438 
PSEUDO-VETERINARY SURGEONS. 
Twenty-four balls were made as follows: viz., eight balls 
containing each two drachms of Barbadoes Aloes and 
Powdered Gentian; eight balls with three drachms each of 
the former; and eight balls, each containing four drachms of 
Aloes and Gentian. They were given in the ordinary course 
of practice. One ball only, which contained the greatest 
quantity of Aloes, had a decided purgative effect. The 
majority of the other balls took no effect at all, except that 
of increasing the appetite ; therefore, with these facts staring 
one in the face, I do not see how we can, with any degree of 
certainty, state that a compound of Aloes and Gentian, as 
recommended by these gentlemen, will supersede the use of 
the common purge. It must be known to all owners and 
managers of horses, that many are found to be purged by as 
little as two and a half drachms of Aloes, whilst others re- 
quire from seven to nine drachms to produce the desired 
effect. I believe there are various causes in operation to in- 
terfere with the action of medicines — atmospheric influence 
1 look to as one, a peculiar state of the system another, 
and I think we may urge that age is another. 
If I am not too prosy, I would relate a coincidence which 
bears somewhat upon the subject under consideration : — A 
gentleman brought a three-year-old entire colt from the 
Curragh, about three years since, into this neighbourhood. 
The trainer informed me he never could by any means purge 
him without taking the colt a three-quarter speed gallop 
after the administration of a strong dose of physic. The 
colt in question I castrated, previous to which operation I 
gave him a physic ball, and found it necessary to add to the 
dose by ordering him a good smart gallop. Many times, 
since he became a gelding, I have had occasion to employ 
physic, and I find he is as easily purged as any other horse, 
with a five and a half drachm ball. I seldom give Aloes, 
except in combination with Croton Farina, as I find com- 
pounds generally are better than simples. 
I am. Sir, 
Your obedient servant. 
Waterford;/^ 5, 1853. 
PSEUDO-VETERINARY SURGEONS. 
To the Editor of ‘ The Veterinarian 
Sir, — Allow me through the medium of the ‘Veteri- 
narian’ to call the attention of the Council to the fact that 
young men are going from the Veterinary College, without 
