truly
confused with the honours accorded to so humble a person.
Senators, deputies, many members of the medical body, of
the corporation of veterinary surgeons, collected from all
parts of the country, together with rich proprietors and
smaller agriculturists, had met together to take part in my
fete and shake my hand. At the banquet, which took place
in the hall at the railway station, M. Deputy Passavini , in
delivering to me the address of the Communal Council, said :

682 SYNOPSIS OF CONTINENTAL veterinary journals.

That his native town had deemed it a duty and an honour
to give faithful interpretation to the feelings of all the com¬
munes in Lommelline, who to-day salute, in the person of
Dr. Willems, the benefactor of Italian agricultural industry,
freed from the ravages of pleuro-pneumonia, thanks to the
discovery of inoculation,’ &c. Shortly after, M. Senator
Plezza , President of the Agricultural Society, rose and spoke
as follows : — f When a man, by his studies, his labours, and
his intellect, succeeds in wresting from nature a useful
secret, when a man has the good fortune to discover a new
application of science, valuable to all mankind, from that
time that man no longer belongs only to the nation which
gave him birth, but he becomes a citizen of the world, to
which he belongs as a benefactor of humanity. It is as
such a benefactor that to-day I have the honour to present
to Dr. Willems this diploma of Perpetual Honorary Pre¬
sident of the Agricultural Society of Lommelline. It is as
such I take his hand, as a friend, in the name of all
agriculturists.’ Next, M.. Strcicla, President of the Me¬
dical Committee, and then Professor Papa , spoke in the
name of human and veterinary medical practitioners
respectively.”

Germany . — I can with regard to this country truly repeat
what 1 have said concerning the last mentioned, that the
system of inoculation has received much experimental in¬
vestigation, and has given good results in Prussia, AVurtem-
berg, Hanover, Saxony, Bohemia, and in all the other states.
This is shown in many writings of a large number of
veterinary surgeons, and especially in the different official
reports of the Governmental Commission of Ober-Baruiss,
six in number, prepared by AIM. Ulrich, Bretsch, Christanni,
Hering, Schmidt, Thaer, Vater, &c.

England and America. — Pleuro-pneumonia was introduced
into England in 1842 by cattle from Holland, and into
America in 1848 by a German cow directly imported from
Europe, and later (in 1847) animals from England originated
other centres of infection in that country. u Preventive
inoculation has been tried here as in most other places. All
cattle owners of London have their beasts inoculated. The
same practice is carried out on many farms, especially in Ire¬
land. If inoculation has become a general practice with the
English, who are people keenly alive to their own interests,
we may be sure they have proved the matter experimentally,
and that it has given them definite and decidedly beneficial
results/’ The opinions of Gamgee, and Bradshaw ( Veterinary
Journal) December, 1875) are then quoted.

ON PLANTS IN RELATION TO ANIMALS.

683

Australia . — Pleuro-pneumonia is now the most predomi¬
nant disease, not only in New South Wales, but also in all
the other Australian colonies. It was introduced into this
remote corner of the world, so rich in pastures, in 1858, by
an English cow disembarked at Melbourne. She died of
pleuro-pneumonia six weeks after arrival, which proves the
extreme length of incubation of this disorder, for the journey
from England to Australia by a sailing-vessel lakes about
three months. A similar fact was shown when this disease
was introduced into the Cape of Good Hope by a Dutch
cow. Mr. Bruce’s researches on the prevalence of this
disorder in the colonies, and the value of inoculation, are
then given. Thus, the first part of Dr. Willems’ paper is
of considerable interest, giving us an admirable one-sided
view of the important question it treats of. His information
with regard to England, as given above, is evidently second¬
hand, and open to question ; nevertheless, we may look
forward with interest to the other part of his paper, which
contains something new to science. This we will endeavour
to place before our readers in the next synopsis.

ON PLANTS IN RELATION TO ANIMALS.

By Professor James Buckman, F.G.S., F.L.S., &c.

[Continued from p. 540.)

Continuing our history of the agricultural Clovers, we
come now to the consideration of two species, as follows :

Trifolium incarnatum . — Carnation Clover. Flowers a

bright carnation pink (some¬
times white), in spicate heads.
Leaflets inclining to spathu-
late. Stipules with pink
blotches.

,, hybridum. — Alsike Clover. Flowers pink¬

ish white, in rounded heads ;
older heads brown by reason
of the dried persistent corolla.
Leaflets ovate.

These two plants are both considered of foreign origin,
though there is reason to think that they are derivatives
from the cultivation of native sorts. rlhe crimson clover has
for many years been cultivated on the Continent, and there

684

ON PLANTS IN RELATION TO ANIMALS.

is reason to believe that its cultivation is extending with us,
as it is found to be a most useful soiling plant, coming at a
time when it is especially useful for sheep feed, and as an
early alterative green food for horses.

We find the following account of its economy by Mrs.
Lankester :

“1, Crimson Clover.

“ French, Trejie incarnat ; German, Inkarnat Klee.

“ Of late years this species of clover has been much grown
in England, and has long been cultivated in Southern Europe
as a fodder plant. It can be sown in the early autumn as
soon as the corn is off the land, the latter being simply
harrowed, so as to loosen the surface.

It grows with great rapidity, and yields a good crop
early in the spring when other green fodder is scarce, and it
may be removed in time to sow corn. Sometimes it is sown
in February and March, and can then be fed off, and
ploughed in time for sowing the turnip seed. This rapid
growth renders it very valuable to the farmer under certain
circumstances, when he requires to raise a good supply of
fodder between the regular rotation crops. All cattle are
fond of it when young and green ; but when in flower its
stems become hard, and it is not well adapted for hay. Like
other similar plants, it is often sown with Italian rye-grass.
It ripens seed readily, but, when left for this purpose,
exhausts the ground considerably.”

It would, however, appear to be best adapted for drier seasons
than have prevailed in this country for thelastthree years, during
which period we have been most unfortunate in the growth
of the carnation clover, for, though we have put in the seed
as early as possible, and watched it come up excellently well,
yet in a few nights, before the plants had developed their
secondary leaflets, they gradually disappeared.

On searching for the cause of this mischief, we soon dis¬
covered that it was partly, if not wholly, due to slugs, the
recent wet seasons having caused these creatures to abound
to an extraordinary extent, so much so that even at the
present moment, after a month of very dry weather, if we
take up a bit of stone-brash, we shall surely find several
examples of these slimy molluscs adhering to the under
surface of the stones, where they lie in ambush ready to
come forth in the evening to eat any tender springing plant
within reach.

We have found that turning pigs, geese, and ducks into
the fields prior to its being sown soon gets rid of very many

ON PLANTS IN RELATION TO ANIMALS.

685

of the pests, the former animal, indeed, literally ploughing
up the stubbles to get at such dainty food as slugs and
worms, whilst the birds are no less industrious, like the pigs,
in picking up, not only the animals, but any corn that may
be scattered about; and as they all fatten readily on such
treatment, it may be considered a profitable way of growing
bacon or of fattening a stubble goose, and more especially if
it tends to preserve a desired crop.

“2. Alsike Clover.

“ French, Trefle hybride ; German, Bastard Klee.

“ Stem 9 inches to 2 feet high, branched, flexuous. Leaves
of the radical tufts and base of the stem on petioles, often
S or 4 inches long. Leaflets f to 1J inch long, with the
lateral veins excurrent, forming more or less projecting teeth.
Stipules herbaceous towards the apex, but white, with green
veins, towards the base. Peduncles from the axils of the
upper leaves commonly 2 to 4 inches long. Flower-heads
f to 1 inch across, becoming much flattened on the upper
side by the bending down of the flowers after flowering,
when the elongate arched pedicles become visible at the
apex of the head. Flowers about J- inch long, whitish,
tinged with pale rose. Calyx somewhat membranous,
whitish, with the teeth green ; the upper teeth a little longer
than the others. Corolla with the standard folded down
over the fruit, retaining its shape, but turning brown and
membranous, striated. Pods ovoid, obtuse at the apex,
compresssed, not bossulated. Seeds flattened and notched
at the hilum.

u Plant bright green, with the leaflets having often a
white mark in the centre. Stems and peduncles with a few
adpressed hairs, but otherwise the plant is glabrous.”

Such is the botanical description of this interesting clover
as given by Dr. Syme.*

Its agriculture is highly important, as it supplies a plant
which was much wanted as a variation to our rotations of
crops.

It appears that land in which the common red clovers are
made to take their rotations for two or three series becomes
what is called “ clover-sick,” that is, it is made incapable of
growing a plant of the ordinary red clover; in this position
there does not appear to be the same objection to Alsike
clover, as it will grow where red clover has failed. This
side of the question is well wrought out in the following
extract:

L1II.

* ‘English Botany/ vol. iii, page 53.

47

686 ON PLANTS IN RELATION TO ANIMALS.

“ T. hybridum (Hybrid or Alsike clover), although a native
of Southern or Central Europe, the field-culture of this clover
seems to have been primarily practised in Sweden, from
which country it was first introduced into Britain, in 1834,
by the late Mr. George Stephens, land drainer, Edinburgh,
under the name of Alsike clover, for which that of hybrid
clover is now by general consent substituted, not, however,
from its being actually a hybridal production — a theory con¬
futed by its botanical characteristics — although to the mere
casual observer its appearance is such as to favour the
opinion of its being a cross or hybrid between the white
clover (T. repens) and red clover ( T. pratense), for it has
much resemblance to the former in the colour and size of its
flower-heads, while it approximates more closely to the latter
in its habit of growth, and the stems all rise from one crown,
without spreading or rooting at their joints, as in the white
clover. Its seeds are also much smaller than even those of
T. repens , and they further differ from those of both the fore-
named species in colour, which may be described as a dull
olive green, while that of the flowers varies from white to
pale red. T. hybridum is strictly perennial, the writer
having it now growing as vigorous as ever on a field of well-
grown medium soil, which was sown out with a mixture of
clovers and grass seeds seven years since, and from which
the so-termed f perennial red clover,’ or cow-grass, has
entirely disappeared. Of late years various communications
relative to T. hybridum have appeared in agricultural perio¬
dicals, in the shape of prize essays, &c., from which the fol¬
lowing particulars are Reducible, namely :

“ 1. That it is more permanent in duration than T. pra¬
tense or any of its varieties.

“ 2. That from having more fibrous or less deeply pene¬
trating roots, it is not so well fitted as the last-named species
for withstanding extreme droughts.

“ 3. That f clover-tired’ soils are by no means inimical to
its growth.

(< 4. That on lands which are not ‘ clover-tired’ it will not
yield such a weight of produce as T. pratense.

“ 5. That it invariably far surpasses T. repens in weight
and bulk of produce.

“ 6. That, compared with the last-named species, it is
more keenly sought after and eaten by cattle, sheep, and
horses ; hence it may be inferred to be superior to it in nu¬
tritive of feeding properties.

(( Some years since the seeds of T. hybridum could not be
procured under 5s. per pound, and Is. 6d. may be quoted as

PUNCTURING AND EXERCISE FOR PURPURA HEMORRHAGICA. 687

the lowest price at which they have yet been generally attain¬
able ; as, however, they are produced in abundance, and ripen
freely, they may be expected soon to assimilate in cost with
those of the more common clovers. The present compara¬
tively high price is, however, more apparent than real, see¬
ing that a given weight will produce about a third more
plants than T. repens , and nearly three times as many as the
same weight of seeds of T. pratense.”*

We have, then, in the two clovers some important crop
plants. The Carnation clover , which is an annual, is fed off
in time to admit of the succession of a crop of turnips, so
that two soiling crops are possible in one year, and these
become an excellent preparation for barley ; it, however,
makes but poor hay. The A lsike clover is more or less
perennial, and with a mixture of hay grass yields a good
crop for two seasons, when, as a soiling crop, it is often valu¬
able, while it is no less so as a crop for the rick. We know
of no better hay than may be made from the Alsike mixture.
Wheat follows it very satisfactorily, and hence we have in
this latter a variety of clover nearly, if not quite, as good as
the red sorts, and yet it can be grown when these would
fail.

PUNCTURING AND EXERCISE IN THE TREAT-
MENT OF PURPURA HEMORRHAGICA.

By Thomas Greaves, F.R.C.Y.S., Knott Mill, Manchester.

The physiology and pathology of this septic disease
were most clearly and ably reviewed in a scientific and
luminous manner before the Liverpool Veterinary Medical
Association, at their last meeting, by Professor Williams. The
discussion which followed was most interesting. It referred
chiefly to the treatment of the disease ; and since my method
of treatment, the result of close careful observation during
a tolerably long experience, seems to be at variance with
that of some of the other members, I feel a desire to state
my case more clearly and more at length. It is not my in¬
tention to discuss the cause or the nature 01 the disease,
but simply confine myself to treatment, ihe medical pait
of the treatment advocated seemed to be nearly the same by
the various speakers, viz. aperient medicine, spirit of tur¬
pentine, and chlorate of potass; but puncturing the swell-

* See Morton’s ‘ Cyclopaedia of Agriculture,’ p. 998.

688 PUNCTURING AND EXERCISE FOR PURPURA HEMORRHAGICA.

ings and giving the patient exercise was condemned by
several members as objectionable, condemned, as it ap¬
peared to me at the time, on insufficient grounds, if not in
the absence of any ground whatever. Several cases were
related where extensive and deep sloughing, had taken
place in cases where no puncturing had been resorted to.
It has been my good fortune to have listened to several very
interesting papers read on this disease and discussed at
the Midland and other veterinary medical associations, and I
have listened to the views propounded by gentlemen who
differed from me at the time, but whose opinions, never¬
theless, always demand the greatest attention. I have
endeavoured most earnestly to gain whatever knowledge
I could on each and every occasion, and I fully admit
that I have often gained information which has been of
great benefit to me in practice. It has been my custom
to receive facts or any new method of treatment which
seemed to possess within itself sound principles, especially
if the results of that treatment showed a percentage of
recoveries exceeding those of my own. It is at these meetings
a man finds his level ; any fad or hobby he may have is
examined, exposed, and exploded. It was quite immaterial
to me whether the new views wTere advanced by a very
intelligent young practitioner, or by one who had been a close
observer for a long series of years ; even the best methods
of the shrewd non- qualified man have not been repugnant
to me. I have always felt a sincere thankfulness for such
information; but when I listen to opinions expressed by an
intelligent and close observer, one who does his own think¬
ing, one who has borne the heat and burden of the day
during a long life in the daily practice of his profession, I
feel I am specially bound to respect and honour those
opinions, even though they may be new to me, and at
first do not commend themselves to my mind, or im¬
press me very favorably ; nay, they may not seem strictly in
accordance with scientific principles, still I feel they must
have something of worth in them or they would not be
uttered by such a man, for do we not find practical experience
simply to be the proving of different methods, those methods
which are not successful when fairly tried are cast aside, and
those which are successful are retained. It is thus facts are
accumulated in our individual life, but prejudice always
hinders the reception of truth. There are those who seem not
to be cognizant, or else they are unbelievers in these truths ;
they condemn and deride all methods of treatment of which
they know nothing. Prejudices have yet to be overcome, and

PUNCTURING AND EXERCISE FOR PURPURA HiEMORRH AGICA. 689

conflicting opinions reconciled. My opportunities of observing
and treating cases of this disease are perhaps not quite so
extensive as those of some of my fellow-practitioners, still
for over forty-six years in continuous practice, in which have
occurred probably eight to twelve or more cases in a year, I
have witnessed the disease in its varied forms, some acute,
carrying off its victims in three hours, when the disease
attacks vital organs, others in periods varying from three
hours to three or four weeks. I have carefully employed
various methods of treatment at different periods of my
life and with dissimilar results. I have a distinct recollection
at one period of my life, about twenty to twenty-five years
ago, of being sorely perplexed. I had three valuable cases
of this disease on hand at one time ; they were, in spite of my
most anxious and careful attention, doing unfavorably. At
that moment my assistant, a shrewd Scotchman, the genuine
article I believe, intimated to me he thought that he could
make an improvement upon my method of treatment, he did
this pleasantly and respectfully, which took the sting out of
the idea of a servant teaching his master. I consented to
his taking one of the cases, “ the worst of the three,” into
his own care. He at once punctured all the most prominent
swellings in the legs, belly, breast, and head, in many places.
He used a broad-shouldered lancet, and each incision was half
an inch or three quarter inch deep ; he also had the horse
exercised. The horse was so stiff that he had to lift the legs,
one by one ; locomotion could only be effected by this means.
He spent an hour at a time most industriously with the case
three and four times a day ; day after day he busied himself
in puncturing, fomenting, and exercising the animal, the
medical treatment the same as the other two cases. This
case made a fine recovery, the swellings subsided entirely,
and health became completely restored ; the other two
animals died from breaking up of the lungs, &c. I
remember his saying, if you puncture freely early in
the complaint you will never have any sloughing of the
integument. “ I find this is not invariably the case.”
It was his custom to puncture freely, and always give
exercise in the early stage of all these cases, and also in
those of “ common humour or weed.” I have seen bad
cases of “ weed,” acute cases, where the limb was enormously
swollen, make good recoveries, the affected leg becoming
fine and sound as before the attack through this mode of
treatment. These cases made impressions on my mind that
nothing can efface. Since then I have adopted this system
of treatment. It is often surprising the large quantity of

690

INORDINATE EXCITATION OF FACIAL NERVE.

straw-coloured serum that will escape from the punctures ;
this lymph-like fluid would have become coagulated and
organised. I am free to admit that this method of treatment
is attended with a percentage of recoveries far greater than
resulted from my former mode of treatment, and, as far as I
can ascertain, than that of any other practitioner I have had
the opportunity of comparing notes with.

INORDINATE EXCITATION OF FACIAL NERVE •
IMPLICATION OF CHORDA TYMPANI, AT-
TENDED WITH EXCESSIVE SALIVARY SE¬
CRETION.

By W. Hastie Kennedy, M.R.C.V.S., Wrexham.

It gives me much pleasure to be able to communicate the
following interesting case of extreme inordinate excitation
of the facial nerve. There are anatomical and physiological
points to be noticed of considerable value, and which appear
of much worth and critical note. I only wish the details
of the communication had been placed in hands more com¬
petent to do it the justice it appears to me to deserve.
Permit me simply to narrate the conditions presented, and
to give, as assisting the particular inferences to be drawn
therefrom, certain opinions bearing upon these; I shall then
be able finally to leave the reader to form his own more
perfect judgment upon the apparent conclusions which it
seems to me are to be elicited from a perusal of its
history.

Cases of extreme general excitation of the facial nerve
are occasionally, but, I believe, rarely met with ; they are
invariably characterised by the production of severe and
continuous spasmodic muscular contractions and excitations
of the parts implicated. A limited portion only of structure
may be affected, such as the muscles of a lip singly, or those
of the nose, or the muscles of the eyelids, but at other times
we may find the whole of the muscular and other important
structures which receive their nervous energy from the
facial to be completely under such abnormal influence.

The following is the history of a case where the whole
nervous track and the structures under its immediate influ¬
ence were simultaneously involved. The subject of the
affection was an aged chestnut horse, which had regularly
been used for daily carting and shunting purposes, had
always been a healthy horse, and had never evinced any

INORDINATE EXCITATION OF FACIAL NERVE. 691

predisposition to symptoms of this nature. A week or two
prior to the general implication, a simple involvement of
the lip muscles presented itself, but this twitching, which I
am told was tolerably continuous, had been taken little
notice of, until suddenly there was presented a most aggra¬
vated implication of the whole muscular and other struc¬
tures under facia] control, producing excessive and con¬
tinuous spasmodic jerkings and twitchings of the lip, nasal
and other facial muscles, involving both sides of the head
simultaneously. There was no very appreciable exaltation
of excitement noticed as affecting the one side of the head
over that of the other ; all en masse were under similar
circumstantial conditions. Particularly, may 1 notice the
involvement of the labii muscles and that of the dilata tores
and compressores of the nasal orifices, and I was careful to
note the negative implication of the masseters, giving us
distinctive evidence — although these masses of structure are
largely traversed by the facial — of the non-supply of facial
nerve-fibres. The buccinators were implicated, and the orbi¬
cularis palpebrae muscles were very severely under influ¬
ence, as evidenced by the marked continuous twitching of
both eyelids. The muscles also of the ears were similarly
implicated ; sometimes the anterior were more largely affected
than those of the posterior, and vice versa. The sense of
hearing, I need hardly mention, was much interfered with,
so that the perception of sounds generally could be dis¬
tinctly noticed to be very faultily acknowledged. The cervico¬
facial subcutaneous muscles (Chauveau) were similarly under
influence, these excitations and twitchings extending as far
posteriorly as the lower point of the shoulder.

There was no very favorable opportunity given of minutely
inspecting the interior of the mouth or fauces, yet, I think,
it may be reasonably concluded that there must have
been excitations of structure here also ; there was an almost
complete inability to masticate and deglutate food ; even
pultaceous or watery nutrients could only be partaken of with
extreme difficulty. The masticatory muscles were not imme¬
diately implicated; they are not recipients of facial distribu¬
tion, but their contiguous tissues of the lips, cheeks, and soft
palate, and submucous tissues of the tongue are such
recipients, and we may thus reasonably conclude how the
normal masticatory action could be seriously involved, and,
doubtless, largely to be attributed to this internal implica¬
tion of these structures. Finally, I may mention the salivary
glands as being largely under influence, and it is to this
particularly that I would further direct attention.

692 INORDINATE EXCITATION OF FACIAL NERVE.

The generally aggravated conditions remained continuously
so affected for about three days, the more severe under pallia¬
tive treatment gradually disappeared, and food eventually
could be freely taken in; the ordinary health of the animal,
which had been much affected during the severity of the
attack, gradually also regained its ordinary status, and we
were much pleased at the time that so favorable a termina¬
tion was being brought about ; but the recovery has not been
a complete one, inasmuch as there still remains a small, yet
apparently uncontrollable, twitching of some lower facial
muscles. Some weeks have now elapsed, and no further
change in this condition has taken place.

During the three days of severe excitation, when
apparently the whole facial nerve seemed under excita¬
tion, the animal was troubled with a very excessive flow
of salivary secretion, occasionally completely flooding the
floor of the manger, and, concomitant with this, the sub¬
maxillary glands, particularly the near side gland, in¬
creased in size, and as a further result of this vascular
excitation and increase of gland structure, there was slight
involvement of contiguous tissue, and a small abscess pre¬
sented itself. I must notice that this excessive salivary
secretion gradually abated prior to the third day, and I may
particularly state that these conditions did not show any
appearance during the early slight muscular contractions of
the lips, which were continuously noticed, more or less, for
a week or two, but only presented themselves along with the
exaggerated symptoms. It may be concluded from these condi¬
tions that we have had a striking instance of implication of the
chorda tympani, this nerve in the main being the producer of
the increased vascularity and tissue change noticed in the sub¬
maxillary glandular structure, and the excessive salivary secre¬
tions doubtless were largely due to the influence of the inor¬
dinate excitation of this nerve. There is no reason to doubt
but that the parotid and other salivary secreting glands were
also more or less similarly influenced, as the parotid, through
the medium of the auriculo-temporal (lesser superficial petro¬
sal, as stated by Ludwig and Bernard) is in receipt of facial
supply, and so likewise is the sublingual (Heidenhain).

Can we, therefore, accept from these conditions, with
regard particularly to the involvement of the submaxil¬
lary glands, that it directly gives proof to the generally
acknowledged doctrine that the chorda is a branch dis¬
tinctively of the facial, and that through excitation of the
latter it became similarly implicated ? It is pretty generally
conceded by neuro-physiologists, i.c. by such men as Bernard,

INORDINATE EXCITATION OF FACIAL NERVE. 693

Ludwig, Kolliker, Muller, &c., that the chorda is distinc¬
tively a branch of the facial, but this position has been
recently disputed by Dr. Bigelow, who, we are told, in a
communication to the April number of ‘ Brain,’ after careful
and extended experimental research into the origin and
function of the chorda, affirms as a result “that the chorda
is not a branch of the facial , but that it has origin from the
intermediary nerve of Wrisberg, which itself \ he states, has
an independent origin from the medulla.” He is also corro¬
borated in these statements by Dr. Spitzka, another eminent
American physiologist.

That this is entirely antagonistic to the ordinary received
physiological views, I may point your attention to the
following : — Burdon Sanderson, in his f Syllabus of Lec¬
tures on Physiology/ p. 94, states “ That the centre
which governs the reflex process of salivary secretion
has its root in the medulla oblongata, and transmits its
influence to the submaxillary gland by the chorda tympani,
and to the parotid by a nerve which springs directly from
the auriculo-temporal, ultimately like the chorda from the
facial ; the submaxillary may be excited by direct faradiza¬
tion of the chorda, in which case it pours out its secretion
in abundance, and in addition this excitation of the chorda
produces dilatation of the arteries of the gland, in consequence
of which its supply of blood is largely increased.”

Foster , in his ‘ Handbook of Physiology’ (p. 598) states :
“ The facial is the secretory nerve of the submaxillary and
parietal glands.” ee In all cases where a flow of salivary
secretion is brought about the chorda is the sole efferent
nerve ; stimulation of the chorda (p. 244) brings about two
events — dilatation of the blood-vessels of the gland and a
flow of saliva.”

Frey , in his f Histology of Man’ (p. 464), states : “ Irrita¬
tion of the chorda gives rise to secretion of a large quantity
of saliva ; together with this, the gland becomes filled with
a large quantity of blood.” “The submaxillary receives
branches from the facial nerve — the continuation of the
chorda.” “ The sublingual is presided over by the same
nerves as the submaxillary, i. e. the facial and sympathetic ;
stimulation of the chorda here also produces a flow of salivary
secretion” (Heidenhain).

The foregoing are the ordinarily accepted views concerning
the origin of the chorda, and will also show its distinctive
action upon salivary secretion. In determining, however, a
question of this importance from the illustrations given
in the foregoing case, there are fine anatomical conditions

694

INORDINATE EXCITATION OF FACIAL NERVE.

concerning the origin in question which deserve some atten¬
tion. “ Anatomists generally note the close contiguity of
the facial with the auditory nerve ; they lie side by side, are
often grooved by contact, and a third nerve, of smaller size
—the portio-intermediary of Wrisberg — is brought into
view by separating these two, and further,” says Wilson,
“the results of Morgandi render it probable that the
portio-intermediary is connected at its origin in the corpus
restiforme with the auditory nerve, that it is the posterior
(sensitive) root of the facial, that the intumesencia ganglia-
formis of the facial is the ganglion of this root, that it
bestows the principal part of its sensitive function on the
facial, and that the chorda is partly derived from the in-
tumescencia gangliaformis.” We must notice here some
general connection between the nerve-fibres of facial and
portio-intermediary ]of Wrisberg, and chorda tympani, excita-
tation of one might probably, under conditions, produce exci¬
tation of the other. And Chauveau, in speaking of the nerve
of Wrisberg, says : “ This ramuscule in the horse is extremely
attenuated, and can scarcely, if at all, be distinguished at its
origin from the filaments of the lateral roots of the auditory
nerve ; it is seen to enter the aqueduct of Fallopius, and
divides on the bend of the facial into several gradually dimin¬
ishing filaments, which are confounded with the proper fibres
of this nerve or ganglion geniculare;” likewise confirming
the closeness of contiguity of fibres of facial and nerve of
Wrisberg. The following are Dr. Bigelow’s conclusions : —
1. The chorda tympani is distinct and integral throughout
its entire length. 2. It is derived from the nerve of Wrisberg,
and not from the facial.

In further corroboration. Dr. Spitzka states : “ It is
well known that the nervus intermedius of Wrisberg is en¬
tirely distinct from the facial at the origin from the medulla ;”
and further, “ I have found that the fibres of the nervus
intermedius have no connection with the facial nerve nuclei.”
Can this case which I have narrated be taken as supporting
the general view, that the chorda is a distinct and inseparable
branch of the facial ? We have noticed the specific action
upon the glandular secretions and glands and the excessive
excitation of every fibrous distribution of the facial, and
we might be led, from this very conclusive evidence, to
answer confidently in the affirmative ; do not, however, let
us cast aside the closeness of origin and continuity of the
facial and nerve of Wrisberg, and do not let us forget that
the cause of excitation had apparently a central origin.

Dr. Bigelow well remarks : “ If we are to study the func-

VACCINE AND CALF VACCINATION.

695

tions of the chorda from its action in those morbid conditions
affecting it, the nature of the shock as well as the resulting
influence engendered by continuity of structure or by actual
contact, must never be lost sight of ; nerves, themselves un¬
injured, may suffer in their action by transmitted in¬
fluence.” I feel it is absolutely essential that we should
give full justice and appreciation to the careful experimental
researches of Dr. Bigelow, and, should these receive the
further corroboration of scientists, the only rational supposi¬
tion and conclusion which we might be able to arrive at
from a study of the case before us would be that dependent
upon and through the intimate contiguity of structures, the
nerve of Wrisberg must have been alike involved with the
facial, and thus the production of the pathological conditions
presented to us. This case appears to me to be one of con¬
siderable importance, and on this plea I have been led to
trespass so lengthily upon your valuable space.

VACCINE AND CALF VACCINATION.

By George Lewis, M.R.C.V.S., Monmouth.

I have read with much interest the letters and remarks
upon the above in the Veterinarian, especially those by
Mr. Ceeley, in which he relates some of his experiments
with the contents of vesicles on the udders of cows.

I have observed that the udder of the cow is affected by
two kinds of varioloid eruptions, which, under certain cir¬
cumstances, rather closely resemble each other in appear¬
ance. One of these is benign, the other not so, but often
very virulent in its nature, sometimes producing alarming
symptoms and even death, its virulent effects being greater
in animals suffering from disease, hereditary or otherwise.

Both of these diseases would seem to be communicable to
man, but not to be equally severe. The effects of the malady,
which is most closely allied to true vaccine, if not identical
therewith, are not injurious ; rather otherwise. But those of
the spurious kind are highly injurious, producing both local
and constitutional disturbances. I have also noticed that
persons partaking of the milk from animals so affected,
become ill in consequence.

From these observations, illustrated by the following
cases, selected from a large number of others, it is evident
that the greatest caution and skill should be exercised in
selecting the vaccine lymph for vaccination in the human
subject. That it is the peculiar province of the veterinary

696

VACCINE AND CALF VACCINATION.

surgeon to do this, no one will, I think, attempt to deny. It
is for him to select the animals which are free from hereditary
diseases, and those are not always of the purest or highest
breed.

The sister profession should join hand-in-hand in this
matter, as thereby much human suffering, and ultimate
disease may be prevented.

Cases.

In May, 1874, I was requested to attend some cows
belonging to a farmer ; one had died a few days prior to my
visit, and another was then seriously ill. Upon examination
of this cow, I found the respiration quickened, and accom¬
panied with a low moan ; pulse much accelerated and weak ;
the respiratory murmur of both lungs, below their middle
third, decreased in amount, seemingly due to slight con¬
gestion ; extremities cold ; secretion of milk lessened ; and
the udder literally covered with small red pimples in their
last stage. T informed the owner that the animal would
die, which she did in two days afterwards.

On inquiring if any of the other cows were similarly
affected, I was informed that most of them had had “ cow-
pox ; ” but that it was dying away as on this cow’s udder.
Upon examination I found them all, six in number, to be
suffering in different stages of spurious variola. Some
of the animals were still unwell, and in all there was
a decrease in the quantity of milk. The weather being
cold, I had them “ to house, and treated them ” secundem
artern , and they all soon recovered.

In May, 1878, I was requested to visit two cows, the one
a Hereford, the other a shorthorn, said to be suffering badly
from ei cow-pox,” the others of the herd having recovered.

The Hereford I found in the second stage, and progressing
favorably.

The udder of the shorthorn was covered was confluent sores.
There was only a small secretion of milk, and this was being
entirely used for an infant then ill and under medical
treatment. I presumed to state the danger of allowing the
child to partake of the milk, and advised that it should not
have any more of it. My advice was at once adopted, and
the infant became soon convalescent.

But what of the cow ? The man — whose duty it was to
attend upon the animals and milk them — had a slight scratch
upon one of his fingers, inoculation took place, and abcesses
formed in various parts of the hand ; the arm swelled to a
fearful size, and the man was seriously ill for several months.
On recovery, his usual strength did not return for some time.

FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE. 697

Such is the brief outline of two cases illustrative of the
diseases in question.

Pathological Contributions.

CATTLE PLAGUE.

From recent information it would appear that cattle plague
still continues to prevail in several governments bordering
on Austria and Germany, and in those adjoining the Black
and Baltic Seas. The disease is also reported to have broken
out in the neighbourhood of Warsaw.

In Turkey, cattle plague is prevalent in five districts of
Moldavia, and an outbreak of this disease is also reported in
the Vilayet of Salonica.

In Austria, this disease has lately broken out in the
District of Borszcyower, in Galicia; also in the Commune of
Somogzer, in Hungary.

Several of the Russian papers state that cattle plague of
the most virulent description has appeared in the Province
of Volhynia, the principal cattle district of Russia. In one
village alone 200 head of cattle died in a few days, and in
many parts of the province not a cow remains alive. The
losses sustained by the peasants depending upon cattle
rearing for their livelihood have reduced them to beggary.
The Russian authorities are making no effort to check the
disease.

* PLEUROPNEUMONIA.

In the Netherlands during the four weeks from the 11th
of July to 7th August, no case of this disease is said to have
occurred.

In Great Britain there were, during the month of August,
91 fresh outbreaks and 220 cattle attacked with pleuro¬
pneumonia.

In Lancashire pleuro-pneumonia has again manifested
itself at the farm of Mr. Tomlinson, Higher Booths, near
Rawtenstall. Altogether, nine animals have been slaughtered
at this farm. The disease has also appeared at the farm of
Mr. Dixon, Henheads, near Haslingden. The diseased
cattle have been slaughtered.

SWINE FEVER.

In Great Britain there were, during the month of August,
183 fresh outbreaks and 857 swine attacked with this disease.

698

FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE.

There have been several reported outbreaks of foot-and-
mouth disease, which, on inquiry, have been found to be
aphthous maladies of a non-contagious character. It is worthy
of remark that many cases of aphthge have also been met with
recently in swine. The eruption has been found on the
outside of the mouth as well as in the mouth. These cases
have hitherto only appeared among sheep and lambs.

Facts and Observations.

Cattle Diseases. — The British Medical Journal says
that M. Poincare has met with, in condemned meat at the
ablattoir at Nancy, elements which seemed to him to be para¬
sites not as yet described. In consequence of the analogy they
showed to gregarines, he was led to consider whether he had
not met with one of the phases or metamorphoses of the
taenioids, and if it is not by this means that raw beef gives
taenia to so many sufferers. M. Poincare also {Revue Scien-
tifir[ue , July 31st) records the death from charbon of more
than twenty cattle, caused by pasture covered with marsh-water
containing bacteria. He verified the fact by inoculating with
this water two guinea-pigs, which died in a very few days.

Pleuro-pneumonia, how Spread. — Mr. Hugh Riding, a
farmer at Rishton, was recently mulcted in penalties amount¬
ing to about £15 by the Blackburn magistrates. The offender,
who had pleuro-pneumonia among his cattle, yet caused one of
the animals to be driven to the market at Preston and placed
there among healthy beasts.

Loss of American Cattle in Transit. — TheLiverpool
steamer es Thanemore ” was passed off Crookhaven on Sep¬
tember 7th, throwing overboard carcases of cattle. A telegram
received in Liverpool says, the “ Thanemore ;; lost 225 cattle.
The remainder of the animals were reported healthy. The
steamer was en route from Baltimore to the Mersey.

Wholsale Poisoning of Sheep. — It is reported that
Mr. J. Housley, a farmer of Wellow, near Ollerton, has just
lost 200 lambs. They were poisoned inadvertently through
the administration of some mixture which a shepherd had
prepared by a chemist at Mansfield, and which he declared
he had used freely amongst flocks for many years. Shortly
after the exhibition of the medicine the sheep were found
lying dead all over the field. Mr. Housley estimates his loss
at £250.

699

THE VETERINARIAN, OCTOBER 1, 1880.

Ne quid falsi dicere audeat, ne quid veri non audeat. — Cicero.

AMERICAN CATTLE DISEASE.

The editor of the Live Stock Journal deals with the ques¬
tions which are involved in the trade in animals between
England and America in a manner so reasonable that we ven¬
ture to reprint some of the observations in preference to
treating the matter from our professional point of view.

In referring to the part taken by the American press, the
writer says :

“ We exceedingly regret to see the tone of personal ani¬
mosity with which certain American journals continue to
discuss the fate of Mr. Arthur Arnold’s attempt to re-establish
free trade in cattle disease. The matter is not one for feel¬
ing or for tall writing ; it has long passed that ; and as we
know that our columns are, as is natural, constantly referred
to, and not seldom quoted, on the other side, we would beg
our American contemporaries of their courtesy to calmly con¬
sider the following phases of this matter, in relation to the
complaints we shall quote from them.

“ 1. The NewYork World observes that, f The man is an
idiot who believes that cattle shipped from Canadian ports
are less likely to be affected with disease than cattle shipped
from United States ports.’ Now, this is simply beside the
mark. It is no matter of what is f likely/ or what anybody
ought to f believe’ about it. It is the fact that diseased
cattle are constantly found in American cargoes, and are not
found in Canadian cargoes. As soon as Canada is found
affected she will be scheduled, as sure as fate.

2. Heaps of papers observe that f Western’ cattle are
free from disease, and that they constitute the exports for
England, It was always reply enough to this, that whatever
the exports were there were diseased cattle. But Americans
will, we trust, ere this, have been convinced by the report of
their own commissioner. Dr. Lyman, referred to in Pallia-

700

EDITORIAL OBSERVATIONS.

ment a fortnight ago. It is established, and is now admitted
by him, that three fourths of the cases i are from the Western
States by way of Boston. The last Blue-book, it must be
remembered, bristles with evidence that information of cases
is deliberately suppressed in America, from mercenary
motives ; it is felt how much is at stake. There is too much
reason to fear that even the West has already received a
guest she may find it hard to get rid of, and may have to
fight a serious question for herself, instead of quarrelling
about it with England. We trust not, but Dr. Lyman’s
report home is terribly significant, and would not be made
on light grounds ; and a letter we published last week,
which, if we could give the name of the writer, would
appeal with special force to the breeders of America, is
another proof that even Americans who can study the ques¬
tion fairly in England are amongst those most convinced of
the gravity of the case.

“ 3. Stress is laid on the ffew’ cases — only 137, it is said,
all last year. It is forgotten that virtually the entire cargoes
were infected in which these came, amounting to many
thousands ; and, still more, it is forgotten that there were
more cases in six months this year then in twelve months last
year. In plain words, the disease of pleuro-pneumonia in
America, so far as can be judged from imported cargoes, has
more than doubled since twelve months ago. This has a sig¬
nificance for us, of course ; but we really think it has a far
deeper meaning for our American friends. It is they who
are most concerned, as they will ere long find. But we are
concerned also. This week again we hear of three fresh out¬
breaks in Lancashire ; and that this county remains the
chief hot-bed and centre of disease is too plainly connected
with its proximity to the great American depot, even pro¬
tected as it is by the present orders. As soon as we get
nearly rid of pleuro, from Lancashire again the contagion
spreads, tending to show that even yet we hardly understand
how to be strict enough in guarding against infection.

“ 4. Lastly, however, strong complaints are made that
America is f nearly’ free from the disease, but that England

EDITORIAL OBSERVATIONS.

701

is f full5 of it, while yet our cattle are allowed import under
quarantine into the States. We have shown reason for fear¬
ing America has made a serious mistake on the first matter.
Here, too, we have every case rigidly reported; there it is
very different. That is not, however, the main point, which
is, that we are earnestly doing our best to get rid of the
plague. W e are submitting to many restrictions, losses, and
grievances ourselves. Government and people are working
hard together, and we have attained already very gratifying
success. America has yet to take the first step in this path,
and till she has, it will be wise not to draw any comparisons.
But, as to her own imports, she has, of course, a perfect right
to exclude them if she chooses. Her regulations are entirely
her own affair, as ours belong to us ; and we can assure our
contemporaries that no one expects her to frame them upon
any basis whatever except her own supposed advantage.
She does not import on our account, but on her own, and we
do not frame her rules.

te It is not in justification of British measures that we pen
these lines. They need none, and, childish as it seems for
the press of a great nation to go on treating this question as
if it were some petty matter of international jealousy, that
would not be our affair either. As for the spectacle of a
country which maintains the American tariff lecturing Eng¬
land about f Protection,’ and New York editors unable to rest
for thinking of the food denied to f England’s toiling mil¬
lions’ — well, Englishmen have some sense of humour, and
American humour is not bad. But this is, after putting all
that aside, a very grave question, lying at America’s own
doors ; and if she treats it much longer in this spirit we fear
America will find out for herself that it is so. What expe¬
rience teaches she teaches pretty thoroughly, but usually at
some expense, and often not a small one.”

We need hardly remark that the idea suggested in the
latter part of paragraph 3, that outbreaks of pleuro-pneu-
monia in Lancashire have anything to do with imports of
American animals into the port of Liverpool, is purely
chimerical. The notion, however, seems to be gaining

48

LIII.

70.2 OBSERVATIONS ON THE LUNG PLAGUE OF CATTLE.

ground that the sale of the timber which is used for fitting
up the ships in which cattle are brought from the United
States is to be looked upon as a cause of disease.

If we can succeed in guarding against the ordinary source
of infection — the living diseased animal — we shall not have
much trouble in dealing with outbreaks which arise from
mediate contagion, especially of such a remote order as those
to which we have referred.

Extracts from British and Foreign Journals.

OBSERVATIONS ON THE LUNG PLAGUE OE CATTLE
(PLEURO-PNEUMONIA CONTAGIOSA BOVINA).*

By Professor James Law.

Continued from p. 622.

Causes Influencing the Spread of the lung Plague Southward.

- — A glance at the connections of New York southward will
show why the plague should have extended in this direction
rather than west or north. In the first place the cities of Newark,
Elizabeth, New Brunswick, Trenton, Easton, Reading, Bur¬
lington, Germantown, Camden, Philadelphia, Wilmington, Balti¬
more, Washington, Alexandria, &c., drew their supplies of fresh
dairy cows from the great marts to which western cattle were
sent. From the comparatively close proximity of these cities
they respectively drew their supplies from New York, Phila¬
delphia, or Baltimore, according to which market was at any
moment overstocked, so as to depreciate the value of the stock.
Thus Philadelphia and Baltimore were early infected from New
York and Jersey City, and once infected they reciprocated freely
by furnishing contaminated cattle to the market of New York,
whenever that market was poorly supplied, or they themselves
glutted. Thus, too, it soon came about that all the lesser cities
drew constant supplies of infection from these three great
plague-stricken centres. All of the cities named were growing
places with much unfenced land laid out for building, or held by
soeculators in waiting for purchasers, and upon these the herds
of different owners pastured in common, and infected each other,

* Extracted from the ‘ Eirst Annual Report of the Cornell University
Experiment Station, 1879 — SO.5

OBSERVATIONS ON THE LUNG PLAGUE OF CATTLE. 703

so that once introduced the infection became permanent, and
each city became an independent pestilential centre, from which
the plague extended in different directions at varying intervals.

If we trace the Erie Railroad westward, we shall find that
beyond New Jersey there is no city for the space of 200 miles,
and this, together with the fact that cattle could be drawm so
much more cheaply from the west, has hitherto prevented the
extension of pestilence westward. What few infected cattle have
found their way west along the line of the Erie Railroad have
gone upon enclosed farms, where the plague reached its limit and
died out, in place of finding the malign conditions of unfenced
grounds and pasturage in common, which would inevitably have
perpetuated it. The non-infection of the west we owe not alone
to the immense cattle traffic from the west, and the fact that
comparatively few cattle follow a contrary course, but also to the
barrier of the Alleghany Mountains, and the entire absence of
large and growing towns and cities over a long stretch of
country.

If we follow the New York Central Railroad we find a similar
comparative absence of large cities, but wre find besides that the
east bank of the Hudson is well fenced, so that though the
Lung Plague had been introduced, it would have had less op¬
portunity for permanence than in the district south of New
York. North of Yonkers, where the open pasturages end, the
plague has never gained a permanent footing on the east bank of
the Hudson.

On the Harlem Railroad there is a similar absence of large
cities and common open pasturages, and although the plague
has extended on this line as far north as the borders of Dutchess
Co., it has been more easy to deal with it than where there wras a
common grazing ground for different herds. Erom Mt. Yernon
southward, however, the common pasturage was more or less in
vogue, and with it the prevalence of the plague and the difficulty
of dealing with it.

Along the New Haven Railroad the condition of things was
more favorable to the propagation of the plague, and it would
have been certainly perpetuated in some of the cities of Connec¬
ticut, but that the State Cattle Disease Commission repeatedly
interposed to stamp it out.

Extinction of the Lung Plague in Massachusetts. — Into Mas¬
sachusetts the Lung Plague was introduced in 1S59 in the
bodies of four Dutch cows imported from Rotterdam by Mr.
Chenery, of Belmont. All four suffered from the disease, two
having been very ill on arrival. Three died, the fourth re¬
covered, and the plague spread into nineteen towns in five
counties, and was only crushed out after five years of uninter-

704 OBSERVATIONS ON THE LUNG PLAGUE OF CATTLE.

rupted effort on the part of a Cattle Commission. This work
cost the State $67,511.07, and the different towns $10,000
more, but this was a cheap investment, as the plague has never
since made its appearance in the commonwealth.

Evidence of the Non-existence of Lung Plague in the West. —
The fact that the Lung Plague has been unknown in Massa¬
chusetts for the past fifteen years, as it was unknown prior to
the introduction of the four diseased Dutch cows in 1859, speaks
volumes for the freedom from the infection of the great cattle
raising States of the west. At the one cattle market at Brighton
thousands of cattle arrive weekly from the west, yet for fifteen
years not only has no cow nor lean beast brought this pestilence
to the Massachusetts herds, but no ox has shown the charac¬
teristic disease of the lungs when slaughtered. The same remark
may be made of Central and Western New York, and of all the
New England States north of Massachusetts. In a twelve years*
residence at “ Cornell,” and with the widest acquaintance of the
herds of the State, I have never seen a case of Lung Plague west
of the Hudson excepting in one herd in the vicinity of Newburg,
to which the infection was brought by a cow from New York
City. Yet all over the State are to be found cattle drawn from
the west, and filling up the dairy and fattening herds of the
Empire State. And although these herds are frequently deci¬
mated, and sometimes all but exterminated, by other diseases
(Texas fever, malignant anthrax, tuberculosis, &c.), no such
thing as Lung Plague has ever appeared amongst them. The
same remarks apply to Western Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and,
indeed, all parts west of the Alleghany Mountains. Though all
supplied by the cattle from the west, all alike have hitherto kept
clear of the plague. The same is true of our Gulf Coast States
and Pacific States. No such plague has appeared in any of
these, though their cattle are multiplying by the million.

Non-existence of the Lung Plague in other States of America.
— No Lung Plague has ever been found in any other American
State. Mexico, Central America, the West Indian Islands, the
South American .Republics, Brazil, and even Canada, have failed
to import this Old World pestilence, and all of them maintain
to-day a perfect immunity.

Lung Plague not Indigenous to America. — Erom far-reaching
facts like the above it becomes certain that American soil has no
such sad fecundity as to produce the germs of the Lung Plague,
for this affection has appeared at no point of the Continent
where the descendants of the imported European germs have not
been first carried, and the disease is to-day confined to a narrow
area on the Atlantic coast, where the imported germs were
planted, and where the conditions favoured its preservation and

OBSERVATIONS ON THE LUNG PLAGUE OF CATTLE. 705

propagation. The presence of the disease where the malign
European infection has been implanted, and its persistence and
spread there for thirty-seven years, when contrasted with the fact
of its entire absence from all other parts of the New World,
* shows, beyond dispute, that the disease is the result of imported
virus, and of this alone. Cattle exist and have long existed
from Labrador to Brazil, and from Brazil to Patagonia, in the
most trying climates — arctic and torrid — and under all con¬
ditions of life, and every form of abuse and neglect, but in no
one instance has this fatal plague been generated on the Western
Continent and propagated from a new point independent of im¬
portation. Like the Canada thistle ( Cirsium arvense), the Lung
Plague is an exotic, dependent altogether upon the foreign seed
for its existence, and it could be as easily and permanently eradi¬
cated as the thistle has been from Winsconsin and certain other
States.

Lung Plague not Spontaneous in Africa and Australia . — Por
many centuries the nations of Africa have owned herds of cattle,
being dependent on them for labour, as well as for meat and milk,
in those districts where the "tsetse" proves so fatal to solipeds.
Since the colonisation of South Africa by Europeans the settlers
have imported many herds from Europe, but until 1854 the
Lung Plague was utterly unknown. In that year, as testified by
Ptev, Mr. Lindley, a missionary, a Dutch bull, imported by a
gentleman of Cape Town, manifested the plague six wreeks after
his arrival, and fourteen weeks after his shipment from Holland,
and from him the pestilence has since spread over the whole un¬
fenced ranges of Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Natal, Zulu-
land, Transvaal, &c. Here no such plague was known in all
antecedent time, but once introduced in the body of a single in¬
fected animal it has desolated the whole southern part of the
Continent.

When discovered, Australia was destitute of cattle. The
whole bovine stock is, therefore, the progeny of those introduced
by the colonists. On the rich native grasses, and in the excep¬
tionally salubrious climate, the cattle throve and multiplied until
the name of Australian “ squatter” became a synonym for a man
of wealth and influence. But in 1859 Mr. Boodle, of Melbourne,
imported from England a shorthorn cow, which, fourteen days
after its arrival from its three months’ voyage, manifested the
symptoms of Lung Plague. The whole herd was slaughtered
and paid for by public subscription, and his lands were enclosed
and proscribed, but a teamster turned his oxen into the en¬
closures under cover of night, the disease spread through their
means, and on the unfenced pastures it was found to be im¬
possible to control it. No conditions produced the disease until

706 OBSERVATIONS ON THE LUNG PLAGUE OF CATTLE.

the importation of the infected English cow, but after the
entrance of the infection it received no check from the healthful
climate, nor from the enforced slaughter of tens of thousands of
animals, and to-day the rich pastures of Australia are ravaged
by the pestilence.

Lung Plague not Spontaneous in the British Isles. — In
Great Britain the pestilence was unknown in modern times until
in 1839, when it was imported into Cork, Ireland, in the bodies
of Dutch cattle sent to a friend by the British Consul at the
Hague. It spread rapidly over Ireland, and entered England
and Scotland before 1842. Erom this time it has been kept up
by constant accessions of disease from the Continent, brought
in the cattle then for the first freely admitted to the English
markets.

Yet the striking fact remains that for the forty years during
which the plague has prevailed on the British isles the Highlands
of Scotland have kept clear of the infection. The explanation is
found in the fact that native cattle are bred in the Highlands
and shipped thence to market, but no strange cattle are ever in¬
troduced. The Highlands are the coldest, bleakest, and most
exposed parts of the island, the places where lung diseases are
above all to be expected, and their exemption, while the more
genial plains are ravaged by the plague, shows plainly that
the affection is no product of Britain, but an exotic that has
spread wherever the foreign cattle and their infected victims have
come.

No Evidence of Spontaneous Lung Plague in "Western

Europe.

The Channel Islands. — These, lying directly between the
infected shores of Erance and England, and famed in all times
for the abundance and excellence of their cattle, have never
suffered from the lung plague, for the very sufficient reasons
that no strange cattle are allowed on the islands.

Spain and Portugal. — These countries lying out of the line of
cattle traffic from Eastern Europe, and accustomed to breed and
export cattle, but to import none, have hitherto kept free from
this as from other cattle plagues.

Norway , Sweden , Denmark, Schleswig-Holstein, Oldenburg,
Mecklenburg- Schwerin and Switzerland. — These are countries
into which the lung plague has been introduced at different
times, but from which it has been completely expelled by well-
directed suppressive measures.

Extinction of Lung Plague a National Duty. — Erom all that
has been said it follows with certainty that this plague has never
been known to arise spontaneously in Western Europe, and that

OBSERVATIONS ON THE LUNG PLAGUE OF CATTLE. 707

out of the centre of the Eastern Continent, to use the words of
the immortal Haller, “ the disease never appears but as the
result of the introduction into a country or district of an animal
from an infected place.” This being granted, it must be allowed
that it is quite possible to eradicate from the United States the
deadly virus which has been introduced from the Old World and
maintained by continuous descent in the bodies of our home
herds. The disease being produced by infection, and by infection
only, it results of necessity that if we can limit that infection we
shall in the same ratio limit the ravages of the plague, and if we
can render infection impossible, we render impossible the con¬
tinued existence of the pestilence in our midst.

Mortality. — In estimating the mortality from this plague,
we will meet with the most varied results according to the
conditions of life and as to whether we take the ratio of deaths
in infected herds, or in the whole cattle of a district or country.
Loiset states the losses for the entire bovine population of the
departement du Nord , France, at 40 per cent, per annum, divided as
follows : in city dairies 26 per cent., in distillery and sugar
factory stables 12 per cent., and on farms 2 per cent. Here the
deaths are in exact ratio with the frequent changes of stock, and
the exposure of new and susceptible animals to infection. In
the Nord in nineteen years it had killed 212,800 beasts of a
total value of 52,000,000 francs (over 10,000,000 dollars).

Yvart gives the losses in infected herds only, in Avignon,
Cantal and Lozere at 30, 40, 50, 60, and even 77 per cent,
(average 35 per cent.).

Gamgee gives the losses in the City of Edinburgh in 1861-2
at over 58 per cent., and the money loss at £14,512 (70,000
dollars). Einlay Dun shows from the English Cattle Insurance
Company statistics that the losses from this plague from 1863
to 1866 were 50 to 63 per cent, per annum. The losses for the
British Isles, computed from agricultural statistics, the re¬
cords of insurance companies, &c., were close upon £2,000,000
(10,000,000 dollars) per annum.

In Holland, Sauberg reports a yearly loss of 49,661 head,
while in Wiirtemberg it amounted to 39 per cent.

Mortality Greater in Warm Climates and Seasons. — Mr.
Bindley reports that in the hot climate of South Africa it is no
uncommon thing to find a whole herd of 100 or 200 cattle
perish without exception, and other colonists have furnished me
personally with accounts precisely similar. With these agree
our experiences with the disease in the summer season in New
York. When we entered on our work in February, 1879, it
was loudly claimed by a party of obstructionists that the affec¬
tion was the simple result of exposure to the changeable

708 OBSERVATIONS ON THE LUNG PLAGUE OF CATTLE.

weather, and to the transitions from the hot, close, reeking
stable to the chilly blasts out of doors. But from June onward,
so long as the really hot weather lasted, the number of victims
in a herd was greatly increased, the cases succeeded each other
with a hitherto unexampled rapidity, and nearly every case
proved severe and rapid in its course, so that death frequently
resulted in two or three days after the animal was noticed to be
ill. In our cool, dry winters the course of the disease is mild,
so that the patients survive for weeks, and even months, often
becoming frightfully emaciated, and present the spectacle of
walking skeletons, whereas in the burning summer and autumn
death often comes so speedily that the carcase may present the
round, plump, fat appearance of an animal that has died sud¬
denly by accident. Of this high summer mortality the cases of
Meakim and Albertson (pages 620 and 621) are illustrative ex¬
amples. As further illustrating this point : Joseph Schwab,
One-hundred and Forty-ninth Street and Southern Boulevard,
New York, bought a cow, which soon sickened and infected his
herd, so that he lost twenty-three head in two months, and but
seven recovered. In autumn, 1878, Bischoff, Long Island City,
bought four cows of a dealer, all of which sickened, and only
one was saved. Mr. Yalentine, of Jamaica, L. I., bought some
infected cows from two Brooklyn dealers, and by August, 1879,
his herd was so badly diseased that we wrere compelled to
slaughter the whole. Patrick McCabe bought five cows from
a dealer; sickness appeared among them six weeks later. He
lost the whole five, and within two months thereafter four
more that he had laid in later.

The Losses must Increase as the Plague Leaches the Warmer
States. — It is needless to multiply instances such as those given
above. A mortality of seventy, eighty, or ninety per cent, in
South Africa, and in the warm season in New York, implies
that we would suffer an equal mortality in the Southern States
throughout the greater part of the year, and in the hot summers
of the Mississippi Yalley, so that no estimate of losses deduced
from the statistics of England or Western Europe will furnish
fair data for estimating our own in case of a general infection of
the United States. England with 6,000,000 head of cattle has
lost 10,000,000 dollars a year for forty years past. We with
37,000,000 head should therefore lose 60,000,000 dollars, plus
the extra losses consequent on the spread of the plague in the
semi-tropical summers of Texas, the Mississippi Yalley and the
Plains, where the great bulk of our cattle is kept.

Present Losses from the Lung Plague in the United States. —
Of the present losses from the lung plague in the United States
two items may be quoted as being more tangible than such

OBSERVATIONS ON THE LUNG PLAGUE OF CATTLE. 709

incidental ones as the losses of pasture, fodder, buildings, cur¬
rent business, and prospective increase of stock. The items
referred to are the depreciation of our beef in the English
market, and the losses by deaths in our home herds. The dif¬
ference in value of American cattle, when, as at present, com¬
pulsorily slaughtered at the port of debarkation, and when they
can be moved inland and held for a market, is variously stated
at seven dollars to ten dollars per head in favour of the latter.
Erom the port of New York alone the shipments during 1879
amounted to 95,380 head, which are therefore depreciated in
value to the extent of 800,000 dollars. If we add the exports
from Portland, Boston, Philadelphia, and Baltimore there must
be a gross depreciation of no less than 1,500,000 dollars per
annum. The yearly losses from deaths in our herds cannot be
less than 500,000 dollars more, so that in these two items alone
we are probably losing 2,000,000 dollars per annum, though the
plague has invaded but the merest fragment of our immense
territory.

Mediate Contagion. — As our observations throw some light-
on this disputed question, a few illustrations may be given to
show that direct contact is not essential to infection.

Infection through the Air . — It has long been noticed that
successive victims in the same buildings are not attacked in the
order in which they stand, but that the plague usually passes
over two or three cattle to strike down a more susceptible sub¬
ject at a greater distance. We have also noticed repeatedly that
when the cattle of different owners stood under the same roof,
but separated by a board partition, that infection spread quickly
from the one to the other, though it was impossible for them to
come in contact.

And yet a free dilution in the air seems to destroy the con-
tagium in a very short distance. At Bidgewood, Queens Co.,
in the spring and summer of 1879, the herd of T. Byan was
almost exterminated by the lung plague, as many as twenty
head having perished, while over the fence in a building not
over forty feet distant, the herd of George Van Size kept healthy
throughout. Boll quotes instances of infection at fifty and 100
feet, and others at 200 and even 300, but in such cases there is
always the possibility of the conveyance of the virus on light
objects like paper, hay, straw, &c., blown by the wind, or on
the surface of men or animals.

Contagion through the Clothes of Attendants. — 1. In February,
1879, Ditmas Jewell, of East New York, interested himself in
the cause of the suffering milkmen, and daily visited several of
the worst infected stables in the locality. He also paid a good
deal of attention to a favourite Jersey cow of Ms own, which

710 OBSERVATIONS ON THE LUNG PLAGUE OF CATTLE.

was kept in a stable surrounded by spacious grounds, and was
never allowed to go out. In the end of March she sickened and
died of lung plague.

2. Joseph Hyde, Seventieth Street and North Liver, New York,
had lost twenty cows in four months in the spring and summer
of 1879, and was allowed to put up a new stable for fresh cows
two lots distant from his former one, on condition that separate
attendants should be furnished for the two stables. The fresh
cows were all from healthy country districts, and the stable was
built of new wood, yet a month later the plague showed itself in
that as well. It was then found that the attendants in the
different stables had helped each other in the owner’s absence.
As showing that the infection was not conveyed through the air,
the lot between Hyde’s two stables was occupied by the house
and cow stable of a different party, whose stock kept sound
throughout.

3. George Youngblood, Little Britain, Orange Co., sent a
cow to New York by the Newburg boat, May 29th. She never
left the pier, nor came in contact with other cattle, except those
coming by the boats from healthy country districts, but like
others was handled by milkmen and dealers. She was taken
back by the Newburg boat the same day she arrived (May 30th),
and two weeks later she sickened with lung plague, and con¬
veyed it to Youngblood’s herd. The cow was sent back to
New York for sale, September 30, when she was killed as a
diseased animal, and nearly a third of one lung was found to be
necrosed and encysted. (Bor other cases see my report to
General Patrick, presented to the Legislature.)

To deny the spread of the disease by this channel as has
been done, and to act upon this, is but to offer facilities for
the plague to extend its ravages, and to render doubtful or
impossible its final extinction.

Contagion through Infected Buildings . — Beside the fact,
notorious in all countries where lung plague prevails, that
dealers’ stables are the grand foci of infection, and that animal's
sold by dealers are the most prolific causes of its spread, it may
be well to name one or two instances in which empty infected
stables serve to propagate the pestilence.

1. John Muller, Farmingdale, L. I., on January 1st, 1879,
got from a dealer a cow, which soon sickened and died. Soon
after he bought another cow, which speedily died in her turn.
Later he got a calf from the healthy stock of a neighbour, but
it too sickened and died, and the stable was left tenantless.

2. Messrs. Niedlinger, Schmidt & Co., 406, East Twenty-
seventh Street, New York, lost a cow from lung plague August,
1878. Three months later another cow was placed in the same

OBSERVATIONS ON THE LUNG PLAGUE OF CATTLE. 711

stable, soon began to do poorly, and after a whole year (August
18th, 1879) died of lung plague.

3. Patrick Green, West Parms, N. Y., entered the Bleach
in April, 1879, and stocked it with thirty-two cows fresh from
a healthy district. About May 1st sickness appeared in his
herd, and then he learned that the tenant of the previous year
had lost heavily with lung plague. Eleven of the stock had to
be sacrificed before the disease was finally arrested.

4. Mr. .John H. Cheever purchased of Mr. Odell a farm at
Yonkers on which a cow had died of lung plague one month
before. In the end of September, 1879, he moved on fifteen
favourite Jerseys, from the Tilly Poster Mine farm near Brewsters,
placing them in the infected stables. Soon the plague attacked
the Jerseys, and all died or were slaughtered.

Such cases could be adduced in great number, but these
must suffice to show the urgent necessity for the thorough
disinfection of stables, yards, cars, boats of all kinds, loading-
banks, piers, &c., where infected cattle have been, in order
to a permanent extinction of this plague. This disinfection
should, of course, be the more thorough the closer the infected
building, and the greater the accumulation of rubbish, fodder,
&c., in which the virus may find a resting place. With free
exposure to the open air disinfection takes place naturally and
early.

Contagion through the Food. — 1. Contagion through pastures
is exceedingly rare. In the open air, and in climates with
frequent alternations of rain and sunshine, at seasons when the
virus, like other organic matter, is not locked up in frost, a
spontaneous disinfection takes place in a very short period.
But with continuous frost, or with a very dry, rainless climate,
the infection may be preserved for an indefinite length of time.
A striking instance of the conveyance of the infection through
pastures in a dry climate is furnished in the infection of Australia
(p. 705). The working oxen put upon the pastures where the
sick cattle had been were themselves infected, and became the
means of infecting the entire country.

The same is unquestionably often re-enacted during the dry
seasons of our infected states on the common or unfenced
pasturages on which the herds of different owners graze succes¬
sively. It has been a common practice for boys to watch such
herds in order to keep them apart and prevent infection, but as
they are allowed to browse successively on the same soil the
virus is transmitted, and the disease spreads in spite of this pre¬
caution, precisely as it did at the start of the plague in Australia.

The significance of such results cannot be overestimated.
It has been shown above (p. 702) that the one great cause of

712 OBSERVATIONS ON THE LUNG PLAGUE OF CATTLE.

the perpetuation of the plague on this continent has been the
mingling of cattle on unfenced grounds, and it is now clear that
it is not the mingling alone, but also the pasturage on the same
place successively that is particularly dangerous. The contrast
in results, as seen on a large scale, is sufficiently important to be
quoted. In New Jersey and Pennsylvania, where the use of
common unfenced pasturages was allowed, the lung plague is
still very widely prevalent after a year’s work for its extermina¬
tion. In New York, wherever it was possible to prevent such
common pasturage the plague was definitely exterminated, though
for half of the year lack of means prevented the prosecution of
the work of extinction so vigorously as could be wished. Six
out of eight infected counties were virtually cleared, and the
seventh (Queens Co.) was also purified except on its border
adjoining Brooklyn (Kings Co., the eighth). In Brooklyn alone
did the plague continue with little mitigation, for in Brooklyn
the aldermen passed an ordinance authorising pasturage in
common on unfenced lots, in defiance of the State law, and
abolished the cattle pounds, and in Brooklyn the police magi¬
strates dismissed delinquents brought before them for violation
of the State law, and reprimanded the officers who arrested them.
The future may be predicted from the past. If the other
infected states continued to allow the propagation of the plague
by the common use of unfenced pasturages, and to allow cattle
of all kinds to mingle and infect each other in their markets,
they may spend hundreds of thousands on suppressive measures,
but the plague will survive and the nation will continue to
lose its millions annually, whereas the loss now sustained in a
single year, if faithfully and intelligently applied, would for
ever rid the country of the pestilence. If the Brooklyn city
officials are to be allowed to defy the law in the future as in
the past, the splendid success of the first year’s work outside
that plague-spot will not be consummated for the entire com¬
monwealth, but appropriations will be demanded, and an ex¬
pensive guardianship must be maintained year after year
with the greatest uncertainty as to the final extinction of the
virus.

2. “ Swill/3 That “ swill” is not the cause of lung plague
is well enough known to all who have made a study of the
affection. Distillers’ and brewers’ “ swill ” is fed in all the
large western cities ’where the lung plague is absolutely un¬
known. The same is true of swill-fed cattle kept in infected
districts, but which have never been exposed to contagion. For
three months in the end of 1879, and three more in the begin¬
ning of 1880, over 700 western steers were kept in the Blissville
distillery stables that had proved so fatal in the spring of 1879.

OBSERVATIONS ON THE LUNG PLAGUE OF CATTLE. 713

The stables had meanwhile been thoroughly disinfected, and the
greatest precautions were taken to shut up all channels of in¬
fection, and not one of these steers contracted lung plague.
Yet the popular prejudice against swill is not devoid of founda¬
tion. To the distillery stables gravitate cattle from all regions
for fattening. If lung plague exists in the district, such stables
therefore become early infected, just as dealers’ stables do in the
same localities. In the swill stables the warmth and close
reeking atmosphere greatly favour the preservation of the virus
and its conveyance from beast to beast. But it is further to be
noted that in these stables the stock is arranged in rows, and a
whole row of fifteen to twenty cattle is fed from the same
trough. The trough is gently inclined from end to end, and
the liquid swill runs into the trough from a pipe at the one end
and slowly passes in front of each animal in succession to the
other. If a sick beast stands in such a row the infected breath
blows on the passing liquid, and the virulent expectorations drop
into the feed to be carried on to be inhaled and swallowed by all
susceptible animals farther on in the same row. It may be that
the virus introduced into the stomach is harmless, as implied in
a solitary experiment at the Alfort Veterinary College, yet as
cattle breathe on their food, there cannot be a doubt that the
virulent matter in the swill as in other fodder makes its way to
the lungs in the breath, and that infection from this food takes
place in the ordinary way.

The Lung Plague peculiar to Bovine Animals. — While
cattle of all kinds are susceptible to the virus of lung plague,
this susceptibility is limited to the bovine family. In the
zoological gardens of Europe buffaloes and yaks, &c., have
fallen victims to it, but in no instance has it been shown to
extend to the smaller ruminants (sheep, goats, deer) . This is
the more remarkable that the small ruminants have often
mingled freely in pastures, and even in close buildings with
cattle suffering from this complaint. In this respect, there¬
fore, the lung plague differs essentially from the other great
scourges of cattle — rinderpest, aphthous fever, anthrax, tuber¬
culosis, and milk-sickness.

Incubation, its Limits. — The occasionally prolonged period
of incubation, during which the virus remains dormant in the
system of an infected animal, is one of the most redoubtable
features of this disease, and demands from the official sanitarian
a series of precautions which are not required in other cattle
plagues. While incubation may be as short as six days in hot
weather, it may none the less be extended to sixty days (Dela-
fond, Verheyen), sixty-seven days (French Commission), ninety
days (Reynal), or 104 (Roll, Gamgee).

714 OBSERVATIONS ON THE LUNG PLAGUE OP CATTLE.

In support of the last-named period three remarkable instances
of the infection of new countries may be named.

Norway, — In 1860 some Ayrshire cattle were imported to the
Agricultural College of Aas, direct from Scotland. Three
months later some of them were noticed sick, and the country
was only saved by the slaughter of all native stock with which
they had come in contact, and the long seclusion of the sur¬
viving Ayrshires, so that danger of infection from them might be
obviated.

Australia . — In 1858 a short-horn cow that had been three
months at sea was landed at Melbourne, and a fortnight later
she manifested the lung plague. This was 104 days after ship¬
ment from Eugland, and the nature of the disease is only too
sadly certified by the steady extension of the plague over
Australia from the date in question.

South Africa. — In 1854 a Dutch bull was landed at Cape
Town after having passed two months at sea. Six weeks after
his arrival he showed signs of lung plague, and from him the
pestilence spread to the whole of South Africa, and still prevails.
Here again was an interval of 104 days from the time of ship¬
ment in Holland to the first manifestation of the disease in Cape
Colony.

To these may be added some instances that happened under
our own observation, and the first two of which are as clear and
unequivocal as the instances above mentioned.

In East Lothian, Scotland, in 1855, a farmer who had had
his stock clear of disease for years, purchased a cow, which for
three months after purchase kept in low condition, and occa¬
sionally knuckled over at the fetlock as if rheumatic, but fed and
milked well. At the end of ninety days she was taken with
lung plague, and conveyed it to all the cattle on the farm.
There was no other lung plague in the neighbourhood, nor had
there been for a length of time.

Josiah Rogers, of Sag Harbour, Suffolk Co., N. Y., whose
herd had been exposed by contact with a cow from an infected
herd, but which did not herself show sickness, turned a cow out
on the grounds of Montauk, April 28th, 1879. On August 10th
she was found suffering from the lung plague, and was slaughtered
in consequence. This was 104 days after she had left the home
herd, and probably 110 or more after she had taken in the germs
of the plague. The cow would not have been left to sicken on
Montauk, but that she was entered in the name of Mr. Rogers'
son, and her connection with an exposed herd thus failed to be
recognised. Lour more of Mr. Rogers' herd suffered at home,
and one after it had been sold and removed to Old Westburg,
Queens Co., the sale having been made before we had any

OBSERVATIONS ON THE LUNG PLAGUE OF CATTLE. 715

knowledge of disease in Suffolk Co. This cow sickened forty-
nine days after she had left Rogers' place.

Messrs. Niedlinger, Schmidt and Co., 406, East Twenty-
seventh Street, New York, had a cow die of lung plague, August,
1878. Three months later a fresh cow was put in the same
stable (without disinfection). She did poorly since, and,
August 18th, 1879, was found to have lung plague, and was
sacrificed. A case like this is inconclusive, as we cannot tell the
date of infection from the contaminated stable, but in the con¬
tinued unthriftiness, it bears a striking resemblance to the
Scotch case quoted above, and if it cannot be advanced as an
incubation of nine months, it shows the great danger of passing
as sound animals that have been in an infected and uncleansed
building, though no active disease may have been shown there
for many months.

John McGuigan, One Hundred and Seventy- third Street and
Central Avenue, New York, purchased in July, 1879, a fresh
cow which milked wrell but looked unthrifty for five months.
He had had no lung plague before, and purchased no new cows
in the interval, yet in the end of November, 1879, she sickened
and died a most characteristic case of the plague.

These two last cases are not advanced as proof of such pro¬
tracted incubation, for in an infected city it is possible that the
virus was conveyed to them by visitors. Yet their continued
unthriftiness, so like what appears in certain other cases of pro¬
longed incubation or delayed development of the plague, makes
them specially suggestive, and should make observers watchful
for other cases in which the incubation may possibly have ex¬
ceeded the present certified limit of 104 days.

Official Action in Vieiv of such Prolonged Incubation . — -
Seeing that the germs may be carried in the system of the
infected animal unseen and undetectable for 104 days (fifteen
weeks), it follows that to secure stock against danger from a
single animal coming from an infected district, such animal
should be secluded in quarantine under special attendants for
this period of time. In the case of a single animal arriving
from a foreign country he should be detained at the port or
landing until the expiry of fifteen weeks from the date of
shipment from the foreign port. With herds more latitude
may be given, for if infection should be present, it is almost
certain that the incubation will be shorter in some, and thus
symptoms will be shown at an earlier date. Yet a period of
detention of ninety days cannot be safely abridged. In case of
the transportation of cattle from infected states and districts
a quarantime for at least the same length of time is essential,

716 OBSERVATIONS ON THE LUNG PLAGUE OF CATTLE.

while in the case of single animals it cannot be considered as
protective unless it has been extended to 104 days.

As the different states have not recognised the need of
veterinary sanitary specialists to direct their suppressive measures,
the most egregious blunders in this respect have been committed
in practice.

In the autumn of 1879 two herds of cattle from infected
Holland wrere entered at the port of New York, examined by
the New Jersey officials, and at once sent on to Illinois to mingle
with herds from which sales were being constantly made, and
even to be carried around and exhibited at various state fairs.

The same New Jersey authorities kept on their frontier
inspectors with instructions to examine all cattle coming from
the infected regions of Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland, to
turn back all the diseased, but to allow the sound to enter. It
was well, truly, to shut out the actually sick, but where was the
protection when cattle from infected herds, and bearing diseased
germs which would not manifest themselves for one to three
months to come, were allowed free entrance ?

In Pennsylvania the attention of the officials seems to have
been confined to the quarantining of infected herds, and the
slaughter of the incurably sick, and there is reason to believe
that in many cases the quarantine was raised at far too early
a date. In Pennsylvania as in New Jersey, store and fat cattle
from all quarters — infected and otherwise — were admitted
together, or successively into the same stock-yard for sale. In
short, suppressive measures were largely restricted to the dealing
with herds after they had become infected, while the main
sources of the pestilence, the cattle coming from infected districts
and those sold in infected markets, were left free to carry disease
into new herds.

To crown this series of blunders the present officials of New
Jersey threaten those of New York with litigation in the
Supreme Court of the United States, with the view of forcing
the latter to admit New Jersey store cattle into the New York
markets. Had these officials had an intimate acquaintance with
every herd in New Jersey for six months past, there would have
been a shadow' of reason in their course, but having just come
into control of the veterinary sanitary work, the best construc¬
tion that can be put upon their course is that they are wofully
ignorant of the subject, and are judging this disease from some
supposed, but unreal, analogy with certain plagues of men in
which incubation does not extend over a few days.

Some of the officials in question claim special credit for
husbanding the country^ money, and it is claimed that Penn¬
sylvania has expended less than 6000 dollars in indemnities for

INDIVIDUAL VARIATION IN EQUUS ASINUS. 717*

slaughtered cattle. No reflection could be more condemna¬
tory of their system. In place of a vigorous plan of extinc¬
tion founded on an intimate knowledge of the plague, and
which bars all channels for its further diffusion, while the
infection that is already in existence is being remorselessly
stamped out , they adopt measures that are defective at every
step, and while they restrict the pestilence at one point, they
actually favour its spread to other parts of their territory and
that of their neighbours. They cut down a few shoots that
have already grown up into plants, but pay no attention to the
incessant sowing of the same noxious seed going on all around
them. They save a few thousand dollars to the treasuries of
their respective States, but in doing so they are perpetuating the
lung plague on the Continent at a present cost of 2,000,000
dollars per annum to the nation, and they are every day en¬
dangering the spread of the plague to our Southern and Western
cattle ranges at a prospective loss of 60,000,000 dollars per
annum. An economy which puts men who are unacquainted with
a plague in charge of the measures to be carried out for its exter¬
mination is the most reprehensible misappropriation of public
money, since it leads the people to believe that ail necessary
precautions are being taken, while in fact it is but maintaining
a heavy expense with no adequate result.

[To be co?itinued.)

PRELIMINARY NOTES ON INDIVIDUAL VARIATION IN

EQUUS ASINUS*

By John Henri Steel, M.R.C.V.S., E.Z.S., Demonstrator of Anatomy

at the Royal Veterinary College.

The remarkable uniformity in external characteristics which
ages of neglect and degradation have conferred upon the Ass of
this country contrasts so forcibly with the amount of variation
presented by certain of our domesticated animals that some have
based upon it conclusions of a general nature tending to the
admission of essential differences between the effects of natural
selection and those resulting from artificial influences. Tor
proof that these views are untenable we need simple refer to the
fact that on the Continent, in the East, and even through quite
recent artificial selection in America external variation in the Ass
is very marked. With regard to modification of internal struc¬
tures, we believed the following are worthy of note as the

From the Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London.

49

LI 1 1.

718 INDIVIDUAL VARIATION IN EQUUS ASINUS.

outcome of the large number of dissections made by ourselves
and by students under our supervision. We were hardly pre¬
pared to observe so much variation, and were struck by many
Ruminant affinities of Eqmis asinus . Our observations are not
arranged in a satistical form ; nor have we occupied our time
with minute variations in bulk, length, and capacity ; we have
selected those characters which are most striking and at the
same time most instructive.

Osteology.

Vertebra, Cervical. — Atlas and Dentata : imperfect condition
of foramina for spinal nerves, due to arrested development.

Seventh vetebra prominens : vertebral foramen may occur in
one or both transverse processes.

Transverse process with costiforin prolongation. This con¬
dition is remarkable as showing a tendency to increase in the
number of the ribs. The process is invariably autogenous, and
not unfrequently sends a styloid prolongation downwards in the
adult ; but this is generally short, although we have seen it long
and connected with the first rib below the upper head of scalenus
by an elastic band; and in a specimen now before the transverse
processes are asymmetrical, several inches in length, prolonged
by well-marked elastic bands to cartilaginous nodules appended
to the praesternum in front of the first sterno-costal articula¬
tions.

Dorsal and lumbar. — The dorsal intervertebral gaps are
sometimes truly intervertebral ; often each is wholly pierced
through the pedicle of one vertebra. The degree of separation
of the costo-transverse articulation from that for the head of the
rib varies much in the posterior dorsal vertebrae of different
individuals. The last ribs also vary much in length, size, and
degree of curvature. The presence of a so-called “ floating rib,”
making the series nineteen in number, is frequently observable.
This “floating rib ” is generally present only on one side. It is
not a vertebral rib, but a sternal rib ; for it is appended to the
extremity of one or two lumbar transverse processes, the homo-
types of the vertebral costae of the dorsal region. Often, when
not represented by bone, it occurs as a portion of cartilage or a
band of white fibrous tissue, embedded in the abdominal mus¬
cles in such a manner as to remind us of the homotypical con¬
cordance of the intercostals and the abdominal muscles.

In the sacral region it is often difficult to define the extent of
the “ false sacrum ” backwards ; for coccygeal vertebrae become
appended by ankylosis, increasing apparently the ordinary
number of five sacral bones. The last lumbar, too, sometimes

INDIVIDUAL VARIATION IN EQUUS ASINUS. 719

assists in the support of os innominatum ; and in other respects
the “ true sacral bones ” are not always the same.

Coccygeal. — Vary in number, especially with age.

The peculiar modifications which we have noted in the seventh
cervical, the uncertainty observable in the anterior and posterior
parts of the lumbar and sacral regions, and the variation in the
number of ribs prominently bring to our mind the question “ How
is the vertebral column becoming modified in the present day?”
and also, “Will an examination of these points throw any light
on the remarkable preponderance of dorso-lumbar vertebrae and
costae in Perissodactyla ungulata ?”

Skull. — -Exhibits many minor variations, most of them pro¬
bably sexual or due to age.

Limbs , fore. — Scapula : differences in figure, thickness, &c.
Often, instead of the gradual disappearance of the spine interiorly,
it terminates in a slightly prolonged -process, a rudimentary
acromion similar to that seen in the ox, but smaller, Medullary
foramen varies in position ; also glenoid cavity rounded or oval.

Humerus : synovial fossettes vary in size and form, as do
those in upper part of radius and ulna. The ulna generally
extends downwards only two thirds of the length of the radius ;
but in the foetus it is much longer in proportion, and in the
adult we occasionally find it passing downwards to the supero-
external part of the knee to articulate with os cuneiforme. If
we examine the inferior extremity of the radius of the foetal colt,
we may note that at its external part is a small ossific centre.
Our cases of variation show us that we must describe this as
the inferior extremity of the ulna. The value of this observation
as illustrating the similarity of the forearm of the ass to that of
the ox is evident.

Carpus : os trapezium v. pisiforme generally present, but
sometimes absent.

Metacarpus and phalanges : major variations do not come
under our notice (in the ass) .

Hind. — Os innominatum : form, size, and relations of auricular
facet of ilium vary.

Fibula varies similarly to ulna in fore limb. Often extends to
tarsus, occupying whole length of outer part of tibia. In other
cases, and generally, consists superiorly of a small button-shaped
appendage externally placed to upper part of tibia, tapering to a
point interiorly, from which a white fibrous band extends down¬
wards, becoming continuous with the inferior extremity of the
tibia, the external part of which is developed from a distinct
ossific centre, the representative of the tarsal fibula of ruminants.

Tibia and astragalus : synovial fossettes vary in develop¬
ment.

720 INDIVIDUAL VARIATION IN EQUUS ASINUS.

Smaller tarsal bones very frequently united by ankylosis into
a single mass, without any external indication of disease. This
is the condition known to veterinary surgeons as “ occult spavin/'’
We are not yet prepared to attribute to it any morphological
importance.

Cuneiforme parvum composed of one or of two portions.

Splanchnoskeleton .

Ossification or calcification of the posterior portion of the
sclerotic occurs in aid asses.

Os hyoides presents between cerato- and stylo-hyal on each
side a bony nodule representing the epihyals, which are well
developed in the ox.

An os cordis has been observed in the ass ; it is always present
in the ox.

Myology.

Head . — We generally observe muscular fibres which run from
the antero-external angle of orbicularis palpebrans beneath
zygomaticus to the outer surface of buccinator. These represent
laclirymolabialis of the ox, and are seldom seen in the horse.
They are deficient in some asses.

Retractor labii superioris sometimes has a supplementary
portion which runs from the common point of origin of the
muscle to the tendon of the nasalis longus labii superioris, which
it draws downwards, and also to spread out by some of its fibres
over the superior part of the “ false nostril.”

The “ false nostril,” the peculiar nasal pouch of Equidse,
undergoes considerable variation at its extremity, sometimes
presenting a slight tendency to bifidity of its Gul-de-sac. In the
ass it is seldom used ; for the animals are never driven to such
extremes of rapid progression as the horse. Hence we often
find these sacs distended with masses of laminse of epithelial
debris. The dilatatores naris vary in their arrangement in rela¬
tion to this pouch ; thus, ordinarily a continuous series of fibres
extends to it from above, behind, and below, being the superior
and inferior dilators. But we have seen excessive development
of the band against the cul-de-sac of the pouch and deficiency of
the other parts of the series. The posterior extremity of
retractor labii superioris has sometimes a muscular addendum
connecting it with the zygomatic ridge.

Mylohyoideus varies somewhat in being divided generally at
its anterior part into two distinct planes.

GenioJiyoideus sometimes sends a small distinct band to
genioghssus at about the centre of the intermaxillary space.

Ilyopharyngeus , in addition to its usual attachment to the

INDIVIDUAL VARIATION IN EQUUS ASINUS. 721

inferior part of internal surface of superior third of stylohyal,
has often another one, quite distinct from the inferior third.
We more frequently see the latter in the horse.

Hyoideus parvus sometimes absent.

Hyoglossus brevis sometimes attached to stylohyoid, generally

not.

Arytcenopharyngeus is occasionally well marked.

Retractor oculi may form a complete investment of the optic
nerve, or consist of four bands corresponding with the recti.

The middle oblique muscle of the eye, as described by Strange¬
way s,; occasionally occurs in the ass.

The inferior opening of the lachrymal ductus ad nasum varies
in position ; generally it opens at the upper part of the anterior
naris, thus differing remarkably from the same structure in the
horse.

Neck. — Levator humeri never shows the fibrous band indica¬
tive of the seat of the clavicle, which this muscle has in the ox,
pig, and other ungulates ; but this information is conveyed in
some subjects, in which we have seen a small muscle running
from levator humeri around the anterior part of pectoralis
anticus to the inner side of that muscle, where it disappears.

Serratus magnus has sometimes a distinct rudimentary divi¬
sion passing to second cervical transverse process, generally only
extends as far forwards as the third (see arrangement in ox).

Scalenus : instead of terminating by each head at the first
rib as in the horse, the superior division may be prolonged to
the third rib or even further back, (see arrangement in ox) over
serratus magnus.

Longus colli we have seen attached only beneath the five
anterior instead of the six anterior dorsal vertebrae.

Back. — Transversalis costarum posteriorly in some cases is
large and muscular and blended with longissimus dorsi in the
lumbar region ; in others it is tendinous and inserted into first
umbar transverse process.

Serratus posticus minor varies considerably in its development
and attachments.

Latissimus dorsi just before its insertion into the humerus
varies in its relations with scapulo-ulnaris. Sometimes serial
muscular bands beneath the arches of the ribs run from one rib
to another, crossing two or three ; these subcostales vary in
number, are sometimes continuous posteriorly with the psose,
and are covered by the pleuro-costalis.

Transversalis abdominis varies in the degree of extension of its
tendon towards the internal abdominal ring. The rectus abdo¬
minis has a variable number of transverse tendinous markings,

722

INDIVIDUAL VARIATION IN EQUUS ASINUS.

Limbs.

Rind . — Sartorius superiorly is attached to the tendon of
psoas parvus, to the os innominatum with psoas parvus, or
only to the lumbar fascia, sometimes to two or even three of
these points.

Flexor pedis perforans sometimes presents a distinct muscular
belly and tendon, probably a representative of the flexor longus
hallucis found in man.

Variations of pedal muscles less marked than in fore limb.

Fore. — Scapulo-humeralis posticus sometimes almost obso¬
lete.

Teres externus sometimes divisible into teres proper and
acromio-humeralis, as in ox.

Flexor brachii. — Superior tendon has a remarkable piece of
red muscular structure on its anterior part, which varies con¬
siderably in size. Also the band which runs from this muscle
to extensor metacarpi magnus may often be separated nearly to
the knee; careful dissection shows that the inferior extremity
of this muscle is somewhat divided into two parts similar to
those seen in dog, & c.

Pronator teres is of frequent occurrence inside the elbow-joint,
arising from the internal inferior prominence of humerus,
inserted just below internal lateral ligament, crosses radial artery,
vein, and nerve. Generally this muscle is represented only by
a small white fibrous band.

Extensor pedis. — Thiernesse's and Phillip's muscles some¬
times distinct, often imperceptible.

Lumbrici vary in number and size. The interossei of the
large metacarpal, which in the Equidce form the superior sesa-
moideal ligament, vary in their amount of muscular structure
and in their bulk.

Neurology.

Nerves remarkably uniform ; sometimes the transverse meta¬
carpal branch is not immediately subcutaneous, but separated
from the skin by a longitudinal band of fibrous tissue.

Splanchnology.

Sometimes a third rudimentary circumvallate papilla a little
behind the two usually present. Position of parotid opening
varies to a slight degree.

Teeth. — Incisors : sometimes only four present in each series,
corner permanent incisors having never appeared. Occasionally
the upper incisor series has quite become lost — either a result of
wear or fracture. The superficial resemblances of this condition

INDIVIDUAL VARIATION IN EQUUS ASINUS. 723

to that which occurs in the ox is, of course, of no morphological
value.

Canines long or short, sexual variation.

Premolars : small “ wolves' teeth '' occasionally present in
front of four anterior molars.

Stomach often presents a very marked central transverse con¬
striction where cuticular mucous joins the villous.

Caecum sometimes retains the forms it presents in eight months'
foetus ; its apex sometimes very elongated and pointed.

Colon. — Longitudinal muscular bands vary in size and in
number at different part of the bowel.

Liver. — Lobes vary in form and much in size. Ligaments
differ in degree of development, especially falciform ligament,
which sometimes runs as far backwards as umbilicus, containing
a pervious vein in its thin free margin.

Parovarium. — On outer surface of broad uterine .ligament,
sometimes large, often obsolete.

Male mammae often extremely large.

Thyroid body varies much in form, especially in the size of the
band connecting its lateral masses. Conchial cartilages pro¬
longed downwards by small rounded band to lateral part of
guttural pouch and to posterior angle of stylohyal. A remark¬
able peritoneal band sometimes runs from the ceecum to the
omentum major, reminding us of a condition we have noted in
one form of Macacus.

Angiology.

Anterior aorta often entirely absent. Sometimes a larger
anterior mediastinal branch passes downwards from this vessel.
The dorsal and posterior cervical vary in their relations to each
other. Generally these vessels are united on the right side and
distinct on the left ; but this condition may be reversed. The
cervical may become united by a well developed subcostal with
the sixth costal as given off from the posterior aorta ; but this is
not constant. The vetebral passes through or below the seventh
cervical transverse process. The submaxillary may arise directly
from the carotid instead of from the external carotid. External
pectoral arises from internal pectoral, or axillary.

Posterior aorta. — Bronchial and oesophageal often arise by
common root, or are distinct. Benal may supply suprarenal
capsules and kidney ; or the former may be supplied directly by
a branch from the posterior aorta. Spermatics — one sometimes
considerably more anteriorly placed than the other, even given
off by posterior mesenteric. Between internal iliacs occasionally
a small middle sacral arises. The obturator, epigastric, and
inguinal sometimes arise from external iliac, ine origins of the
profunda and of the artery of the cord often vary.

724 THE DANGER OF MILK FROM PHTHISICAL COWS.

The medullary artery of the femur is sometimes given off
through the foramen at the anterior part of the bone instead of
at the internal surface of the bone. The artery of the humerus
is similarly variable. The circumflex of the toe is variously
formed in different cases.

Thus from these examples we see the arteries are the most fre¬
quent subject of variation. The veins also are not regular.
These differences are as numerous and as marked as those in
man.

Our observations point to important affinities, and, we have
reason to believe, may direct attention to conclusions by no
means as yet generally received. So we are in hopes that we
have not over-estimated the importance of our subject. Investi¬
gation of varietal modification of domesticated animals should
teach us the general laws and methods of modification, and thus
bear fruit in advancement of the science of anthropology, in
promoting the scientific management of our animal servants,
and in rendering our knowledge more exact with regard to those
forms which inhabited the earth in by-gone ages.

THE DANGER OF MILK FROM PHTHISICAL COWS.

Dr. V allin, in the Revue d} Hygiene, briefly referring to
recent contributions on this subject, including the writings
of Fleming, and especially Dr. Creighton’s recent paper in
The Lancet, on an infective variety of tuberculosis in man
identical with bovine tuberculosis, urges the attention of
scientific bodies to the subject. These bodies, he says, have
at different times instituted commissions for the study of cow-
pox, rabies, glanders, &c. ; should they not institute a com¬
mission for an investigation such as this? He especially
urges the question upon the attention of the Institute or the
Academy of Medicine. Here is a subject which specially
concerns the medical department of the Local Government
Board, and which we should be glad to see included in the
scientific medical research carried on by that department in
continuation of Dr. Burdon Sanderson’s investigations, made
for the department, on the inoculation and development of
tuberculosis. Meanwhile, asks Dr. Vallin, pending the ex¬
perimental determination of the question at issue, is it not a
matter of common prudence, in giving milk of which the
source is doubtful to infants and invalids, that it should first
be thoroughly boiled? Unless we are mistaken, it has been
alleged that boiling does not offer a sufficient protection? —
Lancet,

HINTS ON EAR MARKING OF CATTLE.

725

A FEW HINTS ON EAR MARKING OF CATTLE.

To the Editor of ce The Live Stock Journal .'’

Sir,— Will you allow me, through the medium of the
Journal , to call the attention of agriculturists to a simple pro¬
cess of ear marking to which even the Royal Society for the
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals could take no exception ?
First, let me say that the ear is the most available and desir¬
able place for a mark. Of course, the epidermic tissues (the
hair, hoof, and horns) are too frail to receive permanent marks.
The hair, as every one knows, is constantly being shed and
rubbed off ; the hoofs grow too fast when out at pasture for
marks to be read any length of time, let alone the difficulty
or impossibility of seeing marks on the hoofs of cattle at a
distance, rendering them quite unavailable in a herd at grass;
and horns must be there before they are marked.

Herdsmen, therefore, have been driven to the ear as the
most conspicious and least sensitive structure. To what ex¬
tent it is cruel to mark the ear by piercing it ? That part of
the ear vulgarly termed the ear, but which is the sound-
catcher, and technically termed the pinna or auricle , is made
up of an almost insensible base, called cartilage, with skin
upon it, like a glove on a finger. This cartilage when in
health, as it is when the marker's knife attacks it, is, I repeat
almost without any feeling whatever. It follows, therefore,
that the “ cruelty '' consists in piercing or cutting two thick¬
nesses of skin.

The cruelty of ear marking, as at present conducted, I do
not admit. The momentary pain is as nothing in comparison
to the severe smart inflicted on my lady's carriage-horse with
a foot of whipcord, as she drives to attend the annual meet¬
ing of the Royal Anti-cruelty Society. If, however, the
wound remains open, especially in fly time, there will be a
ten days' annoyance to the animal; and, looking at it in the
light of utility, there is by it so much flesh lost.

As one used to surgical proceedings, I beg to offer the fol¬
lowing advice to all whom it may concern : — First, it is well
known that organic substances, such as silk-thread, catgut,
string of all descriptions, absorb the serum and other moisture
from the wound, and this putrefies, and becomes irritating
to any raw surface to which it is applied ; and so long as this
irritation lasts, there is either inflammation, or something as
bed. On the other hand, metallic substances, such as lead
and silver wire, are tolerated by the tissues, and healing goes
on around them, the healed surfaces surrounding the silver

726

THE COLOUR OF ANIMALS.

or gold wire in a lady's ear, for instance, shortly after being
pierced. All the agriculturist need do therefore is to insert
metal studs in the “ ears 99 of his oxen. Distinguishing marks
could be made by the position occupied in the ear by the
stud. Thus, one set might all beat the tip or extreme point;
another set at the bottom of the lower edge ; another at the
middle of the lower edge ; another in the centre of the
“ear;" and so forth. If still more distinguishing marks
were needed, the head of the stud at the outer aspect could
be varied in shape, such as the round, the square, the oblong,
the triangle, & c. The variety of distinguishing marks by
position and shape of stud might be very great with a little
ingenuity ; and if still more were required, letters or num¬
bers could be engraved on the stud.

To insert studs even in a restless cow, held by the nose,
would be quite easy with a cobbler’s punch, an instrument
like a pair of pinchers carrying a punch, made the size of the
shaft of the stud. I would recommend that the end of the
stud be a male screw, and that the female screw be broad
enough so as to run no risk of the hole in the ear admitting
it. The only expense would be one punch and the studs
(which could be made of tinned iron and sold by the gross).
The shafts of the stud and, therefore, the hole punched for
its reception, need not be thicker than the shaft of an ordi-
dary pen-holder. The punch should be kept free from rust
and putrid organic matter from previous use, and dipped in
carbolic acid (olive oil 20 parts, carbolic acid 1 part) before
each puncture. Clean studs so inserted would cause hardly
any sore, especially with the carbolic oil precaution, and very
likely there would be no objection raised to it. — W. F.

THE COLOUR OF ANIMALS.

Are white animals more delicate in constitution than those of
other colours? In a meeting of the Ayrshire Breeders' Asso¬
ciation one of the speakers quoted Agassiz in the affirmative,
and added for himself that ft consanguinity carried too far in
breeding is likely to develop too much white in the colour of
the stock." A correspondent in the New York Tribune says,
he never met with a proof of this assertion ; on the contrary,
so far as his experience is concerned, red or brown, rather
than white, most often followed close breeding. But as for
white animals being more delicate than other colours, look at
horses, and especially sheep, white shorthorn cattle, and,
above all, the pure white breed of Charolais in France. A

EARTH-WORMS.

727

hardier race of cattle does not exist, and the same may be
said of some other quite light coloured cattle in Europe. Is
the white Polar bear a delicate animal? Naturalists assert
that several other hardy kinds of animals in the Arctic regions
are white, and although some may change to other colours in
the summer, as winter approaches they resume the white.
Would nature allow this if it made them more delicate in the
season that requires the utmost hardness to pass through it
in good health and safety ? — Live Stock Journal .

EARTH-WORMS.

To the Editor of The c Live Stock Journal?

Sir, — The new and startling fact revealed by the recent
researches of M. Pasteur — noticed recently in the Live Stock
Journal — is calculated at first sight to entirely upset the
farmer’s preconceived notions as to the utility of the
common earth-worm. But discoveries of the nature alluded
to are often mere myths; and the agency of the earth-worm
in spreading disease, even admitting it is a fact, may not be
so very dreadful after all. At any rate, if a farmer chooses
to take the most ordinary precautions in the matter, he may
rest assured that his flocks, his herds, and even himself and
his family, have nothing to fear from contagion-bearing anne-
lides. It is suggested that animals which have died of
anthrax, and allied diseases, should not be buried in fields
devoted to crops or pasturage, and only in poor dry sandy or
calcareous soils, where worms do not congregate. But there
would be little possibility of effectually guarding against the
danger in that way. The only safe plan would be to burn
the bodies of all animals that had died from such diseases.

Fortifying myself with the belief that the latter preven¬
tive would be effectual against the danger which M. Pasteur
warns of, I, for one, shall continue to look upon the earth¬
worm as one of the best friends to the farmer which he could
possibly have. In the one matter of forming soils, the
earth-worm does far more for the farmer than counterbal¬
ances its mischief-working powers, even if the latter were
ten times greater than they really are. The amount of fresh
soil which earth-worms annually bring to the surface has
been estimated by Darwin at 161 tons of dry earth over an
area of ten acres. Stones have been observed to sink into
the soil three inches in fifteen years, and fifteen inches in
eighty years ; but in reality the stones were not sinking — the
earth was being raised at that rate by the action of earth-

728

MICROSCOPIC EXAMINATION OF WATER.

worms. On a grass surface, the rain carries off a great deal of
matter which could never be reached but for the action of
the earth-worm ; so that while the grass protects the surface
to some extent, the earth-worm neutralises this protective
effect, and enables the rain to be constantly washing particles
of soil from off the surface. The vegetable soil which is
often found to have accumulated in hollows, almost entirely
results from this. Apparently, nothing could be so perma¬
nent as a grass-covered surface ; yet it is being continually
raised by worms, plants, &c., and lowered by the washing
effects of the rain. Indeed, any soil, if it is to continue fer¬
tile, must be constantly changing, for on the process of decay
and renewal fertility depends. — J. H.

THE MICROSCOPIC EXAMINATION OE WATER.

The chemical examination of water leaves, as is well
known, much to be desired from a sanitary point of view.
It informs us of the condition with which organisms may be
associated, but gives no information as to the presence of
organisms. The microscope, as at present used, reveals only
the coarser forms of animal life, and those only with uncer¬
tainty. M. Certes has endeavoured to ascertain how far it
can be made to yield information of more direct value. The
discovery of the microscopic organisms has hitherto been
very much a matter of chance. Patience and skill are even
of slight help. Fortunately, however, certain chemical re¬
agents kill these organisms without changing their appear¬
ance; osmic acid is of especial value for this purpose. Once
destroyed, they sink to the bottom, and, if enough of the
liquid has been employed, they may thus be collected in
appreciable quantity. The value of this method is shown
by the following experiment : — If a test tube be broken, and
the water it contained is contaminated by dipping in it the
extremity of a rod which has been placed in an infusorial
liquid, and it is then treated with osmic acid, the organisms
will be found intact, and with readiness, by the aid of the
microscope.

In the examination of water M. Certes employs a one and
a half per cent, solution of osmic acid. One cubic centi¬
metre of this solution will suffice for thirty or forty cubic
centimetres of water, all animal and vegetable organisms
being by it rapidly killed and fixed. In a few minutes, in
order to lessen the blackening action of the osmic acid, as
much pure water as the test tube will hold is added. In

AIR AS A GERM-CARRIER.

729

certain waters rich in organisms the microscopical examina¬
tion may be made in a few hours. If the water is compara¬
tively pure, twenty-four or forty-eight hours must be allowed
to pass. The liquid, with the exception of the last one or
two centimetres, may then be decanted. The detection of
the organisms in the residue is facilitated by the employ¬
ment of colouring* agents, such as Ranvier's picrocarminate,
methyl violet, logwood, &c. It is always well to introduce
the colouring agent mixed with glycerine ; the organisms are
thus better tinted, and can, if desired, be better preserved. —
The Lancet .

AIR AS A GERM-CARRIER*

After a long and very unfavorable review of the labours of
previous aeroscopists, including Pasteur, Lewis, and Douglas
Cunningham, Dr. Wernich describes certain experiments on
the action of air-currents upon germs. His apparatus is
essentially a modification of that previously employed by
Nageli. Filtered air is drawn through or over the germ-con¬
taining material, and thence into a vessel containing pabulum,
sterilized by boiling.

He finds ( a ) that thoroughly dried compact masses con¬
taining germs, e.g. slices of potato bearing crusts of Micrococci
and similar incrustations on glass, wire, &c., yield no germs,
even to the strongest air-current; (b) that coarse and fine
dust is easily carried over in the stream of air, and the germs
it may contain develop all the more surely if they are accom¬
panied by a small quantity of their former pabulum ; (c) that
porous bodies of different kinds saturated with putrefying
fluids and then carefully dried, yield germs to the air-stream,
but slight moistening of the porous body is sufficient to
prevent this ; [cl) that slimy surfaces bearing germs may be
slightly dried by the current of air and germs then taken up ;
( e ) that germs are not taken up from a fluid through which
air passes if the formation of spray and foam be guarded
against.

The author then discusses the bearing of these results upon
the ventilation of hospitals, and concludes that while it is
doubtless important as much as possible to avoid stirring up
the dust of sick rooms, and to ventilate them by as regular
and gentle a stream of air as possible, the importance of the
air as a vehicle of infectious germs has been much exag¬
gerated. — Journ . of Hoy. Micro. Society.

* ‘ Arch. path. Anat. u. Physiol.’ (Virchow), Ixxix, 1880) p. 124.

730

PRODUCTION OF SEX.

PRODUCTION OF SEX.*

Referring to an article contributed by himself to a Venetian
journal, in which he attributes the determination of the sexes
to the number of spermatozoa which enter the ovum, M.
Canestrini considers that experiments are needed in order to
ascertain what amount of sperm is necessary for the pro¬
duction of each sex. M. Thury^s theory, that the lateness or
earliness of the period of fertilisation is the determining cause,
though not an exact theory, is yet favorable to that of the
author; for the reason why fertilisation early in the period of
heat of the female produces female offspring appears to be the
distance at which the ovum then is from the source of the
sperm, and the consequently small number of spermatozoa
which penetrate so far up the Fallopian tube as to reach it.

In some cases the sex may be said to be determined by
accident, as when, of many sperm-cells produced, but few
meet the ovum owing to a combination of unnoticed causes,
and so a female offspring is the result. But given that the
circumstances generally are favorable in both parents, and
that the fertilisation takes place towards the end of the period
of heat of the female, a male may be expected to be generated.
On the other hand, a morbid condition or malformation of
the female generative organs, or a scantiness of sperm in the
male, should result in the production of a female. Among
actual facts which bear out these theoretical considerations
are cited twenty experiments made by Dr. Heitzmann ; of
these, twelve bore out the prediction previously made as to
the sex to be expected. It is a known fact, confirmed by
experiments made with poultry, that an old male generates
more males than females, and vice versa with a young one.
This may be explained, in accordance with the hypothesis,
either on the assumption that the semen is more concentrated
as a rule in an old male, or that copulations being less fre¬
quent in such cases, the spermatozoa would be more abun¬
dant.

The ovum may develop without contact of semen, i. c.
partheno-genetically, in which case the sex of the offspring
will be always the same for the same species, or if receiving
a minimum amount, will go through merely the primary stages
of development, and will abort ; or it may receive a greater
amount and produce a female, or a still greater amount and
a male will be the result. — Journ. Roy. Mic. Soc.

# Bull . Soc. Ven. -Trent. Sci. Nat., i (1879), p. 18.

731

CENTRAL VETERINARY MEDICAL SOCIETY.

At an ordinary meeting of the above Society, held at No. 10, Red
Lion Square, W.C., on Thursday, August 5th, in the absence of the
President, Mr. F. W. Wragg took the chair.

Mr. Samson exhibited a specimen of diseased heart, taken from a very
fine cow that had always been remarkably healthy. She was taken ill on the
22nd July last with a common shivering fit. As the bowels did notact,
he administered a saline draught with benefit. On the 23rd was sent
for again ; found the temperature 103|°; pulse extraordinary quick, and
very weak. On auscultation, could hear a thumping noise on the right
side, but on the left could scarcely hear the heart beat at all. It
appeared to him to be a case of severe heart disease, and he gave very
little hopes of the animal’s recovery, but the owner wishing it to be
treated he ordered small doses of aconite, with gruel and beer. The
animal became worse, lost her supply of milk, and her appetite failed.
She died on the 2nd August. The temperature was on that day 105|°.
He made a post-mortem and slit up the pericardium to let out the fluid,
of which there was as much as from twelve to fourteen quarts (sample
shown), exceedingly offensive and thick. All the other organs of the
body appeared healthy. The diseased heart was affected from its apex
to its base, and all round one side. Four days before the animal’s death
he heard the heart beating in the fluid. There was no swelling under
the jaw.

Mr. Gerrard had known a similar case arising from a pin penetratin g
the heart.

Mr. Steel remarked that the disease was usually preceded by attacks of
indigestion. The lesions appeared to have existed some time.

The Chairman thought it must have been a case of pericarditis.

Mr. Shaw observed that it was no uncommon thing to find a diseased
heart in a bullock ; he frequently saw it. Quite recently a case came
under his notice which was condemned as one of pleuro-pneumonia ;
there was an immense quantity of water in the pericardium. He had
never seen a case like the present, and should think the disease must
have been present months before death. Many similar cases arose from
a nail, piece of wire, or pin passing into the heart, and such was not
discovered until after the animal was killed ; numbers of beasts went
to market in such condition.

Mr. Steel said, as a rule, upon making a post-mortem examination there
was not such a condition of the pericardium and heart’s surface and its
general structure as found in this case. He generally found the fluid
in the pericardiac sac of a milky or yellowish-white colour, sometimes
reddish (but that was the exception), and he was inclined to believe it
was seldom, if ever, found except with some communication with the
heart cavity before death.

With regard to the nature of the deposit on the heart, in ordinary
cases it had not that leathery characteristic seen here ; more often it ap¬
pears as a thick, tough membrane. The deposit is of a brighter colour . In
ordinary cases it undergoes calcareous change, and is somewhat gritty,
and its feeling to the knife is different to that of the specimen exhibited,
which he saw required careful examination, and might probably prove
to be a case of idiopathic carditis in the cow, and, if so, would be
a valuable addition to their literature on the subject. In reply to
Mr. Gerrard, he said that he had mostly found the secretions in all

732 CENTRAL VETERINARY MEDICAL SOCIETY.

chronic cases to be of a milky-white character, but in some instances
they were reddish.

Mr. Gerrard said his experience was that the secretions were more of a
milky character. Cases of this disorder abounded more in the North of
England than in the southern counties, as there women were frequently
entrusted with the case of cows, and often dropped hair and other pins,
&c., among the animals’ food. He had not previously heard of the
symptom of the disease mentioned by Mr. Samson, viz. the extraordinary
swelling of the jugular veins, and would like to know if that gentleman
observed any regurgitation in this case.

Mr. Samson stated that in both jugular veins the blood passed freely
up and down. He stood and watched the cow for half an hour at a
time. There was no regurgitation. The fluid he exhibited had a most
offensive smell. Had opened many abscesses, but never came across
one so foul.

Mr. Broad exhibited a specimen of the atrophied wall of the right
ventricle of a mare’s heart. It did not represent all the atrophied
portion. Four years since he attended the animal for heart disease and
indigestion. It was laid up for a month. An intermittent pulse,
stopping after every third beat, existed. The mare went to work, but
always had an intermittent pulse. Observed no other indications of
disease. He was called to see the mare a few weeks since and found her
very ill ; while he went to get some medicine she dropped and died.
He found the abdomen full of dark blood ; could only determine that
the rupture proceeded from the mesenteric vessels, but from the careless
way the viscera were removed could not ascertain the cause of the
rupture. No blood could have escaped from any part but these vessels.
Over the whole extent of the mucous membrane of the bowels there
was a thick deposit of gelatinous consistence, as from dropsy.
The disease appeared to have been present a long time. There
were miliary and other tubercles both in the lungs and liver, which
presented the exact appearance answering the description of the cal¬
careous tubercle, like a button embedded in the surface. The animal
was probably twenty years old. The owner had had her some fourteen
years. He had found some glands removed from the inferior portion of
the diaphram, which appeared to be diseased. The tubercles were the
same as found in glanders. There was no rupture in the heart ; the
spleen and kidneys were sound.

Mr. Shaw drew attention to the remarkable thinness of the wall of the
heart.

Mr. Gerrard remarked an intermittent pulse was very common at
times. He had a case very similar, a six-year old horse. The abdo¬
minal cavity was filled with blood. The heart was quite healthy. He
could not detect anything wrong. It might have been caused by
galloping, leaping a fence, or something of that sort. Could not find
where the escape came from.

Mr. Shaw was at a loss to understand how the mare could work in the
state she was in, with the wall of the ventricle so thin ; she must have
been greatly distressed at the least exertion.

Mr. Broad said that was the case, and he believed the acute symptoms
were brought on by her having been taken a longer drive than usual.
When at the Crystal Palace she had a slight attack, and that brought on
serious illness. She had been in regular work, and was a well-bred mare.

The Chairman stated that his experience was that heart disease in the
horse was of common occurrence, and it was the exception, rather than
the rule, upon making post niortems to find animals with healthy hearts. In

CENTRAL VETERINARY MEDICAL SOCIETY.

733

his practice, which was principally among draught horses, he frequently
found fatty degeneration, atrophy, or hypertrophy of the heart. Such
horses were capable of undergoing great exertion. Indeed, it surprised
him how they underwent so much with heart disease.

The Chairman , in calling attention to Mr. Broad’s paper on “ Glanders
and Farcy,” regretted he had not attended the two previous meetings,
but he now desired to draw their attention to the length of time the
disease often laid dormant in the system. One case particularly im¬
pressed him. Two horses belonging to a London brewery were turned
out to grass ; one became affected with glanders and was destroyed,
the other one was left out six weeks or two months. He appeared all
right when brought up, and was put to work. Ten months after, this
horse broke out with farcy. He had no proof of it, but felt certain this
horse contracted the disease while out to grass with the other one and
became inoculated, and that the disease laid dormant ten months.
During a period of sixteen years they only had had one case of farcy in
the stud of sixty horses. The animals had water supplied them in their
mangers, and to this he mainly attributed their freedom from glanders
and farcy, as they could obtain drink at night.

Mr. Shaw said he would like to ask Mr. Broad whether feeding horses
with maize had anything to do with the disease, as many horses in
London were fed upon it.

In reply to Mr. Gerrard the Chairman said he had no positive proof
the animal he referred to, might not have contracted the disease else¬
where than from the horse he was put out to grass with. He would not
say the poison of glanders always laid dormant in the system for
so long a time ; very much depended upon the constitution of the animal,
its freedom from organic disease, and other considerations. He thought
neither himself nor any one else could determine how soon the disease
would come on.

Mr. Gerrard said he believed in the laying on of water in stables. He
thought drinking-troughs did more harm than good.

Mr. Samson remarked that, to detect ulcers in the nostril, he used a
small bull’s-eye lamp, and found it preferable to a candle, which the
animals frequently extinguished.

Mr. Hunting said he would refer to one or two topics shortly. As to
incubation , it was one of the most difficult, and also one of the most
important points to deal with, the difficulty being that with horses kept
for work, travelling about town or country, exposed to various conditions,
it was next to impossible to say how long the period of incubation was.
In the case mentioned by the Chairman it was impossible to say that the
horse might not have been contaminated, not at the time he was in the
field, but a month previous ; such might have been the case. It was
well known that the period of incubation extended to a considerable
time. For a certainty he could say it might be as short as eight days in
direct inoculation, and it might extend (from his own experience in a
number of cases) to three months. This period of incubation had a very
important medical-legal bearing. If a man bought a horse, and it be¬
came glandered, or showed symptoms of the disease shortly after pur¬
chase, it became a question for veterinary surgeons to decide — Was the
horse glandered or not at the time of sale ? He believed the French
law required a period of eighteen days to elapse, and if glanders showed
itself within that time the law held that the animal had glanders in
its system prior to sale. This seemed a very fair period to allow, and
such a law would be good for this country. The burden should rest

Liu. 50

73 4

CENTRAL VETERINARY MEDICAL SOCIETY.

upon the seller if the disease appeared within eighteen days after
purchase.

Another medical and legal point in glanders and farcy was the
duration of the disease. He differed from some veterinary surgeons.
He had seen more than one certificate saying, “ This horse is suffering
from glanders of long standing.” Now, there were very few cases in
which a man had a right to say this, unless the symptoms were very
extraordinary. In his experience he had, over and over again, seen such
a group and combination of symptoms suggestive of disease of long
standing , but which, in reality, had only existed two or three days, and
he thought there was nothing more difficult than to say a horse was
suffering from disease of three, two, or even one month’s standing.
He did not believe any man could say a horse had been glandered for
one month.

As to the cause of glanders, he believed there was only one, viz. con¬
tagion. He would at once negative such a suggestion as the eating of
maize, as his father used it very largely with beans, and his horses never
suffered. He did not like the drinking-troughs accused of being such
spreaders of the disease ; and now there were very few glandered horses
to be found about London streets.

Mr. Samson considered the spread of glanders more due to horse
repositories than drinking-troughs.

Mr. Steel differed from Mr. Hunting as to the inability of veterinary
surgeons to fix the length of duration of disease from appearances of
animals. He thought, under certain conditions, and when they pre¬
sented peculiar symptoms, it was possible for them to fix the time to at
least one month, by careful examination of certain lesions in the mucous
membrane and skin, and when they found a cicatrix in the Schneiderian
membrane also. He was sanguine enough to hope a cure would yet be
found for glanders, and alluded to the fact that Dr. Granville, in working
out the pathology of glanders, thought he had made important discoveries
of bacterial elements different from those found in anthrax. The subject
had been largely discussed on the Continent, but still remained to be
proved. He (Mr. Steel) thought it possible there might be a state
of the blood in which the poison of the disease was diffused through the
system, and yet left no local lesions indicative of its presence.

Mr. Shaw said he knew a case of a horse working in Russell Square
the night previous with twenty farcy buds on him. The man said, “ It
only broke out in the night.” He quite agreed with the Chairman that
the disease could exist in the system for months. In giving an opinion,
they should always notice the purple colour of the membrane. He had
noticed an invariable sign of lung disease was, an animal affected would
grunt if one went to strike him.

Mr. Steel said, respecting Mr. Gerrard’s question about the purple
colour of the mucous membrane as confirmatory of the animal being
affected, and as a reason for its isolation, where there is an outbreak of
the disease, and no lesion can be detected as described of glanders, the
ulcers probably arising from other causes, the history of the case must
be studied with all the particular bearings of the disease, or supposed
disease, with which they had to deal.

Mr. Samson noticed affected horses presented a bluish-purple appear¬
ance of the Schneiderian membranes, and frequently a loss of flesh about
the hind quarters.

Mr. Hunting , in referring to the duration of the disease, said other
diseases than glanders might produce a cicatrix, as mentioned by Mr.
Steel ; it might follow Schneiderian ulcers in the nostril after influenza. A

LIVERPOOL VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. 735

disease which he called German smallpox, left scars like farcy buds, all
over the body ; sthe swelling in the leg might be an ordinary case of
lymphangitis ; falling away of the hind legs might be the result old-
standing case of mudrash ; in fact, all the symptoms of old-standing
glanders might arise from other causes, and were, therefore, mis¬
leading.

Mr. Steel said, in a case he knew of, the lesions could be traced
through different stages ; they were more acute, plainly showing, for
instance, on the membrane, that an ulcer left a cicatrix behind, and
sometimes, from the symptoms, he would have no hesitation in saying,
in a court of law, that a case had existed for one month.

The Chairma?i said it appeared quite evident that, if one had a horse in
London falling off in condition, discharge coming from the nostril, and
swelling of the glands, he might be killed, with a certainty that the
animal was glandered ; but this could not be done in any other place but
London, which he thought the hot-bed of the disease. He con¬
sidered horse repositories and water-troughs great sources of
contagion,

Mr. Broad said, as stated in his paper, that there appeared nothing won¬
derful in the disease lying dormant in the system ; tubercles in the lungs
frequently required extraneous conditions to set them at work. He
concurred with Mr. Hunting’s remarks on the legal bearing of the dis¬
ease, as to the liability of the seller. Mr. Shaw’s allusion, at the pre¬
vious meeting, to the incautious usage of brushes and combs, was a good
one. He considered Mr. Samson’s method of using a bull’s-eye lamp to
examine nostrils good, and thought, if used in conjunction with the
glass he (Mr. Broad) had exhibited, it would be an excellent aid, and
preferable to daylight. He differed from Mr. Hunting as to the length
of period of incubation, that gentleman fixed it to three months; he
thought it might be an almost indefinite period ; the disease might mani¬
fest itself after three years’ incubation.

The usual votes of thanks were then accorded, and the proceedings
terminated.

Present, nine Fellows and three visitors.

James Rowe, Hon. Sec.

LIVERPOOL VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSO¬
CIATION.

The sixty-third quarterly meeting of this Association was held at the
Medical Institute, Hope Street, on Friday evening August the 20th,
the President, Charles W. Elam, Esq., occupying the chair.

There were present — Prof. Williams, Edinburgh ; Messrs. R. S.
Reynolds, G. Morgan, A. Bain, W. T. Moore, E. Kitchin, Jackson,
Bell, Michaelis, Liverpool; Messrs. Lloyd and Edwards, Chester; W.
Woods, Wigan; Ferguson, Warrington; R. Ellis, Ormskirk ; Dacre,
Altrincham; T. Stone, Walden; Messrs. T. Hopkin, W. A. Taylor, E.
Faulkner, T. Greaves and S. Lock, Manchester ; Mr. Lyman, Boston,
U.S.A.; and the Secretary.

Letters, &c., regretting their inability to attend were received from
the following gentlemen: — Jos. Welsby, Liverpool; Whittle, Worsley ;
Peter Taylor, Manchester ; Messrs. Jas. Moore and George Fleming

736

LIVERPOOL VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION.

London; Henry Barnes, Malpas ; L. Butlers, Norwich; and Walter
Lewis, of Crewe.

The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed.

It was proposed by R. S. Reynolds , seconded by G. Morgan , and carried
unanimously, that Messrs. R. C. Edwards (of Chester), and E. Kitchin
(of Liverpool) be elected members of this Association.

In consequence of the unavoidable absence of Peter Taylor the
adjourned discussion of his paper on “ Counter-Irritation ” was post¬
poned until the next meeting.

Prof. Williams then read a very able and scientific paper on “ Pur¬
pura Hsemorrhagica,” which was followed by an animated discussion.

Mr. Morgan , after thanking Prof. Williams for his paper, said that he
could not account for the disease being more prevalent amongst horses
in Scotland than elsewhere, as stated by Prof. Williams. His experience
was that more died than recovered. Thought that (i Purpura hsemor-
rhagica ” and scarlatina were often confounded with each other, and
that a prominent septicaemic in scarlatina was the presence of a bloody
exudate all over the body, which is easily detected by passing the hand
through the hair. He thought that a frequent cause of “ Purpura” was
the debility which existed during recovery from chest diseases. Agrees
with the treatment adopted by Prof. Williams, viz. the exhibition of
Potass. Chlor., followed by Spts. Tereb. and Ferri Perchlor., but would
also give stimulants to support the system. Would not hesitate to
scarify the swellings and allow the contents to escape.

Mr. R. C. Edwards had not seen many cases, except when in Edin¬
burgh. Had treated formerly with Ferri Perchlor., but now prefers
Potass. Chlor. Has tried Potass. Bichrom., but found it unsatisfactory.

Mr. Greaves had had considerable experience of the disease, and found
that the majority died. Agreed with Prof. Williams that it arises from septic
material in the atmosphere. Favours the treatment adopted by the late
Prof. Dick, viz. to ri 1 the system by the alimentary canal. Did not
hesitate to puncture freely. Had recently a bad case and punctured
scores of times and obtained a fair bucketful of straw-coloured serum.
The horse did well. Recommended exercise, notwithstanding its apparent
cruelty. Had tried Potass. Chlor., but without much benefit. Approved
of the application of hot fomentations to the swellings.

Mr. Moore does not agree with Mr. Greaves in puncturing. Has seen
many cases, and finds that puncturing leads to sloughing. Does not
interfere with the bowels. Has given Potass. Bichromate for eighteen
years, and finds it eminently satisfactory.

Mr. Hopkin agrees with Prof. Williams that “ Diarrhsemia ” is a
better name for the disease. Favoured the use of Spts. Tereb. and
Potass. Chlor. Recommended the administration of dry fibrin. Does
not puncture the swellings, except those about the nostrils, thus trying
to avoid tracheotomy. If the swellings should slough in consequence of
puncture, considers it preferable to the performing of tracheotomy. Has
not noticed the extreme variations in pulse and temperature. Does not
agree with Mr. Greaves as to exercise, as in his opinion it exhausts the
patient. If constipation existed he gave medicine to act gently on the
bowels.

Mr. Bacre considers the microscope gives little aid in blood diseases.
Believes that there is no special mode of treatment. He leaves matters
alone externally, and varies the internal treatment according to sym¬
ptoms. Thinks that Prof. Williams’s success is remarkable. In
Manchester they are not so successful. Has tried Potass. Chlor. in

LIVERPOOL VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. 73 7

water without success. Would suggest subcutaneous injections of
ergot.

Mr. Woods has had many cases. Finds that they always follow
debilitating diseases. Gave Spts. Tereb. and Potass. Chlor., and also
recommended mild purgatives, cleanliness, and the use of disinfectants.

Mr. W. A. Taylor thinks that the term “ Purpura haemorrhagica ”
does not give a direct clue to the disease as we find it. Has noticed the
great discrepancy mentioned by Prof. Williams in the pulse and tem¬
perature, the latter being 102° in the morning, and 106° in the evening,
without a corresponding increase in the number of pulsations. Could
not account for it. Had noticed in one case attempts at vomition,
caused by a sloughing off of a portion of the duodenum. Never punc¬
tures, believing that the admission of the atmosphere would produce
pyaemia. Gives Spts. Tereb., afterwards Potass. Chlor., followed up
by vegetable and mineral tonics.

Mr. Lyman had not met with many cases in America, where bad
ventilation is almost universal. Had experienced some cases followed
by the “ horse disease.” Considered it to be of a septic nature. He
gave the history of a case which died from intestinal haemorrhage.

Mr. Faulkner thinks that Prof. Williams has given as good description
of the disease as being one of a septic distinguished from that of an
anthrax nature. Has not noticed the variations in the temperature
and pulse. Gives Potass. Chlor., with Spts. Tereb., with mild laxatives ;
afterwards vegetable tonics. Never saw sloughing or an unhealthy
wound produced after puncturing.

The President had not seen many cases in Liverpool. Gave Potass.
Chlor. in water, Spts. Ammon. Co., and Spts. Tereb. Had given of
late milk in large quantities as food, believing it to be readily assi¬
milated.

Prof Williams, in reply, said that the true principle of treatment lay
in destroying the cause ; the employment of ergot only attacked a
symptom, as in this disease there is a great tendency for the blood to
leave the vessels without rupture taking place. The administration of
Spts. Ammon. Co. is quite inadmissible, as it increases the fluidity
of the blood, which in this disease is in an anaemic condition. He
entirely disagreed with exercising the patient as he would in cases of
laminitis. Did not favour puncturing, as it brought about decomposi¬
tion of the subcutaneous tissue. If constipation existed he gave about
eight or ten ounces of linseed oil along with Spts. Tereb., to act on the
kidneys. Did not think much of the administration of fibrin.

Mr. Wood proposed and Mr. Reynolds seconded a vote of thanks to
Prof. Williams for his valuable paper. A similar compliment having
been paid to the Chairman, the meeting terminated.

Wm. Leather, Hon. Sec.

738

DECREASE OF LIVE STOCK IN IRELAND.

It appears from the following table that the returns of live stock in
Ireland for 1880, compared with 1879, show a decrease in all descriptions.

Years.

!

Horses and
Mules.

Cattle.

Sheep.

Pigs.

Poultry.

1879 . . .

596,890

4,067,778

4,017,903

1,072,185

13,782,835

1880 . . .

582,053

3,021,026

3,561,361

849,046

13,426,729

-

Difference in

Decrease,

Decrease,

Decrease,

Decrease,

Decrease,

numbers be-

tween 1879

and 1880 . .

14,837

146,752

456,542

223,139

356,106

Veterinary Jurisprudence.

CONVICTION OF TWO AUSTRALIAN PRACTITIONERS,
STYLING THEMSELVES VETERINARY SURGEONS, FOR
SELLING POISONOUS AGENTS.

In the Melbourne Weekly Times , just received, we find the following
report :

At the District Court, on Monday, August 2nd, before Mr.
Call, P.M.,

James Leith and John R. Miscamble , described as veterinary surgeons,
were summoned for illegally selling poisons.

The prosecutions were taken at the instance of the Pharmaceutical
Society of Victoria, for whom Mr. Dan Wilkie appeared, and stated
that public attention had been lately drawn to the great number of
deaths from poison, and as it was known that there were numbers of
persons selling without the slightest restriction, the Society, in the in¬
terests of the public, had taken the matter in hand. It was shown in
evidence that arsenic and tartar emetic had been sold, and that none of
the requirements of the Act, as to registration or labelling, had been
complied with, and the defendants, although styling themselves Veterinary
Surgeons, had no legal qualification.

The evidence of the person who purchased the articles, and of Mr.
C. R. Blackett, who analysed them, being taken, the Bench fined the de¬
fendants Is., with £3 3s. costs, at the same time intimating that any
future cases would be more severely dealt with.

Mr. Wilkie drew the attention of the Bench to the smallness of the
costs allowed. He thought that it was only fair that, as the prosecu¬
tion had been taken on public grounds, the Society should not be
losers.

739

THE FELLOWSHIP DEGREE OF THE ROYAL
COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS.

At a meeting of the Examination Committee for the Fellowship
Degree of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons on August 12th,
the following gentlemen, having undergone the necessary tests, were
elected Fellows :

Mr. J. Ferris, Royal Artillery, Woolwich.

„ C. P. Lyman, United States of America.

„ A. Broad, London.

„ J. W. T. Moore, Inspector of the Privy Council, Liverpool.

The following were the written questions :

Dietetics.

1. Name the nitrogenous and non-nitrogenous elements of food.

2. State the relative dietetic value of oats, beans, and bran.

Surgery.

1. Give the pathology and treatment of “Canker ” in the horse’s foot.

2. Give the pathology of “ Seedy Toe ” and the best mode of treatment.

Pathology.

4

1. Describe the pathological anatomy of Swine Plague.

2. Mention some of the more recent discoveries in the pathology of
Anthrax.

EriZOOTIOLOGY.

1. Give a brief historical sketch of the first appearance of Canine
Distemper in Europe.

2. Mention the circumstances which lead to the diffusion or spread of
contagious Pleuro-Pneumonia in a country recently invaded by it.

Physiology.

1. Describe the composition and uses of the different fluids secreted in
the digestive organs.

2. Describe the origin and function of the fifth pair of nerves.

Anatomy.

1. Describe the differential arrangement in the pleural and peritoneal
membranes.

2. Give an outline of the respiratory apparatus in birds.

Therapeutics.

1. Describe the preparation and physiological action of choral.

2. What are the physiological and therapeutical actions of belladonna,
opium,, and digitalis.

740

THE PROFESSORSHIP OF AGRICULTURE AT
THE ROYAL AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE,
CIRENCESTER.

Mr. John Scott has been appointed Professor of Agriculture and
Estate Management in the Royal Agricultural College at Cirencester.
Mr. Scott studied agriculture at the University of Edinburgh, and has
had many years’ practical experience in farming, estate management,
and land valuing, both at home and in the colonies. He is the author
of two well-known books on farm and estate valuations, and was formerly
editor of the Farm Journal. — Daily Paper.

ARMY VETERINARY APPOINTMENTS.

Candidates for appointments under the Army Veterinary Department
must possess the diploma of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons,
and shall undergo a further examination. Successful candidates receive
a commission for ten years, pay commencing at £250 a year. At the
expiration of the ten years he may be dismissed, or may be selected for
further appointments. Alter serving twelve years he is eligible for
promotion to the rank of veterinary surgeon of the 1st class, pay
commencing at 16s. a day, rising to 22s. a day, after fifteen years’ service
as 1st class veterinary surgeon. Army veterinary surgeons rank as
lieutenants, 1st class surgeons as captains.

MISCELLANEA.

A DOG’S HUNDRED-MILE JOURNEY.

A Mr. Donovan, of Richmond Street, recently forwarded to a friend
living north of Orillia a valuable dog that had been raised in the city.
The animal was shipped to its new owner by the Northern Railway, and
on its arrival was kept chained up until it was thought to be thoroughly
familiar with the place and people. On being released from its fastening
the dog made for the road, and was seen no more in that section of the
country. The disappointed owner made Mr. Donovan acquainted with
the fact, and the dog was supposed to be irretrievably lost. One week
after the receipt of the letter conveying the news, the dog made his ap¬
pearance in front of Mr. Donovan’s house, and his delight on gaining his
old familiar quarters knew no bounds. In his 100-mile tramp over a
strange country the city dog had many a pitched battle with rural curs,
as his scarred hide and cut face proved. The wanderer had never been
out of the city before, and, as his journey northward was made by rail,
it is a matter of wonder how he ever found his way back. — Toronto Mail.

THE

VETERINARIAN.

VOL. LIII.
No. 635.

NOVEMBER, 1880. Fourth Series,

7 No. 311.

Communications and Cases.

OPENING OF THE SESSION AT THE ROYAL
VETERINARY COLLEGE.

The Sessional Course of Instruction was commenced on
October 1st, in accordance with established custom. The
chair was taken by Mr. Bernard Holt, F.R.C.S., and the
Introductory Address delivered by Professor Tuson, F.I.C.,
F.C.S. The meeting was well attended by surgeons, veteri¬
nary surgeons, friends from the country, and private gentle¬
men. The Governing Body of the College was represented
by Lord Arthur Somerset and Mr. Harpley. '

In introducing the Chairman to the meeting, Professor
Simonds said : For several years past we have been honored
on these occasions by the presence of a Governor who has
kindly presided over the meeting. We are thus honored
again to-day, and I believe that it is for the first time
in the history of this Institution that that governor has
been connected with the medical profession, a profession of
which I may perhaps be permitted to say, in his presence,
that he is a very bright ornament. I have the pleasure now
of asking Mr. Holt to take the chair. (Applause.)

Mr. Bernard Holt then took the chair, and called on
Professor Tuson to deliver the Inaugural Address.

51

LIII.

742 OPENING OF SESSION AT ROYAL VETERINARY COLLEGE.

Profeesor Tuson, addressing the Chairman, spoke as fol¬
lows :

Different lecturers, no doubt very naturally, entertain
different views respecting the object of the address which it
is the time-honoured custom to deliver at our various
medical and veterinary-medical schools, at the commence¬
ment of every academic year.

For instance, some appear to regard the introductory
lecture as intended to enable them to ventilate their poli¬
tico-professional opinions ; some air their real or imaginary
official grievances ; some ride their scientific or professional
hobbies, and advocate, what they consider to be, the superior
claims to attention which the special department of science,
which they are appointed to teach, possesses over every
other branch of the curriculum ; and so on.

For more than thirty years I have been actively engaged
in teaching science — twenty years in this College and the
remainder of the time in five different schools of human
medicine~-during this period I have always held, and still
hold, the opinion that the subject of the annual address
should be — advice to newly joined students.

To-day, however, I desire to depart for a short time from
this course, in order that I may refer to certain events which
have occurred in, or in connection with, the College during
the last year, and which are of interest to at least the
majority of the senior portion of my audience, whose pre¬
sence is most gratifying to my colleagues and myself, as it
testifies to the interest they continue to take in their alma
mater.

A few months since we lost by death a governor who, for
very many years prior to his failing health, took an active
part in the administration of the government of the institu¬
tion, and who up to the time of his decease manifested a-
deep interest in its welfare.

I refer to the late Mr. Gaussen, whom to know was to
admire for his devotion to the work on the Board of Go¬
vernors, and to highly esteem for the courteous and kind
way in which he treated every one with whom he came in
contact.

Those who had the happiness to know the late examiner
in chemistry and chairman of the Court of Examiners — Dr.
Alfred Swayne Taylor — will feel with me that this profession
has lost a staunch adherent and supporter. Dr. Taylor was
emphatically the student’s friend ; for he not only possessed
that rare, but most desirable, combination of qualities in an

OPENING OF SESSION AT ROYAL VETERINARY COLLEGE. 743

examiner — a good temper, a thorough knowledge of the
principles and practice of his profession, many years ex¬
perience as a teacher, an intimate acquaintance with what
one may term the natural history of pupils ; but he invari¬
ably exhibited that patience, gentlemanly demeanour, and
kindness of manner which gives courage and comfort to the
student, and materially facilitates the passing of an exami¬
nation.

That which I have stated in regard to Dr. Taylor will
also equally apply to another former examiner at the Royal
College of Veterinary Surgeons, the late Dr. Sharpey.

Dr. Sharpey's reputation as a physiologist and as a lecturer
on physiology was literally world-wide. Every one who,
like myself, had the privilege of his acquaintance, knows
how varied, extensive, and sound was his knowledge, and
how ready he was to communicate that knowledge to others,
and to give encouragement and advice to young aspirants to
scientific fame.

Whether as teachers, examiners, men of literary and
scientific attainments, cultured companions, or true friends,
their loss is to be deeply lamented. In either capacity they
can never be surpassed and but rarely equalled.

Another event which I have to mention is the secession of
Professor Pritchard. After nearly completing twenty years
of official work, circumstances arose which rendered it
necessary, in his opinion, to resign the professorship he had
so long and so creditably held. His departure from us is a
source of extreme regret. Let us hope that Mr. Pritchard,
in the “fresh fields and pastures new” which he has chosen
for his future career, will meet with that success and hap¬
piness of which his many good qualities render him de¬
serving.

Consequent upon the resignation of Professor Pritchard,
came the election of Mr. Robertson, of Kelso, to the Chair of
Hippopathology.

Professor Robertson comes to us with the reputation of
being a practitioner of great experience ; we may, therefore,
fairly anticipate that in the carrying on of the infirmary
practice and the clinical instruction, his addition to the staff
will prove to be a most desirable one.

It is an old saying, that “ poets are born, not made.”
Possibly the same is true of some teachers, but most men
find that, in order to succeed in the teacher's art, they have
to devote years to its study and practice. Possibly Mr.
Robertson belongs to the former category ; if so, his tutorial
path will be a straight and easy one. Should he* however,

744 OPENING OP SESSION AT ROYAL VETERINARY COLLEGE *

find, in the exercise of his new functions, that he needs
assistance, I can assure him that he could have met with no
colleagues more willing to aid him — so far as in them lies —
than those with whom he is now associated.

As the present is the first occasion on which Professor
Robertson has assumed an official position in this theatre, I
trust I may be permitted to tender him our hearty welcome,
and to express the hope that between himself and his col¬
leagues there may develop that esteem and unity of action so
essential to the pleasurable and satisfactory performance of
our duties, and consequently to the welfare and reputation
of the institution.

My list of recent changes would be incomplete were I to
omit to notice the rise in position which has been conferred
by the governors on Mr. Steel. This gentleman still
retains the post of senior demonstrator* but he has now
become, in addition, the lecturer on anatomy.

No better appointment could, I believe, have been made.

Mr. Steel was a hard-working and distinguished pupil,
and he has proved himself to be a competent and popular
teacher, as well as an author of no mean ability. I am sure
I may take it for granted that Mr. Steel has the best
wishes of every one present for a long and prosperous career
in the honorable and important position to which he has
been elevated.

With this digression from what I conceive to be my strict
path of duty on the present occasion, I abandon topics of
general interest and proceed to specially address those
among my younger auditors who, as soon as they have satis¬
fied the authorities of their proficiency in scholastic educa¬
tion, will be added to the matriculus or roll of pupils of this
College.

The first thing I would advise the fresh-men to do, if
they have not already done so, is to obtain from our much
respected secretary, Mr. Powys, a copy of the prospectus
relating to students, and a copy of the syllabus of each
course of lectures and demonstrations. Read these produc¬
tions carefully in order that you may gain an insight into
the nature and extent of the work before you, as wrell as
acquire a knowledge of the regulations with which it is
imperative that you should strictly comply.

The contemplation of the apparently numerous studies
with which you will have to be engaged, may have the
effect of disheartening many of you. However, be not
afraid ; approach your work manfully, and with a thorough
determination to conquer all difficulties.

OPENING OF SESSION AT ROYAL VETERINARY COLLEGE. 745

As students you must learn to regard each branch of
study as being of equal importance, and consequently
endeavour to master one subject as completely as another.
You will not, if you are wise, neglect any particular branch
because it is difficult, or because, in your opinion, it has no
practical bearing on your professional pursuit.

Never forget that the curriculum has been carefully
thought out and compiled by far older and more experienced
heads than yours, and that, therefore, it is better for you to
accept it as the best for enabling you to obtain your di¬
plomas, and subsequently occupying a satisfactory position
in the profession to which you desire to belong.

A propos of the acquisition of knowledge which has no
apparently direct or practical connection with your particular
calling, and the desirability of its non-neglect, let me quote
from a speech recently delivered by Mr. Fawcett, M.P.,
Post Master General, at the distribution of prizes to the
successful candidates of the Oxford and Cambridge local
examinations. Mr. Fawcett truly says “ that he could con¬
ceive there could be no greater error than to measure the
advantage of learning any particular subject merely by the
practical use it would be in after life. He hoped they (‘ his
audience ’) would not think he was egotistical in referring
to his own experience, but during his school and college
days he spent a great portion of his time in learning mathe¬
matics. From circumstances to which he need not particu¬
larly refer, no one had had less occasion to use mathematics
than he had, but yet if he could live his life over again,
with his present experience, knowing exactly what he
would have to experience in after life, he certainly — so
great was the advantage he attributed to mathematical
training — would not spend one single hour less in the study
of that subject than he did in days gone by.”

If, during your collegiate experience, you ever feel in¬
clined to regard as useless some of the more abstract scien¬
tific questions that your teachers will bring before you, do
not regard them with indifference, but recall to your minds
the opinions of Mr. Fawcett in regard to mathematics, and
believe that a time will probably come when you too will
look back with satisfaction to the general as well as to the
special training which you were required to undergo in
early life.

By way of further encouraging those whose ardour may
be damped by a consideration of the number of subjects
they will be necessitated to study, I would say, that hun¬
dreds have, by application and by a fair amount of hard

71G OPENING OF SESSION AT ROYAL VETERINARY COLLEGE.

work, passed through the course with credit to themselves
and their teachers : and that, consequently, given a moderate
intelligence and the requisite amount of industry, you may
certainly accomplish that which so many have done before
you.

The sources of information open to you are manifold, and
let me try to impress the fact indelibly on your minds that
it rests almost entirely with yourselves whether or not you
profit by the advantages we have to offer you. If you will
acquire the art of becoming patient listeners you will learn
something from lectures, and if you will carefully use your
ears, eyes, and hands, you will learn much in the dissecting
room and laboratory.

It is, however, in the quiet of your own rooms that the
digestion and assimilation of your mental as well as your
bodily food must necessarily take place. There it is, you
must every evening carefully revise the notes of your day’s
work and transcribe them to the <{ tablets of your memory.”
There it is, you must read your text-books and thereby
thoroughly comprehend the subjects of your previous day’s
lectures which, in all probability, you will have only parti¬
ally understood in the theatre.

Speaking of text-books reminds me of the fact that, until
comparatively recently, the purely veterinary literature
available to our pupils was of the most meagre and un¬
satisfactory description. Now, however, thanks to the
labours of several industrious and able compilers and trans¬
lators, there are but few branches of the curriculum upon
which the student is unable to obtain some reliable work.

From what I have already stated, I think it will be evi¬
dent that with the facilities offered by the governors of this
College and the literary productions at your command, your
opportunities of gaining a sound and broad knowledge of
your profession are far superior to those of your predecessors,
and that to the want of application or of ordinary ability
must be attributed the rejection in most cases of those who
fail to pass the prescribed examinations.

1 trust that the attainment of professional knowledge will
always be your principal object. Still, there are other aims
which, as professional men, are worthy of your careful con¬
sideration. The most important of these is general culture.
You may be the most profound, the most expert, and the
most experienced veterinarians, but unless you are also
fairly versed in general literature, and in possession of those
other attributes which society demands of every English
gentleman, neither the veterinary nor any other profession

OPENING OF SESSION AT ROYAL VETERINARY COLLEGE. 747

can assume that social status which it ought to be the ambi¬
tion of every man to occupy.

Apart from these considerations, the pursuit of general
literature has much to recommend it. With a good book in
hand no man can ever be lonely ; and with the love of
reading comes the desire for home life and the avoidance of
vicious companionship. By reading our tastes are refined,
our knowledge increased and extended, and our conversa¬
tional and other social qualities developed.

In this institution there has long existed, and there still
exists, an association at the meetings of which essays on
professional subjects are read and discussed ; it is to be
hoped that the time is not far distant when, after the week’s
labours are over, you will meet together for the purpose of
reading and hearing read extracts from standard works on
general literature. Should you think it desirable to establish
a society for effecting this purpose, you may rely at least on
my willing support and hearty co-operation.

Men who lead studious lives need physical recreation, in
order that both mind and body may be maintained in a
healthy condition. Were proof of the truth of this obser¬
vation — which is as old as the hills — wanting, I would refer
to Mr. Gladstone’s axe, Lord Sherbrooke’s bicycle, the Lord
Chief Justice’s yacht, &c.

I contend that it is a good and wholesome thing for every
man leading a sedentary life to participate in some sort of
physical exercise ; the nature of the exercise must depend,
of course, on the means, opportunities, and tastes of the
individual.

If ever the time arrives when the almost-national Saturday
half-holiday is extended to our pupils, I would encourage,
providing your previous week's work has been properly
attended to, the development of walking, cricket, foot-ball,
rowing, and similar pastimes.

On the principle that “ brevity is the soul of wit,” I
think you are more likely to profit by a short address than
a long one. I will therefore conclude by stating that every
professor, without exception, will .at all times be most
willing to aid you in every way in his power ; by reminding
you that attention to work must be your first consideration,
and by exhorting you to be ever seeking to climb to the
topmost rung of the professional ladder.

“ If I were a cobbler, I’d make it my pride
The best of all cobblers to be ;

If I were a tinker, no tinker beside
Should mend an old kettle like me.”

7 48 OPENING OF SESSION AT ROYAL VETERINARY COLLEGE

Gentlemen, let the moral of this homely verse be the
dominant principle of your professional lives,” (Applause).

At the close of the address,

The Chairman said : Although a governor of this College
I yet consider myself one of yourselves, a member of your
own profession, and one, therefore, who can claim your in¬
dulgence in the few remarks that I have to make to you.
In the first place it is unnecessary to call for a vote of
thanks to Mr. Tuson for the admirable address that he has
put before you, because you have already given him that
vote of thanks by your acclamations.

You, gentlemen, who are about to enter this profession,
must remember that, like the department of medicine to
which I belong it is a profession of the highest possible
grade, for in my opinion it is far superior to the other
two professions which rank before us, namely, the clerical
and the legal profession. (Applause.) As physicians and
surgeons we have cases of life and death to deal with
placed under our care, with the solicitation that we shall
exert to the utmost of our powers the education which
we have derived in our early years and the experience
we have attained in our later years. There are put un¬
reservedly in our hands cases of serious importance, in
wffiich we are called upon to exercise the best of our
judgment in order to achieve a happy result. Such is
also the case with you, and although at the present
moment there is an enormous amount to learn so as to
enable you to practise your profession successfully, yet I
am sure that not only will those who are now about to enter
the profession, but those who are students at the present
time, recognise that their life is to be devoted to the study
of that subject in which they are to-day initiated, and that
they will lose no opportunity of making themselves pro¬
ficient, so that they may alleviate those distresses to which
I have alluded. The Governors of this College, I hope, have
lost no opportunity of doing what they can to advance
the interests of the College. The museum at the present
moment, although not, perhaps, perfectly efficient, is far
superior to what it was some years ago, and the main¬
tenance of that museum will, in a very material degree,
depend upon the exertions of the students themselves.
Any morbid specimen which, as students or practitioners,
you can supply to the museum will add very much to its
efficiency, and I should be certainly prepared to propose
to the governors that a record of those specimens should be

OPENING OF SESSION AT ROYAL VETERINARY COLLEGE. 749

kept, and that the names of the individuals who were
kind enough to present any valuable specimen should be
recorded, so that there might be an evidence of the intelli¬
gence and integrity of those gentlemen who had so laboured
for the advantage of his College. (Applause.) Professor
Tuson mentioned the desirability of your having a Discussion
Society. In all the medical schools of London, or certainly
in the greater portion of them, there is a Junior Discussion
Class. I cannot conceive anything which is more likely to
bring out your knowledge or to impress upon you important
facts than discussing the several subjects appertaining to
other matters as well as to the science and art of surgery
amongst yourselves. It gives you a faculty of speaking,
it gives you a knowledge of grasping facts, it enables you to

listen to discussions and to discuss the views of vour fellow-

*

students, and at the same time it is a very profitable as well
as a very social means of communicating knowledge from
one to another. I am sure the governors would concede
that the library or class room should be open to you on
certain evenings, as may be agreed upon, for such discussions
to take place. I have seen the greatest possible advantage
result from such institutions, enabling men to enter the
several scientific societies afterwards, and discuss subjects
with those who are more familiar with them by age and
by research than they could be themselves, and thus they
have an opportunity of gaining knowledge which probably
they would not be enabled to gain in any other way.

The “ cheap practice” which is now attached to this College
I cannot but conceive must be of very great advantage.
You have an opportunity of thus seeing a larger number
of cases and of making yourselves more practically familiar
with disease and surgical operations than you could have by
the cases that are admitted into the hospital of the College.
The fact also of your being enabled to go down and to ex¬
amine animals as they come from abroad, and so to become
familar with diseases which we endeavour by legislative
enactments to keep out of the country, is a very great boon
which has been conferred only lately upon this College.

My friend, Mr. Tuson, has alluded to those who have, un¬
fortunately, been removed from among us by death ; and he
has also drawn attention to those who have seceded from
the College from other circumstances. We were sorry to
lose the services of Professor Pritchard. He was a man
for whom I entertained personally great respect. I had
the greatest opinion of his intelligence as a veterinary
surgeon, and there can be little doubt that the College

750 OPENING OF SESSION AT ROYAL VETERINARY COLLEGE.

has sustained a loss by his resigning his appointment from
circumstances which I hope will place him in a better position
than even that which he occupied when attached to this
institution.

I will only add that there are many of you who will not con¬
fine your practice to London, but will be dispersed all over the
country. Your practice will not be confined to horses; but,
that which will render your emoluments greater and your
position much higher will be a knowledge of all the diseases
that appertain to cattle generally. In Professor Simonds
you have a man who has the reputation of being the most
efficient surgeon, and of having a greater knowledge of the
diseases of cattle than any other man in this country.
(Applause.) I hope you will benefit by the instruction which
he will be enabled to offer you, and that you will gain such
knowledge as will enable you to outstrip all those who are
at present practising in the country, and that by his means,
and by the means of the other professors of the College, you
will attain such a thorough knowledge of your profession
as to help you to advance the science and art of veterinary
practice in every manner in your power.

Remember that the governors of this College are at all
times most desirous to advance your interests, and are
ready to attend to any suggestions you may wish to make,
and they hope that each of you will use your best endeavours
amongst your friends to advance and uphold the interests of
the College. (Applause.)

At the close of his speech the Chairman distributed the
Coleman Prize Medals, Certificates of Distinction, and Cer¬
tificates of Office-bearing to the several recipients, addressing
some -well-timed and pertinent remarks to each.*

Professor Simonds. — With one exception, gentlemen, the
business of the day may now be considered as ended. I
feel quite sure that all present would know to what exception
I allude ; it was that they should tender their best thanks
to Mr. Holt for kindly presiding on this occasion, and, indeed,
for doing far more than that — for giving them a very excel¬
lent address touching on many points which certainly need
to be noted, and which I believe will be encouraging to
the class, and, at the same time, do a great deal to promote the
best interests of the Institution. I shall not attempt to fol¬
low Mr. Holt through his address, but simply endorse the
observations which had reference to the advantages which
would arise from the students associating together for mutual
improvement.

* Eor list of successful candidates see p. 811.

INTRODUCTORY LECTURE ON HIPPOPATHOLOGY. 751

You -have a Veterinary Medical Association, but if
there were another association formed, by which the minds
of the students were cultivated by general reading and discus¬
sions other than those of a professional character, consider¬
able advantage would, doubtless, arise.

There were many other things which had been hinted at
to-day, which I feel sure will result in great improvements ;
but to those I will not further allude, as I am desirous of
asking you to give a hearty vote of thanks to Mr. Holt for
kindly taking the chair to-day.

The vote having been carried by acclamation,

The Chairman said : In the name of the governors, I thank
you very much indeed for your kind acclamation. I can
only say, as I said before, that we shall be at all times
delighted to advance your interests in every way, and it is
a matter of sincere satisfaction that out of the large number
of students who went up for their last examination there
was only one rejection.

INTRODUCTORY LECTURE TO COURSE ON

HIPPOPATHOLOGY.

By Professor Wm. Robertson, F.R.C.V.S.

Gentlemen, — However cursorily we examine the records
of the experience and the doings of the past, we cannot
fail to be struck with the fact that animals as well as men
have in all lands, and in every age, been subject to disease.
This truth is abundantly clear, whether the history we
examine be records sacred or profane. From these notices,
scanty and ill-defined although they may be, we may not
unfrequently by careful comparison draw much valuable
information, guiding us in forming an opinion as to the
origin and nature of disease as then exhibited ; as also the
modes of its development, and the laws to which in its
progress it seemed obedient.

It is interesting to observe, that coeval with the subjuga¬
tion of animals by man, and their association with him in
the fulfilment of his varied wants and necessities, there is a
distinct recognition of this fact, the existence of disease,
and a preparedness on his part to meet it.

The earliest stockowners of whom we have any notice,

7 52 INTRODUCTORY LECTURE ON HIPPOPATHOLOGY.

the patriarchs of the Old Testament, seem to have paid
as much attention to the principles of hygiene, or the pre¬
servation of animal health, and to have been as successful in
their application of these, as they were to certain important
conditions associated with the physiology of reproduction.

Jacob, we are told, by his knowledge of the influence
which the sight of certain external objects possesses on
animals during conception and the early stages of gesta¬
tion, in determining peculiar conditions of the future pro¬
geny, obtained by means of his party-coloured or peeled
rods of green poplar, chestnut, and hazel, placed in the
gutters before the breeding cattle, a much larger proportion
of party-coloured offspring — his stipulated price — than other¬
wise he would have obtained. W e are not, however, made
acquainted with the means through which he obtained the
other results, which he tells Laban had been achieved, viz.
that during the twenty years he had been with him neither
the ewes nor the she-goats had cast their young.

From the earliest periods the most ordinary observers of
facts and occurrences have noted the obvious separation of
animals into strong and weak, healthy and diseased, and the
unvarying certainty with which these have propagated in
their offspring their own individual peculiarities, good or
bad, the establishment of undeviating hereditary conforma¬
tion and predisposition, in obedience to the operation of the
universal law of “ like producing like.”

In addition, however, to this inherent and independent
predisposition to contract disease, or even its occasional
appearance in both strong and weak, from the operation of
accidental causes, we may learn from the records of the past
which have been handed down to the present, sometimes as
detached and incidental information, more rarely as a con¬
cise and connected history of some dire calamity, thereby
showing us that the early fathers of our race were not alto¬
gether ignorant of another great group of diseases, which
is ever referred to under the generic term of plague or
murrain.

Now, although we may not find in these early periods any
well-sustained attempts to separate these diseases into what
appears to us well-defined subdivisions, of local, or enzootic
or endemic , and general, or epizootic or epidemic , the true
plague of men and of animals ; although they may not have
observed that these in their origin and distribution are
essentially different, the one originating from some accidental
cause, some extraordinary telluric or meteorological ox dietetic
influence ; and although extensively distributed as if from

INTRODUCTORY LECTURE ON H1PPOPATHOLOGY. 753

some centre of development, still circumscribed to a definite
area, the other entirely independent of any accident, origina¬
ting from a specific previously existing entity or poison
and propagating itself indefinitely in obedience to fixed and
invariable laws.

Although the early progenitors of our race may not have
recognised these things as we now claim to have distin¬
guished them, they were not altogether ignorant of certain
great and general influences which seemed to operate in the
production of disease, and they were doubtless also busied
in the application of such means as their experience and
observation indicated were best suited to meet them.

We see, too, how often they, like ourselves, were puzzled
by the mysterious movements of disease, and the ready
method they had of finding an explanation of all by the
assumed immediate intervention of superior and spiritual
agencies, as also how all their hygienic and therapeutic
measures were moulded in accordance with this connection.
Yes, gentlemen, this often-felt insufficiency of human in¬
tellect and means to cope with these malignant natural
influences, and the disposition to look for an explanation
of them in the direction of an agency which, although
unseen, is yet felt to be very near and immensely above
ourselves, is exceedingly persistent in its possession of
humanity.

Even in periods long separated from those to which we
now refer, and extending down nearly if not altogether to
our own, how ready do we find men to overlook the fact
that wonderful disturbances in the ordinary course of nature,
blight and destruction in the vegetable world, and the
appearance of terrible plagues amongst men and animals,
are but the natural expression of fixed and beautiful laws,
the workings of which have been brought into operation
rather by the acts of man himself than as the outpouring of
the malignant spirit of any presiding agent.

Sailing down the stream of time, feebly illuminated by
what historic records we possess, you will in different coun¬
tries and amongst different peoples find the science and
practice of medicine receiving a greater or less amount of
attention. In Egypt and Chaldea it seems closely linked
with the polity possessed and patronised by the people, and
is inseparably connected with the ecclesiastical and religious
element — -an element which in the early life of every people
has ever been wielded by those in power for the manage¬
ment of the masses. The priests or sacerdotal functionaries
were the only exponents, as they were the chief practitioners

754 INTRODUCTORY LECTURE ON HIPPOPATHOLOGY.

of the healing art. When we consider how, as in Egypt,
the ox was worshipped as a divinity, and other animals much
lower in the scale of being participated in this superabun¬
dant reverential regard, we can readily believe that every
care was bestowed on the preservation of animal health, and
all that human resource could furnish was willingly placed
at the service of those creatures possessed of this sacred life
inheritance.

Amongst the ancient Greeks, those patrons and cultiva¬
tors of aesthetics, in every department of life and action so
highly polished in their manners, and where everything per¬
taining to physical development and the preservation and
amplification of human beauty received so much attention,
medicine both as a conservative and healing art obtained
more than a passing attention.

The disinclination with which even, the most ardent cul¬
tivators of the art undertook any investigation of the dead
body entailing its dismemberment or dissection, and the
openly expressed abhorrence with which any such acts were
regarded by the multitude, acted as an opposing or deterring
influence to the advancement of that knowledge where all
principles or exact practice can only be developed by a
correct understanding of the organisms to be dealt with
both as respects their structure and function.

This difficulty of acquiring knowledge of the very basis
or framework upon which the healing art is built, had,
with the more enthusiastic workers and thinkers, the effect
of compelling them to obtain from the study of other living
forms and organisms more within their reach that which
they felt was needed.

In this way, doubtless from sources more purely veteri¬
nary, did Hippocrates, the father of medicine himself, obtain
much of the information from which he drew his inspira¬
tion, and which he seems to have utilised as completely as
he understood the requirements of the art, and the spirit in
which all connected with the study of medicine must be
pursued. His remarks regarding the requirements necessary
to this end are so well and exactly stated, that although
they may be commented upon they cannot be excelled.

Amongst those old Greek philosophers and writers there
is one who, because of his cultivation and practical applica¬
tion of all connected with the healing art, in so far as it is
related to those animals whose treatment is our peculiar
province, is more to us than even Hippocrates, I mean
Xenophon. From a much larger field of observation as
respects his particular department, he naturally discourses

INTRODUCTORY LECTURE ON HIPPOPATHOLOGY. 75 5

to us on a greater variety of subjects, which he treats in a
manner more tersely practical than his great predecessor.

Regarding the horse with the eye and the mind of a great
commander, Xenophon, in language at once elegant and
correct, gives us an enumeration of his varied points of
admitted excellence ; while in his description of disease,
and in the instructions in all relating to the preservation of
health or sanitary conditions, as also in all connected with
the curative treatment of disease, more particularly of the
organs of locomotion, he speaks with authority greater than
the mere lover of the animal, or the experienced cavalry
officer, we hear in his utterances the instructions of the
accomplished hippiatrist.

Rome, which succeeded to the literature and science of
Greece, and which seized with avidity on so much of this
inheritance as accorded with the tastes and necessities of an
all-conquering people, could not afford to throw overboard,
or refuse to be influenced by, the amount of knowledge,
speculative and practical, in the healing art both as applied
to men and animals which their masters had bequeathed
them. During the earlier and more primitive days of the
Republic, when habits were severe, and manners pure, when
the practice of agriculture was not deemed derogatory to the
greatest and most distinguished of their patricians — men who
could be found at the plough or the threshing floor, and
removed from them to the highest seat in the senate, or placed
in command of their armies, everything so closely connected
with this pursuit, as the rearing and successful management
of animals, received abundant attention.

As the boundaries of the empire extended, and distant
countries and strange peoples owned allegiance to the city
on the banks of the Tiber, and paid their tribute to Roman
governors and consuls, the military force which had at first
achieved these conquests gradually underwent some modifi¬
cation, so as to adapt itself to the altered conditions and
circumstances in which it found itself placed. This was
early noticeable as the Roman legions penetrated Asia and
Africa, and met with such nations of horsemen as the
Persians, Partheans, and Numideans. Invincible as the
Roman legions were, they were too shrewd soldiers not to
observe the great disadvantage at which they were placed in
particular situations, from the great superiority of their
Eastern enemies in the arm of cavalry. In this manner,
first with a military object in view, and afterwards as a
source both of pleasure and profit, the breeding and manage¬
ment of horses gradually became a matter of importance,

756 INTRODUCTORY LECTURE ON HIPPOPATHOLDGY.

and deserving of attention throughout the Roman empire.
Still; notwithstanding all these necessary and fortuitous
circumstances the Romans never, at any period of their
history, could with justice be deemed an equestrian people.
The cavalry contingents of all their armies were in every
instance most probably mercenary or allies.

As regards the condition of the medical art, human as
well as veterinary, in all pertaining to its cultivation, ad¬
vancement, and the light in which it was viewed by those
from without its pale during the period of the Roman
supremacy, we have abundant information, or more probably,
we ought to say, information sufficient to enable us to form
not an altogether unjust estimate of its condition and
character.

This information is certainly, in the greater number of
instances, obtained in an indirect or casual manner, by the
allusions which the several writers may have occasion to
make to passing events, or from the necessity which they
seem to feel to bring into prominence this particular act,
for the purpose of illustrating some other study or pursuit
which for the time specially occupies their attention. In
this manner do we glean information respecting the condi¬
tion of our special department from the writings of Cato,
Varo, Virgil, Horace, &e. In other cases, however, the
writers start with the avowed object of placing us in a
position to understand all that was then known respecting
the subject of which they treat ; giving us a systematic and
detailed account of some particular department of the heal¬
ing art, both as respects principles and practice. Of this
class are Celsus, whose surgery is as good as his latin; Colu¬
mella (a.d. 40), a man of science and a scholar, who de¬
scribes most carefully and pointedly the various sanitary
precautions necessary for the maintenance in health and
perfection of formation of the legs and feet of horses, and
whose records of veterinary medicine, as known to, and
applied by, the Romans of his day, at once stamp him as an
able hippiatrist, and one to whom the profession is thus
early indebted for an influence favorable to its cultivation
and development.

Vegetius — Flavius Renatus — (a.d. 450 — 500), who, of
all the writers on veterinary medicine during the Roman
period, has left us the most complete description of the
diseases and accidents to which the horse is liable. He
collected and put into form all that was previously known
regarding the maladies of this animal and their treatment.
His mind appears to have been neither narrow in its grasp,

INTRODUCTORY LECTURE ON HTPPO PATHOLOGY. 757

nor ill supplied with material upon which to think. Perfectly
cognisant, whether from experience and observation or from
the perusal of the writings of others, not merely with the
manners and customs of other peoples and distant countries,
he is especially at home in his descriptions of the various
breeds of horses found in these several countries, their
peculiarities, special defects or excellencies, and the purposes
for which they are severally most fitted.

With a cleverness and penetration of mental vision, which
we of the present might envy, considering the advantages
which we possess, he at once marks and most clearly dis¬
tinguishes the oneness of principle and aim in the study of
all departments of the healing art, and tersely but forcibly
remarks, “ Ars veterinaria post medicinam secunda est .”

While, if we dip into his work and examine it in detail,
both as to accuracy in the description of symptoms, philo¬
sophical acumen in their interpretation, and the common-
sense character of the remedial applications, we are at once
convinced that this is no enthusiastic theorist, but a thought¬
ful well-informed man ; who, in addition to an ardent love
of the subject of which he treats, has actually seen with his
eyes what he describes with his pen. What more sage
advice respecting the preservation of horses’ feet, and more
in accordance with the dictates of experience and observa¬
tion, could any one give than is given by this old Roman
when he declares, “ It is a more prudent counsel to preserve
the soundness of horses’ feet than to cure any disorder in
them ; but their hoofs are strengthened if the horses or
mules stand in a very clean stable, without dung or mois¬
ture, and if their stalls are floored with oaken planks;”
or again, the same writer, wrhen speaking of injuries and
bruises which the feet may sustain in travelling over
uneven and rough roads — for you must recollect that in
Vegetius’s day the application of iron armature to the hoofs
was in all probability unknown — he advises the fomentation
of the parts with hot water, and the after application of
what, gentlemen, think you ? — of an ointment consisting of
melted pitch or resin. So let us not be over boastful, are
we much further advanced than he was ?

Following the dismemberment of the Roman empire, con¬
sequent on the irruption and incursion of the semi-barbarous
tribes from the more bracing and sterner regions of the
north, favoured doubtless by the corruption of Roman
manners, and the supplanting of that severe simplicity of
tastes and habits which had tended so much to give them
the mastery of the world, by effeminacy and a soft luxurious

liii, 52

758 INTRODUCTORY LECTURE ON HIPPOPATHOLOGY.

manner of life, their paying too much regard to et Panem et
circenses ,” a long period of mental lethargy and darkness
passed over Europe.

During these well-named dark ages, progress in arts,
science, and literature wras all hut arrested ; the human
mind, as if entranced, seemed bound by the spell of some
mighty magician. Occasionally, from some convent cell or
anchorite's cave, a faint flickering of light would throw
itself athwart the gloom, only rendering the general dark¬
ness more perceptible, speedily to fade from want of material
on which it might be sustained ere any lasting impression
was produced.

On the removal of this spell, and the resuscitation of
intellectual life, Italy starts into prominence as the first to
feel the invigorating influence of the revival of letters and
liberation of thought. For a long period succeeding this
revival of learning, from the twelfth to the seventeenth
century, the chief of those in any way associated with what
may be looked upon as the literature of veterinary or even
human medicine are Italians. From the writing of Jordanus,
Ruffus, Petrus de Crescentius, of Bologna, and Larentius
Rusius, we can observe a utilisation of what had already
been accomplished in periods long anterior by the master
intellects of Greece. During the early part of the sixteenth
century the most noticeable work done in connection with
our particular department of medicine was in the way of
translation, first of the original Greek authorities, known as
the Constantine collection ; this was done through the instru¬
mentality of that patron of letters, Francis I, and also a
popular translation of the works of the Roman author
Yegetius. Immediately succeeding this is a more important
and fruitful period for every thing connected with the
science of medicine, during which the department purely
veterinary reaped a fair share. Prominent amongst the
names which adorned the early part of the sixteenth and
seventeenth centuries are those of the veterinarian Caesar
Fiaschi, Carlo Ruini, Blundevil, and Sollysel, workers who,
probably more than any others, have gone to shape the cur¬
rent of thought and action in matters veterinary from their
own to the present time.

From the first of these we inherit the earliest scientific
treatise on that important division of practical work con¬
nected with veterinary practice, viz. horse-shoeing. Cha¬
racterised by much industry, exact observation, sound rea¬
soning, and sensible advice and instruction, this work of
Fiaschi’s served as the model for all who in the next

INTRODUCTORY LECTURE ON HIPPOS’ ATHOLOGY. 759

century undertook a similar task, and with many was the
source from which their material was obtained.

In Carlo Ruini we have perhaps one of the brightest
ornaments which ever adorned medical science, human or
veterinary ; of noble lineage, and reared amidst the fascinat¬
ing surroundings of pomp and authority in the ancient city
of Bologna, which he was destined to serve and to honour
as a senator, he seems to have been less influenced by these
surroundings which usually have charms for men of all
classes, than by the quiet but purest pursuits of scientific
research.

Veterinarians have known far too little of Ruini, and
have never yet paid the tithe of respect to his memory
which is most justly due. The more I think of his position,
his character, and his attainments as a man of science, the
more do I revere his memory and respect my profession of
which he was such a noble representative, and for which he
achieved so much both in science and practice.

Choosing as his profession the study of medicine, he
entered upon that study with all the enthusiasm of an
Italian, and with all the advantages for its successful
cultivation which in his day Italians pre-eminently pos¬
sessed.

From the days of Galen of Pergamos, in the second cen¬
tury, down to the period now under review, anatomy, the
basis of scientific medicine, had made no advances. But
with the renewal of intellectual life, men had started in the
pursuit of truth, physical as well as mental, with an eager¬
ness and earnestness hitherto unknown. In every depart¬
ment of investigation the human mind was craving for and
busy with realities, thoroughly occupied with the collection
of facts rather than enamoured with the construction of
theories. Vesalius has with his scalpel produced as great a
revolution in the medical world as immediately antecedent
had been occasioned by Luther with his pen in the world
both of religion and of politics.

At first hooted and despised, he had lived to be admired
and regarded as an oracle, and so far gained the confidence
and respect of the great ones of Europe, as to be sent for
to consult regarding the condition of Don Carlos, son of
Philip II of Spain, and heir to the mighty Empire of Spain,
the Netherlands, and all the Indies.

It was doubtless with much consternation that the whole
medical world heard the assertion of Vesalius, an assertion
he was both willing and able to make good, that old Galen,
their authority upon anatomy, had attempted to describe

760 INTRODUCTORY LECTURE ON HIPPOPATHOLOGY .

what he had never seen, and that his ‘ Visceral Anatomy
of Man ’ had been compiled from the dissection of an ape.

When we give due consideration to these circumstances
connected with the life of Ruini, which we have now noted,
his natural bent, or inclination to the study, his superior
early tuition, his favorable position for obtaining instruction
and study in the highly favoured medical school of Padua,
where the spirit aroused by Vesalius was carried on and
favoured by his pupil Fallopius.

When we consider these things, we are a little less in¬
clined to wonder at the exactness in what may be looked
uponas small matters, and the great general excellence of his
treatise on the f Anatomy and Diseases of the Horse/ which
was published in 1598 ; and the more inclined to believe
that there may be some truth in the statement that, as an
anatomist, this noble Italian veterinarian was regarded as
not inferior to Vesalius, and that although he had not
demonstrated, he had nevertheless all but made out the dis¬
covery of the circulation of the blood, an honour reserved
for our countryman Harvey not long afterwards.

It is at this particular period in the history of the pro¬
gress of veterinary medicine — the middle of the sixteenth
century — that our own countrymen appear as bestowing
upon it somewhat of special attention.

Thomas Blundevill, in his f Four Chiefest Office of Horse¬
manship/ published in 1565, gives us a resume of the
knowledge then current respecting the diseases of the horse
and their manner of treatment, with special reference to the
management of their feet and the proper method of shoeing.

Although not so scientific or so learned as the works of
the Italians we have noticed — his indebtedness to which he,
with all the spirit of an honorable gentleman, ever acknow¬
ledges — it is yet characterised by a wonderful amount of
really practical knowledge of horses, which seems the birth¬
right of Englishmen, and contains much sensible advice, not
merely as respects their treatment in health, but also when
suffering from disease. Doubtless, there is much connected
with the description and treatment of disease which we at
this period regard as anything but correct, and all is written
and expressed in the peculiar quaint style of the period in
which it appeared.

With all its defects, however, BlundevilPs work must ever
be regarded as amongst the first, if not the very first, attempt
in Great Britain to place veterinary medicine in something
like its proper position.

In the second half of the seventeenth century (1664)

INTRODUCTORY LECTURE ON HIPPOPATHOLOGY. 761

Sollysel, by his industry and by his appreciation of what
had been done by the Italians of the Ruini period, intro¬
duced to France a knowledge of the works of these masters
of the art ; and in this way prepared the way for the success
in the next century of Bourgelat, the founder of veterinary
colleges in France (1766).

Although in Great Britain considerable advance had been
made in the knowledge and practical application of medicine
as an art to the treatment of our horses and other animals
long anterior, it was not until the last years of the century,
by the establishment of the present institution, that any
attempt was made to regard and cultivate veterinary medi¬
cine as a distinct and special study.-

From that time until the present, although its progress
has not in all respects satisfied its most ardent admirers, it
has at least been steady and successful.

We have not thus hastily glanced at the origin and pro¬
gress of the connection, association, and influence of the
principles and practices of the healing art as applied to
animals other than man, with any idea of giving even an
outline of the history of veterinary medicine, this is a
matter far too important and extensive to be thus summarily
discoursed upon ; rather have we done so to indicate how
from desultory and small beginnings that which was origin¬
ally and incidentally brought under men’s notice as a mere
accessory and subordinated consideration, has now in its
principles and scientific bearing been recognised as entitled
to take its place as a separate and distinct department of
human knowledge, and that it is in its application as an art
both honorable and of every day practical value and use,
both to communities and individuals.

In whatever light we view our profession as belonging
to that great department of “ social science,” public health,
we cannot but regret that it has not yet received that con¬
sideration which it deserves.

The question, how are we to find an adequate supply of
food for an increasing population, and this at a price within
the reach of those classes most requiring it, has gradually
been forcing itself on the attention of the thinking portion
of our community. And here I think the most lukewarm
and sceptical observers may be convinced that a recognition
and cultivation of veterinary medicine may be made to pay,
which with many of our social reformers is the touchstone
by which all questions, not even excepting those of moral
obligation, are so unceremoniously judged. If he who con¬
serves the health of the population is justly esteemed a

762 INTRODUCTORY LECTURE ON HIPPOPATHOLOGY.

benefactor of his kind, then surely in a nation such as ours,
where from climatic and other influences the use of animal
food is all but a necessary article of existence, the preserva¬
tion of animal health and the prevention of disease are
• objects worthy the attention of intelligent men, and their
endeavours in this direction deserving of public countenance
and support.

If we are not yet in possession of any specific for the
most formidable and fatal disorders with which our stock
are affected, we have at least reached this — the certainty of
our ability to prevent or circumscribe their ravages.

The annual loss to the country and the holders of stock
from certain diseases, probably incurable, or at least unpro¬
fitable to treat, might in all cases be materially lessened or
circumscribed were an investigation of the causes and cir¬
cumstances under which these are developed only undertaken
by men competent to conduct such inquiries.

We have been and are still too often looked upon as the
mere tools or agencies by which it is sometimes possible to
reinstate sick animals in healthy or working condition ; too
much valued simply by the test of how many can you save
of those which are diseased ? and too little employed to
prevent the occurrence of such diseases.

It is not an uncommon thing for both writers and teachers,
when introducing to their readers or hearers any particular
subject or branch of human learning, to expatiate on its
individual importance or superiority as compared with other
cognate studies. Thus it is that the metaphysician, in in¬
troducing his subject, starts with the acknowledged superi¬
ority of man, and in him of the supremacy of mind; that
the teacher of religion balances the seen with the unseen, the
material with the spiritual, time with eternity.

Now, as regards that division of veterinary medicine,
which shall here from time to time more particularly engage
our attention, although we cannot claim for it any such
transcendent importance, it will nevertheless be found that
when viewed in its relation to those other divisions of study
which go to make up the sum total of that very extensive
and important subject or branch of human knowledge the
science of veterinary medicine — we use the term science of
veterinary medicine in its widest and most general accepta¬
tion, as embracing both science or principles, and practice of
veterinary medicine and surgery — it will be found second to
none.

No, gentlemen, I am not afraid that in the present day of
intense utilitarian tendencies and fierce grasping after

INTRODUCTORY LECTURE ON IIIPPOPATHOLOGY. 763

tangible and immediate results, and in the present condition
of veterinary medicine, that veterinary students will under¬
estimate the importance of that branch of their studies
which is included with the “ Practice of Veterinary Medi¬
cine and Surgery/’ as specially pertaining to that animal
we have generally been disposed to regard as our noblest
specimen and as the type of the others — the horse. Rather
am I fearful that in your eager anxieties to grasp those fruits
which pathology offers to every earnest and persevering and
correct cultivator, you should signally fail, through neglect¬
ing to employ the means hy which alone those fruits can be
appropriated and made your own ; lest through disinclination
to believe what others may tell you, or through a mistaken
estimate of the importance of collateral subjects, you fail to
master or understand the principles and facts of these latter,
upon which pathological inquiry has ever rested, and in the
employment and subordination of which any true advance¬
ment in the knowledge of the complex phenomena of disease
is to he looked for.

Feeling, as many of you doubtless do, that upon your
capacity to master the subject of pathology, both in its
theory and practical application, depends not merely the
position which you may in after life occupy, but probably
with many the answer to the sterner question, whether or
not as veterinary surgeons you shall be able to earn your
daily bread ? There is, I feel assured, little danger of your
ignoring its study, I only fear that you may forget or ignore
the fact that the principles and facts of pathology are only
to be reached through the doors opened by the collateral
subjects of anatomy and histology, physiology, chemistry,
materia medica, &c.

Standing as we now do, gentlemen, on the threshold of a
collegiate and systematic course of instruction in the science
of medicine, as applied to those animals which from a regard
to our necessities or pleasures we have subjected to our in¬
fluence and control, there must, if success is to attend our
labours, be some definite ideas, not merely of the objects or
results sought after, but also of the means by which it is pro¬
posed to attain these. Aimless, misdirected or undirected
labour, particularly intellectual labour, is likely to be both
barren of results and excessively exhaustive to the mental
powers, possessing none of that healthy invigorating influence
which ever results from the consciousness of knowledge
gained step hy step in obedience to will and as the result of a
pre-arranged plan.

The science of medicine — we use the term in its largest

764 INTRODUCTORY LECTURE ON HIPPOPATHOLOGY.

and widest sense, including both the arbitrary divisions of
medicine and surgery so called — whether human or vete¬
rinary, may be looked upon in two aspects, it maybe viewed
as a science , and as an art.

As a science it proposes to take into consideration all that
is connected with disease in its causes, origin, development,
progress and results. As an art it is concerned with the
practical application of these great truths— general principles
so called — which have been arrived at by carefully recorded
observation and experiment in all pertaining to the guidance
of the animal system through these altered conditions re¬
cognised as disease and the proper manipulatory practice
indicated where this is required.

For us, as you are aware, it is medicine veterinary, and this
more particularly in the latter aspect, which shall regularly
and from time to time demand our undivided attention.

Veterinary surgeons on entering on their active professional
career, are not so far, if at all, behind their brother practi¬
tioners of human medicine in their knowledge of what per¬
tains more properly to some of the divisions of scientific
medicine, such, for instance, as special anatomy and
chemistry.

It is rather, or precisely, in that field 'where of all others
so many think themselves most competent, that we are most
deficient, and consequently sustain the greatest loss. I
mean pathology. We have too much dwelt in the region of
speculation. The inheritances of the past we have too often
accepted as substantial acquisitions when they have been
merely hypotheses ; accepting them as demonstrated truths,
we have, as in the science of pure numbers, reasoned from
these downwards to facts, which we have ruthlessly squeezed
in our anxiety that they should fit our assumed hypothesis.

Cherishing what we fancied, or seemed to fancy, as patho¬
logical axioms, we have therefrom attempted to develop an
accurate description of particular diseases. Emerging so re¬
cently from rough and vulgar empiricism, and at a period
when human medicine was being regarded as a deductive
science, we could scarcely expect aught else than that
seizing hold of the more scientific part of our profession as
that which raises it above all more scientific pursuits, and
eschewing the plainer but more certain and correct pathway
to medical truth, our earlier cultivators of veterinary medi¬
cine should, like their compeers in human medicine, become
enamoured of what they consider in pathology first principles
or fixed laws, from which might be evolved or deduced a
definite system of clinical medicine ; while if observation and

INTRODUCTORY LECTURE ON HIPPOPATHOLOGY. 765

experiment have been employed in the collection of facts,
they have neither been extensive enough, nor conducted
with sufficient accuracy, to ensure those results they are so
well calculated to achieve. Ideas have too often taken the
place of facts. We have been too apt to content ourselves
with observing some of the more prominent symptoms of
diseased action, grouping these according to their prominence
and relative bearing on each other, without, it may be,
associating these in their persistency or change with certain
alterations in structure of particular organs, giving to
certain assemblages of symptoms, irrespective of natural
grouping, individual names, often neither the most elegant
nor exact, with the employment of such remedies as wre
might consider most appropriate to counteract these deve¬
lopments.

I am afraid, I say, that having done this, we have been
too apt to imagine we have done all that was necessary, and
earned for ourselves the character of correct, painstaking,
and scientific observers of disease.

In this field of pathological inquiry there is room and
work for all. Disease in its varied causes and forms of
development is ever inviting inquiry and investigation. We
may all of us be observers, and although I can scarcely
acquiesce in the opinion entertained by some — that to be an
observer requires as great a range of faculties as to make a
speculative thinker, that to note facts is as lofty a range of
intellect as to conceive thought — still I am of opinion that in
the science of medicine it is not easy to overestimate the
importance of correct observation, seeing that it is by pure
induction, by the observation of individual facts, that we
rise to these general inferences, which are to us the most
comprehensive expressions of attainable truth.

Facts, however, gentlemen, are of themselves of little
worth until associated with mind, they must be collated ;
and save as the indices of particular functional or organic
changes, and the exact relation they bear to these are of
comparatively trifling practical value in the advancement
of clinical medicine.

And as in a study like pathology, where we cannot expect
that fixed laws or first principles exist from which we may
reason downwards to the possession of facts, so it is that
advancement is less connected with the wonderful achieve¬
ments of a few individual minds than the result of the
accumulated labours in observation and experiment of the
many. And it is well and encouraging that it should be so.
Great and shining lights are only occasionally, and at long

766 SYNOPSIS OF CONTINENTAL VETERINARY JOURNALS.

intervals, vouchsafed to humanity to guide or to dazzle by
their brilliancy ; but many, if not all, may be earnest,
patient, and enlightened workers in the field of observation,
from which point we must ever consent to start in any true
advance in pathological inquiry.

SYNOPSIS OF CONTINENTAL VETERINARY

JOURNALS.

By John Henry Steel, M.R.C.V.S., F.Z.S., Demonstrator
of Anatomy at the Royal Veterinary College.

(Continued from p. 683.)

It must be a matter of congratulation to all members of
our profession that a veterinary surgeon has been successful
in the Bennet-Stanford competition. M. Bourrel , senior,
of Paris, is the gentleman to whom we are indebted for
breaking a lance on our behalf, and while we all congratu¬
late him on his well-deserved success, we must feel glad
that we have had so doughty a champion. But stern are
the decrees of fate ! She in one hand carries a palm, in the
other a rod ; while M. Bourrel, senior, was awaiting the
decision about his essay on rabies, that fearful disease was
in a state of incubation in the system of Pierre-Rose Bour¬
rel, his nephew ; and nearly three months after the fatal
bite this young veterinarian died of hydrophobia. In
Belgium, the ee National Science Congress on Hygiene and
Public Medicine , among other resolutions, passed one con¬
cerning the transmissibility and action of certain morbid
products, notably tubercle and that of aphthous stomatitis,
with which the edible parts of our meat-supplying animals
may be impregnated; and another concerning the measures
to be taken by the authorities and consumers to mitigate or
prevent ill effects. These interesting and important ques¬
tions were brought forward by our honored confrere, M.
Hugues. These resolutions prayed the government : —
(1) To consider the organisation of a department for the
inspection of provisions of animal origin. (£) To use its
influence or its authority with the consumers to persuade
or compel them to adopt the system of public abattoirs
(slaughter-houses).” It is satisfactory to see that this Con¬
gress has thoroughly agreed on so important a matter with
that of veterinary surgeons, and it is to be hoped that the
government will act under the influence of the enlightened

SYNOPSIS OF CONTINENTAL VETERINARY JOURNALS. 767

hygienists and veterinarians. From the journal which
gives the above information ( Annates de Medecine Veteri -
naive) we continue Dr. Willem’s paper on “ Pleuro¬
pneumonia Exsudativa,” as he terms the “ lung disease/’ “ I
summarise my opinions on this subject in the following
propositions.

1. Pleuro-pneumonia exsudativa is a general and specific
disease.

2. It is contagious and inoculable by miasma (volatile
virus) or by fixed virus. It never arises spontaneously.

3. Inoculation produces a general disorder in every respect
similar to that known as pleuro-pneumonia exsudativa.

4. Pleuro-pneumonia exsudativa, except in very rare in¬
stances, affects an animal only once.

5. The inoculated patient is unable to take pleuro¬
pneumonia ; he resists the contagion.

6. Inoculation of an animal cured of pleuro-pneumonia
gives no result ; the same may be said of an animal previously
successfully inoculated.

7. Pleuro-pneumonia is a special disease, and affects only
bovine animals ; it is transmissible to no other animal, not
also to man, by direct inoculation.

8. The pathological product of inoculation is in every
respect like the matter exuded in the lungs and other
organs of an affected animal.

9. The inoculated animal transmits the disease only by
inoculation.

10. The fresh liquid produced by exudation in the lungs
of a diseased animal, of the first or second remove, is the
best material for inoculation.

11. The tail of the animal is the best point for insertion
of the virus.

12. Inoculation produces more severe effects on animals
and herds affected by the epizooty than on non-contaminated
subjects or herds.

13. Inoculation does not act by derivation, as do setons,
&c. ; it is not a simple septic inoculation.

14. The virus of pleuro-pneumonia has the properties of
a true contagium, being communicable from one animal to
another, and having a stage of incubation, and multi¬
plying.

*15. In the pulmonary exudate, in the pleural extravasa¬
tions, and in other parts of the sick animal, as also in the
products of inoculation, may be found germ -corpuscles,
microbia which are the agents of transmission of the disease.

16. Pleuro-pneumonia, being now better understood,

768 SYNOPSIS OF CONTINENTAL VETERINARY JOURNALS.

should no longer be placed among virulent diseases, but
among parasitic disorders.”

Dr. Willems’ paper then deals with the questions of the
contagious nature and non-spontaneity of pleuro-pneumonia,
showing that these views have gained ground only since he
began to work up the subject, but with some opposition at
first, and have now been admitted by all those who have
seriously worked at this subject. With regard to its con¬
tagiousness, we note the following among the list of sup¬
porters : “ Simonds, Gatngee, Bruce, Cox de Dublin,
Flemming, &c., the Veterinary School at Lyons, and those
of Germany and the Netherlands, also all official commissions,
Belgian, French, German, Italian, of the Netherlands, &c.”
With regard to spontaneity he continues : <f My personal
experience after (an attentive) series of observations, lasting
through many years, on the progress of pleuro-pneumonia,
convinces me that the affection is purely contagious, trans¬
missible from a sick to a healthy animal by inoculation and
by infection ; artificially by fixed virus ; naturally by vola¬
tile virus. It never arises spontaneously. In the town of
Hasselt I have never proved and never heard of a case
arising spontaneously, and the disease having once gained
entry into a stable can only be extirpated with difficulty. In
spite of the use of the most powerful disinfectants, the con¬
tagion persists, attaching itself to the soil, straw, walls,
&c., and long after the stable has been emptied and white¬
washed, even after many years, the miasma, which has been
preserved in a dry state, again becomes active on the intro¬
duction of fresh cattle, under the influence of warm and
humid air, detaches itself and falls down on them and
infects them.” He then tells us that “ in stables contami¬
nated with the disease in question, air condensed in a
vessel containing cold wrater and collected in a special re¬
ceptacle, showed that it contained the special corpuscles
which we meet with in the lungs of affected animals. A
glass plate covered with glycerine suspended during many
hours in a stable containing diseased beasts, when examined
under the microscope, also showed the presence of the
special corpuscles.” 1 have just said that the beasts
carried to the camp of Beverloo are destined as food for the
soldiers ; unfortunately, government goes on the principle
of paying as little as possible for meat. This pleuro-pneu-
monic flesh is, indeed, neither succulent nor agreeable to
eat, but, nevertheless, I can affirm that it is not prejudicial
to the public health. For pleuro-pneumonia cannot be
transmitted to man ; there is, therefore, no danger in consum-

SYNOPSIS OF CONTINENTAL VETERINARY JOURNALS. 769

ing this meat unless the alterations have been brought about
by the disease in its last stages.” “ Meat is necessary for
the preservation of human health, and pleuro-pneumonic meat
is better than none. M. Loiset, of Lille, is of the same
opinion. He has proved that during a period of nineteen
years, 18,000 pleuro-pneumonic carcases have been con¬
sumed in his town without a single ill occurrence in con¬
sequence, and without the sanitary state of the population
being in the slightest degree affected.” Next, “contagious¬
ness of pleuro-pneumonia is confirmed by the circumstance
that its spread can be traced from its source to the remotest
corners of the world. Its first appearance, so far as we
are aware, was in 1750. The terrible scourge which was
to cause so much ruin descended from the mountains of
Switzerland, invading on the one side the Bernese Jura, on
the other the French Jura. From these countries it suc¬
cessively passed to Germany, Holland, Italy, Belgium,
England, America, &c., and more recently to the Cape of
Good Hope and Australia. The dates of its invasion of
these countries are accurately known. Thus it will in¬
sinuate itself into other countries where it is at present
unknown.” This paper terminates with the discussion of the
spontaneous origin of the disorder, and a full account is
given of the experiments undertaken by the Prussian
Official Commission as taken from an agricultural journal,
Der Landwirth of the 5th December, 1871, reported by
Dr. Ulrich, Royal and Departmental Veterinary Surgeon
at Breslau. Pleuro-pneumonia, he says, “ must be con¬
sidered contagious. The experiments made by the Agricul¬
tural Society of the Ober Barmin district, as carried out
by many practitioners, agricultural societies, and the Official
Commission of Prussia, have proved conclusively that
pleuro-pneumonia is communicated by contagion.” Dr.
Krauss, Reporter of the Agronomic Committee, which met
in full force in 1873 to resolve this question, has warmly
contested that pleuro-pneumonia is not contagious, but after
the experiments made at Moeglin, was compelled to ac¬
knowledge the contagiousness of the disease. Similarly,
Dr. Wagenfield, veterinary surgeon at Dantzic, had pub¬
lished a work generally considered the best treatise on the
subject, entitled The Pulmonary Disease of Cattle , in which
he pronounced against the opinion of those who hold that
pleuro-pneumonia is contagious, but in his Veterinary
Encyclopedia, published later, he finds himself compelled
to withdraw his former expression of opinion, and says the
disease is very contagious. The Royal Academy of Agri-

770

ON PLANTS IN RELATION TO ANIMALS.

culture of Moeglin, proposed to resolve the question
whether pleuro-pneumonia originates from contagion alone
or under the influence of other causes, and therefore com¬
menced experiments which extended over ten years. Various
artificial means were adopted for the generation of the
disease, such as bad feeding and the influence of such un¬
healthy conditions as have been, whether rightly or wrongly,
considered the cause of the disease. In no case did these
measures result in spontaneous origination of the lung
disorder.” The opinions of Professors Bouley and Gamgee
are cited in support of those above advanced, and this
portion of the paper concludes : “ From what precedes, it

results that it has been proved experimentally that pleuro¬
pneumonia originates solely from contagion, hence veterinary
science must point out measures which should be taken to
efficaciously arrest the spread of the scourge, and the govern¬
ment ought more vigorously than it does now to forbid the
movement and sale of suspected animals, since they are the
most fruitful source of propagation of the disorder in everv
direction by the expired air, nasal discharges, contamination
of trucks, and such means.” Still we must await M.
Willems’ account of the bacteria of pleuro-pneumonia.

ON PLANTS IN RELATION TO ANIMALS.

By Professor James Buckman, F.G.S., F.L.S., &c.

[Continued from p. 687.)

The species of Clovers which we are now about to
describe may be distinguished as follows :

Trifolium repens — W bite Dutch Clover: — Heads many

flowered, axillary, pedicels distinct ;
calyx not inflated, the upper tooth
the longest. Corolla persistent,
white at first, then turning to a
brown dry head of flowers.

,, fragiferum — Strawberry - headed Trefoil : — Head

many-flowered, all axillary ; pedi¬
cels short, bracteate. Calyx two¬
lipped, becoming inflated above,
membranous, reticulated ; teeth
equal, the upper pair lengthening.
Corolla withering, standard deci¬
duous. Flowers suffused with a
slightly pinkish hue.

ON PLANTS IN RELATION TO ANIMALS.

771

Of these, the first is the common white Dutch clover of
the farm, being, however, common as a native plant in almost
every situation and soil, though probably more attached to
the lighter than the heavier lands. It is much grown by
the farmer in those shifting pastures which he terms seeds.
We have got a great bulk of produce on some very sandy
fields on our farm, where we advise it being sown by itself,
but where the soil is a little more calcareous, we always use
some of the varieties of the Lolium perenne, called by the
seedsmen L perenne semper virens or 44 Devon ever Grass.”
This is a good mixture when it is intended to keep it laid
down for over two years. It is relished by cattle both as green
herbage or as hay, but it is recommended that in early
summer sheep should he put on it somewhat cautiously, as
it may otherwise bring about that tympanic state known as
blasting, or if not that effect, it often produces diarrhoea, a
fact not to be wondered at when we consider that many of
the family possess purgative properties. Sometimes it is
profitable to eat down the first crop as early as possible,
and take seed from the second growth.

This clover is endeared to the Irish as the plant which
is traditionally asserted to have been used by St. Patrick to
explain the nature of the Trinity. This notion, with others
connected with the folk lore of the white clover, has been
so admirably described by Mrs. Lankester, that, long as it is,
we cannot forbear to quote it in its entirety, premising,
however, that the suddenness with which the plant is said
to spring up after the use of lime, does not appear to us
an evidence of the seed having lain dormant for some
time. When we see it suddenly arise in a meadow, as
it does sometimes, in a very luxuriant form, we take it
that this is due to the amelioration caused by manure,
lime, or draining encouraging the growth of plants there
before, but so starved as to be scarcely noticed by the com¬
mon observer.

So, again, the fact of a patch of this clover very quickly
taking possession of a new surface is due to the quickness of
its growth and its spread by two methods, namely, the
ordinary one of seed and its creeping habit, its scions being
capable of rooting at every joint.

We are not prone to believe in the assertions as to the
longevity of the fecundity of seeds, as we have little proof
of its truth from actual trial and experiments, but we do
know that where they have been observed to so suddenly
abound, we have better evidence whence they came than to
suppose that seeds dug from many feet deep in some work-

77 2

ON PLANTS IN RELATION TO ANIMALS.

able geological stratum has been known to produce seeds
which germinated from the effects of heat and light.

“ This pretty little plant is so familiar to us all that it
appears almost like a spontaneous product of the soil, and
so rapidly and constantly does it spring up, that Withering
says, f On the soil of our moors in the North of England
being turned up for the first time and lime applied white
clover appears in abundance, a circumstance in no way satis¬
factorily accounted for, but which is known to take place
both in Britain and North America.5 In such situations,
doubtless, the seed may have lain dormant for a length of
time, until stimulated into vegetation by the admission of
moisture and heat. The plant is perennial, and bears its
dense clusters of white blossoms all the summer. In rich
soils it grows a foot or two in height, but varies greatly in
luxuriance according to the situation, and is only an inch
or less above the surface of the ground, becoming almost
woven in with the thick short grass that forms the natural
carpet of our downs and commons. Its chief value in cul¬
tivation is as a pasture plant ; and so quickly does it grow'
that Mr. Curtis affirms that a single seedling covered more
than a square yard of ground in a single summer.

“ It does not seem to be ascertained when white clover or
trefoil first became cultivated in this country, but it appears
to be of late date, for it is not mentioned by Gerarde,
Parkinson, or Bay, as an agricultural plant in this country,
nor by any of the waiters of the seventeenth century.
Gerarde, howrever, says that f there is a Trefoil of this kind
which is sowne in fields of the low countries in Italy, and
divers other places beyond the seas, that come up ranker
and higher than that wffiich groweth in meadows, and is an
excellent food for cattell, both to fatten them and cause
them to give good store of milk/

“ Sheep thrive well upon this little plant, and there are
seldom any moors or meadows where it is not to be found.
Even in the midst of London fogs and dark December
weather, we have discovered this little plant of the wayside
nestling under the shadow of a wall in a city garden wait¬
ing for the warm day of spring to beam forth, invigorating
its tiny leaves, and bringing forth its little white blossoms,
which are then in unseen preparation.

“ The common plants of a country are almost universally
associated with its songs and legends. The Irish names for
Tri folium repens are shamrock, shamrog, or sea muroge;
and some botanists claim for it priority as the national
emblem of Ireland. Some contend for the Oxalis aceto-

ON PLANTS IN RELATION TO ANIMALS.

773

sella (wood-sorrel), while others maintain that the white
clover was the favoured plant of St. Patrick, who, when he
was preaching the Gospel in the earliest times to the be¬
nighted inhabitants of the Emerald Isle, chose to illustrate the
great doctrine of the Trinity by the simple instance of a triune
nature in this well-known and beautiful leaf. We incline, as
we have expressed before when writing of the Oxalis, to be¬
lieve that it was this plant, and not the white clover, which
was the original trefoil of Ireland ; for our little plant does not
arrive at perfection until considerably after St. PatrickVday.
The national emblem and spirit of the institution is, how¬
ever, equally preserved in either plant, and we may take the
term f shamrock’ as applicable to all trefoils or three-
parted-leaved plants. The f Irish Hudibras* says :

‘ Within a wood near to this plaee,

There grows a hunch of three-leaved grass,

Called by the boglanders sham rogues,

A present for the queen of shoges (spirits).’

<f In all ages a sort of mystic reverence has surrounded the
notion of a Trinity, and this idea seems embodied by the
imaginative and poetical Irish in the triple leaflet. When¬
ever this sacred leaf is found to depart from its usual forms
to produce four leaflets its mystic power is said to be greatly
enhanced, and all sorts of spells are supposed to be worked
with its enchantments. The old song — ■

‘ I’ll seek a four-leaved shamrock in all the fairy dells,’

tells of the wonders to be accomplished by it when
found.

“ The white clover forms a very interesting study itself as
a type of the family to which it belongs. No class of plants
affords such evident and interesting examples of the law of
morphology as do the Leguminosae.

“ In the white clover we frequently meet with cases in
which parts of the flower exhibit a tendency to return to
their leafy origin ; the pod frequently changes into a small
leaf, whilst the stamens, petals, and sepals, all exhibit the
same tendency, the pedicels of the flowers at the same time
elongating.

“ \ye have seen many specimens where the whole head of
flowers on a stalk of clover has undergone this transforma¬
tion, presenting the most singular appearance possible, with
the green leaves looking as if quite out of their accustomed
place, and, consequently, very odd and uncomfortable. In
passing through a field of clover it is worth while to look for
such monstrosities, and they are by no means uncommon.

53

L1II.

774 ON PLANTS IN RELATION TO ANIMALS.

“ We may mention some interesting observations and draw¬
ing made by Mrs. Godwin Austin on this subject, first ex¬
hibited at the meeting of the British Association in 1849, and
afterwards published in Henfrey’s Botanical Gazette for
March, 1850. It was a happy idea of the great German
poet-botanist, Goethe, to reduce the previously received and
complicated theory of plant structure to the simple formula
of leaf formation. In this way everything presented itself to
him under a different aspect ; what had been considered
essential became accidental, and vice versa. In all the higher
plants foliage, flowers, and fruit were formerly regarded as
essentially different parts. It was Goethe who first recog¬
nised in the flowers and fruit the recurrence of the foliage,
so that there is no essential difference between these three
parts of a plant.

“ In studying this subject somewhat carefully, it becomes
evident that it is the leaf which, in its Protean capability of
transformation, gradually assumes the form of fruit or flower.
These are truly leaves, whorls of leaves differing in charac¬
ter and position from other leaves, although not in their
essential nature. This great doctrine of unity of plan of
creation was first demonstrated and successfully taught in
relation to the vegetable kingdom, and has since been clearly
worked out and adopted by the ablest comparative anatomists
of this and other countries, as applied to higher organisms,
and even to man himself. The susceptibility of the little
trifolium to the withdrawal of light, and its habit of closing
its leaves somewhat on the approach of light, remind us of
its family relationship to the group of sensitive plants. The
observations of the older botanists led them to record this
curious fact, and Gerarde tells us that f Pliny writeth and
setteth it down for certaine that the leaves hereof do tremble
and stand upright against the coming of a storme or
tempest.

“ While examining the tissue of the stems of a plant under
the microscope the abundance of spiral fibre suggested the
thought that this very elastic and delicate material might
possibly have something to do with the hitherto unexplained
cause of the curious movements of sensitive plants. Micro¬
scopic research, in skilful hands, will do much to clear up
these unsolved questions/’*

Our second plant, the strawberry-headed trefoil, receives
its name from the peculiarly enlarged calyx, which, as the
corolla begins to wither, enlarges to such an extent that the

# ‘Sowerby’s English Botany/ by G. T. B. Syme, Esq.

CATTLE PLAGUE. 77 5

whole head of the flower, with its sometimes ruddy colour,
forms an apt resemblance to a strawberry.

At first sight the plant is much like the T. repens ; the
leaflets, however, have not the semilunar white or purplish
spots. The flowers are sometimes nearly white, but
oftener they are tinged with a pink or purplish hue.

Both the T. repens and T. fragiferum have running
prostrate stems, which root at the joint, but the straw-
berry-headed fruit is at all times a good distinguishing
character.

The two plants are very different as to their spread and
their conditions of growth ; the T. fragiferum is very local, and
‘is only found in stiff clays, such as those of the fullers’ earth,
forest marble, or Oxford clays, and it is an indication of a
stiff, cold land, in want of drainage.

We have gathered it very plentifully on the forest marble
clays about Cirencester, and it is with us in Dorset every¬
where on the fullers’ earth, and when its heads of tumid,
coloured calyces are well grown, and as they sometimes are
elevated on long peduncles, these fruits become very con¬
spicuous objects, but beyond this it has little to recommend
it, its herbage being not only scanty, but, we fancy, strong
and purgative.

Pathological Contributions.

CATTLE PLAGUE.

The cattle plague having made its appearance in the
Praga Superb of Warsaw, and being no longer confined to
its original centre in Warsaw itself, the Prussian authorities
at Oppeln have published an order, dated 3rd October,
1880, forbidding the import and export of sheep from and
to Russian Poland, as likewise the carriage of sheep to and
from railway stations within the Prussian border, unless a
certificate, duly attested by the police authorities, declares
that the sheep in question have been in the district in
which the loading station is situated for the period of three
months.

There appears to be no diminution of cattle plague in the
governments bordering on Austria and Germany, and those
adjoining the Black and Baltic Seas ; and a fresh outbreak
of the disease is reported to have occurred at Wenden in
e Province of Livonia.

776

PLEURO-PNEUMONIA.

This disease is stated on reliable authority to exist in
an aggravated form among the cows stabled in Brooklyn
and its vicinity in the State of New York ; many animals
are suffering from the malady.

Pleuro-pneumonia has also broken out in a malignant form
among the cattle at Westbury, in Queen’s County, and at
other places on Long Island.

In the State of Maryland, seventeen head of cattle in
Harford County are reported to have died of pleuro-pneu¬
monia. The disease appears to he local and confined to one
farm, and cattle intended for exportation to the United King¬
dom are not to he transported through the infected district.

In the Netherlands, from 8th of August to 4th of Sep¬
tember, the following cases of pleuro-pneumonia occurred :

In North Brabant . . . .3 cases.

In South Holland . . . . 3 ,,

Total . . . . 6 ,,

In Great Britain there were, during the thirteen weeks
ending September 25th, 280 fresh outbreaks of pleuro-pneu¬
monia reported, and 756 cattle attacked. In the correspond¬
ing period of 1879 there were 414 fresh attacks of this disease
reported, and 1178 cattle attacked.

FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE.

A serious outbreak of this disease is reported to have oc¬
curred in the North of France, and is said to be very general
in the Department of the “ Nord/’ hut owing to the vigorous
measures adopted for its suppression appears to be rapidly
diminishing ; this disease also exists in the “ Pas de Calais
only a few cases, however, have occurred there compared with
the Department of the “ Nord.v

In Great Britain, during the four weeks from September
26th to October 24th, fresh outbreaks of footand-mouth
disease have been reported in the following counties : — -
Bedford, Bucks, Derby, Hertford, Kent, Middlesex, Surrey,
and Warwick.

SHEEP-POX.

A considerable outbreak of this disease has occurred in
several of the districts of the Grand Duchy of Mecklenburg
Schwerin.

777

SWINE FEVER.

In Great Britain there were, during the thirteen weeks
ending September 26th, 662 fresh outbreaks of this disease
reported, and 3061 swine attacked. In the corresponding
period of 1879 the fresh outbreaks reported were 1043, and
the number of swine attacked 5379.

TEXAN FEVER.

Texan fever has lately appeared among cattle on a farm
at Oswego, in the north-western part of the State of New
York, contracted from Texan cattle slaughtered at the place.

Facts and Observations.

Curious Case in Veterinary Pathology. — Sir, — I
have a greyhound puppy, aged three months, and ever since
he could see there is on the ball of each eye at the outer
corner a quantity of hair, which entirely covers the white of
that part, and approaches quite up to the pupils. I have
shown the dog both to a surgeon and veterinary surgeon,
and they have never met wuth a similar case. If any of your
readers have, I should be glad to hear as to what treatment
was adopted. I am, Sir, yours, &c., Courser. — The Lancet .

Enormous Destruction of Animals. — September QMli,
Buenos Avres. — A terrific snowstorm occurred in this pro¬
vince on the 18th instant, by which it is estimated that
700,000 oxen, 500,000 sheep, and 250,000 horses have
perished. The storm raged, with more or less violence,
during three days and three nights, and was the greatest
ever known here.

Sheep Traffic in the North. — Daring September
between 50,000 and 60,000 sheep were carried by special
trains on the Highland Railway, and a correspondent tele¬
graphs to-day, October 6th, that the traffic shows no dimi¬
nution. No fewer than eight specials ran yesterday laden
entirely with sheep.

Total Number of Sheep and Worth of Wool. — It
is estimated that there are from 484,000,000 to 600,000,000
sheep in the world.

The total wool clip of the whole world last year was
1,497, 500, OOOlbs., worth, at a low estimate, £300,000.000.

778

FACTS AND OBSERVATIONS.

A Dog’s Fast.-— Mr. W. Brankston Richardson, writing
from 6 1, Southerland Gardens, Maida Yale, sends the follow¬
ing dog-story to the Times : — ^Concurrently with the forty
days’ fast of the misguided American doctor, another fast has
been in progress in our own country, for the truth of which I
myself can vouch. A friend of mine who lives in Devonshire
left home some weeks since on a series of visits to his friends
in distant parts of the country. A few days after he left his
servants wrote him that a favourite Sky terrier was missing.
My friend, after every search had proved fruitless, considered
that the dog had been stolen. On his return home, after an
absence of one month and five days, he unlocked the library,
the doors and windows of which had been bolted and barred
during his absence, and to his astonishment the missing dog
crept out into the light, a living skeleton and totally blind.
He was well cared for, and has now quite recovered his health
and sight. But his existence was wonderful. He had had no
food and no water, and had not gnawed the books or obtained
sustenance from any source whatever.” — Nature.

Detection of Ammonia in Water. — Ammonia is
usually present in water as carbonate, but frequently in such
small quantities that it cannot be detected by the ordinary
tests. In such cases Hager ascertains its presence by mixing
2 to 3 litres of the water w7ith 20 drops hydrochloric acid,
evaporating to dryness, dissolving the residue in 10 or 15 c.c.
distilled water, filtering, and applying Bohlig’s test, which
consists in adding, first, 5 drops of solution of corrosive sub¬
limate (1 part in 30 parts of water), and then 5 drops of
solution of potassium carbonate (1 part in 50 parts of water),
when a cloudiness indicates the presence of ammonia.

Absorption of Lime Salts. By L. Perl ( Bied . Centr .,
1880, 308). — The amount of lime secreted in the urine of a
dog weighing 22 kilos., to which 7*10 grams of calcium
chloride had been given daily with the food, was increased
from O’ 135 gram to 0*325 gram per day and the chlorine by
6*14 grams. These results were confirmed by another series
of experiments, in which the greater part of the lime intro¬
duced as calcium chloride was found in the fasces, but the
whole of the chlorine in the urine. The calcium chloride
had probably been decomposed by the alkaline secretion of
the bowels into sodium chloride and calcium carbonate. —
A. J. C. — Jour. C/iem. Soc.

779

THE VETERINARIAN, NOVEMBER 1, 1880.

Ne quid falsi dicere audeat, ne quid veri non audeat. — Cicero.

FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE.

Since the introduction of foot-and-inouth disease into this
kingdom in 1869 we have never been quite free from it for any
considerable length of time ; in fact, it may be questioned if
at any time the affection has been completely extinct. The
history of the disease includes times of excessive prevalence
and intervals of decline, and we had one or two long
periods during which very little notice appears to have been
accorded to its progress by veterinary and agricultural
writers.

So far as our own observations and the records of the
affection enable us to judge, there have been something like
nine outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease in this country
between 1869 and 1880. The duration of each outbreak
may be roughly estimated at eighteen months to two years.
In the succeeding interval of about the same number of
months the disease has declined to a minimum state of
existence before it has again began to spread. A reasonable
solution of this phenomenon of periodic occurrence and
decline has been offered in the following terms :

During the prevalence of the complaint in all parts of the
country the majority of susceptible animals are attacked, and
the disease decreases for want of new material ; in the
interval of decline another generation of susceptible animals
springs up, and the requisite conditions for the extension of
the affection are thus supplied. Whether or not this view
is correct, the fact remains that the occurrence of outbreak
of more or less severity, after short intervals of comparative
freedom, is a feature peculiar to foot-and-mouth disease.
In 1874 the last serious outbreak of foot-and-mouth com¬
plaint occurred, and the progress of the malady was rapid
during that year. In 1875 the affection began to decline,
and the decline continued through 1876 ; but in 1877

780

EDITORIAL OBSERVATIONS.

another accession of disease occurred, and apprehensions were
entertained that it would again spread; but the introduction
of cattle plague early in the year led to energetic action on the
part of the authorities, and the enforcement of restrictions on
the movement of animals all over the country had the effect
of arresting the progress of foot-and-mouth disease to a
considerable extent ; the provisions of the Contagious Dis¬
ease (Animals) Act of 1878 have been further effectual in
keeping the malady in check, and for the last few months
we have been as nearly as possible free.

As usually happens in cases of the reappearance of a con¬
tagious disorder, the connection between the point of origin
and the attacks around it or distant from it cannot be traced
with any certainty ; the facts, however, are suggestive. In
August last animals affected with foot-and-mouth disease
were landed at Deptford from France, where the affection
prevails in a severe form, and in a few days it was detected
in a London dairy. Other centres of disease were discovered
in quick succession in Middlesex, Kent, Bedfordshire, Berk¬
shire and Herts.

As to the channels through which infection might have
been carried everything is left to conjecture, but a rational
theory may be constructed in accordance with our knowledge
of the laws which govern the disease.

All risk of communications of foot-and-mouth disease from
diseased to healthy animals is eliminated from the circum¬
stances of the case before us, because the animals which
introduced the disease could not be removed from the landing:
place alive; hut foot-and-mouth disease can he communi¬
cated by mediate contagion, and it is well known that
dealers and drovers who are engaged at Deptford also pursue
their calling in other markets, and in all places where
animals are to be found. The man who is employed in contact
with diseased cattle in the morning is occupied in the after¬
noon in driving a fat cow which he has taken from a dairy
to a market or slaughterhouse, or his avocation leads him
to take a railway journey to examine, and probably purchase,
some cattle in the country. It is difficult to see how this

OBSERVATIONS ON THE LUNG PLAGUE OF CATTLE. 781

sort of thing can be prevented,, and it is impossible to avoid
seeing that this ordinary system of conducting the trade in
animals is likely to result in the wide dissemination of a
disease which can be so easily spread as foot-and-mouth
disease can be.

We can only advise stockowners to be on their guard.
There is no doubt that the circumstances are just now
favorable to the spreading of foot-and-mouth disease, and
there are signs which suggest the probability of the malady
assuming a somewhat malignant form.

Extracts from British and Foreign Journals.

OBSERVATIONS ON THE LUNG PLAGUE OF CATTLE
(PLEURO-PNEUMONIA CONTAGIOSA BOVINA).*

By Professor James Law.

Concluded from jo. 717.

Tendency to the Encysting of Dead Masses of Lung.' —
The limits allotted to this article will not allow a consideration
of the distinctive symptoms and pathological lesions of this disease
but there is one pathological feature of this complaint with such
all-important bearings that it cannot be passed over unnoticed.
This is the constant tendency to the death of large portions of
the lung by the plugging of its blood-vessels, and to the in¬
closure of such necrosed masses in a complete fibrous cyst
formed by the organisation of the surrounding exudation. The
blood-vessels leading to a particular group of lobules become
implicated in the inflammation even to their internal coats ; the
blood contained within them immediately coagulates ; the normal
circulation in such parts ceases ; the blood that filters into their
capillaries from those adjacent loses its liquid portion by quick
transudation through the coats of the vessels, so that they are
left filled to repletion with blood-globules only ; the circulation
and life in such parts cease, and around their margin where the
blood still circulates the exudation is slowly built up into fibrous
tissue, forming a complete and unbroken envelope in case of

* Extracted from the ‘First Annual Report of the Cornell University
Experiment Station, 1879 — 80. 5

78.2 OBSERVATIONS ON THE LUNG PLAGUE OF CATTLE.

recovery. The imprisoned mass of dead lung completely ex¬
cluded from contact with air and aerial germs does not putrefy,
and never exhales a septic odour. It undergoes a slow meta¬
morphosis through its contained cells and granules into a puru¬
lent liquid, which is observed with equal tardiness. The lique-
factive metamorphosis commences at the surface, separating the
dead mass from the sac, so that it appears for the future as a
great solid nucleus floating in a variable amount of purulent fluid.
When large masses are encysted in this way it may be over a
year before the whole has been liquefied and removed, and not
unfrequently after nine months the outline of lobules, air-tubes,
blood-vessels, and nerves can still be traced with ease in the
necrosed lung.

The important bearing of this is related to the lack of all
putrefaction or other important changes in the mass of necrosed
lung, which, in the absence of such metamorphosis, remains an
encysted mass of infecting material so long as it continues solid
and unchanged. To the average mind, and even to the medical
one who has made no special study of this disease, the danger
even of infection seems past when the patient has for some time
resumed its appetite, rumination, milking, natural breathing,
and, above all, its disposition to lay on fat. Yet the majority
of patients that have apparently recovered, carry within their
chests the encysted necrosed masses above described; and so
long as these remain they cannot be considered otherwise than
as exceedingly dangerous to other stock. It is true that the
bearers of these encysted masses will often stand for months
beside other cattle without infecting them, but it is none the
less true that each bears within its chest a sealed up store of
infection, and there is only wanted a breach or change in the
surrounding fibrous envelope to allow the deadly virus to escape.

Instances of Inf ection from Encysted Necrosed Lung. — Charles
Beeves, Success, Suffolk Co., N. Y., bought two calves from the
infected Isaac Billard herd about January, 1879. They did
badly. In June he lost several animals infected from these, and
on July 1 9th I visited his place and found a cow, steer, and a
calf, infected from the same source.

George Patrick, Patterson, Putnam Co., purchased a cow in
Pebruary, 1879, which sickened in April, but recovered. Others
died in June, July, and August. On September 15th I found
four sick and had them disposed of; and Oct. 15th, when the
whole herd was slaughtered, the cow that had recovered in April
was found to carry still a solid encysted mass as large as an egg.
This is more interesting as showing the long retention of the
encapsuled mass, even after a very mild case, than as positive
proof of the infection from this source.

OBSERVATIONS ON THE LUNG PLAGUE OF CATTLE. 783

B. Brainy Lorimer Street, Brooklyn, Lad a yearling heifer
that had been kept in the Blissville distillery stables prior to
their quarantine in Feb. 1879. Her infection therefore dated
back to January. July 26th he applied for a permit to send
this heifer to the country, but on examination she was found to
carry a large mass of encysted lung. She was sent to the
slaughter-house, being in fine condition, and a large encysted
mass was found as expected. On August 22nd a fine short¬
horn cow that had been sent from a healthy district through our
iaspection yards direct to Braun's stable was found very ill with
Lung Plague and had to be slaughtered.

In place of furnishing further cases of my own it may be
well to quote one from another source confirmatory of mine.

In the Recueil de Medecine Veterinaire , March, 1879, M.
Baboiiam records the case of an ox supposed to have chronic
bronchitis, and brought from a stable where Lung Plague
formerly prevailed, transmitting the disease to the healthy stock
of his purchaser.

The danger from animals bearing these encysted masses are
hardly less than from those still in the incubative stage of the
disease. Be it understood that many cattle that bear such
masses have natural pulse, temperature, and breathing, will lay
on flesh, or yield as many as fifteen quarts of milk per day, and
it can be easily perceived how such animals will change hands,
and pass into fresh and susceptible herds without any conscious¬
ness of wrong on the part of either buyer or seller. Such
animals may any day carry infection from state to state, or from
the infected states to our unfenced territories, where, owing to
the constant commingling of herds it will be impossible to
eradicate the virus. Many such cases can with difficulty be
detected even by the most carefully conducted professional
examination, much less are they likely to be recognised in the
hurried examinations that can be given to large numbers of
animals at a frontier. In short, these chronic cases with en¬
cysted necrosed lung, and the long period of incubation of the
Lung Plague condemn absolutely the passage of animals on a
mere examination, and without the attendant quarantine of three
months. Cattle for immediate slaughter may be passed under
such precautions as shall prevent their contact with or proximity
to store cattle, but the passage of store cattle on examination
only betrays the unfitness for his office of him who prescribes it.

The same considerations show the utter inadequacy of any
measures that fail to reach every infected locality and every
infected herd, and to prevent the shipment of any cattle from
any infected district.

To have suppressive measures effectual, either there must be a

784 OBSERVATIONS ON THE LUNG PLAGUE OF CATTLE.

central controlling Federal authority that will grapple intelli¬
gently with the plague in every state, district and herd simul¬
taneously, and thus prevent its spread ; or every state bordering
on an infected one, or having maritime commercial relations
with it, must impose a three months’ quarantine on all cattle
from such infected state. The folly of the present system is
stupendous, and the common markets for store and fat cattle
from infected and healthy districts, the passage of animals from
an infected state on a simple examination, and the threats of
one class of officials of forcing upon their neighbours the stock
from their infected territory, furnish a spectacle that is a dis¬
grace to the intelligence and science of the nineteenth century,
and a travesty on all National Sanitation.

Value of Fumigations with Sulphurous Acid. — As a dis¬
infectant for Lung Plague no better agent exists than sul¬
phurous acid, produced by burning flowers of sulphur in the
contaminated building. But the value of this agent is perhaps
even greater as a prophylactic agent, for cattle that have been
exposed to the contagion. I shall quote but three illustrative
cases, and refer the reader for further evidence to my f Report 9
for 1879.

Timothy Ryan, Ridgewood, L. I., kept on an average 25
cows, and had lost 20 head within the year. The stables
were so thoroughly saturated with infecting materials that
our own inspectors and eminent veterinarians from a distance
concluded that it would be impossible to disinfect the premises.
The wooden flooring was replaced by new, a quantity of filth
was removed from beneath, the soil was sprinkled with quick¬
lime, and the building whitewashed with chloride of lime.
Whitewashing had been resorted to before, but with no good
result. On June 15th, 1879, he commenced fumigating the
cows twice daily with sulphurous acid, and although he had some
fresh and susceptible cows in the stable, not one more contracted
the plague.

Patrick Green, West Farms, New York Co., entered infected
premises in April, and by July had lost by the plague twelve out
of a herd of thirty-two head. After the sickness appeared the
cattle were kept at pasture to avoid the infected buildings and
secure pure air, but, as the plague continued, I now directed him
to turn the herd into the buildings for half an hour twice a day,
and make them breathe as much sulphur smoke as they could
bear without violent coughing. From that time not one more
case of the plague developed.

James Cowan, Yonkers, in April, 1879, bought a cow from
Hog Hill, which infected his herd. By July 12th he had lost
eight out of a herd of twenty- three, notwithstanding that

OBSERVATIONS ON THE LUNG PLAGUE OF CATTLE. 785

they were kept in the open field and fed tonics (including sul¬
phate of iron). I now enjoined him to turn them into the
stables twice daily, and fumigate for half an hour each time
with sulphurous acid. This was done, and not another case of
sickness occurred.

A wide experience enables me to place a high value on this
measure as an auxiliary to the slaughter of the sick and the
purification of the premises by aqueous disinfectants. To its
proper application certain couditions are indispensable: 1. All
virulent matters in the buildings, drains, manure heaps, &c., must
be destroyed. 2. No animal with manifest disease must be re¬
tained in the herd, nor have access to it or its pasturage. Chronic
cases with necrosed encysted lungs must be removed, as well as
the acutely diseased. 3. The attendants should not be allowed
near diseased animals. 4. The buildings must be close enough
to confine the fumes of sulphurous acid, so that they may be
breathed of sufficient strength for half an hour in succession each
time. 5. The administrator must be intelligent and reliable, and
must shut himself in with the animals, that he may watch the
result, and push the production of the gas as far as the animals
can breathe without irritation, and at the same time be ready to
open doors and windows and admit the air promptly in case of
an over-dose.

Suppression of Lung Plague on the Large Common
Pasture of Montauk. — On May 7th, 1879, while on a visit
to infected herds in Suffolk Co., I learned that some yearlings
from the same herd that had infected the county had been
turned out on the great pasture of Montauk, a stretch of 12,000
acres at the east end of Long Island, on which were 1100 head
of cattle, the property of about 200 owners. As the yearlings
from the infected herd were alleged to be sound, we had no
power to act until the passage of a Bill then pending, which em¬
powered us to deal with animals that had been exposed to infec¬
tion. On May 21st and 22nd twenty head ot cattle — all that
could be traced to the infecting herd or to herds with which
cattle from the infecting one had mingled — were killed, about
half of those that were opened showing the disease in the
chronic form. Two more cases of sickness occurred on the
range on July 15th and August 10th, respectively, both in
cattle that had had communication with the infecting herd,
though this information had been withheld at the earlier
slaughter. Aside from them the whole herd had escaped. The
reasons of our unprecedented success in Montauk are manifestly
these — 1. The Montauk pasture was large enough to allow ten
acres to every animal. 2. The cattle belonged to many different
owners, in lots of from one to fifty head. The cattle of different

786 OBSERVATIONS ON THE LUNG PLAGUE OF CATTLE.

owners, being strange to each other, herded widely apart, so that
there wTas virtually no chance of infection from the herd of one
owner to that of another. They were never yarded nor turned
into buildings en masse , so as to concentrate the virus. 4. There
was no meeting at any common watering-place, for ponds abound
all over the range. 5. Whenever a herd was known to have had
any communication with cattle from the infected herd such
herd was slaughtered without exception. 6. The two cattle
that suffered later in the season were the only cattle from their
respective owners, and had never herded with any other stock on
the range.

Had these cattle been crowded more closely on a smaller
pasture, had they pastured successively on the same ground, had
they been frequently rounded up, yarded or stabled, had they
all been watered from a common pond or trough, had they been
accustomed to meet to eat grain or salt from troughs, or had
they become acquainted so as to congregate at night in one vast
herd, as occurs on Montauk later in the season, it would have
been impossible to prevent infection. The prevalence of this
plague for ages on the unfenced steppes of the Old World, and
for decades on the open ranges of South Africa and Australia in
defiance of all the efforts of owners and governments, shows
only too clearly that in all but very exceptionable conditions the
advent of this plague to such unfenced territory means its
spread and permanent prevalence in such a district. It is but
repeating on a large scale what has for thirty-seven years
preserved and extended the infection upon our eastern seaboard,
and what must continue to maintain it until common pasturage
is abolished. Our Montauk triumph gives no hope of the ex¬
termination of the plague from our great grazing lands in case
they should become infected, so that the imminent risk of infect¬
ing these means the risk of imposing a perpetual annual tax on
the nation of 60,000,000 dollars and upward.

Results of One Year's Labour. — In the course of the year
we have caused the slaughter of 1400 cattle that had either
developed the lung plague or had been exposed to its infection ;
we have abolished common pasturages in all infected districts
excepting one (Brooklyn, where circumstances prevented this) ;
we have controlled the movement of cattle in all infected dis¬
tricts, and have virtually rooted out the plague from seven
counties, leaving but one (Brooklyn and suburbs) in which the
affection still prevails.

While a multitude of details were needful for each district, it
will be instructive to notice the main restrictions in force in
New York City, where the disease was suppressed, as compared
with Brooklyn, where it still remains to be dealt with.

OBSERVATIONS ON THE LUNG PLAGUE OF CATTLE. 787

By July 1st, 1879, we had perfected arrangements to receive
fresh cows and other store cattle from healthy districts only into
new inspection yards from which all other stock were excluded,
and to allow no other animals to be distributed as store cattle
in or from New York. Pasturage was allowed in enclosed
ground where herd would be safely secluded from herd. Tile
police seconded our efforts, so that no cattle could be moved on
the streets without a special permit granted after inspection of
the herd to which such belonged. Dealers' stables, which in
such localities soon became simple pest-houses, were abolished,
no cows were allowed to leave the city stables except for slaughter,
and as the fountain of infection was thereby stopped, every sub¬
sequent step made in dealing with the disease in individual herds
was a decided and permanent gain. New infections were exceed¬
ingly rare, and the old ones only had to be stamped out. With
such measures success was assured.

I urged strongly that Brooklyn should be put under a similiar
system, and had this been resorted to there can be no doubt
that the results would have been similar in that city, and that
the State of New York would have been to-day practically free
from Lung Plague. But the prospective lack of means, the ex¬
isting opposition of the city magnates and magistrates, and other
considerations which need not be mentioned here, stood in the way ;
the adoption of the approved measures was deferred until there
should be less to hinder, and although money has at last been
appropriated by the Legislature, three months have elapsed
without any satisfactory movement in this direction. With
regard to this it need only be said that any ostensible economy
that entails delay in the extinction of the disease is the most
wasteful prodigality. The perpetuation of a force of officials
and inspectors becomes much more expensive than the execu¬
tion of the work in a sharp and decisive manner, and in a much
shorter period of time; the maintenance of the plague in the
infected district leads to a continuous and in the end a far
greater outlay in indemnities for cattle slaughtered ; the con¬
tinued interference with the normal channels of home trade
heightens the burden in a way that cannot easily be estimated ;
the persistence of the plague loses to the nation 1,500,000
dollars a year on our exports to England, and finally every
day of delay endangers the infection of the middle states,
and of the western and southern grazing ground, which would
perpetuate the plague for ever, and entail an annual tax equal to
that imposed by the late war.

Already we see the evil effects of a relaxation of efficient work
in other parts of New York than Brooklyn. When the appro¬
priation was made in February I at once took measures to in-

788

ALCOHOL IN ANIMAL TISSUES.

crease the veterinary staff, and actively resume the aggressive
work that had been so long and injuriously delayed. But orders
were received to reduce the force of inspectors still further, and
at the same time the system of distributing fresh cows and other
store cattle from the inspection yards only was seriously relaxed,
and though there is as yet little time for more than the incuba¬
tion of the plague, cases have appeared in fresh cows taken
into sound stables in New York and Brooklyn, and Staten
Island, which has been sound for over a year, has again become
extensively diseased.

ALCOHOL IN ANIMAL TISSUES DURING LIFE AND

AFTER DEATH.*

In order to verify the truth of the statement that flesh
superficially coagulated would rapidly putrefy under condi¬
tions in which well-cooked flesh would remain sound for many
weeks, M. J. Bechamp coagulated some horse flesh by im¬
mersion for ten minutes in boiling water, then vrrapped it in
a closely woven cloth, and placed aside for eight days. At
the expiration of that time the meat was found in an advanced
state of decomposition, and the muscular striation had disap¬
peared, although the air had not penetrated to the interior
of the substance, whilst Bacteria and Vibrios abounded. By
methods described in the original memoir, the author isolated
and identified about 08 gram of alcohol and 10 grams of
sodium salts formed by acetic, butyric, and other acids. The
alcohol was converted into aldehyde, and oxidized to acetic
acid, so that its identity was established beyond doubt ; within
certain limits the quantity obtained was larger the further
the extent of the decomposition.

It would seem, therefore, that the phenomena accompanying
putrefaction are very closely allied to those belonging to
fermentation properly so called, perhaps more directly with
those of the butyric fermentation. By the same process
alcohol was obtained from the fresh tissues. The brain of
sheep gave a larger quantity than the liver, but the largest
quantity was obtained from the brain of an ox, which fur¬
nished sufficient alcohol to measure with the hydrometer. It
may be argued, therefore, that in medico-legal cases the
detection or separation of alcohol from putrid or healthy
tissues is not sufficient evidence to show that alcohol has
been administered at all, still less that this liquid has been
the cause of death. — Journ. Roy. Micros. Soc.

# Comptes Rendus, Ixxxix (1879), p. 573; see Journ. Cliem. Soc.,
Abstr., xxxviii (1S80), p. 174.

789

SCIENTIFIC SECRESY.

At a recent meeting of the Academie de Medecine, a short
discussion arose which involved a point of some importance.
M. Toussaint, a veterinary professor at Toulouse, addressed
a note to the Academy, stating that he has been able to
devise a means of preventing carbuncular disease in animals
by manipulating the virus in such a way as to render it a
preventive agent, or what he calls, by an abuse of terms,
“ vaccinating 33 by its means. He, how ever, furnishes no
particulars as to how this is done, although Professor Bouley
stated that it is effected on the principle of attenuation devised
by Professor Pasteur as a preventive of fowl-cholera. On
the proposition that this communication should be inserted in
the Bulletin of the Academy, M. Jules Guerin protested
against the reception of communications which professed to
make known the results of experiments obtained by methods
or procedures which their authors kept secret, rendering all
control and criticism impossible. The case wras not made any
better by Professor Pasteur having furnished the precedent of
a similar procedure. Professors Le Fort and Depaul joined
in M. Guerin's protest.

Dr. Revillout, in the Gazette des Hopitaux, commenting
upon this incident, makes the following appropriate observa¬
tions :

“ In France the medical family has its traditions, its
scruples, and its delicacy, which it considers in some mea¬
sure connected with professional dignity, and to w hich it
adheres as a most precious inheritance. Those who do not
belong to this great body* and are not medical, though
members of the Academy of Medicine, are liable sometimes
to irritate the susceptibilities of their colleagues, which they
do not appreciate, and seem quite astonished at the opposi¬
tion which they raise without knowing why. We have made
this observation recently in relation to Professor Pasteur,
who, keeping secret his procedures for the attenuation of the
chicken-cholera, nevertheless related to the Academy the good
effects which he had obtained from the inoculation of this
attenuated virus. When this illustrious savant was desirous,
generalising the conclusions he had drawn from his first
results, of reasoning from them as to the affinities of variola
and vaccinia, he wTas surprised at finding how little medical
men felt disposed to follow7 him in this course. That w'as
because he was ignorant of the customs of our body, not
knowing that the rule here is to place all in common, whether
liii. Si

790

SCIENTIFIC SECRESY.

knowledge acquired, means of investigation and observation,
methods, procedures, or discoveries. Physicians formed in
our schools admit no other secret than professional secresy
in all that relates to our art. If you discover a remedy, your
duty is to divulge it, without troubling yourself as to whom
will accrue the honour and profit of your labours and your
anxieties ; and if you discover a means which may be useful
in prophylaxis, your duty is still the same in the presence
of similar risks. The physician, and he glories in it, knows,
when the occasion arrives, how to close his eyes to his
personal interests. As Professor Beclard so well says in his
eloge on Andral, 'he has the habit, the passion, of silent
sacrificed

“ Quite opposite to all this are the principles which pre¬
vail in manufactures and the applied sciences. The inventor
is invested with an exclusive transitory right, which is pro¬
tected by the law. For years he may appropriate to himself
the fruit of his investigations as a legitimate property. Here
secresy is quite natural. The points of view are entirely
different, according to the situation. Our medium is pecu¬
liarly our own, and even in its most immediate vicinity things
are looked upon differently than by ourselves. This was
evidently the case at the Academy.”

Since the above was in type, M. Toussaint telegraphed to
the Academy, stating how contrary it was to his wrish
to keep any of his procedures secret, and furnishing the
requisite details. It would seem that he had only delayed
doing so in order to make further investigations before
communicating them. The better way would have been
to have delayed the original communication until these
were perfected. M. Toussaint, it seems, takes some of
the blood of an animal suffering from charbon , and separates
from it by filtration, or kills by the application of heat, all
the Bacteria which it contains, and then inoculates with it
the animals w-hich he wushes to preserve from the disease.
The inoculation having been practised, this liquid, devoid of
living germs, acts on the economy in a special manner. It
requires, however, from twrelve to fourteen days for such
action to become completed ; and if during this interval in¬
oculation with infecting Bacteria be performed they may
pursue their ordinary evolution to the death of the animal.
But after the period in question this is no longer the case ;
for, whatever number of Bacteria be then introduced, they
remain absolutely inert, the Bacteria succumbing and dis¬
appearing w ithout leaving any trace of their passage either in
the blood or the tissues. — Medical Times ancl Gazette.

791

STATISTICS OF CATTLE DISEASES.

At the meeting of the Cuckfield (Sussex) Agricultural
Association, Mr. Charles Lennox Peel, clerk to the Privy
Council, gave some important statistics as to the operation of
the Cattle Diseases Prevention Acts, and the Orders in
Council founded thereon.

The number of cattle and sheep affected with pleuro-pneu-
monia had been during the first eight months of 1879?
29 55 ; and during a similar period in 1880, 1859? showing a
reduction of 1096. The number of animals affected with foot-
and-mouth disease, which was formerly so prevalent in this
country, was, for the first eight months of 1879? 14,648;
and the same period of 1880, the figures had declined to 49,
and a large proportion of those cases were reported not to be
true foot-and-mouth disease.

The figures relating to sheep-scab also showed a con¬
siderable diminution, for whereas during the first eight
months of 1879? 40,308 animals were affected, in the first
eight months of 1880 the number had fallen to 14,414.

There wTas also a falling-off in the animals attacked with
swine fever, from 11,983 in the first eight months of 1879?
to 7741 during the same period of 1880. These results must
be, he thought, regarded as most satisfactory.

Mr. Peel also considers that it was not desirable to import
store stock from the United States till that country could
show a clean bill of health. At the present time it would be
folly, nay madness, to allow them to come because many
animals were not found to be affected till they were
slaughtered ; thus showing a hidden source of danger, which,
if left unheeded, must lead to most serious results. There¬
fore, he was convinced that home restrictions and foreign
restrictions must stand or fall together, because if the restric¬
tions on imported animals were abolished, it could not be
expected that the farmers would bear the expense of stamping
out the disease.

Ten years ago pleuro-pneumonia prevailed extensively in
Holland. The term Dutch cow was synonymous with pleuro¬
pneumonia. But in 1871, when the number of cases
amounted to 6079? the Government ordered that diseased
animals should be slaughtered. And the returns since
showed that the number of cases had decreased to 1723 in
1876. In that year the slaughter of healthy cattle that had
been in contact was sanctioned, if ordered by the Minister

792

BACILLUS ANTIIRACIS.

of the Interior, and the result was remarkable, for in 1879
only 157 cases of pleuro-pneumonia occurred in the whole
country. That, he thought, was an encouragement to them
to proceed in the course upon which they had embarked, and
he ventured to hope that the time was coming when stock-
owners in this country, feeling secure about the health of
their cattle would go on breeding, and that wfith their improved
breeds and other advantages they possessed over the foreigner,
they would be able to compete with everybody all over the
globe. — Mark Lane Express.

MODIFICATION OF THE PROPERTIES OF BACILLUS
ANTHRACIS BY CULTIVATION.

In the course of some experimental investigations into the
pathology of anthrax at the Brown Institution, made during
the past twelve months, two series of phenomena have been
the subject of study, and in each some results have been
attained w hich Professor W. S. Greenfield (in a “ preliminary
note ”) believes to be novel, and of considerable practical
importance if verified by other observers.

The practical purpose of these investigations was to ascer¬
tain (1) by what means the virus of splenic fever may be so
modified as to be capable of inoculation without fatal result,
and (2) whether a modified attack, produced by inoculation,
exerts any protective influence against a future inoculation
with unmodified virus.

The conclusions arrived at by these experiments were as
follows :

1. That anthrax may be artificially communicated to bovine
animals by inoculation with the blood or spleen of the
guinea-pig w7hich has died of the disease artifically induced,
and that the same result may be attained by inoculation
with the Bacillus anthracis cultivated from the fluids of a
rodent ; the disease thus induced being severe, but rarely
fatal, to previously healthy bovine animals, a result previously
attained by Dr. Burdon-Sanderson independently.

2. In all the cases thus inoculated, the animals appeared
to have acquired either a considerable degree of protection or
entire immunity from the results of subsequent inoculation,
although much larger doses of the virus w7ere employed.

In the course of these experiments the author employed
on several occasions Bacillus anthracis artifically cultivated in

BACILLUS ANTHRACIS.

793

successive generations in aqueous humour, and finding that
the results appeared to vary considerably with the stage of
the cultivation, those furthest removed from the original
parent-source being more frequently inactive, he was led to
make a series of observations, of which he now communicates
the results. They may be stated as follows :

That when Bacillus anthracis is artifically grown in succes¬
sive generations in a nutrient fluid (aqueous humour), it
maintains its morbific properties through a certain number
of generations, but each successive generation becomes less
virulent than its predecessor, requiring both a longer time
and a larger quantity to exert its morbific action ; and after
continuous diminution of virulence, at a certain stage in the
successive cultivations, the Bacillus , though maintaining
all its morphological characters and its power of growth,
becomes completely innocuous even to the most susceptible
class of animals.

It may be added that the modified virus produces forms of
modified disease which differ widely from ordinary splenic
fever, both in the distribution of the Bacilli , and in the
nature of the symptoms and pathological appearances.

In regard to the general method employed in the determi¬
nation of the gradual diminution of virulence by successive
artificial cultivations, the cultivating fluid was aqueous
humour in closed tubes half filled, and the animals inocu¬
lated chiefly mice. The cultivations were continued to
the nineteenth generation, each successive generation pre¬
senting identical morphological characters at the various
stages of its growth, and showing no diminution in the
capacity for growth nor marked variation in the time and
temperature relations of its germination. In no case were
any symptoms or a fatal result produced by inoculation with
a later generation than the twelfth ; beyond that stage, a
large quantity of actively germinating rods and spores pro¬
duced no result whatever. The diminution of virulence was
very marked at the eight generation, both as regards the pro¬
portion of animals affected and the rapidity of action with an
equal dose.

The author defers at present dwelling upon any conclusions
to be drawn from the experiments pending further investiga¬
tions. — Bourn . of Roy. Mic. Society.

794

ROYAL VETERINARY COLLEGE.

The Quarterly Meeting or the General Purposes Committee
was held on the 8th October, in the Board Room of the College.

Present :

Mr. C. N. Newdegate, M.P.

Col. Kingscote, C.B., M.P.

Sir F. Fitzwygram, Bart.

Lord Arthur Somerset.

Mr. Berens.

Mr. Berens was elected Chairman of the Committee for the year in
the place of Sir Paul Hunter, to whom a vote of thanks was unani¬
mously accorded for his valuable services during the previous twelve
months.

The Accountant read the Quarterly Statement of Receipts and Ex¬
penditure. The names of 53 new Subscribers were submitted to the
Meeting and declared elected.

The Principal’s Quarterly Report was read, from which it appeared
that at the Examinations held at the close of the Summer Session, by
the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, 47 students were examined,
of whom 37 passed ; 8 of them with “ great credit !”

With further reference to the school, it was stated that, compared
with former years, there was a falling off this Session in the number of
Students entering the College, in consequence of the higher standard of
the Matriculation Examination recently introduced. The Principal
recommended that English History should be removed temporarily from
the list of obligatory to that of voluntary subjects, and that the
minimum number of marks required in all the subjects should be
lowered.

The Committee agreed to these recommendations, and ordered that
they should at once come into operation.

It was reported that 175 horses had been admitted into the infirmary
during the past quarter; of these, 71 were the subjects of lameness, 28
of injuries (including fractures), 26 of catarrh, influenza, bronchitis and
chest affections, 15 of skin diseases, 7 of abscesses, 6 of tumours in dif¬
ferent parts of the body, 5 of indigestion and colic, 2 of farcy, 2 of nasal
gleet ; the others being sent for either the loss of condition, the existence
of worms, or the exhibition of a course of physic.

A great increase was noted in the number of patients treated under
the head of “Cheap Practice,” the number being 148 against 112 in the
preceding quarter. The horses so treated have been mostly the subjects
of lameness, the larger number of cases being of long duration.

The report concluded with a summary of the diseases investigated on
behalf of members of the Royal Agricultural Society.

The meeting was subsequently adjourned until the following Friday,
the 15th, at 3 p.m.

Mr. J. Collins.

Mr. M. J. Harpley.
Mr. Barnard Holt.
Mr. H. G. Sutton.

795

ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS.

QUARTERLY MEETING OF COUNCIL, HELD 13th OCTOBER,

1880.

Present: — The President, George Fleming Esq. (in the chair); Sir.
F. Fitzwygram, Professors Pritchard, Walley, and Williams; Messrs.
Freeman, Anderton, Morgan, Cartwright, Dray, Gowing, Cox, Whittle,
Taylor, Greaves, Blakeway, Coates, Dollar, Reynolds, Robertson, Woods,
Cartledge, and the Secretary.

The Secretary read the notice convening the meeting.

The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed.

Signatures were affixed to diplomas in favour of Mr. James Callender,
and Mr. Charles Byrne, holders of the Highland and Agricultura,
Society’s Certificate.

The Secretary stated that a gentleman, who had received a certificate
from the Highland Society in the name of Alexander Bell Stuartson,
wished his name on the diploma of the Royal College of Veterinary
Surgeons to be mentioned as Alexander Stewartson Bell.

Mr. Taylor and Mr. Gowing thought the Council should not agree to
the request, as one diploma would not be in unison with the other.

Mr. Robertson moved that the Council decline to give the diploma in
the altered name as requested.

Mr. Taylor seconded the motion, but said there would be no objection
to the diploma being granted in the original name.

At the suggestion of the President, the Secretary was instructed to
inform the gentleman that he might have the diploma of the College if
he resumed the name in which he received the certificate of the High¬
land Society of Scotland.

The Secretary announced that a letter had been received from Mr.
Harpley regretting his inability to attend the meeting.

A letter had also been received from Mr. Duncan Marquis, expressing
his thanks to the Council upon receiving his brother’s certificate in lieu
of his original diploma, which had been lost in Australia.

A letter had been received from Mr. Morrison, stating that the diploma
offered was not what he required, and declining to accept it.

Professor Williams stated that as Mr. Morrison had paid the fee and
received the diploma, his name had been correctly entered in the
New Register.

Mr. Pray , therefore, proposed, and Mr. Blakeway seconded, that the
fee of one guinea be not returned.

The motion was carried unamimously.

A letter was read from Mr. Mayer, of Cirencester, stating that the
minimum marks on the different subjects on which students were ex¬
amined, when added together, made sixty, whereas seventy-two marks
were required to pass, and requesting that the instructions of the Council
might be given to the Board of Examiners with reference to the rejection
of students.

The President said it had always been understood at Examinations for
the Fellowship Degree that seventy-two marks were required to pass a
student.

Reports of Examinations.

At a meeting of the Court of Examiners for the Fellowship Degree,
held in London on the 8th August, 1880, four candidates were examined
and passed.

796

ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS.

Report of the Voting Committee.

At a meeting of the Committee, held 28th September, it was decided
to suggest for the consideration of the Council a change in the form of
the ballot papers, and an alteration in Bye-law No. 7, providing that,
previous to an election, the Council should nominate not less than twelve
scrutineers.

The President explained that the Secretary would prepare the form of
voting papers, and that three months’ notice would be given of the pro*
posed alterations, after which they could be discussed.

Report of Finance Committee.

The vouchers and receipts for payments during the preceding quarter
were examined and found correct. The present liabilities amounted to
£107 Os. 3d., which the Committee recommended should be discharged,
and there would then be a balance left at the bankers of £345 17s. 4d.

The Committee reported that, in their opinion, the present state of
the finances of the College would not admit of the appointment of a
second Examiner at each table.

The Secretary read the Treasurer’s balance-sheet.

Cheques were ordered to be drawn for the half-year’s grant to Mr.
Coates, and for current expenses.

Mr. Dray moved, and Mr. Taylor seconded, that the Charters of the
College be deposited at the Bankers for safe custody.

The motion was carried unanimously.

. election of Examiners.

Mr. Dray proposed that Professor Pritchard should be elected on
Examiner in the room of Mr. Robertson, resigned, and, in doing so, said
that Professor Pritchard had long been known in connection with the
Veterinary College at Camden Town, and that was a sufficient guarantee
of his eligibility. He was well versed in anatomy and physiology, and
had had extensive practice in the diseases of domesticated animals.

Mr. Coates proposed Mr. Dan. Gresswell, of Louth, who had been an Ex¬
aminer of the Royal Agricultural Society for a great number of years,
and was well known as a highly respected member of the profession.

The President said that one feature in the election which deserved
notice was that Mr. Robertson occupied two positions on the Board of
Examiners. He examined in anatomy of other domesticated animals
besides the horse, and also in bovine pathology. The fact should be
known that it was a dual function.

Mr. Robertson explained that the Council had divided the Examination
upon Anatomy into two sections, placing at one table the anatomy of the
horse alone, and at the other table the anatomy of animals other than
the horse. He had acted as Examiner on the Second Examination, and
at the Final Examination he examined first on equine pathology, and
afterwards on bovine pathology.

Professor Walley said that the balance of numbers between the English
and Scotch schools should be taken into consideration.

Mr. Dollar proposed Mr. Archibald Robinson, of Greenock. He had
been eight or nine years in extensive practice with his father, and had
an extensive knowledge of all domestic animals, and of the professional
science of the day. He had also studied for two years at Lyons, where
he had done a great deal of work in connection with comparative
anatomy. He was twenty-nine years of age, and was nominated for the
double function.

Sir F. Fitzicygram thought the Examiners should be rearranged, as

ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS.

79 7

lie considered it was not possible to get the best Examiner in Cattle
Pathology who was also the best on horse pathology. It was important
to have a thoroughly practical man as regarded the cattle portion of the
practice, and he knew of no man who would answer the requirement
better than Mr. Finlay Dun, whom he proposed as Examiner.

Mr. Greaves said the best man for the Practical Examination would
very likely be unfit for the Examination on Anatomy. He would speak
of Mr. Gresswell as perhaps the most thorough cattle pathologist in
England. Whether he would come to their expectations was another thing.

Professor Williams proposed that the appointment should be provisional
till the period when the other Examiners retired.

Mr. Taylor agreed with that proposal.

Professor Williams supported the candidature of Mr. Archibald Robinson.

Mr. Gowing supported the candidature of Professor Pritchard.

The President supposed it would be understood that the gentleman
who should be elected would perform the double function of examining
on both subjects.

Professor Walley said that Mr. Finlay Dun would not undertake that
office.

The Bye-laws having been referred to, it was decided that the appoint¬
ment was to be a provisional one as previously suggested.

The ballot was taken, when six members voted for Professor Pritchard,
seven for Mr. Gresswell, and eight for Mr. Robinson. The latter was
declared to be elected.

Salary of Secretary in Scotland.

The Secretary read a letter from Dr. Dunsmure, explaining the
increase which had taken place in the work appertaining to the duties of
his office, and requesting that his salary might be raised to £31 10s. per
annum.

After some discussion, in which Mr. Morgan, the President, Professor
Williams and Mr. Cox took part

Mr. Collins proposed, and Mr. Bray seconded, a motion that the con¬
sideration of the matter should stand over until the new arrangements
respecting the Examining Board had been made.

The motion was unanimously agreed to.

The President — the Author — presented to the College Library a
phamphlet on ‘ Tuberculosis/

The President stated that the Hew Register had been published, and
that each member of the Council was entitled to a copy.

Mr. Morgan called attention to the omission of the name of a gentle¬
man which he had asked to be inserted.

The President said that it would be well to have the name printed on
a separate slip, which should be attached to the New Registers.

Pupilage of Candidates.

The President proposed “That in and after the year 1884, no Candi¬
date for the Diploma of Membership of the Royal College of Veterinary
Surgeons shall be allowed to present himself for the Final Examination
unless he shall have given sufficient proof that he has served a pupilage
of at least one year with a duly qualified member of the profession, and
that during that time he has conducted himself satisfactorily.”

The President said it was apparent that many graduates of the College
were extremely deficient in the art of veterinary medicine. A veteri¬
nary surgeon had to handle animals which were extremely refractory,
rendering the operations to be performed dangerous to the operator and
to the animals, unless the operator were skilled in manipulation. There

798

ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS.

were complaints that gentlemen who graduated in the College were
sometimes utterly incompetent to practise their art, or deficient in
manipulative skill. For the sake of the profession, the owners of the
animals, and the animals themselves, he thought that graduates of the
College ought to be able to practise their art on graduation. It was at
one time recognised in the profession that an apprenticeship was neces¬
sary in order that a man might be instructed to use his hands in the
manipulation of the animals he had to deal with, and also know the
practical details of his work. The schools deserved all credit for the
manner in which they had carried on the education of students, but it
was not possible for them to teach a young man the practical details of
his profession during the short time he was at College. He, therefore,
thought the College should be able to assure the public and the profes¬
sion that those who held its diplomas were qualified to practise the art
of veterinary medicine.

Mr. Taylor seconded the motion, and said he agreed with every word
the President had said, and would rather that the term should be two
years instead of one.

Mr. Reynolds agreed that a student should become acquainted with
the manipulation of all kinds of animals before he went into practice,
but did not think an apprenticeship should be insisted upon. It was
the duty of the Examiners to ascertain that a student possessed all
necessary knowledge. He moved as an amendment that the President’s
proposition be not carried.

Mr. Cox , as one of the Examiners, said that at each examination the
Examiners had a very anxious task, and sometimes did not know what
to do for the best. They felt that to exact from very young men
knowledge which they had no means of obtaining was illogical and
unfair. He did not think a school would ever be able to impart to the
student the knowledge of manipulation necessary for his profession.

Mr. Collins remarked that the fifteen or twenty minutes during which
the student was before the Examiner were not sufficient to ascertain
what practical knowledge he possessed. Pie had great pleasure in
supporting the motion of the President.

Mr. Cartledge supported the President’s motion. He said that a
large number of young men wishing to enter the army were rejected
for deficiency in practical knowledge. There was no reflection on
the schools, as they had comparatively few cases under their care.
The other day he asked a young man, who he believed had taken all the
medals at one of the colleges, to put the hobbles on, and he could not
do it.

Mr. Dollar cited instances of want of practical knowledge, and said
that when he acted as Examiner if a man obtained a bad mark for
practical knowledge he was not allowed to go up for the Oral Examina¬
tion, and eight men out of twenty had been so plucked last year.

Mr. Morgan seconded Mr. Reynold’s amendment.

Professor Williams thought there would be a difficulty in finding suffi¬
cient veterinary surgeons to take yonng men for a short period. Other
men who had little or no practice would take money from young men
and teach them nothing.

Professor Walley said he had four and a half years’ practice before he
went to College, but thought the time had been thrown away, as he had
to unlearn all he had learned. “ Apprenticeship” was a term which they,
as professional men, should not employ. His opinion was that a student
should pass the Preliminary Examination, and then go to a veterinary
surgeon.

ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS.

799

Mr. Taylor felt it was a humiliating condition by reason of its being
supposed that a certificate would be given to people who had been
taught nothing; or that it was possible that a student should for a
number of years perform t lie various duties appertaining to the practice
of the profession without learning something of the art. (Hear, hear )
In his observation the most exalted men in their profession were those
who had seen most practice previously to going to College (Hear, hear.)
The motion of the President was a step in the right direction, and he
warmly supported it.

Professor Walley trusted none would think his remarks were directed
to the Examiners.

Mr. Bray also supported the President’s motion.

Sir F. Fitzwygram said he could find nothing in the Charter enabling
them to insist on apprenticeship.

Mr. Robertson thought they should not ask more than they could
expect. The tendency was for the last few years to put practical above
theoretical knowledge.

The President said the College had power to exact from a candidate
for his diploma a sufficient knowledge of the science and art of the
profession, and nothing could be stipulated in the Charter with regard
to that knowledge. Until the schools were in a position to teach men
in such a way that they would be proficient, in at least the minor opera¬
tions of veterinary surgery, or until the Examiners could devote a day
to each candidate, some guarantee was necessary that the candidates
for the diploma of the College had acquired sufficient knowledge of the
details of their art and a knowledge of handling animals. There was
no reflection on the schools, as they had done their duty to students
well, and the adverse circumstances under which they laboured were
well-known.

Mr. Reynolds’ amendment was put to the Council and lost by eleven
votes.

The President’s motion was declared to be carried.

Honorary Foreign Associates.

The President, in pursuance of a notice given at the last meeting,
submitted a list of names of gentlemen whom he would propose that the
Council should elect as honorary members of the College, in recognition
of the valuable services they had rendered to the veterinary profession.
He could vouch that the names he had selected were those of professionl
men well known on the Continent to scientific men in general. He
thought it was high time such a step should be taken, for the College
had obtained a recognised position in this country, and he would like it
to stand as well on the Continent as it did in this country. Out of
gratitude to members of the profession who had done so much for it he
had drawn out a form of certificate or diploma in Latin (which could be
read by scientific men of all countries) for settlement and use if his
motion should be passed. The diploma was in the same form as the
ordinary Fellowship Diploma, with the necessary alterations in conse¬
quence of its being for Honorary Associates.

The Secretary read a list of the names of the proposed Honorary
Foreign Associates.

The President stated that the list comprised the names of men of
world-wide reputation, and he felt sure, if the Council elected them,
that they would do honour to the College, while the College would be
doing honour to them.

In reply to Mr. Dray and Mr. Taylor,

800

ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS.

The President said the expense might stand for future consideration,
but he did not think they could charge it to the Honorary Members.

The Secretary reported an interview he had had with the Secretary of
the Royal College of Surgeons, who informed him that they granted
to Honorary Members the free entry to the museum, library, and
offices.

Mr. Dollar thought the number of Honorary Members proposed was
large, and that the Council would do better if they asked the President
to select some of the names, and let the members know which were
chosen.

The President explained that the official position occupied by the
gentlemen named was a guarantee of their high scientific attainments,
aud every one of them was a doctor of medicine, and before taking that
degree they became veterinary surgeons.

Mr. Taylor inquired what would be the privileges of the Honorary
Members.

The President said the privileges they could offer were few. The
privileges offered by the Royal College of Surgeons were somewhat
similar to those of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.

Professor Walley considered the President’s word was a guarantee
that the names mentioned were those of men worthy of the honour pro¬
posed to be given them.

Mr. Cox thought, if the President’s motion were carried, it would be an
immense gain to the College to have such men associated with them.
He considered it was a gracious act, and lhat it was desirable to them¬
selves to invite those gentlemen to become Honorary Members.

Mr. Whittle thought the passing of the resolution would improve the
position of the Society everywhere.

The President said he had selected names which had been long before
the profession on the Continent and the scientific world. To have
selected one or two names among so many would have appeared in¬
vidious. That would account for the large number of names he had
proposed.

Mr. Woods seconded the President’s motion.

The President said that anything in the shape of an honour emanating
from a body like theirs would afford great pleasure and gratification to
their foreign colleagues.

The motion was put to the meeting and carried.

The Secretary read the proposed certificate, and directions were given
that it should be printed and sealed, and forwarded to the gentlemen
named in the motion.

The Secretary was instructed to write to the different schools, request¬
ing them to make arrangements in good time for the approaching
Examinations.

Notice of Motion.

The President read a notice of motion, which he proposed to make at
the next meeting, to the effect that before a student presented himself
for the First Examination of the College he should furnish proof that he
had passed an Examination in general knowledge by some recognised
educational body ; that the extent of the Examination should be fixed by
the College from time to time ; and that it be of two grades — that which
will qualify only for the membership, and that which will entitle the
candidate to compete for the Fellowship Degree.

A Veterinary Surgeon charged before a Magistrate.

The Secretary reported that, in accordance with instructions, he had

LANCASHIRE VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. 801

written to the Clerk of the Court upon this subject, and had been in¬
formed that the man referred to was not a veterinary surgeon.

The obituary notice was read.

SPECIAL MEETING.

The Secretary read the notice.

Sir. F. Fitzwygram said that as a Committee would be appointed to
inquire into the rearrangement of the tables of the Examiners, he would
withdraw his motion as to appointing a second Examiner in each subject
in the Pass Examination, thinking it better that that matter should be
considered by the Committee to be appointed.

Mr. Bray assured the Council that the funds would not permit of
their incurring further expenses.

Age of Candidates.

The President explained that an amendment carried in the beginning
of the year for the adoption of a bye-law limiting the minimum age at
which a candidate could present himself for Final Examination to twenty
years, would be confirmed in due course.

Mr. Whittle proposed, and Mr. Taylor seconded, a resolution, that
the motion should be adopted at this meeting, and it was carried
unanimously.

The President announced that a meeting would be held within four¬
teen days to confirm the resolution.

On the motion of Mr. Bray , seconded by Mr. Taylor , a vote of thanks
was accorded to the President for the very efficient manner in which he
had performed the duties of the day.

The Council then adjourned.

LANCASHIRE VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSO¬
CIATION.

The usual quarterly meeting of the above Association was held at
the Blackfriars’ Hotel, Manchester, on Wednesday, September 29th,
1880. W. Dacre, Esq., President, in the chair.

Present — Messrs. T. A. Dollar, Peter Taylor, Geo. Morgan, Jas.
Marshall, James Lomas, W. Whittle, T. Greaves, C. W. Elam, Ed.
Kitchen, J. Litt, T. Hopkin, J. W. Hill, Tom Taylor, J. Welsby, J. 13.
Wolstenholme, T. Stone, H. Beard, J. Bunnell, — Wood, jun., E.
Faulkner, J. Polding, J. Bede Polding, W. A. Taylor, J. Ingram,
— Welsby, jun., and the Secretary.

The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed.

Letters were received from Prof. Williams and Mr. Geo. Fleming,
accepting and thanking the members for the honour they had conferred
upon them by electing them Honorary Associates ; also from Messrs.
Prof. A. Gamgee, J. B. Taylor, Alex. Lawson, H. Thompson, Geo.
Darwell, and Wm. Leather, regretting their inability to attend the
meeting.

Mr. S. Locke proposed, as member of this Association, Mr. James
Wood Ingram, of Manchester, seconded by Mr. Tom Taylor, and carried.

Mr. J. B. Wolstenholme exhibited a peculiar and interesting case of
congenital malformation of fore legs in a silver-haired terrier dog-
puppy ; it was the sole offspring, and five weeks old. Each forearm

802 LANCASHIRE VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION.

was twisted from the eibow, so that the radius along its entire length
was upon the ground; the anterior aspect of the carpi met and touched,
from which point the paws were sharply adducted, with their plantar
surfaces turned outwards at right angles with the ground. The outer
aspect of each humerus was concave, to admit the misplaced elbow.
Progression was difficult, and puppy healthy.

Mr. Tom Taylor described an interesting case, which he had named
in the circular, “ Practical remarks relative to a case of supposed
lameness.” The history was that the animal, a dark-brown cob, had
been lame at special times for three weeks, but the seat of lameness could
not be diagnosed. Mr. Taylor, on seeing the animal run on in hand, was
of opinion that both in the walk and trot he was perfectly sound. But
the owner remarked that Mr. Taylor had not yet seen the animal go lame,
and to do so it was necessary that his daughter (who had ridden it for a
month prior to the lameness presenting itself) should ride it. The
young lady did so, and at once the animal went very lame of the off
hind leg, both in the walk and trot ; and even when the saddle alone was
on, the cob was still very lame. A careful examination gave no indica¬
tion whatever of the cause of lameness ; but under the mane (of which
the cob had a plentiful supply) a small circular abrasion was found, due
to injury from pressure of a portion of the saddle which rested upon
the off shoulder ; in the centre of this abrasion was a portion of disin¬
tegrated tissue, or what is termed a setfast. On manipulation of the
surrounding tissue, the animal gave undoubted evidence of pain. Mr.
Taylor was reluctant to think that so small an injury could produce the
lameness ; but upon examining the internal portion of the saddle, he
found a few spots of blood. He, therefore, had the cob run on in hand
without the saddle, and both in walk and trot he was sound. The
coachman, twice the weight of the young lady, rode the cob without
saddle, and it still went sound. With a little care and attention the
injury soon recovered, and the cob lost all indications of lameness.
Mr. Taylor thought the case almost unique in character, and considered
the apparent inability of the animal to bring forward the off hind leg
was purely due to the fear of pain in bringing forward the muscles of
progression, because, upon doing so, abrasion against the saddle of
the sore part could not be avoided. This he substantiated by proving
that, when the irritation was removed, the cob went perfectly sound.

A discussion arose, in which many of the members took part, the whole of
whom concurred in saying the case was very remarkable in its character.

Mr. T. A. Dollar then read the following paper upon the proposed
“ Penal Act

“ Mr. President and Gentlemen, — As you are aware, I am about to offer
you a few remarks on the proposed “ Penal Act” in connection with
our profession ; the effect of such an enactment would be to legally
separate the veterinary surgeon from the farmer, cowleech, or empiric.

Much the same was effected in the sister profession of surgery fully
one hundred years ago, when in the reign of George II the surgeons
were separated from the “ barber surgeons ;” that was a complete sever¬
ance of a sort of body, or combined body, which existed from the time
of Henry VIII ; ever since that time the surgeons have gone on as a
separate body, and the barbers have been kept separately, It was a
question of bleeding and cupping. For a long time the barbers kept
up the old plan of bleeding and cupping, and the public thought it a
sort of injustice to take the practice out of their hands, but no one now-
goes to a barber to be bled, though at that time it was thought to be an
improper interference that people should not be bled by whom they liked.

LANCASHIRE VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. 803

I need hardly tell you that the education received by a veterinary
surgeon of the present day will contrast most favorably with that
received by the surgeons during the time of George II, though the
barber of that period was quite as intelligent an individual as the cow-
leech of to-day.

It may seem a paradox for me to state, that in my opinion legislation
in connection with this matter is of far greater moment to, and affects
more largely, the beneficial interests of the public than our own
profession.

The securing of that skilful and competent treatment for our domestic
animals when diseased, which is based upon a thoroughly scientific
training in the individual that is to practise it, touches more or less
directly the pecuniary interests of every owner of stock in the kingdom,
and that is placing the matter on the very lowest footing ; for in my
opinion there are very few proprietors even of the domestic pets, the
dog and cat, but, as a matter of humanity, who would not wish to have
the advantage of scientific advice and treatment for them when suffering,
and were such an Act as proposed in operation they would then have a
certain guide to obtain what they desire.

Upon what grounds are we justified in approaching the House of
Commons and asking for a penal act ?

There are many reasons, but I will bring to your notice the four which
I deem most cogent;

First, for the benefit of the public generally, so that they may be
enabled to distinguish between the quack and the individual
who has undergone the prescribed scientific training, and passed
the requisite examinations, so that his name appears on the College
Register.

Secondly, on the score of humanity to the lower animals. How often
does it not occur that persons are entrusted with the treatment of
animals who describe themselves as veterinary surgeons, and have not
the most rudimentary knowledge of the diseases they are called upon to
treat, nor the nature, composition, or action of the drugs they ad¬
minister.

Is it not cruelty of the most atrocious description to place an animal
suffering, it may be, with some very acute malady, under the care of a
person who is as likely to give it medicine that will greatly aggravate
its sufferings as tend to their relief?

Thirdly, on the ground of equity to the profession. Why should its mem¬
bers suffer in the estimation of the public by reason of ignorant, illiterate,
and low-bred individuals assuming the title confirmed by charter in the
following terms:— “And we do further declare and grant, that the
veterinary art, as practised by the members of the said body politic and
corporate shall be henceforth deemed and taken to be recognised as a
profession ; and that the members of the said body politic and cor-
porate, solely and exclusively of all other persons whomsoever, shall be
deemed and taken and recognised to be members of the said profession
or professors of the said art, and shall be individually known and dis¬
tinguished by the name and title of veterinary surgeons.”

Fourthly, on the ground of precedent. What has legislation done for
our own position and safety when requiring medical or surgical aid ?

I cannot do better than quote from the ‘Medical Act,’ 21st and 22nd
Victoria, chap. 90, 2nd Aug., 1858, “ an Act to regulate the Qualifica¬
tions of Practitioners in Medicine and Surgery.” Whereas it is ex¬
pedient that persons requiring medical aid should be enabled to distin¬
guish qualified from unqualified practitioners, Clause 40 is as follows :

“ Any person who shall wilfully or falsely pretend to be, or take or use

801 LANCASHIRE VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION.

the name or title of a Physician, Doctor of Medicine, Licentiate in Medi¬
cine and Surgery, Bachelor of Medicine, Surgeon, General Practitioner,
or Apothecary, or any name, title, addition, or description, implying that
he is registered under this Act, or that he is recognised by law as a
Physician, or Surgeon, or Licentiate in Medicine and Surgery, or a
Practitioner in Medicine, or an xlpothecary, shall, upon summary con¬
viction for any such offence, pay a sum not exceeding Twenty Pounds.”

That is what the legislature have done with regard to medical aid.

I would inquire still further. What has been done to ensure that the
medicine prescribed will be dispensed by persons properly trained and
educated in a knowledge of drugs, so as to minimise the risk of being
poisoned instead of obtaining the desired benefit.

In ‘ The Sale of Poisons and Pharmacy Act Amendment,’ passed
31st July, 1868, Clause 15 provides that, “From and after the 31st day
of December, 1868, any person who shall sell or keep an open shop for
the retailing, dispensing, or compounding of poisons, or who shall take,
use, or exhibit the name or title of Chemist and Druggist, or Chemist or
Druggist, not being a duly registered Pharmaceutical Chemist, or shall
fail to conform with any regulation as to the keeping or selling of poisons,
made in pursuance- of this Act; or who shall compound any medicines
of the British Pharmacopoeia, except according to the formularies of the
said Pharmacopoeia, shall for every such offence be liable to pay a penalty
or sum of five pounds, and dealt with in the manner provided by the
Pharmacy Act, for the recovery of penalties under this Act, and nothing
in this Act contained shall prevent any person from being liable to
any other penalty, damages, or punishment to which he would have been
subject if this Act had not been passed.”

1 do not for one moment think that any of my hearers will consider
that too much precaution has been taken to preserve ourselves from harm.
Are we, therefore, to deny our dumb and patient servants and faithful
companions the same measure of protection that we have obtained for
ourselves ? Up to the present time we have denied them that protec¬
tion, and will continue to do so till a satisfactory Act on this subject has
been placed on the statute-book.

Not being a parliamentary draughtsman, I am unable to place before
you the exact terms of the Act that we as a profession desire, and that
could secure for the domestic animals the same protection we require
and have for ourselves, But, to begin, I would style it, the Veterinary
Surgery and Medicine Act ; I would have it to recite part of our
Charter, and provide a penal clause with relation to the title of veteri¬
nary surgeon, and also a clause securing for the lower animals a certain
amount of safety from being poisoned, as they may be at present, by
requiring that all persons selling or dispensing drugs for them will have
some knowledge of their composition and action, and that this knowledge
will be certified by an examination.

To conclude, an Act of Parliament, like most other things worth
having in this world, costs money, and 1 would suggest, as the funds of
the body corporate can ill afford the expense an Act would cost, that
every member of the profession should subscribe the sum of half a guinea
for the attainment of this object.” (Applause.)

A long and very animated discussion took place, in which nearly all
members and friends took part, all of whom (with one exception) were
of opinion that the time had arrived when such an Act was very de¬
sirable, and no doubt, if obtained, would prove of great benefit to the
profession at large.

It was proposed and seconded “ That a committee be formed to con-

NORTH OF ENGLAND VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. 805

sider the matter in all its bearings, and to draw up a form to present to
the Council.” — Carried unanimously.

A vote of thanks was accorded Mr. Dollar for his kindness in bringing
before the members a subject of such vast importance; also to Mr. Tom
Taylor and Mr. J. B. Wolstenholme.

After a vote of thanks to the Chairman the meeting terminated.

Sam. Locke, Hon. Sec.

NORTH OF ENGLAND VETERINARY MEDICAL

ASSOCIATION.

The quarterly meeting of this Association was held at the Turk’s
Head Hotel, Newcastle-on-Tyne, on Friday, August 27th.

The President, Mr. D. Dudgeon, occupied the chair. There were
also present : Messrs. H. Hunter, A. Chivas, F. Goffon, C. Stevenson,
W. Wheatley, F. Corbett, G. Elphick, F. Nisbet, T. Foreman, M.
Hedbey, W. F. Mulvey, F. Mitchell, the Secretary, and Professor
Walley.

Apologies were received from Messrs. W. Awde and J. Malcolm.

The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed.

Mr. W. Grieve, of Blaydon-on-Tyne, was unanimously elected a
member of the Association.

A committee, consisting of the President, Messrs. C. Stephenson, H.
Hunter, and the Secretary, was appointed to wait on the Registrar of
the School of Medicine in Newcastle, and ask him for the use of a room
in which to hold the meetings of this Association,

Professor Walley was then called upon to deliver his lecture on “ Dis¬
eases of the Hock.”* Before doing so he desired to express to the
members of the Association the great pleasure he had in being among
them, and also to say that he was not going to lay down any dogmatic
rules, but simply express his ideas in the hope of teaching something,
also of learning something in return from the discussion which he hoped
would follow. Before commencing his lecture he laid before the mem¬
bers some interesting specimens ; amongst others, there was a fine speci-
of an ante-mortem clot from the left ventricle, extending along the ante¬
rior and posterior aorta and iliacs, &c. The history of the case was as
follows : — A Belgian cart-horse had an attack of bronchitis in March,
and again in May, and recovered. In August he took ill again, was
coughing, the membranes were yellow, and there were indications of
another attack of bronchitis ; but the animal in a few days became much,
wasted. The pulse went up to 140, the temperature to 105°. Ausculta¬
tion revealed patchy consolidation in both lungs ; emaciation went
quickly on. The opinion formed was that the case was one of breaking
up of the lung tissue, or of abscesses with disease of the liver.

On post mortem being made there were found multiple abscesses in
the lungs, with the large ante-mortem clot as above described, which, no
doubt, had been produced by the absorption of septic matter from the
lungs, aided by weakness of the heart’s action.

He also exhibited a clot from the pulmonary artery, and, with the

* Up to the time of going to press the Lecture had not been received
by us. — Eds.

LIII.

55

806 NORTH OF ENGLAND VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION*

object of showing the difference in their structure and formation, a
stratified thrombus from the superficial inguinal veins.

Professor Walley next exhibited to the members his new instruments
(as recently described in the Journals), which he had considerably im¬
proved since they were first constructed, but were not yet quite as per¬
fect as he intended to make them. The compound ecraseur and con¬
cealed bistoury was so constructed as to enable the veterinary surgeon
to use any of the following without danger and with ease internally, viz.
blunt, sharp, convex, straight, or Chassaignac bistoury ; sharp or blunt
spatula ; embryotomy saw and blunt or sharp hook ; vulsellum forceps ;
trocar and canula ; wire or chain ecraseur, &c. These various instru¬
ments could also be used for ordinary external purposes, by the aid of
a small universal handle, and, in addition, drawing knives, seton
needles, directors, and torsion forceps. The price of the whole, when
complete and perfected, would not much exceed that charged for some
of the ecraseurs alone. The aspirator, Professor Walley stated, he had
found to act splendidly in a case of hydrothorax in a dog; but he re¬
marked that such an instrument, while invaluable in emptying cavities
in which there were no loose soft organs, or where these organs — as the
lungs — had been compressed by the effusion, was inferior to an ordinary
trocar and canula in tapping the abdomen, as in the act of aspiration
the bowels were drawn against the point of the needle, and plugged
it up.

The Professor also remarked, jn a case of pre-pectoral fibrous tumour,
which he had treated by irrigation with iodide, by the aid of the same
instrument, and which was entirely resolved in the course of ten days or
a fortnight, a small thrombus, terminating in an abscess, formed in one
of the superficial veins, a little distance below the seat of the operation,
but it did not prevent the animal working ; in fact, he was put to work
eight days after the operation. In the removal of large quantities of
fluid from cavities the instrument could be used as a double-action
syphon, without the possibility of a particle of air passing into the
cavity, and with much greater rapidity than by its use as an
aspirator.

A vote of thanks was unanimously passed to Professor Walley for his
kindness in coming among them, and the Professor having replied,

Mr. E. Stephenson introduced “ The Penal Clause” for discussion. He
asked, first, Has the time come for it? I answer, No; and, what is
more, the time for it is yet a long way off. We cannot make a veteri¬
nary surgeon by Act of Parliament, for, as Mr. Fleming said, veterinary
surgeons are born, not made. The tendency of the schools, at present,
was to turn out non-practical men, and, instead of a penal clause, there
should be an apprenticeship clause. The practical examination should
also be more strict.

A long discussion here took place between Professor Walley and Mr.
Stephenson, the former maintaining that practical students and sons of
veterinary surgeons, as a rule, made tbe worst students ; the latter
replying that, if such was the case, the men nowadays must be made of
different stuff to what they once were. He asked, How much better is
the medical profession for their penal clause ? Mr. Stephenson finished
by moving, “ That, in the present state of the veterinary profession,
it is not desirable to press for the penal clause.”

The President and Mr. Elphick agreed with what Mr. Stephenson
said.

Mr. Gofton thought, injustice to our clients, as well as to ourselves,
we should be protected. If people desired to employ the quack, by all

NORTH OP IRELAND VETERINARY MEDICAL SOCIETY. 807

means let them do it, but they should know whom they were employing.
He moved, “That the Association petition the Royal College of Veteri¬
nary Surgeons in favour of the penal clause.”

Mr. H. Hunter, Mr. W. F. Mulvey , and the Secretary , spoke in a similar
strain to Mr. Gofton.

On the motions being put to the meeting, Mr. Stephenson’s was
carried by the casting vote of the Chairman ; but it was ultimately
agreed, as there was a small attendance of members, that the discussion
should stand over. G. R. Dudgeon, Hon. Sec.

NORTH OF IRELAND VETERINARY MEDICAL

SOCIETY.

A meeting of the North of Ireland Veterinary Medical Society was
held in the Thistle Hotel, Belfast, on the evening of August 25th, 1880.
A large number of professional gentlemen were present, including several
members of the medical profession.

The minutes of the last meeting having been read and approved of,

Mr. J. B. Dunlop , Vice-President (who occupied the chair in the un¬
avoidable absence of the President, Mr. J. Doris, Cookstown), related a
case, and showed the specimen, of a membranous cast from the bowels
of a cow, ten yards in length. Mr. Dunlop also related a peculiar case
of ulceration in the palate of a bull.

Mr. Wm. J. Johnson showed a calculus (which had been taken from the
bowels of a horse) of great size. The case was one which occurred in
the practice of the Secretary, the patient being a post-horse. It had
never shown any symptoms of abdominal pain until a week before death,
about which time it sustained an injury by the vehicle to which it was
attached coming in contact with a car. Symptoms of colic followed,
enteritis supervening, followed by death.

The Secretary next related a case of poisoning in a pony, and said the
symptoms which he noted during the fifteen minutes the pony lived after
he saw it were almost identical with those occurring in poisoning by
aconite.

The members present were of opinion that aconite was the agent, but
no definite idea could be given as to how the aconite could have got
mixed with the provender supplied to the pony, which was the same as
that given to several other horses at the same establishment.

Professor McCall , Principal of the Veterinary College, Glasgow, who
was kindly present, read an interesting and highly instructive paper
on “Cholera in the Dog,” and illustrated his subject by exhibiting
several diagrams and wax specimens.

A unanimous vote of thanks was awarded to Professor McCall for the
reading of his paper, when he expressed a hope that at some future
period he might follow the above subject, and introduce “ Stringhalt”
and “ Shivering” in the horse.

Votes of thanks were also passed to the members who had sent com¬
munications, and to Mr. Dunlop for his dignified conduct in the chair.

Present : Professor McCall ; Drs. Spedding, Whitla, Ball, and
Gilmore; Messrs. Dunlop, Chambers, Gillespie, Kernohan, Giffen,
Johnson, Matthews, Kidney, Stringer (student), Urquhart (student), and
G. Johnstone (student). Geo. Kidney, Hon. Sec.

808

Veterinary Jurisprudence.

CASE OF ALLEGED PLEURO-PNEUMONIA.

Durham Michaelmas Sessions, 20 th October , 1880.

Before the Chairman (John Lloyd Wharton, Esq.), John Fawcett, Esq.,

and F. Greenwell, Esq.

Cowley and Walker v. Garry and the County Justices of

Stockton Ward.

This was an appeal against a conviction of the Stockton magistrates,
the appellants being Robert Cowley, cattle dealer, of Darlington, and
John Walker, cattle dealer, of Cockerton.

Mr. Luck, instructed by Mr. Edward Wooler, for appellants, and Mr.
Milvain, instructed by Mr. H. G. Faber, for respondents.

On the 8th of September last appellants were convicted by the Stock-
ton magistrates for sending, or causing to be sent, a cow suffering from
pleuro-pneumonia from Darlington to Stockton, by the North-Eastern
Railway. They were each ordered to forfeit the sum of £15 4s. 3d.,
and £4 5s. 9d. costs, making a total of £20 each.

Mr. Luck, at the outset, took certain technical objections — first, that
the conviction was a joint one made against the appellants, and they
ought to have been separate and distinct convictions ; and, second, that
by the Summary Jurisdiction Act, 42 and 43 Viet., cap. 49, sec. 5, in
default of payment of penalty, the amount of punishment should not
exceed two months for a sum of £20, whereas in this conviction the
magistrates had imposed a sentence of three months.

The Court overruled the first objection, and amended the conviction
as to the second. The case then proceeded on its merits, Mr. Milvain
stating that he should prove that the cow was diseased on the morning
of the 25th of August, and he thought, if he proved the animal to have
been suffering from some disease or other, that would be sufficient to
show the conviction was good.

The Bench reminded Mr. Milvain that he must show the cow was
suffering from “ cattle disease,” which the Act defined as being rinder¬
pest, pleuro-pneumonia, foot-and-mouth disease, sheep-pox, or sheep-
scab. The real question the Bench had to decide was whether this
animal was suffering from one of these diseases or not.

The transmission of the animal by the appellants having been
proved,

John Metcalfe Garry , inspector under the Contagious Diseases (Ani¬
mals) Act to the Stockton Corporation, said he saw the cow in the Half
Moon Hotel yard, Stockton, on the 25th of August last. She was
suffering very badly from pleuro-pneumonia.

Mr. Hall , veterinary inspector to the Corporation of Stockton, said he
made an examination of the cow on the 25th of August last. He found
the animal suffering from pleuro-pneumonia of a very bad description.
He had had long experience of this disease, and remembered, when a
boy, his father losing forty beasts from this disease. He believed the
disease arose spontaneously, but its origin was an unsettled question at
the present-day. The temperature of the animal was 102 degrees. The
normal temperature of a healthy cow was 98 or 100 degrees, but tem¬
perature was only one symptom of pleuro-pneumonia out of a great
number of others.

VETERINARY JURISPRUDENCE.

809

Mr. Thomas Batey, member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons,
and one of the veterinary inspectors to the Corporation of Stockton, had
also examined the cow. He corroborated the evidence given by Mr.
Hall. He made a post mortem , and examined the lungs of the cow, and
found both lungs much consolidated, and three fourths of both lungs
affected.

Mr. Luck. — If as far back as January you had seen the animal con¬
tinually coughing, its coat standing on its back, eating heartily, and
giving short milk, would that not alter your opinion as to the animal
suffering from pleuro-pneumonia P

Witness. — I don’t see what you want to be at.

Mr. Luck. — Would the cow have been suffering from pleuro-pnemonia
at that time ?

Witness. — Had the cow been suffering from pleuro-pneumonia in
January it would have been dead long ago.

The Chairman. — But if the cow was suffering from these things in
January, may not pleuro-pneumonia have supervened P

Witness. — Most certainly.

Mr. Luck. — Did you not, Mr. Batey, make a mistake in a case of
alleged pleuro-pneumonia at .Norton, near Stockton, and did not you
and Mr. Plews condemn a cow for pleuro-pneumonia, and were not the
lungs afterwards sent to the London and Edinburgh Colleges, and
certificates given by the professors that the lungs were affected with
parasites, and was not the case so reported in the Veterinarian ?

Witness. — I do not remember anything about it.

This was the case for the respondents ; and

Mr. Luck, in opening the case for the appellants, admitted, if the
witnesses could be relied upon for accuracy, there would be an end of
the case ; but he would call witnesses who would say this cow could not
have been suffering from pleuro-pneumonia at all.

The Chairman asked Mr. Luck if it was his intention to call professional
gentlemen who had had an opportunity of seeing the animal when it was
alive, or who had seen it when it was dead ?

Mr. Luck said unfortunately he could not, inasmuch as they had
applied to the Privy Council to have the animal exhumed, but the
application was refused. He wished to call Mr. Stephenson, of
Newcastle, and Mr. Peele, of Durham.

The Chairman. — No one can have a higher opinion than I have for
those two gentlemen, but it is clear they can only speak from what they
have been told ; and I do not think the Bench will be justified in setting
aside the evidence of witnesses who have made a post-mortem examination
of the cow, and who saw it when it was alive, on the evidence of gentle¬
men who have not had that opportunity ; but, however, you can call
your witnesses if you wish to do so.

Mr. Luck. — I certainly hope you will not decide the case without
hearing my evidence.

The Chairman. — Very well, by all means call your witnesses.

Leonard Burton, cattle dealer and farmer, living in Westmoreland,
remembered buying the cow in question of a Mr. Beck, on the 14th of
January last. He also remembered when he was driving her to Kirby
Stephen station, to truck her for Darling Market, she put out her tongue
and coughed.

William Howe, agent to Messrs. Tarn, auctioneers, Darlington, had
had the cow in his possession, and was aware she had a cough upon her
in January last, and was suffering from consumption.

John Snowden , farmer, Nag’s Head, Darlington, bought the cow on

810

VETERINARY JURISPRUDENCE.

2nd of February last, and kept her among his other cattle until the 24th
of August. She used to cough and blow a bit. His cattle had been
examined by Mr. Hedley, veterinary surgeon, on 12th of October, and
they had been found to be in good health.

John Ambrose Bamlett> a farmer in an extensive way at Darlington,
knew the cow. She was in a field adjoining one in which some of his
cattle were. He saw she was an ailing cow, and he examined her to see
if she was suffering from any contagious disease, with a view of making
a complaint to the inspector, so that he might have the cow removed
from close proximity to his own cattle. After making the examination
he was convinced she was not suffering from any contagious disease but
from consumption.

Mr. Matthew Hedley , veterinary surgeon, and inspector for the Borough
of Darlington, Darlington Ward, Durham, and Gilling Division, Yorkshire,
spoke to having examined Mr. Snowden’s cattle, and finding them all
in good health. It was the opinion of the veterinary profession in this
country that pleuro-pneumonia did not rise spontaneously. He had
generally found that an animal lived about four or five weeks after it
had become infected with the disease. From the evidence he had heard
to-day, he was quite satisfied the animal could not be suffering from
pleuro-pneumonia, but tuberculosis.

Mr. Clement Stephenson , Fellow of the Royal College of Veterinary Sur¬
geons, and practising at Newcastle- on-Tyne, said from the history he
had heard of the animal, and from the evidence of the post mortem , he
was of opinion that the cow was suffering from tuberculosis , and not
from pleuro-pneumonia. In forming that judgment he had been chiefly
influenced by the witness who made th z postmortem. That witness said
both lungs were much consolidated, and three fourths of each affected.
He (Mr. Stephenson) had made hundreds of post mortems, and had never
known a single case of an animal suffering from pleuro-pneumonia
when both lungs had been affected. The rule was, in pleuro-pneumonia
cases, to find one lung, or a small portion of one lung, affected, and the
remainder perfectly healthy. It was his experience that a great many
cases of tuberculosis — and many other diseases, such as heart disease and
ordinary colds — had been mistaken for pleuro-pneumonia. The sym¬
ptoms of pleuro-pneumonia and tuberculosis were very analogous. But
it was very difficult to tell sometimes which disease it was, and this
rendered a post-mortem examination necessary.

The Chairman. — Can you speak with positive certainty as to a disease
of this sort without a post-mortem examination?

Mr. Stephenson. — Yes, you can occasionally ; sometimes it is quite
plain, while at other times it is most difficult to distinguish tuberculosis
from pleuro-pneumonia in the diagnosis of the living animal.

The Chairman. — But would not a veterinary surgeon, who had made a
post-mortem examination of an animal, be more likely to judge of the
true condition than a veterinary surgeon who had only seen it alive ?

Mr. Stephenson. — Certainly, it is the last test you can put to doubtful
or suspicious cases, particularly in lung diseases.

Examination continued by Mr. Luck. — Witness said pleuro-pneumonia
was purely a contagious disease, and never arose spontaneously in
England. Last year as chief inspector for Northumberland, he ex¬
amined forty-eight cases of alleged pleuro-pneumonia and only three
wt re found to be pleuro-pneumonia. This statement was sent in his
rtport last year to the Privy Council. It was the case generally
throughout England.

In cross-examination , witness said he would rather draw his conclu-

PRIZES AWARDED AT THE ROYAL VETERINARY COLLEGE. 811

sjons from what he saw himself than what he heard ; and that a profes¬
sional man, however experienced, might be mistaken in the conclusion
he came to.

Mr. John Edward Peele, member of the Royal College of Veterinary Sur¬
geons, Durham, wa3 of opinion the cow was suffering from tuberculosis,
and not pleuro-pneumonia. In the latter disease, during his experience,
he had found one lung only affected, and generally the right one. Mr.
Batey, who made the post-mortem examination, had said that both
lungs were affected. That was a case unprecedented in the annals of
pleuro-pneumonia.

This was the case for the respondents, and Mr. Luck reviewed the
evidence that liad been given, remarking that it was impossible for the
Bench to confirm the conviction in the face of the professional testi¬
mony he had adduced, and when they bore in mind the great number
of mistakes that had been made as to the existence of pleuro-pnemonia.

The Bench, after a brief consultation, dismissed the appeal with costs
and thus upheld the conviction.

Mr. Luck asked the Bench to grant him a case for the Queen’s Bench,
on the technical objections he had taken. A case was granted as to
whether the Court had power to make the amendment in the conviction
from three to two months’ imprisonment. — Durham Chronicle.

LIST OF STUDENTS TO WHOM PRIZES WERE
AWARDED AT THE OPENING OF THE
SESSION OF THE ROYAL VETERINARY
COLLEGE.

The Scholarship for Two Years.

Mr. James Smith, Louth, Lincolnshire.

Coleman Prizes.

Silver Medal.— Mr. Edward George Johnson, South Austen, Rotherham.
Bronze Medal.— Mr. George Gartside Mayor, Kirkham.

Certificate of Merit.— Ml*. Arthur William Briggs, Bury.

Special Certificates.

Assistants at the Royal Agricultural Society’s Show at Kilburn, 1879.

Mr. A. W. Briggs. | Mr. G. G. Mayor.

Mr. W. E. Garside.

Assistants at the Smithfield Club Show , 1879.

Mr. E. Slipper. 1 Mr. J. J. Crowhurst.

Certificates of Distinction.

Mr. N. Almond.

— G. G. Mayor.

— W. Caudwell.

— S. Villar.

— W. J. Malvern.

— E. G. Johnson.

— T. W. Cave.

— H. T. W. Mann.

— J. J. Crowhurst.

Mr. D. Gregory.

— E. W. Lepper.
— H. A. Rumboll.
— F. G. Rugg.

— C. Taylor.

— E. Slipper.

— A. W. Briggs.
— G. Deveson.

— W. J. Palmer.

Mr. T. C. Toop,

812

MISCELLANEA.

Certificates eor Officiating as Clinical Clerks.

Mr. N. Almond.

— G. G. Mayor.

— W. Caudwell.

— S. Villar.

— M. J. Malvern.

— E. G. Johnson.

— T. W. Cave.

— H. T. W. Mann.

— J. J. Crowhurst.

— D. Gregory.

— E. W. Lepper.

— H. A. Rumboll.

— E. G. Rugg.

Mr. C. Taylor.

— E. Slipper.

— A. W. Briggs.

— W. E. Wright.

— W. H. Beach.

— E. L. Gooch.

— T. J. Keech.

— H. Talbott.

— A. Harris.

— E. F. Woolcott.

— E. W. Whitney.

— A. S. Auger.

— T. J. Rippon.

Mr. E. Elworthy.

Mr. N. Almond.

— G. G. Mayor.

— W. Caudwell.

— S. Villar.

— W. J. Malvern.

— E. G. Johnson.

— T. W. Cave.

Mr. N. Almond.

Monitors.

Mr. H. T. W. Mann.
— J. J. Crowhurst.
— D. Gregory.

— W. H. Beach.

— G. Deveson.

— W. F. Wright.
— W. T. Garside.

Prosectors.

| Mr. G. G. Mayor.

OBITUARY.

We much regret to have to record the following deaths :

On October 13th, George Wentworth, M.R.C.V.S., Grimsby, aged
51. Diploma dated May 20th, 1851.

October 14th, Edmund Charles, M.R.C.V.S., May Fair, London,
aged 73. Diploma dated May 26th, 1830.

Algernon Pitcher, M.R.C.V.S., Royal Artillery. Diploma dated April
26th, 1866.

William Boyd, M.R.C.V.S., Royal Artillery. Diploma dated April
16th, 1867.

John Shaw Jackson, M.R.C.Y.S., Whitby. Diploma dated April 13th,
1871.

Also of John Bennett, M.R.C.V.S., Stony Stratford, who, having
obtained his Diploma on December 29th, 1812, was designated “The
Father of the Profession.”

MISCELLANEA.

DOG DENTISTRY.

A New York lady recently paid a dentist’s bill of £70 on account of
services rendered to her pet poodle. And that’s the way the money goes
to the dogs in New York. — Liverpool Echo.

THE

VETERINARIAN.

VOL. LIII.
No. 636.

DECEMBER, 1880. Fou'th ®fQies’

JN 0. oLJu .

Communications and Cases.

LECTURES ON THE PRACTICE OF VETERINARY
MEDICINE AND SURGERY.— HIPPOPATHO-
LOGY.

By Professor Wm. Robertson, F.R.C.V.S,

Lecture 1.

Gentlemen, — You are aware that in the study of medicine,
using these terms in their widest sense, that it has been found
both necessary and convenient, alike for teacher and taught,
to consider, individually and in a separate manner, the various
subjects or branches of knowledge bearing directly or indi¬
rectly on the acquirement of that sum total of knowledge
which has for its ultimate end the equipment of the indi¬
vidual as a sanitary or therapeutic expert — as one who,
according to our present-day ideas, is sufficiently qualified to
be specially employed in the prevention and cure of disease.
In like manner, and for a similar purpose or end, the more
purely and specifically professional or medical work and
study has been dealt with ; while there is little doubt that,
as time moves on and advances are made both in the science
of medicine and in the public estimate of and demand for its
employment, a further and, it is to be hoped, a fuller and
more perfect and correct division of study and labour will be
adopted.

LIII.

56

814 PRACTICE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY.

This division will be the more needful when both medicine
human and medicine veterinary occupy their true positions
as important matters in that great division of social science,
public health.

Although for ultimate good to yourselves, and for the suc¬
cessful termination of your College curriculum, it is needful
that no one of those studies considered needful for the per¬
fecting of your professional education be at any time during
your student life lost sight of or lightly dealt with, there
are yet particular subjects which at particular periods demand
more especial attention. If during your earlier student
days much of your time is necessarily employed in obtaining
a knowledge of those subjects which are calculated to form
the basis, structure, or framework, so to speak, of your more
purely professional knowledge — a structure or framework
which, if neglected to be laid or carelessly and in a perfunc¬
tory manner put together, will ever afterwards be to us a
source of disappointment and grief, seeing that without a
sure and good foundation no lasting or goodly superstruc¬
ture can be raised.

For a just and true appreciation of what maybe styled
the theory or science of medicine and surgery, whether this
be medicine and surgery human or veterinary — for a sound
and satisfactory training in this department of knowledge
likely to be fruitful of wholesome and appreciable results —
many separate and distinct branches of study require to be
engaged in, which together embrace or make up the sum
total of the knowledge expressed by this science, which has
for its divisions the departments of physiology, pathology
(general and special), therapeutics, and hygiene.

All these departments or sections require cultivation, and
they each and all by this cultivation prepare the way for the
study of that which is the ultimate end of all medical train¬
ing, viz. the exercise of medicine and surgery, human or
veterinary, as an art.

With only one of these departments of general medical
study, however, are we in our studies required to attend to,
viz. pathology.

This, in its widest as well as in its literal sense or mean¬
ing, is a discourse upon disease, and includes all that
pertains or is in any way directly related to its nature and
existence.

But as in the entire study of medicine it is not possible
for any one man to grasp or thoroughly master either
the principles or knowledge embraced in any one depart¬
ment, far less to teach these, so even any single section

PRACTICE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 815

is amply sufficient to engage the undivided attention of one
mind.

Thus it is that even this subject of pathology, in its un¬
restricted sense and meaning, has a significance too extensive
and recondite, and we will confine ourselves to what is more
properly designated special or particular pathology, or at
least so much of it as requires our consideration in dis¬
coursing to you upon that thoroughly practical and tangible
section or branch of your special medical study, the practice
of medicine and surgery, and that, too, as specially pertaining
to the horse.

In this study and teaching of the practice of equine medi¬
cine and surgery the history, phenomenal exhibition, and
treatment of special diseases and disturbed states of the
system, will form the chief points of consideration and
investigation.

Although in systemic teaching of medicine it is generally
considered necessary to begin with, or certainly at least to
carry on contemporaneously with, the study of the practice
of medicine and surgery, i. e. the study of special diseases,
that of general pathology, i. e. a consideration of those
general truths arrived at from comparison of many diseases
or of particular diseases with each other — truths which have
been established by observation and experiment.

Yet it ought never to be forgotten that the first of these
divisions — the one specially pertaining to our present walk —
comes first in the order of nature. It is from this the study
of special diseases, the phenomena they exhibit, their modes
of development, &c., as also their relations to each other in
all pertaining to them individually, that we approach the
study of the more extensive and general ^truths relative to
disease in general, kuown by the term of general pathology.

Fortunately for all of us, and particularly for him who has
to prelect those upon whom has devolved the duty of
arranging for the instruction of the pupils of this institu¬
tion, have, with a proper consideration of the fulness and
efficiency of the teaching here supplied, and with a just esti¬
mate of the importance of the subject of general pathology,
determined that it shall receive consideration and treatment
specially by itself, apart from other special pathological
teaching.

By this arrangement it will not be needful, nor yet expe¬
dient, that either as introductory to or mingled with our
special pathological teaching will the necessity arise for dis¬
coursing at length on matters pertaining to the peculiar
province of general pathology — those great truths, leading

816 PRACTICE OF VETERINARY MEDICtNE AND SURGERY.

facts, and acknowledged inferences, drawn from observation
and experiment.

For this reason we shall leave untouched the consideration
both of those complex vital processes whose phenomena, more
or less combined, constitute disease, as irritation, congestion,
inflammation, degeneration, atrophy, &c., and the examina¬
tion of the varied and differing materials which are met with
as the ultimate or constituent elements of disease — matters
pertaining specially to the department of pathological his¬
tology and chemistry.

Methods by which Disease may be elucidated and

understood.

As students of special pathology we will find that disease
in those animals with which we are called upon particularly
to deal is, in our case, to be studied in two different characters
or aspects.

1st. As those diseases present themselves to our notice
and consideration in separate, distinct, and individual cases
and animals. 2nd. As they form, or constitute, or are
gathered or grouped into particular classes or genera of disease,
sytematic study.

Of the first method of instruction or investigation we
shall say nothing further here or at this time, except to
bring prominently under your notice that, taking into con¬
sideration the exceptional advantages enjoyed by this Col¬
lege, it has been determined to give to this method of acquiring
sound practical knowledge of equine medicine and surgery
well-considered attention.

In whatever character or aspect, wrhether clinically or
according to any system of medical classification, we, as
students or practitioners, make examination of disease, there
is always a certainty that a perfect similarity of subjects or
problems will be placed before us for consideration. There
is, as Aitken says :

“ 1st. The morbid phenomena or symptoms by which we
become aware that derangement has taken place in the
economy. It is by a mental effort that either the student
or the physician converts these symptoms into signs of
disease ; and hence arises the necessity of studying sym¬
ptomatology or semeiology. 2nd. The agents by which de¬
rangements and diseases are produced or brought about,
constituting the department of etiology. 3rd. The seats or
localities of disease or of derangements constituting patho¬
geny. Here the peculiar nature, general forms, and types
of disease must be studied, together with varieties in their

PRACTICE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 817

course, duration, and termination. 4th. The morbid alter¬
ations discoverable in the structure of [the body before, and
particularly after, death” (f Morbid Anatomy’).

By a correct interpretation of these phenomena or signs a
just appreciation of the causes operating in their production,
assisted by our comprehending to some extent, at least, the
nature of tissue change, we are able to forecast the probable
course and termination of the disease, we are said to give a
prognosis ; while a true consideration of all these points
renders us able to form an opinion as to the particular class
or genera to which any particular disease may belong — it helps
us with the nosology.

For a correct and comprehensive appreciation of these
subjects for a solution of such problems — for problems they
often are — I would, gentlemen, on this the very threshold
of your work and study connected with equine pathology,
desire most particularly to impress upon you that there is
one, and only one, way of attaining this end, viz. the correct
cultivation of your observing faculties.

We may, all of us, be observers ; we must, all of us, be
observers, if we are successfully to cultivate the practice of
medicine.

For although I can scarcely acquiesce in the opinion enter¬
tained by some — that to be an observer requires as great a
range of faculties as to make a speculative thinker — that to
note facts is as lofty a range of intellect as to conceive
thought — still I am of opinion that in the science of medi¬
cine it is not easy to over-estimate the importance of correct
observation, seeing it is by pure induction, by the observation
of individual facts, that we rise to those general inferences
which are the most comprehensive expressions of attainable
truth. Facts, however, gentlemen, are of themselves of little
worth until associated with mind ; they must be registered
and collated, and, save as indices of particular functional or
organic changes, and the exact relation they bear to these,
are of comparatively trifling practical value in the advance¬
ment of clinical or systemic medicine and surgery.

And as in a study "like pathology, where we cannot expect
that fixed laws or first principles exist from which we may
reason downwards to the possession of facts, so it is that ad¬
vancement is less connected with the wonderful achievements
of a few individual minds than the result of the accumulated
labours in observation and experiment of the many ; and it
is well and encouraging that it should be so. Great and
shining lights are only occasionally, and at intervals vouch-
safed to humanity to guide on to dazzle by their brilliancy j

818 PRACTICE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY.

but many, if not all; may be earnest; patient, and enlightened
workers in the field of observation; from which point we
must ever consent to start in any true advance in pathological
inquiry.

In the exercise of this observation of morbid phenomena
the signs and symptoms of disease; the agents or causes ope¬
rating in the production of the morbid conditions; and the
associating of signs and causes, with certain disturbed or
perverted functions or structural change, certain methods
must be observed and means adopted to facilitate this
observation and ensure its accuracy.

Whatever may be the nature or extent of the significance
which we may attach severally to the terms symptom and sign
of disease, whether we regard these as simply every occur¬
rence or circumstance taking place or happening in the dis¬
eased animal which is capable of being perceived or appre¬
ciated, or as something in addition, as, in fact, a part of the
disease itself, and as veritably a constituent of its existence
and identity, as any specific lesion or structural change, we
remember that, for the proper collection of these symptoms,
appropriate means and methods must be employed, and that
when possession of these is obtained much thought and
reflection is needful for their correct interpretation.

Symptom must be weighed against symptom, the relation
of one to the other, and of the whole to each. Considered
in this way only can we arrive at any just conclusion as to
the nature of the disease, the probability of its course, and
the termination of the treatment indicated. While as a
means of systematising our knowledge as obtained by a
study of symptoms or signs, and also of rendering it more
definite, we agree to speak of these by terms to which, by
general consent, a specific meaning is attached.

Symptoms are general when they affect, to a greater or
less extent, the whole system ; local when confined to a par¬
ticular part or organ ; premonitory or precursory when they
precede the full appearance of the diseased action ; positive
or direct when consisting of phenomena actually present ;
negative or indirect when such phenomena are absent; cha¬
racteristic when the same are usually seen in a similar
disease ; commemorative when developed during the course
of the disease.

They are also spoken of as diagnostic when they lead us
to distinguish one disease from another ; pathognomonic when
peculiar to some particular disease ; prognostic when they
enable us to predict the course, &c., of the disease.

In a similar way, and with like purposes in view, do we

PRACTICE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 819

mark out and name the varying character of the agencies or
influences recognised in the department of etiology. We
speak of causes as predisposing when there are such, whatever
may be the nature of the influence which seems to act un¬
favorably in influencing the functions or structures of the
body, rendering it more liable than it would otherwise be
to exhibit actual disease ; as exciting when by their imme¬
diate action on the animal body, more particularly when pre¬
disposed disease is the result ; as external or internal when
the inducing agent acts from within or without the body.

We also speak of aptitude or predisposition and of idio¬
syncrasy when the animal within itself possesses some
peculiar tendency to or power of resistance of adverse influ¬
ences ; and of influences epizootic and enzootic when dis¬
eases originate over extensive districts of a country, the
causes of which are inappreciable, or where they are con¬
fined to some particular locality, the causes being obvious,
and confined to the place of their existence.

In following out the study of the practice of medi¬
cine and of special equine pathology, which is in reality
the recognition of veterinary medicine and surgery as
an art, inasmuch as it is directed to observe and to
ascertain, as far as possible, the causes, the nature, the
means of cure or of alleviation, and the most successful
modes of the prevention of disease in the horse, it will be
for our advantage, at this particular stage, to recognise and
examine those large and general sources of information,
those channels through which symptoms of derangement are
exhibited, and from which signs of disease are collected, and
by which we are led to understand the causes or factors
which may have induced this derangement or disease, and
the localities and textures specially the seat of morbid
changes — all which are needful to qualify us for giving a
place to any diseased process or condition, in whatever
system of nosology or naming of disease we may choose to
adopt.

Sources of our Knowledge in Disease.

The chief sources or channels through which, in disease,
are exhibited those phenomena which, when collected, com¬
pared, and associated with mind, constitute what we speak
of and regard as positive knowledge in relation to both the
nature, character, developmen and probable results of
disease, are —

1st. Those associated with or drawn from a consideration
of the condition of the pulse. 2nd. The state of the visible

820 PRACTICE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY'.

mucous membranes. 3rd. Conditions or temperature of the
body. 4th. The nature of the respirations. 5th. The state
or character of the natural secretions and evacuations.

1st. Of the signs or symptoms and accompanying informa¬
tion afforded by the pulse in disease — of the rationale of the
processes concerned in the production of the pulse — we will
not stay to inquire ; it belongs more properly to another de¬
partment of your studies ; sufficient for our purpose it is to
know that, meaning literally “ I beat,” we regard it as the
beating of the arteries from the afflux of the blood in response
to the contractions of the heart.

The different characters or conditions of the pulse in
disease are referred — lst/to the number of pulsations or beats
in a given time ; 2nd, to the rapidity or degree of quickness
with which each pulsation is accomplished; 3rd, to the cha¬
racter of volume, hardness, or strength of each pulsation ;
4th, to the equality or inequality, either of the pulsations
themselves, or of the intervals occurring between each ;
5th, to the various impressions each pulsation may produce
on the finger.

The different characters and names which have been given
to the pulse are exceedingly numerous and very confusing,
while few, if any, of these probably may with truth be re¬
garded as simply a deviation from the normal character in
anv of the different manifestations now named ; that is to
say, that rarely do we in disease find a pulse simply a fre¬
quent pulse or an irregular pulse ; most usually it is a modi¬
fication of two or more of the characters under which we
have attempted to classify them.

Also it is necessary to remember that, with every other
exhibitional phenomena of disease, the condition of the
pulse alone is not to be relied upon as of itself an unfailing-
index of functional or structural change ; that, to be of any
real value, it must be read or interpreted in connection with
other features, symptoms, or indices of changes. The varia¬
tions also to which, even in the same breeds, or even the
same individuals, under somewhat varying conditions, the
pulse is liable must not escape our notice. Under circum¬
stances as nearly similar as possible animals of the same
breed may be found exhibiting a variation, as to frequency
of the number of the pulsations, extending to five or even ten
in the minute.

1st. Alterations of the number of the pulsations in a given
time. The frequent pulse (pulsus frequens) , one which
strikes more frequently in a given time. This must not be
confounded with the pulsus celer (the quick pulse), one which

PRACTICE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 821

strikes quickly against the finger, where the sensation is
sharp and quickly accomplished. The frequent pulse, unless
the increase in the number of the beats is considerably over
what has already been indicated, and occasionally even not
then, is not alwavs indicative of disease. It indicates increase
of the cardiac contractions, and this may be the result of
excitement or disturbance ; any unusual movements or
sounds are with some horses provocative of a considerable
increase in the number of the pulsations in a given time.
When, however, there are no extensive exciting circum¬
stances in operation the fact of an increase of 25 per cent,
in the number of the pulsations may safely be regarded as
indicative of febrile disturbance, and ought to draw our
attention to compare this state with such others, as the
respiration and temperature. This condition of simple fre¬
quency of the pulse must not, however, be at once regarded
as indicative of a truly sthenic state of the system — probably
is oftener met with in the very opposite. The heart in all
cases where, from insufficient vigour, it is unable to transmit
a sufficient quantity of blood to the different parts of the
body, seems disposed to attain this end by frequency of pro¬
pulsive efforts — increased number of contractions.

There is little doubt that, acting on this belief, that fre¬
quency of the pulse indicates inflammatory action in many
animals, men as well as horses have been unfairly dealt with,
and that in both instances energetic phlebotomy has at once
and for ever destroyed their chances of recovery. How often
do we hear it recommended to take blood because the pulse
is high and inflammation is imminent or in rapid progress ?
Certainly, these ideas are in our day rather at a discount ; but,
as the time is not so far over past when it was otherwise,
and as I know well that there are still districts where the
belief is strong and the practice is considered orthodox, it is
well to remember that neither science, pathology, nor prac¬
tical experience endorse either premises or conclusions.

Increase in the number of the pulsations in a given time
does not of itself indicate inflammatory action, nor does
bloodletting in any amount reduce this frequency, but the
opposite ; while, at the same time, it ought to be remem¬
bered that, granting the presence in the blood in inflamma¬
tion of an extra amount of certain constituents that we
cannot by depletion deal with the blood but as a whole, and
that in abstracting what we consider abnormal and inflam¬
matory, we also remove that upon which we have to depend
for recuperative action.

The opposite of the frequent pulse— the infrequent pulse

822 PRACTICE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY.

( pulsus rams) — sometimes confounded with the slow pulse
( pulsus tardus), otherwise recognised as the long pulse, the
opposite of the quick pulse. In the slow or long pulse the beat
of the vessels is prolonged beyond the normal time, indica¬
tive of slow or prolonged contraction of the heart’s cavities, ;

This combination of pulse — the infrequent and tardy — is
generally found associated with, or may be said to be indica¬
tive of, cerebral mischief, as compression, coma, epilepsy,
&c. ; it is also observed in severe functional disturbance of
the digestive organs.

Certain medicinal agents in physiological doses induce
this condition ; an infrequent pulse is also seen in structural
diseases of the heart, where the impaired cardiac power is
unequal to produce the arterial wave.

2nd. Alteration in the pulse as to the degree of quickness
with which each pulsation is accompanied.

Quickness of the pulse, as already remarked, must not be
confounded with frequency of its beats.

The former has reference to duration of the actual stroke
or impulse of the artery, the latter to rapidity with which
the beats follow each other.

The quick pulse is the pulse of irritation and of cardiac
weakness.

3rd. In variations as to the character of volume, hardness,
or strength of each pulsation we have many distinctions.
The volume of the pulse may be greater ( pulsus magnus ), or
it may be less [pulsus parvus).

The large or full pulse, where the artery is distended with
the volume of blood, may be either associated with strength
or with feebleness of impulse. In the former the artery
does not yield readily to the finger, and the impulse is firm
and distinct ; it is the pulse of strong cardiac action, of ple¬
thora, or of capillary obstruction. The latter is sometimes
termed the oppressed pulse, in which the artery feels full; it
is easily compressed, but the blood-wave is indistinctly felt,
or felt in a slightly jerking manner. This is the pulse of
pneumonia.

A hard pulse (pulsus durus) is one in which the pulse of
the finger seems to yield to the artery, not the artery to the
pressure of the finger, and is dependent on the tonicity or
contractility of the arterial muscular coats or wall. This
quality or feeling of resistance, so to speak, may be asso¬
ciated with fulness of volume, but more often with the oppo¬
site ; the calibre seems lessened, known as hard and small,
wiry or thready, corded and incompressible. This hard and
small pulse is particularly the pulse of acute disease and of

PRACTICE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 823

inflammatory action, probably specially so of membranous
and serous structures in the earlier stages of that action.

A feeble pulse ( pulsus debilis) and soft pulse {jm^sus
mollis) may be regarded together. In both the impulse of
the heart is weak, the tonicity of the walls of the vessels les¬
sened, and the volume of blood small. In the soft pulse the
compressibility of the artery is very marked, and in the
feeble pulse the stroke of the blood-wave is little felt. These
conditions are encountered during the latter stages of ex¬
hausting diseases ; they are indicative of weakness, ansemia,
and serious structural changes.

4th. As respects the quality of regularity or irregularity,
either of the pulsations themselves or of the intervals occur¬
ring between each, the character of irregularity of the pul¬
sations and of their relations to each other is often rather
curious and complicated.

The simplest form is irregularity as to the character of
the pulsations, not as to the intervals occurring between
them.

In these cases there may be a certain number of beats at
regular intervals between each, followed by a lesser number,
of tone, character, and force entirely different; the greater
number may follow each other in regular succession, and be
of normal character ; the smaller number, following or pre¬
ceding, may be quicker, stronger, or weaker ; those inter¬
posed pulsations may be all of the same character, whatever
the deviation may be, or they may be of dissimilar charac¬
ters, or they may be marked by irregularity in the intervals
which occur between each.

A modification of the irregular pulse is the intermit¬
tent pulse. In this form there is a beat omitted ; this
intermittency may be regular, i. e. occurring after a certain
number of pulsations, or it may be irregularly intermit¬
tent, occurring at uncertain times in a given period. This
pulse, although it may be met with in horses showing
otherwise no abnormal conditions, and in these seemingly
associated with or resulting from indigestion, is, never¬
theless, to be regarded with grave concern. I have found
both, as the irregular and intermittent, accompanying
severe forms of catarrhal influenza, with pneumonic com¬
plications ; also as a prominent symptom of the sequelae
of this disease — hydrothorax and of structural changes
of the pericardium, also of chronic disease of the valves of
the heart.

The dicrotic pulse ( pulsus dicrotus), double pulse, is that
in which the finger feels struck twice at each pulsation one

824

DOCHMIUS DUODEN ALTS AND ANGUILLULA3.

slightly, the other more strongly. In this state of the pulse
•there seems, from experimentation, to be a complete rever¬
sion as to the blood pressure in the circulation ; the arterial
pressure is diminished, while the venous is increased, and
the capillary movement, instead of being uniform, is
oscillatory.

The venous pulse ( pulsus venerum) is the name given to
that obvious throbbing of the large veins, particularly in the
jugular ; common enough in the ox, and then not necessarily
indicative of disease ; is, when marked in the horse, the usual
accompaniment of certain grave cardiac lesion.

ON THE ACTION OF CHEMICAL AGENTS AND
MEDICINAL SUBSTANCES ON THE LARVAE
OF DOCHMIUS D U ODEN A LIS, AND AN GUI L-
LULAS ; INCLUDING THERAPEUTICAL CON¬
SIDERATIONS RELATIVE TO THE CURE OF
PATIENTS FROM MONT ST. GOTHARD.

By Professor Perroncito, M.D., Turin,

(Communicated by Dr. Cobbold, F.R.S.)

The larvae of the Anchilostoma possess greater resistance
than those of the Anguillula of Bavay. The first are evi¬
dently stronger and resist far more the action of the sub¬
stances that have been experimented with, prophylactically
and therapeutically. The chemical and pharmaceutical
preparations which kill the larvae of the Anchilostoma, kill
also those of the Anguillula. The concentrated solution of
chloride of sodium kills them in a period of time agreeing
with the percental degree of the saturating substance.
The larvae of Anguillula in the second state die in a few
minutes in the solutions at 8 to 9 per cent.; those of Anchi¬
lostoma, lately capsuled and immature, die also soon in the
dilutions of 9 to 10 per cent. ; if mature, not yet calcified in
the solutions at 12 per cent., die in five or six minutes ; the
mature ones with calcified capsule I have seen resist till
beyond 24*25 in solutions of fifteen and sixteen of chloride
of sodium. In the dilution of bromide of potassium at 10 per
cent, the larvae of live Anchilostoma were found alive after
half an hour.

DOCHMlUS DUODENAL1S AND ANGUILLULjE. 825

In a 2 per cent, solution of chloride of mercury the larvae
in their first stadium of free life were seen to die in not
more than fourteen minutes ; the mature ones instead, put
in the same dilution after forty minutes, were still all alive.

In a 5 per cent, solution of chloral hydrate after three
hours the larvae in the first and second stadia were still
alive.

In sulphuric and hydrochloric acid they die very soon, one
might almost say immediately. In commercial sulphuric
acid in 60 per cent, of water they were seen to die in three
minutes ; in the dilution at 20 per cent, they died in fifteen
or sixteen minutes ; in an insecticide liquid sent me by the
famous chemist Deperais, for experiments of another kind,
the larvae die in less than one or two minutes.

In solution of ferric acid at 1 per cent, the immature larvae
die in from four to six minutes ; in that of 8 per cent, in three
minutes, and in solutions more highly concentrated (at 4 to
5 per cent.) they died in less time, even the mature ones.

In thymic acid dissolved in the proportion of 1 to 2 per
100 the immature larvae die soon, the mature ones in eight
to ten minutes.

In solutions of sulphate of sodium at 1, 2, 8, 4, 5, 6, 7 per
cent, even the larvae of the Anguillula live a long time.

In a solution of phosphate of sodium at 8 per cent, in alka¬
line reaction, after half an hour were still alive.

In a solution of bisulphate of potassium at 8 per cent,
at acid reaction, after thirty-five minutes they were not yet
dead.

In pure glycerine the mature larvae still gave signs of life
after twenty- five, thirty, till beyond forty minutes.

Larvae in different degrees of growth put in ethylic
alcohol at 86° died in five minutes.

H aving heard from a patient from San Gottardo that he
experienced evident benefit from the use of wine, and
especially from intoxication to drunkenness in less degrees,
I wished to try the action of wine on the larvae, and I saw
that in Nebiolo and Barbera (bottled wines from the pro¬
vince of Asti) after three quarters of an hour, nearly con¬
temporaneously, their movements stop ; however, they soon
became active again when the preparations were warmed
and carried to a temperature about equal to that of our
organism. After an hour they were still alive, and though
they moved, they always remained in the same place.
After an hour and twenty minutes the movements ceased,
nor did they recommence, though the temperature was
maintained at 87° C.

826 DOCHMIUS DUODENALIS AND ANGUl LLUL^B.

Mature larvce encapsuled and discysted put in good
Marsala, received through the kindness of my friend Prof.
Bizzozero, became soon very lively ; twenty minutes after
the movements grew slower, forty-five minutes after they
became very weak, and were only discerned now and then.
After an hour and forty minutes they were, however, still
alive. It is to be noted the experiment was made as fol¬
lows : — On a glass slide was put a drop of water containing
the larvae, to which were repeatedly added drops of Marsala.
Many larvae, however, in the first day of capsulation, treated
with plenty of Marsala in a watch glass, began to die after
twenty-five minutes, and were found all dead after an hour
and twenty minutes. In santonate of soda and in the
infused saturo of corallina, they were seen to live beyond
six hours, without having shown suffering or alteration.

A drop of water containing larvee of mature Anchilostoma,
exposed, in a damp room, to the action of the vapours of
essence of turpentine, after six hours the larvae were still
very lively.

In the infusion of kamala the larvae, even in their first
stadium, were still alive after twenty hours.

In the infusion of kousso, cold and hot, they were very
lively for more than an hour. In a strong taenicide of Drs.
Haidlen and Haek, of Stoccarda, mature larvae lived over
forty minutes. In the ethereal extract of male fern, old and
well prepared, they died very quickly; in less than five to
ten minutes their motion ceased completely and their life.

The knowledge of the history of the development of the
helminths, cause of the disease at San Gottardo, and the
results of the numerous experiments made on the larvae by
means of heat, chemical reagents, and different pharmaceu¬
tical substances, now suggest to us the means adopted to
prevent the disease with certainty, either with labourers or
other individuals that may henceforth be employed in exca¬
vations analogous to that of the Cenisio, S. Gottardo, &c. ;
and what is the most important in the present state of
things to cure so many poor creatures, incompetent to work,
and hurtful to themselves and their families.

When the perforation of another mountain is to be under¬
taken, Mont Blanc, for instance, or a similar work, the first
thing to be done should be to examine (medically) all the
labourers before their being accepted, so as to exclude
entirely (or to keep them under given conditions) all those
proved to be infected, though but slightly, by Anchilostoma
or Anguillulce. By a vigorous execution of this rule the
importation of the germs will be obviated, or, better even,

DOCHMIUS DUODEN ALIS AND ANGUILLULyE. 82?

that of the spawn or larvae of the three helminthic species
studied, which in our case are the cause of the anaemia.
And as it might easily happen that some or even a certain
number of labourers might escape the most minute clinical
examination, so, to hinder the dissemination of the infecting
germs, the excrements should be carefully collected and
disinfected with such solutions, saline, acid, simple or com¬
plex, or with such other means as I recognised to have the
privilege of hindering the fructifying of the eggs, the deve¬
lopment and life of the larvae. Amongst the substances
calculated to produce these beneficial results, I limit myself
to the indication of the most economical and efficacious,
such as the concentrated solutions of chloride of sodium, dilu¬
tions of ferric acid of at least 2 per cent., of sulphuric or
hydrochloric acid to the strength of 20 and more per cent.,
and, above all, of the vermicide liquid Deperais, that may,
perhaps, find an extended and economical practical applica¬
tion in the works that occupy us.

In any case the careful collection and torrefaction of the
faeces of the labourers in the first twelve hours (if possible,
even immediately) would constitute a sure means of hinder¬
ing the development of infective germs. It would be suffi¬
cient even with a particular system of tribulation and heating
the alvine matters to a temperature of 50° C., to he after¬
wards used safely as manure. With these rules even the
infected labourers could not in any way spread the disease,
and they themselves would be preserved from successive
hurtful infections of the same parasitic species. The
waters and other drinks that might be in any way contami¬
nated by the larvae of the nematodes in question should be
heated to 55 — 60° C. to render them wholesome, non-in fec-
tant. The food that is eaten raw or half-raw (salads, e. g.)
should always be carefully washed, so as to be sure of their
perfect purity.

In the patients of the Gottardo the organic strength should
be sustained with food of easy digestion, very nourishing,
aided by the best tonics and reconstituents, proceeding at
the same time to the killing of the nemato-helminthic species
that constitute the fundamental cause of the oligoemia. I
am profoundly convinced that none of the patients subjected
to treatment with the best anthelmintics, with a good meat
diet and generous wine, need succumb, unless the anaemia
have arrived at that extreme degree in which the organic
faculties cease to regenerate the blood ; still less if at the
same time they take preparations of iron and bitters. The
experimental results of the action of divers substances on

828 DOCHMIUS DUODENALIS AND ANGUILLULjE.

the mature larvae of the Anchilostomae and the Anguillulse,
allow me to dissuade from the use of several common anthel-
minthics. The ethereal extract of male fern appears to me
most adapted to kill the different parasitical species ; only it
must not be thought that one or two doses will be sufficient to
liberate the intestines from thousands and perhaps millions
of helminths that live on chyle and blood.

The medicinal substances, of whatever nature they may
be, arrived in the stomach begin to dilute, and this dilution
is still greater in the intestine. Hence the fact of the ineffi¬
cacious action of an anthelmintic, even powerful, on great
numbers of parasites. In such a manner is explained why
the vermifuges employed till now have not produced all
those results that were to be expected, and the necessity of
repeated and frequent doses of those substances that have
incontestible results. A young oligtemico of S. Gottardo,
with an extraordinary number of Anguillulae, tolerable quan¬
tity of Anchilostoma, and a certain number of ascarides,
subjected to doses of ethereal extract of male fern, after the
first draught experienced such relief that the intestinal An¬
guillulae were soon reduced, and the strength of the individual
was increased. A dose of santonin being administered (to
combat the ascarides), the day after another of male fern,
after having advised him to. use plenty of generous wine, I
let him return to the country and return to those exercises
to which he was used ; and though the diet at his home was
not of meat, still ten days after he came to tell me howr his
physical state had gained, that he no longer felt tired as
before, that he could walk freely, and had returned to work
harder than ever at his trade of shoemaking. That his
general health was greatly improved one could see from his
face, that had become rosy. Proceeding to the clinical
examination as to his helminthesis, according to the means
adopted before, I perceived that the spawn and larvae had
greatly diminished. Nevertheless, I made him take two
more doses of santonin and two of ethereal extract of male
fern. After this second treatment I knew of his well-nigh
complete cure, revealed to me by other young patients of
S. Gottardo, who told me that the individual in question
was in excellent health and had returned to his work.

829

SYNOPSIS OF CONTINENTAL VETERINARY

JOURNALS.

By John Henry Steel, M.R.C.V.S., F.Z.S., Demonstrator
of Anatomy at the Royal Veterinary College.

[Continued from p. 770.)

Summary. — “ On a Flesh Diet for Horses,” from the
Recueil de Medecine Veterinaire. “ On Gangrenous Stoma¬
titis,” by M. Lenglen, from the same. “On Filaria
lachrymalis causing Inflammation of the Eye of a Cow,”
by A. Perdan ; “ Paralysis of the (Esophagus of a Cow,”
by Dr. V. Ow ; “Yellow Fever in Horses and Dogs, ” by
Dr. Beauville ; from the Monatsschrift des Vereines dev
Thierarzte , in Oesterreich , November, 1880.

The power of digesting animal matters of a doughy con¬
sistence, in a state of fermentation, had been discerned and
examined by the Arabs of the desert, who — as our colleague,
M. Laquerriere, teaches us in an interesting article on
“ Feeding the Horse with Horseflesh”' — from time immemo¬
rial cooked cakes into which the flesh of camels largely en¬
tered. These were designed for their horses, and gave a
highly nutritious diet in small bulk and very portable. This
Arabian practice, proved useful by the experience of ages,
and now explained by science, ought to encourage us to un¬
dertake and carry out experiments as to the use for food by
the horse, and especially the army horse, of cakes in which the
meat has been incorporated and digested during fermentation.
In his article published in the Abeille Medicate (3rd June,
1879) M. Laquerriere recounts the trials he made, during the
siege of Metz, to feed a certain number of horses on horse ¬
flesh, and he was able to determine by these experiments,
which were interrupted by the disastrous capitulation of
28th October, “ that the horse can perfectly eat, digest, and
assimilate raw or cooked animal matter.” Since, then, the
horse can be transformed into a carnivore, nothing is more
logical, in a besieged town above all places, where the sup¬
plies are daily decreasing, than that advantage should be
taken of this special aptitude to maintain his strength by
means of the flesh of defunct animals of his species, and thus
to keep in good condition for work such an important
“ arm of war” as the horse. Such is M. Laquerriere’s view,
as explained in his note, and illustrated experimentally at
Metz. His experiments, indeed, are conclusive. If, in
liii. 57.

830 SYNOPSIS OF CONTINENTAL VETERINARY JOURNALS.

spite of the numerous imperfections necessarily present in
his experiments, M. Laquerriere succeeded in making a
horse eat meat, and especially horseflesh, how much easier
would be the introduction of an animal regimen for solipeds,
and perhaps for other herbivora, if the meat destined for this
use, in place of being given in its natural state, had been in¬
corporated into a fermentable mixture, and has undergone
such changes as a result of fermentation as to now consist
solely of proximate constituents, intermingled with those of
the dough itself.

“ In a note of the number of the Abeille Medicale for 31st
May last M. Decroix tells us that M. Laquerriere’s original
article having been reproduced in the Veterinary Journal , M.
Diinkelberg, Director of the Poppelsdorf Agricultural
Academy, was persuaded by the results there cited to make
experiments on horses of a squadron of English dragoons
with American preserved beef, which had been incorporated
with bruised oats to form a biscuit (?). A supply of this food
was given daily, instead of a corresponding quantity of oats.
According to the account of these experiments, given in the
May number of the Veterinary Journal , the horses of this
squadron showed a marked superiority at the autumn ma¬
noeuvres of last year to those horses fed in the ordinary
manner. In consequence of this the English Minister of
War has ordered further experimentation with the “ meat-
meal biscuit.” M. Diinkelberg suggested the use of this food
for race-horses, since, though highly nutritious, it does not
tend to the production of fat.”

u M. Decroix, who along time ago advocated the utilisation
of the flesh of all animals which died naturally or artificially,
even in spite of disease and decompositions, since cooking
destroys all virulent properties, points out, as a great advan¬
tage of the introduction of meat into the regime of herbivora,
the possibility of preserving, by the most perfect process, a
considerable quantity of alimentary material, such as ordi¬
narily goes to waste.”

“ Without adopting extreme views we may conclude that
the time is come when a serious experimental investigation
of the question of animal matters as food for the horse, and
especially for the army horse. M. ScheureEs method happily
removes all practical difficulties in the way of its application
by permitting us to avoid all those manipulatory processes
which the actual use of meat given raw or cooked would
necessitate. if, as we are warranted in believing from the
lengthened experience of the Arabs, a cake composed of
flesh and flour can serve as food for the horse, it will be pos-

SYNOPSIS OF CONTINENTAL VETERINARY JOURNALS. 831

sible to store up in those cakes, the preservation of which is
easy, that latent force which is contained in carcases, and to
reserve it for utilisation at a selected time in the organism of
herbivora. M. Laquerriere has done good service in show¬
ing by his experiments, so well adapted to the circumstances
under which they were undertaken, and of so useful a bear¬
ing, the possibility of making the horse a hippophagous animal ,
and consequently, of making dead animals contribute to
the preservation of the life and strength of the survivors.”

On Gangrene of the Mouth in Young Calces, by M.
Lenglen, of Arras.- — “ Authors on human pathology de¬
scribe, under the name of f gangrene of the mouth/ a mor¬
tification, spontaneous in appearance, of the buccal walls,
affecting especially children subjected to prejudicial in¬
fluences, to a diet incomplete or bad, debilitated by sickness,
or, in a word, submitted to hygienic conditions which alter
the constitution little by little. I have not found this dis¬
ease described in any of the works on veterinary medicine
which I possess ; and, as I have often observed cases of it,
I am about to bring it before the notice of my confreres. I
am going to do so by reporting a number of cases noted
recently. They will suffice, I hope, to enable attentive
readers to obtain a correct idea of the conditions of its
development, of its symptoms, progress, and the little success
resulting from the treatment practised.”

Case 1. — Female calf, Flemish; red in colour; eighteen
days old ; in possession of proprietor fourteen days. Had
been judiciously changed from the milk-and-water diet given
by the dealer to good milk. Pedigree absolutely unknown.
It had drunk well since its arrival at the farm, and still con¬
tinues to drink, but only in small quantity, and on opening
the mouth might be seen on each side of the cheeks large
greyish spots, which from day to day become much increased
in size.

February 15th.— -Appetite good ; general health good, but
animal a little dull ; pulse normal ; was taken very good care
of by the owner. A small amount of saliva accumulates at
the commissures of the lips. The buccal mucous membrane
has its normal colour everywhere except at the level of the
anterior molars on the left side and of the third right molar,
where are two grey spots, about the size of a sixpence, and
the tint of which singularly contrasted with the pinkish
colour of the neighbouring parts. On close examination it
becomes evident that this lesion is due to a necrosis of the
buccal mucous membrane, and of the subsequent tissues,
which are reduced to the condition of a tenacious putrid

832 SYNOPSIS OF CONTINENTAL VETERINARY JOURNALS.

mass, fairly consistent, and of a bad odour. On scraping
the ulcerated surface with the finger we may detach material,
of about the size of a small pea or bean, which yields
between the fingers, and becomes a sort of confused mass by
loss of all traces of organisation. The living tissues thus
exposed are of a red colour, bleed readily, and here and there
may be seen greyish points, indications of necrotic invasion.
The centre of the mortified mass is strongly adherent to the
tissues of the cheek, and in the cleansing of the wound,
which was immediately performed, some difficulty was ex¬
perienced in separating the deeper parts. Everywhere else
the mouth is healing.

Treatment . — Cleanse the two ulcerations twice a day,
removing as much of the necrosed material as possible with¬
out causing bleeding. Dress twice daily with solution of
perchloride of iron. Nourish well, giving a little coffee daily,
and exercise moderately in the fresh air.

February 19th. — The case has become aggravated. On
the outer surface of the two cheeks and on a level with the
ulcerations, are two hard tumours, and painful on pressure.
The ulcerations much larger than on the 15th. They have
become black, evidently in consequence of the chloride of
iron used as a lotion, and showing no sign of cicatrization.
The calf drinks well, but has fallen away in flesh con¬
siderably. Pulse 82, and rather small ; conjunctivse some¬
what injected ; considerable debility ; prognosis unfavorable.
The owner urged more energetic measures. Consequently
six grammes of chloride of potash was administered daily
in addition to the measures previously adopted. This was
continued for five days, when there was evidently no longer
any room for hope of a cure. The animal lay stretched out
on its side, the mouth was filled with frothy saliva impreg¬
nated with greyish matter ; respirations much accelerated ;
pulse imperceptible ; conjunctive of a deep red colour.
Severe diarrhoea had been present for two days and the
posterior parts of the body were covered with filth. The
calf was destroyed and autopsy proceeded with forthwith.
It disclosed a sanguineous suffusion of the last part of
the colon, pneumonia of the inferior two thirds of each
lung ; but the principal and essential lesions were found in
the head. The trachea and larynx contained a little frothy
mucus. The vocal cords were slightly cedematous and of a
dark red colour. Mucous lining of the pharynx thickened,
of a violet tint, but nowhere showing the slightest trace
of gangrene. By means of a lens magnifying about four or
five times, might be easily seen here and there some points

SYNOPSIS OP CONTINENTAL VETERINARY JOURNALS. 833

of darker colour than the neighbouring parts, but without
the least trace of ulceration. In the mouth the mucous
membrane of the tongue healthy. The only apparent
lesions, against the first and second left molars and the
third and fourth right, were two large deeply penetrating
ulcerations extending even through to the skin, which is
itself ulcerated.

The ulcerations covered with a black detritus of repulsive
odour, and with difficulty separable from the neighbouring
tissues, the gangrenous part about two millimetres in thick¬
ness, and tearing somewhat readily on traction. Underneath
this dead layer a yellowish border, of about half a millimetre
in thickness, very tenacious, in it. One can recognise with
difficulty the presence of muscular fibres, cellular tissue, and
the deeper structures of the skin. All the surrounding
structures of the cheek are the seat of an intense congestion.
The two ulcerations from 3 to 4 centimetres in diameter,
and with their depth decreasing towards their margins.
The gums also the seat of a violent irritation. Within the
third lower right molar, and a little below the position
where the gum has been pierced or rather cut by the free
border of the tooth, which is scarcely cut, a small tubercle
about the size of a lentil, of a whitish colour, solid, and
adherent to the membrane. On raising this the dermis of
the mucous membrane is exposed, which is of a bright red
colour, from its circumference to the seat of mortification.
This evidently is the commencement of a mortification
which, had the animal lived, would have assumed the cha¬
racters of the others. The pharyngeal glands are enormous,
red, and have lost their firmness. Blood presents no marked
features except its bright rose-colour, analogous to that which
we always see in calves killed without being suspended by
their hind limbs. Cicatrisation of the umbilical cord com¬
plete.

In Case 2 the free margin of the tongue on the left side
was the seat of an ulceration, which had caused a deeply-
penetrating lesion of the organ, large enough to contain a
pigeon’s egg; also the buccal mucous membrane and the
gum of the left incisors, at the point where they correspond
to the left anterior extremity of the tongue, in a state of
mortification. There is, in fact, all along behind the incisors
a greyish patch, limited in front by the teeth, behind by the
openings of Wharton’s duct. The buccal mucous mem¬
brane mortified throughout the whole of its depth, but offers
some resistance to the separation or the slough.

Treatment, — Removal of the mortified parts, cauterisation

834 SYNOPSIS OF CONTINENTAL VETERINARY JOURNALS.

of t lie ulcers with the hot iron (the animal exhibited no
signs of pain). Mouth injected twice daily with tincture of
quinine, after the cavity had been carefully cleaned out ;
also fifteen grammes of chloride of sodium daily dissolved in
the drinking-milk. Drink frequently given, and the cow¬
house to be kept in good order. After invading the whole
length of the tongue, the ulceration (five days later) seemed
inclined to limit its extent by the formation of a red line of
demarcation. Seven days later the animal died. In this
very severe case the superior maxilla was necrosed below
the ulcer, and the retropharyngeal lymphatics were enlarged
and soft. The patient was three days old when first
affected.

Case 3. — Aged five days, belonged to the same lot as Case
2, and was simultaneously attacked. It was treated and
cured within eighteen days by washings with salt and water,
removal of the gangrenous parts, and dressings with solution
of perchloride of iron twice daily.

Case 4. — A male calf, three weeks old, born on the farm,
treated early with success. “ The cause of the disease in
this case was undoubtedly umbilical phlebitis,” as also in
Case 5, which died on the ninth day, presenting on autopsy
the ordinary lesions of the mouth, liver increased in size,
and suppuration of the umbilical vein, whence it terminates
against that organ.

Case 6. — ‘Female calf, aged 28 days, also suffering from
umbilical phlebitis. Here an abscess traversed the cartilage
of the inferior maxillary symphysis, and burst below in the
chin. The patient died on the thirty-ninth day, having all
the floor of the mouth diseased from the first molars to the
incisors, the maxillary bone being exposed and covered with
a layer of greyish caseous matter of a decidedly gangrenous
odour. The lung was affected with disseminated lobular
pneumonia invading the two lobes, and the liver was in¬
creased in size by congestion.

Case. 7. — Attributed to an attempt to rear the calf (aged
one month, a female) on toast and water. Died.

Case 8. — Holland bull, aged about one month, kept
in a most unhealthy house. Cured after twelve days’
treatment.

Case 9. — Durham-Flemish calf, aged 22 days. Cured
after fifteen days.

Case 10. — Female calf, Flemish, aged 15 days. Treated
with sea-salt, coffee, and brandy. Cured after three weeks.

“ These cases suffice to prove the occurrence in calves of
the disease seen in children. It is not confined to bovines,

SYNOPSIS OF CONTINENTAL VETERINARY JOURNALS. 835

for I have seen it in two colts, one aged 15 days, the other
about 5 weeks, and among lambs, averaging from 5 to 6
weeks, and placed under bad hygienic conditions.” The
paper is to be continued.

We summarise the excellent remarks of M. Lenglen, for
on the morning when they first came under our notice we
received from Mr. Nicholson Almond, M.R.C.V.S., the head
of a calf, which seems to us to exhibit the lesions above
described. This has been brought before the Veterinary
Medical Association, and is at present under consideration.

Tear- Round-worm {Filar ia lachrymalis) as a cause of
Inflammation of the Eye in a Cow, by A. Perdan, Govern¬
ment District Veterinary Surgeon. A cow was brought from
one of the subdivisions of the District of Tschernembl, which,
according to the statement of the owner, had for a long time
been suffering from u weak eye.” He was right to a certain
extent, since on the near side the lids were so much swollen
as to obscure the eyeball. The inflamed lids having been
separated after a great deal of trouble, a number of small
white thread-like worms (ten millimetres in length), in con¬
stant eel-like movement, could be observed on the surface of
the cornea opaca, and also that of the cornea pellucida. The
internal structures of the eye were sound and exhibited no
pathological changes. Since these worms were present in
large numbers, and could not be conveniently removed by
the forceps, an endeavour was made to destroy them by
means of a weak collyrium of Lapis infernalis with tincture
of opium; this seemed to be effectual. a How these worms
came into the eye cannot be definitely ascertained ; the
owner thought they had been obtained from the fodder.” —
Monatsschrift des Vereines der Tliierdrzte in Oesterreich ,
November, 1880.

Paralysis of the (Esophagus of a Cow , by Dr. V. Ow. — The
animal suffered from chronic tympany, considerable flow of
saliva intermingled with mucus, and frequent vomition.
Neither during life, nor after death, could any foreign body
be found in the pharynx or gullet. Matters, liquid or solid,
after ingestion were returned. The patient became much
emaciated, and after death no satisfactory cause of the para¬
lysis could be determined. — Thierdrztliche Mitheilungen,
No. 9, 1880.

Yellow Fever in Horses and Bogs, by Dr. Beauville. This
author has inserted a communication in the medical organ
of Havanna, in w'hich he describes a sickness of horses and
dogs, which is considered to be to a certain degree identical
with the yellow fever of man. From the symptoms enume-

836 THE TRAINING OF VETERINARY STUDENTS.

rated, may be selected f< the yellow colouration of the
Schneiderian membrane and bleeding from the nostrils,
ecchymoses on the intestinal and renal lining membrane,
ulcers in the alimentary canal, enlargement of the spleen,
and crupous deposits on the respiratory mucous membrane.”
Although this disease prevails in association with yellow
fever of man, this cannot be considered sufficient to establish
their identity. Hitherto no cases of communication of yellow
fever from man to animals have been observed, and we must
wait for such a confirmation before we shall admit into
veterinary science yellow fever to be classed with the con¬
tagious disorders. — Bepertorium der Thierheilkunde , 4 Heft,
1880.

THE TRAINING OF VETERINARY STUDENTS.

Bv Professor Walley.

9/

Edinburgh ; Nov. 16 th, 1880.

Sir, — In the published reports of two meetings of the
profession recently held, viz. that of the North of England
Veterinary Medical Association, and that of the Council of
the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, remarks of mine
in reference to the training of veterinary students are
reported, which without a little explanation may by some
be taken in a light other than that which I intended ; and,
in passing, I would observe that I think in all reports of
discussions of the kind there should be no curtailing of the
statements made by those who take part in them, as such
a proceeding is apt to lead to wrong inferences.

At the first meeting mentioned, I am reported to have
said that “ as a ride the sons of veterinary surgeons and
practical men make the worst students.” Now, I am not
conscious of having made such a sweeping statement ; cer¬
tainly my intention was to assert that “very frequently ,
instead of as a rule, the sons of veterinary surgeons, &c.
and at the Council meeting I distinctly said, “ I had seen
four and a half years’ practice before entering college, and
when I became a student I felt I had to a large extent com¬
menced the wrong way, and that I had much to unlearn/’
The expressions attributed to me in the report would, if
they were literally true, have been a poor compliment to my
preceptors for whose instructions I have much to be thankful

THE TRAINING OE VETERINARY STUDENTS. 837

in my professional career, and the value of which I have
ungrudgingly acknowledged elsewhere.

In discussing the matter of veterinary education it must
be borne in mind that there are several points of view from
which to look at the question, viz. that of the town practi¬
tioner, the country practitioner, the teacher, and the teacher
and practitioner combined ; of these several individuals I
think it will be conceded that the latter has the best oppor¬
tunities of obtaining data upon which to base valuable con¬
clusions.

What, in each of the discussions to which I have referred,

I wished to impress upon the profession was, that in my
opinion (founded on a large and varied experience) a pro •
longed period of pupilage prior to entering college is a dis¬
advantage to students, and in the following ways : — (1) a
student who has been engaged several years in practice
does not, in the majority of instances, settle down kindly to
the study of technical subjects ; (£) he frequently imbibes
ideas with reference to disease which are at variance with
scientific pathological teaching; (3) after a prolonged
period of activity in his profession, the sedentary life of a
student acts injuriously (temporarily and sometimes perma¬
nently) upon his health ; (4) during a three or four years’
pupilage he will have spent a sum, in many cases of £300
or £400, add to this ££00 or ££50 for college expenses, and
very frepuently another £300 or £400 to start him in prac¬
tice, and he has spent a little fortune before he has had a
chance of earning one penny ; and further, after all this
expenditure he finds that the parliament of his profession is
powerless to prevent his own groom (whose education has
not cost him a farthing) from actively opposing him, or
adopting the title to which he alone has any moral (not
legal) right.

I conscientiously and earnestly urge upon my professional
brethren the advisability of allowing their proteges to inter¬
mix the practical with the theoretical. If they think it
best that they should have a pupilage first, let it be only for
a period of a few months (six or eight), then have a session
at college and pass the three subjects of the first examina¬
tion, followed by a few months’ practice, and after the
second examination a still further period of practice. By
the adoption of a plan of this kind students would not look
upon study as a bore, they would be trained to habits of
study and scientific observation, their practical lessons
would be enlightened by the teachings of science, and they
would get more out of one case than they otherwise would

838

ON PLANTS IN RELATION TO ANIMALS.

out of twenty. Furthermore, in the course of time a body of
men would be raised up calculated to improve the position
of our noble and beloved profession in the eyes of the world.
Scientific inquiries into veterinary pathology would not be
banded over to the human pathologist, and the animal
creation would be the first to benefit most largely by the
system.

If the general body of the profession were in harmony
with the teaching of the schools, this matter would wear a
different aspect ; but that such harmony does not exist is
proved by remarks often made in communications to the
journals as to what is and what is not taught in the schools,
and still more forcibly by the fact that the uses of such
adjuvants to practice as the subcutaneous injection of drugs,
the administration of chloroform, the employment of the
ecraseur, &c., are frequently discussed at association meet¬
ings as if they were matters new and rare, instead of grow¬
ing grey with the hoar of age.

I might say much more on this subject, but I think I
have said sufficient to indicate the views I hold upon it, and
as I have freely given so I hope I shall receive.

ON PLANTS IN RELATION TO ANIMALS.

By Professor James Buckman, F.G.S., F.L.S., &c.
[Continued from p. 775.)

The remaining species of clovers now to be considered
are those with yellow flowers, consisting of the following
[flowers yellow') :

1. Trifolium filiforme . . Lesser Yellow Clover. Heads,

of from three to five lax
flowers, small.

2. „ minus . . Medium Yellow Clover. Heads

compact, of many flowers.

3. „ procumbens . Hop Clover. Heads of flowers

persistent and compact, simu¬
lating the strobiles of hops on
a small scale.

1. The lesser yellow clover is remarkable for its small¬
ness of size and complete prostrate habit. It is at once dis¬
tinguished from its few lax flowers. It is a plant which may

ON PLANTS IN RELATION TO ANIMALS.

839

at once be distinguished as an annual; at the same time there
is reason to conclude that, when prevented from flowering by
the constant cropping of sheep, it may continue its growth
even beyond a second year.

This, and perhaps the next species, have been recom¬
mended for cultivation under the name of suckling clover, as
all young stock eat it down very readily; indeed, it is stated
that cattle and sheep are so fond of it that a specimen can
scarcely be had in any pasture to which they have access.

It is very partial to calcareous soils ; the Oolitic beds grow
it in profusion, the absence of which may be the reason why
it is so seldom met with in Scotland.

2. The medium yellow trefoil is at once distinguished
by its denser head of flowers, and generally larger parts. It
is capable of yielding a greater amount of produce, and
hence, on calcareous soils, w'e should recommend a slight
admixture of its seed in laying down permanent pastures, as
also in those mixtures which are employed for renovating
old pastures. If it be desirable to grow this plant for young
stock on other than calcareous soils it can be encouraged by
a dressing of lime, which, indeed, should always form a part
of the composts of pond and ditch scrapings, which are so
commonly collected for the dressing of permanent pastures.
In districts where the road metal consists of mountain lime¬
stone, as in parts of Gloucester, Worcester, and Dorset, or
in others, in the same counties, where Oolitic limestones are
employed for road making, the road scrapings should be
carefully collected for adding to the compost heaps, which,
indeed, should always be preparing as dressings to
pastures.

This plant, like the former, bears clipping remarkably
well, for though it would be difficult to find a specimen in a
field while being depastured, it soon branches out and grows
up all the stronger when left for a period of rest. Like the
preceding, it is common on limestone soils and in limestone
districts.

3. The hop clover, when the flowers begin to wither, is
distinguished by the compact brown head, with the persistent
striated standards so conspicuous as to appear like a bunch
of hop blossoms, whence the name.

It is larger in all its parts than the T. minus , though in
other respects it bears a somewhat close resemblance to it.
It is a common plant in hedge-rows and by way-sides, when
it sometimes attains a size which would render its cultiva¬
tion advantageous. On this. account it was formerly grown
in mixtures of grasses called “ seeds” by the farmer, and,

840

ON PLANTS IN RELATION TO ANIMALS.

therefore, its seed is to be obtained from the seedsman, but
the truth is the section of clovers now described do not yield
enough herbage, as a rule, to make them profitable as crop
plants, and hence their places have been supplied by some
clover allies, and notably that of a plant known by the same
trivial name, namely, hop trefoil ; its botanical name, and
with generic and specific characters, is very distinct.

This plant has been referred to before under the head of
Medicago lupulina , the hop trefoil of the farmer, but not of
the botanist.*

At present we pen a few remarks on this medick, with the
view of establishing its differences when compared with the
true clovers, as also to furnish some additional notes upon
its value as a fodder plant :

Characters or Hop Clover.

Trifolium procumbens.

Stem procumbent ; leaves trifoli¬
ate ; flowers yellow, persistent, turn¬
ing brown when ripe ; pod straight,
and covered over by the dried floral
membranes ; seed kidney-shaped.

When seen together in a growing state the difference is
very marked, as the rounded or ovate head of the clover
has the appearance at first sight of a small strobile or bunch
of hops, being, when ripe, of a yellowish-brown hue, like the
hop; whereas the hop trefoil, medick, or nonsuch, in the
ripe state, shows a bunch of black incurved legumes.

The black medick is one of the most extensively used of
the clover allies ; the yellow clovers, indeed, were more
grown until this plant was tried, when it was found that in
cultivation it increased both in size and in succulency. It
is much relished by all kinds of stock, both in the fresh and
the dried state.

It is usually sown with ray-grass in the barley crops, in
which much of it will seed the first year ; such seed being
sown, thickens the crop next season, or it may be that sheep
may lightly graze the young seeds, and this will not do the
injury to the medick as it would to common clovers.

As a wild plant, the black medick will be found every¬
where, especially on calcareous soils, for, like its allies the
clovers, it is partial to soil with lime in its composition, and
hence all cases where it is grown lime should form a part of
any top dressing.

* See Veterinarian , vol. liii, p. 471,

Characters of Nonsuch
Medick.

Medicago lupulina .

Stem procumbent ; leaves trifoli¬
ate ; flowers yellow, deciduous • pod
incurved, green at first, but black
when ripe ; seed ovoid.

PARTURIENT ECLAMPSIA IN THE BITCH.

By Harold Leeney, M.R.C.V.S., Brighton.

This affection appears to have attracted so little attention
in England that I venture to offer a few remarks upon
cases which have left no doubt, at least in my mind, as to
the existence of such a malady in the dog, although so emi¬
nent an authority as Mr. Woodroffe Hill says he sees no
analogy between eclampsia of Mauri and parturient apoplexy
proper.

That the condition described by Mauri follows upon par¬
turition, and is the result of increased vascularity of the cord,
there can be no doubt, and although in many important re¬
spects the symptoms differ from those usually seen in the cow,
yet for the above reason it bears, I think, considerable analogy.

In the cases I have attended it has not occurred sooner
than the fourth day after the birth of the pups, nor later
than the fourteenth, but more frequently between those
dates, and in bitches which have had large healthy pups
drawing very vigorously at the mammae.

Case 1. — The patient, a fox terrier bitch, was the pro¬
perty of Dr. Kebbell. She had given birth to four strongly
developed puppies on the 25th September, and suckled
them so well that they were as fat as little moles when I
was called to see her on October 1st. I found the bitch sitting
on her haunches, with a fixed eye and very rapid, noisy,
respiration ; so rapid indeed that it was impossible to count
the number. The pulse also was correspondingly quick.
Temperature 108°. Frothy saliva dribbled from the mouth,
which she made occasional and apparently unsuccessful
efforts to swallow. She appeared not to recognise her
owner, and would now and again make an effort to rise,
sometimes sinking down again on her haunches, and at others
succeeding in walking round the room with a staggering
and uncertain gait, falling down after a few seconds from
loss of power over the hind extremities. The muscles would
then become rigid, and indeed so far simulate poisoning by
strychnia that the owner had a difficulty in believing that
such was not the case.

The treatment consisted of a hot bath, to which some
mustard was added, and an enema of the following emul¬
sion : — 01. Ricini, Muc. Acacise, and Syr. Rhamni. This was
soon involuntarily passed out of the rectum, and a second
quantity being injected, had the effect of bringing away some

842 THE STATUS OF THE PROFESSION.

hardened faeces. The paralysis became greatly diminished
and the power to expel the contents of the rectum was the
signal for a rapid recovery. I gave her 10 grs. of chloral,
after which she fell asleep, and awoke apparently in good
health next morning, and has so remained ever since. I
should have added that I allowed one pup to remain with
her all the time, but removed those of the others which were
the strongest.

Case 2 was also the property of a medical man (Dr.
Philbrick). I was called to see this animal (a pug bitch
of the large Willoughby breed) at 10 p.m. on May 80th.
The attack had commenced about an hour before I saw her,
and in every respect it resembled the previous case described,
with the exception that she seemed to recognise those about
her, and showed great anxiety to find something, walking
with the irregular gait of Case 1, and appearing very much
disappointed that the object she sought was not in either
corner of the room.

The warm bath with mustard and enema was used, and
10 gr. doses of the bromide of ammonia at intervals of one
hour. Recovery was almost as rapid as in the other bitch.
The puppies were ten days old, five in number, and all well
nourished. One only was allowed to remain with her.

Case 3 was a black and tan terrier, the property of a
tradesman. I was called to her on the 19th of April, and
found my assistant in the act of taking her out of a warm
mustard bath. How long she had been ill was not known, as
she had a hamper to lie in, in the cellar, and had not attracted
attention. She was quite calm and free from paralysis a few
minutes after the bath.

This poor animal was endeavouring to bring up nine
puppies, and they "were all well nourished.

THE STATUS OF THE PROFESSION.

By the Same.

One of the things which tend to throw discredit upon our
profession, and even to expose us to the ridicule of the dis¬
pensing chemist — who has often a good deal of weight with
liis customers — is the lamentable fact that few veterinary
surgeons can or do write a prescription in decent Latin, even
though they make abbreviations, and thereby save them¬
selves the trouble of case endings.

STRANGULATION OF INTESTINE OF A DOG. 843

The following is a prescription, not only written but pub -
lished , in a recent veterinary work by a F.R.C.V.S.

“Tincfc. Opii .
Essence of Anisi .
Liquorice Extract .
Linseed Tea .

20 drops.
30 „

1 ounce.

2 ounces.”

If this were intended for amateurs why Latinise in part
the first two ingredients? If intended for the profession
what a compliment to us as educated men.

A few hours devoted to such a work as f Selecta e Pre-
scriptis,’ would save many from the imputation of ignorance
in other matters.

STRANGULATION OF INTESTINE OF A DOG,
ASSOCIATED WITH INTUSSUSCEPTION.

By Samuel Gill, M.R.C.Y.S., Hastings.

October 21st. — I was sent for to see a Newfoundland
puppy, two months old, suffering from haemorrhage of a
bright colour from the rectum. On examining the patient,
the visible mucous membranes were found to be blanched,
the body and the extremities very cold, and the pulse weak
and rapid. Perceiving that the case was hopeless I informed
my client that the animal could not possibly survive many
hours. I made every inquiry as to whether the dog had
been ill before, and was told that he was always “lively and
well and appetite good but that he suffered from an offen¬
sive diarrhoea, “ and on going up steps he would give a growl
as if in pain. 7 ’

For the purpose of affording temporary relief beef tea and
arrowroot were given every half hour, with doses of Liquor
Arsenicalis.

22nd. — Messenger came to my residence early in the morn¬
ing with a request to see the animal at once. On arriving I
found him unable to swallow, in consequence of which I gave
an anodyne enema with arrowroot. He expired 1.30 p.m.

Post-mortem examination . — Intussusception, some eight or
nine inches in length was found, which it was impossible to
liberate until a section of the intestine was made close
behind the part. In doing this I discovered a large tumour,
oblong in shape, and as large as a duck’s egg. On cutting
into it a dark coloured blood oozed out, and showed that
the substance was attached to the mesentery, and that
its pedicle was twisted around and caused semi-strangula¬
tion of the bowel, resulting in or leading to intussusception.

844

PARTURIENT INSTRUMENTS.

Note from Mr. Astley M. Metherell, M.R.C.V.S.,

Brighton .

Sirs, — I noticed in a recent number of the Veterinarian ,
that at a meeting of the “ Yorkshire Veterinary Medical
Association,” Mr. Benson exhibited some instruments of his
own invention for use in cases of difficult parturition. One
of these, I venture to say, from an extended experience, is
of peculiar value; I allude to the “ clamp ” for seizing the
ear of the calf or foal.

The thanks of the profession are certainly due to Mr.
Benson for this instrument, and I think that every prac¬
titioner will find it of great value in effecting delivery in
the cases of preternatural presentation in mares and cows.

I am, &c.

Pathological Contributions.

CATTLE PLAGUE.

Six ce our last report no further information has been
received as to the existence of the disease in Europe, with
the exception of those provinces in Russia which border on
Austria and Germany, and those adjoining the Black and
Baltic Seas, where the disease still continues.

PLEUROPNEUMONIA.

The measures which have been taken against the spread¬
ing of this disease at Brooklyn (America) and its vicinity,
where it recently existed among cows in an aggravated form,
are said to have had a beneficial effect, and that the disease
is gradually diminishing.

This disease is reported to have appeared in some of the
communes of the Department of the Somme in France, but
not to be at present very prevalent.

In the Netherlands, from 5th September to 2nd October,
only one case of pleuro-pneumonia occurred in the Province
of South Holland.

845

FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE.

This disease, which was reported to have lately broken
out in a virulent form in the North of France, has now
appeared among the cows in several of the communes of the
Department of the Somme.

The disease is also gradually extending in this country.

SHEEP-POX.

This destructive malady, which lately appeared in the
Grand Duchy of Mecklenburg-Schwerin, has now become
epizootic in character, and is reported to be extending to¬
wards the western districts, although inoculation and isolation
of infected herds are being practised.

Facts and Observations.

Melbourne Social Science Congress. — We have
received the South Australian Register , from which we learn
that Mr. Thomas Chalwin, M.R.C.V.S., has been elected, at
a meeting of the General Council of the Melbourne Social
Science Congress, a member of that body in the Department
of Agriculture.

Effect of Feeding-cakes on Milk Production.
By G. I. Hengefeld ( Bled . Centr ., 1880, 233). — The author
carried out his experiments at the Royal Veterinary School
in Plolland upon five cows, which for a while received 1 kilo,
of maize cake in addition to their ordinary fodder, and in the
second period the same quantity of linseed cake. There
was no difference in the quantity of milk ; the mean of six
analyses showed the following variations in composition
percentages :

Water Dry sub. Fat. Milk-sugar. Albumin.

Maize. . . 86*35 . 13*65 . 4*40 . 4*13 . 5*12

Linseed . . 89*915 . 14*085 . 4*56 . 4*01 . 5*515

Both kinds of food produced milk of excellent quality, but
the author states that the milk, butter, and cheese, after the
feeding on maize, were of a more agreeable flavour than after
the other fodder ; the same should hold true of the flesh of
maize-fed sheep. — J. F .—Jour. Chem . Soc.

mi. 58

846

THE VETERINARIAN, DECEMBER 1, 1880.

Ne quid falsi dicere audeat, ne quid veri non audeat. — Cicebo.

INFECTION AND RECEPTIVITY.

Pathological inquiries are year by year tending more
and more definitely to the conclusion that infective matter is
a material thing, and not a mere property of morbid pro¬
ducts, and the directors of future investigations must
necessarily be in the way of identification of the material
which is proper to each form of infection. This result
once gained, the isolation and destruction of the infec¬
tive material would, in all probability, present no serious
difficulties.

In direct relation to the power of infective matter stands
that state of system which enables the infective matter to
act, a state which may be termed receptivity. How
different this state is in different individuals of the
same family even may be demonstrated by very simple ex¬
periments. We need only refer to a few well-known dis¬
eases to establish this proposition beyond question. Foot-
and-mouth disease finds a receptive state of system for its
special infective matter in a large number of animals of
different species ; others, such as the members of the equine
family and the carnivora, are incapable of being acted upon,
Pleuro-pneumonia of cattle appears to meet with the recep¬
tive state only in the ox tribe, and among them there are
many instances of insusceptibility to the influence of the
virus, while the receptivity to the poison of anthrax would
seem to be almost universal.

Under varying climate, and other conditions which are
not well understood, the degree of susceptibility to infective
matter differs much among animals which are known to be
susceptible to the influence of a particular virus. This
peculiarity is evidenced in outbreaks of many infectious
maladies, foot-and-mouth disease among them. This affec*
tion, under some circumstances, progresses slowly, and the

EDITORIAL OBSERVATIONS.

847

animals attacked soon recover, while at other times its
spreading is rapid, and its victims suffer severely from its
invasion.

Occasionally it has happened, as in the experiments at
the Brown Institution a few years ago, that animals have
been infected with great difficulty and only after repeated
attempts, although large quantities of virus were employed ;
at other times, as recently at the Foreign Cattle Market at
Deptford, the landing of a single cargo of animals, among
which the disease appeared, the virus appears to cling to
persons and substances so tenaciously that the disease con¬
tinues to break out, notwithstanding all the precautions
which were taken to prevent it.

Both in man and in the lower animals it is certainly the
case that the spreading of an infectious disease depends more
upon the degree of receptivity in individuals who are ex¬
posed to its influence than upon the presence or even the
quantity of the infective matter.

Considerable importance must be attached to the circum¬
stances, to which reference has been made, both from a
pathological and sanitary point of view. It must, in fine,
be evident that when a disease manifests a tendency to
extend its area by mediate contagion the receptivity of sus¬
ceptible animals must be unusually great, and, therefore,
that all available sanitary measures have need to be imposed
with more than common severity. Ordinary regulations
which affect merely the movements of diseased animals are,
under the new conditions, found to be insufficient, and
restrictions have to be insisted on in regard to individuals not
susceptible to the disease ; and substances which may act as
carriers of the poison agents, it may be remarked, are all the
more dangerous, because they are likely to escape suspicion ;
and in dealing with outbreaks of the contagious maladies
the sanitarian is always required to be on his guard, or his
most elaborate precautions are rendered nugatory through
the subtle influences of mediate contagion.

848

Extracts from British and Foreign Journals.

REMARKS ON MICRO-ORGANISMS: THEIR RELATION TO

DISEASE.*

By Joseph Lister, F.R.S., Professor of Clinical Surgery in King’s

College, London.

The relation of micro-organisms to disease is a subject of
vast extent and importance. If we compare the present
state of knowledge regarding it with that of twenty years
ago, we are astonished at the progress which has been made
in the interval. At that time bacteria were little more than
scientific curiosities; whether they were animal or vegetable,
few people knew or cared; but most regarded them as animals
on account of the active movements which they often exhibited.
That they were causes of putrefaction, or other fermentative
changes, was a thing not thought of; and the notion that they
had special relations to disease would have been regarded as
the wildest of speculations. Now, however, a mass of infor¬
mation has been accumulated regarding all these points, of
which it would be hopeless for me to attempt to give even a
brief sketch in the time at my disposal ; and all that I can do
is to present to the Pathological Section a few examples
illustrating the progress which is being made in this depart¬
ment of research.

First, I will mention some examples of the labours of Dr.
Koch, of Wollstein, in Germany. Though a hard-worked
general practitioner, Koch has continued to devote an immense
amount of time and energy to his investigations; and by a
combination of well-planned experiments, ingenious methods
of staining bacteria out of proportion to the tissues among
which they lie, a beautiful adaptation of optical principles to
render the coloured object discernible by the human eye,
and, further, by a most successful application of micro-photo¬
graphy, he has succeeded in demonstrating the presence of
these minute organisms in a manner never before attained.

The Bacillus anthracis is now universally recognised among
pathologists as the cause of splenic fever, so fatal among
cattle in this and other countries, and capable of being com¬
municated to various other animals, and, among the rest, to
the human species, as has been lately illustrated by the so-

* Address delivered before the Pathological Section in opening a dis¬
cussion on the subject at the Annual Meeting of the British Medical
Association in Cambridge, August 12th, 1880.

REMARKS ON MICRO-ORGANISMS.

849

called wroolsorters’ disease, in the North of England. The
Bacillus anthracis is a large form of bacterium, as is shown
at a in the accompanying woodcut. It is there shown along
with red blood-corpuscles of a mouse, and the rods of which
it is composed are seen to be in diameter nearly one-fourth of
that of the red corpuscles. Koch’s method of staining the
sections shows in the most beautiful manner that these bacilli
are not only present in the spleen and some other organs,
but that they people the blood in the minute vessels of all
parts. Koch has thus added to our conviction that the bacillus
is the cause of the symptoms, seeing that, as he remarks, it is
impossible to suppose that an organism can develop in such
enormous numbers at the expense of the vital fluid, without
exerting a serious influence upon the system.

But the most striking and important results of Koch’s
method of investigation are those which relate to organisms
of much smaller dimensions. He found that, if putrid liquid
is injected under the skin of a mouse, the animal may die in
the course of a short time, as the result of the chemically
toxic effects of the products of putrefaction absorbed into
the circulation ; but, if it survive this primary disorder, it
may succumb in the course of about two days to blood-disease.
If the point of a lancet be dipped into the blood of the heart
of a mouse which has died in this way, and a scratch be made
in the skin of a healthy mouse with the envenomed instru¬
ment, the second mouse dies with similar symptoms to those
of the first, the poison being absolutely certain in its virulent
operation; and the same thing may be continued indefinitely
through any series of animals. If now sections be made,
and stained, and examined by Koch’s procedures, it is found
that the entire blood of the diseased animal is peopled with
bacteria, resembling those of the Bacillus antliracis in the
enormous multitudes in which they are produced, and also in
their rod-like form, but differing from them in being exquisitely
minute and delicate, as is shown at h, drawn on the same
scale as a , where it is seen that the diameter can only be
represented by a slender streak not one eighth of the diameter
of the Bacillus anthracis , and such as, before the introduction
of Koch’s method, would have escaped notice altogether.
Now, this disease is totally distinct from pyaemia, being not
accompanied with multiple abscesses or embolism ; and thus
it has been shown by Koch that septicaemia may exist as a
deadly blood-disease, caused by the development of micro¬
organisms, being equally distinct from pyaemia and from the
chemically toxic effects of septic products.

On some occasions, as the result of the introduction of

850

REMARKS ON MICRO-ORGANISMS.

putrid fluid under the mouse’s skin, Koch found, besides
septicaemia, a local affection of the seat of inoculation, in the
form of spreading gangrene ; and, on investigating the part,
he discovered in it, exactly corresponding with the extent of
the local affection, another organism very differently formed
from that of the septicaemia — viz. a micrococcus, consisting

Magnified 700 Diameters.

fO

Bacillus Anthracis
after Koch .

Bacillus Septicce?nicd,
House Mouse — Koch.

C

IT O?™*

V)

&

Chain Micrococcusy
Gangrene in the Mouse.

Koch.

Bacterium of Foicl Cholera.
Camera lucida sketch.

of minute spherical granules arranged in linear series, like
strings of exquisitely minute beads, as represented at c in the
woodcut. Believing that this locally developing organism
must be the cause of the gangrene, he tried to separate it
from the bacillus of the septicaemia, and succeeded through
an accidental observation of*great interest. Having till that
time employed the house-mouse in his experiments, he hap¬
pened to try the inoculation of a field-mouse. This animal,
though so closely allied, proved not susceptible of the septi¬
caemia. The bacillus of that disease was unable to grow in
the blood of the field-mouse, but the micrococcus of the gan¬
grene could develop among its tissues. The new organism

REMARKS ON MICRO-ORGANISMS.

851

was thus obtained in an isolated form, and, when now inocu¬
lated into the house-mouse produced in that animal gangrene
pure and simple, extending for an indefinite period among its
tissues.

Thus the animal body, which had previously been an
obscure field of labour in this department, in which the
pathologists did little more than grope in the dark, was con¬
verted by Koch into a pure cultivating apparatus, in which
the growth and effects of the micro-organisms of various in¬
fective diseases could be studied with the utmost simplicity
and precision.

One more example I must take from Koch’s work. On
one occasion, as the result of inoculating putrid liquid into a
rabbit, he observed a spreading inflammation having all the
clinical character of erysipelas; and, on examining stained
sections of the part, he discovered another exquisitely delicate
bacillus resembling the micrococcus of the gangrene, in being
local in its development, while its exact correspondence in
extent with that of the disease led fairly to the conclusion
that it constituted the materies morbid

I will next refer to a disease occasioned by a micro-organism
discovered by the eminent pathologist Professor Toussaint, of
Toulouse, whom I am proud to see present in this Section to¬
day. This disease has been somewhat inappropriately termed
Cholera des ponies, or fowl-cholera, for it is not attended with
diarrhoea or any other of the symptoms of cholera ; but, as it
happened to be extremely destructive among the poultry-
ynards of Paris at the same time that an epidemic of cholera
was raging in the city, the disorder that prevailed among the
fowls was also given the name of cholera. The lesions by
which it is chiefly characterised are great swelling of the
chains of lymphatic glands in the vicinity of the trachea,
pericarditis accompanied with great effusion, and congestion,
and it may be ulceration, of the mucous membrane of the
duodenum. It is a blood-disease, and highly infectious. If
some of the blood of a chicken that has died of it be mixed
with the oats with which healthy chickens are fed, a con¬
siderable proportion, perhaps four out of six, are affected and
die; and similar results are produced by mixing the intestinal
excreta of diseased fowls with the food. It is an interesting
question how the virus thus administered enters the circulation.
The invariable affection of the lymphatic glands of the throat
suo-o-ests to M. Toussaint the idea that some accidental

O c?

* See c Untersuchungen iiber die Actiologie der Wundinfectionskrank-
eliiten.’ Yon Dr. Robert Koch. Leipzig, 1878. A translation is about to
be issued by the Sydenham Society.

852

REMARKS ON MICRO-ORGANISMS.

abrasion of the epithelium in the mouth or pharynx is probably
the channel ; and this view is confirmed by the fact that a
similar affection of the lymphatic glands, together with other
symptoms of the disease, is produced by inoculating the
chicken in the mouth; and further, by the circumstance that
such chickens as fail to take the disease when fed with the
infected food are liable to it when inoculated, implying that
it was merely some accidental circumstance which secured
their previous immunity. This disease has been made the
subject of special investigation by M. Pasteur. He found
that the micro-organism could be readily cultivated outside
the body of the fowl. It was, indeed, somewhat particular
as regards the fluid in which it would grow; thus, yeast-water,
in which the Bacillus anthracis grows readily, proved an un¬
suitable medium for this organism, but it grew luxuriantly in
chicken-broth, and, indeed, in infusion of other kinds of
meat ; but chicken-broth proved peculiarly convenient for the
purpose. M. Pasteur has been so kind as to send me some
tubes in which the organism has been cultivated, and a drop
of the liquid has been placed under a microscope on the table.
It will be seen that the organism is a minute form of bacterium,
oval-shaped, tendingto multiplication by transverse constriction,
and very frequently seen in pairs, and occasionally in chains.
Its transverse diameter is from 1-50, OOOth to 1-25, 000th of an
inch ; so that it resembles very closely the Bacterium lactis
(see d in the woodcut taken from a camera lucida sketch of
the organism sent by M. Pasteur). So far as I am aware
this is the first time this bacterium has been shown in this
country. Now, it was found by Pasteur that the organism
could be produced in chicken-broth in any number of successive
cultivations, and to the last retain its full virulence ; so that,
if a healthy chicken were inoculated with it, the fatal disease
was produced as surely as by inoculation with the blood of a
fowl that had died of the complaint. This was pretty con¬
clusive evidence that the organism was the cause of the
disease, and that it constituted the true infective element ;
because any other material that might be supposed to accom¬
pany it in the blood of the diseased animal must have been
got rid of by the successive cultivations in chicken-broth.

The growth of the organism occasions no putrefaction in
the liquid, so that this is a good example of a bacterium which
is most destructive as a disease, but which is at the same time
entirely destitute of septic property, in the primitive sense of
that term as equivalent to putrefactive. After the bacterium
has grown for a certain time in a given portion of chicken-
broth, it ceases to develop further; and when this is the case.

REMARKS ON MICRO-ORGANISMS. 853

although the broth has lost only a very small proportion of
its substance by weight, and although, as aforesaid, it has not
undergone putrefaction, and still constitutes an excellent
pabulum for ordinary forms of bacteria, the bacterium of the
fowl-cholera, though introduced from some new source, is
incapable of growing in it. This fact certainly seems highly
suggestive of an analogy with the effects of vaccination, or
those of an attack of measles or scarlatina in securing immunity
from the disease for the future. Here we have a certain
medium invaded by a virus capable of self-multiplication, as is
the case with those diseases in the animal body ; the medium
itself little affected chemically by the growth of the virus
within it, nevertheless rendered unfit for the development of
that virus for the future. But something more than the
suggestion of analogy with vaccination has been effected by
M. Pasteur. By cultivating this bacterium in a particular
manner, which he has not yet published, he enfeebles the
organism, as he believes, and produces such an alteration in
it that, when inoculated into a healthy fowl, it produces only
a modified and no longer fatal form of complaint, but the
bird is thereby rendered secure against taking the ordinary
form of the disease. It has been really vaccinated, if we adopt
M. Pasteur’s extension of the term vaccination to other
similar cases; for just as we speak of an iron milestone, we
may, if we please, apply the term vaccination to the use of a
virus other than the vaccine obtained from a heifer. But
though the vaccination with the modified bacteria and the
fowd-cholera does not occasion the fatal disease, it produces
pretty severe local effects. If inoculated on the breast of the
fowl it causes a limited gangrene of the pectoral muscle, the
affected part falling off in due time as a dry slough. Through
the great kindness of M. Pasteur, I have now the opportunity
of showing to the Section a hen which has been treated in
this way. You observe a slough on the breast of the bird,
about as large as a penny piece ; it is dry, and obviously old.
The fowl has been some days in my possession subsequently
to its journey from Paris; but though more than enough time
has elapsed since the inoculation to have caused its death,
had the disease been in the ordinary form, it is, you see, in
good health, bright and active, and it both eats and sleeps
well.*

I will now return to the Bacillus anthracis, with regard to
which I shall have again to refer to the labours of M. Toussaint.
First, howrever, I must allude to the work of some of my own

* M. Pasteur’s researches on this subject are related in the Comptes
fiendus de V Academic de Science , February, April, and May, 1880.

854

remarks on micro-organisms.

countrymen. In March, 1878, an experiment was made at
the Brown Institution, at the suggestion of Dr. Burdon
Sanderson, of inoculating a calf with the blood of a guinea-
pig which had died of splenic fever, which is exceedingly
fatal to rodentia. The result was that the calf took the
disease, but in a mild form, and recovered from it ; and a
similar fact wras observed in two heifers treated in the same
way.*

This line of inquiry has since been followed up by Dr.
Sanderson's successor at the Brown Institution, Dr. Green¬
field, with the view of ascertaining whether the milder form
of the disease in cattle, resulting from inoculation with the
blood of rodentia affected with it, confers upon the cattle
immunity from the complaint in its fatal form ; or, to use again
M. Pasteur's expression, whether the cattle have been vacci¬
nated with reference to anthrax. And I have great pleasure
in being able to inform the Section, by Dr. Greenfield's per¬
mission, that the question has been answered in the affirm¬
ative ; and that one bovine animal, inoculated seven months
ago with virus from a rodent, has proved itself, on repeated
inoculations, entirely incapable of contracting splenic fever,
remaining free from either constitutional or local manifesta¬
tions of it.

And now to return to M. Toussaint, who has made obser¬
vations with regard to this same subject of vaccination against
anthrax fraught with the very deepest interest. The question
arises, with regard to effective vaccination, using the term in
Pasteur's general sense : Is it essential that micro-organisms
should develop in the blood of the animal in which immunity
from further attacks of the disease is to be secured? or is it
possible that the necessary influence upon the system may
be exerted by merely chemical products of the growth of
that organism in some other medium ? With the view of
approaching the solution of this question, M. Toussaint has
performed experiments of injecting into the blood of healthy
sheep blood taken from an animal affected with splenic fever,
but deprived of the Bacillus anthracis. Taking blood from a
sheep just on the point of death, when the bacillus has pre¬
sumably produced all its possible effect upon the vital fluid, M.
Toussaint proceeds to deprive it of the living bacillus in either
of two ways — by filtration or by destroying the vitality of the
organism. The former he effects by mixing the blood with
three or four parts of water, and then passing it through about
twelve layers of ordinary filter-paper. The bacillus, in con-

* See Report, on Experiments on Anthrax by Dr. Sanderson ”( Journal of
the Royal Agricultural Society of England , vol. xvi, s.s., part 1).

REMARKS ON MICRO-ORGANISMS.

855

sequence of its large dimensions, is entirely retained by this
form of filter, as is proved by the fact that the filtrate no
longer gives rise to the organism in a cultivating liquid or in
a living animal. Nevertheless, if injected in considerable
quantity into the circulation of a healthy sheep, it produces
a true vaccinating influence ; that is to say, secures immunity
from splenic fever. But, what is further extremely interest¬
ing, in order that this change in the constitution of the
sheep may be brought about, the lapse of a certain time is
essential. If a vaccinated sheep be inoculated with anthrax
within a few days of the operation, it will die of splenic fever ;
but if from twelve to fifteen days be allowed to elapse, com¬
plete immunity is found to have been produced. Similar
results followed from the injection of anthrax blood treated
by M. Toussaint’s other method, which consists of main¬
taining it for a considerable time at a temperature of 55°
Cent. (131°Fahr.), wThich has the effect of killing the bacillus ;
after wrhich half per cent, of carbolic acid is added, to prevent
putrefaction of the liquid. The blood treated in this way
having been proved to be free from living bacilli by negative
results of an experiment upon a rodent, about four cubic
centimetres are injected into the venous system of a sheep,
with the effect of producing the same protective influence
against splenic fever as is ensured by the filtered blood.
These experiments are still in progress ; but M. Toussaint
informs me that he has already ascertained the existence of
immunity against anthrax for three months and a half in both
sheep and dogs treated in this way.

I need hardly remark on the surpassing importance of re¬
searches such as these. No one can say but that, if the
British Medical Association should meet at Cambridge again
ten years hence, some one may be able to record the discovery
of the appropriate vaccine for measles, scarlet fever, and other
acute specific diseases in the human subject. But even
should nothing more be effected than what seems to be
already on the point of attainment, the means of securing
poultry from death by fowl-cholera, and cattle from the
terribly destructive splenic fever, it must be admitted that we
have an instance ot a most valuable result from the much-
reviled vivisection.

I have yet one more example to give of researches in this
domain of pathology; and this also has reference to the
Bacillus anthracis. The investigator in this instance is Dr.
Buchner, assistant physician in Munich. It is well known
that the Bacillus anthracis is morphologically identical with
an organism frequently met with in infusion of hay, which

856 REMARKS ON MICRO-ORGANISMS.

may be termed hay-bacillus. Such being the case, it occurred
to Dr. Buchner that they might be merely one and the same
organism modified by circumstances. For my own part, I
am quite prepared to hear of such modifying influence being
exerted upon bacteria, having made the observation several
years ago that, when the Bacterium lactis had been cultivated
for some time in unboiled urine, it proved but a feeble lactic
ferment when introduced again into milk. Its power of pro¬
ducing the lactic fermentation had been impaired by residence
in the new medium. In the case before us, indeed, the
physiological difference between the two organisms seems, at
first sight, so great, as to forbid the idea of anything other
than a specific difference. The Bacillus anthracis refuses to
grow in hay infusion in which the hay-bacillus thrives with
the utmost luxuriance; and conversely, the hay-bacillus is
utterly incapable of growing in the blood of a living animal,
whether introduced in small or in large quantities. The hay-
bacillus is remarkable for its power of resistance to high tem¬
peratures, which is not the case with the Bacillus anlhracis
The latter is destroyed by a very slight acidity of the liquid
of cultivation, or by any considerable degree of alkalinity,
whereas the former survives under such conditions. Both
will grow in diluted extract of meat, but their mode of growth
differs greatly. The hay-bacillus multiplies rapidly, and
forms a dry and wrinkled skin upon the surface, while the
Bacillus antliracis produces a delicate cloud at the bottom of
the vessel, increasing slowly. Nothing daunted by these
apparent essential differences, Dr. Buchner has laboured with
indomitable perseverance by means of experiments carried on
in Professor Nageli's laboratory, to solve the double problem
of changing the Bacillus anthracis into hay-bacillus, and the
converse. Having devised an ingenious apparatus by which
a large reservoir of pure cultivating liquid was placed in com¬
munication with a cultivating vessel, so that any cultivation
could be drawn off by simply turning a stop-cock, and further
cultivating liquid supplied to the organisms remaining in the
vessel by a mere inclination of the apparatus, Buchner pro¬
ceeded to cultivate the isolated Bacillus anthracis in extract of
meat for several hundred successive generations. As an early
result of these experiments, he found that the bacillus lost its
power of producing disease in an animal inoculated with it.
Up to this point he is confirmed by Dr. Greenfield, who has
found that, when the bacillus anthracis is cultivated in aqueous
humour, after about six generations it loses its infective pro¬
perty. Then, as Buchner's experiments proceeded, the ap¬
pearance of the growing organism was found to undergo

REMARKS ON MICRO-ORGANISMS.

857

gradual modification. Instead of the cloud at the bottom of
the vessel, a scum began to make its appearance— at first
greasy-looking and easily broken up— constituting, so lar
appearances went, an intermediate form between the tuo
organisms; and in course of time the scum became dryer
and firmer, and at length the modified Bacillus anthracis w as
found to be capable of growing in an acid hay infusion, a
to present in every respect the characters of the hay-bacillus.
The converse feat of changing the hay-bacillus into the Bacillus
anthracis proved very much more difficult. A great number
of ingenious devices were adopted by Buchner, who was,
nevertheless, continually baffled till at last he attained success
in the following manner. Having obtained lbe blood of a
healthy animal under antiseptic precautions, and defibi mated
it also antiseptically, and having arranged his appparatus so
that the pure defibrinated blood, which was to be the cul¬
tivating medium, should be kept in constant movement so as
to continually break up the scum, and also keep the red
corpuscles in perpetual motion so as to convey oxygen to all
parts of the liquid— in this way imitating, to a certain extent,
the conditions1 of growth of the Bacillus anthracis outside the
an ma body withhi which the hay-bacillus could not be got
bv any means to develop-he proceeded to cultivate through
numerous successive generations. A transitional form soon
made its appearance ; but the change advanced only to a
limited degree, so that further progress by this method became
hopeless. The modified form hitherto obtained faded entirely
to grow when injected into the blood of an animal. On the
contrary, it was in a short time completely eliminated from
the system, just like the ordinary hay-bacillus. It had,
however, been observed by Buchner that spores had never
been formed by the bacillus growing in the defibrinated
blood • and it occurred to him that, perhaps, if it were trans¬
ferred to extract of meat, and induced to form spores here,
the modified organism might yet grow in the blood of a living
animal. The carrying out of this idea was crowned w^th
success ; and, both in the mouse and in the rabbit, Buchner
succeeded by injecting various different quantities containing
the organism in different animals. When large quantities
were introduced, the animals died rapidly from the merely
chemical toxic effects of the injected liquid ; but, in some
instances after the period for these primary effects had passed
a " disease supervened-attended, as in anthrax, with
great swelling of the spleen, the blood of which was founc
peopled as in that affection with newly formed bacilli; and
the spleens affected in this way were found to communicate

858 ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY OF ENGLAND.

anthrax to healthy animals, just like those of animals which
had died of ordinary splenic fever.*

Supposing these results to be trustworthy, and the record
of them bears all the stamp of authenticity, I need scarcely
point out to a meeting like the present their transcendent im¬
portance as bearing upon the origin of infective diseases, and
their modifications as exhibited in epidemics.

I trust that these examples may suffice to convey some idea
of the work now going on with reference to the relations of
micro-organisms to disease. — Brit. Med. Journ .

INFLUENCE OF STEAMING ON THE DIGESTIBILITY OF HAY.

By Hornrerger.

Tii ese experiments on feeding oxen with steamed hay have
as yet yielded no favorable result, the nitrogenous con¬
stituents of the steamed hay being present in a less digestible
form than in ordinary dry hay; only 68 per cent, of the
digestible nitrogenous constituents were assimilated (J. K. C.
— Journ. Chem. Soc.

ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY OF ENGLAND.

The Monthly Council Wednesday, November 3rd, 1880. Mr.
William Wells (President), in the chair. H.R.H. the Prince of Wales,
K.G., the Earl of Feversham, G eneral Viscount Bridport, Lord Chesham,
Lord Moreton, M.P., Lord Vernon, and many other noblemen and
gentlemen were present.

VETERINARY COMMITTEE.

The Hon. W. Egerton , M.P. (Chairman), reported that the following
report on Anthrax Experiments had been received from Dr. Greenfield,
Professor-Superintendent at the Brown Institution :

I have continued the experiments, which I commenced at the end of
last year, in the same direction as indicated in my last report — viz., the
inoculation of cattle with the virus of anthrax, modified in various ways,
with the view of protecting them from subsequent attack.

These experiments have been entirely successful, and have established,
in the most conclusive manner, the fact that an animal which has been
successfully inoculated is protected from the effects of future inoculation
with the unmodified virus.

* See c Ueber die experimentelle Erzeuguug des Milzbrandcontagiums
aus den Heupilzen.’ Von Hans Buchner, Miinchen, 1880.

ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY OF ENGLAND. 859

By a fortunate coincidence, I have also been able to expose some of
the animals to a known and very virulent contagion, and they have
escaped unharmed.

I have detailed in my report the successive tests to which these animals
were subjected.

I have, moreover, by experiments on smaller animals, been able to
demonstrate the possibility of modifying the virus by successive steps,
in such a way as to be able to attain, with a fair degree of certainty, an
extreme dilution of the poison, of all grades of intensity up to the most
virulent.

Hitherto, owing to the necessity for establishing the fact that complete
protection can be conferred by inoculation, and the expenses consequent
upon that part of the inquiry, I have not been able to make any com¬
plete series of experiments with the view of determining the mode of
inoculation which shall be easiest of practical adoption, and which, while
affording a high degree of protection, shall be productive of little con¬
stitutional disturbance and be unattended with risk. The experiments
which I have made in this direction lead me to believe that it will be
possible readily to attain the desired end ; and I propose to make this my
object in future experiments.

The Committee gave notice that at the next meeting of the Council
they will apply for the renewal of the veterinary grant of £250 for the
ensuing year.

A letter had been received from Professor Simonds, in reference to
reports by Professor Axe on investigations made by him relative to out¬
breaks of disease among cattle. The Committee recommended that
the one on Splenic Apoplexy be published in the Journal.

The following report has reference to an eruptive disease which
manifested itself among cattle, the property of Sir Henry Allsopp :

Oil the 8th of October I visited Hindlip Park Farm, and inquired
into the circumstances of the outbreak of disease herein referred to.

The herd consisted chiefly of Shorthorns, with a few small cattle of
the Shetland bred. In all, there were originally 184. The disorder
first appeared on the 8th of September last, and continued to spread
until the 30th, by which time the entire herd, from the youngest to the
oldest, were more or less affected. The first animal to suffer was a
yearling heifer located in a pasture at Martin Farm. On the following
day (September 9th) two others at pasture a mile and a half distant from
Martin Farm also showed signs of the disease. The former was removed
to Hindlip and placed in a box. The latter were turned into a pasture
adjoining the Hindlip farmstead. On the same day several others were
found affected in a lot of sixteen, located about a mile from the first
place of attack. On the 10th, 14th, and 15th fresh cases appeared, and
on the 11th the disorder had spread to the yards and boxes at Hindlip,
and subsequently became general throughout the herd. The first sym¬
ptoms observed were more or less swelling at the back part of the knee-
joint, associated with morbid heat and tenderness, and an oozing of
watery matter from the swollen surface. The swelling, as a rule, ex¬
tended upwards sometimes as high as the shoulder, causing great lame¬
ness, and in some instances severe constitutional disturbance — occa¬
sionally, death. In some cases abscesses were found to form in the leg
or on the breast, or deep in the tissues of the neck, which, when broken,
discharged a thin, offensive, purulent fluid, interspersed with masses of
disintegrated connective tissue. Similar formations had sometimes been
noticed in remote parts, as the thigh, back, &c. Post-mortem examination
reveals marked changes of a destructive character, among which may be

860

ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY OF ENGLAND.

mentioned plugging and obliteration of the veins, and various textural
alterations in bones, muscles, and joints, and other tissues and organs of
the body. Notwithstanding the formidable character which the disease
in many cases assumed in the Hindlip herd, the treatment applied by Mr.
Perrins, of Worcester, was eminently successful, as out of the 184 cases
only one animal was lost. The curative measures adopted consisted in the
administration of laxative medicine, followed by stimulants and antiseptic
agents. This was supplemented with local fomentations and poulticing
and the timely evacuation of abscesses where occasion required it.

With regard to food, I was informed that at the time of the outbreak
the cattle at pasture were living exclusively on grass, while those under
cover were receiving a mixed diet, consisting of cabbage, green clover, hay,
chaff, and linseed-cake. In the case of the calves, some were receiving
milk direct from the dam, and others were pail-fed. It should be men¬
tioned here, that the milk of the diseased cows continued to be supplied
to the calves in the usual way throughout the attack, but whether in
any case the disease arose from this circumstance, or altogether from the
more general cause, could not be satisfactorily ascertained. The water
supply was derived from two sources.

1. From ponds fed by surface water. 2. From springs at the foot of
distant hills. Water derived from the latter source was pumped into
large tanks, and from thence dealt out in the usual way, not only to
animals in the yards and sheds, but likewise to many others in adjoining
fields. In the appearance and general character of the pond water there
was nothing unusual, and the salubrity of the spring water was affirmed
by its somewhat extensive use in the households about the farm. The
sanitary arrangements of the sheds and yards were all that could be
desired.

In endeavouring to discover the origin and nature of the disease, I had
the advantage of conferring with Mr. H. Perrins, to whom I am indebted
for much valuable information and assistance. I should state that prior
to my visit to Hindlip, I had been consulted by several veterinary
surgeons respecting similar outbreaks in various parts of the country,
and from Mr. Wilson, veterinary surgeon, of Berkhampstead, I had re¬
ceived the two fore extremities of a cow which had died from the disease.
It was admitted by all that the malady presented very exceptional
pathological features, and various views were expressed as to its nature
and origin. By some the malady was attributed to long immersion of
the legs in water, by standing in ponds and pools, while others regarded
it as a consequence of the continuous irritation of the legs by
flies. With regard to the former, it need only be stated of the herd in
question that in no instance had the cattle access to water beyond being
able to drink it. In the case of the ponds referred to, they were so
fenced round as to prevent the ingress of cattle, allowing, at the same
time, every facility for taking water ; while the stock in the yard was in no
way unduly exposed to moisture. The suggestion concerning flies cannot
be thus summarily dismissed. That they were instrumental in the
causation of the malady seems highly probable, first, on account of the
large numbers which suddenly appeared, and infested the cattle during
the hot weather which preceded the outbreak ; and, secondly, on account
of the situation and nature of the primary disease. In the latter con¬
nection, I am informed that in every instance the disorder first mani¬
fested itself on the back part of the knee-joint, where flies usually con¬
gregate in large numbers. Having regard to the nature of the lesions,
which were such as follow the inoculation of putrid animal matter, I was
particular to inquire as to the possibility of any such means of infection.

ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY OF ENGLAND* 861

In this direction I gathered that no animal matter of such a description
was to be found upon the farm. In answer to my inquiry as to the dis¬
posal of foetal membranes, I was informed that, in all cases of parturition,
they were buried as soon as discharged. So far as extraneous putrid
matter was concerned, there did not appear to be any evidence of its
existence on the farm in any form. Still, regarding the affection as
having its origin in the inoculation of some putrid substance, there
appeared to remain but one other source whence such matter could be
derived, and that was from the cows themselves. Early in the attack a
copious discharge of serous fluid issued from the enlarged knees, and
soon became putrid and offensive. That the discharge was the conse¬
quence of irritation set up by flies, may, I think, be admitted, for
the reasons above stated. The extension of the disease, and the peculiar
nature subsequently assumed by it, depended on, I believe, the trans¬
ference of the putrid exudation from one cow to another by flies.

J. Wobtley Axe,

Professor of Pathology and Morbid Anatomy at the
Royal Veterinary College.

Professor Simonds further reported that besides these cases many
others of the same kind came under the notice of the officers of the
Royal Veterinary College, during the hot weather which prevailed from
about the middle of August to the middle of September, and added :

Besides these investigations, several communications, some from Mem¬
bers of the Society, relating to parasitic diseases among sheep and lambs,
have been received. None of these cases, however, call for any special
report, as they have been of the ordinary kind, in which emaciation and
death of the animals depended on worms in the windpipe, or stomach
and intestines, or in some instances in both. The cases had mostly
yielded to the free use of tonic and anthelmintic agents, conjoined with
a full supply of nutritive food.

The parasitic disease of sheep known as the fluke disease or rot , has
been prevalent to a greater or less extent from the beginning of the
year, and in some flocks which were thought to have escaped the out¬
break of last year serious losses have occurred. Doubtless these losses
were mainly due to the almost continuous wet weather which prevailed
throughout the spring and down to the middle of August.

With regard to the development of the flukes within the body of the
sheep and other animals, it may be remembered that Dr. John Harley,
in a letter to The Times, affirmed that the entozoa had their origin in the
sheep having swallowed with their food mature flukes whose generative
organs were filled with perfected ova. Dr. Harley disputed the opinion
that the embryos of the parasite passed through transformations out of
the bodies of animals, prior to their being sufficiently perfected to
develop into flukes within the body. In his communication of April 3rd,
he thus wrote : — “ This error may be disproved by any farmer who will
take the trouble to feed a new-born lamb with a few flukes taken direct
from the body of a recently killed sheep, and before they have discharged
their eggs ; and, keeping the lamb free from further infection for a few
weeks, then examine the alimentary canal and liver, when he will find
the parasite in increased numbers in the body of the lamb.”

It might perhaps have been thought unnecessary to put these state¬
ments to the test of experiment, but, nevertheless, I determined to do
so. The following particulars will show the result :

April 16th, 1880. Procured a sheep far advanced in rot, for the
purpose of having it killed, that some flukes might be given to two

li 1 1. 59

862 ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY OF ENGLAND.

young lambs which had been born in the College, and were still living
entirely on the milk of their dam.

On opening the purchased ewe, the liver was found to be extensively
diseased, and the biliary ducts to be filled with fully matured flukes.

Fifty of the flukes, whose generative organs were distended with per¬
fected ova, were selected, and twenty-jive of them given to each lamb in
a little milk.

The lambs were kept with the ewe, and carefully watched day by day.
No ill effects were observed.

On July 25th, five weeks and five days after the flukes had been
given, one of the lambs was killed. The liver was found to be perfectly
healthy, and not the slightest indication of a fluke having entered the
biliary ducts existed. Every other organ also of the body was in a
healthy condition.

August 6th. — Killed the other lamb, which, like the first one, was
entirely free from disease, and not a single fluke, young or old, or any
ova, were to be detected.

The Committee had received from the local authority of Cumberland
the following copy of a letter addressed to the Veterinary Department
of the Privy Council :

Clerk of the Peace’s Office, Carlisle, October 30th.

Sir, — At a special meeting of the Executive Committee of the Local
Authority of Cumberland, held this day, I was directed to make a
representation to the Veterinary Department of the Privy Council,
setting out that the County of Cumberland had been free from pleuro¬
pneumonia from the month of May last until the 22nd of this month ;
that on that day a cargo of about 370 cattle were landed at Silloth in
this county from Ireland, ex Caledonia steamer.

That Mr. Bell, the veterinary inspector of the said Local Authority,
examined the cattle, and found one heifer stirk suffering from disease
which he believed to be pleuro-pneumonia, and which animal, by his
direction, was detained by the police. That the said animal died the
following day (Saturday the 23rd October), and that he made a post¬
mortem examination, and found that it had died of pleuro-pneumonia.
A copy of his report has been already forwarded to the Privy Council.
The remainder of the cattle landed from the same vessel were removed
from Silloth by train to Carlisle and Northumberland, and some of them
which had been in actual contact with the animal which died were sold
on Carlisle Sands. The attention of the Privy Council having been
called to this matter, an answer was received from them, stating that
the attention of the Irish Government had been called to the case by
the Privy Council.

I have further to state that on the 26th of this mouth Mr. Bell again
attended at Silloth, and examined 314 cattle brought from Ireland by
the same vessel, when he found seven of them without any official brand
of inspection upon them.

That this day (the 30th October) he again attended at Silloth, and
examined 136 cattle and 72 pigs, brought over by the same vessel and
that four of the cattle were without any official brand, and this, on
both the last-named days, after the special attention of the Irish
Government had been called to the lax examination of their officials.

The local authority, under these circumstances, and considering the
danger which must arise from animals suffering from the disease being
moved about the county, would press upon the Privy Council the pro¬
priety, if not the necessity, of making an order, giving the local authority

ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY OF ENGLAND. 863

power to declare the port of Silloth, or any other port in this county
where Irish cattle are landed, an infected place, when pleuro is found
there, in the same manner as a farmstead may now be declared an
infected place, and subject to the like rules and restrictions. — I am, Sir,
your obedient servant.

(Signed) T. H. Hodgson

Clerk to the Local Authority.

The Clerk of the Council, Veterinary Department, Privy Council
Office, London.

Mr. Wakefield said he desired to ask the co-operation of the Society in
the matter alluded to in the letter from the Cumberland Local Authority.
It had been very frequently before owners of cattle in Cumberland and
Westmoreland, but they were perfectly powerless. He thought it was
generally known and admitted that the inspection on the other side of
the Channel was merely a delusion and a sham, and he earnestly hoped
that all possible assistance would be given to arouse the Government to
the necessity of seeing that the officers on the other side performed their
duty.

Mr. Dent stated that there had recently been five outbreaks of pleuro¬
pneumonia in the West Riding of Yorkshire; and he had been informed
that in each case they were traceable to Irish cattle which had been
bought for feeding. Undoubtedly more stringent regulations ought to
be enforced. The evil was very great, and ought to be stopped by the
Government ; but he was afraid that no more stringent regulations could
be carried out without the consent of Parliament. He was sorry that
Professor Brown had been obliged to leave the Council, as he might
have been in a position to give some useful information; but with regard
to foot-and-mouth disease, perhaps Professor Simonds could tell the
Council where it came from, and where and to what extent it is in
existence.

Professor Simonds said that so far as concerned the power that the Local
Authorities have, or the Government has, with reference to animals
landed from Ireland, it was simply that the animals already subject to
disease could be killed, but they had no power to detain animals which
had been in contact with those so affected. This was doubtless a blot
in the Act, and if they could possibly find a way to have it remedied it
would be right to do so. He believed it was generally admitted that
foot-and-mouth disease had found its way from the cattle market at
Deptford. Some animals landed there were affected and killed, and as
this was one of the diseases conveyed by mediate infection, it was by
that means that the disease made its escape from Deptford, the infection
having been carried by individuals. There could be no doubt that the
Local Authority would make use of all possible precautions so as to arrest
the progress of the disease ; but unfortunately it always happened in
this country that when these outbreaks occurred they assumed a very
serious form—a fact which clearly demonstrated the importance of
exercising all the restrictions permitted by law.

The Eon. W. Egerton , M.P., expressed his opinion that the Council
should call the attention of the Privy Council to the letter addressed to
them by the local authority of the County of Cumberland ; and after some
further discussion, it was unanimously resolved, on the motion of Mr. Dent ,
seconded by Mr. Wakefield. —

That the President of the Society be requested to call the attention of
the Privy Council to the letter received from the Clerk of the Peace of
the County of Cumberland relative to an outbreak of pleuro-pneumonia,

864

KOVAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS.

which occurred in a cargo of cattle lately landed at Silioth, and that he
urge upon the Privy Council that more stringent regulations and more
careful inspection of imported Irish cattle are requisite both at the ports
of embarkation and arrival.

The report of the Committee was then adopted.

ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS.

SPECIAL MEETING OF THE COUNCIL, HELD OCTOBER

27th, 1880,

The President, George Fleming, Esq., in the chair.

Present: — Professors Robertson, Axe, and Pritchard; Messrs. Batt,
Collins, Cox, Dollar, Dray, Dun, Gowing, Greaves, Harpley, Taylor,
Woods, and the Secretary. The notice was read convening the meeting.

The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed.

Letters were read from Professors Walley and Williams; Messrs.
Coates, Freeman, Blakeway, Whittle, and Morgan, expressing their
inability to attend the meeting.

A letter was read from the Norfolk and Eastern Counties Veterinary
Medical Society, offering their assistance in procuring the Penal Act.
The Secretary was directed to thank them for the offer of their support.

A letter was read from Mr. Archibald Robinson accepting the appoint¬
ment as Examiner, and expressing his thanks to the Council for the
honour conferred upon him.

House Committee.

The report was received, and assent was given by the Council to the
request contained therein.

Winter Examinations.

The President said it had been notified by the Principal of the Royal
Veterinary College that the first week in January would be a con¬
venient time to commence the Examinations, and that they would
occupy about six nights in London.

Notice of Resignation.

The President said he had given notice of his resignation as a member
of the Court of Examiners. He had done so on two grounds. In the first
place, there had been an agitation since he was elected President with
regard to a second Examiner being appointed at the Final Examination.
The matter was brought on in a rather hasty and informal way at the
meeting for the election of President and Vice-Presidents, and, of course,
could not be then considered. When the matter was brought forward at
a subsequent meeting he expressed his views on the subject, and stated
that he thought a personal reflection was cast upon himself ; and after
referring to the rumours which had been promulgated in a certain
quarter of late, said that if a second Examiner were appointed he
should consider it a slur upon himself, and should resign. The mover
of the motion then brought forward another resolution, leaving it
to the Financial Committee to consider whether a second Examiner
should not also be appointed at the First and Second Examina¬
tions, but that Committee reported at the last meeting that the funds of
the College would not allow of these second Examiners. The mover

ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS.

865

of the motion, who, unfortunately, was absent, then expressed Ins
dissatisfaction with the state of the Examining Board, and expressed his
intention to have a Committee appointed to inquire into its condition. In
a subsequent conversation he added that he had no particular desire
to have second Examiners appointed at the First and Second Examina¬
tions, it being the Final Examination that he considered unsatisfactory.
Before the close of the meeting he (the President), to obviate discussion
on the matter, mentioned that the present Examiners would cease to
hold office next year, but he afterwards found that their term did not
expire till June, 1882. That being so he thought it better to resign his
office at once, and accordingly placed his resignation in their hands,
thanking the Council for the honour conferred upon him by his appoint¬
ment to this very responsible office, and assuring them that he had
endeavoured to the utmost of his ability to carry out the duties
appertaining to that high and honorable position. With regard to the
question itself he could not help thinking that a second Examiner was
not desirable, and was unnecessary. There had been no complaint as to
the Examiners or the examinations that he was aware of, and if there
was any grievance it would, most assuredly, be heard and considered
by the Council. The mover of the motion himself knew little with
regard to the procedure of the Examination or of the subjects which
were examined upon at the table at which he wanted to have a second
Examiner appointed ; his information, therefore, must have been derived
from others, and if the rumours which were afloat were true, that
source of information was most unreliable. Standing in that position he
felt it necessary to place his resignation in their hands. The Examining
Board should be beyond all blame or suspicion, it should suffer no stain
whatever upon its reputation for impartiality or efficiency. Their
College existed almost entirely as an Examining Body, and if any fliult.
was found it should be remedied immediately. He had, therefore,
decided to pursue this course, in order to enable the Council at once to
deal with the matter.

Mr. Bray said the announcement made by Mr. Fleming of his in¬
tended resignation as an Examiner would be received with unfeigned
regret. His competency to perform the functions could not be impugned.
When he (Mr. Dray) was President of the Council, he took opportuni¬
ties of hearing Mr. Fleming examine the students, and could bear
testimony to the kind and firm manner in which he treated the aspirants
to veterinary honours. Why then should the Council accept the resig¬
nation of a gentleman whose attainments were unsurpassed, and whose
indomitable perseverance and industry could not be equalled, and who
was constantly and assiduously applying his energies to the furtherance
of the interests of the profession of which he is so distinguished a
member ? (Applause.) He should, therefore, propose the following
resolution : — “ Resolved, that the intended resignation of Mr. Fleming,
one of the Examiners of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, be
not accepted, he having fulfilled the duties with great satisfaction to the
whole of the profession and justice to the students. The Council there¬
fore hope and trust Mr. Fleming will reconsider his intention and not
abdicate a position for which he is so eminently qualified.”

Mr. Taylor seconded the motion. He assured Mr. Fleming that in
retaining his office he would have the support of the whole Council, and
not only° of the Council but of the whole of the profession.

Mr. Greaves said he could reiterate every word uttered by Mr. Dray.
They looked upon Mr. Fleming as one of the most efficient Examiners
they could appoint. He believed the gentleman who had brought for-

ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS.

ward the motion, to which allusion had been made, had taken the steps
he had from no feeling of disrespect to their President, or from the
least wish to injure his high character. He (Mr. Greaves) was one of
those who entertained the opinion that it would be well to have two
Examiners, but finding that they could not afford two, must be content
with one. There was no one man in the profession that he would choose
in preference to Mr. Fleming. The honour of the profession was per¬
fectly safe in his hands, and he hoped that the resignation would be
withdrawn.

The President thanked the Council for their kind expressions. Pie did
not bring forward the motion entirely on his own behalf, but because he
felt that a grave professional question had arisen, and one very much
affecting the honour of their whole corporation. He altogether ex¬
empted himself specially from the motion, and spoke entirely on behalf
of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, and on behalf of the best
interests of the profession. (Hear, hear.) No man that was incom¬
petent was wittingly passed by the Examiners, and any word of reproach
on the Examiners was a great injustice to the Royal College. With
these feelings he had brought the matter forward, and could only do so
by tendering his resignation. He would willingly withdraw that re¬
signation (applause), enjoying, as he did, their confidence; but only
upon one condition, namely, that students presenting themselves for
examination, should come up by numbers only, and not by name. That
course was adopted by the Royal College of Surgeons, and if it were
adopted no one would then be able to say that the Examiners could have
any partiality or enmity with regard to any particular school.

Professor Robertson seconded the suggestion. The fact was that the
Examiners in Edinburgh had never been able to point out the students
belonging to one school more than another. He was exceedingly pleased
with the reception which the Council had given to the President’s resig¬
nation, for certainly no man was better qualified than Mr. Fleming to
act as an Examiner to the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.

Mr. Dray said he was delighted that the President had withdrawn his
resignation ; at the same time he should like, with the permission of the
Council, that his resolution should appear on the minutes.

The resolution was then put and unanimously adopted.

A resolution was also agreed to, on the motion of the President ,
seconded by Professor Robertson, “That hereafter students, instead of
being admitted to examination by name, be admitted by number.”

Mr. Taylor read a paragraph from a Manchester paper of Sept. 22nd,
copied from the Times relating to the new building of the Royal
College of Veterinary Surgeons, and wished to know if the statement
contained therein was correct.

The President said he was in utter ignorance of the source of the
report, the latter portion of which was certainly incorrect.

SECOND SPECIAL MEETING.

The President said the first motion for confirmation was as follows : —

“ That no student receive the diploma of the Royal College of Veteri¬
nary Surgeons till he shall have attained the age of twenty years.”

Mr. Taylor moved, and Mr Dray seconded, that this be now confirmed.
The resolution was agreed to.

The next business was the confirmation of the bye-law, with regard
to the pupilage of the candidate : — “That in and after the year 1884
no candidate present himself for the diploma until he shall have given

EDINBURGH VETERINARY COLLEGE. 867

proof of having received at least one year’s pupilage from a qualified
member of the profession.”

Mr. Dray moved that this be confirmed.

Mr. Greaves seconded the motion.

Professor Robertson said he did not think the Council had power to take
such a step. He believed the schools would protest against it, and take
legal advice upon it.

The President said the Council was not acting without advice. In
December, 1878, an opinion was given by an eminent lawyer that the
Council had power to enforce anything that was necessary with regard
to the education of students.

Professor Robertson said the Council certainly had power to examine
the candidates as they chose, but he thought they had no power to pre¬
scribe how they were to obtain their knowledge.

The President said the subject was fully discussed at the last meeting.
If the Council had been acting on an erroneous opinion the bye-law
could be cancelled.

The resolution was then agreed to.

Professor Axe then moved as an instruction to the colleges : — “ That
all students entering the several colleges after the 1st January, 1881, be
required to produce a register of birth, or other satisfactory evidence
of their having attained the age of twenty years, before receiving the
diploma of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.”

The resolution was seconded and agreed to.

On the motion of the President , the Council directed that copies of
these bye-laws be sent to the principals of each of the schools.

A vote of thanks to the President brought the proceedings to a close.

EDINBURGH VETERINARY COLLEGE.

Opening of the Session, 1880 — 1.

[We extract the following from the North British Agriculturist , as up
to the time of preparing for press no official report of the Inaugural
Address delivered at the Edinburgh College had reached us.]

The Lord Provost of Edinburgh presided at the opening proceedings
of the college (Dick’s) in the Council Chambers.

After a few appropriate remarks by the Provost,

Principal Walley delivered his introductory address, the subject being
“Veterinary Quackery, and the Relation of the Veterinary Profession
to the Public.” He first referred to the various kinds of veterinary
quacks, who, he said, were found amongst stockowners, coachmen,
grooms, shoeing smiths, shepherds, saddlers, and others, who had no
real knowledge how to cure the ailments of animals as they pretended to
do. The profession was also invaded by certain chemists and druggists,
manufacturers of artificial food, and even by medical men. The result
of the operations of the quacks was that both directly and indirectly
they destroyed more lives than they saved, and caused more pain than
what they alleviated. With regard to the veterinary surgeon as a pro¬
tector of the public, he performed, for example, an important function
in the examination of horses as to their soundness, and in the detection
of diseased meat and vitiated milk. He also rendered valuable services
in the reduction of the number of contagious diseases in cattle. It was
an important circumstance to observe that there was no contagious
disease to which animals in this country were liable that could not be

868

NEW VETERINARY COLLEGE.

effectually got rid of if prompt and energetic measures were taken
on its first appearance. Veterinary sanitary science ought to be more
encouraged than it was. In no country had this sciencebeen so under¬
valued as in the United States, and the consequence was that many
flocks had been ravaged by disease. In speaking of the condition of
the dairies of Edinburgh, he said that the proprietors of them were
always ready to accept any suggestion from him with a view to their
improvement. At the present moment he was glad to say that there was
not a single case of contagious disease in any of the dairies. (Applause.)
He concluded by giving some advice to the students.

Convener Williams moved a vote of thanks to Principal Walley for his
address, which was heartily accorded.

NEW VETERINARY COLLEGE.

Opening of the Session, 1880 — 1.

The New Veterinary College, Gayfield Square, was opened by an
address by Principal Williams. Captain Mitchel occupied the chair.
Principal Williams advised those entering the College to cherish a feel¬
ing of deep responsibility for their professional career. He said that
they had great influence in war, as the efficiency of cavalry and artillery
depended upon the condition of the horses. Of the importance of this
subject the war in South Africa had given striking examples; and he
pointed out that this had not received a fitting; recompense ; only one
reward, and that a good service pension of £50 had been bestowed. In
the course of a short history of the veterinary science, he stated that
there were at present three schools in Scotland and one in England.
Without entering into a discussion as to what preliminary education was
necessary for a student, he yet strongly recommended them to study
French and German. The profession, he considered, had now reached
that stage when it could apply for a penal clause in order to prevent
those who had no diploma passing themselves off on the public. Conta¬
gious diseases were on the decrease in this country, and the Contagious
Diseases Act of 1868 had been to a great degree successful. The
County of Edinburgh might be stated to be free of pleuro, whilst foot-
and-mouth disease had for a long time disappeared. After some
reference to the arrangements recently effected between the Highland
Society and the veterinary profession, Professor Williams alluded to the
harmony and good feeling which prevailed during his year of office as
President of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. That harmony
he attributed in a great measure to the fact of his having avoided the
introduction of anything likely to cause discord, but he regretted to find
that no sooner had his year of office expired, than innovations were be¬
ing introduced which, if persisted in, would go far to destroy the unity
of the profession so recently obtained, though long desired.

With reference to matters more particularly of interest to the public,
the lecturer proceeded to say, It was not my intention to refer to the
American cattle question, upon which, as some of you are aware, I
differed in opinion with the veterinary advisers of the Privy Council in
1879 ; but in the last Blue-Book issued on August 31, 1880, my name is
brought forward in connection with the researches of Mr. Lyman, an
old student of this College, who was sent over by the United States
Government during this summer. It appears from this Blue-Book that
the Agricultural Department at Washington received a letter from Mr.

NEW VETERINARY COLLEGE.

863

Lyman, dated the last week in July, in which he asserted that he had
examined infected American cattle arriving in Liverpool since he came ;
that he finds many infected with what is known here and in England as
pleuro-pneumonia (although, he adds, Professor Williams, of Edinburgh,
does not consider it pleuro-pneumonia) ; that the disease was in most
cases fresh ; that the lungs were but slightly affected ; and that three
fourths of the cases were Western cattle exported from Boston. You
will notice that this letter of Mr. Lyman is said to have been sent in the
last week in July. Now I never saw any of the lungs reported on by
Mr. Lyman until the 20th of August, a few days before Mr. Lyman
sailed for America. How it can be stated that 1 considered the disease
was not pleuro, when I never saw it, is beyond my comprehension. It
is, however, right that the public should know the merits of the case.

Seeing, then, that my name has again been brought up in this
matter, I take the opportunity of repeating that the American disease
which I had the opportunity of studying in 1879, was not pleuro¬
pneumonia, but bronchitis, and that it was of a non-contagious nature,
brought on by the vicissitudes of travel.

I do not for a moment deny that pleuro exists in the United States ;
nor would I wish to see the restrictions upon the importation of States
cattle into this country removed, so long as the Government of that
country do not enforce a sufficient security against the spread of disease,
or so long as there is no legal line of demarcation which would prevent the
movement of animals from the Eastern to the Western States.

Mr. Lyman, I am told, examined the lungs of over 10,000 American
cattle slaughtered at Birkenhead, and found that in most cases of those
diseased the lungs were but slightly affected. Now, if the disease were
pleuro, every man who has had experience of it will agree with me that,
amongst so many animals, some at least would be found with their lungs
in an advanced state of disease, although the cattle of themselves
appeared in perfect health; for it is a well-known fact that many
animals regain the best of health after having suffered from pleuro,
become fat, and when slaughtered, perhaps months afterwards, present
lesions of an unmistakeable nature. I have seen scores of such, and I
have no doubt that every practical man who has opportunities will
agree with me.

One writer, who had the opportunity of seeing the same lungs as
myself at Liverpool, but differs with me in opinion, states, fC Granted
that the necroscopical appearances were not exactly identical with those
we are accustomed to see in dairy cows, or, in fact, in any class of cattle
where the disease runs a rapid course, the departures from the ordinary
characteristics were not so great as to leave even the slightest doubt in
the mind of the author as to the true nature of the disease, and these
departures were no more than are produced by local circumstances — as
breed, sex, and age of animals, mode of feeding, condition, strength of
constitution, intensity of the disease, rapidity of its progress, and the
primary localization of its origin, i.e. whether in the bronchial mem¬
brane, the pulmonary structure, or the pleura.5’

Now, pleuro-pneumonia is a specific disease, and presents specific
lesions, as specific and distinct as the smallpox pustule. It is very true
that an ordinary lung inflammation in cattle leads to a condition very
similar to that seen in pleuro, and it is an easy matter to confound one
with the other ; but when we have thousands of lungs examined, and
none of the diseased ones present signs of the disease except in its fresh
state, I think we are at liberty to conclude that the matter at least
requires a thorough reinvestigation.

870

NEW VETERINARY COLLEGE.

I have in the next place to draw your attention to what is just now
agitating the public mind, namely, the Texas or splenic fever, which is
said to have been discovered at Birkenhead in American cattle.

This, according to the description and history, is a most remarkable
disease, and differs from all other known maladies in being communicated
by apparently healthy Texan cattle to cattle of other breeds with which
they may come in contact, or which may feed on pastures contaminated
with the excreta of the Texan beasts. “ Animals which are thus infected,”
says Professor Brown in his last report, “ suffer and die at the rate of 90
per cent. ; but they are not capable of infecting other cattle ” — in other
words, Texan cattle in the most robust state of health communicate a
disease which proves fatal to 90 per cent, of other than Texan cattle ;
but here the matter ends, for these diseased cattle are incapable of
further propagating the malady, or, according to Professor Brown,
“ The poison is rendered harmless by entering the system of any but a
Texan beast, or probably it may be more correct to say that only Texan
cattle have the power of excreting the poison of the disease.”

The above opinion is founded upon a report by Professor Gamgee, who
studied the disease in 1868 ; but there are some remarkable facts
brought out in evidence, one of which I will venture to bring before
you; 211 Texan cattle were driven to a farm in the vicinity of Fran-
cesville, Indiana, arriving there on the 26th May, 1867, in fine condition.
They were brought in immediate contact with the native cattle on the
farm, and allowed to mingle and intermingle in grazing for about six
weeks, no disease making its appearance.

“ About this time a Mr. Blair purchased another lot of 337 Texan cattle,
which were immediately driven to his farm in this country. They were
also from the frontier, and were in excellent condition. Like the others,
they were placed upon old grazing ground, and native cattle were per¬
mitted to mingle with them and to graze upon the same ground with and
after them. This herd was placed for quite a number of days in a large
pasture which was reserved for milch cows. After they were removed
therefrom the milch cows were immediately returned thereto, and have
been grazing therein ever since, and no disease has made its appearance
as yet (September 23rd, 1868).

“ On the 1st July this herd was moved on to aground opposite to that
on which the lot of 211, already mentioned, were grazing, a small brook,
which becomes nearly extinct in dry weather, only intervening. About
two weeks after Mr. Blair’s cattle had been placed on this ground, the
weather became extremely hot ; and the season being previously very
dry, the water was speedily dried up in the creek, except where it
stood in stagnant pools, from which the cattle had to drink it, and the
grass became dry and parched, unfit for food. Cattle suffered gi'eatly
from the extreme heat, and received but little nutriment from the dried
grass which they ate and the stagnant water which they drank. Their
systems being thus depressed by these adverse causes were rich resorts
for any disease, the germs of which were present.

“On the 27th July a number of native cattle sickened; some died
suddenly, others lingered for six or eight days. From the day on
which the disease first manifested itself it appeared successively among
all the cattle that were allowed at any time to wander and graze over
the ground whereon Texan cattle were kept ; and nothing could save
the cattle after the fearful symptoms of the disease had made their
appearance. The only positively safe remedy was soon found to be a
preventive — namely, confining Texan cattle closely upon their grounds,
not allowing them to be moved about from one place to another, and to

GLASGOW VETERINARY COLLEGE.

871

carefully prevent all native cattle from coming into contact with them
or the pastures upon which they grazed. This judicious course,
together with several fine heavy rains, followed by a cooler atmosphere,
better water and pasture, occurring about two weeks after the first
appearance of the disease, had the happy effect of checking the prevalence
of it. No new cases occurred, except upon the farms where it already
existed. Even amid the cattle most severely affected a marked change
for the better was immediately observed. Many of them began to
recover slowly, and have finally reached a complete recovery” ( Blue-
book , August o 1st, 1880).

You will observe that in this outbreak three factors, in addition to the
presence of Texan cattle, were in operation — namely, very hot weather,
short supply of water and that in a stagnant condition, and grass so
parched as to be unfit for food. To most men conversant with cattle diseases
these causes would have appeared to be quite sufficient, of themselves to
induce a pestilence amongst stock; but neither the writer of the report
nor the chief inspector of the Privy Council seem to attach any import¬
ance to them, although the disease seems to have discontinued when
these causes were counteracted by heavy rains, cooler atmosphere, and
more abundant pasture. No remedy was of avail whilst the three causes
were in operation, but immediately upon their disappearance “the most
severely afflicted ” became convalescent and finally recovered.

Gentlemen, I am not in a position to contradict the conclusions of the
chief veterinary adviser of the Privy Council, but to my mind there are
great grounds to doubt their correctness ; and seeing that our welfare
very greatly depends upon a supply of cattle from America, where they
can be reared and delivered in this country at a much cheaper rate
than they can be bred, I think the whole question, not only as it applies
to pleuro but also to Texan fever, should be reopened and thoroughly
investigated.

It is very true, fat cattle are landed here and our beef supply thus
materially increased ; but this is not what is required. The farmer
wants to be supplied with cattle ready for feeding, at a price that will
leave him some profit, a want which cannot be supplied unless American
store stock are allowed access to our inland markets. Two years ago
home-bred lean stock, bought in the autumn, cost as much, and in many
cases more money, than they sold for beef in the following spring,
leaving nothing to the farmer but the manure. Can we wonder, then,
at the extreme depression which has proved so disastrous to our
agriculturists ?

On the motion of Dr. Dycer , a vote of thanks was accorded to Principal
Williams for his lecture ; and a similar compliment having been
awarded to the chairman, the proceedings terminated.

GLASGOW VETERINARY COLLEGE.
Opening of the Session, 1880 — 1„

The Introductory Lecture to the Winter Ssssion of Glasgow Veterinary
College was delivered yesterday afternoon by F. W. Clark, Esq., L.L.D.,
Sheriff-Principal of Lanarkshire.

Principal M’Call occupied the chair ; and in addition to the students,
who were present in large numbers — the lecture-room being crowded —
the following gentlemen among others were present : — Professor Young,
Glasgow University ; Dr. Marwick, City Chambers ; Rev. D. Johnston,

£72

GLASGOW VETERINARY COLLEGE.

Cambuslang ; Rev. Mr. Storry, Carmunnock ; R. Walker, Esq., Le-
thamkill; Mr. Johnson, Letterick ; and Mr. Young, junr., Greenlees;
Professors Knox, Cooke, and Macqueen, Glasgow Veterinary College.
The following Veterinary Surgeons were also present: — Mr. M’GTh,
London ; Mr. Dunlop, Belfast ; Mr. Kidney, Belfast ; Mr. MYntoslq
Dumfries; Mr. Thomas Campbell, Kirkcudbright; Mr. Chivas, Cor-
bridge; Mr. Thomson, Inverness; Mr. Spreull, Dundee; Mr. Crockatt,
Dundee ; Mr. Lindsay, Alloa ; Mr. Robinson, senr., Greenock ; Mr.
Robinson, junr., Greenock; Mr. R. Rutherford, Edinburgh; Mr.
M’Farlane, Greenock; Mr. Pottie, Paisley; Mr. M’Geoch, Paisley; Mr.
Houston, Paisley; Mr. J. M’Call, Govan ; Mr. Weir, Airdrie; Mr. Weir,
Glasgow; Mr. Blackie, Bellshill; Mr. Bryce, Stirling; Mr. Pollock,
Hamilton ; Mr. Jarvie, Carluke ; Mr. Brackenridge, Holytown ; Mr.
Gardner, Helensburgh ; Mr. Neil, Dumbarton ; Mr. Prentice, Glasgow ;
Mr. Mitchell, Cranstonhill ; Mr. Pollock, Parkhead ; Mr. Mitchell,
Glasgow; Mr. J. B. Macqueen, Glasgow; Mr. Wm. Anderson, junr.,
Glasgow ; Mr. Dickson, Glasgow ; Mr. Currie, Glasgow ; Mr. Wyper,
Glasgow; Mr. Blue, Mearns; Mr. Allan, Clarkston ; Mr. Panton,
Blairgowrie, Mr. Constable, Inchture ; Mr. George Hill, Glasgow ; Mr.
Clark, Dalserf ; and Mr. Peddie, Cathcart.

Sheriff Clark, who was introduced by the chairman, said — When I was
asked to deliver the Introductory Lecture at the Winter Session of this
admirable Institution, which is now rapidly attaining deserved celebrity,
it was with no little hesitation that I accepted the honour. My almost
entire ignorance of veterinary medicine — except in so far as reading may
have given me some small acquaintance with its theory and history —
seemed to forbid the hope that I could be of any real service. Yet as I
am warmly interested in the progress of a profession fraught with so
much practical utility and promising so much towards the advancement
of science, I could not refuse to accede to the solicitations of your
Principal, to make some general observations that might tend in some
degree to stimulate your labours. Veterinary medicine must have come
into existence as soon as man began to domesticate the inferior animals ;
and that this took place at a very remote era is amply proved by the
remains of the horse, the ox, the goat, the dog, &c., being found in
ancient tumuli , lake-dwellings, and caves, intermingled with the bones of
, primeval man. It is also established by the fact, that among all the
members of the Aryan race the names of the domestic animals still bear
the marks of a common origin at that distant pre-historic period when,
before their separation into Greeks, Celts, Goths, Sclavs, Hindoos,
Persians, the common ancestry dwelt together and spoke the same lan¬
guage in Northern India. From the Greek writers wre can see that the
veterinary art was studied in ancient Egypt. From thence it would
seem to have passed into Greece, where the great care bestowed on the
breeds of cattle, and particularly of horses and hunting dogs, and the
great success with which that care was rewarded, incontestably prove
that the veterinary profession had at least made great progress as an art.
From the notices of Greek writers we see that many treatises existed on
the diseases of domestic animals, — that by Hippocrates, a celebrated
physician of Cos, was deemed the best. We must regret that most of
them have been lost ; yet any one who reads Xenophon’s work on the
horse cannot fail to see that he lived in an age when the veterinary art
had been carefully studied. During the flourishing period of the Roman
Empire, veterinary medicine made great progress, as might be expected
among a people eminently practical, whose vast military establishment
required continual remounts for the cavalry service, and who were un-

GLASGOW VETERINARY COLLEGE.

873

weariedly employed in improving the breeds of domestic animals. That
awful catastrophe in the history of the human race known as the fall of
the Roman Empire, and the night of darkness that followed, have
deprived us of the greater part of ancient literature. Among other
losses, we have to deplore that of many works on veterinary medicine,
the names of whose authors alone remain. Yet enough remains to show
how carefully the art had been studied, and what progress it had made
towards the dignity of a science. Upon this subject I would refer to the
treatises of Marcus Cato, of Terentius Varro, of Columella, of Palladius,
of Vegetius, and the fragment of Gargilius Martialis — all of which,
directly or indirectly, deal with the veterinary art. The celebrated
work of the elder Pliny — Plinius Major — on natural history may also be
consulted, as throwing light on the veterinary medicine of his day ; so also
may the philosophic poem of Lucretius — “De Rerum Natura.55 Every¬
one has seen the earlier work of Virgil, in which in immortal verse he
treats of the breeding and rearing of cattle and horses among the other
cares of the husbandman. Many have wondered how a poet should
know so much of such a subject. The wonder abates when we find it
recorded by Donatus that, after completing a course of medicine and
mathematics, the youthful poet studied veterinary surgery for a con¬
siderable time, was employed in the stables of Augustus Cmsar, and
was ffrst brought under the notice of that emperor by his skill in
the art. On the fall of the Roman Empire, veterinary medicine, like
other departments of science, ceased to be cultivated, and for a long
period fell into the position of a handicraft, in which smiths, shepherds,
or herdsmen empirically practised such treatment as tradition taught or
experience suggested. It was about this time that the blacksmith or
farrier came to the front and began to assert himself as the great depo¬
sitary of the veterinary art. In classic antiquity, horses were not usually
shod with iron ; and even when metal was used for that purpose, it was
commonly fastened to the hoof, not with nails, but with thongs or latchets
like a sandal. It was among the barbaric hordes which overran the
Roman Empire, that the iron shoe, fastened with nails, came into vogue,
much about the same time that the tree saddle, with stirrups, was in¬
vented. How such obvious improvements in the equestrian art should
not have been earlier adopted, is one uf those curious facts in the history
of mankind that have never been fully explained. The fact is certain
that the classic languages of antiquity contain no words for horse shoes,
saddles, or stirrups, in their modern sense. Now, the saddle throughout
the middle ages — at least, when used for military purposes — was formed
of steel or iron, and was consequently the work of the smith. To the
smith also belonged the forging of the iron shoe and the driving of the
nails. The last operation, as we all know, required no small skill, and
the smith often caused injuries to the hoof, which he had to do his best
to cure. About the same time, also, the use of the actual cautery
became common, and from these combined causes it is easy to see how
the farrier came to be regarded as an authority in veterinary medicine.
Nor were the ancient farriers the rude blacksmiths into which they
ultimately degenerated. They were the forgers of armour, both defensive
and offensive, at a time when that art was much more highly cultivated
than it has ever been since the invention of gunpowder. They were
men often of great attainments in metallurgy and chemistry. As time
wore on, a great change took place in the military art. The armies of
Greece and Rome had been mainly composed of a highly-disciplined
infantry. With the institution of chivalry, this (about the ninth
century) was entirely changed. The strength of the mediseval armies

874

GLASGOW VETERINARY COLLEGE).

came to consist almost entirely of heavy cavalry, in which man and horse
were completely covered with defensive armour, so that the medium
weight to be carried by the knightly charger was no less than thirty
stones. A peculiar kind of horse called a “ destrier,” and now lost, was
required for this purpose — combining great strength with still greater
energy — not, indeed, for speed, but for rapid evolution, so that the
knight might wield his heavy lance and battle-axe with advantage in
close combat. These horses were procured at vast expense in Spain
and Italy ; and, when procured, were subjected to an elaborate training
of years, until they obeyed the slightest movement of wrist or heel, and
played nearly as important a part in the melee as did their riders. This
severe training, and the exertions they had to make on service, sub¬
jected them to continual strains and diseases; but as their value was
great, every means of prevention or cure was eagerly sought after. The
practice of covering the horse in every part with defensive armour also
drew after it important consequences. Ilis ears were cropped out close
to the head to permit the covering of mail to fit closely ; and for the same
reason his tail was not docked but dug out close to the croup. Moreover,
this heavy panoply of iron exposed the horse to alternate sweats and
chills that proved highly destructive. Such things necessitated some
knowledge of surgery and medicine. And here came in the important
part played by the riding-masters or mareschals of the day. It was the
profession of these gentlemen to procure and train such horses, and
afterwards to direct their treatment. Hence they carefully studied the
nature and constitution of the horse, and generally possessed the highest
degree of veterinary skill known at the time. In Spain, Italy, France,
and Germany riding schools, called academies, were established. Some
of them obtained a world-wide celebrity. Numerous works on the
manege, that is, military riding, emanated from them, and to each was
always attached a treatise on the veterinary art. In so high estimation
was this combination of riding-master and veterinary surgeon held, that
it was exercised by the highest of the military nobles. It is a very
significant fact that the French word c( mareschal,” which denotes the
highest military officer in France, originally meant a veterinary surgeon,
and is still used as the name for a farrier. With the introduction of
gunpowder chivalry was extinguished, heavy cavalry fell into disuse,
and the armies of Europe came to consist mainly of infantry. This revo¬
lution brought about the decline of the old mareschals with all their science
and traditions, and that art which kings and nobles had loved to teach,
fell into the hands of obscure practitioners with little more science than
that possessed by a huntsman or trainer for the turf. The Marquis of
Newcastle, whose celebrated work appeared about 1680, was the last of
the great military riding-masters ; and though after his time his humbler
brethren made a gallant struggle to maintain their ancient renown, they
steadily declined, and the science of the riding school gave way to that
of the turf. The result of this was that the veterinary art was fast
passing into the hands of blacksmiths, now no longer armourers, and was
in danger of tumbling from a profession to a trade. Coincidentally,
however, with the decline of the professors of military equitation, arose
the first pioneers of the science of veterinary surgery, properly so-called.
In Italy, as early as 1618, appeared the work of Carlo Ruini, on the
diseases of the horse, profusely illustrated with superb engravings. This
was followed in France by the c Grand Mareschal Franpois,’ a work of
great erudition. Soon after appeared ‘Le parfait Mareschal,’ by
Sollysel, and this was translated into English or rather Scotch by Sir
William Hope. From that time numerous treatises appear all over

GLASGOW VETERINARY COLLEGE.

875

i

.Europe, all having for their object to rescue the veterinary art from
obscurity, and bring it into the form of a science. Several of these
writers, such as Gibson, Bracken, La Fosse, and Osmer, were medical
men of eminence. They did much to free the veterinary art from blind
empiricism. Yet their practice and prescriptions, though vast improve¬
ments on those of their day, are tinged with cruelties and puerilities at
which an ordinary strapper would now stand amazed. At this we need
not be astonished. Those were the days when medicine and surgery,
even as applied to the human patient, were of such a kind that we do
not marvel that so few were cured, but that any one escaped alive from
the hands of the learned faculty. At length, as ordinary medicine began
to improve, veterinary science followed in its wake. In Italy some
veterinary colleges, of which little is known, were in existence in the
beginning of last century. But it was not till 1761 that the first vete¬
rinary college was founded in France, at Lyons, under the well-known
Bourgelat. This was followed by the now celebrated school of Alfort,
founded in 1766. In 1792 the Veterinary College of London was
founded, Charles Vial de Sainbel and Delabere Blaine being the first
professors; and the work of the latter, which has passed through
numerous editions, is still highly prized. Since then veterinary col¬
leges have been formed in every European capital and in many of the
principal cities. In Scotland, Professor Dick founded a Veterinary
School at Edinburgh, and in Glasgow our worthy Principal has suc¬
ceeded in establishing this College, which has already become an honour
to the kingdom, and for which a great future is, I doubt not, reserved.
(Loud applause). Veterinary medicine has now reached a position to
which even in the most brilliant days of Greece and Borne it certainly
never attained. It is no longer a mere art ; it has become a science, and
a science of vast range and vast importance. It has passed out of the
stage of empiricism. Its professors are no longer content to do or pre¬
scribe what they have seen done or prescribed before. They wish to
know the reasons of the practice they adopt ; they wish to interrogate
nature by experiment and observation ; they seek to collect and arrange
facts over the widest areas and by every variety of means, and they
labour to evolve from the materials so collected the concealed laws or
tenors of action by which nature may be supposed to work. They do
not reject theory, but they insist on bringing the most plausible theories
to the test of experiment. Unlike their predecessors, they do not
compel fact to square with a favourite theory ; they regard theory as
valuable only when it harmonizes with and serves to explain fact. There
is in the present day a circumstance that at once extends the bounds of
veterinary science, and gives it an importance never felt before. You
are all aware of the modern theory of evolution, based on what is termed
natural selection or survival of the fittest in the continued struggle for
existence. Its most ardent and advanced votaries claim for this theory
the real explanation — not of the origin of creation, as some have sup¬
posed — put of the origin of species ; in other words, the real cause of
the various types of life heretofore and now existing on the earth. I
cannot say that I am a convert to this notion. I do not think that the
ascertained facts are a sufficient basis to support the vast theory which
is attempted to be reared on them. But whether I am right or not in
this view, one thing, I think, has been clearly established, and that is,
that among all the° vertebrates— man included— the materials, organs,
and structure of the body are so connected in accordance with some
underlying plan or law, that all are in strict analogy, and are only
adaptations of one common set to the wants and requirements of each

876

GLASGOW VETERINARY COLLEGE.

separate species. This adaptation appears to be brought about by the
processes of development, as though the great Creator had utilized
certain typical organs for every purpose comprised within the beneficent
scheme of animal life. Thus, to take two of the most divergent instances
— the horse and man — the stifle joint of the horse is the analogue of the
human knee, the hock of the heel, the single toe on which the horse
walks is the analogue of the central digit in the human hand or foot, the
other digits being represented in the existing horse by the splint-bones,
which in the earlier equine species carried hoofs, and in still earlier
forms appear to have reached the typical number of five. These, and
thousands of similar analogues, do not to my mind prove community of
origin, but they prove unity of plan, and strongly point to this, that if
ever the sciences of life and curative medicine are to be prosecuted in
an exhaustive and effectual manner, it must be by comparative anatomy,
comparative physiology, comparative science, in short, universally.
Veterinary science has thus assumed vast importance, and has come
into line with human medicine and surgery. Neither of those two
sciences can hereafter stand apart. The veterinarian has much to learn
from the medical man, and the medical man from the veterinarian.
Indeed, the time cannot be far distant when for all the higher purposes
the two provinces of medical science must coalesce. If I am at all right
in the views I have been indicating, it follows that not only is the pro¬
fession to which you have devoted yourselves one of great importance,
but important duties devolve upon you who are now its students, but
will hereafter become each in his sphere its pioneers and advancers.
Permit me, therefore, to give a few words of counsel which experience
in a different line has impressed on my own mind. Every man should
seek so to learn his profession that he may live by it. He who fails to
do this may be said to fail in a primary and important duty. But if
any man resolves to know only as much of his profession as shall enable
him to maintain himself, his object in life is a very humble one, and the
probability is that he will not even attain that object, humble though it
may be. To succeed in any walk of life whatever requires it to be pro¬
secuted with enthusiasm. But this is specially the case where the calling-
chosen is a profession — that is to say, not merely an art but a science.
The veterinary profession has now definitely entered the circle of the
sciences, and must therefore advance with increasing acceleration. He,
therefore, who should cultivate it merely as an art, however well skilled
he might be in the art when he left the College, would find in a few
years that he was left high and dry by those who, perhaps, though with
inferior abilities, had chosen to follow the scientific stream. Nor is there
any excuse for the veterinary student who does not prosecute his science
with enthusiasm. The mere lawyer, after he has laboriously cultivated
his profession for years, may find much of his laboriously acquired
learning swept away by a new Act of Parliament. The veterinarian
deals with the eternal verities of nature. Whatever truths he can attain
to remain truths for ever, and become new points of departure for still
more important verities. Small as the contribution may be which he
may make to his science, if only it be truth, it is so not relatively but
absolutely. Again, let me advise you to cultivate a habit of reading in
your leisure hours, so that it may become not a duty only, but a source
of the highest enjoyment. In old times the veterinarian could advance
only by personal observation, or the suggestions of such friends as were
in his immediate neighbourhood. Now-a-days, the press brings the ex¬
perience and discoveries of the whole scientific world within the reach of
those who avail themselves of its aid. A man may, therefore, learn more

GLASGOW VETERINARY COLLEGE,

8 77

in a month than he could of old have learned in a long life. Do not,
however, allow the habit of rea ling to supersede that of practice and
observation. He who knows his profession by books only, runs the risk
of being a mere dilettante theorist. A theoretical veterinarian, like a
theoretical lawyer, is a most dangerous member of the community.
Science is as helpless without art as art is without science. Though I
should read up so as to pass a creditable examination, yet should I
certainly fail if I attempted to perform the simplest operation which an
ordinary farrier would execute with instinctive ease. Some of you may
be defective in those preparatory acquirements without which you will
always find yourselves handicapped in your professional career. Among
them may be mentioned a knowledge of Latin and French. There is no
great difficulty in acquiring a knowledge of both sufficient for your
purpose, provided only you devote an hour or two daily to their acqui¬
sition for a sufficient length of time. The difficulty is to make a begin¬
ning. But observe this, that the longer you delay the more difficult
will it become, until at last you will neither have the inclination nor the
aptitude for such studies. Only get over the initial stages while yet
young, and you will find that in your leisure hours afterwards you may
insensibly push such studies to any extent you may desire. The same
is true of mathematics and kindred sciences. In the initial stages only
is the difficulty felt. Lay the foundation while yet young. The super¬
structure may afterwards be easily raised. 8ome of you are come from
the country, and are probably for the first time exposed to the temp¬
tations and the distractions of a large and populous city. That the
dangers of these are great — very great — cannot be denied. It is painful
to think how many young men of promise, from whose exertions science
might have gained much, are thus annually lost, or form habits that
eventually lead to ruin. As a guard against such disastrous results, I
would counsel you to hold fast by those religious sentiments which you
have received in your early homes. Such impressions are always the
most valuable treasures we inherit. I would not inculcate asceticism,
yet it is well to remember the apostolic precept, “ Avoid the very
appearance of evil.” It is also well for youth rather to flee temptation
than to trust to resisting it when exposed to its power. One important
advice given by the ancients, and fully approved in modern times, is to
make sure to a certain amount of physical exercise every day. Hot only
does this preserve mens sanci in corpore sano , but it indirectly promotes
regular living by sending a man early to bed. I do not mean that you
should cultivate athletics, which often do more harm than good, but that
by walking and the like you should take as much exercise in the open
air as shalt keep you in good condition for mental labour. It is well
always to bear in mind that, as young men of the present day, you are
in reality the heirs of all the ages that have preceded you. All that
science has with untold efforts and struggles secured now lies before you
to acquire, by simply making it your own. By the accumulated efforts
of those who have gone before you, you stand on a vantage ground such
as the greater scientists of the past never possessed. The wealth of a
Roman emperor could not have procured for him that scientific teaching
that is now spread before you. For this rich inheritance that is be¬
queathed you from them into whose labours you enter, some return is
due by you to the future. And that return can only be made by
strenuous exertions on your part to add still more to the stores of
learning that will fall to those who come after you. Every school of
learning depends for its celebrity not only on the abilities of its teaching
staff, but on the application, the loyalty, and the enthusiasm of its

878

GLASGOW VETERINARY COLLEGE,

students. The youth of this country, particularly of Scotland, have
always been characterised by a desire for learning even under the greatest
difficulties. Each one of you would, I doubt not, desire that this insti¬
tution should flourish. Now, one of the most effectual means to that end
consists in the diligence with which you prosecute your studies. And
remember, that in thus promoting the welfare of this College, you are
really promoting your own.

Professor Young thought the Principal and students were greatly to be
congratulated on the choice of the person by whom the session was in¬
augurated, for seldom has an institution of the kind been opened by an
address so valuable in itself, so useful, so well worthy of being borne in
mind by those to whom it was addressed, and also by the entire pro¬
fession of which they desired to become members. The admirably
succinct views afforded of the history of the profession made the address
a historical document of some value, seeing that it showed what seemed

' o #

to be too much forgotten at the present day, namely, that the veterinary
art had fallen from the high position it had once occupied by a mere
accident, and had not been restored to its due position because of the
unworthy jealousy and suspicion with which it had been regarded by
members of the profession to which he himself belonged. It was to such
institutions as the Glasgow Veterinary College they must look in the
future for the restoration of both human medicine and veterinary me¬
dicine to their proper place — the restoration of the due proportions
which were to exist between them ; and he thought Sheriff Clark had
foreshadowed very well what was the ardent desire of all who had the
slightest interest in the progress of medicine in its most comprehensive
sense when he suggested that human medicine and veterinary medicine
should ere long form one indissoluble whole. (Applause). He himself
had long looked forward to a combination of the two kinds of medicine
as a necessity that must come if pathology was to be put on its proper
footing. He asked them simply to bear in mind this important point,
the necessity for the careful study of comparative pathology ; for those
of them who happened to have read the discussions upon some of the
legislation recently proposed before Parliament would doubtless have
come to be aware of the fact that but for the labours of the veterinary
surgeon they would still be in the dark as regards the character of some
of the diseases which played such terrible havoc in the human race.
(Applause). As regards the sound advice tendered by the Sheriff, he
would say nothing, but he should like to make an addition to what the
Sheriff had said in speaking of what might perhaps come before the
students as the ruling ideas of their studies regarding the development
of the horse and other domestic animals. They would doubtless hear a
good deal about evolution, and Sheriff* Clark would pardon him if he
reminded him that they were long past the days of natural selection ;
that evolution, as it was called — a title claimed by one particular class
of observers, he thought, somewhat unfairly, and to the prejudice of
others who were equally entitled to claim it — had now added codicil
after codicil to the right theory of natural selection, until they had a
vast multiplicity of possible causes, each new explanation being needed
to meet the case of some new difficulty. It was therefore superfluous in
him to add anything regarding the danger of trusting to any one theory ;
but, if necessary to insist upon it, he should put it upon this ground —
that there were so many additions needed, sometimes scarcely recon¬
cilable with each other, it was best for them to confine their labours in
the meantime to actual observation, trusting to the future calmer thought,
and wider experience, before any one particular doctrine of evolution

VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. 870

should be adopted. (Applause). He moved a cordial vote of thanks to
the Sheriff for his discourse.

Dr. Johnstone seconded the motion, which was warmly responded to.

VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION.

The First General Meeting of the Forty-fifth Session of the members
of the Veterinary Medical Association was held in the Lecture Theatre
of the Royal Veterinary College on Tuesday, 19th October, 1880, at
6.30 p.m.

The President, Professor Pritchard, occupied the chair.

A general invitation to this meeting had been issued by order of the
President to all students at the Royal Veterinary College. Thirty-one
visitors responded to this. Twenty-two members also attended.

The President having announced that urgent private affairs neces¬
sitated the absence of the Secretary, and having read that officer’s letter
of apology, called on Mr. Pemberthy, as pro-Secretary, to read the
minutes of the last General Meeting of the Forty-fourth Session, which
were received.

The Secretary’s “ Report of the Proceeding of the Association during
the Forty-fourth Session ” was then read and accepted. It had been
previously received by the Council.

The awards of the past session were then announced, and the prizes
distributed.

Messrs. C. C. Clarke, James Smith, Albert Hassal, and Wm. Harold
Leeny, M.R C.V.S., of Brighton, were then proposed as fit persons to
become members of the Association.

The following gentlemen were then elected Student Vice-Presidents
for the coming session : — Messrs. Bennett, Huband, Fletcher, Pem¬
berthy, Edgar, and Redford.

The President then announced the subjects for prize competition, as
decided by the Council, for the coming session, strongly urging all
student members to send in essays and anatomical specimens. During
the course of some general remarks he warmly eulogised the suggestion
thrown out in the Secretary’s report as to publication of the work of
the Society ; also drew attention of the members to the value of taking
part in the discussions following the reading of essays, &c,, and the
visiting of knackers’ yards in search for morbid specimens.

The names of gentlemen prepared to read essays at the General
Meetiug were then received, and after votes of thanks to the Chairman
and Mr. Pemberthy for their services, the meeting terminated with the
announcement of Mr. Hurndall’s paper, “ On the Feeding and Manage¬
ment of Dairy Stock, as it is and as it might be,” for the next night.

(Signed) John Penberthy, pro-Secretary.

Report of the Proceedings of the Veterinary Medical Association during the
Session 1879-80, being the Forty -fourth Session of the Association , as
presented to the Council by the Secretary.

Mr. President and Gentlemen, — During the session which has
passed the Association has been pursuing its course in a satisfactory
manner. It has, in so far as circumstances permitted, tended to advance
veterinary science by the reading of professional papers, with free dis¬
cussion of the views advanced therein, by the examination and exhibition
of specimens of professional interest, and by the awarding of prizes of

8S0

VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION.

various kinds to such persons as have been deemed worthy. Also by
the free circulation of library books and periodicals. In all, twenty
General Meetings have taken place during the Winter Session of
collegiate studies, the opening meeting having been held on the 14th
October, 1879, and the final meeting on the 16th March, 1880.

The first General Meeting was public, and at it the President delivered
his introductory remarks, and the Secretary read his “ Review of the
Session 1878-79.” Then Mr. G. A. Banham, M.R.C.V.S., Spooner
Gold Medalist, read a paper, “ Introductory to the Study of Disease.”
At the same meeling the President announced the temporary agreement
between the Council of the Association and the Governors of the Royal
Veterinary College whereby the library of the Association is now avail¬
able for use by all students.

The following gentlemen were elected Student Vice-V residents , and
have satisfactorily performed their duties as such during the session : —
Messrs. Slipper, Magor, Lepper, Villar, Gregory, and Talbott.

The following is the list of essays which have been read at the General
Meetings :

1. — 14th October. “ Introductory to the Study of Disease,” Mr.

G. A. Banham, M.R.C.V.S.

2. — 28th October. “ Pleuro-pneumonia Epizootica,” Mr. Ed. Slipper,

V.P.

3. — 4th November. “On the Stomachs of the Ox,” Mr. T. W. Cave.

4. — 18th November. “Anthrax,” Mr. F. C. Toop.

5. — 9th December. “ Tuberculosis in Cattle,” Mr. F. W. Lepper, V.P.

6. — 16th December. “ On Horse Shoeing,” Mr. S. Villar, V.P.

7. — 13th January. “ Laminitis,” Mr. E. It. Harding.

8. — 20th January. “ Rot in Sheep,” Mr. J. I. Crowhurst.

9. — 3rd February. “ German Veterinary Schools,” Mr. G. A. Ban¬

ham, M.R.C.V.S.

10. — 10th February. “The Prospeets of Veterinary Students,” Mr.

J. H. Steel, M.R.C.V.S.

11. — 17th February. “Diphtheria,” Mr. W. H. Beach.

12. — 24th February. “ Typhoid Fever in the Pig,” Mr. J. W. Carlisle.

13. — 9th March. “ On the Antiseptic System,” Mr. E. E. Bennett.

Thus, though the meetings were fewer by one, the papers brought
forward have been more numerous by the somewhat larger number of
three as compared with the Forty-third Session. They have for the
most part also been of high character and great professional interest,
reflecting to a marked degree the history of the prevalence of disease
and of the progress of medical thought during the past year. Thus, the
papers by Messrs. Bennett and Beach may be associated with the dis¬
cussions in medical journals and at the Pathological Society on the same
subjects. The papers by Messrs. Lepper, Toop, and Carlisle bear upon
the questions concerning specific disorders, which have been brought
prominently forward during the past year by the researches of Green¬
field, Cbeyne, and Lister, in this country, Pasteur, Toussaint, Bollinger,
and others, abroad. Mr. Slipper’s paper on the “ Lung Disease ” was
particularly d propos , as reminding us of the important questions hinging
upon the prevalence of this disorder in the United States of America,
where, as well as in this country, it has been necessitating legislative
measures, and compelling the attention of the Government and public of
the two nations to the usefulness and progress of the veterinary profession.
Mr. Crowhurst’s paper reminded us of the disorder which was extermi¬
nating our flocks and cutting off an important source of meat supply. It

VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION.

881

brought forth good fruit in the hints and observations which it contained,
and also in those which its discussion elicited. The essays of Messrs. Hard¬
ing, Villar, and Cave were characterised by a marked practical bearing, and
serve to prove that at our meetings we do not in scientific enthusiasm
forget that the duties of the members of the veterinary profession are in
most intimate relation with the every-day life around us. Such papers
are at once refreshing and useful, and while they prove most interesting
to those hearers who have some professional experience, must tend to
give the inexperienced student accurate notions of the work he will have
to undertake. Mr. Cave’s paper contained some interesting physiological
suggestions, which were searchingly questioned in the discussion which
followed the reading of it. The kindness of Mr. Banham in preparing a
paper was only equalled by the excellence of the matter which ke brought
forward. English students listened with keenest interest as he told them
of the grand scientific opportunities which the Berlin School affords, and
it was with much satisfaction that the opinion that the English veterinary
surgeon is “ second to none ” in the practical exercise of his profession
was received. The paper which the Secretary had the honour to read
before the Association may be considered as of very great importance to
all student members, and, we have heard, proved of interest to those
who have become members of the profession. It endeavours to facilitate
the reply to the question which urgently presents itself to every
student, “What shall I do when I get my diploma ?” Thus, with reason,
I urge that the general meetings have proved successful in keeping
the members au courant with professional history and professional pro¬
gress. The Association has every reason for self-gratulation in this
respect for the Forty-fourth Session. Also at the General Meetings
pathological specimens and appliances have been exhibited and
examined. The following list will show the amount of work done in
this respect :

The President. — Cases of Epithelioma Vesicre ; Ramollissement in the
Sheep ; A Foal born without Fore Limbs. Also exhibited a Bradawl
which had been swallowed by a Horse, and a Tracheotomy Tube which
had fallen into the Trachea and remained there.

Mr. TV. Almond. — A case of Pseudo-fracture ; Separation of the Ulnar
Epiphysis.

Mr. Lepper. — A Photograph of the Fauces of a Pig suffering from
Diphtheria, and a portion of the Bladder of Favonius, with the Calculus
which it contained.

Mr. Slipper. — The Genital Organs of a Cryptochord, together with
some of the Abdominal Viscera, being a case of Encephaloid Growth
(forwarded by Mr. Shipley, M.R.C.V.S., of Yarmouth).

Messrs. Leeny, M.R.C.V.S., and Steel. — A Tumour in the Spleen of a
Dog, recorded in the Veterinarian.

Messrs. Beach and Toop. — Cases of Primary and Secondary Heart
Disease.

Messrs. Fletcher and Cattrall . — Cases of Obscure Disease of Abdominal
Viscera.

Mr. Steel, M.R.C.V.S. — A Mouse affected with Honeycomb Ring¬
worm (“Tinea favosa”).

Among these we may specially note the calculus from Favonius, on
account of the considerable amount of attention which the case of this
celebrated horse received from the public. Mr. Lepper’s remarks, as
entered in the minutes of the Proceedings of the Association 11th
November, 1879, are as follows : — “The presence of the calculus, was
diagnosed by Mr. Lepper, senior, three years before the patient sue-

832

VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION.

curnbcd to an epizootic. This gentleman distinctly felt the stone at the
neck of the bladder, and to this attributed retention of urine from which
Favonius was suffering. It was then about the size of a nutmeg, but is
now as large as a goose’s egg, lobulated on the surface, and apparently
very hard. The horse was of a very nervous temperament, and was
always irritable when his hind limbs were touched. The urine had been
sent to an analyst in London, who found no indication of calculus; that
which was first passed was thick, but subsequently the flow became thin
and translucent. There was some question as to whether lithotomy
should be performed, but the horse was a sure stock-getter of very high
value, so the idea of the operation was abandoned. Hydrochloric acid
was administered internally for three months, but without any appre¬
ciable effect, for pains were manifested periodically. So belladonna
extract was placed in his drinking vyater in the morning, Liquor
Potassae in the evening. The benefit of this was proved by the fact that
if it were ceased pain recurred. Incontinence of urine reappeared before
the animal died.”

Mr. Slipper’s case was most interesting, as being very similar to one
which he submitted to the Association the session before. As the two
animals came from the same place it was suggested the encephaloid
might be due to hereditary influence. The specimen was submitted for
examination to a committee of the members, and was reported upon at
the next meeting. It seems that this method of referring to a committee
work which would take up too much of the time of the Association as
needing somewhat minute investigation is a matter which ought to be
encouraged, as tending to the more thorough performance of the work
of the Association, to the training of members to the system adopted in
our leading learned societies, and to the preparation of elaborate records
for preservation or publication. The report, as submitted by Mr. J.
Gartside Mayor, Chairman of the Committee, is placed before you.

The question of publication of. Proceedings of the Association is one
of urgency, so that I venture to bring it under your notice. The cir¬
cumstances of the Society have much changed since the time when it
produced its own journal, The Veterinary Transactions. The growth of
veterinary societies in various parts of the country has converted ours
from a general to a special Association.

As I expressed it last year, the Yeterinary Medical Association, while
still having wide sympathies with its members who have become qualified
practitioners, is now the “ Student’s Society of the largest British Veteri¬
nary schools.” Thus, we are no longer in a position to produce a journal;
it is not desirable that we should do so, but it may well be asked why
the proceedings of the Association are brought under the notice of the
professional public only in the form of an annnal report ? In reply, it may
be urged that the papers of students are seldom original, and their dis¬
cussion not often profound and measured. Still, as our work of the past
year shows (a), some of the papers read at our meeting are well worthy of
publication, as might be expected, since their student authors have time
and opportunities at their disposal such as are not permitted to the busy
practitioner; also ( h ) with fresh theory at our fingers’ ends, and with an
unconventional mode of looking at professional matters, we not unfre-
quently at our discussions strike out new lines of thought and leave the
beaten track; we are also (c) collected together from various parts of the
country, and thus specially have the characters of a central society ; and
(cl) especially, our supply of morbid and other specimens is rich and
varied, also our prize essays ought to be published in justice to their
authors, to unsuccessful competitors, and to the profession. Having

VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. 883

such an amount of material at our disposal, it seems to me that different
courses of procedure are possible.

1. The Association might publish annually a small volume of Pro¬
ceedings. This would be adopting, on a small scale, the method of such
societies as the Zoological, Pathological, &c. It would prove advan¬
tageous by enabling the Association to exchange proceedings with other
students’ societies, and in other ways, but it would prove expensive and
onerous to the officers ; it would necessitate the formation of a “ Pub¬
lishing Committee.”

2. The Association might appoint a working ee Publication Committee ”
to prepare reports of the work of the Society (and also essays) to be for¬
warded to editors of veterinary periodicals, who be requested to, if pos¬
sible, give them a place. The less important essays might be “ ex¬
tracted,” and thus their most useful matters retained.

3. The Secretary might be instructed to forward for publication all
reports of committees on professional matters, all accounts of cases, and
all prize essays, using his discretion in the selection of material. This
is the system adopted by most veterinary societies, with, however, the
regular record of meetings and discussions, not always interesting. On
this system the details of the meetings and discussions would remain in
the minute book and then be available for reference. A further con¬
sideration of this matter seems to me to be necessary for the advance-
inoni of the Association. We ought also to consider the question of
occasional co-operation with other students’ societies, especially those of
other veterinary and of the metropolitan medical schools, but this matter
is at present rather prospective. Another question which members of
the Association, as well as its officers, ought to consider is that of the
collection of specimens for the use of the members, such as parasites,
materia medica objects, forage plants, microscope slides, &c. ; in the
future the Association will admit of great development in this direction,
perhaps some day our opening meeting may attain to the dignity of a
soiree or a professional conversazione. I thus give “ free reins to my
fancy ” of the future of the Association, because I am now desirous of
impressing upon our student members that we must have recruits to
carry out any of these marked advances. An annual increase of twenty-
one members out of the large number of students who enter the College
is rather small, and if our members were more urgent in explaining the
advantages of the Association, doubtless most of the students entering
the College would become members. The advantages at present offered
comprise the chance of prizes and awards, the benefit of discussion and
essay writing (voluntary), the practical and theoretical information con¬
veyed by papers and impressed on the mind by discussion, the privilege
of examination of morbid specimens, the importance of each of which is
carefully explained, and special reading-room privileges. The enume¬
ration of these leads us to the question of prizes and awards made
during the past session. The “ Essays Committee” of the Council has
given the following list of awards for essays read at the General Meet¬
ings :

General Meetings Prize. — Mr. Theodore Chas. Toop, for his essay on
“ Anthrax.”

Honorary Fellowship Certificates. — Mr. G. A. Banham, M.R.C.V.S., on

“ German Veterinary Schools;” Mr. R. Harding, “ Laminitis ;” Sidney
Yillar, “ Horse Shoeing;” W. H. Beach, “Diphtheria;” E. Bennett,
“Antiseptic System;” J. W. Cane, “Stomachs of the Ox;” T. W.
Lepper, “ Tuberculosis in Cattle.”

The Spooner Prize Examination was held in the College on Thursday,

884

veterinary medical association.

25th March, at 7 p.m. The Council constituted the Examining Board,
and the tests were oral in Medicine and Surgery, written in Botany,
Chemistry, and Anatomy. The following were the questions submitted
to be answered in writing:

1. Botany. — Give a short list of the grasses which are of most frequent
occurrence in hay, and point out which are the best adapted for feeding
purposes.

2. Chemistry. — What are the modes of preparation and uses of
chlorine ? Describe how it acts therapeutically on the animal system.

3. Anatomy . — Enumerate the muscles which clothe the front of the
femur, and state the sources of their nervous supply.

The answering of the written questions was above the average, and
Messrs. Caudwell, Toop, and Villar gained high marks in the oral part
of the examination. On opening the sealed envelopes accompanying the
papers, the Board made the following awards :

Spooner Gold Medal — Mr. Theodore Chas. Toop.

Spooner Certificate of Merit. — Mr. Wiliam Caudwell (8 candidates).

Of the Association Silver Medals the anatomical has not been awarded,
there having been no specimens sent in to the Secretary before the end
of the Winter Session. Two essays on “ Glanders” were sent in, and
these having been examined by the “ Prize Essays Committee,” it has
been decided that the medal be awarded to Mr. Theodore Chas. Toop,
whose zeal for the progress of the Association had thus met with its
reward.

The Council of the Association, besides being busily engaged in
regulating the affairs of the Society, has especially found occupation in
carrying successfully through, to a temporary agreement, the Libraries
Amalgamation scheme, the particulars of which are given in the Library
and Reading-Room Report. By this have been secured to the members
an increased number of periodicals available for reference, increased
facilities of access to all periodicals taken in, aifd the use of a Reading
Room. Also, at a meeting held on 10th of December in reference to a
question which had been raised at the General Meeting of 5th Novem¬
ber, it was decided that Rule XVII be taken to explicitly state “ that
every essay, when read, is the property of the Association.” When
Professor Pritchard retired from the Anatomy and Surgery Chair at the
Royal Veterinary College, a special meeting of the Council was con¬
vened, and it was unanimously decided that Rule XXX be modified by
the expunging of every word after “year.” Thus, the President re¬
mained in office to the general satisfaction of the members. A valuable
member of the Council, Mr. J. Roalfe Cox, forwarded his resignation to
his colleagues, “ expressing his regret at having been compelled volun¬
tarily to sever his connection with the Association as member of Council
after so long holding that post. He had done so fearing that he might
be hindering the interests of the Association by preventing the infusion
of fresh energy, but he had never flagged in his interest in the Associa¬
tion, nor in any other matter connected with the profession.” The
Council reluctantly accepted Mr. Cox’s resignation, and elected Mr.
Matthew Clark, M.R.C.V.S., of Wimbledon, to the vacancy thus created.
At the same time, advantage was taken of the opportunity to bestow the
highest honour in the power of the Association, that of Honorary Asso-
ciateship , on Mr. Roalfe Cox, as well as on Mr. Hartley T. Batt, the
member of Couucil who has for the longest time performed the duties of
that office, and on Professor Wm. Pritchard “ for having performed the
duties of Secretary and President at different times with much zeal, and
having thereby materially contributed to the welfare of the Association.”

VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION.

885

It is many years since this honour has been conferred, and its revival
must be a source of congratulation to all who wish well to the Associa¬
tion.

Certificates of Membership have been distributed to nineteen gentle¬
men who have obtained the diploma of the Royal College of Veterinary
Surgeons during the past year. Their names are as follows, and will
now be added to the Register of the Association :

H. F. and F.

G. M. P.

A. S. M.

H. F. and E.

F.

H. F. and E.

F.

F.

F. G. Rugg (V. P.).
W. Almond (V. P.).

W. H. Beach.

J. J. Crowhurst.
G. G. Magor (V.
II.

E. Slipper (V.

PO

P-)

II.

II. Talbott (V. P.).
T. W. Cave.

F. L. Gooch.

D. Gregory( V. P.).

T. J. Rippon.

T. Skilton.

A. S. Angler.

F. T. W. Lepper
(V. P.) II.

Sp. Ct. M. F. W. Caudwell.

F. E. R. Harding.

G. M. P. ~)

Sp. G. M. [ F. T. C. Toop.

E. S. M. J

F. S. Villar (V. P.).
F. J. W. Carlisle.

The Secretary, during the year which has passed, has succeeded in
collecting from the Annals of the Association such information as is
contained in the Revised Register and Record. The laborious nature
of this work, and the length of time which had elapsed since it was last
done, rendered thorough accuracy a matter almost of impossibility, but
the work, as produced, has proved useful to facilitate the business of the
Association, and but few lapses have been indicated. As Librarian he
has practically supervised the working of the “ Libraries Amalgamation
Scheme,55 and drawn up a report thereon, together with a record of the
Library state. Thus, gentlemen, we may conclude our review cf the
sessional year 1879-80. John Hy. Steel,

Secretary and Librarian.

Report of a Committee of Members of the Veterinary Medical Association
appointed to examine a Specimen submitted at the General Meeting ,
held 18 th November , 1879, by Messrs. Slipper and Shipley , M.R.C.V.S.,
of Yarmouth.

The specimen comprises certain abdominal viscera, together with the
genital and urinary organs of the “ Rig ” Horse.

Rectum. — Lining membrane congested, and muscular walls hyper¬
trophied posteriorly. Atrophy of anterior part. HsemorrhoidalVeins
largely distended.

Bladder. — Neck constricted, with a remarkably distended condition of
its veins. Mjiscular walls of an unusually dark red colour ; contents
milky and scanty. Prostate and Vesiculce seminales atrophied.

Testis (right) weighs f to 1 lb. ; withdrawn by atrophy to considerable
distance from epididymis. Secreting structure atrophied, but the organ
presents the advanced stages of growth of a sarcomatous medullary cha¬
racter, including even caseous and fatty changes. No disease of the
spermatic cord, which is simply atrophied.

Spleen abnormally soft, and in some parts apparently atrophied ; pre¬
sents on various parts of its surface small, somewhat flesh-coloured
growths. These are especially marked against the hilum, and similar
growths, but of a somewhat lighter colour, load the omentum major and

88G

YORKSHIRE VETERINARY MEDICAL SOCIETY.

the gastro-splenic omentum, causing hypertrophy of these, and giving
them a weight of 10 — 17 lbs.

A rupture of the spleen seems to have existed near its basal extre¬
mity of the hilum. The growths in the omentum were found, on micro¬
scopical examination, to present the encephaloid character, and to be
illustrative of the various phases of growth and degeneration of tumours
of this stamp. An enormous compound and tabulated encephaloid
growth occupied the sublumbar region, extending to, but not involving,
the kidneys and blood-vessels of the part. It pressed on the left ureter
and thus obliterated its passage and caused atrophy of the corresponding
kidney, which was soft and pulpy, and almost devoid of cortical portion.
The right kidney was somewhat soft, and the right ureter free. Pro¬
bably the milky contents of the bladder resulted from encephaloid
matter passing through the vesical portion of the atrophied left ureter.
This sublumbar mass weighed 12 lbs.

Conclusions. — We are not in a position to determine whether the dis¬
ease of the testis was primary or secondary. The lymphatics of the
spermatic cord not being involved would seem to indicate the testis as
an independent seat of encephaloid growth, and a manifestation in this
direction of a constitutional tendency of the patient’s system. The
omental growths are secondary, doubtless, and in the absence of the
greater portion of the mesentery, bowels, &c., we are hardly prepared to
report on the nature of the sublumbar growth. We may suggest that
microscopical examination of the urine would have proved diagnostic in
this case. We would also draw attention to the fact that this is the
second case of the kind submitted to the Association by Messrs. Shipley
and Slipper from Yarmouth, and would associate it with the well-known
ill effects of “ Rig castration,” as recently practised in that neighbour¬
hood. This suggests inquiries as to the hereditary character of the
disease in these cases.

(Signed) Geo. Ga reside Mayor, Chairman of Committee.

Nicholson Almond, 7 * n •

John Hv. Steel, \ Members of Committee.

YORKSHIRE VETERINARY MEDICAL SOCIETY.

The concluding Quarterly Meeting for the year was held at the -
Queen’s Hotel, Leeds, on Wednesday, 27th October; the President,
Mr. W. G. Schofield, in the chair. The following members were also
present : viz. Messrs. M. E. Naylor, J. S. Carter, Anderton, Ferguson,
Lodge, Peter Walker, Pratt, Deighton, Spillman, and the Secretary.
Messrs. E. Faulkner, Manchester, F. A. Kirke, Huddersfield, and
Fraser, Leeds, were present as visitors.

Apologies for non-attendance were received from Messrs. Greaves,
Jas. Freeman, Josh, and Jno. Freeman, Danby, J. M. Axe, and R. L.
Robertson.

The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed.

The Secretary proposed, and Mr. Walker seconded, the election of Mr.
W. C. Lawson, Leeds. Carried unanimously.

Mr. Deigliton proposed, and Mr. Ferguson seconded, the election of Mr.
H. Snarry, York. Carried unanimously.

Messrs. B. Smith, Barnsley, and F. A. Kirke, Huddersfield, were
nominated for membership.

YORKSHIRE VETERINARY MEDICAL SOCIETY. 887

The President read a letter that he had received from Mr. Geo.
Fleming, President of the College, kindly volunteering to read a paper
before the members of the Society. After some discussion, it was unani¬
mously resolved to invite Mr. Fleming to the ensuing Annual Meeting
and Dinner.

The President gave the details of a case of constipation, with subacute
inflammation of the intestines of a horse. Along with the usual
symptoms of the disease, the pulse rose to the extraordinary height of
130, and continued so for three days, the pain diminishing as the pulse
increased. The patient died upon the fifth day from exhaustion. In
consequence of a misunderstanding no post-mortem examination was
made. In the discussion that followed, Messrs. Walker, Faulkner,
Broughton, and the President took part.

In consequence of the unavoidable absence of Mr. T. Greaves, his
paper for discussion upon the advantages to be derived from the adoption
of the “ Penal and Apprenticeship clauses ” was read by Mr. F. Faulkner.
As might be expected, the author’s views upon these exceedingly im¬
portant subjects were presented in an energetic, lucid, and highly
practical manner.

Mr. Naylor said, the required preliminary education of the veterinary
pupil was far behind the requirements of the present day ; even boys of
twelve years of age in the Board schools were in advance of the required
veterinary standard. He was decidedly of opinion that a scientific
literary education was essentially necessary if a student really intended
to follow the profession of a veterinary surgeon. He also thought that
to admit a young man at the early age of twenty into the profession was
really a very great mistake.

Mr. P. Walker thought that a penal clause ought not to include a non¬
member, unless he had practised for twenty- five years. He was also of
opinion that an apprenticeship of two or three years should be com¬
pulsory.

Mr. Pratt said a man could not possibly become a scientist without a
knowledge of Latin and Greek, and therefore the required education of
the veterinary pupil was of a very inferior standard.

Mr. Broughton concurred generally with Mr. Greaves’ views, and
strongly advocated an apprenticeship of three years’ duration.

The President was of opinion that a high-class standard of education
was undoubtedly required ; also that practical tuition, apart from the
schools, was of paramount importance, as the practical education at the
schools was of necessity limited.

Mr. Faidkner agreed with Air. Naylor that a scientific literary education,
with sound practical tuition, constituted an essential requirement of the
veterinary surgeon ; but he was, nevertheless, of opinion that the
veterinary surgeon of the present day was far in advance in general
knowledge than were many of his predecessors.

Mr. Naylor proposed, and Mr. Anderton seconded, a vote of thanks to
Air. Greaves for his very able discourse; also to Air. Faulkner for his
kindness.

Mr. Faulkner returned thanks.

The Treasurer presented the financial account, showing a balance in
favour of the Society of £96 9s. 4d.

The election of officers for 1881 then took place, Air. J. TI. Ferguson,
Leeds, being unanimously elected President ; Messrs. W. G. Schofield,
T. Greaves, and J. AI. Axe, Vice-Presidents ; Air. Broughton, Hon. Sec. ;
and Air. Ferguson, Hon. Treas.

888

THE SCOTTISH METROPOLITAN VETERINARY
MEDICAL ASSOCIATION.

A meeting of the Scottish Metropolitan Veterinary Medical Associa¬
tion was held in Edinburgh on the 1st September last, when some
interesting cases, of which the following are the notes, were brought
before the members. The following three cases were by Mr. Cunning¬
ham, Slateford :

1. Deformed or malformed fore legs in a foal.

The foal was the offspring of a Clydesdale dam and sire, both, as far as
known, free from hereditary defect or malformation. It was allowed to live
two hours, and was strong and perfectly healthy, except in respect of the
following deformity : — The near fore leg was flexed at the fetlock and
turned inwards, the off limb was flexed at the knee. The principal meta¬
carpal bone with its phalanges in each limb was imperfectly developed,
while in each the internal small metacarpal carried a still less perfect digit.
The hind limbs were normal, and the act of parturition had been com¬
paratively easy, one of the limbs only requiring to be put straight a
little. The case is one of great interest, as showing a tendency towards
the typical complete development of parts, of which the normal structure
of the horse’s manus may be regarded as an arrested stage.

2. Diseased eye — the result probably of specific ophthalmia.

The crystalline lens was opaque. The vitreous humour was organised
and consolidated, being of a fibrous structure and enclosing a small piece
of bone in its centre. The cornea, aqueous humour, and iris were fairly
healthy, but the whole eye seemed as if it had a good many years pre¬
vious been the seat of severe specific ophthalmia, the deeper structures
having been most involved. The notable feature of the case was the
partial conversion of the vitreous humour into bone.

3. Fracture of the os suffraginis (horse).

A van-horse took fright at a railway train, gave a violent plunge, and
then stood still, with the near fore foot held up. Post-mortem examina¬
tion showed a remarkable fracture of the os suffraginis. The inner half
of the bone was almost intact, while the outer half was shattered into at
least a dozen fragments, owing probably to the doubling in of the fetlock
at the moment of impact.

The notes of the following case of tumour on the brain were read by
Mr. C. Rutherford, M.R.C.V.S., 21st Hussars, Piershill Barracks :

On the evening of the 19th June last, a bay mare, twelve years old,
of seven years’ service, was admitted to the sick lines, showing the fol¬
lowing symptoms : — Unsteady movement of all four legs, occasionally
stretching forward her fore legs and at the same time reining back. She
would stand, with nose poked out, staring at the wall in front of her;
pulse was full, 40 per minute ; respiration normal. I immediately bled
her and gave her a dose of physic, kept wet cloths at her head, and put
her in a loose box without any food. Up till the morning of the 21st
there was no alteration for the better, excepting that the bowels had at
last responded to the physic; but in the evening I found her knocking
herself about madly, eyes staring and glazed, pupils widely dilated, and
trembling violently when touched. At times she stood quietly, pressing
her nose against a corner of the box ; pulse when quiet was 100 per
minute, full and firm, mucous membrane injected, respirations accele¬
rated — symptoms which lasted with more or less remission till the early

WEST OF SCOTLAND VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. 889

morning of the 22nd, when she perambulated her box almost constantly,
moving always to the left and very unsteadily, unconscious of knocking
her head against the walls ; pulse had fallen to 86 per minute ; faeces
firm. A strong cantharidine blister applied (on the 23rd) to the poll and
around the base of the ears produced scarcely any result, and mustard to
the abdomen without effect. I kept cold water applied to the head and
wet swabs on the feet, removed the urine, and gave enemata. On the
morning of the 23rd she fell on the near side and could not rise from it ;
insensible to the prick of a pin on the body and legs, but not on the face ;
unconscious paroxysmal movements of the limbs occurring frequently ;
faeces soft. On the 28th she could stand quietly, though rather un¬
steadily, and often for an hour at a time with her head outside the box,
the neck pressed firmly against the lower half of the door — a most piti¬
ful object, with eyelids closed from oedema, the near one discharging
sanguineous pus, and with large sores here and there over the body.
Subsequently she gradually improved, having more command over her
movements ; ate fairly well, partaking of hay, gruel, bran, and oats,
walking exercise twice daily being allowed.

On July 5th she again appeared stupid, bowing her head in a corner,
off feed, and moving about much more unsteadily than before, symptoms
which lasted nearly a week. I again applied a blister to the poll and
around the ears, this time producing vesication.

On the 12th July she was furiously delirious, reeling and dashing
about unconsciously, insensible to outward impressions, the eyes glazed
and staring, pupils dilated, the muscles of the neck spasmodically con¬
tracted, pulse small and rapid, about 130 per minute, respirations irre¬
gular, mucous membranes intensely injected. Next day she fell and
could not rise with help, nor could she have stood if she had been able
to get up. All that could be done when so unmanageable was to apply
ext. belladonna and tinct. aconite to the tongue, and keep the bedding
about her. Destroyed by pithing. Medicinally, during the disease, I
had given small doses of tincture of aconite, tartar emetic, and nitrate of
potass, with the addition of calomel or aloes, or sulphate of magnesia, as
was thought best.

Post-mortem examination revealed hydrocephalus of the ventricles
and base of the brain. The dura mater around the medulla (where it is
normally pretty thick) was much thickened, soft, and pale yellow in
colour. A tumour, racemose in appearance and of a pale red colour,
was found attached firmly to the pia mater, stretching across the poste¬
rior face of the cerebellum, in the space between the cerebellum and
medulla posteriorly, and separated from the fourth ventricle by the
valve of Renault. Detached and placed in water it branched out like
sea-weed. On closer examination one could readily detect three firm
glistening portions, small and closely resembling tendons, not grating on
section. Their composition I am not exactly aware of.

John McFadyean, Secretary.

WEST OF SCOTLAND VETERINARY MEDICAL

ASSOCIATION.

The usual Quarterly Meeting of this Society was held in the Veteri¬
nary College, Glasgow, on Wednesday, October 20th. The President,
Professor M'Call, in the chair.

890 MONTREAL VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION.

Present the following members : — Messrs Robinson, sen. and jun., and
M'Farlane, Greenock; Messrs Dunlop and Kidney, Belfast; Mr. R.
Rutherford, Edinburgh ; Mr. Campbell, Kirkcudbright; Mr. MTntosh,
Dumfries ; Messrs. Spreull and Crockat, Dundee ; Mr. Thomson, Inver¬
ness ; Mr. Lindsay, Alloa; Messrs Pottie, M‘Geoch, and Houston,
Paisley; Mr Bryce, Stirling; Mr. Chivas, Corbridge-on-Tyne ; Mr.
Gardener, Helensburgh ; Mr. Neil, Dumbarton; Mr. Blackie, Bellshill ;
Mr. Brackenridge, Holly town ; Mr. Pollock, Hamilton ; Mr. Jar vie,
Carluke ; Mr. Clark, Dalserf ; Mr. Allan, Clarkston ; Mr. Blue, Mearns ;
Mr. Panton, Blairgowrie; Mr. Constable, Inchture ; Messrs Mitchell,
Weir, Anderson, jun., McQueen, Prentice, Mitchell, Dickson, Hill,
Pollock, Currie, and Wyper, Glasgow ; Mr. Weir, Airdrie.

After some formal business, Mr. R. Rutherford, Edinburgh, read an
interesting and exhaustive essay upon “ Inoculation for Contagious
Pleuro-pneumonia.” It was agreed to reserve the discussion till next
quarterly meeting.

The members and friends afterwards dined together in the Royal
Restaurant, where a most enjoyable evening was spent.

J. Macqueen, Secretary.

MONTREAL VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSO¬
CIATION.

This Association held its opening meeting for the Winter Session
1880-81 in the lecture room of the Veterinary College, Union Avenue,
on Thursday evening last, October 14th-— the President, Dr. Osier, in
the chair. The President opened with an address to the members,
before retiring from office. The meeting then proceeded to the election
of officers for the ensuing session, with the following result : — President,
C. J. Alloway, V.S. ; 1st Vice-President, James Bell, M.D. ; 2nd Vice-
President, M. C. Baker, V.S. ; Secretary-Treasurer, E. J. Carter;
Librarian, B. D. Pierce.

Mr. Alloway then took the chair, and addressed the meeting, fol¬
lowed by Professor McEachran, Honorary President, who expressed
his satisfaction upon the prosperous condition of the Association and the
library connected with it, which is now one of the most valuable on this
continent, containing all the oldest and the most recent works on
veterinary and collateral sciences. He also pointed out the benefits to
be derived by the members of the Association from their meeting
together for the purpose of hearing papers read and discussed.

The following gentlemen were proposed as members of the Associa¬
tion : — A. W. Clement, Geo. W. Goetz, T. J. O’Coimol, Alfred W.
Mears, James Brodie, J. A. Duncan, P. Paquin, F. Paquin, P. A.
Pomroy, L. W. Bergeron, C. B. Robinson, Pierre Gadbois, V. T.
Daubigny, V.S., R. T. Whittlesey, and William Lemay.

A vote of thanks was passed to the retiring officers.

At the next meeting, on the 28th instant, Professor McEachran will
read a paper on the important subject of “ Tuberculosis of Cattle and
its relation to Public Health.” A communication will also be read on
“ Purpura ITtemorrhagica,” by Mr. Clias. H. Ormond.

891

Veterinary Jurisprudence.

A GLANDERED HORSE.

Edgware Petty Sessions. — November 10 th.

(Present : C. D. Fort n urn, Esq., J. Charles, Esq., and A. R.

Johnson, Esq.)

John Roberts , horse dealer, of Cricklewood, was summoned by Mr.
Charles Offer, county inspector, for that on or about the 13th of October
he had, in a field near the Welsh Harp, and in his possession, a horse
affected with glanders, and neglected to give notice of the fact to the
police of the district, and David Dore, of Lisson-grove, was also sum¬
moned for removing the carcase of the above-mentioned animal, contrary
to the regulations of the county authority.

John Cox on said he was ostler at the Welsh Harp, and on or about the
13th October, he bought a dark bay mare of the defendant Roberts, that
was in his field. He bought it for a knacker for 25s. It was poor and
lame, but he saw nothing the matter with it. He sold it to Dore for
30s., and he believed it was killed in the field. He did not go close
enough to it to see if it was diseased.

t J r

By Mr. Boydell. — Mr. Roberts had his own hunter, worth £50, and
other valuable horses in the same field with the horse in question.

Caleb James Hunt , parish inspector, said he lived at No. 4, Belle Isle,
King’s Cross, and knew Dore. He saw him on the 13th of October,
when he brought a dead horse into Mr. Harrison’s yard. As soon as he
saw it he told Dore it had got glanders, and asked him where he got it
from, and he replied, “From Johnny Coxon, of the Welsh Harp.”
Dore said he had killed it because it was lame. It was in good condi¬
tion, and, but for the glanders, would have been fit for work had it not
been lame.

Francis Henry Ricller said he was a M.R.C.V.S., and Government
inspector, and on the 13th October he was at Mr. Harrison’s, when Mr.
Hunt asked him to make a post-mortem on a horse that had just been
brought in. He saw Dore there, who brought the horse in for sale; it
was a bay horse. He examined it, and found it had suffered from
glanders. He stated the appearances, and said he thought it had
suffered for about three weeks. The disease must have been apparent
before death. Dore said it came from the Welsh Harp.

John Roberts was called for his own defence, and said he had the horse
in question about a week. He exchanged it with a man named Read,
and examined it at the time, and there was nothing the matter with
it then. He had not had glanders on his premises.

Mr. Roberts’s foreman, name Davis , also stated he examined the
horse when it first came there, and did not observe any symptoms of
glanders.

Dore also was called, and said he had no knowledge whatever that the
horse had glanders, or he would not have had anything to do with it.

Roberts was fined £5, and £2 8s. 3d. costs, and Dore £l, and £2 8s. 3d.
costs.

CRUELTY TO HORSES.

West Hartlepool Police Court.

Monday, Nov. 15th. — Before Capt. Young, Messrs. Pyman and R. C,
Walker, and Dr. Gourley.

89:2

THR FITZWYGRAM TESTIMONIAL.

Robert Batty was charged by Sergeant Bowman with cruelty to a
horse on the 5th inst.

Sergeant Bowman deposed to finding the defendant working a horse
which was in' an unfit condition.

Mr. Beeley ’-veterinary surgeon, deposed to examining the horse, which
was in a very emacitfted condition, and was totally unfit for even the
lightest work.

The Bench strongly condemned the practice of cruelty to helpless
animals, and they had been half inclined to send the prisoner to gaol
without the option of a fine, but they had decided to tine him £5 and £1
10s. Cd. costs. The fine was heavy because the defendant had been
fined for a similar offence within the last twelve months.

George H. Burrell and James King were charged by Sergeant Cowan
with a similar offence.

Mr. Peele found the horse in poor condition. The knees were cut
from falling, and the upper part -of the shoulders also wounded. The
latter wound might have been caused by lying in a stall too narrow
for it.

Defendant said the horse had fallen when drawing the empty cart on
the day in question.

Mr. Peele thought the knees might have been hurt on that morning,
but the hip wound was an old one. King was the owner of the horse,
and Burrell, a youth, the driver. Burrell was dismissed, and King fined
40s. and £l 10s. 6d. costs.

THE FITZWYGRAM TESTIMONIAL.

We are requested to give insertion to the following circular letter,
which has been forwarded by Mr. Greaves to members of the pro¬
fession. A hearty response will, we hope, be given to the appeal.

Dear Sir, — Referring to my circular respecting the above Testimonial
I have much pleasure in informing you that a large number of the
Members of the profession have cheerfully responded to the appeal.
About £240 have been subscribed and deposited in the bank. The
Committee, however, are about £180 short of the amount required, and
I am, therefore, under the necessity of respectfully inviting you to kindly
join in carrying out the object we have in view, viz. of presenting
Major-General Sir Frederick Fitzwygram, Bart., with his Portrait, a
duplicate of which is to be hung in the Council Room of the Royal
College of Veterinary Surgeons.

The Members of the profession must not forget the strong claims that
Sir Frederick has upon them, and I trust they will feel a pleasure in
showing that they fully appreciate his great services.

Will you kindly forward the amount you are disposed to subscribe
as early as convenient to the Treasurer , Mr. Henry Joseph Cart¬
wright, Wolverhampton?

I am, dear Sir,

Yours most truly,

Thomas Greaves.

Mon. Sec ,

Knott Mile, Manchester \

Nov. 10 th, 1880.

INDEX.

A

Abdominal encepbaloid cancerous disease in a rig pony, case of, 260
A case of irregular strangles, 627
Acid, carbolic, antidote to, 45
test for, 885

hydrocyanic, detection of traces of, 45
prussic, detection of, 28, 83
salicylic, action of, and the salicylates, 44
Act, Contagious Diseases, 317

(Animals) in Ireland, the operation of the, 688
1869— official returns, 26, 90

Vivisection, 465

Action of atropin and morphin, the alleged antagonistic, 181
bacteria in anthrax, theory of the, 654
salicylic acid and the salicylates, 44

Address by Prof. Axe to the Central Veterinary Medical Society on “ Gar¬
get in relation to diphtheria,” 290
Branford at the Albany Farmers’ Association, Graham’s
Town, Cape of Good Hope, 579
the President of the Norfolk and Eastern Counties Veterinary
Medical Association, 373

Prof. Cobbold, at the Royal Veterinary College, 761
Prof. Knox, at the opening of the session of the Glasgow
Veterinary College, 898

of the President of the Lancashire Veterinary Medical Association,

298

Liverpool Veterinary Medical Associa¬
tion, 386

National Veterinary Benevolent and Mutual
Defence Society, 313

inaugural, at the Scottish Metropolitan Veterinary Medical

Association, 828

Yorkshire Veterinary Medical Society, 215
Afghan, South, expedition, camels in connection with the, 699
Africa, South, horse sickness in, 33, 426
Agricultural and Highland Society’s certificate, 910

Society of England, Royal, general meeting, 50, 101
the International, meeting in London, 180

proposed introduction of foreign
animals at the International
Exhibition, 29

LII.

64

914 INDEX.

Agricultural, Royal, Society, entomological report, 679

monthly council of, 893
reports by Prof. Axe on sheep dis¬
ease, &c., 893

veterinary committee, 48, 197, 360,
435, 512, 678, 893
report on a fatal disease affect¬
ing pregnant ewes, 273

Aitkin, William, his obituary, 66
Alarming spread of rabies at Taunton, 884

Albany Farmers’ Association, Graham’s Town, Cape of Good Hope, Prof.
Branford’s address at the, 579

Alleged antagonistic action of atropin and morphia, the, 181
cruelty at Burslem — professional discrepancy, 687
negligence in a veterinary operation — Smith v. Marking, 222
Almond, Nicholson, on physiological treatment of visceral inflammation,
337

American cattle, importation of, 99, 398, 645
diseased, 226, 269
pleuro-pneumonia in, 427
trade, the, 318

transit losses, 730

pigs, 464

pork and trichiniasis, 430
sheep-scab law, 884

Anaemia, intravenous injection of milk in, 195
An asinine mystery, 809

essay on germs : the part they play in the production of some diseases,
and disinfectants, 376
improved enema syringe, 792
Animal disease at Natal, 664
vaccination, 652

and arm-to-arm vaccination, the comparative merits of,
588

Animals Act, Contagious Diseases, 1869 (official returns), 26, 90

in Ireland, the operation of the, 688

cruelty to, 615

food — special prizes for Smithfield Cattle Show, 73S
foreign, proposed introduction of, at the International Exhibition
of the Royal Agricultural Society, 29
lower, inoculability of tinea tonsurans on the, 654
on plants in relation to, 556, 633, 716, 786, 865
parasitic diseases of, 738
poisoning of, by strychnine, 426
septicaemia in, 561

young, essay on arthritic or joint disease in, at the Scottish Metro¬
politan Veterinary Medical Association, 204, 531
Annual dinner, the, 467

examinations of the Montreal Veterinary College, 462
general meeting of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, 436
Anthrax in the pig, 597

theory of the action of bacteria in, 654
Antidote to carbolic acid, 456

Antisepticity, a paper read by Mr. T. Ilopkin at the Lancashire Veterinary
Medical Association, 518
Apoplexy, parturient, on, 19, 84, 85, 86, 121
Appointments, army, 65, 318, 616, 668, 911

INDEX.

915

A radical cure of milk fever of cows, homoeopathic treatment, 417

remarkable case of mal-development of the foetal membranes of a cow,

489

rupture of the diaphragm, 562
Armstrong, Henry G., on anthrax in the pig, 597
Army appointments, 65, 318, 616, 688, 911
veterinary surgeons, pay of, 806
Arnold, J., his remarks on pig typhoid, 21
Arrangements, medical and veterinary, at the Cape, 573
Arthritic or joint disease in young stock, essay on, at the Scottish Metro¬
politan Veterinary Medical Association, 204, 531
Artificial eyes in the horse, 835
A shorthorn cause celebre, 683
Asinine mystery, an, 809

Asses, notes on peculiar cystoid bodies found in dissecting-room subjects,
75

Association, Albany Farmers’, Prof. Branford’s address at the, Graham’s
Town, Cape of Good Hope, 579
Lancashire Veterinary Medical, 211, 298, 517, 681, 901, 903
Antisepticity, a paper read by Mr. T. Hopkin, 518
Liverpool Veterinary Medical, 120, 386, 514
President’s inaugural address, 386
Quarterly meeting, 747

Remarks, anatomical, physiological, and pathological,
on parturient apoplexy, a paper read by Mr.
Gerrard, 121

Midland Counties Veterinary Medical —

Extraordinary tumour in a horse, 839
The treatment of sandcrack, 837
The use of the ecraseur, 838
Thirty- eighth meeting, 836
Montreal Veterinary Medical, 219

Norfolk and Eastern Counties Veterinary Medical, 372, 60S

An essay on germs : the part they play in the produc¬
tion of some diseases ; and disinfectants, 376
Half-yearly meeting, 751
President’s inaugural address, 373
North of England Veterinary Medical, 302, 529, 741

Some of the diseases of the bowels as affecting the
horse, 741

Ontario Veterinary Medical, 220, 460

Scottish Metropolitan Veterinary Medical, 204, 302, 530

Essay on arthritic or joint disease in young stock, 204,
351

Inoculation of cattle for pleuro-pneumonia, 828
President’s inaugural address, 304
Quarterly meeting, 828.

Special forms of intestinal torsion and displacement
of the colon in the horse, particularly in refer¬
ence to the cause of death and the use of the
trocar and canula in tympany, 830
Veterinary Medical, 44th session, 823
Ass, on parasites of the, 69
Atherstone, Hugh, his obituary, 66

Atropin and niorphin, the alleged antagonistic action of, 181
Aureggio, M., sa memoire sur le traitement des lesions traumatiques des
synoviales articulaires et tendineuses par la glycerine, 47

916

INDEX.

Austin, George, his obituary, 912

Australia, South, report of the eliief inspector of sheep for the half year
and year ended Dec., 1878, 673
veterinary inspectors, Victoria, 181
Award, Coleman prize, 611

Fitzwygram prize, 611

scholarship, at the Royal Veterinary College, 611
Axe, Prof., his address to the Central Veterinary Medical Society on “ Gar¬
get in relation to diphtheria,” 290
report by, at the Royal Agricultural Society of England, 893
A Yorkshire horse case — staggers, 911

B

Bacteria in anthrax, theory of the action of, 654

injection of, into the blood without any toxic effect, 891
Bahia, Province of, on the occurrence of the Filaria medenensis or guinea-
worm, and its entrance into the human body by drinking water, 67,
151, 235, 319

Baker, Geo. Thos., his obituary, 66
Barrow, Richard, his obituary, 230

Beach, W. H., records cases of disease of the eyes of breeding ewes, 489
Beeson, Stephen, his remarks on parturient apoplexy, 86

records a remarkable case of rupture of the diaphragm,
562

Benevolent, the National Veterinary, and Mutual Defence Society, 59, 313
President’s inaugural address, 313
Bill, the Vivisection, 433
Blackleg and hoose in calves, 737

Blakeway, E., communicates a case of navicular disease of the fore and

hind feet, 21

records cases of “ rot ” affecting cattle, 260
Blaps mortisaga in the horse, on the occurrence of the larvae of, 472
Blood-corpuscles, nucleus in, 891

injection of bacteria into the, without any toxic effect, 891
transfusion of. intravenous injection of milk as a substitute for, 43
Boag, William Metcalf, his obituary, 230

Bodies, peculiar cystoid, found in dissecting-room subjects (asses), notes on,
75

Bodington, G., complimentary dinner at Canton, Cardiff, to, 399
Body, human, entrance of the Filaria medenensis or guinea-worm into the,
by drinking water, 67, 151, 235, 319
Botany, the principles of, 12, 77, 164, 246, 486
Boundary fences, yew trees in, 192
Bourdass, George, his remarks on parturient apoplexy, 84
Bowels, disease of the, as affecting the horse, 7 41
Bovine lung disease, 506
Brain, ckolesterine tumour in the, 416

Branford’s, Prof., address at the Albany Partners’ Association, Graham’s
Town, Cape of Good Hope, 579
Breeding ewes, disease in the eyes of, 489

Brown Institution — report of the experiments on pleuro-pneumonia, 351
Brown, John, his obituary, 66
Brown, Samuel, his obituary, 150

INDEX.

917

Buckkounds, royal, and rabies, 184

Buckman, Prof. James, kis principles of botany, 12, 77, 164, 246, 486

on plants in relation to animals, 556, 633, 716, 786,
865

Burslem, alleged cruelty at — professional discrepancy, 687
Butler, William, kis obituary, 66

C

Calves and lambs, diseases of, 736, 737

Camels, use of, in connection with the South Afghan expedition, 699
Can pleuro-pneumonia be communicated by mediate contagion? 348
Canada, importation of cattle into, 806

inspection of imported cattle into, 505
Cancerous disease, case of abdominal encepkaloid, in a rig pony, 260
Canula and trocar in tympany, use of, 830
Cape, health of cavalry horses at the, 419

medical and veterinary arrangements at the, 573
Professor Branford’s address at the Albany Farmers’ Association,
Graham’s Town, 579
Carbolic acid, antidote to, 45
test for, 885
Cargo, the Nestorian’s, 465

Carless, W. Stanley, on the recent fatality among in-lamb ewes, 336

Carlisle, Joseph, his obituary, 66

Cartilage cells, division of, 811

Case, a Yorkshire horse — staggers, 911

of abdominal encephaloid cancerous disease in a rig pony, 260

enteric disease in a mare — absence of left kidney, hypertrophy of
right, with calculi in same, 790
glanders at Hertford, the, 538
glanders — conviction, 687
irregular strangles, 627

navicular disease of both the fore and hind feet, 21
poisoning with yew, 87
rabies admitted into the College Infirmary, 18
remarkable, of mal-development of the foetal membranes of a cow,

489

rupture of the diaphragm, 562
Cases, horse, evidence in, 22

of communication of glanders to the human subject, 350
extraordinary fecundity in ewes, 347
rot affecting cattle, 260
Cattle, American, importation of, 99, 318, 398

pleuro-pneumonia in, 427
importation of, into Canada, 505, 806
imports, 572

cases of " rot ” affecting, 260
disease in America, 226, 269
Russia, 644
new, 637

diseases in Prance, 504

inoculation of, for pleuro-pneumonia, 828

Irish, and disease, 349

market at Hull, 269

INDEX.

918

Cattle, over-driven, 40

pens, uncleansed — conviction, 426

plague, 25, 89, ISO, 269, 341, 419, 491, 565, 644, 722, 799,
876

in Natal, threatened introduction of, 873
serious loss of, from eating yew, 263
Show, Smithfield — special prizes for “food animals,” 730
transport of, 464
Cause celebre, a shorthorn, 683
Cavalry horses at the Cape, health of, 419
French, glanders among, 340
Cells, cartilage, division of, 811

Central Veterinary Medical Society, 50, 118, 202, 2S9, 455

garget in relation to diphtheria, 290
Certificate, Highland and Agricultural Society’s, 910
Challinor, Alfred, his obituary, 150
Charge against the Earl of Leicester — sheep-scab — 533
Chemico -physical theories F modern, is life to be explained by, 41
Chief inspector of sheep in South Australia, report of, for the half year and

year ended December, 1878, 673
stock at Queensland, 1879, report of, for the year 1878,
668

Children, recent deaths of, from glanders, 463
Cholesterine tumour in the brain, 416
Claim against a farrier — conflicting evidence, 685
Club, Smithfield, meeting of council, veterinary report, 219
Cobbold, Prof., his remarks on Eustrongglus gigas , 231

on the occurrence of the larvse of Blaps mortisaga in the
horse, 473

election of, as president of the Quekett Microscopical Club,
730

his communication of a translation from the Portuguese by
Dr. Paterson of remarks on the Filaria medenensis
or guinea-worm ; on the occurrence of this parasite
endemically in the Province of Bahia ; on its entrance
into the human body by drinking water, 67, 151, 236,
319, 401

his introductory address at the Royal Veterinary College,
761

Coleman prize award, 611

College, Edinburgh Veterinary — Prize and honour lists, 614
Glasgow Veterinary, 371

Distribution of prizes, 614
Inaugural address by Prof. Knox, 898
New Veterinary —

Presentation of prizes, 458
of Veterinary Surgeons, Royal —

Annual general meeting, 436
Quarterly meeting of council, 105, 364, 601, 811
Special meeting of council, 117, 278, 513, 605.
815,816

Ontario Veterinary —

Spring examinations, 461
Royal Veterinary —

Case of rabies admitted into the, 18
Introductory address by Prof. Cobbold, 761
Quarterly meeting of general purposes committee, 822

INDEX.

919

College, Royal Veterinary, Report on, by Mr. Moore, 794, 798

of opening-meeting and distribution of prizes, 819
Scholarship award, 611
The veterinary profession v. the, 794
Collett, Robert, his obituary, 66

Colon in the horse, displacement of the, and special forms of intestinal
torsion, particularly in reference to the use of trocar and canula in
tympany, 830

Committee of general purposes of the Royal Veterinary College, meeting
of, 822

veterinary, of the Royal Agricultural Society of England, 48,
197, 360, 433, 512, 678, 893
report of a fatal disease affecting pregnant ewes, 273
Communication from Mr. T. Moore on the meeting of veterinary surgeons,

637, 798, 875

of glanders to the human subject, cases of, 350
Comparative merits of animal vaccination and arm-to-arm vaccination, 588
Composition of mare’s milk, 645

Condition of stock, the influence of the wet season on the, 732

Conflicting evidence — claim against a farrier, 685

Contagion, mediate, can pleuro-pneumonia be communicated by ? 348

the transmission of pleuro-pneumonia by, and inocula¬
tion, 574

Contagious Diseases Act, 317

(Animals) Act in Ireland, the operation of the, 688
the, of 1869 (official returns), 26, 90
statistical tables of farcy, 267, 344, 425, 495, 501,
569, 641, 725, 803, 881

foot-and-mouth disease, 179, 266, 344, 422, 494, 500,
568, 640, 726, 802, 881

glanders, 26 7, 345, 423, 494, 500, 569, 641, 727, 803,
880

pleuro-pneumonia, 176, 264, 342, 420, 492, 498, 566,
638, 723, 800, 878
swine fever, 570, 642, 728, 804, 882
typhoid fever of swine, 178, 267, 345, 424, 496, 502
is foot rot, 886

Continental veterinary journals, synopsis of, 1, 154,238, 323, 406, 476,
545, 617, 689, 777, 841
Conviction, case of glanders, 687

for driving a glandered horse, 317
uncleansed cattle pens, 426

Cooley’s cyclopaedia of practical receipts and collateral information in the
arts, manufactures, professions, and trades, 46
Council, meeting of, of the Smithfield Club — veterinary report, 219

meetings, of, of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons —
Quarterly, 105, 364, 601, 811
Special, 117, 278, 513, 605, 815, 816
monthly, of the Royal Agricultural Society of England, 893
order of, relating to dairies, cowsheds, and milkshops, 182, 225
the new order of, relating to “ swine fever,” 646
Counties, Eastern and Norfolk Veterinary Medical Association, 372, 608

An essay on germs : the part they play in the production
of disease ; and disinfectants : the part they play in
the prevention and modifying of disease, 376
Half-yearly meeting, 751
President’s inaugural address, 373

920 INDEX.

Counties, Midland, Veterinary Medical Association-

Extraordinary tumour in a horse, 839
The treatment of sandcrack, 837
use of ecraseur, 838
Thirty-eighth meeting, 836

Country practitioner, a, on the present status of the profession, 174
County list of veterinary surgeons, 541
Cowbane, poisoning by, 572

Cow, death of a, from the presence of a needle in the vicinity of the heart,
564

a remarkable case of mal-development of the foetal membranes of a,
489

retention of dead foetus in a, 874

associated with a second impregnation
and gestation, 334

Cowpox, natural, 578

Cowsheds, dairies, and milkshops, orders of Council relating to, 182, 225,
573

Cows, homoeopathic treatment of milk fever of, 417
stomach of, metallic substances in the, 505
Cox, J. Roalfe, letter relative to fellowships, 148
Croup, fowl, and typhoid fever, 810
Cruelty, alleged, at Burslem — professional discrepancy, 687
to a horse by over-work, 653
animals, 615

Crump, John, his obituary, 688

Cure, a radical, of milk fever of cows, homoeopathic treatment, 417
sure and rapid, for hiccough, 181

Cuthbert, John, records a case of spindle-celled sarcoma blocking the in¬
testines, 82

Cyclopaedia (Cooley’s) of practical receipts and collateral information in the
arts, manufactures, professions, and trades, 46
Cystoid bodies, peculiar, found in dissecting-room subjects (asses), notes
on, 75

D

Dairies, cowsheds, and milkshops, orders of Council relating to, 182, 225
573

Day, E. W., records a case of poisoning with yew, 87
Dead foetus in a cow, retention of, 874

associated with a second impregnation
and gestation, 334

Death from hydrophobia, 884

of a cow from the presence of a needle in the vicinity of the heart,
564

Deaths, recent, of children from glanders, 463

Defence, Mutual, and National Veterinary Benevolent Society, the, 59, 313
President’s inaugural address, 313

Depot, Remount, at Saharunpore, north-west provinces of India, notes
made during visits to, 851

Destruction of a pack of harriers on account of dumb madness, 8 Si-
Detection of traces of hydrocyanic acid, 45

prussic acid, 28, 83

INDEX.

921

Development and metamorphoses of taeniae, 651

of the olfactory nerves of vertebrates, 650
Diaphragm, rupture of the, remarkable case of, 562
Dick Memorial, the proposed, 347
Die echinococcen-krankheit, review of, 186
Digitalis, the use of, 28
Diphtheria, garget in relation to, 290
Discrepancy, professional — alleged cruelty at Burslem, 687
Disease and Irish cattle, 349
animal, at Natal, 644
bovine lung, 506

case of abdominal encephaloid cancerous, in a rig pony, 260
cattle, American, 99, 226, 269, 398, 427, 645
in Russia, 644

enteric, case of, in a mare; absence of left kidney, hypertrophy
of right, with calculi in same, 790
fatal, affecting pregnant ewes, report of the veterinary committee
of the Royal Agricultural Society of England, 273
foot-and-mouth, 26, 63, 94, 179, 266, 344, 422, 494, 500, 568,
640, 726, 799, 881
in the eyes of breeding ewes, 489
hereditary nature of, iu relation to, 752
navicular, of the fore and hind feet, case of, 21
new cattle, 637

supposed laryngeal, case of, 636
the horse, of South Africa, 426
Diseased meat, exposing, for sale — pleuro-pneumonia, 759
selling, 269

Diseases, cattle, in France, 504
Contagious, Act, 317

(Animals) Act in Ireland, the operation of the, 688
1869 (official returns), 26, 90
statistical tables of farcy, 267, 344, 425, 495, 501,
569, 641, 725, 803,' 881

foot-and-mouth disease, 179, 266, 344, 422, 494, 500,
568, 640, 726, 802, 881

glanders, 267, 345, 423, 494, 500, 569, 641, 727,
803, 880

pleuro-pneumonia, 176, 264, 342, 420, 492,498, 566,
638, 723, 800, 878
swine fever, 570, 642, 728, 804, 882
typhoid fever in swine, 178, 267, 345, 424, 496, 502
of lambs and calves, 736

the bowels as affecting the horse, some of the, 741
prevalence of, the effect of rainfall on the, 807
Disinfectants, on certain, 195
Disinfection, experiments on, 584

Displacement of the colon in the horse, and special forms of intestinal
torsion, particularly in reference to the use of trocar and canula in
tympany, 830

Dissecting-room subjects (asses), notes on peculiar cystoid bodies found
in, 75

Distribution of prizes and meeting at the Royal Veterinary College, report

of, 819

at the Glasgow Veterinary College, 614
Division of cartilage cells, 811
Dog and a donkey, desperate fight between a, 912

922

INDEX.

Dogs, epilepsy in, successful liomceopatliic treatment of, 563
Dofan, Michael P., his obituary, 150
Donkey and a dog, desperate fight between a, 912
Doyle, G., his obituary, 150

Duct, mammillary, of a cow, warty growths within the, 418
Dumb madness — destruction of a pack of harriers, 884
Duncalf, Thomas, his obituary, 150
“ Dyer’s Vesicant,” 81

E.

Earl of Leicester, charge against the — sheep-scab — 533

Eastern Counties and Norfolk Veterinary Medical Association, 372,

608

An essay on germs : the part they play in the produc¬
tion of disease ; and disinfectants : the part
they play in the prevention modifying of disease,
376

Half-yearly meeting, 751
President’s inaugural address, 373
Eating yew, serious loss of cattle from, 263
Ecraseur, the use of, 838

observations on, 872

Edinburgh Veterinary College prize and honour lists, 614
Effects of rainfall on the prevalence of parasitic diseases, 807
Elphick, G., his paper on some of the diseases of the bowels as affecting the
horse, read at the North of England Veterinary Medical Association,
741

Encephaloid cancerous disease, case of abdominal, in a rig pony, 260
Enema syringe, an improved, 792

England, Royal Agricultural Society of, proposed exhibition of foreign

animals at metropolitan meeting of, 29, 101
Metropolitan meeting of, 180
Entomological report, 679
General meeting, 50
Monthly council, 893

Veterinary committee, 48, 197, 360, 435, 512, 678, 893

report of a fatal disease affecting
pregnant ewes, 273

English and Scotch examinations, 609

Enteric disease, case of, in a mare, absence of left kidney, hypertrophy of
right, with calculi in same, 790

Entomological report of the Royal Agricultural Society of England, 679
Errata, 472, 616, 912

Essay on arthritic or joint disease in young stock at the Seottish Metropo¬
litan Veterinary Medical Association, 204, 531
germs : the part they play in the production of some diseases ;
and disinfectants also in the prevention and modifying of
disease, 376
Epidemics, milk, 97

Epilepsy, and its successful homoeopathic treatment in dogs, 563

Eustrongylus gigas, remarks on, 231

Evergreens and farm stock, 510

Evidence, conflicting — claim against a farrier, 685

INDEX.

923

Ewes, cases of extraordinary fecundity of, 347
disease in the eyes of breeding, 489

fatal disease affecting pregnant, report of the veterinary committee
of the Royal Agricultural Society of England, 273
the recent fatality among in-lamb, 336
Examinations, annual, of the Montreal Veterinary College, 462
English and Scotch, 602

Exhibition, International, of the Royal Agricultural Society, proposed intro¬
duction of foreign animals at the, 29
Agricultural, in London, 180

Expedition, South Afghan, camels in connection with the, 699
Experiments on disinfection, 584

pleuro-pneumonia, report of the Brown Institution on, 351
Exposing diseased meat for sale — pleuro-pneumonia, 759
Extraordinary fecundity in ewes, cases of, 347
tumour in a horse, 839
Eye, filaria in the, 657
Eyes, artificial, in the horse, 835

disease in the, of breeding ewes, 4S9

E.

Facts in filariasis, 401

Farcy, official returns of, 94, 267, 344, 425, 495, 501, 569, 641, 725, 803,
881

Farmers’ Association, Albany, Cape of Good Hope, Prof. Branford’s ad¬
dress at the, 579
Farm stock and evergreens, 510
Farrier, claim against a — conflicting evidence, 685
Fatality, the recent, among in-lamb ewes, 336
Fecundity, extraordinary, in ewes, cases of, 347
Fees, professional, 62

Feet, fore and hind, case of navicular disease of both the, 21
Fences, boundary, yew trees in, 192
Fever, milk, of cows, homoeopathic treatment of, 417
scarlet, and milk, 596

swine, the new order of Council relating to, 61, 96, 17S, 267, 345,
424, 496, 502, 505, 570, 642, 646, 728, 804, 882
typhoid, and fowl croup, 810

outbreak of, from infected milk, 32
Field, John, his obituary, 616
Fight, desperate, between a dog and a donkey, 912
Filaria in the eye, 657

medenensis , or guinea-worm ; on the occurrence of this parasite
endemicallv in the Province of Bahia and on its entrance
into the human body by drinking water, 67, 151, 235, 319
Filariasis, facts in, 401
Fishwick, Henry, his obituary, 66
“Fitzwygram prizes,” the, 150, 544, 611

General Sir Frederick, proposed testimonial to, 907
Fleming, George, presentation of testimonial to, at the annual dinner of the
profession, '467

testimonial fund, the, letter from Mr. J. Woodroffe Hill, 64
on the, 469

924 INDEX.

Fletcher, Mr., records a case of warty growths within the mammillary duct
of a cow, 418

Foetal membranes of a cow, a remarkable case of mal-development of the,
489

Foetus, dead, in a cow, retention of, 874

in a cow, retention of a dead, associated with a second impregna¬
tion and gestation, 334

“Food animals,” special prizes for Smithfield Cattle Show, 730
Foot-and-mouth disease, 26, 63,94, 179, 266, 344, 422, 494, 500, 568, 640,
726, 799, 802, 881
rot contagious ? is, 886

Foreign animals, proposed introduction of, at the International Exhibition
of the Royal Agricultural Society, 29

Forms, special, of intestinal torsion and displacement of the colon in the
horse, particularly in reference to the use of the trocar and canula in
tympany, 830

Fowl croup and typhoid fever, 810
Fowler’s solution, 44
France, cattle diseases in, 504

pleuro-pneumonia in, 269
rabies in, 572

French cavalry horses, glanders among, 340
John, his obituary, 66

G.

Ganglion-cells and optic nerve-fibres of the mammalian retina, isolation of
the, 889

Garget in relation to diphtheria, 290

Germs : an essay on the part they play in the production of some diseases ;

also on disinfectants, 376
Gerrard, Mr., paper on parturient apoplexy, 121

Gibbs, Stephen, records a case of impactment and rupture of the oesophagus,
417

Gill, Samuel, on epilepsy in dogs, and its successful homoeopathic treatment

563

rheumatism in dogs, 792

homoeopathic treatment of milk fever of cows, 417
Glanders, 95, 267, 345, 423, 494, 500, 569, 641, 727, 803, 880
among French cavalry horses, 340
at Hertford, the case of, 538
cases of, convictions, 371, 68 7'i

communication of the disease to the human subject, 350
463

Glasgow Veterinary College, the, 371

Distribution of prizes, 614
Inaugural address by Prof. Knox, 898
Opening of the session, 898

Glycerine, memoire sur le traitement des lesions traumatiques des synoviales
articulaires et tendineuses par la, review of, 47
Gooch, Frederick L., records a case of death of a cow from the presence of
a needle in the vicinity of the heart, 564
Graham’s Town, Cape of Good Hope, Prof. Branford’s address at the
Albany Farmers’ Association, 579

INDEX.

925

Greaves, Thomas, jun., his obituary, 230

Greaves, T., his presentation of the testimonial to George Fleming, Esq.,

at the annual dinner of the profession, 467
essay on germs : in the production of some diseases ; and
disinfectants : in the prevention and modifying of
disease, 376

on “ veterinary progress what next and next ? 254
Growths, warty, within the mammillary duct of a cow, 418
Guinea-worm or Filaria medenensis , remarks on the occurrence of the
parasite endemically in the Province of Bahia, and on its entrance
into the human body by drinking water, 67, 151, 235, 319

H.

Hain, George, his obituary, 66
Haire, John Kell, his obituary, 544
Hamley, William, his obituary, 840

Handy, Thomas, records a remarkable case of mal-development of the
foetal membranes of a cow, 489

Harriers, destruction of a pack of, on account of dumb madness, 884
Health of cavalry horses at the Cape, 419

Heart, death of a cow from the presence of a needle in the vicinity of the,
564

Hereditary nature, matters of an, in relation to disease, 7 52

Heyes, Gilbert, his obituary, 150

Hiccough, a sure and rapid cure for, 181

Highlands, West, the sheep losses in the, 515

Hill, J. Woodroffe, letter from, on the Fleming testimonial fund, 64

Hippophagy in Vienna, 426

Hippopotamus, trichinosis in the, 731

Hire, Edward, his obituary, 66

Homoeopathic treatment of milk fever of cows, 417

epilepsy in dogs, 563

rheumatism in dogs, 792
Hoole, J., his letter on veterinary obstetrics, 174
Hoose and blackleg in calves, 73 7

Ilopkin, T., a paper read by, on “ antisepticity,” at the Lancashire Vete¬
rinary Medical Association, 518
Horse, artificial eyes in the, 835

case, a Yorkshire — staggers, 911
cases, evidence in, 22
cruelty to a, by over-work, 653
disease, the, in South Africa, 33, 426
extraordinary tumour in a, 839
glandered, conviction for driving a, 317
on the occurrence of the larvae of Flaps mortisaga in the, 473
some of the diseases of the bowels of the, 7 41
special forms of intestinal torsion and displacement of the colon in
the, particularly with reference to the use of trocar and canula
in tympany, 830

Horses, cavalry, at the Cape, health of, 419
French cavalry, glanders among, 340
Hounds, rabies among, 806
Howlett, William, his obituary, 150

INDEX.

926

Hughes, John Harding, his obituary, 400
Hull, Cattle market at, 269

Human subject, cases of communication of glanders to the, 350
Hydrocyanic acid, detection of traces of, 45
Hydrophobia, 426, 434, 572, 884

I.

Irnpactment and rupture of the oesophagus, 417
Importation of American cattle, 99, 226, 269, 398, 645
cattle into Canada, 505, 806
Importations, American, transit losses, 730
Imports, cattle, 572
Improved enema syringe, an, 792

Inaugural address by Prof. Cobbold at the Royal Veterinary College, 761

Knox at the opening of the session of the Glas¬
gow Veterinary College, 893
of the President of the Lancashire Veterinary Medical

Association, 298

at the Liverpool Veterinary Medical
Association, 386
National Veterinary Benevolent
and Mutual Defence Society,
373

of the Norfolk and Eastern Counties
Veterinary Medical Association,
373

at the Scottish Metropolitan Vete¬
rinary Medical Associa¬
tion, 304

Yorkshire Veterinary Medical
Society, 215

India, notes made during visits to Remount Depot at Saharunpore, north¬
west provinces of, 851

Infected milk, outbreak of typhoid fever from, 32
Inflammation, visceral, physiological treatment of, 337
Influence of the wet season on the condition of stock, the, 732
Injection, intravenous, of milk as a substitute for transfusion of blood, 48

in anaemia, 195

of bacteria into the blood without any toxic effect, 891
In-lamb ewes, the recent fatality among, 336
Inoculability of tinea tonsurans on the lower animals, 654
Inoculation in pleuro -pneumonia and the transmission of the disease by
mediate contagion, 574
of cattle for pleuro-pneumonia, 828

Inspector, chief, of sheep in South Australia, report of, for the half year

and year ended Dec., 1878, 673
stock at Queensland, 1879, report of, for the year 1878,
668

veterinary, Victoria, Australia, 181
Intelligence, parliamentary —

American cattle disease, 226
trade, 318
pigs, 464

Cruelty to animals, 115

TNDEX.

92?

Intelligence, parliamentary-

importation of American cattle, 398

The operation of the Contagious Diseases (Animals) Act in
Ireland, 188
Vivisection Act, 465
Nestorian’s cargo, 465
Transport of cattle, 464
Trichinosis, 544

International Agricultural Exhibition in London, the, 180

Exhibition of the Royal Agricultural Society, proposed intro¬
duction of foreign animals at the, 29

Intestinal torsion, special forms of, and displacement of the colon in the
horse, particularly in reference to the use of the trocar and canula in
tympany, 830

Intestines, blocking of the, by spindle-celled sarcoma, 82
Intravenous injection of milk as a substitute for transfusion of blood, 43

in ansemia, 195

Introduction, threatened, of cattle plague into Natal, 873
Iodoform, the use of, 731

Ireland, the operation of the Contagious Diseases (Animals) Act in, 688
Irish cattle and disease, 349
Irregular strangles, case of, 627
Is foot-rot contagious ? 8S6

life to be explained by modern chemico-physical theories ? 41
Isolation of the optic nerve-fibres and ganglion-cells of the mammalian
retina, 889

J,

Joint disease, arthritic, in young stock, essay on, at the Scottish Metro¬
politan Veterinary Medical Association, 204, 531
Journals, veterinary, synopsis of continental, 1, 154, 238, 323, 406, 476,
545, 617, 689, 777, 841
J urisprudence, veterinary —

Alleged negligence in a veterinary operation— Smith v.
Marking, 222

A shorthorn cause celebre, 683
A Yorkshire horse case— staggers, 911
Case of glanders — conviction, 687
Charge against the Earl of Leicester — sheep-scab — 533
Claim against a farrier — conflicting evidence, 685
Conviction for driving a glandered horse, 317
Exposing diseased meat for sale — pleuro-pneumonia, 759
Eoot-and-mouth disease, 63

Professional discrepancy — alleged cruelty case at Burslem,
687
fees, 62

The case of glanders at Hertford, 538
Contagious Diseases Act, 317
recent deaths of children from glanders, 463

K.

Killer, vermin, 885

Kirkby, George, his obituary, 400

928 INDEX.

Knox, Prof., his inaugural address at the opening of the session of the
Glasgow Veterinary College, 898

L.

Lambs and calves, diseases of, 736

Lang, J., records a case of retention of dead foetus in a cow, 874
John James, his obituary, 400

Lancashire Veterinary Medical Association, 211, 298, 517, 681
Antisepticity, a paper read by Mr. T. Hopkin, 518
Dinner, 903
Discussion, 902

President’s inaugural address, 298
Quarterly meeting, 901

Larcher, O., sur les melanges de pathologie comparee et de teratologie, 431
Larvm of Blaps mortisagci in the horse, on the occurrence of, 473
Laryngeal disease, supposed, 636
Leaders —

The proposed introduction of foreign animals at the International Ex¬
hibition of the Royal Agricultural Society, 59
Milk epidemics, 97

Order of Council relating to dairies, cowsheds, and milkshops, 182
Rabies and the royal buckhounds, 184
Pig typhoid, or swine plague, 270

Can pleuro-pneumonia be communicated by mediate contagion ? 348
Pleuro-pneumonia in American cattle, 427
American pork and trichiniasis, 430
Bovine lung disease, 506

Inoculation in pleuro-pneumonia, and the transmission of the disease
by mediate contagion, 574
Natural cow-pox, 578

Order of Council relating to “ swine fever,” 646
Poisoning by sausages, 647

The influence of the wet season on the condition of stock, 732
The effect of rainfall on the prevalence of parasitic diseases, 807
Is foot-rot contagious ? 886

Leicester, the Earl of, charge against — sheep-scab — 533
Lesions, traumatiques, memoire sur le, des synoviales articulaires et tendi-
neuses par la glycerine, 47
Letter from a rejected student, 875

Prof. Walley on “Dyer’s vesicant,” 81
J. Hoole on veterinary obstetrics, 174
J. Roalfe Cox, relative to Fellowships, 148
J. Woodroffe Hill on the Fleming testimonial fund, 64
Thomas Taylor on “ professional unity,” 24
“ T. H. P.” on supposed laryngeal disease, 636
Lewis, George, records a case of retention of a dead foetus in a cow, asso¬
ciated with a second impregnation and gestation, 334
Life, is it to be explained by modern chemico-physical theories ? 41
of a plant, the, 432

Lima, J. F., da Silva, his remarks on Filaria medenensis or guinea-worm,
67, 151, 235, 319

List, county, of veterinary surgeons, 341

Liverpool Veterinary Medical Association, 120, 386, 514

President’s inaugural address, 386

INDEX.

929

Liverpool Veterinary Medical Association, Quarterly meeting1, 747

Remarks, anatomical, physiological, and pathological,
on parturient apoplexy, a paper read by Mr.
Gerrard, 121

Live stock, Rrussian, statistics, 645
London, the International Agricultural Exhibition in, 180
Loss, serious, of cattle from eating yew, 263
Losses in transit, American importations, 730
the sheep, in the West Highlands, 505
Lower animals, inoculability of tinea tonsurans on the, 654
Lung disease, bovine, 506

parasites in a three-year-old ox, 870

M.

Macgillivray, A. E., records a case of lung parasites in a three-year-old
ox, 870

McLean, John, his obituary, 66
Madagascar and Mauritius, rinderpest in, 806
Madness, dumb — destruction of a pack of harriers, 884
Mal-development of the foetal membranes of a cow, a remarkable case of, 489
Mammalian retina, isolation of the optic nerve-fibres and ganglion-cells of
the, 889

Mammillary duct of a cow, warty growths within the, 418
Mare, case of enteric disease in a, absence of left kidney, hypertrophy of
right with calculi, 790
Mare’s milk, composition of, 645
Martin, John, his obituary, 66

Matters of an hereditary nature in relation to disease, 752
Mauritius and Madagascar, rinderpest in, 806
Meat, exposing diseased, for sale — pleuro-pneumonia, 759
selling diseased, 269

Medenensis , Filaria, or guinea-worm, remarks on the ; on the occurrence of
this parasite endemically in the Province of Bahia, and its entrance into
the human body by drinking water, 67, 151, 235, 319
Mediate contagion F can pleuro-pneumonia be communicated by, 348
Medical and veterinary arrangements at the Cape, 473

Association, Lancashire Veterinary, 211, 298, 517, 681

Antisepticity, a paper read by Mr. T. Hopkin, 518
Dinner, 903
Discussion, 902

President’s inaugural address, 298
Quarterly meeting, 901
Liverpool Veterinary, 120, 386, 514
President’s inaugural address, 386
Quarterly meeting, 747

Remarks, anatomical, physiological, and patho¬
logical, on parturient apoplexy, a paper read
by Mr. Gerrard, 121
Midland Counties Veterinary —

Extraordinary tumour in a horse, 839
The treatment of sandcrack, 837
use of ecraseur, 838
Thirty-eighth meeting, 836
Montreal Veterinary, 219

Lir.

65

930 1NDE£.

Medical Association, Norfolk and Eastern Counties Veterinary, 372, 608

An essay on germs : the part they play in the
production of disease ; and the use of disin¬
fectants in the prevention and modification
of disease, 376
Half-yearly meeting, 751
President’s inaugural address, 373
North of England Veterinary, 302, 529
Quarterly meeting, 7 41

Some of the diseases of the bowels as affecting

flip linpQp 741

Ontario Veterinary, 220, 460
Scottish Metropolitan Veterinary, 204, 302, 530
Essay on arthritic or joint disease in young stock,
204, 531

Inoculation of cattle for plenro-pneumonia, 828
President’s inaugural address, 304
Quarterly meeting, 828

Special forms of intestinal torsion and displace¬
ment of the colon in the horse, particularly
in reference to the cause of death and the
use of the trocar and canula in tympany, 830
Veterinary —

44th session, 823

Society, Central Veterinary, 50, ]18, 202, 289, 455
Garget in relation to diphtheria, 290
Yorkshire Veterinary, 214, 456, 682, 906
President’s inaugural address, 215

Meeting, annual general, of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, 436
general, of the Royal Agricultural Society of England, 49
of council of the Smithfield Club — veterinary report, 219
veterinary surgeons, 637

quarterly, of committee of Royal Veterinary College, 822
Liverpool Veterinary Medical Association, 747
North of England Veterinary Medical Association,
741.

Scottish Metropolitan Veterinary Medical Associa¬
tion, 828

the Lancashire Veterinary Medical Association, 901
thirty-eighth, of the Midland Counties Veterinary Medical Asso¬
ciation, 836

Meetings of Couucil of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons —
Quarterly, 105, 364, 601, 811
Special, 117, 278, 513, 605, 815, 816
Melanges de pathologie comparee et de teratologie, 431
Melbourne, regulations for sale of milk in, 733
Members, new, of the profession, 147, 395, 609

Membranes, foetal, of a cow, a remarkable case of mal- development of the,
489

Memoire sur le traitement des lesions traumatiques des synoviales articu-
laires et tendeneuses par la glycerine, 47
Memorial, the proposed Dick, 347

Merits, comparative, of animal vaccination and arm-to-arm vaccination, 588
Metallic substances in the stomach of cows, 505
Metamorphoses and development of Tamia, 651

Method, singular, of stimulating the vegetation of seeds which germinate
with difficulty, 645

iNDEX. 931

Microscopical Club, Quekett, election of Dr. Cobbold as president of tke7
730

Midland Counties Veterinary Medical Association —

Extraordinary tumour in a horse, 839
The treatment of sandcrack, 837
'• use of the ecraseur, 838
Thirty-eighth meeting, 836
Milk and scarlet fever, 596

as a substitute for transfusion of blood, intravenous injection of, 43
epidemics, 97

fever of cows, homoeopathic treatment of, 417
in anaemia, intravenous injection of, 195
infected, outbreak of typhoid fever from, 32
mare’s, composition of, 645
sale of, in Melbourne, regulations for, 733
Milkshops, dairies, and cowsheds. Order of Council relating to, 182, 225

order, 573 ~

Modern chemico-physical theories ? is life to be explained by, 41
Montreal Veterinary College —

Annual examinations, 462
Medical Association, 219
Moore, James, junr., his obituary, 230

T., communication from, on the meeting of veterinary surgeons,
637

his report of the Royal Veterinary College, 798
note from, 875

Morphin and atropin, the alleged antagonistic action of, 181
Mouth-and-foot disease, 26, 63, 94, 179, 266, 344, 422, 494, 500, 568, 640,
726, 799, 881

Mutual Defence, and National Veterinary Benevolent Society, the, 59, 313
President’s inaugural address, 313
Mystery, an asinine, 809

N.

Natal, animal disease at, 644

veterinary science in, 731

National Veterinary Benevolent and Mutual Defence Society, the, 59, 313
President’s inaugural address, 313
Natural cow-pox, 578
Nature and treatment of rabies, 187

hereditary, matters of an, in relation to disease, 7 52
Navicular disease of the fore and hind feet, case of, 21
Needle, presence of a, in the vicinity of the heart, death of a cow from the,
564

Needles, wandering, 734

Negligence, alleged, in a veterinary operation — Smith v. Marking, 222

Neisser, Dr. Albert, on die echinococcen-krankheit, 186

Nerve and organ, olfactory, of vertebrates, development of the, 650

fibres, optic, and ganglion-cells of the mammalian retina, isolation of
the, 889

Nestorian’s cargo, the, 465
New cattle disease, 637

Newman, S., his remarks on parturient apoplexy, 85
New members of the profession, 147, 395, 609

93£ INDEX.

New order of Council relating to “ swine fever,” the, 646
Veterinary College-

Presentation of prizes, 458

Norfolk and Eastern Counties Veterinary Medical Association, 372, 608, 751
An essay on germs : the part they play in the production of some
diseases ; and disinfectants : the part they play in the preven¬
tion and modifying of disease, 376
President’s inaugural address, 373
North of England Veterinary Medical Association, 302, 529
Quarterly meeting, 741

Some of the diseases of the bowels as affecting the horse, 741
Notes made during visits to Remount Depot at Saharunpore, north-west
provinces of India, 851

on peculiar cystoid bodies found in dissecting-room subjects (asses),
75

Nucleus in blood-corpuscles, 891

a

Obituary—

Aitkin, William, M.R.C.V.S., 66
Atherstone, Hugh, M.R.C.V.S., 66
Austin, George, M.R.C.V.S., 912
Baker, Geo. Thos., M.R.C.V.S., 66
Barrow, Richard, M.R.C.V.S., 318
Boag, William Metcalf, M.R.C.V.S., 230
Brown, John, M.R.C.V.S., 65
Brown, Samuel, M.R.C.V.S., 150
Butler, William, M.R.C.V.S., 66
Carlisle, Joseph, M.R.C.V.S., 66
Challinor, Alfred, M.R.C.V.S., 150
Collett, Robert, M.R.C.V.S., 66
Crump, John, M.R.C.V.S., 688
Dolan, Michael P., M.R.C.V.S., 150
Doyle, G., M.R.C.V.S., 150
Duncalf, Thomas, M.R.C.V.S., 150
Field, John, 616
Fish wick, Henry, 66
French, John, M.R.C.V.S., 66
Greaves, Thomas, junr., M.R.C.V.S., 230
Hain, George, M.R.C.V.S., 66
Haire, John Kell, M.R.C.V.S., 544
Hamley, William, M.R.C.V.S., 840
Hire, Edward, M.R.C.V.S., 66
Heyes, Gilbert, F.R.C.V.S., 150
Howlett, William, M.R.C.V.S., 150
Hughes, John Harding, M.R.C.V.S., 400
Kirkby, George, M.R.C.V.S., 400
Lang, John James, M.R.C.V.S., 400
McLean, John, M.R.C.V.S., 66
Martin, John, M.R.C.V.S., 66
Moore, James, junr., M.R.C.V.S., 230
Page, Robert, M.R.C.V.S., 280
Pennock, James, M.R.C.V.S., 66
Pilcher, Benjamin, M.R.C.V.S., 66

INDEX.

933

Obituary —

Powell, John, M.R.C.V.S., 66
Price, William, M.R.C.V.S., 66
Rawlinson, Thomas, M.R.C.V.S., 66
Ryding, John, M.R.C.V.S., 66
Sargisson, George, M.R.C.V.S., 66
Shaw, Austin Cooper, M.R.C.V.S., 66
Shaw, Richard Leal, M.R.C.Y.S., 66
Sheriff, John, M.R.C.V.S., 912
Spencer, James, M.R.C.Y.S., 150
Stowe, George, M.R.C.V.S., 150
Taylor, William Baxter, M.R.C.V.S., 840
Thomas, Griffith, M.R.C.Y.S., 400
Yarnell, Prof. G. W., M.R.C.Y.S., 400, 472
Wallace, William, M.R.C.Y.S., 400
Wildsmith, George, M.R.C.Y.S., 66
Observations on the use of ecraseur, 872
Obstetrics, veterinary, 174

Occurrence of the Filaria medenensis, or guinea-worm endemically in the

Province of Bahia, and its entrance into the human
body by drinking water, 67, 151, 235, 319
larvse of Flaps mortisaga in the horse, on the, 473
(Esophagus, impactment and rupture of the, 417

Olfactory nerve and olfactory organ of vertebrates, development of the, 650
Ontario Veterinary College —

Spring examinations, 461
Medical Association, 220, 460

Opening of the session of the Royal Veterinary College, 761, 818

Glasgow Veterinary College, 898

Operation of the Contagious Diseases (Animals) Act in Ireland, 688
veterinary, alleged negligence in a — Smith v. Marking, 222
Optic nerve-fibres and ganglion-cells of the mammalian retina, isolation of
the, 889

Order, dairies, cowsheds, and milkshops, 573

new, relating to dairies, cowsheds, and milkshops, 182, 225
relating to typhoid fever of swine, 61
new, relating to “ swine fever,” 646
Organ and nerve, olfactory, of vertebrates, development of the, 650
Outbreak of typhoid fever from infected milk, 32
Over-driven cattle, 40

work, cruelty to a horse by, 653
Ox, three-year-old, lung parasites in a, 870

P.

Pack of harriers, destruction of a, on account of dumb madness, 884

Page, Robert, his obituary, 230

Paper read by Mr. G. Elphick, on some of the diseases of the bowels as

affecting the horse, at the North of England Veterinary
Medical Association, 741

Mr. Gerrard, on remarks, anatomical, physiological, and
pathological, on parturient apoplexy, 121

Mr. Reid, on the inoculation of cattle for pleuro-pneumonia,
828

Mr. T. Hopkin, on antisepticity, at the Lancashire Veteri¬
nary Medical Association, 518

934 INDEX.

Paper read by Prof. Pritchard, on the treatment of sandcrack, 837

Prof. Walley, at the Scottish Metropolitan Veterinary

Medical Association, on special forms of
intestinal torsion and displacement of the
colon in the horse, particularly in reference
to the use of trocar and canula in tympany,
83°

on artificial eyes in the horse, 835
G. G. Whincop, on matters of an hereditary nature in rela¬
tion to disease, 752

Parasites, lung, in a three-year-old ox, 870
of the ass, 69

Parasitic diseases of animals, 738

prevalence of, the effeet of rainfall on the, 807
Parliamentary intelligence —

American cattle disease, 226
trade, 318
pigs, 464

Cruelty to animals, 615
Importation of American cattle, 398
The Nestorian’s cargo, 465

operation of the Contagious Diseases (Animals) Act in Ireland, 688
Vivisection Act, 465
Transport of cattle, 464
Trichinosis, 544

Parturient apoplexy, 19, 84, 85, 86

remarks, anatomical, physiological, and pathological,
on, 121

Paterson, J. L., his facts relating to filariasis, 401
Pathologie comparee et de teratologie, melanges de, 431
Patronage, royal, 426

Peculiar cystoid bodies found in dissecting-room subjects (asses), notes
on, 75

Pennock, James, his obituary, 66
Pens, uncleansed cattle — conviction, 426
Physiological treatment of visceral inflammation, 337
Pig typhoid or swine plague, 21, 96, 178, 267, 269, 270, 345, 424, 496,
502, 505, 570, 597, 642, 7 28, 804, 882
Tigs, American, 464
Pilcher, Benjamin, his obituary, 66

Plague, cattle, 25, 89, 180, 269, 341, 419, 491, 565, 644, 722, 729, 876
Natal, threatened introduction of, into, 873
Plant, life of a, 432
Plants in sleeping-rooms, 892

on, in relation to animals, 556, 633, 716, 786
Pleuro-pneumonia, 26, 92, 175, 176, 264, 269, 34], 342, 348, 351, 419,

420, 465, 492, 498, 504, 506, 565, 566, 574, 638,
722, 723, 800, 877,878

can it be communicated by mediate contagion ? 348
exposing meat affected with, for sale, 759
in American cattle, 427
Prance, 269

inoculation in, and the transmission of the disease by
mediate contagion, 574
of cattle for, 828

report on the experiments on — Brown Institution,
351

INDEX.

935

Poisoning by cowbane, 572

sausages, 573, 647
of animals by strychnine, 426
with yew, cases of, 87
Poison of serpents, 885

Pony, rig, case of abdominal encephaloid cancerous disease in a, 260
Pork, American, and trichiniasis, 430
Trichinae in, 347

Porrigo scutulata, or “ scald-head,” 631
Powell, John, his obituary, 66

Practitioner, a country, on the present status of the profession, 174
Present status, the, of the profession, 174

Presentation of a testimonial to George Fleming, Esq., at the annual dinner

of the profession, 1879, 467
Prof. Pritchard, 229

prizes at the New Veterinary College, 458
President of the Quekett Microscopical Club, election of Dr. Cobbold as,
730

inaugural address of the, at the Lancashire Veterinary Medical

Association, 298
Liverpool Veterinary Medical
Association, 386
National Veterinary Benevolent
and Mutual Defence Society,
313

Norfolk and Eastern Counties
Veterinary Medical Associa¬
tion, 373

Scottish Metropolitan Veteri¬
nary Medical Association, 304
Yorkshire Veterinary Medical
Society, 215

Preston, hydrophobia in, 426

Prevalence of parasitic disease, the effect of rainfall on the, 807
Price, William, his obituary, 66
Prices of wool, 196

Principles of botany, the, 12, 77, 164, 246, 486

Pritchard, Professor, a paper read by, on the treatment of sandcrack,

837

presentation of a testimonial to, 229
Prize and honour lists of the Veterinary College, Edinburgh, 614
award, Coleman, 611

Fitzwygram, 611

Prizes, distribution of, at the Glasgow Veterinary College, 614

Royal Veterinary College, report of, 819
Fitzwygram, the, 150, 544

presentation of, at the New Veterinary College, 45S
special for “food animals,” Smithfield Cattle Show, 730
Professional fees, 62

discrepancy — alleged cruelty at Burslem, 6S7
unity, 24

Profession, new members of the, 147, 395, 609
the present status of the, 174

veterinary, v. the Royal Veterinary College, 794
Progress, veterinary. What next and next ? 254
Proposed Dick memorial, the, 347

Province of Bahia, on the occurrence of the Filar# medenenm or guinea-

936

1NDER.

worm and on its entrance into the human body by drinking water,
67, 151, 285, 819

Prudames, A., on the prevention of parturient apoplexy, 19
Prussian live-stock statistics, 645
Prussic acid, the detection of, 28, 83

Q.

Quarterly meeting of committee of the Royal Veterinary College, 822

the Lancashire Veterinary Medical Association, 901
Liverpool Veterinary Medical Association, 747
North of England Veterinary Medical Associa¬
tion, 741

Scottish Metropolitan Veterinary Medical Asso¬
ciation, 828

meetings of council of the Royal College of Veterinary Sur¬
geons, 105, 364, 601, 811

Quekett Microscopical Club, election of Dr. Cobbold as president of the,
730

Queensland, 1879 — report of the chief inspector of stock for the year
1878, 668

R.

Rabies among hounds, 804, 806

and the royal buckhounds, 184

at Taunton, alarming spread of, 884

case of, admitted into the College Infirmary, 18

in Erance, 572

nature and treatment of, 187

Rainfall, effect of, on the prevalence of parasitic diseases, 807

Rawlinson, Thomas, his obituary, 66

Recent deaths of children from glanders, the, 463
fatality, the, among in-lamb ewes, 336

Regulations for sale of milk in Melbourne, 733

Reid, Mr., paper read by, on the inoculation of cattle for pleuro -pneumonia,
828

Rejected student, letter from a, 875

Relation of plants to animals, 556, 633, 716, 786

Remarkable case of mal-development of the foetal membranes of a cow, 489

rupture of the diaphragm, 562

Remarks, anatomical, physiological, and pathological, on parturient apoplexy,
121

on the Eustrongylus gig as, 231

Filaria medenensis or guinea-worm in the Province of
Bahia, 67, 151, 235, 319

Remount Depot at Saharuupore, north-west provinces, India, notes made
during visits to, 851

Report by Prof. Axe to the Royal Agricultural Society of England,

entomological, of the Royal Agricultural Society of England,
679

on a fatal disease affecting pregnant ewes, 273

INDEX.

937

Report of distribution of prizes at the Royal Veterinary College, 819

the chief inspector of sheep in South Australia for the half year

and year ended December, 1878, 673
stock at Queensland for the year 1878,
668

experiments on pleuro-pneumonia — Brown Institution, 351
veterinary, of the Royal Agricultural Society of England, 197, 360,

435, 512, 678, 893
Smithfield Club, 219

by Mr. Moore of the Royal Veterinary College, 798
Retention of a dead foetus in a cow, 874

associated with a second impregnation
and gestation, 334

Retina, mammalian, isolation of the optic nerve-fibres and ganglion-cells of
the, 889
Reviews —

Cooley’s Cyclopaedia of practical receipts, 6th edition, revised by
Prof. Tuson, 45

M. Aureggio’s memoire sur la traitement des lesions traumatiques
des synoviales articulaires et tendineuses par la glycerine, 47
Die echinococcen krankheit, by von Albert Neisser, 186
Melanges de pathologie comparee et teratologie, par 0. Larcher, 431
Rheumatism, audits successful homoeopathic treatment in dogs, 793
Rig pony, case of abdominal encephaloid cancerous disease in a, 260
Rinderpest in Mauritius and Madagascar, 806

Robertson’s, Mr., paper on arthritic or joint disease in young stock, read
at the Scottish Metropolitan Veterinary Medical Association, 204, 531
Rooms, sleeping-, plants in, 892
“ Rot ” affecting cattle, cases of, 260
Royal Agricultural Society of England —

Proposed introduction of foreign animals at the
international exhibition of the, 29
Entomological report, 679
General meeting, 49, 10]

Monthly council, 893

Report by Prof. Axe, 893

Veterinary committee, 48, 197, 360, 435, 512,

678, 893

report on a fatal disease af¬
fecting pregnant ewes, 273

Royal buckhounds and rabies, 184

College of Veterinary Surgeons —

Annual general meeting, 436
Quarterly meeting of council, 105, 364, 601, 811
Special meetings of council, 117, 278, 513, 605, 815, 816
patronage, 426
Veterinary College —

Introductory address by Prof. Cobbold, 761
Opening of the session, 761, 818
Quarterly meeting of general purposes committee, 822
Distribution of prizes, 819
Scholarship award, 611
Report of Mr. Moore, 708
The veterinary profession, v., 794
Rupture and impactment of the cesophagus, 417

of the diaphragm, remarkable case of, 562
Russia, cattle disease in, 644

938

INDEX.

Russian veterinary students, penal sentences on, 181
Ryding, John, his obituary, 66

S.

Saharunpore, north-west provinces, India, notes made during visits to Re¬
mount Depot at, 851

Sale, exposing diseased meat for — pleuro-pneumonia, 759
of milk in Melbourne, regulations for, 733
Salicylic acids, action of, and the salicylates, 44
Sandcrack, the treatment of, 837
Sarcoma, spindle-celled, blocking the intestines, 82
Sargisson, George, his obituary, 66
Sausages, poisoning by, 573, 647
“ Scald-head ” or porrigo scutulata, 631
Scarlet fever and milk, 596

Scholarship award at the Royal Veterinary College, 611
Scotch and English examinations, 609

Scottish Metropolitan Veterinary Medical Association, 204, 302, 530
Essay on arthritic or joint disease in young stock, 204, 531
Inoculation of cattle for pleuro-pneumonia, 828
President’s inaugural address, 304
Quarterly meeting, 82S

Special forms of intestinal torsion and displacement of the colon
in the horse, particularly in reference to the cause of death
and the use of the trocar and canula in tympany, 830
Searching for Trichinae, 511

Season, wet, the influence of the, on the condition of stock, 732
Seeds which germinate with difiiculty, singular method of stimulating the
vegetation of, 645
Selling diseased meat, 269

Sentences, penal, on Russian veterinary students, 181
Septicaemia in animals, 561
Serious loss of cattle from eating yew, 263
Serpents, poison of, 885

Services of veterinary surgeons in Zululand, 884

Session, opening of the, of the Glasgow Veterinary College, 898

Royal Veterinary College, 761, 818
44th, of the Veterinary Medical Association, 823
Shaw, Austin Cooper, his obituary, 66
Richard Leal, his obituary, 66

Sheather, Charles, his detection of traces of prussic acid, 83
Sheep in South Australia, report of the chief inspector of, for the half year
and year ended Dec., 1878, 673
losses, the, in the West Highlands, 505
rot, 359
scab, 533, 645

law, American, 884
Sheriff, John, his obituary, 912

Show, Smithfield Cattle, special prizes for “food animals,” 730
Sickness, horse, in South Africa, 33

Singular method of stimulating the vegetation of seeds which germinate
with difficulty, 645
Sleeping-rooms, plants in, 892

INDEX. 939

Slipper, Edward, records a case of abdominal encephaloid cancerous disease
in a rig pony, 260

Smith, C. E., records a case of cholesterine tumour in the brain, 416
Smithfield Cattle Show, special prizes for “ food animals,” 780
Club, meeting of Council, veterinary report, 219
Society, Central Veterinary Medical, 50, 118, 202, 289, 455
Garget in relation to diphtheria, 290
the Highland and Agricultural, certificate, 910

National Veterinary Benevolent and Mutual Defence, 59, 313
President’s inaugural address, 313
Yorkshire Veterinary Medical, 214, 456, 682, 906
President’s inaugural address, 215
South Afghan expedition, camels in connection with the, 699
Africa, horse disease of, 426
sickness in, 33

Australia— -report of the chief inspector of sheep for the half year
and year ending December, 1878, 673
George, his observations on the use of ecraseur, 872
Special forms of intestinal torsion and displacement of the colon in the
horse, particularly in reference to the cause of death and the
use of the trocar and canula in tympany, 830
prizes for ff food animals,” Smithfield Cattle Show, 730
Spencer, James, his obituary, 150
Sporokton, 586

Staggers, a Yorkshire horse case of, 911

Stanley, E. T., records a case of enteric disease in a mare, absence of left
kidney, hypertrophy of right, with calculi in same, 790
Statistical tables of contagious diseases —

Earcy, 267, 344, 425, 495, 501, 569, 641, 725, 803,
881

Eoot-and-mouth disease, 179, 266, 344, 432, 494, 500,
568, 640, 726, 802, 881

Glanders, 267, 345, 423, 494, 500, 569, 641, 72 7, 803,

880

Pleuro-pneumonia, 176, 264, 343, 420, 492, 498, 566, 638,
723, 800, 878

Swine fever, 178, 267, 345, 424, 496, 502, 570, 642, 728,
804, 882

Statistics, Prussian live-stock, 645
Status, the present, of the profession, 174

Steel, Charles, his notes made during visits to Remount Depot at Saharun-

pore, north-west provinces, India, 851
remarks on camels in connection with the South Afghan
expedition, 699

John Henry, his notes on peculiar cystoid bodies found in dissecting-

room subjects (asses), 75

synopsis of continental veterinary journals, 1, 154,
238, 323, 406, 476, 545, 617, 689, 777, 841
on parasites of the ass, 69
records a case of irregular strangles 627,

“scald-head,” or porrigo scutulata,
631

tetanus (traumatic), 629

Stock, farm, and evergreens, 510

in Queensland, 1879— report of the chief inspector of, for the year

1878, 668

the condition of, influence of the wet season on, 732

940 INDEX.

Stock, young, essay on arthritic or joint disease in, at the Scottish Metro¬
politan Veterinary Medical Association, 204, 531
Stomach of cows, metallic substances in the, 505
Stowe, George, his obituary,, 150
Strangles, irregular, case of, 627
Strychnine, poisoning of animals by, 426
Student, rejected, letter from a, 875
Students, Russian veterinary, penal, sentences on, 181
Substances, metallic, in the stomach of cows, 505

Substitute, milk as a, for transfusion of blood, intravenous injection of,
43

Successful homoeopathic treatment of epilepsy in dogs, 563

rheumatism in dogs, 793

Supposed laryngeal disease, 636
Surgeons, army veterinary, 806

Royal College of Veterinary —

Annual general meeting, 436
Quarterly meetings of couucil, 105, 364, 601, 811
Special meetings of council, 117, 278, 513, 605, 815,
816

veterinary, in Zululand, services of, 884
county list of, 541
meeting of, 737

Swine fever, the new order of Council relating to, 646

typhoid fever of, 26, 96, 178, 267, 269, 270, 345, 424, 496, 502,
570, 642, 728, 804, 882

Synopsis of continental veterinary journals, 1, 154, 238, 323, 406, 476, 545,
_ 617, 689, 777, 841
Syringe, an improved enema, 792

T.

Tables, statistical, of contagious diseases —

Farcy, 26 7, 344, 425, 495, 501, 569, 641, 7 25, 803, 881
Foot-and-mouth disease, 179, 266, 344, 422, 494, 500, 568, 640,
726, 802, 881

Glanders, 267, 345, 423, 494, 500, 569, 641, 72 7, 803, 880
Pleuro-pneumonia, 176, 264, 342, 420, 492, 498, 566, 638, 723,
800, 877, 878

Swine fever, 178, 267, 345, 424,496, 502, 570, 642, 728, 804, 882
Taeniae, development and metamorphoses of, 651
Taunton, alarming spread of rabies at, 884
Taylor, William Baxter, his obituary, 840

Thomas, his letter on “ professional unity,” 24
Teratologie et de pathologie comparee, melanges de, 431
Testimonial fund, the Fleming, 64, 149

presentation of a, to Mr. Fleming, 467, 469
Prof. Pritchard, presentation of a, to, 229
proposed, to General Sir Fred. Fitzwygram, 907
Test for carbolic acid, 885
Tetanus (traumatic), 629

The alleged antagonistic action of atropin and morphin, 181
American cattle trade, 318
annual dinner, 467
case of glanders at Hertford, 538

INDEX, 941

The comparative merits of animal vaccination, and arm*to*arm vaccination,
588

Contagious Diseases Act, 317

(Animals) Act, 1869 (official returns), 26, 90
detection of prussic acid, 28

effect of rainfall on the prevalence of parasitic diseases, 807
Eitzwygram prize award, 611
prizes, 150, 544

Glasgow Veterinary College, 371

Distribution of prizes, 614
Inaugural address by Prof. Knox, 898
Opening of the session, 898
horse disease of South Africa, 426

influence of the wet season on the condition of stock, 732
International Agricultural Exhibition in London, 180
life of a plant, 432

National Veterinary Benevolent and Mutual Defence Society, 59, 313
President’s inaugural address, 313
Nestorian’s cargo, 465

new order of Council relating to “ swine fever,” 646

operation of the Contagious Diseases (Animals) Act in Ireland, 688

present status of the profession, 174

prevention of parturient apoplexy, 19

principles of botany, 12, 77, 164, 246, 486

proposed Dick memorial, 347

introduction of foreign animals at the International Exhibition
of the Royal Agricultural Society, 29
recent deaths of children from glanders, 463
fatality among in-lamb ewes, 336
sheep losses in the West Highlands, 605
typhoid fever of swine order of 1878, 61
treatment of sandcrack, 837
use of digitalis, 28
ecraseur, 838

observations on, 872
iodoform, 731

veterinary profession v. the Royal Veterinary College, 794
Vivisection Act, 465
Bill, 433

Theories ? modern ckemico-physical, is life to be explained by, 41
Theory of the action of bacteria in anthrax, 654
Thomas, Griffith, his obituary, 400

“T. H. P.,” letter from, on supposed laryngeal disease, 636
Threatened introduction of cattle plague into Natal, 873
Three-year* old ox, lung parasites in a, 870
Tinea tonsurans, inoculability of, on the lower animals, 654
Torsion, intestinal, special forms of, and diaplacement of the colon in the
horse, particularly in reference to the use of trocar and canula in tym¬
pany, 830

Traces of hydrocyanic acid, detection of, 45
prussic acid, detection of, 83
Trade, American cattle, 318

Transfusion of blood, intravenous injection of milk as a substitute for, 43
Transmission of pleuro-pneumonia by mediate contagion and inoculation,
574

Transit losses, American importation, 730
Transport of cattle, 464

9iv2 INDEX.

Treatment and nature of rabies, 187

homoeopathic, of milk fever of cows, 417
of sandcrack, the, 837
physiological, of visceral inflammation, 337
successful homoeopathic, of epilepsy in dogs, 563

rheumatism in dogs, 792

Trees, yew, in boundary fences, 192
Trichinae in pork, 347

searching for, 511

Trichiniasis and American pork, 430, 544
in the hippopotamus, 731
Trocar and canula in tympany, use of, 830
Tumour, cholesterine, in the brain, 416
extraordinary, in a horse, 839
Turnbull, Charles S., on filaria in the eye, 657
Tuson, Prof., his new edition of Cooley’s Cyclopaedia, review of, 49
Tympany in the horse, use of trocar and canula in, 830
Typhoid fever and fowl croup, 810

of swine, 21, 96, 178, 267, 269, 345, 424, 496, 502, 505
outbreak of, from infected milk, 32

U.

Uncleansed cattle pens-— conviction, 426
Uuity, professional, 24
Use of digitalis, the, 28
ecraseur, the, 838

observations on, 872
iodoform, the, 731

trocar and canula in tympany in the horse, 830

Y.

Vaccination, animal, 652

and arm-to-arm vaccination, the comparative merits
of, 588

Varnell, Prof. G. W., his obituary, 400, 472

Vegetation of seeds, singular method of stimulating the, which germinate
with difficulty, 645
Vermin killer, 885

Vertebrates, development of the olfactory nerve and olfactory organ of,
650

Veterinary and medical arrangements at the Cape, 573
College, Edinburgh —

Prize and honour lists, 614
Glasgow, 371

Distribution of prizes, 614
Inaugural address by Prof. Knox, 898
Opening of the session, 898
New —

Presentation of prizes, 458
Ontario —

Spring examinations, 461
Montreal —

Annual examinations, 462

INDEX.

943

Veterinary College, Royal —

Introductory address by Prof. Cobbold, 761
Opening of the session, 761, 818
Quarterly meeting of general purposes committee,
822

Report on, by Hr. Moore, 798

of distribution of prizes, 819
Scholarship award, 611
The veterinary profession, v. the, 794

committee of the Royal Agricultural Society of England, 48,
197, 360, 435, 512, 678, 893
report of a fatal disease affecting pregnant ewes, 273
inspector, Victoria, Australia, 181

journals, synopsis of continental, 1, 154, 238, 323, 406, 476,
545, 617, 689, 777, 841
jurisprudence —

Alleged negligence in a veterinary operation — Smith v.
Marking, 222

A shorthorn cause celebre, 6S3
Yorkshire horse case — staggers, 911
Case of glanders — conviction, 687
Charge against the Earl of Leicester — sheep-scab, 533
Claim against a farrier — conflicting evidence, 685
Conviction for driving a glandered horse, 317
Exposing diseased meat for sale — pleuro -pneumonia,
759

Eoot-and-mouth disease, 63

Professional discrepancy — alleged cruelty case at Burslera,
687

Professional fees, 62
The case of glanders at Hertford, 538
Contagious Diseases Act, 317
recent deaths of children from glanders, 463

Medical Association, 44th session, 823

Lancashire, 211, 298, 517, 6S1

President’s inaugural address, 298
Antisepticity, a paper read by Mr. T.

Hopkin, 518
Discussion, 902
Quarterly meeting, 901

Liverpool, 120, 386, 514

President’s inaugural address, 3S6
Quarterly meetings, 747
Remarks, anatomical, physiological, and
pathological, on parturient apo¬
plexy, a paper read by Mr. Ger-
rard, 121

Midland Counties —

Thirty-eighth meeting, 836
Extraordinary tumour in a horse, 839
The treatment of sandcrack, 837
use of ecraseur, 838

Montreal, 219

Norfolk and Eastern Counties, 372, 608
President’s inaugural address, 373

944 INDEX.

Veterinary Medieal Association, Norfolk and Eastern Counties —

An essay on germs : the part they play in
the production of disease ; and dis¬
infectants : the part they play in
the prevention and modifying of
disease, 376

Half-yearly meeting, 751
North of England, 302, 529
Quarterly meeting, 711
Some of the diseases of the bowels
affecting the horse, 741
Ontario, 220, 460

Scottish Metropolitan, 204, 302, 530
President’s inaugural address, 304
Essay on arthritic or joint disease in
young stock, 204, 531
Inoculation of cattle for pleuro-pneu-
monia, 828

Quarterly meeting, 828
Special forms of intestinal torsion and
displacement of the colon in the
horse, particularly in reference to
the cause of death and the use of
the trocar and canula in tympany,
830

Society, Central, 50, 118, 202,289, 455

garget in relation to diphtheria, 290
Yorkshire, 214, 456, 682, 206

President’s inaugural address, 215
profession, the, v. the Royal Veterinary College, 794
progress : what next and next ? 254

report of the Royal Agricultural Society of England, 48, 197, 360,

435, 512, 678, 893
Smithfield Club, 219
science in Natal, 731

students, Russian, penal sentences on, 181
surgeons, army, 806

county list of, 441
inZululand, services of, 884
meeting of, 637
Royal College of —

Annual general meeting, 436
Quarterly meetings of council, 105, 364, 601,
811

Special meetings of council, 117, 278, 513, 605,
815, 816

the National Benevolent, and Mutual Defence Society, 59, 313
President’s inaugural address, 313
Victoria, Australia, veterinary inspectors, 181
Vienna, hippophagy in, 426

Visceral inflammation, physiological treatment of, 337
Vivisection Act, the, 465
Bill, the, 433

915

INDEX.

W.

*

Wallace, William, his obituary, 400

Walley, Prof., a paper read by, on artificial eyes in the horse, 835
his letter on “ Dyer’s vesicant,” 81

remarks on septicaemia in animals, 561
paper read by, on special forms of intestinal torsion and dis¬
placement of the colon in the horse, particularly in
reference to the cause of death and the use of the trocar
and canula in tympany, 830
Wandering needles, 734

Warty growths within the mammillary duct of a cow, 418
West Highlands, the sheep losses in the, 505
Wet season, the influence of the, on the condition of stock, 732
Wh incop, G. G., paper read by, on matters of an hereditary nature in rela¬
tion to disease, 7 52
Wildsmith, George, his obituary, 66

Wiltshire, S., his communications on threatened introduction of cattL ^iague

into Natal, 873

report on animal disease at Natal, 644
Winton, D., on an improved enema syringe, 792
Wool, prices of, 196

Worm, guinea-, or Filaria medenensis , remarks on the ; on the occurrence
of this parasite endemically in the Province of Bahia ; on its entrance
into the human body by drinking water, 67, 151, 235, 319

Y.

Yew, case of poisoning with, 87

serious loss of cattle from eating, 263
trees in boundary fences, 192
Yorkshire horse case — staggers, 911

Veterinary Medical Society, 214, 457, 682,906
President’s inaugural address, 215

Z.

Zululand, services of veterinary surgeons in, 884

PRINTED BY J. E. ADLARD, BARTHOLOMEW CLOSE

LII.

66