68 



THE MODERN SYSTEM 



The shock nature sustains by this revulsion 

 may be instantly imagined, even by a mind 

 not at all accustomed to search into the 

 changes nature may undergo. The blood, in 

 its greatest velocity, is so instantaneously 

 checked by the sudden application of cold to 

 the stomach. The stomach and skin sympa- 

 thizing so intimately together, the pores of the 

 skin become, as it were, instantly plugged up. 

 Now, the acrimony, or serous part of the 

 blood, which extravasates itself, and by an 

 effort of nature, is propelled to the skin for 

 transpiration, where tlie pores (having been 

 instantly collapsed at the time of the water 

 taking effect), are so closely obstructed, that 

 its passage to the surface is absolutely pre- 

 vented, and rendered impracticable. Thus 

 fixed, it becomes united with the perspirable 

 matter already confined there (forming a 

 ■morbid combination), and is, in the course of 

 time, compelled by the progress of internal in- 

 flammation, to make its way through the skin, 

 upon which it at last appears in a variety of 

 forms, and different symptoms, assuming dis- 

 tinct degrees of malignancy, according to the 

 state, habit, and constitution of the subject, at 

 the time of attack. 



Having satisfied ourselves as to the causes 

 (for this is a very prevalent disease, both with 

 hackney-horses, as well as cart-horses), we 

 next proceed to the cure. For instance, re- 

 move cutaneous obstruction, correct the acri- 

 monious state of the blood, and gently quicken 

 the circulation. The better to gain this object 

 will be, first, to take away a moderate portion 

 of blood, about three quarts, that the impetus 

 may be encouraged ; open the body with 

 warm bran mashes, and according to the 

 mildness, and inveteracy of its appearance, 

 give (as the case may require), either two 



or three of the following purging balls, 

 allowing sufficient time between each dose, 

 and exerting more than usual precaution 

 on account of avoiding cold ; for though this 

 quantity of mercury is remarkably gentle in 

 the operation, being small in quantity, and 

 may be administered with the greatest safety 

 and effect; still care is required in all cases 

 where you administer mercury. 



Take Barbadoes aloes - 6 drams. 

 Calomel - - - 1 do. 

 Ginger - - - - 1 do. 

 Soft soap, sufficient to form the ball. 



After the course of physic is regularly gone 

 through, and properly conducted, let stiict 

 attention be paid to the very necessary direc- 

 tions of food, dressings, and water ; and iii 

 three days after the last dose of physic, begin 

 with the following course of alterative pow- 

 ders. 



Take Antimony, powdered - 1 lb. 

 Sulphur ----- 1 do. 

 Cream of tartar - - 4 oz. 



These are to be mixed well together, and 

 divided into twelve equal parts, giving one 

 every night with the feed of corn ; which, 

 being first sprinkled with water, the powders 

 will adhere to it, and insure their consumption. 

 A handful of chaff is excellent to make the 

 powders adhere. During this administration 

 of the alteratives, occasionally give an ounce 

 of nitre in the morning water. 



Should any trifling eschars, scabs, or exco- 

 riations prove obstinate upon any part of the 

 body they may be washed with a solution of 

 zinc. 



Take Zinc - - - 1 oz. 



Boiling water 



Gdo. 



