REMARKS ON THE LATE EPIDEMIC, THE INFLUENZA. 617 
the extensive organs of respiration, particularly the lining mem- 
brane of the passages? Will not this have something to do in 
producing roaring, broken wind, &c., especially when those parts 
are in a state of inflammation, and these effluvia pass over the 
respiratory mucous surfaces every time the horse inspires and 
expires? Need we wonder at chronic cough, roaring, broken 
wind, glanders, ophthalmia, cataracts, See. &c. ? Or, are all those 
diseases the effect of some unknown cause ? 
I have only had eighteen cases of influenza to attend to since 
I returned to Cumberland, in which I have been successful with 
the treatment I adopted. The disease had, in a manner, passed 
over here, while I was in London. The treatment I adopt is 
quite simple as regards medicine. The first step I take is, to 
remove the animal from his stall to a loose box, well ventilated. 
If there is no convenience of this sort, I have the stable-door 
cut in two, and one half thrown open, and the horse set at 
liberty, to walk about at his pleasure. 
The next thing is, in the majority of cases, venesection ; and 
yet, frequently, when I feel compelled to bleed, I do so at the 
hazard of my reputation, for the owner assures me, if I bleed, I 
shall kill my patient, and if I purge, I shall poison him. Away 
with such like doctrine ! What is our chief, our almost un- 
erring, guide ? Is it not the pulse? In many cases, does it 
not point out the absolute necessity of the use of the lancet ? 
At other times I am told, that if I use depletive measures, my 
patient will sink to rise no more. Notwithstanding this, a strict 
attention to the state of the pulse will carry a man successfully 
through many difficulties, which one unacquainted with its phy- 
siology would never surmount. 
Next I insert a seton in the chest, and another between the 
jaws, previously smeared with blister ointment; here I have 
counter-irritation to my full satisfaction. I apply fomentations 
continually to the head, frequently throwing up enemas, and 
occasionally drenching with linseed tea and a decoction of 
march-mallow. 
The medicine I use consists of Barbadoes aloes, in doses from 
3ij to 3iij : this to act as a laxative. Asa sedative, I prefer digi- 
talis, in doses of about half a drachm, and as the medicine most 
to be depended on for producing the desired effect on the heart 
and circulation. As a tonic, when the time comes for using it, 
I give gentian 3ij, in preference to mineral tonics, and spirits of 
nitrous ether, ^ij, to keep up the action of that grand emunc- 
tory, the kidney. These medicines being properly administered, 
and their effects carefully watched, the case is a bad one that 
bids defiance to them and a good nurse. 
