Inflammation of the Eyef» 73^ 



\isp is most beautifully exemplified, especially in the last stage of the 

 disorder. 



For if the Horse be suddenly approached, in this hig-hly irritable 

 state of his nervous system, this membrane is instantly expanded to 

 its full extent, (about one half of the globe) and the Eye being at 

 the same moment turned inwards, towards the nose, the pupil is 

 thus as completely covered, and the light as effectually shut out 

 from the Retina, as if the Membrane were large enough to cover 

 the whole of the globe. Now, after a long continuance of Moon- 

 blindness, this Membrane frequently becomes reddened, and thick- 

 ened, and the Farriers who call it the Haw, mistaking effect for 

 cause, imagine that this occasions the recurrence or continuance of 

 the complaint, and therefore (acting rightly upon wrong principles) 

 they cut out the Membrane. It is almost unnecessary for me to add, 

 that the practice is not only never to be defended, but that it is 

 never attended with even any temporary advantage. In advancing 

 this opinion however, some may imagine that I go rather too far, 

 because a few instances may be produced, of the eye remaining sound 

 after the Haw has been cut out ; but my experience enables me to 

 pronounce decidedly, that such were not cases of Moon-Eyes ; 

 which is all that I am at present contending for. Further, I have no 

 hesitation in adding, that the operation of cutting out the Haw, as it 

 is called, is in all cases nugatory, and, inasmuch as it robs the animal 

 of a Membrane which certainly was not made in vain, and must per- 

 form some subordinate part, at least, in the beautiful apparatus of 

 the Eye, it ought never to be sanctioned by the Veterinary Surgeon, 

 In writing upon Inflammation of the Eyes, although I treat my 

 subject avowedly in a popular way, I should be considered by mf 



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