REPORTS ON THE INFLUENZA. 
634 
turning him out again. From this time I have not given any 
kind of aperient in cases of influenza, but, on the contrary, if 
purging has come on from metastasis of the disorder, or any 
other cause, I have found the patient always worse, and I have 
immediately endeavoured to check the purging by giving the ball 
as in the last case : I have also found, that in protracted cases, 
after the febrile symptoms are abated, supposing the several 
functions of the lungs, bowels, kidneys, &c. are going on well, 
and although the pulse may yet continue high, that the vegeta- 
ble tonics may not only be safely, but very advantageously given. 
There often remains a staggering gait, from nervous weakness ; an 
appetite, though much improved, yet not good : this condition of 
the patient is particularly and beneficially influenced by the invigo- 
rating system. 
I am by no means an advocate for the general adoption of the 
cordial plan of treatment after inflammatory disorders ; but having 
put the several animal functions right, I am satisfied that nature, 
under proper management, will restore strength, condition, &c. 
But influenza is, in my opinion, an exception to this rule. 
I find that influenza is by no means peculiar to any age, condi- 
tion, or situation : it has occurred in the straw-yard, at grass, and 
to stabled horses in good condition and bad, at rest and at work. 
That it arises from atmospheric influence there is no doubt. 
In some cases, I have found the skin much surfeited, either, I 
have imagined, from cold affusions or from the stormy state of 
the weather. Some cases presented little lumps on the skin from 
the size of the segment of a pea to that of a large nut ; others 
having a thick scurf, which, together with the hair, peeled off as 
from the effect of a mild blister; this has happened to the saddle 
and collar places, &c. &c. and particularly the thighs. 
This is the result of what has taken place in my practice of 
influenza. I have given you the several cases just as they occur- 
red, good or bad, in order that they might be compared with the 
opinions of other practitioners, of which you may or will be in 
possession ; and I shall be gratified if haply some useful infe- 
rences may be deduced therefrom. The first horse continued to 
purge a long time, and sunk under its operation : in the second 
case, although the patient did well at last, he purged too much, 
and would have been better without it : the third case is too 
striking to need any further comment. I have had a great many 
cases of influenza, but have not lost a single case since the first. 
