497 
HYDROTIIORAX, PUERPERAL FEVER, AND 
THE ROT. 
To the Editors of “The Veterinarian .” 
Gentlemen, — I am glad to find that you have, in some degree, 
relaxed your regulation as to anonymous communications, and 
am willing to continue mine as often as circumstances, together 
with ifs and buts, will allow ; still thinking you are too par- 
ticular ; as, if the matter is good, what difference can it make 
from whom it comes ? This, my opinion, formed long since, 
has been much strengthened of late by reading that vanity is 
the principal cause of people publishing their ideas; and as 
there is evidently a very “ plentiful lack” of this in our profession, 
you should afford every indulgence in your power ; but besides 
the needful quantity of vanity, some degree of boldness, or, 
perhaps, I may say presumption, is necessary ; as by writing on 
diseases, 8cc. known to the profession generally, yet not men- 
tioned by our best authors (and there are many such), one is liable 
to be accused of plagiarism ; or by mentioning a circumstance 
observed for the first time, and asking, Is it always so? (as I am 
now disposed to do) be set down as an ignoramus. 
Having occasion, a few days since, to tap a patient for dropsy 
of the chest, and having drawn more than five gallons from one 
side only, I was surprised to find that it coagulated like blood ; 
and by next day had separated about a sixth part of serous 
fluid. I have operated on her four times since, and may give the 
case at length when I know the result. 
Returning to the subject of vanity and presumption, I dare be 
bound that those who know me think that I have my full share 
of both ; to which I will add a disposition to make some return 
for what I get from others : yet, being but a poor country vet., 
and quite unknown to fame, think I can state, and, if necessary, 
defend my opinions best behind a bulwark ; at the same time I 
entertain an opinion that he who resorts anonymously to person- 
alities in such a cause, or abuse of any kind, “is a wretch whom 
Twere base flattery to call a coward !” Nevertheless, I can well 
allow, and may even be tempted to practise now and then, a 
little harmless banter. “ Something too much of this yet will 
I say in conclusion, that, while you give us as much liberty as 
possible, every communication that has not the advancement of 
the profession, and support of The Veterinarian (one of its 
most important if not vital organs) for its object, should be 
rejected ! 
VOL. ix. 3 u 
