130 EFFUSION OF BLOOD. DIGESTION .* [BOOK I. 



These points are deducible from a multitude of 

 facts and well-known operations, some proofs of 

 which the reader will find more in detail in the 

 course of this volume. In some parts, a positive 

 connexion of the capillaries, or smallest blood-ves- 

 sels, is found to exist ; in such a manner, that the 

 section of one or more of these, and the consequent 

 obstruction of the means of life to all the parts 

 below it, which some would naturally expect, is 

 hereby remedied. 



45. Reader, the process of digestion, where- 

 by the food is prepared to be converted into blood, 

 is no less curious than " the circulation" itself, is 

 equally conducive to the support of life, and, being 

 obstructed, is also the harbinger of disease. If, on 

 the two other great functions of animal life, depend 

 his immediate existence, no less does the horse's 

 capabilities, his present health, and the engender- 

 ing of future obstinate, incurable, and often mortal 

 diseases reach his vitals by way of his stomach 

 and intestines, which comprise the organs of di- 

 gestion. 



Every one knows that oats and hay are the 

 chief sustenance of the horse in a domesticated 

 state, and these, together with one or two other 

 similar productions, and water, are given to him 

 for nutriment alone ; it therefore follows, that 

 whatever substances are taken into his stomach, 

 which act not to the same end, must operate inju- 

 riously, even though containing nothing hurtful in 

 themselves : these must obstruct, if they do no 



