122 DISEASE AKD ITS CAtJSES. 



part affected. Glanders and scarlatina are diseases typical of 

 the former, while a slight eruption of the skin may be considered 

 as typical of the latter. 



To treat in detail upon the general characters peculiar 

 and contingent to both of the classes in question, — to shew 

 their analogy, — to trace the causes productive of each to their 

 most intricate sources, together with the pathognomonic symp- 

 toms peculiar to one or both, — would be a work far transcending 

 what is intended in a volume like the present. In this volume, 

 I shall treat upon both classes briefly, merely leaving out what 

 the reader would consider matter too professional in character, 

 and confine myself strictly to what is plain and practical. It is 

 impossible, however, to write a book which shall enable amateurs 

 to dispense entirely with veterinary surgeons. The most skilful 

 mechanist couJ.d never write a treatise which should so explain 

 the construction and management of the steam engine, as to 

 enable any tyro to manage it. Experience, and that peculiar 

 tact, which distinguishes the skilful in every department of use- 

 fuhaess, are essential to its management. This will be conceded 

 by every rational person. Now, if a book of this character 

 cannot be written with reference to the steam engine — a thing 

 which is inanimate, — how can it be done with respect to the 

 treatment of the diseases pectdiar to the horse ? — seeing that 

 the latter have their seat within a living organism a thousand 

 times more complicated in structure than the steam engine. 

 Oentlemen, however much they may study disease, from the 

 limited sphere in which they are necessarily placed, can never 

 become fully qualified to treat those dangerous and complicated 

 m-aladies, which a veterinary surgeon of even moderate practice 

 finds himself almost daily called upon to combat. I shall, 

 therefore, purposely omit details of an abstruse character as to 

 the nature and origin of disease. "What gentlemen or amateurs 



