206 EPIDEMIC FEVERS. [BOOK II. 



erected a very convenient contrivance for this pur- 

 pose, in Rope-maker street, Moorfields. We have 

 seen cases, about 1800 — 1802, of horses which 

 were declared cured by this means, and are now 

 willing to believe it, though at that era a violent 

 family (or trade) opposition existed, so as to pre- 

 vent our having access to the operation. Almost 

 complete immersion was effected, the rubber and 

 hair cloth was put into complete requisition, and 

 the circulation was thus promoted, by a very dif- 

 ferent means than the use of the sweating powders ; 

 indeed the perspiration thus induced would bear 

 near affinity to that produced by strong exercise. 

 In Germany several such baths were erected, as in 

 Vienna, in Mecklenburg, &c. ; but the French in- 

 vasion annihilated these with other works of art, 

 and we do not hear of new ones being set up in 

 their stead. 



Epidemic Fevers, or Distemper. 



Cause. — When these appear, from time to time, 

 they may fairly be ascribed to the season ; for the 

 kind of attack is not of a nature to become commu- 

 nicative, unless by continuance putridity follows : 

 then, indeed, infection may begin, as would also 

 happen in any of the preceding species of fever. 

 A rainy spring after a mild winter produces an 

 epidemic catarrh, as well as sudden chill, among 

 horses that are out at soil whilst shedding their 

 coats, and the most delicate receive this influence 

 earliest. We may as well consider, that whatever 



