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ON APHTHOUS DISEASE AMONG CATTLE. 
Prognostic . — The prognosis of aphthous diseases differs accord- 
ing as they are observed at the commencement, the height, or the 
decline of the enzootic ; but, generally speaking, it is by no means 
serious. At none of the different periods at which they have 
prevailed have they appeared to increase the mortality. We did 
not hear of a single animal having died throughout the whole 
course of the epizootic which came under our observation. But 
although the consequences are not dangerous, they are productive 
of considerable loss to the owners, from the suppression of the 
secretion of milk, the loss of flesh occasioned by the disease, the 
interruption of the agricultural labours, and the expenses arising 
from the attentions requisite to secure the perfect recovery of the 
animals. Towards the decline of the enzootic the affection is so 
mild, that its only symptoms are a ropy salivation and a slight 
degree of lameness. 
Terminations . — Unless in cases of serious internal complica- 
tions, the aphthae almost invariably terminate in perfect cure. 
This result explains itself by the complete integrity of all the func- 
tions essential to life. We did not find any alteration on exa- 
mining a cow that had been slaughtered a few days after the 
appearance of a severe attack of this disease. A post-mortem 
examination of several sheep that were killed while the disease 
was at its height offered nothing particular. 
Reflections on the Works of Ancient Authors. 
Before approaching the question — Are aphthous diseases con- 
tagious or not? and making known the best method of treating 
them, and preventing complications, it appears to us necessary to 
explain the differences which exist between modern works and 
those of our predecessors. 
Veterinarians and agriculturists who have never seen the 
aphthous epizootic, and who compare our paper with the writings 
of some ancient physicians and hippiatrists, will naturally be led 
to imagine that under one and the same denomination have been 
comprised two diseases differing from one another in symptoms, 
progress, and termination. Such was, in fact, the idea which pre- 
sented itself to our minds when, previously to arranging the 
matter of our own researches, we compared it with that of authors 
who had already written on this subject. 
Fully admitting, as we do, that these diseases may be more 
malignant at one time than at another, we are nevertheless convinced 
that Sagar, Baraillon, and others, have confounded essential or 
idiopathic aphthm with glossanthrax and certain typhoid affections 
which during their progress accidentally are attended with aphthae 
