2 On the Use and Abuse of Purgatives, 



To deny however that Physic is both proper and necessary for 

 certain descriptions of Horses, such (for instance) as Racers and 

 Hunters, at certain seasons of the year, would be to deny the value 

 of every day's experience, and to impeach the understanding^ of all 

 who have an interest in the treatment of such Horses. 



Nevertheless the practise of Thysicking Horses of this description 

 is (in general) by no means conducted with all the attention due to 

 many minute circumstanceSj that are necessary to be taken into 

 account, in order to insure the full amount of those advantages which 

 are sought to be obtained from it. 



And here it may not be improper for me to remark, that as I am 

 entering in some measure upon. a new field, so am I perfectly aware 

 that I am treading upon tender ground; being well convinced that 

 there is not a helper in the racing stables at Newmarket, who would 

 Hot consider himself capable of giving advice to, rather than think. 

 of seeking it from a Veterinary Surgeon, on the subject of Physick- 

 ing Horses. 



For the treatment of Horses under Physic is usually looked upon 

 so simple an affair, that every one fancies himself adequate to direct 

 their management under all possible circumstances which m,ay arise. 

 Notwithstanding this general presumption however, (arising from 

 ignorance alone) I will not hesitate to assert that the proper manage- 

 ment of Horses that are to undergo the operation of Aloetic Purga- 

 tives, including of course their treatment both before and after, as 

 well as during the action of the medicine, is a subject not only 

 of the greatest importance, but one which embraces also a greater 

 variety of circumstances, than almost any other connected with the 

 Veterinary Art. 



