G82 
ON PUERPERAL FEVER IN CATTLE. 
to dress, with “Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further/’ as 
“ I have not yet dreamed of anew cause producing this disease. ” 
Mr. W. next proceeds to the statement of four cases, and tells 
us that he shall stand and defend his own opinions on this sub- 
ject on the last one; and I, gentlemen, have not the slightest ob- 
jection to endeavour to defend my theory on the same cases 
also. 
After telling us in what state he found the abdominal viscera 
of the one that died, lie says that the brain and other parts 
(meaning, I suppose, from the nature of the proof sought, the 
spinal marrow and the nervous system generally) were examined 
by Professor Dick, and that there was not the slightest trace of 
disease to be found in that organ. 1 am rejoiced to hear of this 
examination, because I hope we shall have a particular account 
of it from the pen of that gentleman. I, for one, acknowledge 
myself to be very much at a loss, what diffefent appearances to 
expect to lind, under the supposition that these parts are affected 
by specific disease. If there were engorgement of the vascular 
system connected with them, 1 might observe it. If there were 
much loss of substance I might notice it. If there were any con- 
siderable difference as to the hardness or softness of the parts, 1 
might detect it : but further than this I should be at a loss to 
go. And yet I can conceive that some other specific affection of 
these organs might exist, which I was incapable of perceiving: 
or a slight affection of any of these, or of all of them, I am free 
to confess, might escape me. I might not be able sufficiently to 
appreciate the results which the simple affection of any, or the 
mingled affection of all might give rise to. 
In the examination alluded to, was the whole of the spinal 
marrow brought under notice? Were the nerves immediately 
connected with those parts most affected, minutely examined? 
Was any experiment tried by macerating parts of the brain, 
spinal marrow, and nerves of this animal, and of another in a 
state of health at the same time, and a comparison of the results 
instituted ? Answers to these queries, and an explanation of such 
other particular means as the well-known and highly appreciated 
talents of the Professor would suggest to him, would confer an 
obligation on many of the profession. 
Mr. W. next notices a case mentioned by Mr. Stewart in The 
Veterinarian for Feb., in which extravasations of blood, &c. 
were found in the brain of a cow that died of puerperal fever ; 
and he adds (in a spirit which does him the highest credit for the 
extent of his liberality), that “he does not doubt Mr. Stewart, 
when he says that Mr. Gardiner informed him of this.” He then 
makes the following inquiries: — “ Was there no trace of inflam- 
