OBSERVATIONS ON COLIC. 
629 
ther treatment ; but I saw, or thought I saw, something that rather 
suggested a lingering and latent disease than declared a present 
disorder. 
Acting upon that impression, I gave a drench composed of sul- 
phuric ether four ounces, tincture of opium four ounces, tincture 
of white hellebore one ounce, tincture of capsicums half an ounce, 
and again abstracted a few lumps of dung from the rectum, which 
was moist and of its natural heat. The impactment I ascertained 
still remained. 
In about an hour I again saw the animal, and I could not detect 
a vestige of that which previously I had seen too plainly. 
At twelve o’clock, being near the place, I looked again into the 
stable ; for, having business which would keep me at home that 
afternoon, I wished to ascertain that all was going on rightly. I 
went in perfect confidence that I should find my patient to appear- 
ance well, intending to state that I should not call any more 
that day unless I was specially sent for. When I entered there 
was no one present, and the horse seemed to be all I could antici- 
pate or desire. Much pleased, I was about to leave, when the 
stable-man made his appearance, and to my inquiries answered 
that the animal was quite well ; and to confirm his report, added, 
that it had eaten up its feed with the other horses, and would have 
eaten more. This statement, though in one direction gratifying, 
did not please me. My orders had been given that all food should be 
kept away ; for where abdominal disease is present, I place as much 
confidence in abstinence as in the drugs which I employ. Whether 
the disobedience to my directions made me disposed to surmise 
evil I cannot say ; but it struck me at the time that the business 
was not, as I had expected, concluded. 
What was done, however, could not be helped ; and therefore, 
telling the man he had acted wrongly, and strictly enjoining him 
not to repeat the offence, I took my departure, leaving directions 
that I should be called if any alteration was observed. 
As I walked home, thinking over the case, I felt uneasy because 
the horse had been fed. I must confess I have a dread of abdo- 
minal disorders, and am always fidgetty when there is a case of 
this kind under my treatment. They assume such various forms, 
and are so capricious in their courses, that I am never easy or 
confident with regard to what may ensue. In no other class of 
diseases do I feel our knowledge to be so deficient. We have 
only the symptoms, which are ever more or less mysterious, to 
guide us, and have no certainty, in the majority of instances, as 
to the organ which is affected, or as to the precise nature of the 
affection. We can never say what change may take place, or 
how suddenly the appearances may put on a serious aspect. We 
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