EPIZOOTIC CATAERH. 227 



exposed to cold and damp, or if taken to work too soon, it is 

 highly probable that Scarlatina may supervene, and particularly 

 if other conditions be favourable, and the organism predisposed 

 to its development. In other states, again, little or no dis- 

 charge from the nostrils is observed. The patient lingers in a 

 most annoying manner. The pulse in spite of everything which 

 may be done, maintains its 60 or 70 beats per minute, while 

 the respirations are perhaps from 20 to 30. This is a condition 

 greatly to be dreaded ; not unfrequently it proves to be the first 

 stage of Typhoid Pneumonia, a disease of a most destructive 

 nature, and one which I shall fiilly treat upon hereafter. 



The duration of Epidemic Catarrh, under its most favour- 

 able forms, is from four to six days ere convalescence is fully 

 established, when the patient usually presents a more lively 

 aspect. The appetite will improve ; the pulse becomes slower ; 

 the discharge from the nostrils abundant, and more piu?ulent ; 

 the cough looser, more deep, and moist in its sound ; the throat 

 less sore ; and deglutition is performed more freely, and with 

 less pain. The above changes are generally attended with 

 sweUing of the extremities, and a return of the usual habit to 

 lie down and rest. 



PATHOGNOMOific Signs. — The fact of the disease prevailing 

 extensively ; and of its being marked by symptoms of a charac- 

 ter closely similar in every case. , 



Causes. — The causes of Epidemic Catarrh have a close 

 relation to the state and peculiarities of the atmosphere and to 

 the season of the year. The prevalence of east winds, or rapid 

 changes in the temperature of the air — such as a hot, close con- 

 dition being quickly succeeded by a cold, damp, foggy state — ^is 

 almost certain to be followed by the prevalence of Epizootic 

 Catarrh. 



