THOUGHTS ON INFLUENZA. 
217 
Lecturer on Chemistry at the Edinburgh Veterinary College, 
and at that time many very decided results had occurred 
from its use in human practice. 
The cough is best relieved by a modification of the above 
treatment, viz., stimulants in a solid form, such as Ammon. 
Carb. given twice daily, with small doses of Belladonna, to 
counteract the irritant action, along with Pulv. Scillae vel 
Gentian. When tonics and diuretics are indicated, Resina 
Com. best supplies the place of nitrate of potass. It is not 
such a depletive; is more gentle in its action, and does not 
lower the system to the same extent. 
So far is this stimulating treatment required, that although 
suppuration goes on, and fever is present to some little 
extent, yet the weak form of the latter, and the tardiness of 
the former urgently call for it. To hasten the process of 
suppuration is to effect a cure, for recovery speedily follows. 
With respect to blisters, I place them amongst 66 slaughter- 
ing” agents. They increase the irritability of the system, 
favour internal congestion, and never accomplish any good. 
I have found what is termed a rubefacient by far the most 
useful, and that only applied to the throat, where it often 
facilitates deglutition. The chest I have found not to require 
any blisters ; setons and rowels are excluded, for the same 
reasons. If deglutition is much impaired, gruel, hay, tea 
and malt or barley, beans, &c., well boiled, will form the 
best food. According to the urgency of the symptoms, any 
operation which surgery may furnish may be adopted. 
In fact from the very commencement a steady perseverance 
in gentle means to promote the action of the bowels by 
bland fluids and stimulants, with good food, such as before 
mentioned, and turnips, carrots, or any other article which 
will contribute to the general nourishment of the system, 
may be allowed. The appetite is to be provoked by all pos- 
sible means, and warm clothing, cool air, and well-ventilated 
stables enjoined. The last 1 consider one most important 
object to bear in mind, and when not attended to, is one of 
the principal causes of this disease. 
Disinfectants are of great importance in the sick stables, 
also admission of light, as much as possible, and freedom 
from collections of dung and urine. 
The diarrhoea, which sometimes ushers in the attack, is 
best relieved by alkalies, such as Sod. Carb. given in solution 
or bolus, followed by the stimulants and tonic diuretics. If 
effusion be present, the stimulants are also given, and along 
with them the Pil. Hydrarg. cum Ferro,* under the use of 
* Morton’s ‘Manual,’ p. 283. 
