APPENDIX. 305 



People here have lost confidence in the cattle doctors they have known, 

 and, in the language of one of the committee, " many a noble animal is 

 suffered to sicken and die, for want of proper medical treatment." Several 

 cases in this immediate vicinity were cited, and in view of the great loss of 

 property, as well as for the honor of New England, the hope was earnestly 

 and repeatedly expressed, that success might crown your labors in this im- 

 portant branch of science and skill. May you still go on and prosper ; the 

 whole land is before you, and the people prepared, by dear-bought experi- 

 ence, to favor your more rational course of practice. 



Yours, &c, H. F. JOHNSON, M. D. 



REMARKS ON CLYSTERS. 



As the more general use of clysters is recommended by the author, espe- 

 cially in acute diseases, he has thought proper to introduce, in this part of 

 the work, a few remarks on them, with examples of their different forms. 

 They serve not only to evacuate the rectum of its contents, but assist to 

 evacuate those of the intestines, and serve also to convey nourishment into 

 the system ; as in cases of lockjaw, and great prostration. They soften the 

 hardened excrement in the rectum, and cause it to be expelled ; besides, by 

 their warm and relaxing powers, they act as fomentations. A stimulating 

 clyster in congestion of the brain, or lungs, will relieve those parts by counter- 

 irritation. A horse that is unable to swallow, may be supported by 

 nourishing clysters ; for the lacteals, which open into the inner cavity of the 

 intestines, absorb, or take up, the nourishment and convey it into the thoracic 

 duct, as already described. Some persons deny the utility of injections. 

 We are satisfied on that point, and are able to convince any one, beyond a 

 reasonable doubt, that fluids are absorbed in the rectum, notwithstanding the 

 opinion of some men to the contrary. 



In administering clysters, it ought always to be observed that the fluids 

 be neither too hot nor too cold, and about the temperature of the blood. 

 The common sixteen-ounce metal syringe, with a wooden pipe, about six 

 inches in length, and gradually tapering from base to point, is to be preferred ; 

 it is, after being oiled, much easier introduced into the fundament, than one 

 that is considerably smaller ; and having a blunt point, there is no danger of 

 hurting the horse, or wounding the rectum. 



FORMS OF CLYSTERS. 

 EMOLLIENT CLYSTER. 



Take of powdered slippery elm, one ounce. 



Boiling water, sufficient to form a thin mixture. 



The following articles may be substituted for elm : flaxseed, powdered 

 39 



