THE TEMPERAMENT. / 



tion of the animal under consideration. The success of 

 the Physician will depend yery much upon the estimate 

 which he forms of the temperament, or constitution, of 

 his patient; and I cannot see any reason why the 

 same thing should not hold good with regard to the 

 Veterinary Practitioner. The doctrine of the tempera- 

 ments, I am certain, is equally applicable to the horse, 

 and all other lower animals, as to man ; and if it were 

 properly attended to, it would modify the opinions 

 which are cmTently held upon many points. My only 

 astonishment is, that it has not received a gTeat deal 

 more attention than it has hitherto experienced at the 

 hands of veterinary writers — at least so far a^ I have 

 had an opportunity of judging, by consulting their 

 works. 



The nervous temperament is connected with a large 

 development of the brain, spinal maiTow, and nerves. 

 From it result quickness of motion, nervous excitabi- 

 lity, and constitutional sensitiveness and delicacy. The 

 bilious is accompanied with a large muscular system. 

 The muscles, or fleshy masses, are well defined, and 

 both look and feel hard and fii-m. This state is essen- 

 tially connected with strength, dm-ability, and sustained 

 exertion. The sanguine, as its name imports, has its 

 origin in a large development of the lungs, heart, and 

 blood-vessels. It must therefore be evident, that it is 

 one of no trifling importance. On it, to a considerable 

 extent, depends the nourishment or support of all the 



