14 On the Use and Abuse of Purgatives, 



far as respects the necessity of preparin^^ their bowels fjroperly^ 

 before the Physic be given. 



For the uniformly loose and open state of the whole of the intes- 

 tinal caiial, which takes place whilst the Horse is at grass, allows of 

 the complete diifusion of the Aloetic, through the entire track, and 

 hence, no partially local stimulus being applied, the usual symptoms 

 of nausea, gripings, and the debility which arises from over pur- 

 ging, are either prevented altogether, or mitigated in a Very great 

 degree. No further directions as to the quantity or quality of grass 

 Physic are necessary, than merely to give three fourths of the ordi- 

 nary dose, which is given to the Horse in the Stable. But there 

 are peculiar and extreme cases, certainly, where we cannot wait for 

 this desirable preparation of the Bowels, previously to the adminis- 

 tration of a Purgative. 



Particularly, where extensive mischief has been inflicted upon the 



animal in consequence of large wounds, blows, kicks, or external 



injuries, from which we have good reason to dread so much high 



active inflammation, as may probably terminate in Sphacelus or evert 



in death. In all which cases, I consider purging to be our Sheet- 



Anchor, and far more to be depended upon than Blood-letting, as a 



preventative both of the local Inflammation of the injured part, and 



of the Symptomatic Fever, which may be looked for on the second 



or third day after such accidents.— I must remark however, that it 



would be proper, to take away from three to six quarts of Blood 



according to the age, size and strength of the animal, in the 



instance of all such serious injuries as have been alluded to. And 



as too much time would be lost, in case we were to wait to accomplish 



the preparation of the Horse's Bowels, for the Physic, by the usual 



