FARCY. 



363 



rally be detected. When the virus of farcy is absorbed it some- 

 times occasions inflammation in the immediate lymphatic 

 vessel, which it first tumefies and then ulcerates. In other 

 instances, its progress seems to be arrested, the vessel be- 

 comes inflamed, hardened, and then forms the lump which 

 is called a farcy bud. At length, however, if nothing be 

 done, these tumours increase, become hot, then burst, 

 sending forth healthy pus ; after which they ulcerate, and 

 discharge a thin sanies; from one bud it passes on to 

 another; inflaming the lymphatic vessels in its progress, 

 and giving them a hardened feel like a cord under the skin. 

 Sometimes the larger lymphatic trunks proceed to suppu- 

 rate, when they form extensive sinuses, which the farriers 

 call 'farcy pipes.' 



Farcy is subject to varieties in form and character. It 

 has assumed an epidemic feature ; and it often appears com- 

 pounded with, and modified by, other complaints. Two 

 distinct varieties of farcy are very common ; one of which 

 is entirely superficial, and confined to the lymphatics of the 

 skin, and is often called the button farcy. The other com- 

 mences usually in the extremities, and generally the hinder 

 ones : the lymphatic tubes throughout become inflamed, 

 being incapable of their usual office, and hence engorgement 

 of the whole hmb takes place. This farcied enlargement 

 of a limb is not, to a partial observer, unlike the ligamen- 

 tary thickening of a gorged leg ; neither is it much unlike 

 the swelUng from oedema or effusion. But swellings, when 

 they arise from farcy, will present an uneven surface ; in- 

 creasing and decreasing suddenly ; they are further charac- 

 terized by much pain and exquisite tenderness. The lym- 

 phatic glands of the skin will here and there point them- 

 selves into small buds ; and it is further worthy of remark, 

 that such swellings are more likely to exist in definite 

 masses, and between the joints, than on them or near them ; 

 which is not the case in hgamentary enlargements arising 

 from over-exertion or strain. To distinguish farcy from 

 surfeit, which likewise covers the body with small tumours, 

 in the' last affection the swellings are broader, flatter, and 

 generally more diffused over the trunk than the extremities ; 

 besides never being tender ; and when found on the extre- 

 mities, they are usually situated on the outer side, whereas 



