I6G MONTHLY ABSTRACT, &c. 
who had put this mode of treatment to the test, spoke of it in 
the strongest terms of commendation. 
December 10 th. 
Mr. Richardson presented a paper on the Castration of 
Colts by Torsion. The novelty of the method called fortii much 
comment, and awakened a spirited discussion. He appeared as 
its warmest supporter, since the result of his experiments on 
three colts had more than answered his expectations. It was, 
nevertheless,' considered by the majority of the members that 
these cases were insufficient to prove this plan superior to all 
others, or warrant the assertion that it would ultimately supersede 
them, and that farther experiment was called for. As an account 
of these cases has appeared in The Veterinarian, farther 
observation on this evening’s discussion is uncalled for. 
December 15 th. 
The subject for discussion was Spavin, defended by Mr. W. J. 
Brewer. The nature of the disease admitted of no novelty in 
argument, nor did it call forth any peculiarity of treatment. In 
the incipient stage setons were highly approved of. When the 
disease was farther advanced, blisters were directed to be con- 
joined ; and in confirmed cases the firing-iron found its advocates, 
and amongst them those who approved of Mr. Turner’s system 
of firing deeply. 
December 2 2d. 
Mr. McDermott presented for consideration a paper on 
Ophthalmitis. The argument turned on the constitutional form 
of this affection, and it became animated, inasmuch as it led 
to a division in opinion respecting the nature of cataracts, and 
whether they are ever formed without previous inflammation in 
the organ of vision; and also whether disease is hereditary. 
There appeared to be nearly an equal number ranged on the 
different sides of the question. 
This evening the question too was mooted of publishing the 
proceedings of the Society in The Veterinarian, in com- 
pliance with the expressed wishes of some of the members of 
the Society ; and it was resolved, 
“ That a monthly abstract of the proceedings of the Society 
shall be drawn up by the Secretary, and subjected to the approval 
of the Committee of Management for publication in The Vete- 
rinarian. Also that the essays deemed worthy of the thanks 
of the Society shall be printed, if approved of by their respective 
authors.” 
