CHAP. II.] PREDISPOSITION TO DISEASES. 121 



character with the kind of air the creature is com- 

 pelled to inhale * ? Accordingly, we find in the 

 domesticated horse, that previous disposition to 

 certain diseases which we endeavour to meet by 

 correctives and repellants, but which by better 

 treatment might have been prevented. Of these 

 evils, abscess, or ulcer, is the most prolific, showing 

 itself now on the head, at others on the feet, under 

 the varied denominations of poll-evil, quittor, fistula, 

 &c. ; but more frequently attacking, and making the 

 greatest ravages on, the internal organs, where it is 

 generally mistaken for the worms, and is erroneously 

 treated with hot and burning remedies, when evi- 

 dently a direct contrary practice would best assist 

 nature in casting off the evil f. Adhesion of the 

 lungs, as it produces a staring coat, is too fre- 

 quently mistaken for worms, and if the animal be 

 not physicked and cordialled too much, a partial 

 cure sometimes takes places, though in what way it 



* In cases of much sorrow or grief, respiration is greatly increased ; 

 and the presentiment of death awaiting them, occasions all animals to 

 take harmful substances into the lungs. Pigs, oxen, and even sheep, 

 show signs of uneasiness, horror, or madness, at the effluvia of blood 

 of their own kind; and we have found, upon slitting the trachea as 

 far as the bronches, dust, dirt, or other rubbish, which they had 

 snorted up in the last paroxysms of despair. 



f Four ounces of spirits of turpentine have been given with partial 

 success ; but such a dose must go near to destroy not only worms but 

 the horse into the bargain, whilst it is not very clearly proved that the 

 small worms we sometimes meet with are hurtful to the animal, but 

 are designed to act as a stimulus to the intestines ; and, if the doctor 

 mistakes for worms some more serious disorder, the horse dies of thi 3 

 monstrous medicine, as sure as fate. Consult Index for Adhesion. 



G 



