459 
Translations and Eeviews of Continental 
Veterinary Journals, 
By W. Ernes, M.R.C.V.S., London. 
Journal des Veterinaires du Midi . 3d series, April, 1858. 
EXPLORATION OE THE ABDOMINAL CAVITY. 
By M. Lafosse. 
This is the concluding part of a most valuable memoir 
by M. Lafosse, principal editor of this journal, the other 
parts having appeared in the December, January, and March 
numbers. The author enters at considerable length into the 
advantages to be derived from a careful exploration of the 
abdominal cavity per rectum being instituted in all affections 
of those organs which contribute to the principal func- 
tions performed in that cavity; and asks, What other means 
could be resorted to that would furnish* us with so accurate a 
diagnosis as an examination^^ rectum? Such is its certitude, 
he avers, that by it alone grave alterations of the viscera are 
indicated. The practitioner, therefore, cannot too zealously 
cultivate it. It is a sort of compensation for the thickness of 
the parietes of the abdomen, by which we are prevented from 
forming a correct diagnosis of the maladies to which the 
viscera they enclose are subject. The author then enters into 
a detail of all that may be ascertained by an exploration per 
rectum ; such as the quantity and nature of the ingesta, the 
existence of internal hernia, twisted bowels, intussusception, 
calculi, tumours, ascites ; also diseases of the urinary organs, 
uterus and ovaries, the different stages of gestation, &c. 
INTERMITTENT LUXATION OE THE PATELLA. 
By M. Arnal, Veterinary Surgeon, Montpezat. 
The subject of this was a mule, strongly formed, about 
eight years old. The peculiarities were, that he was at work 
part of the time, and sometimes he was very lame, and 
unable to bend the limb; and the next day little or nothing 
could be perceived. The displacement of the patella on one 
