TRACHEOTOMY. 
379 
The preparation of morphia known as the bimeconate is 
the best, and the solution of 100 grains to the ounce is as 
fine as sherry. The dose I believe to be between two and 
five grains, which may be repeated if necessary; though, in 
another part, at least two inches from the first puncture. 
I select the skin over the pectoral muscles, just on the top 
of the arm. The injection is easily done ; the operator 
grasps the skin between his left thumb and under finger, and 
drags it away from the flesh, while he pushes the syringe 
point through the skin, and then empties its contents. 
The whole of the medicine is taken up at once into the 
circulation, whereas ten times the quantity given by the 
stomach, if the stomach be full, as it often is in these cases, 
might be unabsorbed or absorbed so slowly as to allow the 
disease to kill the patient. Let every veterinarian think how 
many patients he has seen die without appearing to be at all 
benefited by the large and repeated doses of antispasmodics 
given by the mouth. 
It is a very economical practice too. Opium is now very 
dear. One drachm of the morphia carefully dispensed costs 
half a crown, and is equivalent to a great amount of the 
crude drug. 
Human surgeons give one sixth of a grain under the skin 
when they find that a patient would take one grain by the 
stomach, so that it is calculated to be six times more powerful 
given by the former method. Again, we must bear in mind 
that morphia is only one of the active principles of opium, 
and when one will serve our turn the rest we waste in giving 
the crude drug. 
The syringe is expensive, but will last for many years, 
care being taken to keep it clean by syringing a little clean 
water through it each time after using it. 
I hope you will not think me tedious. I have given these 
details in the hope of inducing every member of our noble 
profession to give his patients the benefit of this invaluable 
practice. 
TRACHEOTOMY. 
By J. Adams, Warminster. 
Three months since I was requested to examine a black 
cart horse which had for several years been doing work, 
shunting on the Great Western Railway, at Warminster, and 
from his hardiness and activity in that particular work was of 
considerable value to the company. I was informed that up 
