46 PATHOLOGY. 



which the veterinarian is most likely to be asked to pronounce 

 an opinion upon, now that rinderpest is so safely guarded, the 

 examination of all the animals which have been herded or stalled 

 with those labouring under this disease should be systematically 

 made, and all those presenting an elevation of temperature of 

 from two to three degrees should at once be isolated, and looked 

 upon with suspicion, until time proves whether they are 

 suffering from the malady or not. Nothing can be lost by this, 

 but much may be gained, the most important gain being the 

 destruction of the centres of contagion, and the preservation of 

 the remaining stud or herd ; for when an animal is kept mixed 

 with others until the disease be more fully developed, it remains 

 tliere as a generator of contagious material, and thus propagates 

 the disease over the whole number. 



The best thermometer for the purpose is a straight instrument 

 with a registered index. Such an instrument can be removed 

 and read when convenient, for the index, being fixed in the 

 stem, will denote the height to which the column of mercury- 

 has been raised. I find it desirable to keep the instrument 

 in the rectum for about three minutes, and to make two obser- 

 vations, and if the two observations correspond, to remain 

 satisfied with its correctness. The pocket thermometer invented 

 by Professor Brown is very convenient and handy, and is specially 

 recommended to the veterinarian. 



Whilst elevation of temperature is generally associated with 

 rapid waste of tissue, it is found that rapid emaciation occurs 

 without a corresponding elevation of temperature, as in polyuria, 

 and that the temperature may be elevated without much 

 increased tissue waste. These phenomena are due to the 

 condition of the "heat centre," which, when active, prevents 

 elevation, but loses its inhibitory power when its condition is 

 depressed. 



