CENTRAL VETERINARY MEDICAL SOCIETY. 
887 
follows. Each views the objects of his search from a different point 
of view, and, however widely these opinions may stray, they must 
not forget that each is entitled to respect. However much we may 
differ in opinions, it should always be our maxim to render the 
object subservient to the furtherance of the best interests and aims 
of the Society, and advancement of the science of veterinary 
medicine. (Applause.) 
Mr. F. J. Mavor read a short but very interesting paper on 
thermometrical observations on the horse, instituted to ascertain the 
effects of certain medicaments upon the temperature of the body. 
The conclusions arrived at by Mr. Mavor in his experiments are as 
follow : — 
The normal temperature of the horse, as taken at the rectum by 
one of Mr. Hawksley’s Fahrenheit’s thermometer, is from 99° to 
100°. A rise of temperature, more or less, is the product of every 
disease. 
All medicines, whether used subcutaneously, or given by the sto- 
mach, produce a corresponding elevation of temperature. 
Although a very high temperature may exist as the result of 
disease, a dose of medicine will produce a higher elevation. 
Lastly, the same effects are observable in health as well as disease. 
These statements were supported by tabulated records of observa- 
tions made, with atropine administered subcutaneously to a grey 
mare suffering from abscess in the pectoral muscles, in which upon 
every occasion during the existence of the injury, the exhibition of 
the drug in doses of a quarter of a grain, gave rise to an increase 
of temperature; and when convalescence had been established, as 
evidenced by a decline of temperature to the normal standard, the 
exhibition of the same doses of the drug produced a rise of tempe- 
rature, which did not subside until the third day. 
The Secretary (G. Armatage) observed that the facts, as given 
by Mr. Mavor, were highly valuable to the veterinarian, inasmuch as 
the elevation of temperature, caused by medicines given, must not 
be confounded with the specific heat of certain maladies, and diurnal 
variations that are found to exist. He had made numerous observa- 
tions with the thermometer throughout the diseases of the lower 
animals, and in each case fresh evidence had arisen testifying the 
inestimable value that instrument is in the clinique of veterinary 
medicine. An elevation of temperature he had found to exist after 
exercise, and even after food in health when animals had been pre- 
viously confined ; and those allowed to go at large always exhibited 
a higher range in health than those confined to buddings could indi- 
cate, and it is highly important to bear this in mind when judging 
of the intensity of animal temperature as indicative of disease. His 
remarks had been published, 1 which those interested could read and 
test for their accuracy. He could not say he had noticed any 
particular elevation of temperature after the introduction of medica- 
ments beneath the skin, but he had felt extremely puzzled to find, 
1 ‘The Thermometer as an aid to Diagnosis in Veterinary Medicine.* 
London : H. Kimpton, 82, High Holborn. 
