ANTHRAX. 73 



graphical distribution is not limited to any particular localities; 

 while in some it is more frequently met with than in others, a fact 

 probably due to the special conditions under which it owes its 

 spread and development; and inasmuch as its presence has been 

 clearly recognized among the western states of the North Ameri- 

 can Continent we have deemed it advisable to include it, if only 

 as a precautionary act, in the list of maladies dealt with in the 

 present work; and we consider ourselves fully justified in this 

 course; for if there is one disease more than another that calls for 

 early recognition on the part of the lay horseman it is anthrax, 

 and that on account of the rapidity with which the virus invades 

 the system of whatsoever species of animal unfortunately receives 

 it and the very short time the patient survives the invasion if not 

 successfully treated; in the majority of instances, even where the 

 services of a professional veterinarian are available they can rarely 

 be secured in time to save the first case, for as a rule when one 

 case presents itself others soon follow in its wake; and even then 

 the probabilities of success under allopath'c treatment are very 

 remote, and oidy a prompt recognition of the disease backed up 

 by the most judicious nursing and the regular administration of 

 the most appropriate remedies, of which there are but two or three, 

 will effect a cure under homoeopathic treatment. This disease 

 owes its origin, development and spread to a vegetable organism 

 recognized b_y scientists as the bacillus ant/iracis, and it is now 

 generall\- admitted that this organism can invade the system either 

 by means of inoculation, through the digestive oi'gans, through 

 food, or b}' inhalation during the act of breathing; this organism 

 appears capable of retaining its vitality under the most peculiar 

 conditions and for an unlimited period; the bod}- of an animal that 

 died of anthrax and was buried, may if disturbed at some future 

 period, prove a source of contamination and infection; or if water 

 that drains into a pond where horses are accustomed to drink, 

 should in its course of filtration through the soil, come in contact 

 with that dead body it is ver}' likely *to prove a source ot contami- 

 nation. Pasteur who has given great attention to the subject of 

 anthrax, asserts that earthworms are capable of bringing from 

 such a dead body, though deeply buried, the anthrax spores to 

 the surface from whence they could be imparted to the animals 

 grazing on the land adjoining, and moreover it is in the opinion 



