MALIGNANT EPIZOOTIC CATARRH. 323 



grain was dissolved in two ounces of water, and one-half 

 ounce of the water (or one-eighth of a grain of corrosive 

 sublimate) was exhibited in a day, in two doses. 



As constipation existed in most of the cases, it was 

 thought that the bowels required to be stimulated into 

 action, and slightly evacuated by a mild laxative. Having 

 noticed in similar cases of debility and torpor of the intestinal 

 canal, that purgation is often followed by a serious diarrhea, 

 difficult to correct, and leading to rapid prostration, and there 

 being no intestinal irritation to suffer additional excitement, I 

 thought that rhubarb from its well known tendency to give 

 tone to the bowels, and its secondary effect as a mild astrin- 

 gent was particularly indicated. It was given in a decoction 

 the equivalent of ten or fifteen grains at a dose accompa- 

 nied with ginger and gentian, in infusion. To a portion of 

 the sheep I administered the rhubarb and its adjuvants alone ; 

 to others I gave the bi-chloride of mercury in addition. 



Not a single sheep recovered after the emaciation and 

 debility had proceeded to any great extent. One such only 

 lingered along until shearing. Its wool gradually dropped 

 off: it seemed to rally a little once or twice and then relapse ; 

 and it perished one night in a rain-storm. In the generality 

 of instances the time from the first observed symptoms until 

 death, varied from ten to fifteen days. A few died in a 

 shorter time. I thought that the treatment produced favor- 

 able effects in some instances particularly when resorted to 

 at the commencement of the disease. At all events, some of 

 the sheep recovered under the treatment particularly under 

 that including the exhibition of the bi-chloride of mercury 

 and very few, if any, recovered without any treatment. 

 Candor compels me to say, however, that the results of the 

 treatment were far from being satisfactory that the cases of 

 recovery were much fewer than the deaths. I have merely 

 stated what I believe to be the facts in the premises ; I do not 

 feel prepared to make any recommendations. As I now look 

 back on, and quote from my records written seventeen years 

 ago, I feel greatly disposed to doubt whether more recovered 

 under my treatment than would have recovered without it. 

 At all events, I prefer that view of the case should be taken, 

 so that if a similar epizootic should recur, those called upon 

 to combat it will start without any misconceptions derived 

 from me. I have given my treatment because it constitutes 

 part of the true history of the case ; and because records of 

 failures are not without their value. 



