158 THE DISEASES AND DISORDERS OF TBE OX. 



fatal mistakes wheD those mechanisms are set going by processes 

 of disease. The conditions, though similar, are really different, 

 and hence the ordinary reaction being put forth cannot be a 

 successful one. 



In an acute attack of gout the manifestations of the febrile 

 disturbance, which is supposed to be secondary to the joint 

 affections, are acute pain, rapid pulse, some rise of temperature, 

 perspiration, great restlessness and excitement, and possibly 

 screaming. 



Further, it is a most noteworthy fact that the pulse of an 

 animal suffering pain, if not of too intense a character, is 

 almost invariably accelerated. Restlessness and vigorous action 

 of the muscles are likewise manifested by animals which are in 

 pain. The leg of a frog contracts when the toes are irritated 

 by an acid, or by other means. Indeed, that movement 

 accompanies the infliction of pain is well known. We are, in 

 fact, so accustomed to the invariable connection which sub- 

 sists between these two vital manifestations, pain and movement, 

 that we are in the habit of inferring the presence or absence of 

 pain, according as we do or do not observe its correlative signs. 

 Indeed, it is quite possible we may sometimes be mistaken, 

 for, on the one hand, a cry of seeming anguish may not in all 

 cases denote pain, while, on the other, the absence of signs of 

 pain, as in calm resignation, may not be inconsistent with great 

 suffering. Speaking generally, however, we find that groaning, 

 screaming, perhaps sobbing and weeping, grinding of the teeth, 

 clenching of the hands, violent paroxysms of convulsive move- 

 ments are seen in most of the higher animals when suffering 

 pain, and it seems that these and the like phenomena can be 

 ascribed to their association in the past with pain resulting from 

 •direct struggles with a foe. 



In the fight all the muscles and organs of the body receive 

 an intense impetus. The brain is quick to see in advance the 

 tactics likely to be used by the opponent. The heart's action 

 must be accelerated, in order that supplies of blood may be sent 

 freely to any and every portion of the body. The eyes and ears 

 .also must be more sharp than usual, and hence the muscles con- 

 nected with these sense organs must be on the alert, and ready 

 to set them to the best advantage for hearing and seeing, and 

 .also to protect them, or at least the eyes, from injuries, as far as 



