THE LATE EPIDEMIC DISEASES OF CATTLE, &C. 379 
—in the farcy ball — would add to its astringent effect upon the 
discharges, and produce a diuretic effect as well, and thereby 
further co-operate in the health-restoring processes. In some 
such ways as these we may account for sulphate of copper cur- 
ing some cases of farcy and certain ones of glanders, and, per- 
haps, satisfactorily enough, without attributing to it properties 
which, in my opinion, it never possessed. And I quite agree with 
Professor Sewell in the preference of the liquid over the solid 
formula. It stands to reason that, in a state of weak solution, 
the mucous surfaces of the bowels must be subjected to less irri- 
tation or annoyance from it than when administered in substance ; 
and I think it likely that the addition of mucilage to the draught 
may still further diminish this liability. Against this, however, 
we have to set the objections existing, and not without reasbn, 
to drenching. My own maxim in practice is, never to prescribe 
a draught where a ball can be made to answer the same purpose. 
In such cases as the present, where the medicine is of a caustic 
or escharotic nature, and where repetition and long persistence 
in the use of it become absolutely necessary, the liquid form 
should be chosen ; great care being exercised in the administra- 
tion of the drenches. 
As a topical remedy, the sulphate of copper is so generally 
and extensively employed, that, without their “ blue wash,” vete- 
rinarians would hardly make their way in practice. It would be 
idle for me to pretend to point out in how many ways it is, and 
may be, made useful ; I shall only in conclusion observe, that of 
the other preparations of copper introduced into veterinary medi- 
cine — the subacetate and the diniodide — the former is found ex- 
ceedingly useful, as a topical agent, in thrush, canker, &c., and 
the latter has been presented to us by Mr. Morton as the most 
efficacious in which we can employ copper in farcical and glan- 
derous affections. 
ON THE LATE EPIDEMIC DISEASES OF CATTLE, 
SHEEP, AND SWINE. 
Compiled by W. Youatt. 
[Continued from page 344.] 
It is time for us to return to the epidemic of 1840-1, and to 
wend our way a little more speedily towards the south. We must, 
however, look in at Kirkaldy, whence we have an interesting 
account of that epidemic by Mr. Robert Dods. 
He says, “ I have delayed answering your letter until 1 might 
