THE GREAT SPINAL ORGANIC NERVE. 
267 
than the dependence of this intestine on this portion of the spinal 
nerve : digestion went through its usual course in the intestines 
above, but the rectum was become an inert tube, through 
which the faeces were occasionally forced, as on the fourth and 
and seventh day, by the action of the intestines above, and the 
compression of the abdominal muscles. 
The Light which this throws on Disease . — There are few dis- 
eases to which the dog is more subject than to lumbago, and that 
fast degenerating into paralysis. We can now understand the 
almost invariable connexion between lumbago and costiveness 
of the most obstinate nature. It is disease — suspension of power 
in the lumbar nerves; this is the cause of paralysis in the hinder 
extremities, and paralysis in the lower intestine. What are 
we most anxious to effect — what course of treatment do we pur- 
sue ? We apply our stimulants, our charges to the loins, but 
we depend fully as much or more on the stimulus which we ap- 
ply to the intestines. We perseveringly continue the exhibition 
of our injections and our stimulating but not acrimonious pur- 
gatives ; we have recourse to other and mechanical means, — we 
take our spatula or the handle of a spoon, and we endeavour to 
break down the impacted mass which the rectum contains, as 
hard occasionally as a stone ; and when we have at length broken 
the chain of action, when we have roused the lumbar nerves to 
their wonted office, or when we have so far irritated and teazed the 
lining membrane of the rectum, that it is ready to respond to 
the slightest nervous influence, all at once and simultaneously, or 
in close succession, both parts resume their former natural state. 
Tetanus . — In this dreadful disease of nervous erythism in all 
our patients, why are we so anxious to produce purgation? Not 
solely nor chiefly on account of the sedative effect connected 
with copious intestinal evacuation, but in order to break the 
chain of diseased action. While the dorsal and the lumbar 
muscles are spasmodically and fearfully contracted, the muscles 
of the intestinal tube share in the ultra excitation. They are 
supplied from the same source, and they participate in the same 
disturbance. If I can break the charm with regard to them — if 
I can relax the tension of their stricture, the whole of the sys- 
tem with which they are connected will feel the beneficial effect; 
and if honest purging can be but once established, the whole 
system begins rapidly to quiet, and from the commencement of 
the evacuation I date the assurance that I shall save my patient. 
Nervous Connexion . — 1 pretend not to trace to you the precise 
nervous connexion between the dorsal and lumbar regions and 
larger intestines ; I have seen it to a very considerable extent ; 
and when you reflect on the numerous attachments — ligamental 
