6o Ma7iagement and Treatment of the Hoi'se. 



poison or to a prutrescence in the atmosphere. I 

 am of opinion that the true cause of influenza 

 must be looked for in the peculiar condition of 

 the atmosphere, and the favourable state of the 

 skin and coat in the animal itself. I consider 

 that the primary cause of this epizootic is a 

 deficiency of electricity in the atmosphere during 

 the whole of the period the distemper is preva- 

 lent ; and that during the time that such defi- 

 ciency exists an insensible influence is exerted 

 upon all animals, and the degree they are afl'ected 

 is in proportion to their susceptibility and favour- 

 able condition. The eff'ect it produces is in the 

 first place felt in the nervous system, and secondly 

 in the vascular system. The manner in which it 

 affects the system is by robbing it of a certain 

 quantity of animal electricity in order to effect 

 equilibrium. A chill is experienced while this 

 extracting process is going on, a creeping sensa- 

 tion is felt in every part. The horse experiences 

 a pricking sensation frequently attended with 

 rigour, the system being in a perfectly passive 

 state during this time. I consider the abstraction 

 of the invigorating principle is not confined to 

 the solids, but the vital fluids also. There is a 

 loss of animal heat, the skin is cold, and if it is 

 permitted to go on radiating, the whole system 

 soon becomes thoroughly affected, and the vital 

 powers are thrown prostrate, partaking somewhat 

 of a state of torpidity. It must not be forgotten 

 that the skin is a perfect network of nervous 

 filaments, and that these nervous filaments have 

 both direct and indirect connection with all the 



