508 CANCER OF THE SPIXE. 



nance present. The mucous membranes were healthy in colour ; the 

 mouth cool and moist ; the surface of the body of a natural tempera- 

 ture ; the bowels regular, and the urine of a light colour. 



" On the application of pressure to any part of the spinal region 

 rom about the tenth dorsal vertebra to the sacrum, the whole of the 

 voluntary muscles behind became as rigid and hard as in the worst 

 cases of tetanus during the periods of excitement. Very little differ- 

 ence could be detected in the violence of the muscular contractions, 

 whether the pressure was employed directly over the spine, or within 

 twelve inches on either side of it. This tetanic rigidity sometimes oc- 

 curred when pressure was not applied, and also when the animal was 

 made to back, but then in a much less degree, and lasting for a few 

 minutes only. 



" On an examination per rectum, I detected a large tumour on the 

 left side of the spine, having a density, as imparted to the feel, equal 

 to the structure of the liver. It appeared to be about eight or nine 

 inches in diameter, three inches thick in its centre portion, and an inch 

 at its circumference. It was closely connected to the posterior part 

 of the kidney, overlapping the posterior aorta, and extending to the 

 right side of the spine. On pressing the enlargement, evidence of 

 severe suffering was obtained, but the tetanic spasm did not follow, 

 nor was there the slightest indication of pain when the pressure was 

 applied to the inferior portion of the lumbar vertebrae. The pulsa- 

 tion of the posterior aorta between the tumour and the bifurcation of 

 the vessel into the iliac arteries, was scarcely to be felt, and which 

 I attributed to the pressure of the enlarged mass upon the aorta. 



ft I looked upon the case as one very doubtful of recovery, thinking 

 that I had most likely to deal with the formation of an internal abscess, 

 as a sequela of influenza, and which is not a very uncommon occurrence; 

 but as my patient's appetite was good, the heart's action not much 

 disturbed, and the faeces and urine healthy, I considered treatment 

 justifiable. Counter irritants were therefore applied to the loins, and 

 Pot. lodidum given internally, with vegetable tonics. Under this treat- 

 ment the tumour gradually became less in size and much softer in con- 

 sistence. The rigidity of the muscles was likewise less violent when 

 pressure was applied to the spine. 



" On the 24th, a ' charge' was applied to the whole of the lumbar 

 region. Mineral and vegetable tonics were daily given with the iodide 

 of potassium, and exercise was enjoined. 



