784 THK VKNKRF.AL DISK ASK OF HORSKS, AND ITS 
act of copulation, it is characterized by marked and continued 
depression of the nervous power — by mucous discharge, espe- 
cially from the parts of generation — by disturbed functions of the 
cutaneous, lymphatic, and glandular systems — by the consequent 
formation of ulcers upon and of knots in and under the skin — 
by paralysis of the hinder extremities — and, finally, by fatal 
emaciation. 
Although doubtless of prior occurrence, it does not appear to 
have been distinctly recognized before the year 1818 ; but be- 
tween this period and 1821, a disease with the abovementioned 
symptoms prevailed in Syria. A similar affection appeared in 
Bohemia in 1826-7, and continued for several years ; and the 
same disease is said to have visited West Prussia, Lithuania, 
Hanover, and part of Switzerland. 
In the spring of 1833, two isolated cases came to the know- 
ledge of the official authorities in the village of Steindorf, on the 
borders of Silesia. Three years subsequent to this period, dur- 
ing an epidemic of catarrhal rheumatism, the strangles being 
also prevalent, the disease occurred and spread very much in 
the department of Neisser. It appeared again in March 1838, 
but was checked by the observance of appropriate regulations. 
The morbid appearances in the genital organs usually shewed 
themselves in a few weeks — sometimes, however, in a few days 
after the act of copulation : but a peculiar depression, resembling- 
narcotism, might be observed within the first three days. The 
early or premonitory signs, however, have been generally con- 
founded with the effects of the natural excitement of the genitals 
at these times. 
In severe cases, there is swelling of the parts of generation, 
without pain or sensibility on pressure, heat or increase of tem- 
perature, but attended with a sense of coldness to the touch. 
This swelling commences at the entrance to the vagina, from 
which it spreads around and to the perineum and udder. Upon 
close examination, the mucous membrane of the vagina is found 
to be relaxed, slightly reddened, moderately swollen, and covered 
with a viscid mucus resembling the white of an egg, which in the 
advanced stage becomes ropy and of a reddish yellow colour. 
In consequence of the absorption of the vitiated secretion, 
there appear, sparingly scattered over the external surface of the 
labia, small phylactenee, which soon pass into chapped ulcer- 
ations. The scabs are superficial and circular, and remain dis- 
tinct like the crusts of small-pox. They spread from the genital 
organs to the rest of the body, chiefly to the head and throat, but 
rarely to the extremities. After these heal, innumerable milk- 
