250 RABIES CANINA, 



mence a new irritation, by which some new morbid compound is 

 generated ; and it is the absorption of this compound that is alone 

 capable of producing the malady. Again ; on the more popular 

 theory, that the rabid virus does not enter the constitution, but 

 hes dormant in the part where it was first received, it is still the 

 same, as regards the preventive treatment, which^ it is evident is 

 only effected with certainty by the entire removal of the inoculated 

 portion ; because, that being absent, no new morbid compound can 

 be formed on the first supposition, nor can any local excitement 

 arise on the second. 



Provided, therefore, that the wounded part or parts are com- 

 pletely destroyed, the patient will, to a demonstration, be rendered 

 as secure as though never bitten ; which is a most consolatory cir- 

 cumstance in the consideration of this dire disease. 



It is also rendered doubly so, since the rationale of the action 

 of the morbid virus teaches us, that it is indifi'erent at what time 

 this removal takes place, provided it be within the limits of the 

 inoculation and those of the morbid symptoms. This circumstance 

 is of immense importance to the human subject ; and it is as fully 

 supported by facts, as consistent with the theory laid down. I 

 am as confident on the subject as a very long experience and close 

 observation of innumerable cases can make me, that not only is 

 the destruction of the bitten part a certain preventive, hut that 

 such removal of it is as effectual at any time previously to the 

 symptoms appearing, as at the first moment after the hite. My 

 professional education as a human surgeon being not altogether 

 unknown to the public, it is not to be wondered at that this recol- 

 lection, when united to some notoriety which attached to my at- 

 tention to this particular and then prevailing disease, and to my 

 vast opportunities of observing it, should have produced some 

 direct confidence in my opinion. It, therefore, often happened, 

 that, from being consulted about the rabid animal, I was next ad- 

 vised with about the wounded owner or attendant. It often oc- 

 curred also, that, when the case was submitted to any other 

 surgeon, my attendance was likewise requested ; by which means 



