THE VETERINARY ART IN INDIA. 
105 
I have been at particular pains not to be prejudiced, and have 
taken every opportunity to investigate the native salistry’s source 
of knowledge, which I have to observe is a combination of error, 
prejudice, superstition, and folly, without one line of conduct and 
observation, or one ingenious remark, to support it. I was in- 
formed they were very sure as to their applications. On duty 
with a brigade of cavalry, I have had repeated opportunities of 
experiencing the reverse. In the most unreserved manner they 
shewed me their books, which they explained ; and I have such 
demonstrable proofs of these people’s ignorance, as obliterates 
every possible doubt of the contrary. I am sorry to add, that 
the result of such obscure conduct is attended with considerable 
loss to the cavalry and aggravated misery to the animal. 
The cure of diseases in the horse is now studied by meq. who, 
having received a medical education, are enablecf to make observa- 
tions on the symptoms, &c., which must give some degree of ra- 
tionality to their practice. The seats of disease in many cases 
have been discovered which were never before imagined. The farcy 
and glanders, which were formerly believed to be a disease of the 
veins, are now known to be concerned with the absorbents ; and 
many cases which were called by these names, and frequently occa- 
sioned the instant destruction of the animal,* are found to be dis- 
orders neither attended with contagion nor danger. The varieties of 
fever formerly treated on do not exist in the horse, and even the 
ardent fever very quickly passes to, and concludes in, an inflamma- 
tion of the lungs. Spasms (gripes) and inflammation of the intes- 
tines, two very opposite disorders, are now distinguished and treat- 
ed accordingly, by which many horses are saved. Formerly in 
England they were, and at present in this country are, treated 
promiscuously for the gripes, and if it proves to be an inflamma- 
tion (which I have frequently observed) the animal is destroyed. 
What is termed chest-foundered proves to be a deep-seated in- 
flammation of the fore feet from bad shoeing compressing and 
distorting the circulation of the foot. 
I have also to observe, that I have found many diseases — which, 
though not peculiar to this climate, are yet very predominant — ■ 
perfectly simple, and cured with ease; while by the treatment of 
the natives they are rendered dangerous, and cause the death of 
many very valuable horses. This is particularly conspicuous in 
diseases of the skin, which they, as well as the farriers, denominate 
the mange ; and ulcers arising from an impoverished system are 
called by them farcy. In spasrn of the intestines (gripes) their 
remedies have scarce ever sufficient force to give timely relief; and 
* Horses supposed to have these disorders arc*irnmediately shot, to prevent 
oontagion. 
