PREFACE. Vll 



the greatest boon it has ever received at the hands of any 

 man, and at the same time earned for himself undying fame, 

 which will justly become greater as his name goes down to 

 posterity for centuries to come. 



The field of scientific research in regard to disease may 

 be viewed as one of almost boundless scope ; and even in 

 this enlightened age we may number, by scores, diseases 

 which are not thoroughly understood. Particularly humi- 

 liating is the fact that ' glanders,' that most surely fatal of 

 all diseases to which horse-flesh is heir, although known and 

 treated for thousands of years, still remains in the category 

 of ' incurable diseases.' In pleasing contrast, reference may 

 be made to ' actiuomykosis,' recently discovered and 

 described by Dr. Fleming, the distinguished President of the 

 Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons ; and a number of 

 other diseases which a few years ago were considered as 

 incurable, but which are now known to readily succumb to 

 treatment if of the proper kind and not too long delayed. 



In conclusion, I wish to express a hope that this work 

 may be favourably received by all into whose hands it may 

 find its way, and more particularly by my fellow-votaries of 

 the science which I admire and love above all others. 



E. C. 



