History of Animal Plagues. 369 



In some dead bodies no palpable alteration was discovered 

 in anv of the viscera, — nothing save extreme distention of the 

 gall-bladder. 



The malady was excessively contagious, and it was in vain 

 that the magistrates could prevent its diffusion by the wisest 

 measures ; the greed of gain of some, and the poverty of others, 

 broke through all the bounds which had been made to restrain 

 the pestilence. The remedies employed became impotent against 

 so violent a disease; suspected animals were sold at a low price, 

 and consequently those which were diseased spread the malady. 

 It was a true plague, which, after passing from province to pro- 

 vince, at last entered the capital. The magistrates of Paris, learn- 

 ing that, notwithstanding all the precautions taken by the police, 

 the disease appeared at the same time in different parts of the 

 city, held a meeting; at which, being determined to know every- 

 thincT concernino; the nature and treatment of the affection, it 

 was resolved to consult the faculty of medicine. Many doctors 

 were sent to the infected quarters, and there beheld the awful 

 ravages wrought by the plague. Day by day it increased in 

 violence, and no one can imagine the number of dead and dyina: 

 seen every day in Paris. Well known and well characterized, 

 every effort was made to cure the scourge. But what obstacles! 

 what difficulties ! There were two principal indications to 

 fulfil — unload the stomach of the enormous quantity of aliment 

 it contained, and prevent the inflammation or arrest its pro- 

 gress. To meet the first indication, it was necessary that the 

 diet should be of the most trifling kind — that which could never 

 be enforced, however. Lastly, it was observed that all medicines 

 such as brandy and gunpowder, and all the cordials, were injurious 

 in this malady, though the proprietors of cattle always flattered 

 themselves that marvellous results would ensue by eivincr lar<rc 

 doses. In this way people have expended 350 bottles of wine 

 on five or six cows in a very short time. Medicines were of no 

 avail. External remedies, such as setons and the use of the actual 

 cautery, were in most request, and were believed to have done 

 some service in effecting cures. It was thouffht to be a "ood 

 sign when these critical depots, as they were termed, suppurated 

 freely. Bleeding usually accompanied these remedies. In the 



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