METHODS AND OBJECTS OF PHYSICAL EXAMINATION. 425 



disease, we must be careful not to allow ourselves to be 

 guided entirely, to the exclusion of the knowledge and results 

 which may be offered to us by other means of examining these 

 cases. 



We will first examine the character and general application 

 of these several physical modes of investigating the condition 

 of the thoracic organs, and afterwards, shortly, their applica- 

 tions to the different parts of the respiratory organs, Avith an 

 estimate of the information which may thereby be obtained in 

 health and disease. 



1. Inspection. — By this mere ' act of looking,' cognizance is 

 taken of the general form, and also of the movements of the 

 chest. 



2. Mensuration, Measurement of the Chest. — This is not had 

 recourse to in the practice of veterinary medicine, not because 

 Ave have other and better means of determining the altered 

 capacity of the thoracic cavity, but more probably because we 

 have not yet considered it needful to descend to such minute- 

 ness in diagnosis as has for a lengthened period characterized 

 the practice of human medicine in respect to diseases of the 

 thoracic organs. 



When Ave desire to apply measurement to the horse's chest, 

 the double tape is preferable to the single, as it at once gives 

 the indication if there exists an appreciable difference betAveen 

 the tAvo sides, as Avell as any increase in the total capacity at 

 different measurements. 



Besides the circular measurement, Avhich ought to be taken 

 at least at tAvo if not three points, the others Avhich are most 

 useful are — (a) The distance from the posterior point of the 

 withers to the commencement of the cartilages of the false 

 ribs ; (6) From the point of the elboAv or third rib to the same 

 point; (c) From the posterior edge of the shoulder to the 

 margin of the last rib. These measurements ought to be made 

 on each side of the chest at the same place, and at the same 

 stage of the act of respiration. 



3. Palpation. — This is the term Ave give to the application 

 of the hand to any particular part so as to ascertain its 

 condition of tenderness, heat, poAver of resistance, and also 

 impulse imparted by movement of some internal organ. 



4. Percussion. — This is understood to consist in striking or 



