SPASMODIC COLIC, ETC. 195 
partial contraction of the muscular coat of the intestines. The action 
so compresses a part of the tube as to expel the blood and render the 
natural pink of the tissues, for some time after the disorder has departed, 
a glistening white. The blood, driven from particular spots, is forced 
into those parts in which no disease exists. Excess of blood predis- 
poses to inflammation; hence we probably trace the reason why, if spas- 
modic colic be suffered to continue, the affection is so apt to end in 
incurable enteritis. 
Colic most often attacks the small intestines, though the disease is by 
no means confined to those parts. It first occurs on a limited space; 
presently it vanishes altogether, and afterward reappears on some dis- 
tant portion of the alimentary canal; or, in other words, colic dodges 
about, its attacks becoming more numerous and the intermissions shorter 
as the period of its commencement grows more distant. Change of 
water, change of food, getting wet, fatiguing journeys, are all likely to 
originate it; but, perhaps, it is most frequently exhibited when no known 
cause is in operation. Aloes, however, are proved to be among the 
surest provocatives of this disease. Many horses cannot swallow pure 
aloes in any form, without being severely griped. For such animals, 
the following drench is recommended, instead of the above-named drug 
in substance :— 
Sulphuric ether and laudanum, ofeach . , . .. . . . One ounce. 
Compound tincture of aloes made with diluted spirits of wine . Five ounces. 
Gold water e528 Se See Sas ee ee ee et SOE pint 
THE FIRST STAGE OF SPASMODIC COLIC. 
If greater strength be requisite, obtain it by the addition of tincture of 
gentian, every ounce of which is equal, when combined, to one drachm 
of aloes. 
Colic always commences suddenly; it starts into life ready armed for 
