cd 
alarms should deter from a remedy which in multitudes of in- 
stances, has saved valuable beasts from otherwise inevitable 
death. The risk of the incision in any part of the belly, or sides, 
cannot be greater than that of the disease, if left to its fatal pro- 
gress. Let all dangerous parts be avoided ; but let no fears 
prevent the surest of all remedies. As to the alarm about 
wounding the intestines, I have conversed with one of the 
most eminent of our physicians,* and a deservedly celebrated 
surgeon,t who is generally acknowledged to be at the head of 
his professions They agree that although it is best to avoid 
them, yet that wounds of the intestines, are, by no means, 
often attended with the consequences, or dangers, which have 
excited Mr Steele’s apprehensions. 
Dr. Darwin’s flexible tube (and the same thing has been 
long ago mentioned by Dr. Munroe) is doubtless very pro- 
per. But little is known of its comparative superiority. A far- 
mer would never think of providing it ; but knives are always 
at hand. The use of this tube, shews that air is the cause 
of the disease, when confined and elastic. Potash, in the early 
stages, has been found very efficacious, given in drenches or 
balls, in quantities of not more than quarter or half an ounce 
at a dose, at intervals, ’till its effects are produced. Any alkali 
neutralizes the gas, or elastic air, which would occasion death. 
To prevent the viscera being abraded, r w linseed or other oil, 
may be given. 
42 Observations. 
However scientific may be Mr. Steele’s reasoning as to 
the interior of the animal, I avoid controversies (even if I 
were qualified to sustain them,) on subjects whereof facts are 
the best expositors. I will not therefore agitate this question; 
or perplex it with discussions about locality, or speculate 
as to the nature of the disease, or the air generating from 
the cause of it; and occasioning the dangerous malady. It 
is enough to observe, that in general, those whose cattle meet 
* Dr, Rush. } Dr. Physick. 
