42 MATERIA MEDIC A. 



now superseded by more valuable medi- 

 cines. 



BLEEDING. This operation is frequently 

 required in the diseases of horses : and if 

 emploj^ed seasonably, and to a sufficient ex- 

 tent, is the most efficacious remedy we are 

 acquainted with. When a horse appears dull 

 and heavy, and indifferent about his food, 

 by bleeding we often prevent a fever. If a 

 horse is bled at the commencement of a cold, 

 the complaint generally proves moderate, 

 and of short continuance. In all cases of in- 

 ternal inflammationj or symptomatic fever, 

 bleeding is the most essential remedy, pro- 

 vided the operation be performed at an early 

 period, and the blood drawn in sufficient 

 quantity. In such cases, I have often taken 

 away five quarts, and repeated the operation 

 the following day when it appeared necessa- 

 ry. By bleeding copiously at first those for- 

 midable dis; ases are crushed at once, while 

 by suffering them to proceed or become 

 at all violent, which they will do, unless this 

 practice is adopted (or if only a small quan- 

 tity of blood is drawn), they generally 

 prove fatal: nor will bleeding then be of anji? 

 service. 



