ON THE PItESENT EPIZOOTIC AMONG HOUSES. 243 
tions from atmospheric and other fortuitous changes, that it 
would be quite impossible to have even a remote idea of their 
novel peculiarities. 
The disease to which I purpose devoting the present observe • 
tions has received many appellations. By some it is called 
“ distemper,” by others “ the influenza/’ while by the gene- 
rality of medical men it is designated “ the epidemic,” although 
very improperly, the word implying a disease among the human 
species. I therefore, in conformity with the generally adopted 
principles of medical nomenclature, propose calling the malady 
in question the equine epizootic (from epi, upon, and zoon , 
an animal) ; adding equine, to distinguish it from those affections 
which are at present reigning among our other domestic animals. 
It attacks indiscriminately horses of every description and 
age : the old, the young, the high bred, the low bred, the strong, 
the weak; under every circumstance, and in every situation; 
whether in the well-regulated stable or in the open field. 
Is it either infectious or contagious ? — With respect to this 
question there are conflicting opinions. Repeated experiment, 
and extensive observation, have convinced me that it is neither. 
The fact of its running with rapidity through different stables 
and localities is no proof of either its infectious or contagious 
character. The existing cause appears to rest in atmospheric 
influence, to which all are alike exposed. It requires but a cer- 
tain degree of susceptibility in the animal to germinate the dis- 
ease, which susceptibility depends in a great measure on pre- 
disposing causes. To these all animals in the same dwelling 
are alike exposed, which fact accounts for the development of 
the disease among such great numbers in the same locality, and 
about the same period of time. 
Pathology . — Derangement of the organic system of nerves, 
the mucous membranes in general becoming affected ; but more 
particularly those of the eye, the naso-pharyngeal opening, and 
alimentary canal; those of the respiratory passages, the Schnei- 
derian membrane excepted, participating in but a very trifling- 
degree ; sometimes accompanied with an cedematous condition 
of the subcutaneous cellular tissue, particularly that situated in 
the eyelids, prepuce, sublingual region, posterior extremities, 
and lips ; its presence generally occurring in the order in which 
the parts are stated ; the skin participating markedly in the 
general derangement; the glandular system sometimes sympa- 
thising. 
Doubtless there are many to whom the idea of the organic 
system of nerves being affected will appear far too hypothetical 
to be at all tenable by reasonable induction. To such persons 1 
