554 METROPOLITAN VETERINARY PATHOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 
Where there is pain there is generally inflammation, and 
an increased circulation, and consequent heat of the part. 
I have been taught that it is a law of nature that two in- 
flammations in contiguity cannot take place and be of the 
same strength. 
I have as yet had no reason to doubt the correctness of the 
theory, consequently I believe that by using the actual cautery 
in cases of lameness, you cause a greater degree of irritation 
externally than that which is existing internally ; in common 
parlance you draw it out, and with assistance of a few weeks’ 
rest the lameness disappears, which is the object desired, and 
you get credit, and deservedly so, for having effected a cure. 
But there is another effect derived from firing, which has 
been doubted by many practitioners, but which I do not 
doubt — I allude to the cicratrix which is caused by the 
operation, whereby the skin is tightened over the part, and 
acts as a permanent bandage. A bandage, if properly ap- 
plied, imparts a certain amount of pressure to the part ; that 
pressure not only gives support but assists the absorbents in 
taking up any superfluous deposit which may interfere with 
the natural action. 
I have ventured to submit the foregoing observations with 
the sole aim that, in referring to a subject certainly not new 
in veterinary practice, it may be instrumental in provoking a 
discussion which may tend to elicit from the members of the 
profession further enlightenment, theoretical or practical, on 
the decreasing practice of firing. 
After an experience of upwards of thirty years, wherein I 
have had numerous opportunities of performing this operation 
and have witnessed its satisfactory results, I feel justified in 
recommending its continuance instead of its disuse. 
PROPOSED METROPOLITAN VETERINARY 
PATHOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 
[We have received the following circular from Mr. Arma- 
tage.] 
47, Eastlake Road, 
Cold Harbour Lane, Camberwell, S.E. 
6 th Month , 25 th> 1870. 
Dear Sir, — A number of practitioners having signified 
their desire for the establishment in the metropolis of a 
Society under the above or other appropriate designation, for 
the purpose of promoting generally the advancement of 
veterinary science, it is proposed to hold a preliminary 
