21 G 
MONTHLY ABSTRACT OF THE PROCEEDINGS 
results the heat of the frame from the capacity for heat in car- 
bonic acid being less than in oxygen. 
It was doubted if the small quantity of the oxide of iron found 
in the blood sufficed to impart to it its colour; rather it was referred 
to the action of the saline particles, and to the peculiar proxi- 
mate principle hsematozine. 
The morbid heat of an inflamed part was made dependent upon 
two causes : first, a greater determination of blood to the part ; 
and, second, an augmentation of nervous energy. 
The nature of contagion was much dwelt upon, and no doubt 
entertained as to the winds being the media by which different 
kinds of morbific virus are transmitted ; this, however, more 
especially when the air is surcharged with watery vapour. 
January 19/4. 
This evening Mr. Sumner presented for discussion a paper on 
Contraction of the Foot of the Horse, its causes, modes of pre- 
vention, and the curative means to be adopted. The full con- 
sideration of this essay also occupied two evenings. 
A novel and a bold statement made by a member, and as 
ably maintained, that the “ approaching circle or circular is not 
the true form of the horse’s foot,” awakened an animated argu- 
ment, and drew forth many pertinent remarks. He held, that the 
normal form can, indeed, be only seen when the animal has ar- 
rived at maturity ; therefore the inferences drawn from the feet 
of colts were erroneous. The true shape he considered an oval ; 
and in proportion as the foot approached in conformation to this, 
so does it approach to perfection. He likewise was of opinion, 
that the circular foot is neither the best adapted for speed nor for 
safety ; this last position being proved by the form of the foot 
of the mule and the ass. 
Much, he contended, would the actual shape of the foot depend 
upon the nature of the soil, and also the climate. For instance, 
in low marshy lands it would be found to be open, and approach 
to the circle in shape ; whilst in hilly arid dry countries it would 
be oblong. 
The correctness of this opinion on the true form of the foot 
was much questioned by many, and particularly combatted by 
the author of the essay. Respecting the influence of soil, there 
were many who concurred with him. It was remarked, that a 
variation in conformation is indicative of design, and evinces 
wisdom, since in wet lands a horse with a small narrow foot 
would be sinking in at every step, and, on the other hand, a 
broad and open foot in a hilly country would be constantly sub- 
ject to injuries from bruises of the sole, &c. This is to be seen. 
