262 TRANSFUSION OF BLOOD IN THE HORSE. 
As the sum of our knowledge, it may be assumed that the 
oxygen, nitrogen, carbonic acid, ammonia, and, it may be, 
other ingredients, were to some extent initially imparted, as 
such, to the atmosphere. 
The quantitative relations of the constituents is not so 
easily dealt with, but will be subsequently adverted to. 
Before leaving the primary series (in the grauwacke slates 
of North Devon, and on the banks of the Rhine,) some 
signs of nature’s wonders in vital organization may be seen. 
Their consideration will be renewed. 
Notwithstanding man’s intellectual strivings, the know- 
ledge he has acquired of old earth, its changes, constitution, 
and furniture, is confined to parts and far from perfect. 
Although some shining truths have been eliminated, which 
stand out in distinct and glowing colours on the spread 
canvas of the world’s history; primary causes still appear as 
far distant stars in the horizon, emitting rays so pale as 
scarcely to leave an impress on the microcosm of the mind. 
Reason need not, therefore, stagger at occasional breaks 
in the subtle circle made by inductive philosophy. Nor 
should we hope, in a mirage-like dream, to comprehend and 
balance the whole w r ork of nature ; nor expect to resuscitate 
entire and perfect a past world, by casting over its decayed 
ruins a breath of air drawn from a very vigorous, but a very 
infantine present, Nevertheless, a likeness to extant forms 
cleaves to many parts of ancient work. These fitly framed 
together, may hereafter furnish at least an outline picture of 
a once magnificent system, glorious even in the period of its 
desolation. Logical inference, rightly guided, may, there- 
fore, take wing, and boldly soar over a wide domain. That 
is, provided the opinion be endorsed, that when nature 
speaks she is her own best interpreter. — Chemist . 
ON THE TRANSFUSION OF BLOOD IN THE HORSE. 
By Mr. James Farrell, V.S. to the Lord-Lieutenant of 
Ireland. 
During the autumn of 1856, and spring of 1857, an 
epidemic prevailed in and about Dublin ; indeed, I believe, 
all over Ireland, to a greater or less extent ; which at its outset 
presented the leading features of influenza, but of a low 
typhoid character; it was much more prevalent along the 
