396 
TWELVE CASES OF TETANUS. 
thin film of the finest lamp- or ivory-black, and which readily 
stains the fingers. This is not observed during the macera- 
tion of white hoofs. 
It is a matter of common observation among horsemen, and 
has been so from the earliest times, that white hoofs are 
much less durable and resisting when exposed to attrition or 
other tests of resistance than dark-coloured ones, and that the 
hardest and toughest are those which are of the deepest 
shade of black. I think there can scarcely be a doubt as to 
the correctness of this observation ; and the fact is entirely 
due, I believe, to the presence of these pigmentary particles. 
The material of which they are composed is particularly 
resisting and indestructible ; it is insoluble in water, potash, 
acids, and several other matters which act more or less 
promptly on horn. Chemically, it is formed of a peculiar 
matter named melanine , and contains more carbon than most 
other inorganic substances, every 100 parts containing 58| of 
this element. In addition to this insoluble constituent in 
each 100 parts of melanine, there is one of oxide of iron. So 
we can readily understand why black hoofs are better for 
wear than white ones, and why white horn should be much 
softer and more destructible than the darkest coloured. 
(To be continued.) 
TWELVE CASES OF TETANUS. 
By Andrew Simpson, M.R.C.V.S., Kendal. 
After reading the communication of Mr. J. W. Hill, in 
the April number of this Journal, recording the successful 
treatment of a case of tetanus by aconite, I felt constrained 
to spend an hour in briefly describing the beginning and the 
end of twelve cases that I have had under my care since 
March, 1869. 
I do this as a matter of duty, and not with the intention 
of vaunting any pet system of treatment I may adopt, to the 
exclusion of all other plans ; but I have a strong faith in the 
philosophy of results, and these last, more than anything else, 
must indicate the best known (to the individual) mode of 
management ; and it is with a view to comparison, or any 
other useful purpose it may serve, that I submit this (I may 
call it) statistical report to my professional brethren. 
Mr. Hill very naturally congratulates himself on the 
favorable issue of his case ; but I think he attributes this to 
