DISEASES OF THE BRAIN AND NERVOUS SYSTEM. 69 
Yet, whatever view of the question, whether affirmative or nega- 
tive, may be taken, the same reasoning will apply equally to man 
and the horse in regard to the disease under consideration. We 
are told that, in some instances, such foreign bodies have been 
found in these situations on examination after death. This I do 
not deny; but, at the same time, the evidence that these had 
much, if any thing, to do in the production of epilepsy, still’ less 
that the disease took its origin from them, is, in my judgmem, 
far from complete, and, in some cases that save been recorded, 
unsatisfactory to the last degree. Again, the circulation of blood 
in an unhealthy state, in its accustomed channels through the 
substance of the delicately-constructed brain or spinal cord, appears 
to me not unlikely to be a frequent cause of this disease in man. 
The comparatively recent physiological researches of Dr. Brown- 
Sequard have thrown much light upon the heretofore obscure 
pathology or epilepsy in the human subject; and I conceive that 
his arguments, and the conclusions deduced therefrom, are, for the 
most part, perfectly applicable to an animal so high in the zodlog- 
ical series as the horse is well known to be.” 
Treatment.—So soon as the horse falls, some hay or straw should 
be placed under his head and around him. Bathe the region of 
the cranium with cold water, and carefully wash the foam from his 
month, taking care not to let any water, hay, or dirt enter the 
nostrils. Officious persons are very apt to attempt, by force of 
strength, to raise the horse on his legs; but this ought not to be 
done. Let him rest quietly until consciousness returns; then, 
should he attempt to get up, help from the bystanders may then 
be of some service. When on his legs, deal gently with him. Let 
the external surface of the body be rubbed until the skin is dry; 
then administer two ounces of fluid extract of valerian, and let 
the patient be provided with comfortable quarters. For a few 
days the patient should be excused from work, and be fed lightly. 
The only way to prevent a re-attack is to keep him at light work, 
and treat him in the most gentle manner, both in the stable and 
out of it. 
In cases of this character, as well as many others, men are apt 
to place too niuch confidence in medicine, and dose the animal ac- 
eordingly ; but, as we understand the practice of medicine, it is the 
province of the goo:l physician to know when to do nothing. 
y 
