EABIES. 223 



CAUSES. 



Opinions are divided as to the spontaneity of the origin of 

 rabies. Some maintain that even in the dog and allied 

 quadrupeds the malady never originates except by inoculation : 

 whilst others hold that it originates spontaneously in the dog, 

 even in this country. 



After discussing the opinions of Blaine, Youatt, and Maynell, 

 who affirm it owes its origin to a wound from a rabid creature, 

 Fleming says — " There are few now-a-days who are not convinced 

 that it will occasionally appear in a spontaneous manner, and 

 without any certain assignable cause. No doubt the transmission 

 of the disease by inoculation furnishes by far the largest number 

 of cases, and many of these, from the obscure manner in which 

 the inoculation has been effected, appear to be due to other 

 causes than that of a traumatic character ; but, notwithstanding, 

 the disease must have a commencement." However, he has 

 changed his opinion, and now affirms that it originates from con- 

 tagion only. In this view of the origin of the malady, facts 

 and circumstances compel me to agree with Dr. Fleming ; at 

 the same time I am fully aware that the opinions of many 

 observers are opposed to it.^ Professor Dick was of opinion 

 that rabies always originated spontaneously — from atmospheric 

 causes — a species of catarrh, which, by extension from the 

 nasal mucuous membrane, through the cribriform plates of 

 the etlnnoid bone, involved the meninges of the brain, and 

 produced the phrenzy, delirium, and the other train of nervous 

 symptoms which characterise the disease. He also held the 

 opinion that it was never caused by inoculation from the bite 

 of a mad dog ; in fact that it was a non-contagious disease. — 

 ( Veterinary Papers by Professor Dick.) This opinion of Pro- 

 fessor Dick is still believed by a few, but fortunately very few, 

 and the sooner it is dispelled the better, for nothing is more 

 calculated to do mischief than the promulgation of what has 

 been proved to be so erroneous. Eabies, once generated in the 

 dog or cat, is transmissible by inoculation to every warm- 

 blooded creature. 



■* It is but right tiiat I should state that Dr. Fleming has changed his opinion, 

 and is now strongly opposed to any but inoculation theory. 



