PHRENIC HERNIA. 
501 
cautiously, perhaps hesitatingly, given during the life of the 
patient ; thus convincing our clients that the treatment 
adopted by us has been consistent with science, and not 
empirical. 
It was a favorite observation of one whose memory both 
you and I hold in great respect — the late Professor Coleman, 
— that we often obtained more information from one lost case 
than we do from twenty successful ones. This, then, must 
form my excuse for forwarding to you the following cases. 
They contain nothing new, but I know you are desirous of 
being in possession of practical matter wherewith to enrich 
your pages, to which I feel a pleasure in contributing. The 
first being a recent case, I give it in detail. With reference 
to the others, they have occurred at different periods of my 
past practice. I am, yours truly. 
Case 1. — An Impacted state of the Rectum, 
FOLLOWED BY RUPTURE OF THE DlAPHRAGM. 
June 3d, 1856. — A valuable five year-old cart-horse, be- 
longing to Mr. Brown, of Leighton Lodge. He did an 
ordinary day’s work yesterday, carting manure ; fed well on 
returning to the stable, and was left for the night, apparently 
in health. On the horsekeeper visiting him, at four this 
morning, he was seen to be uneasy ; constantly lying down 
and rolling, and occasionally scraping the litter with his fore 
feet. Supposing him to be griped, he gave him some castor 
oil, with a spoonful of laudanum added to it. Relief not 
being obtained, about three quarts of blood w ere abstracted 
from the jugular vein. My first visit w T as at 10 a.m. 
Symptoms . — The animal is lying down, wfith his head thrust 
between his fore legs. The surface of the body and legs are 
w^arm, but no perspiration ; breath very fetid ; eyelids nearly 
closed, vessels of the conjunctiva injected; respiration tran- 
quil; pulse about 60, more full than forcible ; abdomen 
slightly distended wfith flatus. A small portion of hardened 
dung has been removed by the hand from his rectum, and l 
removed tw o pieces more, which were at the very extremity of 
my reach. They were scarcely compressible, and thickly in- 
cased in mucus. His food lately has consisted of split beans, 
wfith w r heat chaff’ and hay. 
Treatment . — Ordered a strong aloetic draught to be given, 
with 5iij each of Ol. Juniperi et Spt. Ammon. Arom. Bled 
until the pulse faltered (about ten pints were taken). Apply 
hot water to the abdomen, to be succeeded by a stimulating 
embrocation, and throw up an enema every hour. 
