166 BOVINE PATHOLOGY. 



value ; tlie latter is supported by very many accurate ob- 

 servers as producing alterations of the blood the reverse 

 of tbose observable in charbon. It relieves plethora, 

 which lessens the resisting power of the constitution, and 

 so also proves beneficial. The most useful preventive means 

 are those which tend to promote constitutional vigour, 

 administration of laxatives, good but not too high feeding, 

 supply of jpure water, also internal administration of 

 common salt. Fresh air and a certain amount of physical 

 exertion should also be secured for the patients. The 

 dark colour of the flesh, blood extravasations, and lymph 

 exudations, and the tendency to putrid decomposition will 

 enable us to detect the flesh of animals which have died 

 from or been destroyed for anthrax. Also, sometimes, 

 here and there may be seen a congested small lymphatic 

 gland. This flesh ought never to be used for the food of 

 any animal ; it has been known to give rise to malignant 

 carbuncle in man, and even after cooking retains a trace 

 of the unpleasant odour, which depends on a principle so 

 noxious as to give rise to severe headache, nausea, and 

 giddiness when any one spends much time in an elaborate 

 investigation of an anthrax carcase. The milk of animals 

 suffering from anthracoid diseases is a vehicle of contagion ; 

 its properties are altered, and its odour and colour changed. 

 Under no circumstances should it be used as food for 

 man or other animals. The list of human disorders of an 

 anthracoid nature obtained from animals is increasing, a 

 happy indication that they will in future be prevented by 

 removing their causes. Some day, doubtless, we shall see 

 human and veterinary practitioners co-operating in this 

 matter for the benefit of mankind. Malignant carbuncle 

 and woolsorters^ disease are the most fatal of these dis- 

 orders known as yet. 



On the prospects of inoculation for anthrax. — Some 

 animals can withstand anthrax. The high temperature of 

 birds, or their highly oxygenated blood, defends them in 

 the majority of cases. On the other hand, we have a 

 well- authenticated case of anthracoid disease of fish. When 

 bacilli are introduced into the subcutaneous areola tissue 



