268 DICTIONARY OF THE VETERINARY ART. 



away from that region, and to distribute it over the general 

 system, that it will not be excessive any where. This mode 

 of relief we call equalizing the circulation: the allopaths 

 term it counter-irritation ; they concentrate it in one spot, in 

 the form of rowel and blister, their own works will show 

 with what success.* Our principles teach us to accomplish 

 the object by the stimulating influence of medicated vapor, 

 enemas, nervines, and a mucilaginous diet. Whenever the 

 disease is treated by the abstraction of blood, it generally 

 terminates in dropsy. 



Perspiration. The fluid which is secreted by the vessels 

 of the skin. Perspiration is a highly important discharge in 

 horses and other animals. The best medicine to "promote 

 sweating in the horse, is a tea composed of lobelia, capsicum, 

 and pennyroyal. 



Pharynx. The upper part of the oesophagus, or gullet. 



Phlegm. A mucous liquid thrown up from the lungs. 



Phrenic Nerve. A nerve that passes through the thorax, 

 over the heart, to the diaphragm. 



Phrenitis. Inflammation of the brain. 



* Mr. Percival details a case of peritonitis, after the usual symptoms in 

 the early stage had subsided. " The horse's bowels became much relaxed : 

 suspecting that there was some disorder in the alimentary canal, and that 

 this was an effort of nature to get rid of it, I promoted the diarrhcea by giv- 

 ing mild doses of cathartic medicine, in combination with calomel ! " Nature 

 did not require such assistance : warm drinks, composed of marshmallows, 

 or slippery elm, would have been just the thing. 



" On the third day from this, prolapsus ani (falling of the fundament) made 

 its appearance. After the return of the gut, the animal grew daily duller, 

 and more dejected, manifesting evident signs of considerable inward disor- 

 der, though he showed none of acute pain ; the diarrhcea continued ; swelling 

 of the belly and tumefaction of the legs speedily followed : eight pounds, 

 of blood were drawn, and two ounces of oil of turpentine were given inter- 

 nally, and in spite of another bleeding, and some subordinate measures, 

 carried him off [the treatment we presume] in the course of a few hours. 



" Dissection : a slight blush pervaded the peritoneum ; at least the parie- 

 tel portion of it, for the coats of the stomach and intestines preserved their 

 natural whiteness. About eight gallons of water were measured out of the 

 belly. The abdominal viscera, as well as the thoracic, showed no marks of 

 disease " 



