CHAP. I.] OBSTRUCTIONS IN CASES OF STONE 303 



treating this disorder as they would colic, which of 

 course endangers life by inflammation. 



The ureters, it will be seen, are but of small 

 capacity ; and, in its descent from the kidney, 

 whence it has been detached, the stone sometimes 

 meets with an insurmountable obstacle : the irri- 

 tation it thus occasions communicates to the adja- 

 cent parts ; entire suppression of the urinary secre- 

 tion is the immediate consequence, and mortification 

 of the intestines and death ensues, without the pos- 

 sibility of relief. Indeed, the remedies that seem 

 most proper do but accelerate the catastrophe. 



Nature does more for afflicted animals of the 

 lower orders, in such cases, than man can possibly 

 effect, unless he confine his efforts to lowering the 

 more acute symptoms. For, when any canal is 

 wholly obstructed, we have reason to believe that a 

 new passage is formed that carries on the functions 

 as formerly. At least, this we know of the large 

 gut, and as regards blood-vessels of the solids, by 

 almost daily experience. High bred cattle, and 

 consequently of tender insides, as well as those 

 which are worked hard during such an attack on 

 the intestines, do not survive this process of nature ; 

 with such horses, the catastrophe is more frequently 

 accelerated by medicines ! 



Much perspiration attends the first hours of the 

 suppression, and it affords evident relief; but 

 painful efforts to void urine, which comes off in 

 very small quantity, and ultimately ceases alto- 

 gether ; and then cold ears, cold legs, tremor, and 



