RHEUMATISM, OR J O I N T - F E L L O X . 45 



ever the body, and to such a degree that the beast is unable to riso 

 without assistance. 



This is generally termed jnini-feHun. Old cows are very subject to 

 It, and especially a short time before calving; but milch cows and 

 young cattle are oftener attacked by it at the spring of the year. It 

 is mostly occasioned by the animal being kept in a state of poverty 

 during the winter, and suddenly exposed to the vicissitudes of tlie 

 weather in the spring, or to the inclemency of the north or north- 

 easterly winds, especially in low situations. 



This diseise sometimes comes on suddenly, and is present in a 

 very acute form, being in fact a severe chill : these acute symptoms 

 may subside, and be succeeded by others, milder but more obstinate. 

 Sometimes abscesses will form amongst the muscles, or the sheaths 

 or bodies of the tendons; and the capsular ligaments of the joints are 

 often distended with synovia. These symptoms are particularly un- 

 favourable. 



In this disease we find the same class of membranes, viz., the 

 serous, diseased throughout the body, and an examination after death 

 sometimes exhibits, in addition to the diseased appearances before 

 noticed, the membrane lining the heart, the chest, and the abdomen, 

 considerably affected, either wholly or in part, and sometimes a con- 

 siderable effusion of water in these cavities. 



As soon as the disease makes its appearance, the beast must be 

 taken to a warm cow-house or stable, or some situation sheltered 

 from the severity of the weather. The following purging drink should 

 then be given :— 



RECIPE {No. 7). 

 Su!phur Purging Drink.— Take sulphur, eight ounces ; jjinger, half an ounce. Mix 

 with a quart of warm gruel. This drink should be repeated every third day if the 

 boivels appear to require it. 



The bowels having been gently opened, a drink which may caii«o 

 some determination to the skin, and increase the insensible perspira- 

 tion, should be administered. 



RECIPE (No. 8). 



Rfteumafic Drink.— Take nitre, two drachms ; tartarized antimony, one drachm; 

 6pirit of nitrous ether, one ounce; aniseed powder, an ounce. Mix wltli a pint of 

 vi.Ty thick ^riiel, and repeat the dose morning and night, except when it is necessary 

 to give the sulphur pur;.'ing drink (No. 7). 



If there should be much fever at any period of the complaint, the 

 sulphur drink must be exchanged for the purging drink (No. 2, p. 47), 

 and three or four quarts of blood taken away. 



If any of the joints should continue swelled and painful, they 

 should be rubbed twice a day, and for a quarter of an hour each time, 

 with a gently stimulating embrocation. 



RECIPE (No. 9). 

 Rheumatic Emhrocation. — Take neat's foot oil, four ounces; and camphorated oil 

 spirit of turpentine, and laudanum, each oue ounce; oil of origanum, one drachm. 

 Mix 



