PREFACE. 



American Veterinary Literature has hitherto possessed no work devoted to 

 the o.natomy and physiology of the Horse; consequently such subjects are 

 either discussed theoretically and imperfectly, or else fail to be noticed. But 

 a new era is now dawning upon Veterinary Science ; a spirit of inquiry is 

 abroad; and the people of this Repubhc find themselves in possession of some 

 of the most magnificent specimens of "live stock" to be found in the world. 

 The natural inquiry is, "How shall we protect our property?" And the 

 conclusion arrived at is, "Veterinary science offers the only probable and 

 practicable security against the numerous casualties incidental to the Jiahitats 

 of the ham and stable'^ 



Hitherto, much indifference has been manifested regarding this science, in 

 consequence of the difficulty encountered in its study, for want of proper 

 text-books and teachers ; and its unsatisfactory results when tested by men 

 unacquainted with its fundamental principles. The Avell-known works of 

 Enghsh and French authors furnish all the necessary information, yet their 

 cost is beyond the means of many, and, therefore, their circulation is very 

 limited. 



In view, therefore, of supplying the above deficiency, which is disclosed in 

 the barrenness of our anatomical and physiological knowledge, and for the 

 purpose of furnishing a work that shall come within the reach and financial 

 means of all men, the author has undertaken the double task ; and it is hoped 

 that the effort will not be thought untimely. 



There are a vast number of highly educated physicians in this country 

 who are often urged by their employers to give advice in the management, 

 medical and surgical treatment, of the inferior orders of creation ; yet decline 

 to do so, in consequence of a lack of authoritative knowledge regarding 

 anatomy, physiology, therapeutics, and pathology. To such, whose sympathies 

 lean in the right direction, and who are willing to give counsel, and lend a 

 helping hand in the restoration of a sick or dying animal, this work is offered, 

 and the author, therefore, submits it to their candid perusal and criticism. 



The work, however, is jorincipally intended for veterinary surgeons, teachers 

 of the art, and students of veterinary medicine, whose wants the author 

 professes to have some knowledge of; and he has endeavored, to the best of 

 his abihty, to cater to the same. 



The necessity for such a work, at the present time, is evident from the facts, 

 that three veterinary colleges have lately come into legislative existence, and 



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