342 ON THE PRESENT INFLUENZA AMONG HORSES. 
observe, that at the periods at which I submitted them to the action 
of mercury, they so much resembled three others that had pre- 
ceded them and the disease had proved fatal, that, under a conti- 
nuance of treatment of any ordinary kind, I certainly should have 
entertained fears for their safety. 
It must be remembered that they were cases in which blood- 
letting, except at the commencement, was altogether forbidden ; 
and that, at the critical period when mercury was introduced, they 
had taken an unfavourable turn, and that nothing in the shape of 
remedy appeared available, save internal medicine and counter- 
irritation, and that the latter had not and did not shew results 
betokening the welfare of the patients. Under these circum- 
stances the mercury was exhibited. That it entered the system, 
and must have had more or less influence on the disease, appears 
evident from its effect on the gums. That it proved the means 
of cure, I cannot, from so few cases, take upon myself to assert ; 
but I would recommend it in similar cases to the notice of practi- 
tioners. As a remedy for inflammation — in particular for mem- 
branous inflammation — at a period when we dare no more bleed, 
and when the life of our patient appears sinking under its destruc- 
tive effects, I would advise my professional brethren to make trial 
of mercury — calomel with opium — reminding them that it must 
be thrown into the system with a rapidity proportioned to the 
existing danger. In the course of four-and-twenty hours I 
believe it possible to produce an effect by mercury on the con- 
stitution which may effect a change on the course of inflam- 
tory disease. In forty-eight hours I have seen the mouth affected 
by it. There, however, exists in the horse, the same as in man, 
most remarkable differences in regard to the action or effect of 
mercury. I have known ten grains of calomel, given twice a day, 
make a horse’s mouth so sore on the fifth day that he cudded his 
hay; opposed to which, I have seen a horse take a drachm of 
calomel twice a day, for upwards of a week, without any visible 
effect. There is a peculiarity and danger too in exhibiting mer- 
cury that should be kept in mind : however, this is not to deter 
us from its use. It is of incalculable importance to possess a 
remedy for inflammation in an organ essential to life, and running 
on, in spite of all that can be or has been done with the lancet. 
This mercury in the human being is asserted to be — and should 
it prove so in the horse, there will be no great reason for surprise, 
however much there may be for rejoicing. 
*** Mr. Youatt saw two of the eases above alluded to, and felt satisfied 
about the action of the mercury on the mouth. 
