68 
FRACTURE OF THE PUBIS. 
less likely to err, by going provided with a good physic ball 
and clystering syringe or tube, rather than carrying bot- 
tles containing nauseous and irritating drinks — stimulating 
draughts calculated temporarily to overcome pain, but often 
to lay the foundation for more acute complaints and serious 
organic lesions. 
If in cases of colic aloes are prescribed, by some practi- 
tioners, drachms of opium are not forgotten, the former, in 
consequence cannot act, the latter throw the patient into a 
state of stupor, blunt that pain which indicates the disorder, 
and tend not to the relief of the over-distended and mor- 
bidly excited intestine. Aloes are repeated, the double dose 
of purgative gains the ascendancy, the peristaltic action, con- 
siderably disturbed, is the cause of invagination, or, if the 
gut remains free, inflammation or violent superpurgation 
ensue. In the former case, bleeding is had recourse to, 
which the animal, nauseated and half poisoned, can ill sup- 
port ; in the latter instance, chalk and opium, aromatic con- 
fection and astringent enemata, so complicate the whole 
method of treatment, as so to disturb the organs they are in- 
tended to act upon, that in one way or another death is too 
often the result. I have not drawn an imaginary picture. Re- 
corded cases are the bases of my criticism ; and I forbear 
analysing any special ones, as almost the whole seem to 
have found their way into print by mistake ; surely not as 
data to judge of the wisdom of the recorders. 
I shall for this month drop the subject here, to re- 
sume it shortly. The above is one division, and the next 
will refer to the operation of purgatives, after which, in 
conclusion, cases shall be published, which are the basis of 
all I have said ; and having fairly exposed my views, shall 
leave to others to form their own independent opinion. 
16 , Upper Woburn Place. 
CASES OF FRACTURE OF THE PUBIS. 
By Jas. Western, M.R.C.Y.S., Horse Artillery, Bangalore. 
On the 19 th of June, 1854, I was called suddenly to my 
hospital to see a reported case of colic, when I found that a 
black horse, an Australian, belonging to the C Troop, Horse 
Artillery, had just been admitted. The farrier-major’s report 
was that the animal was attacked at his pickets, and had 
