552 THOROUGH-PIN TREATED BY INCISION AND PRESSURE. 
is now generally considered erroneous, and tubercular matter is 
regarded as a mere unorganised deposit. The softening process 
does not arise from any action carried on by the tubercle itself, 
but from the action of the surrounding living parts. Laennec, 
in supposing that it commenced in the centre of the tubercle, 
appears to have been misled by an anatomical deception, which 
has been pointed out by Dr. Carswell. The softening generally 
commences at the circumference, and is always caused by the 
admixture of fluid secreted by the vessels of the surrounding 
texture, which are irritated by the presence of the tubercle 
acting as a foreign body.” Now, in the case of the mesenteric 
glands, before mentioned, I think we might distinguish three 
distinct stages of development, and so far as my judgment 
would lead me, I should decidedly infer that the softening com- 
menced at the centre, and not at the circumference ; for whilst 
the glands had the same appearance externally, they presented 
very marked internal difference when opened. 
There is one thing which I have to regret, viz. that the 
peculiar manner of destroying this animal prevented the pos- 
sibility of my dissecting the brain. Darkness also put a stop 
to a minute examination of the lungs, or I have no doubt vomicae 
would have been found to some extent in their structure. 
Note . — I beg here to return thanks, with my warmest feelings, 
to Mr. L. F. Crummey, surgeon, of Stokesley, and author of 
“ Contributions to the Practice of Medicine,” for the interest he 
has evinced in the welfare of veterinary science, as well as for 
the valuable assistance afforded me on this occasion. — F. B. 
THOROUGH-PIN TREATED BY INCISION AND 
PRESSURE. 
By John Storry, V.S., Pickering. 
To the Editor of u The Veterinarian .” 
Sir, — I n your Number for August, I find a communication 
by Mr. J. Gloag, on his treatment of thoroughpin by acupunc- 
turation and pressure ; and, after giving a detailed account of the 
process carried on by puncturation, fomentation, smearing the 
parts with ointment, and afterwards the application of a spring 
truss, &c. he effected a cure of a most obstinate case of thorough- 
pin in about forty days; and in his remarks on the case he says 
“ l do not think that bursal enlargements can with safety be 
opened in any other way than by puncturation with needles.” 
