INTRODUCTION. xxxiii 



order, so as to form a doctrinal code, and to constitute a perfect science, 

 havinj^ its object, its rules, and its means completely defined. 



The science of Veterinary Obstetrics, then, demands a perfect acquain- 

 tance with the anatomy and physiology of the generative organs and tlie 

 region in which they are situated in the different animals. The study 

 of the organs concerned in generation is essential to acquiring a know- 

 ledge of their several functions, and it is only through understanding 

 these functions that we can appreciate the normal or abnormal course 

 they may pursue, and be prepared to interfere successfully when required. 

 And a correct notion of the formation, structure, magnitude, and other 

 features of the region containing these organs — and which has been 

 named the pelvic cavity — is absolutely necessary if we wish to under- 

 stand the act of parturition in the several animals, and be able to render 

 useful service when delivery of the young creature is hindered by 

 mechanical obstacles. A knowledge of the physiology of these organs 

 and the phenomena pertaining to generation — the foi-mation of the foetus, 

 its development and external conformation, and its connections with 

 the parent, with gestation and the modifications it produces in the 

 organism — as well as the anomalies, accidents, and diseases which may 

 occur during this period, is required, in addition to an acquaintance with 

 that of the final act which we have named " parturition." 



The four chief functions of the generative system may be enumerated 

 as follows : menstruation or astncm, conception, gestation, and pi'^^^tiri- 

 tion, all of which are intimately related to and dependent upon each 

 other — a failure or defect in one disturbing their relationship, and lead- 

 ing to sterility or irregularity in reproduction. Deviations or anomalies 

 in form or structure of the individual organs upon which these functions 

 rely for their proper performance, will also tend to interfere more or 

 less with their accomplishment. 



Everything connected with this portion of the subject, which termin- 

 ates with natural or spontaneous parturition, has been included under 

 the head of Eutokia (from «?, well, and toxos, birth). 



The ditTiculties attending parturition, whether they depend upon the 

 mother or the fcctus, or upon both, with the means for overcoming 

 them, and the accidents which may complicate difiicult parturition, 

 come under the general designation of Dystokia (from 5i?, difficult, and 

 ro\o<i, birth). 



This arrangement of the various subjects is necessary in a compre- 

 hensive treatise on Obstetrics, and it is the one which will be followed 

 in this manual. 



The maladies to which the parent is most exposed after parturition, 



