BROKEN WIND. 633 



hypertrophy of the heart and tumour pressing on the lungs 

 (Ercolani), lesions of the diaphragm (Girard), and in some 

 cases to some hidden lesions of the nerves, manifested only 

 by the symptoms of broken wind. 



In stating our opinion on the nature of broken wind, we 

 unhesitatingly affirm that it is at first a purely nervous dis- 

 order, dependent on the condition of the digestive organs, 

 and in which the pneumogastric nerve is especially involved. 

 As the result of a cause which thus operates through the 

 nervous system, dyspnoea ensues, and organic lesions soon 

 follow, and most frequently in the shape of pulmonary em- 

 physema. We do not attribute the early symptoms of 

 broken wind to the latter lesion, and consider the structural 

 changes as mere effects of the disease rather than the disease 

 itself. If pulmonary emphysema constituted broken wind, 

 how could we explain the remarkable influence exerted by 

 arsenic in the treatment of this disease, of the sudden dis- 

 appearance of all symptoms when shot or tallow has been 

 introduced within a horse's stomach by a fraudulent coper, or 

 the very remarkable improvement on a judicious system of 

 diet. The latter might palliate in the case of emphysema, 

 but the first has an effect which we consider to be induced 

 chiefly through the nervous system. 



The symptoms of broken wind may be very greatly relieved 

 by feeding on the principle already noticed, and by adminis- 

 tering daily arsenic in three-grain doses, with a drachm of 

 carbonate of potash, and a quarter of an ounce of bruised 

 coriander seeds. The latter is chiefly used as a palatable 

 encipient. Powders thus made up may be given in food, 

 and the operation of the medicine must be watched, so as to 

 check its administration when the appetite is disturbed, or 

 the eyes appear red and inflamed. 



