THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR. 385 



ficient supply of alimentary substance, — that is to say, of azotic 

 and combustible matters, — the oxygen may exert its affinities on 

 the matter actually composing the organs themselves, determin- 

 ing a rapid decomposition, and finally producing with the azotic 

 matter a new principle, endowed with powerful novel affinities, 

 expediting by its presence the decomposition of the orgasm, and 

 discovering itself during life by that cohort of symptoms and 

 derangements which characterize glanders. 



" This active principle, the result of the extreme oxidation of 

 the system, analogous in its origin and progress to ferments, is 

 glandered virus. I am, indeed, struck with the analogy existing 

 between the mode of generation of glandered ferment in the 

 living body, under the influence of the oxygen of the air, and 

 ferments which are concocted without vitality through the affini- 

 ties of the same gas. 



" * * * Now, may we not admit that, in the vital orgasm, 

 azotic matter, continually coming into contact with the oxygen 

 of the air, may become converted into a peculiar ferment, the 

 same as we behold in the dead body, the organic substance turn- 

 ing into putrid ferment through the combined action of air and 

 water and moderate heat ? There is an approximation here 

 which has something specious about it. 



" Once produced, in whatever way it may be generated, glan- 

 dered ferment is certainly accompanied by ulterior phenomena 

 in the system which bear the closest analogy to those of recog- 

 nized fermentation. Placed in contact with matter capable of 

 feeding it, the glandered principle assimilates it, and greatly 

 hastens the organic decompositions. In fact, chemical analysis 

 seems to demonstrate that the exhalation of carbonic acid is 

 much more considerable in an animal under the influence of 

 glandered fermentation, than, if I may be allowed the expression, 

 in an animal in health. Such is the theory ; let us now consider 

 the facts. 



" X. Experience has shown, and every day still shows, that 

 incessant work, without rest, such as is exacted of horses in cer- 

 tain undertakings, is one of the most frequent causes of glanders, 

 acute and chronic, but principally of acute. No discussion, I 

 should imagine, will arise on this point, it being an acknowledged 



