338 RESEARCHES INTO THE CAUSES OF BLINDNESS. 
pletely into another portion of intestine. It had descended from 
above to the intestine below. The parts were almost sphacelated. 
There was but little meconium found in any part of the intes- 
tines, and some parts of them were slightly inflamed. 
Observations . — I am inclined to think that this was originally 
a case of spasmodic colic, brought on, most problably, by the cold 
weather, although he was in it only for a short time, and that one 
portion of intestine had been drawn into the other in consequence. 
It is also evident that the dose of tinct. opii was too large a one, 
and that it produced great derangement of the brain; but no bad 
effects were observed on examining that organ after death. 
I noticed that, although he continued to wander about round 
the stable for nearly twenty-four hours, he was sufficiently sensi- 
ble to avoid going against the walls. He did not always move in 
the same direction; for on turning him the opposite way, he walked 
round quite as unconcerned as in the contrary one ; but 1 think, if 
left alone, he would have continued the same course. 
The opium, although given in so large a dose, never fairly allay- 
ed the pain, for at times he would curl his tail and strike his belly 
with his hind legs, as if in great pain, although moving round the 
stable at the same time. 
I never knew intussusception to occur in so young an animal. 
Both testicles had descended through the rings. 
RESEARCHES INTO THE CAUSES OF BLINDNESS; 
FOLLOWED BY AN ACCOUNT OF SEVERAL 
CASES OF PURULENT OPHTHALMIA. 
By M. Reynal, Chief Veterinary Surgeon to the 6th Lancers. 
“ The causes of blindness are numerous and varied, and may be almost 
said to commence with the life of the animal .” — Hurtrel D'Arboval. 
BEFORE entering into this subject, or stating the results of the 
investigations we have been enabled to make in various localities, 
as well as in horses generally, that have been attacked with blind- 
ness, we must claim the indulgence of our readers for a little while. 
The hope that they will excuse many imperfections will sustain 
our zeal in that course of study which has occupied so many of 
our principal veterinary surgeons since the period when the Royal 
and Central Agricultural Society made it the subject of a concours. 
It is not interest, nor any feeling of personal ambition, that has 
