IMPACTION OF AN EGG IN THE (ESOPHAGUS. 559 
rule, having recourse to the acts of barbarians or farriers of old. 
I myself should not hesitate to use the actual cautery if it 
were really required, or if I thought that it would inflict less 
pain and suffering than medicinal agents ; but in most cases 
I am convinced to the contrary. It is impossible to fathom 
the bottom of every sinus with the actual cautery. The em- 
ployment of the knife looks more scientific, and does not cause 
any pain as compared with the heated iron. Furthermore, 
I consider, as a general principle, that the employment of 
the hot iron in the treatment of wounds is derogatory to the 
members of a scientific profession. There are cases where 
the iron may be used judiciously, but they are few and very 
far between. 
IMPACTION OF AN EGG IN THE (ESOPHAGUS 
OF A MARE. DEATH. 
By F. B. Taylor, Y.S., Denbigh. 
On the 5th instant I was called to attend a cart-mare at 
Lleweny Flail, the residence of Richard Owen, Esq., which 
was simply reported to be ill. I found the patient standing 
with her head hanging down, and nearly touching the 
ground. A considerable defluxion was coming from her 
nostrils, and the mouth w T as filled with frothy mucus. She 
seemed anxious to take both food and water, but was totally 
unable to deglutate either. I carefully examined the throat, 
but could not detect anything to account for the symptoms. 
No pain or tenderness was evinced upon pressure, nor was 
any cough present. The breathing was likewise tranquil, but 
the pulse was somewhat increased. Thinking that the case 
might prove to be one of sore throat, I withdrew some 
blood, and vesicated the throat. I likewise ordered warm 
fomentations to be frequently applied to the neck. A mild 
cathartic ball was exhibited, but it was swallowed with diffi- 
culty. Beside these remedial means, some fever-medicine 
was left to be given at night. 
The next day, there being no improvement, the blister 
was repeated, and now carried down to the chest. Some gruel 
was given, but as frequently as it was horned down it 
was returned through the nostrils. I again submitted the 
whole of the neck and throat to a strict examination, but 
could not detect any injury or enlargement in any part. 
