OR CANINE MADNESS. 253 



to a probe, or by aid of a cameVs-hair pencil ; the surface of the 

 wound being then smeared over with it. As its action begins im- 

 mediately, and, after a few minutes, is confined to the parts it is 

 applied to only, so it is evident that it is a more eligible applica- 

 tion for extensive lacerations, and wounds of uncertain depth and 

 extent in animals than the powdered nitrate of silver. Potass and 

 lime are sometimes also used as escharotics. The mineral acids, 

 and mercurial preparations, as the oxymuriate and red nitrate of 

 quicksilver, are now and then also employed in this way. 



The use of caiistics has been objected to, as not carrying the 

 destruction of parts far enough, the formation of the eschar pre- 

 venting the further progress of the caustic agent ; but this I am 

 convinced is not a cogent objection. If the nitrate of silver be 

 formed into a point, and a moderate friction be kept up by it over 

 the eschar, the decomposed portions are removed by the rubbing, 

 and the cauterization goes on to any depth or extent required. 

 In penetrating wounds, made by the canine teeth, the probe having 

 detected the course of the wound, the knife may be properly em- 

 ployed to dilate it, and render it accessible to the approach of the 

 caustic ; in which case equal certainty is gained by one as by the 

 other, with less loss of substance. It has also been objected to 

 caustics, that they may dilute the virus, and carry it farther within 

 the wound ; but, if previous active ablution of the wound has taken 

 place, it may be supposed that no virus but that involved within 

 the fibre will remain. It is truly said, that caustics cannot be so 

 conveniently applied to the bottom of a deep wound : but in these 

 cases the knife can be first employed in dissecting out the whole 

 cavity, with all its surrounding parts. A much more imaginary 

 objection has been urged to the use of caustics, particularly to 

 those formed of the caustic alkalies, which is, that in their action 

 they unite themselves with the morbid saliva, and, with the decom- 

 posed animal matter, form together a saponaceous mass or eschar, 

 which may retain the virus, and keep it ready to be acted upon by 

 a new absorption. That such a fear, however, is groundless, will 

 appear, when it is considered that the agent employed, be it what 

 it may, which is equal to the destruction of the animal solids, must 



