560 
COMPARATIVE PATHOLOGY. 
viously she wanted consciousness to give. Both the animals after- 
wards did well, and at the present moment are alive. 
In uterine hemorrhage Dr. A. T. Thompson has advocated the use 
of cold water ; but, notwithstanding the countenance of so high an 
authority, its employment has not been recognised by the gene- 
rality of obstetric practitioners. The minds of men seem to view 
the practice either with abhorrence or alarm ; but I cannot say 
that such feelings are warranted by the observations which I have 
made upon its operation. It acts almost as a charm, and in no in- 
stance has been followed by any ill effects. The only symptom 
which could possibly be urged against the injection of cold water 
is the pain which it occasions, probably caused by the sudden 
contraction of the whole of the uterus. I am induced to conclude 
the cry is indicative of a simultaneous contraction of the entire 
organ, because, every part of the internal surface being equally 
acted upon, there is no reason to suppose any portion of it would 
escape the stimulating property of the injection. Another fact, 
which also supports this opinion, is found in the dogs not after- 
wards repeating their cries, but speedily recovering from the 
shock, and composing themselves to sleep. There has not in either 
case been any return, but with the first cry the matter appeared 
to have terminated. The pain is, however, of brief duration ; for, 
judging from the exclamation of the animals, it was hardly recog- 
nised before it had ceased, and even while it lasted did not in de- 
gree appear to approach to agony. It seemed to be a short spasm 
of no excessive violence ; but, as after-pains are not common in 
the bitch, and never present in that animal when the uterus is 
healthy, obviously no absolute deduction could thence be drawn 
concerning the action of cold water upon the human subject. Its 
operation upon the dog has, however, been such as would justify 
its being tried ; especially as it seems to be beneficial in those cases 
which are always accompanied with danger, or frequently are be- 
yond the power of medical skill to alleviate. 
I cannot conclude without acknowledging that the operation of 
any medicine upon the dog is by no means to be regarded as au- 
thorising its adoption into human practice. The reverse, however, 
appears to be the general opinion. The inferences drawn from 
what are termed experiments upon these animals, I must insist 
are not of the value which is generally placed upon them. The 
substance which the man takes as a condiment, to the canine race 
may be a poison ; and drugs which are mild to the dog are in many 
instances potent when administered to the human being. The 
public have favoured me by consulting me largely upon the dis- 
eases of dogs, and to treat these T have been obliged to resort to 
medicines which are not generally employed even by veterinarians. 
