556 THE PRACTICE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE. 



the scourge for the first time, since which time its recurrence 

 has been noted at varying periods, and in different degrees 

 of intensity, as well as in different forms. 



Gibson, an old English author of repute, in a work pub- 

 lished in 1750, describes a disease which he denominates a 

 pestilential disease, or 'Epidemic Distemper,' which fre- 

 quently prevailed to a great extent in England, entailing 

 great loss, and even ruin in some cases to the farmers. This 

 disease, from the symptoms presented, must have been 

 Influenza. It was noticed in London during the autumn 

 months of 1732, and made its appearance in several other 

 parts of the kingdom about the same time. It commenced 

 in some places in the country near London in September, 

 entering the city during the following month, and progres- 

 sing so swiftly that in a week there was scarcely a stable to 

 be found in the whole city without the infection. Its 

 duration was from two weeks to a month. During the 

 spring of 1734 it again visited England, presenting the 

 same general symptoms as the epizootic of two years 

 before, but, in addition, showing symptoms of derangement 

 of the urinary apparatus and inflammation of the lungs, as 

 complications ; and this form was, of course, attended with 

 greater fatality than that of 1732. 



The disease is very erratic in its movements, proceeding 

 from north to south, and from east to west, as well as in the 

 opposite directions ; but there seems to be a tendency to 

 proceed from the east to the west more than in any other 

 direction. 



In the epizootic form it is remarkable for its extensive 

 and rapid diffusion, extending within a brief period over 

 different and widely-separated expanses of territory. In its 

 course it bears a strong resemblance to the march of that 

 terrible scourge of the human race, epidemic cholera. It 

 quickly spreads from one locality to another, and even from 



