DISEASES OF THE HEART. 
130 
circulation in the extremities ; membrane of nose pale ; mouth 
smells offensively. She appears as if sinking again ; and is much 
dejected. The pulsation of the heart as plain on the right side 
as on the left. Gave 3 SS digitalis, 3 ss emetic tar., ^ss sweet sp. 
nitre, in a drink : stimulated the extremities; ordered good gruel 
for drenching her, and nutritious food. — Half past 2 p.m. Pulse 
160, irregular, intermittent : sometimes the pulsations of the 
heart would be violent and thumping ; then feeble : again it 
would beat a few slow powerful strokes, and pause, followed by 
palpitation ; in fact, I cannot rightly describe the character of 
the pulse and the action of the heart. I could scarcely believe 
myself respecting the pulse being 160, but by repeated trials by 
my watch I found them to be still full 160. I thought this 
would not last long; and ordered stimulating mixture for the 
legs, and her medicine as before, with eight ounces of linseed 
oil to open the bowels . — 8 p.m. Much the same. Pulse still 
160. The heart’s action so tremulous, quick, irregular, and vi- 
brating over the whole body, that I directed the owner and 
other standers-by to apply their hands to her sides, when all of 
them expressed their astonishment, and despaired of her surviv- 
ing long : indeed, I joined them in their thinking. I was de- 
sired to do what I could for her. Depletion and the lowering 
system had been carried to their full extent, for the mare’s 
strength seemed fast declining; and now 1 resolved, at all risks, 
of making a trial of tonics, renewing the counter-irritants, and 
administering oil to rectify the obstinate state of the bowels. 
Accordingly I gave |viij linseed oil, 3 ss gentian, 3 ss ginger, 
3 ss camomile. I inserted a rowel under the brisket ; drenched 
her with good gruel; and ordered her to be coaxed to eat corn, 
grass, or any thing in the shape of nourishment. 
22 d . — Rather better. Pulse 140; the same in quality as 
yesterday — tremulous, irregular, and vibrating. Breathing still 
quick, but not difficult: membrane pale: one leg warm, the 
other three cold: mouth smells: repeat the tonic. — 7 p.m. 
Much the same. Gave the tonic as before . — 8 p.m. Pulse 130. 
Breathing better : appetite better. Gave tonic, and ordered her 
nutritious gruel. Omitted to mention that the tonics were given 
on the 23d in greater proportion, and with half a pint of linseed oil. 
23d, 8 a.m. — Pulse 120, less irregular, &c. ; two legs warm, 
the other two cold : membrane of nose healthier. Breathing 
very much amended. — 7 p.m. Great improvement. Pulse 80, 
and stronger, and more regular. Breathing quite calm ; mouth 
smells a little : appetite mends. 
24^/i. — Pulse continues to quiet down. Breathing still easy : 
appetite better than yesterday ; in short, health is fast returning. 
Give tonic medicine as before. 
