^n 



CHAPTER IV. 



PERIOD FROM A.D. 1700 TO 1715. 



In the advent of the i8th century, we have the commence- 

 ment of a most interesting period with regard to the history of 

 epizootic diseases. Medical science was rapidly becoming more 

 exact, in consequence of the greater care with which it was 

 studied, the larger amount of patronage it was receiving, and 

 the increasing number of great minds who set themselves to im- 

 prove it. Some of the collateral sciences, which have since 

 afforded medicine such welcome aid, were also attractinir at- 

 tention, and were being developed slowly, though surelv, 

 through the united or individual influence of philosophers and 

 men of genius. 



The diseases of the lower animals, especially those of an 

 epizootic character, were receiving more careful investigation, 

 because of the great national interests involved; and from this 

 time, we find a few of the most eminent physicians devoting all 

 their energies in prosecuting researches of vast moment for the 

 welfare of this department of comparative pathology. The de- 

 scriptions of epizootic diseases have been drawn up with the 

 greatest care by these men, who spared no time or labour in 

 inquiring into their nature, their origin, and the best means for 

 their prevention, or for curing the pest-stricken herds and flocks. 



Another feature or event in this century deserves notice. 

 The veterinary art was i)rogressing, though far more tardily than 



