ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY OF THE HORSE'S FOOT. 3 
The aperient which I prefer is a mixture of oil and turpen- 
tine. Even in the horse turpentine seems to have a specific 
anti-inflammatory action on the peritoneum. As horses 
generally have their stomachs and intestines pretty free from 
accumulations within them when the operation of castration 
is performed on them, such animals, when affected with 
peritonitis, as a result of the inflammation consequent on 
the operation extending from the tunic vaginalis or the cord 
into the abdominal cavity, do not require aperients. These 
cursory observations are not intended to set forth the treat- 
ment for peritonitis : they only allude to a course which I 
consider a prominent feature in the too frequent maltreat- 
ment of the malady. 
OBSERVATIONS ON THE ANATOMY AND PHY- 
SIOLOGY OF THE HORSE'S FOOT. 
By George Fleming, M.R.C.V.S., Royal Engineers. 
The following observations on the anatomy and physiology 
of the horse's foot were commenced in 1858, while stationed 
at the Curragh Camp, Ireland, and were intended for in- 
sertion in the Veterinarian when completed. While engaged 
on them, however, and while endeavouring to pursue the 
studies necessary for the solution of many vexed points con- 
nected with this subject, I was suddenly ordered on active 
service in China; and since my return to England other 
occupations, of perhaps less importance, have occupied my 
leisure hours. 
Originally begun with the intention of improving the 
farrier's art by founding it on the teachings of anatomy and 
physiology, I would scarcely now venture to offer them for 
perusal in our professional Journal, was I not conscious that 
since their commencement little has been accomplished, in 
this country, so far as I am aware, in perfecting our know- 
ledge of this interesting and most important organ, and that 
doubt, error, and misconception yet prevail in much relating 
to it. I think the time has, perhaps, now arrived when 
many of these drawbacks should, if possible, be removed; 
and I, therefore, offer my observations to the attention of 
those who, like myself, are anxious to see, not only the 
farriers' art, but the veterinarian’s science, benefited by the 
teachings of recent investigation into the composition and 
functions of this region, which, more than any others, de- 
mands such skilful treatment to maintain it in health. 
