HYDROPHOBIA. 203 



exemplified in a fit of hydrophobia. I have long 

 thought that the medical world has not allowed 

 sufficient influence to the diaphragm and lungs on 

 the circulation of the blood, and in a little pamphlet 

 which I published in 1820, (Maxims and Remarks 

 on the Pulse, for young Students,) page 27, I 

 particularly remarked that the lungs act on the 

 heart and circulation, as fire on a steam engine, 

 or as a spring on machinery, keeping it in constant 

 motion, a comparison that will carry more with 

 it to the mind than I can explain. 



It may not be thought inopportune here to 

 suggest a remedy that may possibly succeed in 

 removing this terrible disease. Were I again in 

 practice, and had the opportunities which hereto- 

 fore occurred to me, I would try the actual cautery 

 to the throat, and chest. May it not, by causing 

 a strong stimulus, counteract that produced by 

 miasma of Rabies, and cause a revulsion from 

 the diaphragm and glottis? which may be 

 assisted by a copious bleeding, and also medi- 

 cines. 



These observations I submit to the medical 

 world, with much diffidence as to their success : 

 where no probable remedy is known, every 



