PARALYSIS SUCCESSFULLY TREATED BY STRYCHNINE. 13 
least progress towards improvement. In both cases the attack 
was sudden, and the effects similar. The treatment was the same, 
with the exception of the setons and the charge, to which the 
owner objected on the score of its blemishing the animal for a 
long period. I confess that I have been unsuccessful in cases 
where I have used such auxiliaries ; and, comparing the cases 
that have been treated in this manner with those in which such 
aids have not been used, I find the balance in favour of the 
former; consequently, I am disposed to view them as valuable 
adjuncts. Respecting strychnia, there are many practitioners 
who, after having extensively used it, emphatically confess they 
have never witnessed any good result from it in paralytic affec- 
tions. 
In my own experience I must admit that I have been fre- 
quently disappointed in not experiencing the result. I had 
anticipated; but where is the medicine that the same remark 
may not be applicable to I Therefore, on the whole, I am 
disposed to attribute much value to its use in these cases. 
I find that I have greatly trespassed upon the pages of your 
valuable Journal, by extending these remarks beyond my inten- 
tion; for which 1 beg to apologise. Yet, before I close, I would 
make another observation ; and that is, relative to blood-letting 
in these cases. In my own opinion, perhaps, I may be singular ; 
but I declare myself decidedly against it. Unless there, is 
present any unusual symptom demanding its employment — 
which would be shewn by an increase of pulse, See., though in 
nearly all the cases that have fallen under my notice the pulse 
has not been in the least degree disturbed or increased — 1 
would ask, what symptom demands it ] Does experience alone 1 
I say not. If the pulse is to guide us (and I know not a better 
mark to attend to) then follow it. 
I remember two cases that I attended : one about twelve 
years, and the other about fourteen years since. I bled in both 
cases. One case perfectly recovered ; the other partially so : 
but in both instances blindness was the immediate result. 
Whether such results are unexampled I am not prepared to say. 
I remain, yours, &c- 
