42 Observations, 



alarms should deter from a remedy which in multitudes of in- 

 stances, has saved valuable beasts from otherwise inevitable 

 death. The risk of the incision in any part of the belly, or sides, 

 cannot be greater than that of the disease, if left to its fatal pro- 

 gress. Let all dangerous parts be avoided ; but let no fears 

 prevent the surest of all remedies. As to the alarm about 

 wounding the intestines, I have conversed with one of the 

 most eminent of our physicians,* and a deservedly celebrated 

 surgeon,! w^ho is generally acknowledged to be at the head of 

 his profession. They agree that although it is best to avoid 

 them, yet that wounds of the intestines, are, by no means^ 

 often attended with the consequences, or dangers, which hav& 

 excited Mr Steele's apprehensions. 



Dr. Darwin's flexible tube (and the same thing has been 

 long ago mentioned by Dr. Munroe) is doubtless very pro- 

 per. But little is known of its comparative superiority. A far- 

 mer would never think of providing it ; but knives are always 

 at hand. The use of this tube, shews that air is the cause 

 of the disease, when confined and elastic. Potash^ in the early 

 stages, has been found very efficacious, given in drenches or 

 balls, in quantities of not more than quarter or half an ounce 

 at a dose, at intervals, 'till its effects are produced. Any alkali 

 neutralizes the gas, or elastic air, which would occasion death* 

 To prevent the viscera being abraded, raw linseed or other oil^ 

 may be given. 



However scientific may be Mr. Steele's reasoning as to 

 the interior of the animal, I avoid controversies (even if I 

 were qualified to sustam them,) on subjects whereof facts are 

 the best expositors. I will not therefore agitate this question; 

 or perplex it with discussions about locality, or speculate 

 as to die nature of the disease, or the air generating from 

 the cause of it ; and occasioning the dangerous malady. It 

 is enough to observe, that in general, those whose cattle meet 



Dr. Rush. f Dr. Physick- 



