182 



THE MODERxN SY^EM 



by some distinct or local pain, and is not a 

 disorder within itself; but probably the effect 

 of, and dependent upon some other for its 

 production. This fever is so influenced by 

 the cause, and so entirely regulated by its 

 chano-es, either for better or worse, as to be 

 constantly reduced to an alleviation of the 

 original complaint, and totally dispelled by a 

 removal of the dis^ease to which it is a conco- 

 mitant. The fever being only a symptom of 

 some other, the mere effect of preternatural 

 heat, excited by extreme pain, and not a 

 distinct disease, let the original cause be re- 

 moved, and the effect will cease as a matter 

 of course. 



It has been repeatedly urged by authors of 

 great repute, that every fever is one and the 

 same disorder, only appearing differently, ac- 

 cording to the various circumstances it meets 

 with in different constitutions. 



Much might be advanced in favour of this 

 assertion ; but as our work is not one of con- 

 troversy, I shall endeavour to shew that 

 preiernatural heat, or increased circulation, 

 constituting what is termed fever, must have 

 some exciting cause to discover the true 

 seat, of which great nicety of disci Miinalion is 

 unavoidably necessary. For want of due at- 

 tention to these salutary considerations, many 

 fine Horses have been hastily condemned. 

 Persons should not only be accurately nice in 

 the discrimination of disease, but by attend- 

 ing minutely to circumstances, endeavour to 

 develope the indications of Nature, and 

 strengthen all her efforts. In these cases, no 

 person can be too well acquaintt d with the 

 qualities of medicines, to the expectation of 

 their effects, to have in view, upon every emer- 

 gency their operations, certain or probable 

 relief is to be obtained ; and to promote those 



ends by every fair and gentle means that may 

 be justified by circumstances, or dictated by 

 discretion. 



Symptomatic fever is most frequently 

 brought on by a general cutaneous obstruction, 

 or sudden constriction of the pores of the skin, 

 which will constitute the foundation of every 

 fever, to which the animal can possibly be 

 suliject. Inflamed feet will produce it, tu- 

 mours of almost all descriptions, even nailing 

 a shoe on too tight will produce symptomatic 

 fever ; wounds, and almost all operations that 

 are attended with severity, blisters, &c. &c. 



With respect to symptoms, the most certain 

 signs are, an universal heat and disordered 

 pulse, a palpable disquietude and uneasiness, 

 shifting from place to place ; the Horse la- 

 bours under difficult respiration, his mouth is 

 very dry, his tongue parched and hot ; he 

 declines food, but will drink water; he some- 

 times seizes his food with seeming eagerness, 

 then drops it in disappointment. The body is 

 generally costive, and in the early state off 

 disease, there is a shght proportion of obstruc- 

 tion of urine. 



Let a fever proceed from wifatever cause, 

 the indications of cure are still the same ; 

 such as diminishing the preternatural heat to 

 that degree which constitutes its healthy state. 

 Remove all internal obstructions, and by a 

 proper and judicious administration of medi- 

 cines, calculated to subdue the original cause, 

 all ilependent symptoms will certainly subside. 

 For this purpose administer emollient glis- 

 ters, after having back-raked the Horse, so 

 that you promote easy evacuations (^see list of 

 medicines,) antl give 



Digitalis from l-g to 2 drams. 

 Aloes, Cape - I do. 

 Make into a ball, with soft soap. 



