6 



MODERN FARRIER. 



thing like a scientific form, till it attracted the at- 

 tention of medical men. This arises from the strict 

 analogy that exists between the diseases of man and 

 animals. The murrains amongst horned cattle are 

 very similar to the epidemic diseases amongst the 

 human race. The small pox frequently rages 

 amongst sheep, and swine are often subject to the 

 measles. The transfer of the cow-pox to man is 

 considered amongst the most fortunate of modern 

 discoveries. Scrofula, apoplexy, epilepsy, and teta- 

 nus^ or locked jaw, are very common amongst do- 

 mestic animals. These instances are sufficient to 

 shew the utility of the study of comparative ana- 

 tomy and pathology, as connected with the veteri- 

 nary art ; for, as the diseases are similar, so will also 

 be the remedies, after making due allowances for 

 the difference of organization. 



After becoming proficient in anatomy, a little 

 manual dexterity will scon render the young stu- 

 dent a tolerable surgeon. He ought also to studv 

 chemistry, and to acquire an accurate knowledge of 

 medicine, and of the doses, as adapted to different 

 animals, in various situations and diseases ; and he 

 must attentively observe, and deliberately reflect on 

 the symptoms and progress of the different diseases 

 to which domestic animals are subject. These re- 

 quisites are all absolutely necessary in order to form 

 a good farrier. But in this v/ork it is merely pro- 

 posed to assist plain practical farmers and others, in 

 the management of their horses and cattle, to save 

 them from the impositions of ignorant quacks, and 

 to promote a rational system of treatment. In ex- 

 traordinary cases, a skilful practitioner ought always 

 to be called in ; and he who knows most of the na- 

 ture and danger of diseases, will always be most 

 ready to consult those who possess a superior know- 

 ledge on the subject. This is the more necessary, 

 as, from the strength of the arterial system, the 

 diseases in animals are prone to a rapid termina- 



