GREASE. 287 



ference between them being, that in the latter the matter 

 contained in the vesicle seemed more purulent, and the sur- 

 rounding areola somewhat more livid/^ (See the 'Dublin 

 Journal of Med. Science.') I utterly disbelieve all stories of 

 its infection or contagion among horses. In certain seasons 

 and situations the disease may undoubtedly affect several 

 individuals : but then the cause will be found too manifestly 

 uniform, and the circumstances too similar, to attribute its 

 prevalence to infection or contagion. 



The Treatment of grease may be a simple affair, or a 

 complicated one, depending on its duration, and virulence. 



Professor Coleman lays stress on a theory he has framed, that, since 

 moisture is the cause of grease, water cannot, without harm, be employed 

 in the treatment of the malady: though this axiom seems to admit of 

 qualifications which will tend almost or quite to subvert it. We are not 

 warranted in laying it down as a rule, that what gives rise to a disease, 

 is not to be employed by way of remedy : else, why do ice and snow- 

 water prove remedial for chilblains ? — cold affusion for fever, &c. ? 



In a case of grease, in which the skin manifests any in- 

 flammation, a bran poultice is the best application; this 

 ought to be renewed morning and evening, the heels being 

 prepared for its application by being perfectly sponged, and 

 by trimming with sharp scissors — or what is better — shears. 

 At the same time, the horse should be put on good diet ; 

 and be walked out twice in the course of the day. After 

 the inflammation has begun to decline, we may commence 

 with astringents ; employing them first in a mild form, after- 

 wards augmenting their strength. The substances com- 

 monly used, are charcoal, calamine, bark, sugar of lead, alum, 

 white vitriol, blue vitriol, and best of all, chloride of zinc. 

 Most may be employed either as powder, solution, or oint- 

 ment. Alum, combined with bole or charcoal, according 

 as it is wanted for a red or a black heel, was a favorite 

 remedy. 



For a bay or chestnut heel : 



Take of Powdered Alum, 5j ; 



Bole Armenian, Jj. 

 Levigate to an impalpable Powder. 



